Music

American boy band Backstreet Boys, known for international hits including “Quit Playing Games,” “Everyone,” and “Shape of My Heart,” is back in Manila for a one-night concert.

The Backstreet Boys members Brian Littrell, Nick Carter, A.J. McLean, and Howie Dorough will be performing at the Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City on February 27, 2009 at 8PM.

The boy band is expected to sing hits from 90s  as well as hits from their newest album, “This Is Us.”

TicketNet has already released the ticket information for the Philippine leg of the “This Is Us” tour. Tickets are priced as follows (including Ticketnet service charge):

Patron VIP (Reserved Seating) – P4760
Patron (Reserved Seating) – P4280
Lower Box (Reserved Seating) – P3810
Upper Box A (Reserved Seating) – P2860
Upper Box B – P960
Gen. Admission – P480

Call TicketNet at 911-5555 for ticket inquiries and reservations.

Beyonce leads the pack of Grammy® nominees this year with an astounding ten nominations including the Top 3 Grammy® categories (Song of the Year for the anthem, “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),” Record of the Year for “Halo,” and Album of the Year for I AM …SASHA FIERCE). It is the first time she has been nominated in the Album of The Year category. The nominations wrap up a brilliant year for the superstar after the release of her third solo multi-platinum, globally successful album, I AM…SASHA FIERCE.

In addition to her ten nominations, there is also one nomination for Cadillac Records for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media. The Soundtrack was released by Music World/Columbia Records and executive produced by Mathew Knowles for Music World Music. Beyonce, featured on five tracks on the soundtrack, also had the lead role in the film, in a dramatic turn as singer Etta James.

BEYONCE’S 10 GRAMMY® NOMINAT10NS:

1. Record of the Year (“Halo”)
2. Album of the Year (“I AM… SASHA FIERCE”)
3. Song of the Year (“Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”)
4. Best Female Pop Vocal Performance (“Halo”)
5. Best Female R&B Vocal Performance (“Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”)
6. Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance (“At Last”)
7. Best R&B Song (“Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”)
8. Best Contemporary R&B Album (“I AM… SASHA FIERCE”)
9. Best Rap/Sung Collaboration (“Ego” – Beyonce & Kanye West)
10. Best Song Written For A Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media (“Once In A Lifetime” from “Cadillac Records”)

This has been a banner year for Beyonce with her “I AM…”world tour being named the world’s #1 concert attraction on Billboard’s Hot Tour rankings, three wins at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, including Video of The Year and an additional three wins at the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards, including the win for Best Video. She was also named Woman of The Year by Billboard Magazine in October 2009.

Since its release, I AM…SASHA FIERCE has topped the album charts around the world and spawned five #1 singles: “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It),” “If I Were A Boy,” “Diva,” “Halo” and “Sweet Dreams.”

The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards will air live on CBS from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca. on Sunday, January 31, 2010

Click here to view the full list of nominees for the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards

HEY LENKA FANS—Australian singer Lenka, known for her hit singles “The Show” and “Trouble Is A Friend,” will be rocking Manila this December for a series of mall shows.

The tour entitled, “THE SHOW with LENKA Live in Manila” will be held on December 11, 2009 at SM Megamall, December 12 at SM Mall of Asia, and December 13 at SM North EDSA. The said mall tour is co-presented by MYX and 96.3 EasyRock.

Lenka will surely capture the hearts of Filipinos as she perform songs from her debut album including her newest single “Knock Knock.”

In an interview, Lenka revealed that she designed her album as a “mood-enhancer.”

“I don’t like it when people are depressed. I want to cheer them up,” she said. Lenka wastrained under Oscar winner Cate Blanchett when she started as an actress in her native Australia. She calls herself a “punk-ass art school student” and was a vocalist/keyboardist for acclaimed indie electronic/ambient outfit Decoder Ring before moving to the U.S. to pursue a solo career as a singer.

“Lenka” is released by Sony Music. To download Lenka’s songs just text SC957 for “The Show” or SC975 for “Trouble Is A Friend” and send to 2332 (for Globe subscribers only).

with a report from Manila Bulletin

Despite the destructions caused by Typhoon Ketsana and Typhoon Parma to the Philippines, the Department of Tourism is continually  finding ways to promote the Philippines to the international market as a tourist haven.

In the Philippine Department of Tourism’s latest campaign, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano teamed up with international singer and Blacked Eyed Peas member Allan Pineda Lindo more popularly known as Apl de Ap to make the music video “Take Me to the Philippines” showcasing the beauty of the country and its people.

“In a world that’s predominantly driven by media, we are proud to produce a video that captures the essence of the country’s beauty and interprets it into a hip and dynamic music video,” Philippine Tourism secretary Ace Durano told Brink Notes Entertainment Daily.

Apl.de.Ap was also chosen to be the global ambassador of the campaign “Take Me to the Philippines.” The new campaign aims to reestablish the positioning of Philippine tourist spots as global destinations.

“Tomorrow, we’ll see the Filipino people patronizing our destinations over the tourist spots abroad. We envision Filipinos not just to know the tourist destinations, but to be proud of each destination,” Durano said.

Check out the video interview with Philippine Tourism Secretary Ace Durano and Apl.de.Ap and the music video of “Take Me to the Philippines” below.

TICKETS TO GO ON SALE SEPTEMBER 27; INTIMATE PORTRAIT OF MICHAEL JACKSON AS YOU’VE NEVER SEEN HIM BEFORE TO HIT THEATERS WORLDWIDE OCTOBER 28

CULVER CITY, Calif., Aug. 20 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Pictures Entertainment and Sony Music Entertainment announced today that Michael Jackson THIS IS IT will be released exclusively for a special, limited, two-week engagement worldwide, with the studio pushing up the debut of the film by two days, to Wednesday, October 28th. Due to the anticipated demand for this film, tickets for the two-week presentation will go on sale in most cities beginning on Sunday, September 27th.

Separately, the producers of Michael Jackson THIS IS IT announced that Kenny Ortega has been set to direct the motion picture. The film is being produced with the full support of The Estate of Michael Jackson.

Commenting on the announcement, Ortega, director of and Jackson’s creative partner on the THIS IS IT concert, said, “This film is Michael’s gift to his fans. As we began assembling the footage for the motion picture we realized we captured something extraordinary, unique and very special. It’s a very private, exclusive look into a creative genius’s world. For the first time ever, fans will see Michael as they have never seen him before – this great artist at work. It is raw, emotional, moving and powerful footage that captures his interactions with the THIS IS IT collaborators that he had personally assembled for this once in a lifetime project. This film shows a consummate performer working with and guiding singers, dancers, band members, choreographers, special effects creators and countless other creative members of the team as we all assemble this historic concert. I can think of many words to describe Michael as he rehearses for and creates THIS IS IT- inspirational, dynamic, generous, dedicated, loving and the guiding force–you see him as the true architect and driving force of this project – a true master of his craft, the Entertainer of Entertainers. I’m proud of the many years of friendship and creative association I shared with Michael and I’m happy that people will get a chance to see his spirit and drive in action. THIS IS IT may go down as the greatest concert that no one got a chance to see, but with this film, we get a rare portrait of Michael as he prepares for his final curtain call and what I believe was going to be his master work.”

Michael Jackson THIS IS IT will offer Jackson fans and music lovers worldwide a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the performer as he developed, created and rehearsed for his sold-out concerts that would have taken place beginning this summer in London’s O2 Arena. Chronicling the months from April through June, 2009, the film is drawn from more than one hundred hours of behind-the-scenes footage, featuring Jackson rehearsing a number of his songs for the show. Audiences will be given a privileged and private look at the singer, dancer, filmmaker, architect, and genius as he creates and perfects his final show.
“I have never been partners with a more creative, innovative or groundbreaking entertainer than Michael Jackson,” said Randy Phillips, President & CEO, AEG LIVE and producer of Michael Jackson THIS IS IT. “While the concerts would have been the greatest shows in the history of music, our film will provide a historic event for Michael’s fans to see for themselves the genius that he was and the creativity, talent and imagination that the entire cast devoted to create the ‘greatest concert that never happened’.”

In the coming weeks, additional information about the film will be available at www.michaeljackson.com.

Dubbed the Billion Dollar Maestro by Daily Variety, Kenny Ortega has conquered Feature Films, Television, Stage, Concerts and massive Live Events such as The Olympics with equal excellence. As Michael Jackson’s director and creative partner on THIS IS IT as well as the previous Jackson concert tours DANGEROUS and HISTORY, Mr. Ortega has been a friend, trusted colleague and collaborator of Michael Jackson’s for over 20 years.

Kenny will segue from directing the film version of THIS IS IT to directing the Paramount feature film Footloose this fall. The multiple Emmy Award winner famously directed and visualized Disney’s billion-dollar High School Musical franchise of films both for Television and as a Feature Film. Kenny directed the fastest selling concert tour in history, the Hannah Montana / Miley Cyrus “Best of Both Worlds Tour” featuring The Jonas Bros. This tour broke numerous records and extended its sell out tour by more than 20 shows. He also directed to tremendous praise the Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Simon Cowell sought help from the police after Leona Lewis’ new single—a collaboration with Justin Timberlake—was leaked on the Internet. Not good for the business!

Music mogul Simon Cowell was left fuming when he found out that hackers had targeted his record company’s computers and stole Leona Lewis’ new single, “Don’t Let Me Down.” Are they using a Mac or a PC? Are they sure it wasn’t an inside job?

Cowell was considering releasing the song as the Leona’s first track from her second album, but the completed (as in the final mix!) recording has found its way on the World Wide Web.

Those who are planning to download the leaked track, be very careful! Sony BMG spin-off Syco has already released a statement after the incident saying:

“Syco are working alongside the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, the British Phonographic Industry, the police and investigators in this and they are making fast progress.

“We will certainly look to bring charges against those who are responsible. We cannot give any more details at this stage for operational reasons.”

It seems like Cowell should enforce a stricter security measures on his record company, as this is not the first time that his talents have become “prey” to music pirates. Just last month, yes, July 2009, Britain’s X Factor winner Alexandra Burke’s unfinished recordings were also leaked on the Internet.

To Simon and his talents, be careful next time!

Singing superstar Celine Dion has confirmed that she is pregnant with her second child.

The Canadian star, 41, is already mother to eight-year-old Rene Charles, her only child with husband Rene Angelil, 67.

The youngster was conceived after the couple underwent fertility treatment.
Dion and her husband are said to have employed the services of another team of fertility doctors in New York City to help the singer fulfill her dream of becoming a mother again, according to the Journal de Montreal.

A representative for the “My Heart Will Go On” hitmaker confirmed the news in a statement, insisting the singer is overjoyed to be expecting her second child.

The statement reads, “Celine and Rene are very happy. They are crazy in love over the news and they are overjoyed.”

Dion recently admitted she wanted to have another baby after she wrapped up her Taking Chances World Tour in February 2009, telling talk show host Oprah Winfrey, “We are going to give it a try after my tour. Hopefully we (can get) pregnant again.

“I have a small window of hope. But we have been so blessed already. We tried six years for Rene-Charles. We have our miracle baby.”

Angelil, Dion’s former manager, has three children from two previous marriages.

HINDI MAITATANGGING SOBRANG sikat na ni Charice Pempengco sa buong mundo. “International singing sensation” na nga ang bansag sa kanya. Hindi man siya nanalo sa Little Big Star, eh, napakarami pa rin niyang napahanga dahil sa galing niya sa pagkanta.

17 years old pa lamang si Charice pero maya’t maya na ang pagpunta niya sa ibang bansa para sa iba’t ibang guestings. Para ngang isang tambling at isang kembot lang niya, eh, nasa Amerika na siya. Close na nga si Charice sa mga sikat na Hollywood personalities tulad nina Oprah, Ellen De Generes, David Foster, Celine Dion, Andrea Bocelli, at marami pang iba.

Siyempre, busy rin naman ang bata sa kanyang mga commitment dito sa Pilipinas tulad ng pagpu-promote ng kanyang album na My Insipiration under Star Records na malapit nang maging platinum record. Kumusta naman kaya ang naging concert niya sa SMX Convention Center kamakailan?

Maliban sa kanyang international album na malapit nang ilabas, eh, inaabangan din naman ng kanyang fans ang kanyang international film na Alvin and the Chipmunks. Kamakailan lang, inilabas na ang first international single ni Charice na Note to God.

Ang tanong: May panahon pa bang magpahinga at mag-enjoy ang isang tulad ni Charice Pempengco?

Sana naman may panahon pa si Charice na ma-enjoy ang kanyang kabataan. Balita ko kasi maraming bawal kainin si Charice tulad ng ice cream para na rin mapangalagaan ang boses niya.

Sa sobrang daming ginagawa ni Charice, eh, sana nakakahanap pa siya ng oras para magpahinga. Uso pa naman ang mga sakit ngayon kaya naman importante rin ang pagpapahinga. Pero siyempre, nandiyan naman lagi si Mommy Raquel sa tabi ni Charice para gabayan at alagaan siya.

Pero, may isang bagay na lagi kong napapansin tuwing mapapanood ko ang international singing sensation sa TV. Oo, sobrang talented nga ni Charice pero hindi naman puwede na puro talent na lang. Hindi naman pangit si Charice. Sabi nga ni Paris Hilton, eh, ang cute-cute ni Charice at parang keychain daw na gusto niyang iuwi. Kaso, madalas kong napapansin ang mga damit at accessory ni Charice sa shows at guestings niya. Sino ba ang stylist ni Charice? Naku, mukhang kailangan na ni Charice ng bagong stylist. Kadalasan, eh, napapansin ko na parang pangmatanda ang ayos niya. ‘Yon din naman ang comment ng mga kakilala ko. ‘Wag naman sanang magalit ang fans ni Charice. Pero bata pa naman si Charice at sana ‘yung babagay sa kanyang edad ang mga kasuotan niya. Hindi ko naman sinasabing gawing Barbie doll si Charice, ‘noh! Kulang kasi ng pa-tweetums factor ang get-up niya, ‘di ba? May K naman siyang mag-pacute at magpa-tweetums.

Kaya naman sana, medyo baguhin ng kaunti ang wardrobe ni Charice at gawing mas bagay sa edad niya. Siyempre, buong mundo ang nakatutok sa bawat kilos niya. Kaya dapat bongga lagi ang get-up niya. Dapat ‘yung get-up na pang teen superstar! Ikaw, anong say mo sa get-up ni Charice?

This article was published on the July 8, 2009 issue of Pinoy Parazzi. Buy your own copy of Pinoy Parazzi available from Mondays through Fridays on different newsstands nationwide.

American recording artist Lady Gaga is heading to Manila this August!

Catch Lady Gaga and groove to her music at the Araneta Coliseum this August 11, 2009! Groove and dance to Lady Gaga’s hits including Poker Face, Just Dance, Paparazzi and more on this one night only concert.

Tickets to the Lady Gaga Live in Manila! concert are now available at TicketNet outlets.

Tickets are priced as follows:

VIP – P7875.00
Patron Standing – P5775
Patron (Reserved Seating) – P5775
Lower Box (Reserved Seating) – P3675
Upper Box A – P2625
Upper Box B – P1050
Gen. Admission – P525

Contact TicketNet at 911-5555 for ticket inquiries and reservations.

Winner Kris Allen, Runner-Up Adam Lambert and Finalist Allison Iraheta Signed to Long Term Deals

NEW YORK, June 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — 19 Entertainment Limited, a division of CKX, Inc. (NASDAQ:CKXE) , announced last week the signing of American Idol Season 8 winner Kris Allen, runner-up Adam Lambert and finalist Allison Iraheta to long-term recording agreements with record division 19 Recordings. Kris Allen’s and Allison Iraheta’s albums will be distributed through Sony Music’s Jive Records and the recordings of runner-up Adam Lambert will be distributed through Sony Music’s RCA Records.

“Our American Idol Season 8 finalists were an exceptionally strong group, and we are very excited to have signed such talented performers as Kris Allen, Adam Lambert and Alison Iraheta,” says Simon Fuller, Creator and Executive Producer of American Idol and Founder and CEO of 19 Entertainment Limited. “We look forward to contributing to and sharing in the continued growth of these incredible singers on their debut albums.”

Currently, Kris, Adam and Allison are gearing up for the upcoming 50-city American Idol 2009 Summer Tour. The tour kicks off on July 5th in Portland, Oregon and ends on September 15th in Manchester, New Hampshire.