diva

Amy Winehouse, Courtney Love, Britney Spears Nude, Dead or Reality Show?

Published July 2nd, 2008 by Karen

Just as people will always slow down to gawk at traffic accidents, people will always enjoy watching celebrities (and non-celebrities) crash and burn in a horrible downward spiral.

This alone explains the success of all reality shows—and tabloid headlines (that’s probably why you clicked on this article, right?)—people want to watch other people fail miserably, destroy their lives and get tangled in controversy because it makes them feel better to know that someone out there is more messed up than they are.

With that in mind, you can’t help but wonder how long it will be before VH1 or some other group of bottom-feeders wrangle all of today’s hottest, most screwed up singing stars into a camera filled house/reality show under the guise of rehab.

Since all of these stars are often referred to by the media as “trainwrecks,” perhaps the show could take place on a train. We’ll call it Train Wrecks. Or maybe Crazy Train—but only if we can get Ozzy Osbourne to be the host and perform his 1980 hit “Crazy Train” mp3 as the theme song.

Amy Winehouse, Britney Spears, heck, maybe even Lindsay Lohan (she did have a hit album afterall), could all pile into a train and spend time talking about their problems, resisting the temptations of the club car’s open bar. Along the way, the train could stop in various towns where the girls could do good deeds or lecture kids on the dangers of drugs or something equally heartwarming.

And now, for a quick look at the contestants:

Winehouse made a name for herself with soulful retro-pop songs such as “Rehab,” mp3 but has quickly deteriorated into a skeleton-esque shell of her former self, having recently been hospitalized after collapsing from what her father told the media was emphysema induced by smoking crack and cigarettes. Classy.

Spears has a list of woes too long to tackle, but highlights include shaving her head, being hospitalized for an extended time and shaving her head. Not to mention a “comeback” appearance on a horrible sitcom.

Lohan’s been in and out of rehab, posing nude for mags, failing miserably in movie theaters and taunting paparazzi with the notion of a lesbian relationship with DJ Samantha Ronson (whose brother is Mark Ronson, the ultra-hip producer behind Winehouse’s Grammy-winning album, Back to Black free mp3 downloads).

Hmm…I was kidding at first, but actually, this show just might work. Throw in the currently anorexic looking Courtney Love as the den mother/train conductor offering guidance to the girls, and this show is sure to be a hit.

Now, if a network actually comes out with Crazy Train I want a cut of it!

Ashlee Simpson Creepy Wonderland Wedding to Pete Wentz Fall Out Boy

Published May 19th, 2008 by Karen

Pop-punk icon Billy Idol once sang, “It’s a nice day for a white wedding,” but Saturday proved to be a nice day for a white rabbit wedding.

Ashlee Simpson, 23, and Pete Wentz, 28, tied the knot Saturday in California. The pop-punk pair chose a wedding theme based around the classic tale of Alice in Wonderland.

Ashlee’s dress is still being kept under wraps, but according to People magazine it was designed by Monique Lhuillier and she wore a diamond necklace and earring by Neil Lane. Her engagement ring is a massive diamond, which Fall Out Boy bassist Wentz claims is a non-conflict diamond.

Odds are it was the reception that was fairy tale themed, not the actual wedding. That’s kind of shame, it would’ve been pretty entertaining to think of Simpson walking down the aisle dressed as the white rabbit or chesire cat. Oh well. Maybe next time.

The duo’s wedding cake did follow the theme, featuring top hat, tea pot and pocket watch imagery from the story.

Also, wasn’t Alice’s adventure in Wonderland really sort of a nightmare? It doesn’t really seem like the type of image you’d want to have for a wedding.

Of course, the faux-goth theme for the wedding probably isn’t the creepiest part of the big day. In addition to Simpson’s oddly man-ish sister Jessica serving as maid of honor, the ceremony was performed by Simpson’s father, the always creepy Joe Simpson. Wonder if he’s selling the wedding photos yet? He already tried to sell photos of Ashlee’s unconfirmed baby.

No word on where the possibly pregnant newlyweds will head for the honeymoon. We’d guess down a rabbit hole somewhere. Better not tell Joe, he’ll be there with the paparazzi.

Def Jam Diet? Doesn’t Like a Good Idea…

Published May 13th, 2008 by Karen

The internet is abuzz with renewed rumors that newlywed Beyonce is pregnant—the confirmation apparently coming from one of her pals who noticed she’d gained some weight and didn’t participate in her usual Def Jam diet.

This raises the obvious question—What the heck is the Def Jam diet?

Apparently, it’s similar to a diet known as “master cleanse.” Developed by Stanley Burroughs in 1941, master cleanse is a strict dietary routine meant to cleanse the body of harmful toxins. However, Burroughs was convicted of when one of his followers died after following the strict plan. The conviction was later overturned, but it is still a scary thought.

The program involves cleansing for a period of about ten days by drinking a concoction made of lemon juice, cayenne pepper and maple syrup.

Yuck.

We don’t recommend this or any other diet. We like cookies and we have no desire to drink maple syrup—no matter what popstar does it. Syrup on pancakes is delicious though. Mmm…pancakes.

On a related note, one of the best (and oldest) bodies in music is hitting the road again—the legendary Tina Turner has announced plans to come out of retirement for a tour this fall. We’re glad Turner is back, 68 never looked—or sounded—so good!
For complete tourdates, check Tina’s page, here.

Tina Turner—“What’s Love Got to Do with It” free download
Beyonce—“Crazy in Love” free download

What Do You Think?

Are crash diets a good idea?
Have you tried this diet?
Leave a comment and tell us what you think!

"Well I don't think age has to anything with love. They will do well. Tina "
  Tina

Mariah Carey Getting Married, Again? Run, Nick Cannon, run!

Published May 1st, 2008 by Karen

While celebrity watchers were likely disappointed by the super-secret/super-boring secret wedding of Beyonce and Jay-Z, a new superstar is set to take over the bridal spotlight.

Mariah Carey has been spotted sporting a rather hefty diamond ring, which AOL confirms is an engagement ring from boyfriend Nick Cannon.
Carey, 39, and Cannon, 27, have been dating recently, though neither has officially commented on the hot wedding rumor.

Carey, who is riding high on the record-breaking success of her latest album, E=MC2, is also unveiling a new film project, Tennessee. Her return to acting is a questionable move, given that her infamously terrible role in the semi-autobiographical flick Glitter nearly ruined her career.

An actor, MTV personality and rapper, Cannon rose to fame as star of Nickelodeon’s All That and the Nick Cannon Show, and went on to appear in films such as Drumline and Men in Black II. He has been previously linked with singer Christina Milian and Kim Kardashian, and was recently briefly engaged to a Victoria’s Secret model.

Given Carey’s outgoing personality, it seems unlikely that she’ll keep her big day under wraps the way Beyonce did. Stay tuned for more news, photos and wedding day details as the big day approaches.

In the mean time, take a look at the giant rock she’s sporting on her engagement finger, here.
Mariah Carey—“Touch My Body” mp3
http://www.ez-tracks.com/getsong-songid-65055.html

Tell Us What You Think…

Does the big age difference between 39-year-old Mariah and her 27-year-old guy matter? Leave a comment and tell us what you think!

"[...] in-demand songwriter, Tedder has also written hit songs for everyone from newcomers Leona Lewis and Jordin Sparks to superstar Jennifer [...]"
  New Kelly Clarkson Song Admittedly “Ripped Off” from a Beyonce Hit | Music Vixen Blog

Who is Leona Lewis? And Why Are Bleeding Love Lyrics So Horrible?

Published April 16th, 2008 by Karen

Leona Lewis seems to be everywhere lately, but we have to wonder: Who cares?

 

This fake star was the 2006 winner of the X Factor, the UK talent show that spawned American Idol. After winning the show, she recorded an album and won a cheerleader in judge Simon Cowell.

While everything Cowell touches seems to turn gold, the fact remains: He has AWFUL taste in music.

Lewis is being touted as the UK’s version of Mariah Carey, which is frightening. (For those who don’t keep up with the blog regularly, suffice to say we like Mariah’s soulless vocal acrobatics about as much as we like paper cuts).

 

Sure, the 23-year-old pop star wannabe is bound to seem a little fake, since she’s the winner of a TV talent show, but Lewis is so made-up she barely seems human. Her bad hair, Pussycat Doll/drag queen make-up, blinding lipgloss and fake orange tan make her look like the “before” picture of one of Tyra Banks’s Top Model makeovers.

 

Lead single, “Bleeding Love,” features every vocal gimmick Mariah ever used all crammed into a few minutes of bad pop. And the cheesy lyrics certainly don’t make this tripe any easier to swallow. Did we mention that the music sounds like it was made using a cheap-o Casio keyboard? Classy.

Regardless, Lewis’s over-hyped debut album, Spirit, is set to debut at the top of the charts in the US—a first for a British songstress.

We really hope Amy Winehouse cleans up her act so she can prove that Brit girls are capable of making good music, unlike this pre-fab pop garbage.

"I doubt Daughtry is guilty of plagerism. How do you prove someone guilty of such a thing? Just because his song sounds similar? Guess a judge will..."
  Daughtry Fan

Plagiarism Scandal for American Idol Daughtry, Beatles and Avril Lavigne

Published April 11th, 2008 by Karen

Bratty mall-punk Avril Lavigne and songwriting cohort Dr. Luke recently faced accusations that her hit song “Girlfriend” was largely stolen from the Rubinoos’ 1979 song, “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend.” As the comparison here illustrates, the two songs are rather remarkably similar.

Lavigne denied that she had ever even heard the Rubinoos song, but the case was ultimately settled out of court, presumably for a considerable wad of cash.

Given the fact that Lavigne doesn’t exactly seem like a music expert (remember when she mispronounced David Bowie’s name while introducing the Grammy nominee in 2003? Read about it, here.), we believe she probably hadn’t heard the Rubinoos song. But, it seems likely that her songwriting partners had.

AOL reports that Dr. Luke is being investigated again, and this time he’s taking former American Idol contestant Chris Daughtry with him. In handy video clips, AOL compares Daughtry’s schmaltzy song, “Feels Like Tonight” with the Asphalt’s “Tonight.”

Once again, the verdict seems pretty obvious.

Regardless of whether these songs were actually plagiarized, the fact remains: they suck.

And, if these songs are not only awful, but also stolen, then that is truly pathetic.
It’s one thing to write a bad song—but to swipe one?

Of course, Daughtry and Lavigne aren’t the first music stars to be accused of unlawfully copying someone else’s music.

Over the years, numerous rap and hip-hop groups have faced charges for illegal use of samples, but at least those infringements are at little more obvious, and perhaps less malicious.

In 1976, Beatles guitarist George Harrison was charged with copyright infringement after allegedly taking the melody for his post-Beatles song “My Sweet Lord” from the Chiffons’ 1963 hit, “He’s So Fine.” The court rule against Harrison, despite his protestation that while he didn’t intentionally copy the song, he may have “subconsciously copied” the melody.

Whether or not Harrison was guilty, at least he had good taste.

What do you think?

Did Daughtry steal “Feel Like Tonight” from another band? Leave a comment and tell us what you think.

""Thanks for a very nice post.""
  "PinoyOnlinePortal"

Beyonce Wedding Dress, Photos, Ring, Pregnancy Rumors—We’re Waiting!

Published April 7th, 2008 by Karen

Beyonce and Jay Z reportedly got married in New York over the weekend. Fans are eagerly waiting for photos of Beyonce’s wedding dress and a peek at the wedding rings, but we’re actually happy the couple was able to keep things so secret—it’s not easy to do!

Of course, they could probably make a fortune if they decided to sell wedding photos to a magazine. Not that they need the money (Jay-Z is about to close a $150 Million deal with a tour promotion company, LiveNation).

In honor of the latest celebrity super-couple to tie the knot, we’re taking a look at some other musical marriages—some of them worked, and some of them didn’t. We’re sure that pregnancy rumors are just around the corner for the newlyweds, so we’re looking at how many kids these famous musical duos have as well.

We’ll have to wait and see how Beyonce and Jay Z stand the test of time (and if kids are in the plan), but it’s no secret that they stand a better chance than, say, Whitney and Bobby!

Top Music Star Marriages

Beyonce and Jay Z
Married: 2008
Kids: No.
Beyonce and Jay Z—“Crazy in Love” free music download

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony
Married: 2004
Kids: Twins, Max and Emme, born 2008

Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) and Courtney Love (Hole)
Married: 2 years, widowed
Kids: Daughter, Frances Bean, born 1992

Gwen Stefani (No Doubt) and Gavin Rossdale (Bush)
Married: 2002
Kids: Son, Kingson, born 2006. Another child is due in 2008.
Gwen Stefani—“Hollaback Girl” free music download

Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown
Married: 1992
Divorced: 2007
Kids: Daughter Bobbi, born 1993.

Faith Hill and Tim McGraw
Married: 1996
Kids: Daughters Katherine (1997), Maggie (1998) and Audrey (2001)

Amy Grant and Vince Gill
Married: 2000
Kids: Daugher Corrina, born 2001

Avril Lavigne and Deryck Whibley (Sum 41)
Married: 2006
Kids: No.
Avril Lavigne—“Girlfriend” free music download

What do you think?
Will Beyonce and Jay-Z’s marriage last?
Leave a comment and tell us what you think!

"I totally agree. She's always been phoney and a total vampire. If you read her blog you will realize what a piece of crap human she is. She claims..."
  maris

Madonna Confessions on Hard Candy, Sex, Divorce, Justin Timberlake

Published April 4th, 2008 by Karen

With a new album ready to be released, it is little wonder that Elle Magazine has just unveiled it’s new, “controversial” interview with Madonna.

At 49, the remarkably enduring pop star continues to attempt to shock the public with “racy” reports about her sex life. Her new album, Hard Candy, will even feature a song about sleeping with husband Guy Ritchie.

Yawn. I imagine the only thing even less interesting than sleeping with Madonna and/or Guy Ritchie is hearing a song about it.

This lame song is clearly some cheap attempt to dispel the constant rumors about the two divorcing. Not that anyone cares.

The album also features lead single download “4 Minutes,” which is practically guaranteed to be a hit since it is a collaboration with Justin Timberlake and Timbaland.

Is anybody else bored with Madonna, her lame music, horrible movies and bad plastic surgery? Not to mention the fake British accent and publicity stunt/adoption of an Angelina Jolie-esque orphan?

Maybe I’m alone in my distaste for the Material Girl, but I doubt it.

So, in anticipation of the bleach-blond one’s new album, I present:

Top 5 Madonna Songs I Never Want to Hear Again

Madonna—“Like a Virgin”
There was a time when it might have been cute to hear a young, peppy Madonna sing this sassy song. But, at 49, she’s old and skanky enough that the joke isn’t funny anymore.

Madonna—“Material Girl” (video)
Oh, I get it, it’s funny because you’re actually one of the wealthiest people in the world. That makes this once ironic ode to materialism the pop music equivalent of the saying, “Let them eat cake.”

Madonna—“Vogue”
I’d rather not. And I wish you wouldn’t.

Madonna—“Justify My Love”
No.

Madonna—“Hung Up”
Damn, if this track from Confessions on a Dance Floor doesn’t get stuck in my head every time I hear it, but that’s only because it sounds so much like the slightly-less-annoying Kylie Minogue.

Actually, the more I think about it, the more I realize I never want to hear ANY Madonna song ever again.

Now it’s your turn…
Are you excited about the new Madonna album? Is it time for her to retire?
Leave a comment and tell us what you think!

Girls Gone Wild for Music:Top Female Musicians

Published March 19th, 2008 by Karen

When it comes to wild rock star antics, it’s easy to think of Elvis shooting his television, the Kinks trashing their hotel rooms, or the Sex Pistols trashing, well, everything.

But there are some pretty wild ladies in the musical mix as well.
Today we’re taking a look at some of our favorite wild women of rock and pop music. Did we forget your favorite? Leave a comment and tell us who is on your list!

Wildest Women in Music

Courtney Love/Hole—“Jennifer’s Body”
Courtney Love is no stranger to controversy. The widow of Nirvana’s Kurt Cobain, Love was accused of taking heroin while pregnant with daughter Francis Bean Cobain, and conspiracy theorists even link her to Kurt’s death. Love was a stripper prior to becoming a rockstar with her band Hole. She has also worked as an actress, appearing in films about Hustler magnate Larry Flynt and punk icon Sid Vicious.

Wendy O. Williams
As the leader of the experimental punk rock band the Plasmatics, Williams was one of the wildest women in music. Routinely wielding chainsaws and engaging in sexual antics onstage (occasionally getting arrested as a result), the volatile singer’s life came to an equally unsettling end when she committed suicide in 1998.

Britney Spears (video)—“Oops!…I Did it Again”
She started her career as an angelic Mickey Mouse Club singer, but this popstar has hit hard times with a failed marriage and behavior so erratic she’s been hospitalized multiple times and now her estate has been put under the control of her father. Guess her song was true, she’s “not that innocent.” Sorry, couldn’t resist…

Amy Winehouse—“Rehab”
This Grammy-winning singer is off the hook, but her husband remains in jail for charges of tampering with justice. The famously troubled singer won fans with her brash attitude and songs about “not going to rehab,” but her wild behavior has made her a tabloid regular and a recent visitor to rehab.

L7—“Pretend We’re Dead”
Probably the biggest girl group to emerge from the grunge scene of the ‘90s, L7 was notorious for decidedly unlady-like onstage behavior. Read the sordid details of the group’s infamous gig at the Reading Festival here, if you’ve got a strong stomach.

Madonna—“Bad Girl” Sure, she tries too hard to be edgy and hip, but the Material Girl does know how to spark scandal ranging from controversial—some say blasphemous—music videos and stage routines to her infamous Sex book and Truth or Dare movie.

Madonna Sucks, but Other Girls Rock the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Published March 12th, 2008 by Karen

Yesterday we asked what you thought about Madonna being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Does this pop tart belong in the same room with Mick Jagger?

We don’t think so, but we’re funny that way.

But that doesn’t mean women don’t rock.

In fact, there are plenty of cool chicks in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So, today we’re looking at some of our favorite female members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. These are just a few of our top picks, so for the complete list of Hall of Fame members, go here.

Favorite Female Rock Hall of Fame Members

The Ronettes—“Be My Baby” video
—It’s impossible to think of ‘60s girl groups without thinking of the Shangri-Las and the Ronettes. We’re still waiting for the Shangri-Las to get picked.

Ike and Tina Turner—“Proud Mary”
—We like Ike…and Tina. They were better together than apart, with Tina’s ‘80s comeback leaving us colder than Thunderdome. But with Tina’s voice and Ike’s guitar, in the ‘60s this duo couldn’t be beat. Watch ‘em play it here.

The Pretenders—“Don’t Get Me Wrong”
—This Ohio rock band has been led by super-cool singer/guitarist Chrissie Hynde since 1978. Scarlett Johansson did a karaoke version of “Brass in Pocket” in Lost in Translation (here), but you can watch the real video here.

Martha and the Vandellas—“Dancing in the Streets”
—They weren’t exactly a rock band, but the group behind “Dancing in the Streets” and “Nowhere to Run” certainly rocks. David Bowie and Mick Jagger made a hilariously awful video for “Dancing in the Streets” in the ‘80s, see it here.

Velvet Underground—“Sister Ray”
—Drummer Moe Tucker is our favorite part of this Lou Reed-centric group. Yeah, temporary fixture Nico was a girl, too, but let’s be honest, she’s beyond overrated.

Did we forget your favorite hall of famer?
Leave a comment and let us know which female rockers you like best!