Lady Gaga Unveils New Single, 'Born This Way'; Justin Bieber Releases New CD

MUSIC NEWS:

On February 11, Lady Gaga’s new single premiered on radio stations and her website. “Born This Way” is the title track from her upcoming album, which will be released on May 23. After listening to the song, some Internet bloggers, including Lady Gaga fans, criticized it for sounding too much like Madonna’s 1989 Top 10 hit, “Explain Yourself.” Lady Gaga performed her new single at the Grammy Awards on Sunday, February 13.

Last year, Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry condemned bandmate Steven Tyler’s decision to appear as a judge on the current season of “American Idol.” Perhaps he should take back what he said. Thanks to Tyler’s association with the popular reality show, sales of Aerosmith albums are rocketing. According to Nielsen SoundScan, sales of the band’s 1994 compilation “Big Ones” increased by 260 percent. “Devil’s Got a New Disguise: The Very Best of Aerosmith” saw an increase of 146 percent, and two other hits collections surged 137 percent and 147 percent. Aerosmith’s Brad Whitford told the Boston Herald, “It’s going to expand our audience, for sure. People who would never think about seeing Aerosmith might change their minds after seeing him on TV.”

On February 14, Island Records will release Justin Bieber’s new CD, “Never Say Never - The Remixes.” The 7-song collection features one new track and remixes of previously released songs. Guests include Rascal Flatts, Miley Cyrus, Usher, Jaden Smith, Raekwon and Chris Brown. Justin’s 3D biopic-concert film, also titled “Never Say Never,” opened in theaters nationwide on February 11.

“American Idol” Season 3 winner Fantasia Barrino will play the lead role in the upcoming film adaptation of the 1993 book, “Got to Tell It: Mahalia Jackson, Queen of Gospel.” The movie tells the story of Jackson’s climb from poverty to international music star and civil rights activist. Jackson died at age 60 in 1972. Filming begins in April.

NEW ALBUM RELEASES:

New albums scheduled for release on February 15 include: “Freeze Time” by Jay Sean, “Let England Shake” by PJ Harvey, “The Covering” by Stryper, “What If…” by Mr. Big, “Runner Runner” by Runner Runner, “One Day Closer” by Jeff Bates, “Demons” by the Cowboy Junkies, “Lightning Strikes Twice” by Nelson and “Icon” by Teena Marie.

MUSICAL EVENTS/FESTIVALS/BENEFITS:

Keri Hilson, the Roots, DJ Wayne and members of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra will entertain five-thousand guests at this year’s official Grammy after-party. The event will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center following the three-hour Grammy Awards telecast. Neil Portnow, President and CEO of The Recording Academy, said in a press release, “Music’s Biggest Night doesn’t end at the end of the telecast - the excitement and celebration continues with our Grammy after-party. With more amazing performances, gourmet dishes by Wolfgang [Puck] and the glamour of Studio 54 design, the after-party is a great way to top off the night.”

TOUR DATES AND INFORMATION:

On February 14, Elton John will begin a 22-city North American tour in Victoria, British Columbia. He’ll follow U.S. and Canadian dates with 25 overseas shows throughout Europe and New Zealand. On his “Greatest Hits Live” tour, Elton will perform his Number One songs and classic album tracks from his five-decade career.

Janet Jackson will begin her 2011 tour with a February 14 concert in Hong Kong. She’ll also perform in Taiwan on February 18. On March 3, the U.S. leg launches in Hidalgo, Texas. Thirty-one North American shows are scheduled through April 23. Janet announced to her fans that the tour will feature songs exclusively from her 2009 hits compilation, “Number Ones.”

On February 15, pop singer Ke$ha will kick off her “Get $leazy” tour in Portland, Oregon. After warming up with sold-out North American shows through February 26, she’ll head to Australia and Japan. U.S. concerts resume in April. Ke$ha will be supporting her debut album, “Animal” and follow-up EP, “Cannibal.” “Animal” produced two Number One hits, “Tik Tok” and “We R Who We R.”

Pop star Lady Gaga kicks off her 2011 North American “Monster Ball Tour” on February 19 in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The 39-city trek was scheduled due to overwhelming demand for tickets to her 2010 “Monster Ball Tour.”