MUSIC NEWS:
On December 1, CBS-TV will air "The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! - Countdown to Music's Biggest Night." The one-hour special will feature announcements of nominees in several major categories for the February 13, 2011 Grammy Awards. Hosted by LL Cool J, the show will include performances by Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Bruno Mars, B.o.B. and Miranda Lambert.
Julien's Auctions will hold its "Icons & Idols" sale on December 3 and 4 in Beverly Hills, California. The auction includes hundreds of items that once belonged to Michael Jackson, John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Bono, Jimi Hendrix and George Harrison, among many others. Complete list of items and bidding at www.juliensauctions.com.
Previews for the new Broadway musical "Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark" began on November 28. The $55 million production was originally scheduled to have its premiere in December, but that's been pushed back three weeks to January 2011. Director Julie Taymore said, "There are no changes coming to the actual show. All the changes have to do with technical things." The musical's score was written by Bono and The Edge of the Irish rock band U2.
Madonna attended the grand opening of her first Hard Candy Fitness center on November 29. The 30,000 square-foot complex is located in Mexico City. Madonna plans to open additional Hard Candy Fitness gyms in Russia, Brazil and Argentina, and also throughout Europe and Asia.
Tickets went on sale Nov. 29 for Justin Bieber's upcoming 3-D movie, "Never Say Never," at www.jb3dpreview.com. Approximately 275 theaters will preview the film to advance ticketholders on February 9th, 2011. The movie opens nationwide on February 11, 2011. Preview tickets will be sold in a $30 gift set that includes 3D glasses and other merchandise.
Sirius XM launchED "Paul McCartney's Band on the Run Radio" channel Nov.29. The commercial-free channel will run songs from McCartney's catalog all day, every day until December 26. On December 13, Sirius will sponsor McCartney's first-ever concert at New York's Apollo Theater. The show is "an invitation-only event for listeners of the satellite radio service as it approaches 20 million subscribers." Sirius President Scott Greenstein said, "Sir Paul's performance at the Apollo Theater is our way of thanking our subscribers. We are thrilled to offer them an opportunity to attend the event and listen live to this once-in-a-lifetime concert on Sirius XM."
The Beatles sold two million digital singles and 450,000 albums worldwide the first week their catalog was made available on iTunes. The best-selling album was "Abbey Road" and the best-selling song was "Here Comes the Sun." Available as digital downloads are the band's 13 remastered studio albums and the double CD sets "Past Masters" and the "Red" and "Blue" compilations. A digital box set also includes their concert film "Live at the Washington Coliseum, 1964." Paul McCartney said, "We're really excited to bring the Beatles' music to iTunes. It's fantastic to see the songs we originally released on vinyl receive as much love in the digital world as they did the first time around." Ringo Starr added, "I am particularly glad to no longer be asked when the Beatles are coming to iTunes. At last, if you want it - you can get it now -The Beatles from Liverpool to now! Peace and Love, Ringo."
NEW ALBUM RELEASES:
New albums released November 30: "The Beginning" by the Black Eyed Peas, "Number One Hits" by Tim McGraw, "Love Me Back" by Jazmine Sullivan, "Let Freedom Ring" by Chrisette Michele, "Lost In Time" by Eric Benet, "Mr. I" by Ron Isley, "All I Want Is You" by Miguel, "Northern Aggression" by Steve Wynn, "Viva El Principe" by Christian Castro and the original motion picture soundtrack to "Black Swan."
AWARDS PRESENTATIONS/WINNERS:
The 2010 Billboard Women in Music Event will take place on December 2 in New York. Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie will receive the Woman of the Year Award, Broadway and television star Lea Michele will be given the Triple Threat Award and Jazmine Sullivan will take home the Rising Star Award. Fergie said, "I am humbled and excited to accept the Billboard Woman of the Year Award. Being honored by Billboard is a great career achievement."
Pop sensation Justin Bieber was the big winner at the 2010 American Music Awards (AMAs). The 16-year-old won all four of his nominations, including Artist of the Year, Favorite Pop/Rock Male Artist, Favorite Pop/Rock Album for "My World 2.0" and the Breakthrough Artist Award. Eminem and Usher were double winners. The Black Eyed Peas, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Muse, Shakira, Michael Buble and MercyMe were also recognized at the ceremony.
TOUR DATES AND INFORMATION:
On November 30, Bon Jovi took its "The Circle" tour to Tokyo, Japan. The 11-date tour also includes shows in New Zealand and Australia through December 19. The band will begin another round of North American concerts in February 2011, then visits 22 European cities in June and July.
