Music News

CARRIE UNDERWOOD TAKES HER TIME

Carrie Underwood took two years between her Carnival Ride album and her latest CD, Play On, and she wouldn't have it any other way. Carrie tells us she works best when she has some down time to really put her nose to the grindstone, not to mention take a break from the spotlight. "I think it's nice to go away for a little bit, you know? Nobody can miss you if you're never gone, so I couldn't imagine . . . I see a lot of people making albums like every single year, and I'm like, 'How do you do it? Like, how do you write that much? How do you do it?' I don't understand. I can't. I guess I can't multi-task like that, but I love being able to like really just put aside everything else and focus on one thing, because then I can give it everything that I have."

Carrie's Play On tour begins on Thursday (March 11th) in Reading, Pennsylvania. The tour will also include special guests Craig Morgan and Sons of Sylvia.

Carrie is nominated for Top Female Vocalist, Album of the Year for Play On, Vocal Event of the Year for "I Told You So," featuring Randy Travis, and Entertainer of the Year at next month's ACM Awards. The show will air live from Las Vegas on CBS on April 18th.

JUSTIN BIEBER IS NOT DATING LOVE INTEREST FROM 'BABY' VIDEO

Justin Bieber isn't dating Jasmine Villegas, the 16-year-old star in his "Baby" video. Villegas, who goes by "Jasmine V.," plays his love interest in the clip, but not in real life. She tells People.com, "Those are all rumors. We're not dating. We're just really cool friends. When I've hung out with him, it's always been with a bunch of people." She recently attended Bieber's 16th birthday party, for instance.

The pair did share an on-screen kiss, though, during the video shoot, but it didn't make the final cut. Villegas says the smooch wasn't romantic at all, adding, "It was like work." So far, the budding star has received some positive feedback from fans, yet she also admits that "a lot of girls are like, 'Stay away from my man!' and 'He's mine!'"

As for Bieber, Villegas says, "He's super-talented, very nice and very down-to-earth."

Villegas is a singer who's working on her own album due out later this year on Epic.

Bieber will sell his new album, My World 2.0, today (Tuesday, March 9th) on QVC.

KE$HA IS A FAN OF THE TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY

Ke$ha has revealed she's a "huge fan" of the transgender community, and even credits cross-dressing men for showing her a few tips. She tells The Advocate, "I am so not a proper, good female. I can't dance in high heels and I'm just so not girly, but then I see these men with these banging bodies, dancing in heels, singing, and having so much fun with so much makeup on." She adds, "That makes me honestly want to be a better woman. It is so fascinating that someone can commit their whole entire lifestyle to being such a fantastic woman when I'm such a bum about it."

Meanwhile, there have been reports that Ke$ha told London's Sun tabloid that she wants to be in Katy Perry's wedding, saying, "Katy had better ask me to be a bridesmaid." As for Perry's fiance, Russell Brand, Kes$ha reportedly said, "He's so bright and funny. Maybe he can find me a booty call in London. I love English men!"

KID ROCK RESPONDS TO ASSAULT CHARGES

Kid Rock appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Friday (March 5th) to answer charges that he assaulted three fans in 2006, according to Jam! Music and TMZ.com. A lawsuit alleges that Rock, along with six members of the hip-hop group Boo-Yaa Tribe, beat up Michael Medlin, Jose Perez and Carlos Bonilla four years ago outside the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood after they asked for autographs. The trio filed suit in 2008 and are seeking $15 million in damages.

Rock denied all the accusations, saying that the scene on the night in question was "chaotic."

Responding to the claim that he asked "Who wants a piece of me next?" during the alleged altercation, Rock said, "I wouldn't say something corny like that."

Rock emerged from the courthouse on Friday to tell reporters that being sued was like "waiting for deli meat . . . it's like take a number."

He also took issue with a claim by one of the three men that Rock's attack caused him to be "sexually deprived," with Rock saying, "How funny is that?"

LIFEHOUSE FRONTMAN TALKS CELEBRITY CRUSHES

Lifehouse frontman Jason Wade loves his wife Braeden, but that doesn't mean he doesn't have an innocent celebrity crush. Wade says his wife of nine years is used to his adoring fans, but there is one woman she fears -- Wade's celebrity crush, Penelope Cruz. Wade tells OK! magazine, "There's something magical about her. She does get jealous. She just knows. We joke about it a lot." He adds, "If Brad Pitt comes on the screen, I think she has a crush on him. We tease each other."

But no celebrity crush is coming between these two. Wade says, "We're childhood sweethearts, and we're still madly in love with each other. We're best friends. We really get along great, and we have a mutual respect for each other." The pair tries not to be apart for more than two weeks. Wade will either make a stop at home, or his wife will join him on the road.

Lifehouse kicks off a tour this month with Daughtry to back its new album, Smoke And Mirrors.

Wade and his wife hope to start a family in a couple of years.

MADONNA'S REP BLASTS VODKA MELTDOWN REPORT

Madonna's rep has blasted a report claiming the singer got into a bit of a tizzy while at Elton John's pre-Oscars party at Soho House In L.A. An insider told the U.K.'s Mirror that Madge flipped out after realizing that the Grey Goose-sponsored party didn't serve her favorite Vodka choice, Belvedere. But Madonna's rep told GossipCop.com, "The entire thing is a lie from beginning to end." The site also couldn't get anyone from the Soho House to confirm the story.

In the story that made the rounds on Monday (March 8th), a source had reportedly told the Sun, "It was left to one rather nervous waiter to tell her only Grey Goose was available and when he did all hell broke loose. Madonna was dropping F-bombs like they were going out of fashion." Her manager, Guy Oseary, was able to calm her down, but Madge reportedly "sulked about the vodka and ordered a non-alcoholic virgin mojito instead. She was clearly up for a drink, but wasn't prepared to compromise on her vodka choice."

According to the Sun's report, the ordeal seemed to put a damper on Madonna's entire night. An eyewitness said that when Jane Fonda tried to say hello and chat with the pop star, Madge just waltzed right passed her, saying, "Hey Jane."

MAROON 5 FRONTMAN CRITICIZES AUTO-TUNE

Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine is speaking out against auto-tune, the downloadable studio trick that can make vocals hit the proper note and pitch. It's become widely used in pop music recently, and Levine isn't thrilled about it. He Tweeted, "Dear auto tune. Go away. You are infecting music and wounding my soul. We don't need you. And anyone who does shouldn't be singing anyway. Listen I Iove me some auto tune depending on the way it's used. But it's spun out of control and has sucked the life out of music." Levine added, "There are obviously exceptions to this bold statement. However in general I think it has to go. it's been a good run auto tune. Real good."

Maroon 5 is working on a new album, due out later this year.

MILEY CYRUS TALKS LIAM HEMSWORTH AND 'SEX AND THE CITY'

Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth have revealed details of first their meeting in a new Teen Vogue interview. Hemsworth told the magazine, "Working with Miley was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be -- From the first time we met, It was like I had known her before." Miley added, "I think we're both deeper than normal people -- what they think and how they feel. He's very grateful for what he has, but he doesn't let it go to his head. I'm like that too . . . He's a really freaking good actor is what he is. And he's cute -- so he's got that."

When Miley went to film The Last Song, she had just gone through a break-up (Justin Gaston) and wasn't as independent as she wanted to be. She explains, "In L.A., I had so many security blankets, people helping me with everything. I tried to book my friend a flight, and I didn't know how because I was used to someone doing it for me. I didn't want a babysitter anymore. I came to Tybee Island crying harder than I had ever cried in my life -- and I left with the biggest smile on my face."

Miley, who makes a cameo in the upcoming Sex and the City sequel, answered the inevitable "Which SATC girl are you?" question. She explains, "I know everyone says Carrie, but I love Kim Cattrall, so I'll say Samantha. I want to be her because she's the hottest, she's funny, and she has attitude."

Miley first revealed that she's dating her Last Song co-star Liam on the red carpet this past weekend. After confirming that "yes" they are a couple, E! asked her if she is in love to which a "coy" Miley replied, "Maybe."

QUICKIES

LADY GAGA 'TELEPHONE' VIDEO RELEASE DATE ANNOUNCED: Lady Gaga will premiere her "Telephone" video, featuring Beyonce on Thursday (March 11th) at 11:30 p.m. ET on E! News. MTV News reports that the clip, which is nearly 10 minutes, picks up with "Paparazzi" left off. In other news, sources say Gaga is planning a 3-D concert, along with a companion DVD.

GYM CLASS HEROES FRONTMAN PREPS SOLO DEBUT: Travie McCoy, frontman of Gym Class Heroes, will release his solo debut, Lazarus, on June 6th. The digital single for "Billionaire," featuring Bruno Mars will be available online starting today (March 9th).

WILL.I.AM LENDS A HAND TO CHARITY: Will.i.Am of the Black Eyed Peas is helping to launch a global health fundraising campaign aimed at travelers called MASSIVEGOOD. According to PopEater.com, he's helping to raise money for charity through tavel sites, where users can donate $2 to the cause while booking their flights, car rentals and hotel stays. It's part of the Millennium Foundation, which aims to raise a billion bucks over the next four years. Funds go towards fighting HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis in developing countries. Check out Will.i.Am talking about the cause:
http://tinyurl.com/ya8k72j

THE FRAY WANTS YOU TO SING 'SYNDICATE': The Fray wants fans to record themeselves singing the song "Syndicate" on MySpace Karaoke. The winner will get to meet the band and see a live show.

PUSSYCAT DOLLS FOUNDER SPEAKS ABOUT GROUP'S FUTURE: Pussycat Dolls founder Robert Antin has confirmed that the group will go on, telling PerezHilton.com, "I am happy to announce the creation of a NEW Pussycat Dolls, with Nicole Scherzinger continuing on as lead singer . . . So get ready for the NEW, HOT, SEXY, TALENTED PUSSYCAT DOLLS!!"

SOURCE: GWEN STEFANI AND GAVIN ROSSDALE MORE IN LOVE THAN EVER

Gwen Stefani and her husband, Gavin Rossdale, were spotted getting cozy at a pre-Oscars bash over the weekend, and eyewitnesses say the couple seeemed to be more in love than ever. Seven years and two children later, Stefani and Rossdale were acting very cute and "very, very, very romantic."

An insider tells HollywoodLife.com, "They are so in love and it's rad. They were holding hands wherever they went, rarely letting go, and literally just stood there staring into each other's eyes. They were utterly un-phased by all the celebrities at the party -- it was like there wasn't anyone else in the room at all."

Stefani has been working on a new album with No Doubt.

ALICIA KEYS DEBUTS NEW BEYONCE VIDEO

Alicia Keys is ready to debut the new video "Put It In A Love Song" this week. The video features her and duet partner Beyonce cavorting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, at the start of carnival season. Keys explained that after the two superstars were in New York to record the Swizz Beatz-produced tune, they communicated months later to discuss the video treatment.

Said Alicia: "Time's progressing and we're kinda throwing ideas back and forth, me and B are kinda talking on the two-ways. And she's like, 'What about Egypt? We should go somewhere crazy and really do an incredible video.' So from the jump we knew we wanted to go somewhere that was really special and unique and somewhere that is just not often seen. And so as we were figuring out dates, she was saying that she was actually touring some in Brazil. And so we both kinda looked at each other and were like, 'Brazil is kinda crazy.'"

She added: "So that was how Brazil came into the mix. And we got down there and again, Brazil follows so closely with the energy of the song, kinda with the sensuality of of it and how it's eccentric and colorful, you know, Brazil is so colorful and they were preparing for their Carnival and that's just on a whole other level as well. And so it all blended together and came together."

Alicia appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show on Friday (March 5th) to perform "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" live. She also previewed the new video for "Put It In A Love Song" during her appearance.

LIL WAYNE FINALLY GOES TO JAIL

After three separate delays, Lil Wayne was finally sentenced and sent to Rikers Island prison in New York City on Monday, March 8th. According to MTV.com, a near riot broke out in front of the Manhattan Criminal Court Building as Wayne entered for his sentencing hearing escorted by police and members of his Cash Money crew while photographers pushed to get the last images of the rapper as a free man.

Wayne did not speak during the hearing as Judge Charles H. Solomon sentenced him and reminded him of the charges. The rapper stood and was handcuffed by police and after a quick nod to fans and colleagues, he was led away to prison to serve one year on charges of gun possession stemming from a 2007 tour bus stop.

Legal experts say that Wayne could be back out in as little as eight months. "In New York, any sentencing to a year or less requires the time to be done in a county facility, and based on good-time credit in that kind of facility such as Rikers Island, people only usually do two-thirds of their time," Scott Leemon, a New York attorney who is not involved in the Wayne case, told MTV.com. "Basically, all he needs to do is stay out of trouble, and it's an automatic thing. But if you're having disciplinary problems, they can take away good time."

Problems can include getting into fights, being caught with drugs or other contraband, or other rules-breaking behavior.

According to TMZ.com, Weezy will also get special medical attention inside prison because of his dental problems.

TAYLOR SWIFT TOUR OFF TO IMPRESSIVE START

Taylor Swift wrapped up the opening weekend of her 2010 Fearless tour in the U.S. with sold out shows in Tampa, Orlando, and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. The superstar's talent was on full display as Taylor played seven different instruments over the course of the two-hour show, which features three acts and eight costume changes.

The 39-date tour will play arenas and stadiums in 31 cities in 25 states and provinces in the U.S. and Canada over the next three months.

Last month, Taylor took her Fearless tour overseas for the first time, playing eight sold-out shows in Australia and Japan.

Taylor and her special guests, Kellie Pickler and Gloriana, play in Austin, Dallas, and Corpus Christi, Texas this week on Wednesday (March 10th), Thursday (March 11th) and Friday (March 12th), respectively.

In other Taylor news, the singer's official iPhone application was recently launched. The free app features Facebook and Twitter connectivity, and alerts fans to Taylor's new music, videos, photos, and tour information. It's available at iTunes.com.