Posts Tagged ‘Blonde Ambition’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Calling all foot fetish freaks!

Joke, people. Joke.

More than 60 celebrities have donated a pair of shoes for MAG (Mines Advisory Group) — an organization that helps those affected by landmines. Each pair will be auctioned to raise money for the cause. Great news, right?

Of course it is, but I’ve got to be honest. As I was looking over the shoes being donated, I laughed a little. I effing love Pink for donating a pair from Aldo. Really, Pink? Aldo?! That store is in pretty much every mall across America, you think she would’ve gave up something a bit more exclusive. I kid, I kid. Kinda.

In all fairness though, the Aldo pair from Pink, in many ways, most likely corresponds with her normal, highly genuine, down-to-earth, anti-celebrity view of a lifestyle? Which is one reason why I think the chick is awesome.

The main point is that these shoes will most likely raise money and awareness to a cause that deserves our attention, and that’s never a bad thing. All the shoes are cool, I just had to share that rant.

To see the shoes being donated click here.

Will you bid for a pair of these kickers or donate a few bucks to the cause and go to your local mall instead?

And for shits and giggles (someone care to explain this expression to me?), take a flashback tour to Pink’s God Is a DJ, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Get ready to be moved (in more ways than one)!

Robyn has just released the music video for her brand new single Hang with Me. The video takes fans behind the scenes of Robyn’s touring life. But don’t worry, it’s not the typical video we’ve all seen before, this behind-the-scenes vid was directed by Max Vitali and is shot in an original manner that holds your attention, each shot a photograph all its own. There’s also live performance footage, studio time shots, and other promotional specks, like a fan signing and radio interview. If you look close enough you will also see BTB fave I Blame Coco.

Hang with Me is the lead single from Robyn’s second album (Body Talk Pt. 2) of a three part trilogy.

Robyn described the song as: “Pop should be seductive and sweet when it can. And I felt like I could be on Hang with Me, in a uncompromising way. It’s like a sweet and sour bon-bon wrapped in melancholy.”

The new album will be released September 6th.

Watch the music video followed by a beautiful live acoustic performance, below.

Robyn – Hang With Me official video from Robyn on Vimeo.

Robyn recently performed at London’s Rimmel Room and as usual, her acoustic renditions overflowed with emotion, sure to melt hearts. Watch my favorite number (Dancing On My Own) from Body Talk Pt. 1, below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Gaga is a topic of conversation on BTB all too frequently. Do we like her videos? Has the girl gone crazy? Is she original? Let’s put all this aside, and focus on something everyone enjoys — new music. Miz Gaga debuted a new track recently for the first time ever, that has a special twang, entitled You and I. In her own words, and I’m sure the same from her label: “It’s too rock and roll to ever be one of my singles, but it means so much to me.” As much as I hate to admit it, she’s most likely right, for what I’ve noticed on her recent Fame Monster is that my favorite tracks never get airplay (and I like it like that). Her signature foot-on-piano move is still prevalent in this video, but all in all, it’s very dissimilar for Gaga; and I absolutely love it.

Rock-tinged piano ballads get me weak in the knees every time. This particular one is for all the dreamers out there! She performed the song at Elton John’s AIDS White Tie and Tiara Ball fundraiser in the UK recently. Now tell me, would you be disappointed if you heard this on the radio? Cuz I sure as hell wouldn’t. As fun as the crazy lipstick, exposed ass, product endorsed videos, and antique tea cups can be, it sometimes gets in the way of how talented she really is. I respect Gaga and her opposition to norm, but this just strips her down, literally, to her piano and her most fierce accessory of all, her voice. She hits these notes flawlessly, and this song could definitely become an anthem for millions of love hopefuls out there.

Check out the debut, for watching it live before hearing it recorded will make one appreciate it even more. Even if it never makes radio, You and I is more for, well, you and I. I’d describe it as certified sensation. A first taste of new material leaves me yearning for more. What do you think? Are you goo goo for Gaga’s new material?

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Currently hundreds and hundreds of miles away from New York City, visiting my family for my birthday, leaving 8 million for 4 thousand, I’ve landed in the country. And no, not this pseudo-country idea either. I’m talking mountains, cows, Wal*Mart, and dirt roads. Which leads me to Kellie Pickler…

Besides being Southern, and having bad driving habits, another thing I share in common with Pickler is her birthday. I’ve posted several articles on the blonde twangy twizzler and today, I post once more to celebrate her awesomeness. Joining me in turning a year older, Pickler, who recently announced her engagement to Kyle Jacobs, celebrated her 24th yesterday (June 28th).

Check out one of my favorite Pickler moments via 2006’s MTV Movie Awards.

An oldie but goodie!

[Sidenote: Thank you to everyone who sent birthday wishes, messages, and love. I genuinely appreciate the thoughts and gestures! Also, thank you to everyone who supports BTB currently. The site would be nothing without an audience, so thank you to all readers who continue to come back Monday-Friday every week to read what's on our minds musically.]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Dear gays, this one’s for you!

Ian Carey is one of the major players in the House music scene worldwide. If you have no idea who the dude is, blame American radio, which has never been a fan of house/techno genres or their offspring. And normally, I’m not the biggest fan of house or techno either, but when I stumbled upon this new release, I instantly noticed it’s appeal. It’s catchy as hell. Sure, it’s nothing we haven’t all seen or heard before, but the jam has a heavy beat, one that quickly jets into the soles of your shoes and even if you want to deny it, you’ll soon realize you can’t. It’s a fun dancefloor track that’s perfect for summer.

The just-released music video is the club edit of Carey’s new single Let Loose, which features vocals from Mandy Ventrice. Carey spoke to Biggie.co.nz on Ventrice, stating: “She’s a really good pop on key vocalist. She’s signing a deal at the moment with a big label, so you will be seeing her in the near future as a solo artist.”

Get ready to bust a move!

Check out Let Loose from Ian Carey ft. vocals by Mandy Ventrice, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Way to set the bar. Damn!

Being from the South, there’s no denying the place in my heart reserved for Southern girls, specifically those that are blonde, sweet tea sweet with a sense of humor, and pack a punch on the guitar. Needless to say, I effing love Taylor Swift! But then again, who doesn’t?

America’s sweetheart recently decided to go above and beyond for her fans, promising to hold a 13-hour meet and greet for everyone who would show up (via the CMA Music Festival). Instead, Swift spent close to 15 hours hugging and signing autographs for over 2,000 of the 10,000 fans who showed up! She also performed a mini-concert for all fans. Both the concert and meet and greet were free and open to the public! How awesome is that? I mean, can you imagine any other stars willing to put in that sort of time and commitment to fans? Highly doubt it! It’d be nice to see other acts pay tribute to fans in this manner, considering the fact that it IS the sole reason for their success. What a way to make those selfish turds look like lazy asses!

Said Swift: “My favorite thing about CMA Music Fest has always been getting to spend time with the fans, so this year I wanted to figure out a way to meet as many of them as possible. Thirteen is my lucky number, and the 13th is during Music Fest, so I think spending 13 hours that day with my fans is going to be amazing!”

Besides making us exhausted with her ever-giving heart and crazy schedule, Swift has been renovating a condo in Tennessee and apparently one of her biggest obsessions (besides her fans, of course) is stingrays (and giant-sized birdcages)?

Check out a clip of Taylor discussing her affection for stingrays below, followed by footage from her 15-hour free meet & greet in Nashville.

MTV Shows

Hello guy at the 1:23 mark! His hand’s a little low on her hip, no? Copping a feel are we?!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

According to Rolling Stone, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals is one of the best bands of 2010. This past weekend I had the pleasure of rocking out with the act (live in concert via Webster Hall), to put that statement to the test. And the outcome was incredible. Meshed with a stage backdrop that oozed of metallic crinkled plates, flashing lights, and red roses, Grace Potter’s signature pipes still somehow managed to overpower all of it, soul thirsty and soul-full, worn and rugged like a good pair of cowboy boots.

Several images stick out when I recall the concert, the first being Grace’s long legs, bronzed and towering. Wearing a thigh-high slinky dress, Potter boogied with as much sex appeal as there was sheer talent. Among the image of legs and vintage clothing, came the next photographic moment when the band was performing Big White Gate and I looked around the room to see one of the most diverse crowds I had seen since seeing Madonna live in concert at Madison Square Garden. Middle-aged men mixed with twenty-somethings stood mesmerized, sipping on liquid in plastic cups, singing, knowing, every single word as it burst from Potter’s lips. And it hit me then that the retro influence of the band is so utterly authentic that even men and women (who were my age during the height of those days) were clearly just as infatuated with Grace Potter & The Nocturnals’ music as they were with legendary classic rock bands from the 60s and early 70s, the same bands that inspire the howl of the Nocturnals.

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals are indeed one of the best acts I’ve seen live. The vocals are incredible, the lyrics saturated in a depth of love and heartbreak, the styling coated in a bygone era of rock ‘n roll.

Get ready to take a roadtrip through your headphones.

Click to listen to the band cover Blondie (live during the show).Grace Potter & The Nocturnals – Heart of Glass (Live from Webster Hall)

Check out an additional live performance (Tiny Light via TES), below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

When Christina released her oversexed video for Not Myself Tonight, I was not sure what to feel. Although I’m a huge Aguilera supporter, there’s often been times in her career when she comes off a bit too much for me. But honestly, I’ve come to think that’s a part of her charm, that a huge exclamation point she is creating with her music is that a woman can be both sexual and a lady all rolled into one.

When seeing a video as provocative as Not Myself Tonight, it’s easy to label Christina with the tramp stamp. But then the curtain closes to the dirrty Aguilera and exposes the beautiful one, letting down the walls with a raw, stripped down performance and I once again become instantly fascinated with what could be in store, as I seriously love Aguilera’s incredible one-of-a-kind voice on a pain-driven ballad.

As an artist, Christina has every right to experiment with any and all sounds she has the desire to explore. I respect the fact that she is, once again, taking risks–something no one can deny her of, from her style choices to her collaborations and production choices, Aguilera will always be a risk taker.

Bionic’s attitude hits your face like a punch. As a whole, it does remind me a lot of the Stripped album due to the fact that it’s loud and proud but also incredibly vulnerable in parts. I have said it before and I will repeat it now: I wish Christina didn’t feel the need to be overly sexy throughout the landscape of her music because she doesn’t need to be. It’s that simple. Certain tracks on the record (most of the provocative ones), come off a bit stale for me (for ex: Sex For Breakfast), a taste I’ve come to find a bit tired.

Aguilera’s power IMHO, remains in her pain, when the attention-getting devices are removed and the only thing plugged in is her vocals, bleeding truth.

Much like the Sia produced Stronger Than Ever (my favorite track on the album, which unfortunately is only on the Deluxe Edition of the CD).

Listen to the song below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Cutie pie!

Miranda Lambert is, without a doubt, a spitfire. She’s proved this point on kick-ass diddys like Kerosene and Gunpowder and Lead. But don’t let her attitude-driven songs soak up all your attention, taking your ears away from the vulnerability throughout the rest of her music, for the girl’s got a heart the size of Reba McEntire’s hair via the 80s!

The country star recently held her third annual “Cause for Paws” concert and charity auction. The sold-out event raised $91,000 for animals affected by the recent floods in the Nashville, Tennessee area (as well as the East Texas Humane Society).

Besides Lambert, the event featured additional Whiskey Myers, Kacey Musgraves and Nightwork.

Said Lambert: “Since we started working with the Humane Society of East Texas over three years ago, we have donated over $325,000 and they have become a ‘no kill’ shelter. Every year it amazes me that people spend their hard-earned money to partner with us in this fight. I am very grateful!”

You can currently check out the ACM Female Vocalist of the Year at the CMA Music Fest, in Nashville, starting today until June 13th!

Check out Lambert pouring her heart out, performing The House That Built Me live, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Two of our favorites are releasing albums today: Christina Aguilera with Bionic / Grace Potter & The Nocturnals.

BTB is hosting our first ever contest and you could have a chance at winning Christina Aguilera / Grace Potter prize packs. Follow these quick rules to enter!

1. You MUST “like” BiggerThanBeyonce.Com via Facebook. To join, click on the link in the sidebar.

2. You MUST suggest the Facebook fan page to each of your friends. Spread the love, no haters.

3. Once you do those two things, send an email to robbrayl@robbrayl.com: State a good deed you have performed lately (big or small). Also list any charitable organization you feel connected to. Tell us a little about why you feel connected to this organization. The more real, the better.

[Deadline: Noon, Friday 06.11]

The winners will receive notification via email + a shout out!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

One thing’s for certain: I love a Bedingfield. Natasha and her brother Daniel (which btw, where has he been hiding?) always create songs that are equally catchy as they are touching, fusing hooks with heartfelt lyrics.

This track is called Touch and the beat is definitely interesting, backed to a more electronic mix than what Bedingfield has gone for in the past. Even if Bedingfield is sporting a slightly new sound, she never strays away from showcasing her amazing vocals as she spews every line with the same soulful signature that fans are used to hearing.

Touch is the first taste of the British pop star’s forthcoming album, which is due in the fall of 2010. Since releasing her debut album in 2004, the former Christian music star has sold over 10 million records worldwide.

The specific release date and title for Natasha’s upcoming album are expected to be announced soon.

Listen to Touch below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

So let me just first say that I think this season of American Idol has been pretty boring. Yes, I ended up really liking both Lee and Crystal but overall, the contestants this year just seemed lackluster. No, I am not trying to hate, I clearly think that all participants are talented but it was the whole package, the wow factor, that was missing.

Basically, if you missed the show last night, all you missed was what you’re about to see below, which is Christina Aguilera’s surprise performance. Singing of smoking guns, lost magic, and the tragedy of a relationship falling apart due to someone cheating, Aguilera poured her heart and soul out, singing her song You Lost Me, from her upcoming Bionic disc. Aguilera may have entered the stage in an over-the-top pop star kind of way, but when the lights dimmed and she stood in the center of the stage for a solo, in nothing but simple black attire, hair pulled back, Aguilera proved that she doesn’t need smoke and mirrors, outrageous effects or costumes to prove that she is truly one of a kind.

Honestly, I was about to fall asleep until Aguilera showed up. The show seemed to be very outdated to me, so it was good to see someone who is current take the stage. All respect to any artist who has paved the way in shaping music, but seriously, I started to feel like I was watching American Idol: The Old Folks Home Edition. I get that it’s interesting to see entertainers who have been out of the spotlight for decades swoosh back onto the stage all of a sudden, but at the same time, it just felt like a bit too much. Or hey, maybe it was just me? Kudos to all the performers though, in the end.

As far as Lee Dewyze winning Idol, I called that a long time ago. Why? Because America always goes for the safe guy. Always. This never fails. Last season, Kris Allen (whose performance last night was on point, btw) took the title from not-so-safe Adam Lambert. Before Kris, we had David Cook (safe), Taylor Hicks (safe), Ruben Studdard (safer than safe), and now Lee Dewyze (safe). You get my drift. Unfortunately the show really does end up being a big popularity contest over voting for actual talent, because as much as I like Lee (who is a very talented dude), Crystal deserved that title IMHO, and that’s all I’m gonna say about that.

Oh! And goodbye Simon, the show will probably suck without you. Paula was her usual self last night, and I have to say, I was actually very touched by what Simon said to the crowd. The man clearly has a heart of gold and will truly be missed. I personally cannot believe it’s been ten years. Boy, does time fly. Someone pass the Ovaltine.

In closing, if you missed the finale, all you truly missed (in my opinion) that’s worth watching is Aguilera’s number, which you can watch below.

Question: Who do you think deserved to win American Idol?

Sound off in the comments.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Robyn is out with a fantastic music video for her first single Dancing On My Own (from her upcoming Body Talk album series). The thing I love about Robyn is she’s taken a format of music, the electronic side, and actually made it have emotion. Often with electronic music, the focus is simply on the beats, but with Robyn her lyrics always shine with much attitude and heart.

Robyn announced earlier this year that her new album would actually be a mini-series (3 parts/discs in all). At first, when I heard the news, I thought this was either a bit much or a bit ambitious but after hearing the first single I have no doubts that the project(s) will be neon, heartbreaking, with the attitude driven fierceness that the Swedish singer usually brings to all of her music.

Watch the Max Vitali-directed video below.

Robyn ‘Dancing On My Own’ (Official Video) from Robyn on Vimeo.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Too cool for skool!

Most 16-year-olds are not as cool as Daisy Coburn. Let’s face facts: most teens her age are awkward little people having mild panic attacks every time Justin Bieber comes on the radio. But not Daisy. Daisy’s writing her own creative music and shooting polished music videos, like the one you’re about to see.

Daisy Dares You is out with the video to the new single Rosie which features You Me at Six, the 2nd release from the British pop singer’s debut album Rush, due out soon via Jive. The single is out just one day after Independence Day on July 5th.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

The pint-sized blonde bombshell formerly known as X-tina is back and this time around, she’s definitely not going back to basics.

Aguilera, who adorns more skin than actual clothes in the just-released video for Not Myself Tonight (via Vevo this morning), seems to be back to her roots and they’re definitely black. No bubblegum watered-down pop explosion coming from this diva and proud wife of music executive Jordan Bratman, who claims settling down and becoming a wife and mother has made her more confident in her skin. All I have to say to that is this: I had no clue she was lacking confidence beforehand? Lord, if Aguilera gets any more confident we may have to call for backup. Chick is definitely on fire and out of control yet in charge and in control all at the same time.

Aguilera is a bomb that’s exploded time and time again, leaving the other female pop singers lagging behind in the race as her vocal chords are, without a doubt, #1 in the game. According to Rolling Stone, Aguilera is the only female vocalist under the age of 30 whose voice was good enough to make the magazine’s list of the best voices of all time. And rightfully so, as Aguilera’s chops are undeniable.

My only beef: I wish the landscape of mainstream music would allow a woman to be stripped of all the nonsense of the exterior, to showcase what truly simmers underneath. In my opinion, Beautiful is Aguilera’s best work–a song that became an instant classic with its message of hope, acceptance, love, and compassion bleeding from a girl with multiple piercings, crazy sunless tanner lines, assless chaps, with a messy hairdo that stood on its own, which was a message in itself, backed against the lyrics of the song.

Even though, I am all for freedom of expression, I’ve got to say that my favorite Christina, out of all the personalities she’s tried on over the years, is the sultry, demure, classy one–the one who doesn’t need to show skin or act like a kitten in a video to get attention, for her talent shines without all the excess.

What are your thoughts on another re-invention from Aguilera?

Check out the racy premiere of Not Myself Tonight followed by the classic Beautiful, below.