Wednesday, 26 December 2012
LOVE ADELE!
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins
Famous as :
Soul/Jazz singer
Birth Name :
Adele Laurie Blue Adkins
Birth Date :
May 05, 1988
Birth Place :
Tottenham, London, UK
Biography
Adele is not one for being pigeonholed. She has broken through the music industry at a relatively young age, particularly owing it to her distinctive voice. She was born Adele Laurie Blue Adkins on May 5, 1988 in Enfield, North London. She came from a non-musical family but a very supportive one. Adele said that her mother used to set up a stage show for her in their own home with Adele being the performer and her mother's friends being the audience.
Like many teenagers swept with the Spice Girls fever in the '90s, Adele too liked to impersonate the all-girls band. She was also a fan of British singer Gabrielle whose songs she liked to cover. One day, her father's friend who happened to be a dance producer praised the color of her voice and thus Adele's spirit was lifted. She tried to cover Blondie's "Heart of Glass" and once she got a hold of a real mic, she knew it was her destiny to be a singer. "As soon as I got a microphone in my hand, when I was about 14, I realized I wanted to do this," she later on recalled. "Most people don't like the way their voice sounds when it's recorded. I was just so excited by the whole thing that I wasn't bothered what it sounded like."
Her secondary school life was not particularly cultivating for her singing career, only when she entered The BRIT School did she gain much more. Enrolling at the school that had graduated famous names like Amy Winehouse, Kate Nash and Leona Lewis, the young singer was lucky to meet an inspirational singer named Shingai Shoniwa which later on joined the band The Noisettes as the vocalist. Living next door to Shoniwa, Adele often made use of the opportunity to jam around with her and she confessed later on that Shoniwa made her "want to be a writer and not just sing Destiny's Child songs." To boost her singing career, like many other hopeful musicians, Adele opened a MySpace account where she can display her songs and demos and ask for feedbacks. By 2004, she was already a popular singer on-line but only two years after that did she gain wider opportunity to showcase her talent.
After graduating from BRIT school in May 2006, she toured around with affiliates Jamie T, Jack Penate, and Davendra Banhart. Through Jamie T's indie label, Pacemaker Records, she released an album called "Hometown Glory" that was only available on 7 inch vinyl format. By that time, Adele was already a commodity for music executives that many have tried to sign a contract with her. It was XL Recordings that finally met the line. Adele released her debut album, "19", in U.K. through the label in January 2008. The LP went straight to number one on U.K. Albums chart, thanks to the popularity of its lead single "Chasing Pavements" that also received a unique music video. The album was then prepared for U.S. market with the release date set on June 10, 2008. In 2009, she was nominated for four Grammys and won two of them; Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Two years later, she dropped a second album "21" on January 19 in the U.K. "I'm very excited, nervous, eager, anxious but chuffed to announce my new album! It's taken a while and it knocked me for six when writing it," she said of the new release. "It's different from '19', it's about the same things but in a different light. I deal with things differently now." "I'm more patient, more honest, more forgiving and more aware of my own flaws, habits and principles. Something that comes with age I think. So fittingly this record is called '21'. The whole reason I called my first album '19' was about cataloging what happened to me then and who I was then, like a photo album you see the progression and changes in a person throughout the years."
Biography
Adele is not one for being pigeonholed. She has broken through the music industry at a relatively young age, particularly owing it to her distinctive voice. She was born Adele Laurie Blue Adkins on May 5, 1988 in Enfield, North London. She came from a non-musical family but a very supportive one. Adele said that her mother used to set up a stage show for her in their own home with Adele being the performer and her mother's friends being the audience.
Like many teenagers swept with the Spice Girls fever in the '90s, Adele too liked to impersonate the all-girls band. She was also a fan of British singer Gabrielle whose songs she liked to cover. One day, her father's friend who happened to be a dance producer praised the color of her voice and thus Adele's spirit was lifted. She tried to cover Blondie's "Heart of Glass" and once she got a hold of a real mic, she knew it was her destiny to be a singer. "As soon as I got a microphone in my hand, when I was about 14, I realized I wanted to do this," she later on recalled. "Most people don't like the way their voice sounds when it's recorded. I was just so excited by the whole thing that I wasn't bothered what it sounded like."
Her secondary school life was not particularly cultivating for her singing career, only when she entered The BRIT School did she gain much more. Enrolling at the school that had graduated famous names like Amy Winehouse, Kate Nash and Leona Lewis, the young singer was lucky to meet an inspirational singer named Shingai Shoniwa which later on joined the band The Noisettes as the vocalist. Living next door to Shoniwa, Adele often made use of the opportunity to jam around with her and she confessed later on that Shoniwa made her "want to be a writer and not just sing Destiny's Child songs." To boost her singing career, like many other hopeful musicians, Adele opened a MySpace account where she can display her songs and demos and ask for feedbacks. By 2004, she was already a popular singer on-line but only two years after that did she gain wider opportunity to showcase her talent.
After graduating from BRIT school in May 2006, she toured around with affiliates Jamie T, Jack Penate, and Davendra Banhart. Through Jamie T's indie label, Pacemaker Records, she released an album called "Hometown Glory" that was only available on 7 inch vinyl format. By that time, Adele was already a commodity for music executives that many have tried to sign a contract with her. It was XL Recordings that finally met the line. Adele released her debut album, "19", in U.K. through the label in January 2008. The LP went straight to number one on U.K. Albums chart, thanks to the popularity of its lead single "Chasing Pavements" that also received a unique music video. The album was then prepared for U.S. market with the release date set on June 10, 2008. In 2009, she was nominated for four Grammys and won two of them; Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
Two years later, she dropped a second album "21" on January 19 in the U.K. "I'm very excited, nervous, eager, anxious but chuffed to announce my new album! It's taken a while and it knocked me for six when writing it," she said of the new release. "It's different from '19', it's about the same things but in a different light. I deal with things differently now." "I'm more patient, more honest, more forgiving and more aware of my own flaws, habits and principles. Something that comes with age I think. So fittingly this record is called '21'. The whole reason I called my first album '19' was about cataloging what happened to me then and who I was then, like a photo album you see the progression and changes in a person throughout the years."
Sunday, 23 December 2012
This Is Awesome!
India acid attack victim who became a TV millionaire
AFP News
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"Who Wants to be a Millionaire" and which was featured in the movie "Slumdog Millionaire".
After being chosen as a contestant, she went on to win 2.5 million rupees ($45,000) last month after successfully answering 10 questions.
The money will be used to fund a round of plastic surgery next year for Mukherjee, who keeps a portrait of herself as a fresh-faced teenaged cadet.
She said that letters appealing for help had failed to yield results but the sight of her injuries had a much more profound impact.
"Once everything else had failed, I decided to use my face."
Mukherjee says that her winnings may be welcome but they still will not be enough to cover all her medical bills.
"I won some money but I need much more for my treatment," she said.
Her determination not to be a victim has inspired viewers and members of the audience were in tears when she won the contest.
The host of the show, Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, called her "the epitome of courage" for "continuing her fight against all the odds".
"Sometimes we think that our lives are miserable, everything is against us and then (when) we come across someone like Sonali we realise how lucky we are and how much we have got going for us," he said on the show.
Mukherjee wants to use her high profile to campaign for fellow victims to push for specific legislation on acid attacks, which are currently covered by domestic violence laws that carry relatively light sentences.
In 2011, neighbouring Pakistan adopted legislation increasing the punishment to between 14 years and life for acid attacks and a minimum fine of one million Pakistan rupees ($10,200).
"The men who threw acid on me are roaming in the open but if there were stricter punishments then they would be behind bars," Mukherjee said.
Indian lawyer Aparna Bhatt, who has fought a legal battle in the Supreme Court for another acid victim, has filed a public petition seeking free medical treatment for acid victims and to regulate the sale of acid.
"India needs a new law to define acid crime in a far more comprehensive manner. There should be free medical care, rehabilitation for the victims," said Bhatt.
"Acid is a dangerous weapon."
Saturday, 22 December 2012
OMG!
Cody Simpson: I've had my own Justin Bieber vomiting moment - EXCLUSIVE
Teen star Cody Simpson was on tour with Justin Bieber when the whole vomiting on stageincident took place.
And the Aussie popstar told omg! that he's had his very own cringe moment whilst performing too.
He said: "I haven't thrown up [on stage] but I've had some embarrassing moments yes.
And the Aussie popstar told omg! that he's had his very own cringe moment whilst performing too.
He said: "I haven't thrown up [on stage] but I've had some embarrassing moments yes.
"One time I was filming this TV show and my pants ripped down the inside as I was dancing so I had to literally stand there with my legs closed for the rest of the song it was kinda embarrassing.
"I think only a couple of people notice but it's like the whole world noticed."
Ooopps. We kinda wish we'd been there to see that.
Talking about the time when poor Biebs puked during his act Cody said: "I was with him when he threw up on stage. He was a bit sick. He may have ate pretty close to doing all that dancing."
Vomming aside, Cody told us it's been a great experience accompanying Justin on the road. He said: "It was great. And I'm touring with him again next year so pretty excited about that. I did the first week of his tour and he asked me to stay."
And with his sixteenth birthday coming up in the New Year, we're pretty intrigued to see what kind of bash JB throws for him.
He said: "It's less than a month to go until my Sweet 16. I'll have a party back home in Australia with my mates and I'm actually on tour for my real birthday with Justin so I'm not sure what's going to go down on that day."
We hope it doesn't involve eating and then jumping around.
And with supporting Justin, releasing his album 'Paradise' and working on new music, Cody confesses he doesn't have much time for girls in his life and is currently single.
He told us his relationship with Kim Kardashian's step-sister Kylie Jenner is well and truly over, saying: "She's just a friend. Were just good mates. There's no relationship going on. I get asked this question a lot. We have been together in the past.
"Don't have much time for girlfriends but I obviously never stop looking."
And there's hope for us yet as the popstar from Down Under has revealed he's got his eye on a British girl.
He said: "Of course I'd wanna date a British girl. I love the accent. I don't have anyone in mind right now but I have heard that they're quite beautiful over there. I've been with a couple of British girls in my day."
And as Cody has hung out with some of our British stars like The Wanted, Cher LLoyd and Conor Maynard recently, we wanted to know whether any of their Britishness has rubbed off on him?
"I'm trying to keep as Australian as I can. I love my country and I get to go back there twice a year."
And he'll be making the most of his home this festive season, as he's told us he's going to be sunning himself throughout the festive period: "I'm excited to sit by the beach and hang out with my mates and go surfing and stuff. Not to make you jealous."
Well too late we are Cody, we are.
Cody Simpson is touring the UK & Europe next Spring. Here are the dates for your diary:
Tues 19 February Glasgow, Concert Hall
Sat 23 February Birmingham, Alexandra
Tues 26 February Dublin, Vicar Street
Fri 1 March London, Indigo2
Sun 3 March Manchester, Opera House
Sun 10 March Antwerp, Lotto
Tues 12 March Munich, Muffathalle
Weds 13 March Cologne, Live Music Hall
Thurs 14 March Utrecht, Tivoli
Talking about the time when poor Biebs puked during his act Cody said: "I was with him when he threw up on stage. He was a bit sick. He may have ate pretty close to doing all that dancing."
Vomming aside, Cody told us it's been a great experience accompanying Justin on the road. He said: "It was great. And I'm touring with him again next year so pretty excited about that. I did the first week of his tour and he asked me to stay."
And with his sixteenth birthday coming up in the New Year, we're pretty intrigued to see what kind of bash JB throws for him.
He said: "It's less than a month to go until my Sweet 16. I'll have a party back home in Australia with my mates and I'm actually on tour for my real birthday with Justin so I'm not sure what's going to go down on that day."
We hope it doesn't involve eating and then jumping around.
And with supporting Justin, releasing his album 'Paradise' and working on new music, Cody confesses he doesn't have much time for girls in his life and is currently single.
He told us his relationship with Kim Kardashian's step-sister Kylie Jenner is well and truly over, saying: "She's just a friend. Were just good mates. There's no relationship going on. I get asked this question a lot. We have been together in the past.
"Don't have much time for girlfriends but I obviously never stop looking."
And there's hope for us yet as the popstar from Down Under has revealed he's got his eye on a British girl.
He said: "Of course I'd wanna date a British girl. I love the accent. I don't have anyone in mind right now but I have heard that they're quite beautiful over there. I've been with a couple of British girls in my day."
And as Cody has hung out with some of our British stars like The Wanted, Cher LLoyd and Conor Maynard recently, we wanted to know whether any of their Britishness has rubbed off on him?
"I'm trying to keep as Australian as I can. I love my country and I get to go back there twice a year."
And he'll be making the most of his home this festive season, as he's told us he's going to be sunning himself throughout the festive period: "I'm excited to sit by the beach and hang out with my mates and go surfing and stuff. Not to make you jealous."
Well too late we are Cody, we are.
Cody Simpson is touring the UK & Europe next Spring. Here are the dates for your diary:
Tues 19 February Glasgow, Concert Hall
Sat 23 February Birmingham, Alexandra
Tues 26 February Dublin, Vicar Street
Fri 1 March London, Indigo2
Sun 3 March Manchester, Opera House
Sun 10 March Antwerp, Lotto
Tues 12 March Munich, Muffathalle
Weds 13 March Cologne, Live Music Hall
Thurs 14 March Utrecht, Tivoli
Kristen Stewart WILL be in Snow White sequel, while Rupert Sanders is DROPPED
Kristen Stewart WILL be in Snow White sequel, while Rupert Sanders is DROPPED
Kristen Stewart WILL reprise her role in the sequel of Snow White and the Hunstman while director Rupert Sanders has been DROPPED.
And it would seem Kristen couldn't be more 'f*cking excited', her words not ours.
Speaking to Indiewirem she said: "Oh, it's gonna be f**kin' amazing. No, I'm so excited about it, it's crazy."
However, the actress was careful to keep schtum about the finer details of the film.
"The other day I said that there was a strong possibility that we're going to make a sequel, and that's very true, but everyone was like, 'Whoa, stop talking about it'."
"So no, I'm totally not allowed to talk about it."
However, things aren't so 'f*cking amazing' for Rupert Sanders who has been DROPPED from the film.
Rupert directed Kristen in the first film and we all know what er, happened there.
Basically, the pair got all flirty on set and ended up having a bit of a fling.
Only trouble being that Rupert was married with children, and Kristen was living with her beau Robert Pattinson.
Cue one of the most shocking showbiz stories of the year. Source: OMG UK
Wednesday, 19 December 2012
My First Update! MISS UNIVERSE 2012
LAS VEGAS (AP) — A 20-year-old Boston University sophomore and a self-described "cellist-nerd" brought the Miss Universe crown back to the United States for the first time in more than a decade when she won the televised contest Wednesday.
Olivia Culpo beat out 88 other beauty queens to take the title from Leila Lopes of Angola during the two-hour competition at the Planet Hollywood casino on the Las Vegas Strip.
Culpo wore a tight navy blue mini-dress with a sequined bodice as she walked on stage for the competition's opening number. Later in the night, she strutted in a purple and blue bikini, and donned a wintery red velvet gown with a plunging neckline.
Culpo's coronation ends a long losing spell for the U.S. in the competition co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC. An American had not won the right to be called Miss Universe since Brook Lee won the title in 1997.
Culpo was good enough during preliminary competitions to be chosen as one of 16 semifinalists who moved on to compete in the pageant's finale. Her bid lasted through swimsuit, evening wear, and interview competitions that saw cuts after each round.
She won over the judges, even after tripping slightly during the evening gown competition. Telecasters pointed it out but also noted her poised recovery.
Minutes before the middle child of five was crowned, she was asked whether she had she had ever done something she regretted.
"I'd like to start off by saying that every experience no matter what it is, good or bad, you'll learn from it. That's just life," she said. "But something I've done I've regretted is probably picking on my siblings growing up, because you appreciate them so much more as you grow older."
Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon, came in second, while Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, placed third.
All the contestants spent the past two weeks in Sin City, where they posed in hardhats at a hotel groundbreaking, took a painting lesson, and pranked hotel guests by hiding in their rooms.
Culpo was the first Miss USA winner from Rhode Island when she took the national crown in Las Vegas in June.
She grew up in Cranston with two professional musicians for parents and has played the cello alongside world-renowned classical musician Yo-Yo Ma. On her Miss Universe page, she said she hopes to pursue a career in film or television, and cites Audrey Hepburn as a role model because of her "generosity, intelligence and grace."
With Culpo's promotion, Miss Maryland Nana Meriwether becomes the new Miss USA.
The Miss Universe pageant was back in Las Vegas this year after being held in Sao Paulo in 2011. It aired live on NBC and was streamed to more than 100 countries.
Organizers had considered holding the 61st annual Miss Universe in the popular Dominican Republic tourist city of Punta Cana, but Miss Universe Organization President Paula Shugart said that country's financial crisis proved to be too much of an obstacle.
The panel of 10 judges included singer Cee Lo Green, "Iron Chef" star Masaharu Morimoto and Pablo Sandoval of the San Francisco Giants.
Asked on the red carpet whether he found playing in the World Series or judging the beauty pageant to be more difficult, Sandoval said both were hard.
Sharply dressed women and men, including a large contingent from South America, held banners and cheered on their favorite contestants.
The pageant started as a local revue in Long Beach, Calif., organized by Catalina Swimwear. It is not affiliated with the Miss America pageant and unlike that contest, does not include a talent section.
Contestants in the pageant cannot have been married or have children. They must be younger than 27 and older than 18 by Feb. 1 of the competition year.
As Miss Universe, Culpo will receive an undisclosed salary, a wardrobe fit for a queen, a limitless supply of beauty products, and a luxury apartment in New York City. Source; Yahooomg.
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