The Insider: Contributed by poolparty

Janet Jackson Looks To The Past For "Make Me" Video

poolparty — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:28:38 GMT

Earlier this week Janet Jackson released "Number Ones," a career retrospective double album, spanning 34 tracks. Included in the package is the brand new song, "Make Me," which contains lyrical nods to brother Michael's hit, "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough." In the video Miss Jackson looks stunning, dances her heart out, and once again pays homage to her late brother, with sets that resemble those from their groundbreaking "Scream" video. Janet is scheduled to kickoff the 2009 American Music Awards with an 8-minute hits medley extravaganza this Sunday (11/22). Janet "Make Me"

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Rotation in Kings and Queens of Tweens

poolparty — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:03:04 GMT

Some of the biggest pop stars in the business began as tween idols, including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera. Presently Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers hold kiddy court, but are beginning to break out of tween fame as they mature. That is where 15 year old Justin Bieber comes in. He is riding the crest of change after becoming a YouTube sensation. New York police had to shut down an appearance at the Roosevelt Field Mall in Garden City, NY, after a tween crowd 3,000 strong lost their collective minds and began pushing and shoving while waiting for the golden child. Some fans had camped out overnight for the event. The mall melee sent 5 fans to the hospital with minor injuries. "I entered a local singing competition called Stratford Idol. The other people in the competition had been taking singing lessons and had vocal coaches. I wasn't taking it too seriously at the time, I would just sing around the house. I was only 12 and I got second place." "I put my singing videos from the competition on YouTube so that my friends and family could watch them, but it turned out that other people liked them and they started subscribing to them. That's how my manager found me. He saw me on YouTube and contacted my family and now I'm signed!" Justin Bieber In October of 2008, Justin Bieber officially signed to Island Records and released his debut album 'My World.' Justin Bieber 'One Time'

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Amy Winehouse Hospitalized For Implant Malfunction

poolparty — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:35:30 GMT

Oh dear. When it was reported earlier in the week that Amy Winehouse had been hospitalized, everyone assumed that the "Rehab" singer was back on the hard stuff. Turns out that one of Miss Winehouse's showroom new boobs had exploded. Amy's dad, Mitch, was helpful enough to give all the gory details to the British press: "It wasn't because she had a cold. She's fine, she just had a little (pointing to his chest) leaky something or other. She saw something oozing out on to her top. She was worried as they looked wonky and to see stuff seeping out was horrible." Mitch Winehouse Amy Winehouse "I Heard It Through The Grapevine"

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Record Pre-order Sales for Susan Boyle Album

poolparty — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 02:11:25 GMT

Amazon reported Welsh singing sensation Susan Boyle's album has racked up the highest pre-sale orders in their 14 year history. While they did not release sales figures, the pre-orders bode well for her album 'I Dreamed a Dream' due to be released November 24th. Ms. Boyle became an international star after appearing on 'Britain's Got Talent,' though she lost the competition in the final round. [Pre-order Album] "Susan's album is clearly capturing the hearts of our customers around the globe." Craig Pape, Amazon Senior Manager

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She Did It, Too

poolparty — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:47:28 GMT

“I have the same goal I've had ever since I was a little girl. I want to rule the world.” Madonna

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Oprah Plans to Exit Show

poolparty — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:36:43 GMT

Perhaps in a nod to the Mayans, Oprah Winfrey has announced plans to end her show September 9th, 2011 after 25 seasons. Winfrey and Discovery Networks have a partnership to launch the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), which she will program. It had been scheduled for 2009, and it purportedly will be going live in 2011. "Tomorrow, Oprah will announce live on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' that she has decided to end what is arguably one of the most popular, influential and enduring programs in television history." Tim Bennett, Harpo President Tom Cruise on Oprah

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Beyonc Calls On Lady Gaga For "Video Phone"

poolparty — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 21:02:51 GMT

Beyoncé enlists Lady Gaga to spice up her latest single, "Video Phone," and the results are fierce -- Sasha Fierce, that is. Beyoncé tries on a bunch of guises throughout the course of the video -- her Betty Page look being particularly inspired. Lady Gaga dons her most shocking outfit to date, which is a plain white leotard and minimal makeup. No headgear, gyroscopes, or bubble dresses in sight. Just Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta stripped of her Gaga-ness. Next up for the dynamic duo is a collaboration on Lady Gaga's forthcoming album "The Fame Monster" titled "Telephone." Beyoncé & Lady Gaga "Video Phone"

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Jay-Z Tops Billboard Hot 100

poolparty — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:36:49 GMT

Jay-Z garnered his 4th Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit with a little help from his friends - superstar songstress Alicia Keys. 'Empire State of Mind' is also Alicia Keys 4th #1 song. "The average rap life is two or three albums. You're lucky to get to your second album in rap." Jay-Z Jay-Z has released 11 studio albums, 4 compilation albums, 3 collaboration albums and 46 singles and music videos. [Discography] Jay-z feat. Alicia Keys - 'Empire State Of Mind'

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Kathy Griffin Gives It Up for Rosie's Kids

poolparty — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 22:04:09 GMT

The Emmy award winning Queen of Comedy Kathy Griffin is offering 4 tickets to her stand-up performance in NYC and a meet and greet backstage to raise funds for Rosie's Broadway Kids. While her show 'Life on the D-List ' on Bravo is still running strong, Kathy Griffin has ascended to the A-List as one of the top comedy acts in business today. She recently released a best-selling autobiography, 'Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin.'[Order Book] Rosie O'Donnell founded the organization, dedicated to enriching the lives of children through the arts. Using professional teaching artists, Rosie's Broadway Kids provides instruction in dance, music and drama and a professional theater experience for children who might otherwise not have the opportunity. Its goal is to inspire excellence, motivate learning, uplift the human spirit, and instill a lifelong appreciation for the arts. Bid on the live performance and meet and great experience on Charitybuzz. [Bid Here] Kathy Griffin 'Balls of Steel'

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Taylor Lautner Now in Convenient Hand-Held Size

poolparty — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 00:28:05 GMT

Actor and current It-Boy Taylor Lautner now comes in a convenient hand held size just in time for the holidays. Twilight co-stars Rob Pattinson and Kristen Stewart already were dolled-up last summer, so a complete set can be had for under $100. Bring them all along to view the latest chapter of the Twilight saga, New Moon, to be released November 20th. Now that Taylor Swift has been named the CMA Entertainment of the Year, Taylor is now the coolest name running for both guys and gals. New Moon Trailer

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Rihanna Pulls The Trigger In "Roulette" Video

poolparty — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 19:09:23 GMT

Rihanna gets arty in her latest video, "Russian Roulette," directed by Anthony Mandler. The beautifully shot video contains loads of visual metaphors which seem to reference Ri Ri's abusive relationship with Chris Brown. Interestingly, this is the second music video in less than a week (the other video being Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance") to feature the product placement of a pair of speakers dubbed "Parrot" by French designer Phillipe Starck. Yours for only $1600 @ Saks. Rihanna "Russian Roulette"

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He's So Right

poolparty — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 05:08:31 GMT

"If you're walking down the right path and you're willing to keep walking, eventually you'll make progress." President Barack Obama

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Carrie Prejean Blows Larry King

poolparty — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 02:17:44 GMT

Disgraced ex-beauty queen Carrie Prejean had a disastrous appearance on the Larry King show. She was clearly over-coached and under-served by media handlers. While most controversial figures in the news go to Larry King to tell their side of a story, Carrie was more interested in hawking her book than setting things straight. She did the equivalent of putting her fingers in her ears while Mr. King tried to talk her down from the PR ledge. She clearly preferred to go down in flames rather than articulate her version of the events that led to her losing the Miss USA crown and her own Miss California crown. “The public is finally getting a glimpse of the real Carrie Prejean who lives in her own delusional world. The childish behavior, her negative attitude, the sarcasm and condescending tone, the disrespect and continual lying she is demonstrating now is only a fraction of what we endured during her reign and after. Anyone who buys her book is supporting a woman who is actually the opposite of everything she claims to be. I sincerely hope she is able to get the psychological help I believe she has shown to clearly need.” Keith Lewis, Executive Director of Miss California Carrie Prejean on Larry King

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Meet Oprah and Help Change the World

poolparty — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 21:22:53 GMT

Talk show host Oprah Winfrey has donated two VIP tickets to a taping of 'The Oprah Winfrey Show', a meet and greet backstage and a signed head shot to benefit the Chevy Chase Green Community Schools. Don't expect this experience to come cheap, however, as bidding on Charitybuzz has already reached $12,100 with 6 days left to go. [Bid Here] The GREEN Community Schools Model initiative will transform school buildings into centers for green development. GCSM combines the resources of non-profits, corporations, government agencies, educational institutions, private individuals and community members in order to spread environmental literacy and awareness. MadTV 'Oprah Giving Away Money'

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Lady Gaga 'Bad Romance' Video

poolparty — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:39:49 GMT

Lady GaGa 'Bad Romance'

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Robbie Williams Enters The Looking Glass

poolparty — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:57:15 GMT

After struggling with drug addiction over the past few years, Robbie Williams is back with a new album out this month titled, "Reality Killed the Video Star." It will most likely get zero coverage in America, while becoming a huge hit everywhere else in the world. Here is the second single, "You Know Me," featuring Robbie in a bunny suit. As the Brits would say, it's all rather cheeky -- in a good way, of course. Robbie Williams "You Know Me"

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That Ain't RIght

poolparty — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 17:50:48 GMT

"Dogs never bite me. Just humans." Marilyn Monroe

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