Posts from the Sound Bytes Category at TMZ.com

You know you're a pop culture junkie if you can list all five American Idol winners from memory. You're a full-blown addict if you can list them in chronological order. I shocked myself this afternoon when I was able to do both.

All the hype leading up to tonight's kick-off episode got me reflecting on the phenomenal franchise. I can't claim to have watched every episode. I'm pretty sure I skipped all of season three and most of four.

However, despite my past viewing habits, I have to admit some strange curiosity to tune in for season six. I have to admit that I like being in on the conversations the next day and enjoy the surprises. There's bound to be another William Hung and hopefully a few more .

At times I've made fun of the show as a glorified karaoke contest and lamented the lack of media coverage for musicians who actually write and perform their own songs, touring the country and making it big "the old fashioned" way. But, love it or hate it, you simply cannot deny - at least from a commercial/pop music perspective - the tremendous success born from the show. Even through her " " the other day, Paula Abdul made at least one salient point: The show has churned out performers who've moved units in a record industry that as a whole during the same time period has struggled.

Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Hicks have sold millions and millions of records. The runners up haven't done too bad either. The depth of the show's roster is also impressive.

As has shown, it is not just the winners at the top kicking butt in their post-Idol careers. As Randy Jackson recently said, as long as they keep finding talent, the show will go on. Idol is under contract through 2009, and if things continue as they have been, there is no reason to think it won't be around for years after that.

You may see some subtle changes as time goes on, but when you have a cash cow of this size, you have to be a fool to stop milking it. And, most of us, myself included, are likely to keep drinking. So, tune in or get that TIVO ready.

Like it or not, Simon, Randy and Paula (and God help us, Ryan too) are back ...

and are likely here to stay.

Butt-Head, that ever wise pop culture commentator, once said that Michael Bolton "could probably make any kind of music suck." I'm certainly not going to argue with that.

After murdering various soul classics over the years, Michael now has his eye on a new genre: opera. Yes, the man the Isley Brothers probably sued for crimes of the ear more than for the copyright violations they , is looking to become the Pavarotti of Pop. He's recorded his favorite arias and is now threatening to unleash the results on the public.

In his own words, Bolton states "I hope you will feel the rapture of this classic, timeless music created for all of us to enjoy. And I hope you will join me in sharing what has become - and remained until now - my secret love, my secret passion." Seriously .

.. he actually said that.

I guess likes the sensitive type. It won't be the first time Michael tried to stretch himself (or at least his pants). Remember when he ?

I forgot too ...

my apologies for reminding you. If you're adventurous, the DVD "Michael Bolton: My Secret Passion" hits stores January 30.

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VH1 has expanded their " " franchise by adding a new game show, "The Surreal Life Fame Games," that premiered this past Sunday. The show pits celebrities in various contests, including Vanilla Ice, Poison's C.C.

Deville, Pepa and . If the opening episode is any indication, we'll see plenty of "reality" as the series unfolds.
Indeed, within a few hours of filming the very first episode, things got real for former New Kid on the Block, Knight received a call saying his grandmother died.

He told cast members he had to leave, and before the first show was in the can -- he was gone. Rumors swirled on the web that Jordan simply wanted out, but one cast member tells TMZ that they believe the call was legit.
An internet report published this morning indicated that a judge ruled in favor of Mariah Carey in her attempt to prevent adult star Mary Carey from trademarking the stage moniker she's been using for years.

According to Mary's attorney, who is assisting her with the trademark application, the report is not true. There has not been a ruling in the case.
Indeed, Mary hasn't even filed her response to Mariah's objection.

Mary has plenty of time to file that response before a Judge would normally rule. So, as of now, there is no ruling saying Mary Carey cannot trademark her stage name and we're told the web report indicating otherwise is being taken down. Although she hasn't filed her formal, official response with the trademark office, you'll recall Mary already with us on Mariah's attempted intervention into the trademark process.

As for Mariah, besides being busy trying to make sure no one confuses her with a porn star, she's going to reveal a few things to Playboy in March. But, she won't be emancipating any body parts. Ms.

Mariah won't be posing nude, but a source tells us she will be on the cover as she's interviewed in the issue and history shows that Playboy cover models are typically scantily clad. So, we'll see if Mariah comes out looking more like Mimi or Mary when it hits new stands in a couple months.

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Obviously, Britney Spears hasn't had the best run of publicity lately.

Even though she (or whoever wrote the " " on her website) might think the media has been unfair to her -- there's no shortage of people who agree she's been on a downward spiral. Indeed, some fans seem to be from the USS Britney -- and reports claim that no PR flacks will work for her since her most recent publicist went overboard.

There are some folks sticking with Brit: her record label.

Despite reports circulating to the contrary, a rep for Jive Records tells TMZ that there are no plans to drop Britney from the label, saying, "Jive's relationship with Britney is just fine. She continues to be one of our biggest worldwide artists and we remain 1,000 percent committed to her career."
No doubt Brit's latest web missive, which includes her expressed desire to finish her record, is meant not only to reassure her fans, but is likely an attempt to assuage any possible doubts at Jive about her commitment to restart her career.

I have no doubt that when the new stuff hits the stores, she'll still be able to move some units. However, there is no word on when the record will actually see the light of day. Until then, we'll just have to keep our pants on .

.. now if only Britney will do the same!

Justin Timberlake is proving over and over that he's no dummy. He's put out a brilliant record, managed a high profile romance and brought the house down on all his .

But, even the big names like Timberlake can use some additional juice to take their game a little higher. For his upcoming video for " " the new King of Pop managed have Ms. Golden Globes herself, cast as the leading lady.

Bob Dylan learned first hand that young Scarlett spruces up a video. Dylan utilized Johansson's smoldering sex appeal to bring even more visual depth to the haunting " ." It is a wise move on Justin's part to feature Scarlett in the video.

There's no question that her appearance will draw extra attention to the . And, even if not true, there's bound to be some speculation on a JT-Johansson hook-up. Nothing better for a guy's rep as a player than that kind of story floating around!

Meanwhile, You-tubers continue to insist on making their own videos for this song, with most of the submissions . While some of the home made versions aren't too bad, I'm thinking the real thing with Ms. Scarlett is going to come out quite nice.

Now, if he can just get her to come on out on the road with him. I'm already looking forward to seeing JT on tour, particularly if he brings this . But, I'd pay double if Scarlett was rolling around on stage!

There's no question that 2006 was a big year for Bob Dylan. Given his storied career, that is saying something. He released what is arguably the album of the year in "Modern Times," scored a ton of new fans from the "younger generation" and with three Grammy nominations (including one for best Modern Folk/Americana Album of the Year) Dylan was looking toward a bright 2007.

But, some potential storm clouds rolled in just as the year came to a close -- in the form of the latest flick from Bob and Harvey Weinstein called "Factory Girl."
The film stars the Sienna Miller. Miller, who found interesting ways to prepare for the role, including reportedly , portrays Edie Sedgwick, a (was she our first Paris Hilton?

) who starred in several Andy Warhol films. Somewhere along the line in her underground film career, Sedgwick struck up a friendship with Dylan and she is thought by some to be an inspiration for a couple of songs on his blockbuster "Blonde on Blonde" record. Rumors swirled that Sedgwick had romantic feelings for the troubadour, but historical coverage on the pair indicates there is no direct evidence of a romantic relationship.

However, some think the film links Sedgwick dying of a drug overdose in 1971 to her crushed ego when she learned that .
Apparently there was enough of a suggestion to cause Dylan's attorney to fire off a letter asking to see the film before it aired, and raise the specter of a lawsuit for defamation. Some cuts were made before its final release this past weekend, but there is no confirmation that any changes came from Dylan's concerns.

Interestingly, the film uses "real life" names for all the characters except for a musician remarkably similar to Dylan. Bob's attorney reportedly informed the Weinsteins that just because Dylan wasn't specifically named, there was still a possibility for legal action given the similarities between the fictional musician and his client. Now that the film is out, time will tell if Dylan pulls the trigger on filing a claim.

His attorney told TMZ that they are not commenting on the film at this time.

While compiling lists has been a human fascination for centuries, this year has seen an explosion of "lists" in the pop culture world, and particularly in music.

Making lists is fun, but I think that arguing over them is even more fun. The pure subjective nature of list-making sets the table for arguments that can never be truly settled. In other words, they are content fillers and conversation starters, and everyone got in on the act this year.

Our friends at Blender have perfected listmania this year, with such gems as the " " and " ." Other compilations ranged from the general ( ) to the very specific ( ) and it seems a new list . Of course, this time of year is always a period of reflection with "best of 2006" lists popping up everywhere.

So, in the spirit of bandwagon jumping, here is my list of the Top 5 Year End Lists for 2006:
5 - " " by Pitchfork. For the uninitiated, Pitchfork seems to pride itself as a coffee klatch of music snobs who go out of their way to use very big words to belittle artists and pat themselves on the back for their taste-making prowess. Rarely would you see "top 40" or mainstream artists mentioned in a favorable light.

But, Pitchfork came down from its high horse to recognize Mr. Timberlake for their top track of the year. As I've said, nobody is doing it better than JT right now.

So, here's to you, Pitchfork, for taking your collective noses out of the air to enjoy some pure pop gold.
4 - " " by Rivers Cuomo. Although the this year, it seems Rivers still has an eye (or at least an ear) for the ladies.

Nelly Furtado, Danity Kane, Shakira, Cassie and JoJo all have the "stuff" Rivers likes. Nice choices, but this one really makes my list for the title alone.
3 - " " by Popmatters.

First, this is generally just a great site. After all, pop really does matter. But, in a world of pop culture where glorified karaoke singers from American Idol sell more records than people who can actually write and perform their own songs, it is nice to see true artists recognized somewhere.

2 - by About.com. Paris Hilton's "The Stars are Blind" tops this well done slate of pop poison pills.

It seemed like the only one who really enjoyed this little diddy was . Indeed, after a few listens the stars no doubt wished they were deaf, not blind. But even better than their choice for most annoying song is the sage advice dished out to Paris' most surprising BFF of 2006, Britney Spears: "Keep Paris far from the studio.

" Now, that is a New Year's resolution I can get behind.
1 - " " by the L.A.

Times. If the pen is mightier than the sword, the caustic wit employed by the Times in this annotation is a nuclear weapon. Bombs get dropped on Janet, Fergie, Dave Navarro's Panic Channel and more.

After all, what's a "best of" list if you don't trash anyone?! And, yes, , our man Fed-Ex made the cut for putting out some of the worst music this year.

Something tells me he might be back for more in 2007...

see you then!

Justin Timberlake has reportedly said that his song "What Comes Around.

../.

..Goes Around," from his smash record, is not about Britney Spears.

But, both a quick glance and a study of the lyrics make me think JT did have some inspiration from Britney on this one.
For example, here's a verse and part of the chorus:
Is this the way things are going down?
Is this how we say goodbye?

Should've known better when you came around (should've known better that you were gonna make me cry)
That you were going to make me cry
Now it's breaking my heart to watch you run around
'Cause I know that you're living a lie
But that's okay baby 'cause in time you will find

What goes around, goes around, goes around
Comes all the way back around
That sure sounds like a reference to someone . Many songwriters get ideas for their work based on actual experiences. This song can't be about his time with Cameron, given that they are still seemingly going strong.

Nope, this song, judging by the lyrics in their entirety, is about hurt and disappointment that can typically only come from a first true-love-gone-wrong scenario.

It is a terrifically done song that explores emotional depths few of us men are willing to even think about, let alone put out for public consumption. JT owns this tune because he seems to deliver it with the feeling of someone who's been there.

Maybe he isn't singing about Britney on this one, but that kind of hurt had to come from somewhere.
Even if it isn't about her, the song is at least a bit of a metaphor for how things have gone for each of them since their breakup in 2002. Britney is obviously still in a .

Justin, on the other hand, is skyrocketing. He's been a "star" for some time. Now he's reaching new heights and is unquestionably the new "King of Pop.

" JT is even getting some love from . I was one of those who , but from last weekend's Saturday Night Live appearance show how much he's grown as an artist and a professional. Something his ex hasn't shown any signs of lately.

Noel Gallagher of has never been one to shy away from self-promotion, and the one thing he seems to like to do even more than tooting his own horn, is to . His latest targets include President Bush, Tony Blair, Green Day and Kate Moss' fiance .
In an interview you'll find in the latest issue of , when asked his opinion of Mr.

Doherty, Noel says:
Ouch, tell us how you really feel Noel. Kate's man, however, isn't Noel's only target. Noel also slags his bandmates for ingesting cheap drugs and takes on the boys in .

Noel seems to think Billy Joe and company need to be knocked off their high horse:
"They consider themselves to be - and I quote - "a kick-ass rock 'n' roll band." They could not be less kick-ass if they tried."
Wait, that's not all .

.. Noel goes even further and calls Green Day musical thieves, saying, "they ripped off one of my songs!

" The singer believes that Green Day's big hit, "Boulevard of Broken Dreams," has a strikingly similar arrangement to Oasis' smash, "Wonderwall." Wow, it's one thing to say a band is overrated, but quite another to say they've ripped off your tune. We'll see if Billy Joe (also not afraid to speak out) responds.

Of course, Noel doesn't seem to care who responds to his rants, he just seems like to hear himself talk. Get the rest of Noel's unvarnished self-indulgence in the January issue of Stuff, on newsstands now.
Halle Berry is one of those hotties who can do just about anything she wants and we'll eat it up. Whether it's an action film or a serious role, Halle lights up the big screen in a way few in Hollywood can.

But, can she sing?
A rumor is floating around the net that A lot of people's first reaction is "Halle NOOO!!

!!!

" Too many times we've seen big screen stars pick up the mic and, shall we say, " ." I mean, we all remember recording career, right? Or, Halle's "Monster's Ball" co-star ?

Ok, I don't remember either. That's because some people shouldn't quit their day jobs or try to " ." Is Halle one of them?

She did play and , so I guess it's possible she could be up for giving it a go.
It has been quite a week for "You" already. First, "You" have been named Time Magazine's " .

" That's a pretty cool honor, but it might not be enough to get you into Hyde or on Star Catcher, but this just might: You can duet with Justin Timberlake at the Grammys!
The interactive Web 2.0 era is filled with , but this is a huge deal.

The Grammy Awards are the biggest night in music, and it is difficult (and considered an honor) for established acts to perform on the show. So, being completely unknown and getting to sing at the Grammys with one of the top pop stars of the day is nothing to sneeze at. If this opportunity isn't a career launcher, I don't know what is.

The Recording Academy's " " contest allows you to upload a video of your vocal stylings for the world to see and judge. This certainly has an "Idol" flavor, but there is no Simon Cowell to tell you to give it all up because you can't sing. Rather, a Grammy panel will select the finalists, and the public votes to pick the winner.

If you don't want to be a singer, you can play critic. While voting won't start until after the finalists are selected, you can start shaping opinion by leaving your comments on the performances as they are uploaded.
"All of you contestants out there should look at this as more than just a chance to duet with me, because it's really an opportunity to begin your career as a superstar.

And I'll be there to help coach you along."
; JT is such a good egg. If you want to sing with Justin, get your tapes in quick, submissions close Janaury 3rd and you must sing a Grammy-winning .

Good luck and hope to see you on stage! Oh, and if you do win and get to club at Hyde be nice to our boys !
CBS is getting back into the music business after a nearly two-decade absence.

One of their last projects before selling their Columbia label to Sony in the late 80s was Michael Jackson's "Thriller" -- one of the highest-selling records in history. Given that huge hit, it was a bit of a shock at the time to see them get out of the game, but maybe someone there knew what they were doing. Since that time, the music industry has struggled a bit, and for the most part, it's still trying to find its way in the digital and Internet era.

Don't expect CBS to jump right back into the old way of doing business.
Apparently learning from watching the remaining dinosaur labels lumber through lawsuits over downloads and shrinking CD sales, CBS is reinventing its label with a new model. Initially, CBS will focus on digital sales for new acts and forgo major budget releases, which can be risky ventures.

A key to the new venture's success will be CBS' use of their own newly-signed and future acts as featured music in their television programming. Not even counting daytime television, CBS has over 2,000 unique song placement opportunities. There will also be synergy opportunities with its Showtime network's stable of original programming, including the critically acclaimed "Weeds.

" CBS has also been a leader in the new media market with its " ," which will likely serve as a platform to showcase its new artists.
Despite its history and large corporate backing, the CBS label smartly intends to act very much like an indie imprint. (who along with pop troubadour and indie rock band are the initial signings to the new label) says the approach is "totally exciting.

" Dailey likes the idea of being on a major label without feeling like a cog in the major label system that runs down so many artists. Will is already benefiting from CBS's synergy strategy, as he was featured in a recent episode of " ," their primetime post-apocalyptic drama series starring Skeet Ulrich.
The label will hit the ground running and expects to sign another handful of acts in 2007.

Their scaled down and nimble approach of focusing on digital sales first may be just what the doctor ordered for an ailing industry. Of course, having a slate of popular television shows in which to place your songs is a nice place to start.

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