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Beyonce Lip-Synching: Mike Doughty Pens Opinion Piece on 'Non-Scandal'

Contessa Gayles — 2013-01-24T10:43:00 00:00

Filed under: Soul/R&B, R&B News, Say What!

AP | WireImage

As the debate over whether or not Beyonce was lip-synching during her performance of the national anthem at President Obama's inauguration ceremony on Monday (Jan. 21) rages on, one fellow recording artist has presented his take on the controversy.

In an opinion piece for Slate entitled, "Beyonce Wasn't Lip-Syncing: A professional musician goes deep on the inaugural non-scandal," singer-songwriter and former Soul Coughing frontman Mike Doughty vehemently defends Queen B.

"That lady was singing live," he insists. "She sang to a prerecorded track -- a canned band -- and perhaps there was a guide vocal in her earpiece, audible only to her, but that was absolutely a genuine performance."

Robin Gibb Estate: Staggering Value of Late Bee Gee's Assets Revealed

Contessa Gayles — 2012-10-23T08:29:00 00:00

Filed under: News, R.I.P.

Ian Gavan, Getty Images

The Bee Gees' Robin Gibb apparently amassed a huge fortune during his celebrated career with the band and as a solo artist. The legendary singer passed away at the age of 62 after losing his battle with cancer back in May. Now, the value of the estate he left behind has been revealed.

According The Sun, Robin's property portfolio includes a $24 million family home in Oxfordshire, England, a $4.1 million beach house in Miami, Fla. and a $12.8 million London property.

While it could take up to five years for lawyers to uncover more of Gibb's assets abroad, his estimated $148 million fortune will be divided among his wife Dwina and kids Melissa, Spencer and RJ. "Probate could take years to sort out. No one but Claire's received anything so far," an insider says.

Barry Gibb's Eulogy for Robin

Additionally, his housekeeper Claire Yang, with whom he fathered daughter Snow, is said to have received an $8 million settlement prior to Gibb's death. Land registry records also reportedly reveal Yang was gifted a $1.3 million house in Oxfordshire.

Craig Nicholls Arrested: Vines Frontman Booked for Allegedly Assaulting His Mother

Contessa Gayles — 2012-10-16T08:35:00 00:00

Filed under: News, Holy Hell

Chung Sung-Jun, Getty Images

The Vines frontman Craig Nicholls was arrested over the weekend at his home in Sydney, Australia over allegations he physically assaulted his mother.

Police were called on Saturday (Oct. 13) after the Aussie singer, 35, reportedly punched his mom twice in the head at the family's Terry Street home. Nicholls, who has Asperger's syndrome, attempted to resist arrest in an alleged violent rampage that left a policeman injured.

"He tried to evade police and [a] violent struggle ensued," Hurstville police Inspector Robert Duncan told The Sydney Morning Herald. "A police officer suffered grazes, cuts and bruises to both elbows and knees and was treated at St. George Hospital," he said.

Annie Lennox Married for Third Time: Singer Weds Dr. Mitch Besser in Boat Ceremony

Contessa Gayles — 2012-09-18T09:45:00 00:00

Filed under: News

Dan Kitwood, Getty Images

Annie Lennox is taking another shot at "'til death do us part." At age 57, the Scottish singer-songwriter has tied the knot for a third time. She exchanged vows with American gynecologist Dr. Mitch Besser, also 57, this past Saturday (Sept. 15).

According to Mail Online, Annie and Mitch married during a private boat ceremony on England's Thames River. Among the couple's 150 guests was Oscar winner Colin Firth, while Lennox's daughters, Lola, 22, and Tali, 19, served as her bridesmaids.

Besser founded mothers2mothers, an Africa-based nonprofit dedicated to preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV. Annie, known for her work with HIV/AIDS organizations, met her Harvard-educated doctor in 2009 while fundraising for the charity.

Bestival Bus Crash Leaves Three Dead, Many More Injured

Contessa Gayles — 2012-09-11T09:45:00 00:00

Filed under: News, R.I.P.

Peter Macdiarmid, Getty Images

For over 50 concertgoers, the U.K.'s Bestival 2012 ended in tragedy. A driver and two passengers were killed, and 50 people were injured when a bus returning from the music festival overturned on the A3 in Surrey, England just before midnight on Monday (Sept. 10).

Fans of acts including Stevie Wonder, Florence + the Machine and many more were exiting the four-day festival on England's Isle of Wight when their 51-seat bus crashed into a tree and flipped over near the Hindhead Tunnel in Surrey. Inspector Richard Mallett of Surrey police's traffic division told the London Evening Standard the accident was so serious that "Every survivor was taken to hospital."

"Some of the injuries are so severe that people may lose limbs," Mallett said. "There are people with life-changing injuries. The effect of these will go on for years our hearts go out to their families."

Lena Dunham Dating fun. Guitarist Jack Antonoff?

Contessa Gayles — 2012-09-05T10:15:00 00:00

Filed under: News

Getty Images

According to an Us Weekly source, "Girls" creator and star Lena Dunham is dating fun. guitarist Jack Antonoff!

"They're trying to keep it a secret," Dunham's "pal" told Us ... So it makes total sense that the friend went and told a celebrity gossip magazine about it.

Rufus Wainwright Marries Jorn Weisbrodt in Montauk Wedding

Contessa Gayles — 2012-08-24T08:40:00 00:00

Filed under: News

Paul Zimmerman, Getty Images

Rufus Wainwright wed his longtime partner, Jorn Weisbrodt, in a ceremony at his Montauk, N.Y. home yesterday (Aug. 23).

According to the New York Post, the 39-year-old musician and his theater-producer fiancé exchanged their vows in front of 250 guests, including Lou Reed, Julianne Moore, Yoko Ono, Carrie Fisher and Mark Ronson.

Artist Marina Abramovic and comedian Irving Benson both made speeches during the reception, held at the Clam Bar in nearby Napeague.

Michael Jackson Will Fake? Singer's Family Questions Document's Authenticity in Scathing New Letter

Contessa Gayles — 2012-07-18T09:55:00 00:00

Tim Whitby, Getty Images

In a scathing five-page letter, Michael Jackson's family has accused the executors of his estate, John Branca and John McClain, of forging his will and have called for their immediate resignation.

In the letter, obtained by Celebuzz.com, the late King of Pop's siblings, Janet, Rebbie, Tito, Randy and Jermaine Jackson write, ''At the time we couldn't possibly fathom what is so obvious to us now: that the Will, without question, it's Fake, Flawed and Fraudulent." The letter continues, ''Since the passing of Michael, our beloved brother, you have failed to perform your duties as executors of his estate, but what you have not failed at is taking advantage of a grieving mother, father and a grieving family."

MJ's siblings go on to state that they have proof that their brother never signed the document in question. ''The Will that you presented did not have our brother's signature on it, nor did it have a signature page attached to it. When asked about the missing signature page, John Branca replied, 'it was on its way, and you were having just a little problem finding it.' Amongst many other inconsistencies in the Will, there is also a conflict around Michael's location on the day he supposedly signed the Will, July 7, 2002. We have evidence that undoubtedly supports and proves that Michael was absolutely not in Los Angeles, California, on the date of his signature reflected in the Will at-hand.''

''Our brother told us, in no uncertain terms and without hesitation in the months prior to his death, that he despised both of you and that he did not want either of you to have anything to do with his life or estate for that matter," the Jackson siblings claim.

Arctic Monkeys' Jamie Cook Engaged: Rocker to Wed Model Katie Downes

Contessa Gayles — 2012-07-18T08:20:00 00:00

Filed under: News

Kevin Winter, Getty Images for Coachella

Congratulations to Jamie Cook and his new fiancée, glamour model Katie Downes! The Arctic Monkeys guitarist and his longtime love are engaged.

"I'm so made up -- excited and happy," Downes, who regularly poses topless as a Page Three girl in U.K. tabloids, told The Sun.

Jamie, 27, and Katie, 28, have been dating since 2006 after meeting at a party in Katie's native Liverpool, England.

'Somebody That I Used to Know'/'Call Me Maybe' Mash-up: Pomplamoose Cover Combines Two Catchiest Songs EVER

Contessa Gayles — 2012-07-17T11:27:00 00:00

Filed under: News

Getty Images

Just when you thought you had successfully cleared both Gotye's infectious "Somebody That I Used to Know" and Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" from your head, Pomplamoose is here to set you back to square one. The indie duo just dropped a mash-up to end all mash-ups -- the mash-up apocalypse, if you will -- of the two catchiest songs of the year!

Multi-instrumentalists Jack Conte and Nataly Dawn are the evil geniuses plotting to take over our our ears, and the Internet, with the new viral video. And when Pomplamoose named the track "Do Not Push," they meant it. As soon as you press "play," brace yourselves! You've been forewarned ... listen to the Gotye/Carly Rae Jepsen mash-up, below.

Elton John Ponders Quitting Music to Raise His Son

Contessa Gayles — 2012-07-16T13:00:00 00:00

Filed under: News

Snapper, Bauer-Griffin

Elton John may be ready to cast his epic showbiz career aside. The first-time father has revealed that as his son Zachary gets older, he's thinking more and more about leaving the music industry to become a full-time, stay-at-home father!

''While I'm feeling good, I'm going to keep working," the 65-year-old music icon told the BBC, before admitting, "When Zachary goes to school, that's another different thing." The father of the 19-month old boy insists he's determined to be a hands-on dad. ''I want to take him to school and I want to pick him up. I don't want to miss that part of his childhood.''

Axl Rose Falls in France: Guns N' Roses Singer's Second Stage Tumble in a Month -- Video

Contessa Gayles — 2012-06-20T09:35:00 00:00

Filed under: Concerts and Tours, News, Video

PA Photos

At this point, we can probably add falling on stage to our list of things Axl Rose hates. The Guns N' Roses singer took to the stage at the Hellfest festival in Clisson, France on Saturday (June 16), only to bite it hard before the opening line of "Sweet Child o' Mine."

The face-plant is Axl's second stage fall in less than a month. Previously, the rocker was left nursing a nasty bruise on the back of his leg and had to seek medical attention after tripping and falling backwards during a show in Liverpool, England.

This time, Rose attempted to climb onto a raised platform, but took a tumble forward after losing his footing. Watch the embarrassing misstep in the video below.

Chris Brown, Drake Fight: Singer Left Bloody After Altercation With Rapper's Entourage -- Photos

Contessa Gayles — 2012-06-14T16:00:00 00:00

Filed under: News, Holy Hell

Getty Images

UPDATE: A representative for Drake released this statement, which details the rapper's exit from the venue before a fight occurred. "Drake did not participate in any wrongdoing of any kind last night at W.i.P.," the rep stated. "He was on his way out of the club when the altercation began. [Drake] did not engage in any activity which resulted in injury to person or damage to property."

Original story below.

Chris Brown and Drake have come to blows ... as if no one saw that one coming! As TMZ reports, the feuding singer and rapper, and their respective entourages, got into it at New York nightclub W.I.P. early this morning (June 14).

NYPD arrived on the scene after receiving a phone call between 4AM and 5AM. The violent altercation left five with minor injuries, including bruises and lacerations, although no charges have been filed.

Michael Jackson Love Letter to Lisa Marie Presley Removed From Auction at Her Request

Contessa Gayles — 2012-05-30T08:30:00 00:00

Filed under: News

AFP/Getty Images

The auction house specializing in relics of superstars passed, Julien's Auction in Beverly Hills, Calif., has lost a key item in their upcoming Michael Jackson sale, thanks to the late icon's ex-wife, Lisa Marie Presley. The rock offspring has demanded the removal of a desperate letter written to her by Michael during their brief, yet highly publicized marriage. The note details MJ's intense battle with insomnia, which led to his reliance on sleep medication and eventual overdose in 2009.

"Lisa I truly need this rest I haven't slept litterally (sic) in 4 days now," the hand-written note reads, as pictured here on TMZ. "I need to be away from phones and business people. I must take care of my health first. I'm crazy for you. Love, Turd." MJ continued in childlike handwriting, reportedly penned between 1993 and 1996.

Paul McCartney, '30 Rock' Cameo: Beatle Slaps Alec Baldwin Across the Face (VIDEO)

Contessa Gayles — 2012-04-27T08:20:00 00:00

Filed under: News, Pop Culture, Television

Dave M. Benett, Getty Images

Paul McCartney is used to bringing crowds to their feet during live shows, but last night the rock legend took on another type of live performance. The Beatle was the surprise guest of honor on the second ever live episode of NBC's "30 Rock" last night (April 26).

The 69-year-old was introduced by Kenneth (Jack McBrayer), who escorted Sir Paul to Kabletown executive Jack Donaghy's (Alec Baldwin) private bathroom. McCartney waved to the show's audience before slapping a star-struck Donaghy across the face to bring him back down to earth!

Baldwin later took to his Twitter account to mark the moment as one of the most memorable of his career. "To be slapped on live TV by Sir Paul ... File that in my diary under perfect," he wrote. The singer-songwriter later appeared in a scene where he confessed he'd experienced memory loss after slipping and hitting his head in the bathroom. Cue Liz Lemon (Tina Fey), who tries to convince the rock icon that he's her boyfriend!

McCartney's cameo was a one-time only affair. He joined the cast for the East Coast live broadcast, but was replaced by none other than reality TV star Kim Kardashian for the West Coast audience a few hours later. Baldwin didn't tweet about Kim.

Gotye Vs. 'Glee': Singer Disses 'Somebody That I Used to Know' Cover as 'Dinky, Wrong'

Contessa Gayles — 2012-04-23T11:30:00 00:00

Filed under: News, Television

David Wolff-Patrick, Redferns

As reported by AOL Music, currently No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Gotye's Kimbra-assisted track "Somebody That I Used To Know" is as popular as ever. That may be thanks, at least in part, to "Glee"s cover of the tune, featured in April 10's "Big Brother" episode. But Gotye is not exactly singing the "Glee" cast's praises. In fact, the Aussie singer publicly blasted the cover in two recent interviews.

"They did such a faithful arrangement of the instruments but the vocals were that pop 'Glee' style, ultra dry, sounded pretty tuned and the rock has no real sense, like it's playing to you from a cardboard box," Gotye told the Sunday Mail of Darren Criss and Matt Bomer's rendition of his song. "It made it sound dinky and wrong," he added in a separate interview with the Herald Sun.

John Lydon Spinal Meningitis: Sex Pistol Reveals Crushing Guilt Over Childhood Illness

Contessa Gayles — 2012-04-18T09:59:00 00:00

Filed under: News

Matt Carr, Getty Images

John Lydon has been carrying around a guilty conscience for years. In a candid interview with the BBC, the Sex Pistols frontman admitted that a severe childhood illness could have not only killed him, but that the pain his condition caused his parents was almost too much for him to handle.

At 7 years old, Lydon was diagnosed with spinal meningitis, a condition that causes inflammation in the lining of the brain and spinal cord. He spent a year of his youth in hospital, suffering from hallucinations and slipping into a coma. Thankfully, the now 56-year-old singer got well and went on to become the rock icon he is today, but the worry he caused his parents Eileen and John Christopher Lydon gave him paralyzing guilt for years.

Paul McCartney 'My Valentine' Video: Natalie Portman, Johnny Depp Shamed for Major Sign Language Mistakes

Contessa Gayles — 2012-04-18T08:20:00 00:00

Filed under: News, Video

5Min.com

Paul McCartney had every good intention when it came to directing actors Natalie Portman and Johnny Depp through the entirely sign-language video for his single, "My Valentine." Unfortunately, their translations were flawed at times and both Portman and Depp had major slip-ups with their gestures.

As deaf music fans have pointed out, Depp makes the motion for the word "enemy" while attempting "valentine" -- a pretty big misstep considering the title of the song. "My Enemy," anyone? As for Portman's performance in the black-and-white clip, instead of the word "appear," she actually signs the word "tampon." Depp makes the same error. Pretty embarrassing, yes.

A spokesperson for The British Deaf Association addressed the "My Valentine" video, saying, "The sign for tampon does seem to come up from both Johnny and Natalie, which causes some confusion, especially as American and British sign languages are different."

Joss Stone Murder-Plot Suspect Sent to Psychiatric Facility Ahead of Trial

Contessa Gayles — 2012-04-16T14:15:00 00:00

Stone'd

Back in June 2011, Joss Stone had the scare of her life when the soul singer learned she was the target of a kidnapping and murder plot. Thankfully, the violent scheme which was thwarted by British police before it came to fruition.

The two plotters, armed with swords, rope and a body bag, were arrested outside Stone's home in Devon, England. After their arrest, notes outlining the plot were discovered in the suspects' car.

Jim Marshall Dead: Guitar Amp Innovator Dies at 88

Contessa Gayles — 2012-04-05T09:20:00 00:00

Filed under: News, R.I.P.

AP Photo, Chris Radburn, PA Wire

Jim Marshall, one of the early masterminds behind the guitar amp, has passed away at the age of 88. The music icon, fondly nicknamed "the Father of Loud," founded the popular Marshall Amplification 50 years ago in 1962.

"Jim rose to become one of the forefathers responsible for creating the tools that allowed rock guitar, as we know and love it today, to be born," an official statement on Marshall's company website reads.

"In addition to the creation of the amps, chosen by countless guitar heroes and game changing bands, Jim was also an incredibly humble and generous man who, over the past several decades, has quietly donated many millions of pounds to worthy causes."