Topic - Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on Idolator.comMusic News, Reviews, and Gossip on Idolator.com

Backstreet’s back (alright) with “In A World Like This,” the lead single from Backstreet Boys‘ upcoming eighth studio album of the same name. Back in April, BSB spoke of a “smash” collaboration with Max Martin and the end result is the album’s breezy title track. The boy band and the Swedish hitmaker have a long history together, dating all the ... More »

Rita Ora still hasn’t released her excellent debut album in the US. (Don’t worry, Nicole Scherzinger hasn’t got around to it either). That hasn’t stopped the Albanian beauty dominating the charts internationally or being hand-picked by Madonna as the new face of her clothing line. So she is definitely doing something right. Speaking of the ... More »

In the video for Electric single “Vocal,” Pet Shop Boys take a cue from the song’s lyrics (“everything about tonight feels right and so young / and anything I’d want to say out loud will be sung”) and literally transport us back to the Thatcher-era Euro rave scene — a time period and culture that ... More »

When Kanye West was creating Yeezus, he was (supposedly) in love, and on the cusp of fatherhood — cloying stuff that’s supposed to lead to “Glory” or The 20/20 Experience‘s contented glow. But Ye is not fucking with that “Suit & Tie” shit, and instead turned out his loudest, angriest and most subversive album yet. (There’s a hefty dose of ... More »

Remember The Veronicas? You know, the incredible Australian duo who broke worldwide with the still-brilliant “Untouched” and then seemingly dropped off the face of the planet? Well, they’re back! Almost. After a botched comeback last year with the underwhelming electro-experiment “Lolita”, the Origliasso twins gallantly returned to the studio and posted a behind-the-scenes video to ... More »

One the 2013′s best pop songs now has a video. Chvrches has been on our radar for a while now but they really impressed with “Gun”, crafting that rarest of synth-pop oddities – a catchy tune that evolves and becomes richer with each listen. It’s fitting then that the visual is also a bit of ... More »

On one of her earliest hits, Mariah Carey famously informed us that she “Can’t Let Go.” That, of course, was 1991, and Mimi has gone through some life-affirming moments since then (marriage, divorce, giving birth and wig-yanking Nicki Minaj, to name but a few). And in 2013, it seems, Carey is finally ready to ease ... More »

Yes, yes — I know that Britney Spears‘ Smurfs 2 soundtrack offering “Ooh La La” first leaked in May. But chances are, it’s since been yanked from wherever you first heard the song, or you ripped it then forgot about it. So here’s a nice, official reminder of this four-minute masterclass in pop. “Ooh La ... More »

Canada brought out some major pop acts at the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards on Sunday (June 16). Demi Lovato channeled her inner rock star with her performance of “Heart Attack,” the song that also won International Video Of The Year. The singer was a bit shaky, but she redeemed herself during “Give Your Heart A Break.” Ed Sheeran ... More »

Well, we knew Jay-Z and Samsung had a big announcement in store for tonight’s NBA Finals game. But rather than announce their rumored music streaming service, Jay used the massive platform to reveal the title and release date of his next album via a three-minute commercial. Magna Carta Holy Grail will drop July 4, and based on ... More »

Just minutes after his solo Bonnaroo set, R. Kelly made a surprise appearance during the festival’s Rock n’ Soul Dance Party Superjam — and while there, he took the lead on a cover of Sam Cooke‘s civil rights anthem “A Change Is Gonna Come.” (Perhaps he saw Beyonce cover this very song at Chime for ... More »

“Wildfire,” the B-side to the Saturdays‘ weird, but cool “Gentleman,” surfaced online ahead of its June 30 release. A stadium-ready dance track, “Wildfire” finds the breaking U.K. pop group eying a potential suitor — he started it, according to them — before it draws clear-cut terms at the hook. The occasional, well, “Wildfire” metaphors aside, ... More »

Paul McCartney took a moment out of his two-and-a-half-hour, headlining Bonnaroo set to show support for the incarcerated Russian punk band Pussy Riot. As he and his band wrapped “Back in the U.S.S.R,” off the Beatles‘ 1968 self-titled double album, a screen flashed images of traditional Russian folk dancers before a message appeared: “FREE PUSSY ... More »

Kanye West debuted an promotional clip for Yeezus, starring Kim Kardashian‘s best friend Jonathan Cheban and Kourtney Kardashian‘s boyfriend Scott Disick. The clip was projected Friday outside a Los Angeles studio during a Yeezus listening party, and as previously reported, was inspired by the 2000 film adaptation of American Psycho. In particular, the Yeezus clip ... More »

If you’re under 25, all you need to know is that Belinda Carlisle has a super hot gay son. For the rest of you, the ’80s superstar needs no introduction. After changing the face of rock with The Go-Go’s, the gorgeous redhead forged a hugely successful solo career – notching up worldwide hits like “I ... More »

The return of Aly & AJ, now known by the rather alluring-but-confusing moniker 78Violet, has been one of the best feel-good events of 2013. To further underline the fact that the duo is back and ready to conquer the pop world with new single “Hothouse”, the lovely ladies are hosting a live chat on USTREAM ... More »

With a career that spans 20 years and the youngest member only turning 28 this year, Hanson literally grew up in the music business. But despite having eight (!) studio albums (including a Christmas LP) under their belts, Isaac, Taylor and Zac ran into a bit of an issue when it came to writing their ... More »

Michelle Williams may be busy working the Broadway stage with Fela, but she hasn’t forgot about her music career! The singer took to Twitter to announce the title of her new single, “If We Had Your Eyes.” I am so happy to announce my new single “If We Had Your Eyes” – Luv ya. http://t.co/Bnzxl0WPdu — Michelle ... More »

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think about pop legend Miley Cyrus? (After her timeless tunes, of course). It could be Hannah Montana, cinema classic LOL or even that twerkin’ unicorn but, for us, it’s her trend-setting hair. From long, luscious locks to a short, pixie cut – Miley’s head has ... More »

British duo AlunaGeorge surprised fans today with a second, radically-improved video for their old/new single “You Know You Like It”. Let me explain. The slinky slice of R&B-infused electro-pop first hit the net in 2011 with a simple black-and-white visual. Two years later Aluna Francis and George Reid give the clip a colourful overhaul to ... More »

We’re a mere five days from the release of Kanye West‘s Yeezus, and West has yet to release a single, music video or even a confirmed tracklist. However, he has continued to do a handful of performances/appearances. The latest, spotted by Stereogum, was a Yeezus listening session in Switzerland, which included a live a cappella version of ... More »

A new day has come for Ricky Martin with the Australian radio premiere of his new single “Come With Me”: The Puerto Rican superstar hasn’t had a major stateside hit in a minute, but he’s enjoyed a recent renaissance down under, where he’s been a judge on the Australian edition of The Voice, and now he’s going for the ... More »

Nikki Williams first snagged my attention with her debut single, the cinematic power ballad “Kill, Fuck, Marry” before dropping the monster house hit “Glowing,” but her latest release sits nicely somewhere in between: The South Africa-born chanteuse has released a remix (i.e., a cover) of Fall Out Boy‘s “My Songs Know What You Did In The ... More »

Shakira hasn’t aged a day since 2001. All the Colombian goddess needs is a dab of brown hair dye to darken her famous roots and she could reshoot the “Whenever, Wherever” video today. Her seemingly timeless beauty isn’t lost on the team at Elle, who selected Shakira as their July covergirl. The Voice judging alum ... More »

Rapper Classified is already a big name in Canada, but the Nova Scotia native is crossing the border and gaining a new audience in the U.S. with his first Top 10 single: “Inner Ninja,” a catchy, motivational tune with his fellow Canuck David Myles. When he stopped by Idolator headquarters, he talked about his latest ... More »

I never really bought into the Kanye West Is A Supervillain storyline — partly because he has shaped, and then obliterated and re-shaped, the face of hip-hop and pop music in the past decade, and partly because the vitriol originated from two events in which he kinda, sorta, basically had a point. First was when ... More »

Lil Wayne is known for being a sizzurp-sipping, Molly-endorsing rapper. But during his appearance Jimmy Kimmel Live last night (June 11), he revealed his more human side while (ironically) promoting his latest album I Am Not A Human Being II. The charismatic rapper talked about his past seizure scares, saying, “I’ve taken those steps and a whole bunch ... More »

We come across new artists each and every day, but are all acts worth making a fuss over? With You Be The Judge, we’re leaving it up to YOU, our readers. Should we keep tabs on these rising artists, leave their tunes behind — or at least let them stew a bit longer before we give ... More »

Last week we brought you “God Is Great,” the new video from Maybach Music Group’s promising young rapper Rockie Fresh. The Self Made 3 cut is just a small taste of what this guy is capable of, though. This year the DeLorean-obsessed 22-year-old dropped his first two MMG releases in the form of two solid ... More »

Biggest Fan” is a monthly giveaway that asks fans to flaunt their creativity by showing off their personal shrines — from homemade drawings and posters to merchandise and magazines — for a chance to win prizes from some of our favorite pop stars. Back in April, we asked Demi Lovato‘s most diehard Lovatics to show ... More »

Let’s get one thing out of the way: my own feelings aside on Goldfrapp‘s last album, 2010′s Head First (I loved it), Alison Goldfrapp herself is not fond of the record. Last year, during an interview for Idolator, she said to me, “For me, if I’m being completely myself, I didn’t like the last album ... More »

Clutch those pearls, Cher fans! The timeless entertainer’s oft-delayed comeback is finally gaining real momentum with a live performance of future club classic “Woman’s World” scheduled for the season finale of The Voice on June 18. If that isn’t enough to make you spin “A Song For The Lonely” on repeat, revisit Burlesque and unsuccessfully attempt to decipher her Twitter feed ... More »

That Justin Timberlake reign will not let up any time soon. The super-suave singer is still climbing the Hot 100 with “Mirrors” – Ryan Lewis and Macklemore‘s monster smash “Can’t Hold Us” is the only thing standing between JT and a fifth number one hit – but he’s already plotting his next move, selecting “Tunnel ... More »

Scottish DJ wunderkind Hudson Mohawke has seemingly unveiled another new Kanye West track, which Pitchfork points out uses TNGHT‘s “R U Ready” beat (TNGHT comprises Mohawke and Lunice). The DJ played the track during his set at Parklife Festival in the UK this weekend, and it’s more in the 808s And Heartbreak mold, with Yeezy’s sad robot ... More »

A*M*E, London’s latest rising pop sensation, has been making waves with her new single “Heartless,” and now the track has a high energy video to match its super danceable beat. The young chanteuse displays her versatility with dance moves inspired by ’90s underground “voguing” and funky couture outfits — a nice follow-up to last year’s ... More »

It’s basically a scientific fact that Kelly Clarkson can do no wrong. (Have you ever met someone who doesn’t like Kelly Clarkson? Exactly.) Accordingly, her single to follow up the inspirational one-two-punch of career retrospective “Catch My Breath” and uplifting stormer “People Like Us” will mark a change of pace as she takes a sharp left ... More »

It’s that time of year again, Idolofans: time to celebrate fathers! Well, not just fathers, but grandfathers, male guardians, or any man who played a part in raising us. And when one thinks of Father’s Day (it’s June 16th this year — you’ve still got time to buy a card), don’t a good number of ... More »

Kanye West had the honor of shutting down New York’s Governors Ball music festival on Sunday (June 9) evening, and his 90-minute set wasn’t just about all the classics — nope, ‘Ye debuted yet another new track from his upcoming Yeezus LP, “Onsite,” a pummeling, urgent electro track with an eerie hook and production that led some to ... More »

Backtracking is our recurring look back at the pop music that shaped our lives. Friends may come and go, but we’ll be spinning our favorite albums forever. A dense cloud of despair hovered over the music business in 1993. The landscape was dominated by flannel-clad rockers with unshakable frowns and gun-toting gangsta rappers. Generation X ... More »

On Saturday, Simon Cowell posed a question to his Twitter followers: “I don’t think eggs should be allowed on talent shows. Discuss?” Earlier, during the Britain’s Got Talent finale, a woman ran onto the stage and threw eggs at Cowell before she was escorted off stage. The woman, violist Natalie Holt, appeared on Britain’s Got ... More »

Ciara was served Saturday, June 8, by a West Hollywood gay bar during her headlining, L.A. Pride performance. The bar, Factory, claims that Ciara had reportedly signed a $10,000 deal to perform on Friday night, while Ciara’s management said that she was only appearing at L.A. Pride this weekend. Management reportedly notified Factory that Ciara’s ... More »

“To my homegirls here with the big butt, shaking it up like we at a strip club / Remember only God can judge us, forget the haters because somebody loves you,” Miley Cyrus sings in her new song “We Can’t Stop.” Of all people, she should know. On Saturday at Los Angeles’ House of Blues, ... More »

DJ Khaled has dropped his new video for “No New Friends,” off his seventh album Suffering from Success. Filmed partially as if through the lens of a camcorder –think Lana Del Rey‘s “National Anthem” video — and timestamped, “May 15, 1996,” the Colin Tilley-directed video shows that while technology has evolved, displays of hip-hop opulence ... More »

When The Lonely Island performed “Semicolon” on Jimmy Kimmel Live, the parody rap group didn’t explain why Alanis Morissette — and not Solange, as heard in the studio version — was singing the chorus, not at first anyway. Even though “Semicolon” riffs off rap’s current obsession with commas (as in, the number that appears in ... More »

Marilyn Manson dedicated a song to Paris Jackson, the 15-year-old daughter of Michael Jackson, during a recent concert in Los Angeles. On Wednesday Jackson was rushed to the hospital after she attempted to commit suicide and, according to a source “close to the family,” was reportedly not allowed to attend one of Manson’s concerts. “This ... More »

“They get turnt up,” Ciara said at 106 & Park, as she attempted to speak over the cheering studio audience. However, in a new song off her self-titled album (out July 8), the soft-spoken R&B singer from Atlanta proves that she can, too. Depending, “Turnt Up” may conjure up a few welcome memories for ’90s ... More »

Cosmo Jarvis fires a gigantic missile at testosterone-fueled, sample-happy hip-hop culture in his hilarious new single “Collaborating With Rihanna”. The talented Brit, best known for his cult hit “Gay Pirates”, ditches guitars in favor of generic beats for the biting but possibly career-ending satire. “I’m gonna steal some melodies from someone’s dubious release, when it ... More »