Singer Rihanna is getting good word of mouth for her co-starring role in Battleship, a blockbuster summer flick which opens in theaters May 18th. Although music is her mainstay, Rihanna wants to continue acting, and is looking to shoot a comedy down the road. (Click on the audio player to hear Rihanna)
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Rihanna’s music journey is currently at its apex, as she’s scored seven top charting singles and received six Grammy awards. Like Whitney Houston and Beyonce, Rihanna is trying her hand at acting with this summer’s blockbuster Battleship. Directed by Hancock filmmaker Peter Berg, the picture features top of the line actors Liam Neeson and Taylor Kitsch, but Rihanna supposedly holds her own in a scene stealing supporting role. The singer admits she was nervous during production, but Berg definitely put her at ease. (Click on the audio player to hear Rihanna)
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Andy Grammer is getting ready to release his ”Live From L.A.” EP on March 13 which will be available exclusively on iTunes. All the songs on the EP were recorded in front of a live audience back in January in Los Angeles at the infamous Village Studios. A few things to definitely look forward to off this new EP is the special duet he recorded with Colbie Caillat. The song they sang together, “Fine By Me.” Also, Andy sings a cover of Rihanna’s hit song, “We Found Love.” Andy is one talented dude!
Andy recently stopped by the Fox All Access studio to visit host Chris Leary and he was awesome enough to sing an acoustic version of “Fine by Me,” and we sure were fine with that! Make sure to hit us back up and let us know what you think of Andy’s “Live from L.A.” EP!!
We’re at the 54th Annual Grammy Awards today, and we are psyched! The Grammy Awards are by far one the most entertaining award shows around – and the most authentic when it comes to really celebrating music… all types of music. What most people don’t know is that awards are given out all day. The early part of the ceremony (the part that is not televised) celebrates the artists, musicians and groups that, while not radio friendly mainstream, are the biggest and best in their categories. From folk album to spoken word, to Hawaiian music, there are amazing talented passionate people who LOVE music – and all kinds. So this year, while we’re backstage in the interview room, we’re going to do our best to share with you the names and stories of people who come back here.
Today is a day of celebration, but it’ll also be a day to mourn and reflect on one of music’s biggest icons, Whitney Houston, who sadly passed away yesterday. Today will be a day of mixed emotions, so check back often as we continue to update you on what music’s greatest have to say about today.
1:50pm – Did you know that Paul McCartney has never heard the archived collection of his “Band On The Run” album? McCartney admitted this fact to Grammy winner Sam Okell who won for Best Historical Album while working alongside each other while remastering the collection.
2:21pm – Best New Artist nominee Skrillex has already SCORED and the show hasn’t officially begun yet. He walked away with two pieces of gold, a Grammy for Best Dance/Electronica Album and Best Dance Recording for “Scary Monsters And Nice Sprites.”
2:36pm – Adele just won a Grammy for Best Short Form Music Video for “Rolling In The Deep.”
2:38pm – Foo Fighters won a Grammy for Best Long Form Music Video for “Foo Fighters: Back And Forth.”
3:06pm – It was touching as Amy Winehouse’s parents accepted her Grammy award for “Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.” She worked alongside Tony Bennett on the track from “Duets II.” They mentioned during their acceptance speech how much it meant to Amy that Tony Bennett wanted to work with her. The best part of the speech was when Amy’s Dad recalled asking his daughter if she knew the words to the song before she began working with Tony and she told him — Of course Dad, you’ve been singing them to me all my life. You heard a big, “Awww…” backstage.
4:24pm – Melanie Fiona & Cee-Lo Green won a Grammy for Best R&B Song (A Songwriter(s) Award). The song is “Fool For You” and working alongside Cee-Lo Green to create this hit was a dream come true. She personally thanked Whitney Houston for her win and couldn’t of done it without her. Her very first album was named “The Bridge,” inspired by Whitney because Melanie was born and grew up listening to Whitney’s voice. She describes Whitney as one of those artists who bridged all genres of music and therefore inspired the title of her first album. By the way, her sophomore album is coming out March 27th, so definitely check it out.
5pm – Bruce Springsteen opens up the show with “We Take Care Of Our Own” and ROCKS it out! We saw Paul McCartney rockin’ out in the audience too!
5:13pm – Bruno Mars does the James Brown and very well might we add! He takes it way back with his performance of “Runaway Baby.”
5:20pm – Bonnie Raitt and Alicia Keys pay tribute to Etta James with their rendition of “A Sunday Kind Of Love.”
5:22pm – By the way, Alicia Keys and Bruno Mars decided to wear the same hair style to the Grammys. Who wore it better?
5:23pm – Adele won a Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance. “Someone Like You” changed her life as well as ours. She’s here with her new man by the way and they look SO cute together. We’re happy for you Miss Adele!!
5:28pm – Chris Brown shows off his awesome dance moves while performing “Turn Up The Music” and “Beautiful People.”
5:32pm – Just heard Deadmau5 showed up to the Grammy Awards
wearing a t-shirt with Skrillex’s phone number on it. Haha!
5:35pm – AND…the Grammy for “Best Rap Performance” goes to Jay-Z & Kanye West for “Otis,” their hit track off the album “Watch The Throne.”
4:45pm – Foo Fighters, who won 4 Grammy Awards tonight, performed their hearts out. They went against the norm and ROCKED out their single “Walk” outside of The Staples Center in front of hundreds of fans! Did you know that they recorded their album, “Wasting Light,” in Dave Grohl’s garage? With just a microphone and a tape machine. Talk about the basics….it totally paid off!
5:57pm – Rihanna performs “We Found Love,” followed by “Princess of China” with Coldplay. A simple, beautiful duet. Love her raw voice. Coldplay wraps it up with one of our personal favorites, “Paradise.”
6:13pm – Foo Fighters just picked up ANOTHER Grammy Award for “Best Rock Performance.” Where will they be storing all of these pieces of gold? That’ll be our first question when they come back to the press room…stay tuned!
6:25pm – We caught Lady Gaga groovin’ to “Good Vibrations,” performed tonight by The Beach Boys, Maroon 5 and Foster The People.
6:31pm – Paul McCartney sets the mood tonight with his performance of “My Valentine,” which he performs alongside Diana Krall and Joe Walsh.
6:38pm – Chris Brown walks away with a Grammy tonight, he won Best R&B Album for “F.A.M.E.”
6:42PM – Can you believe this is the first time The Beach Boys ever performed at the Grammy Awards? They describe the experience as, “it’s about time!” They’re about to celebrate their 50th anniversary as a group together and are excited about working on some new material. What do they remember about their early days? They weren’t making any money and being told in their college days that they’d never make it. Their message to all striving artists, never listen to the doubters!
6:50pm – The “Song Of The Year” Grammy Award goes to Adele for “Rolling In The Deep.” She looks absolutely stunning, as always.
6:57pm – NY Giants players Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham admit Sundays are much easier on the football field versus being presenters at the Grammy Awards. Winning the Superbowl was a dream come true and they look forward to getting their Superbowl rings. Victor Cruz admits the real celebrity that Sunday was his grandmother who was happy he celebrated with a Salsa dance and represented his heritage. As for the Grammy’s, they’re excited to see and meet Rihanna and Nicki Minaj. They love music just as much as football and that’s why they’re excited to be here. Music plays such a huge role before they hit the field every Sunday. What do they listen to to get pumped up? Drake and Kanye West…good choices.
7:07pm – Adele’s performance of “Rolling In The Deep” — Perfection. She got a standing ovation and never-ending applause which brought tears to her eyes.
7:33pm – Best New Artist = Bon Iver. Woo hoo!
7:38pm – As Jennifer Hudson sings “I Will Always Love You” in memorium of Whitney Houston, it’s completely silent in the press room. Still can’t believe it….
8:06pm – Nicki Minaj’s performance of “Roman’s Revenge” and “Roman Holiday” is shall we say…interesting.
8:10pm – So who walks away with the “Record Of The Year”? No surprise…Adele! Go girl! She accepted her award with the words, “This is ridiculous.” So humble…no surprise.
8:18pm – The Album Of The Year Grammy Award will go home with Adele for “21″ – the girl has swept the Grammy’s!! She accepted it with tears and thanks her mom. This record was inspired by a “rubbish relationship.” What comes around, goes around…doesn’t it?
8:23pm – Lady Antebellum remembers listening to Whitney Houston and actually “The Bodyguard” soundtrack was one of Hilary Scott’s favorite. They told us that love, and simply love, inspires them to write songs. The entire group has grown closer as a band since they first started out and hope to keep growing in the right direction. They are so proud of this third record. They truely didn’t think they had a shot tonight and winning the Grammy certainly was a dream come true.
8:46pm – Ryan Tedder won a Grammy for Album Of The Year for Adele’s “21″ album. He says the win was phenomenal. He says nobody deserves it more than Adele because he witnessed first hand when she first lost her voice. Her struggle to get it back was what made her stronger aaaand all her Grammys prove that. So what inspires Ryan these days? He feeds off the energy of the artists in the room when he’s working with them. He looks for the “goose bump” factor. What’s next for him? He’s working on B.o.b.’s single, he’s working with Gavin DeGraw, new Beyonce material and last but not least Onerepublic, of course. His favorite motto to live by these days — “There’s no victims in life, only volunteers.”
9:02pm – Bon Iver won for Best New Artist and as he reflects back to what inspired him to play guitar…it was Joan Baez back when he was 14 years old. He admits he was nervous about coming to the Grammys. He felt like he didn’t deserve to attend and he felt a lot of confusion but definitely feels very honored. It’s surprising to hear especially when it comes out of the mouth of this years Best New Artist.
9:27pm – That wraps it up…Adele and Foo Fighters have left the building!
If there’s any doubt what a huge fan L.A. Reid is of Astro then you need to look no further than this video. We met up with L.A. backstage right after the Thursday eliminations and asked him what he thought of Astro’s departure, how loveability and attitude played a part in the outcome, and what if feels like to watch the people you’ve mentored succeed.
L.A. still has two guys in the running, Marcus and Chris. What will happen next? Only time will tell. Catch the next round of The X Factor this coming Wednesday when the contestants take on two songs each. It all happens Wednesday at 8PM ET/PT on FOX.
At the young age of 23, singing sensation Rihanna has had six songs which have topped the music charts. Rihanna started her music career at only 16 years old, and told us that she had a very tough time launching what is one of best careers in music today. (Click on the audio player to hear Rihanna)
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Rhianna’s new single, We Found Love, which features Calvin Harris is currently #2 on the CHR charts and could possibly be her seventh top charting single.
Fox All Access recently got invited down to visit with Avril Lavigne to check out her new Abbey Dawn collection. Happy shopping! We also talk music, touring, starring in Rihanna’s new video, the perfect date and much more!
Also, check out her new video for “Wish You Were Here”
Pop star Rihanna has dominated the music world for six years, selling over 20 million albums and having ten singles that went to the top of the charts. She has toured sold out arenas all over the world. Rihanna told us that part of her success is being able to express herself and staying true to who she is. (Click on the audio player to hear Rihanna)
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Rihanna’s new single, California King Bed, is climbing the charts.
Having to watch Naima Adedapo say good-bye was heartbreaking. We fell in love with her style, her passion for music, and the uniqueness she brought to the A.I. stage. We’ll also remember her telling us she couldn’t answer our celebrity crush question because the guy she had the biggest crush on was her husband Our home radio station 102.7 KIIS-FM hosted an exclusive farewell performance for Naima & a few lucky die-hard American Idol fans a couple of days ago, so we thought we’d share the video of her performance with you. Check it out:
So, who do you think is going to be the one to go this week? Tune in Thursday to American Idol on FOX and find out if you’re thinking like the rest of America. Then, make sure to come back here at the end of the week to find out how you can be one of the lucky few to experience a farewell performance from the remaining few Idol contestants!
We’re excited to be at the Grammy awards again this year. We’ll be backstage all day and night, live blogging, giving you behind the scenes access, everything you won’t see or hear on TV. All of your favorites are nominated tonight: Lady Gaga, Bruno Mars, Eminem, Cee Lo Green, Lady Antebellum, Jay-Z & Alicia Keyes, Katy Perry, Justin Bieber, Drake, Florence & The Machine, Mumford & Sons, Muse, B.o.B., Arcade Fire and many many more. Stay right here to find out who wins and what they have to say when they stop by backstage with their Grammy in hand. This is going to be exciting!
9:35pm – And that’s a wrap!
9:25pm – The big winners of the evening are in the room. Lady Antebellum…they won 5 Grammys tonight…wow! First things first, they hope they made Nashville proud. They love their single “Need You Now” because it’s so relatable, it has a feeling of desperation and everybody’s been there. The win makes them feel humbled and blessed. They’re already working on a new album but aren’t taking the win for granted. They feel they have a lot of work to do and they’re ready for the challenge.
9:02pm – Arcade Fire has just arrived backstage. They won for Album of the Year. These guys and gals from Montreal are comedians too, they walked in backstage singing the infamous graduation song. They are so proud of themselves, but also stunned. How suprised were they tonight? It was shocking, the idea never even entered their minds. They can’t stop joking about their win. This band is quite talented, not only do they create music, they have a short film coming out too. Keep an eye out for it. Ladies and gentlemen, I introduce to you the graduating class of 2011 – Arcade Fire! Congrats!
8:36pm – Esperanza Spalding is backstage. She wasn’t expecting her Grammy for Best New Artist. She started playing music when she was 5-years old. She thanked a numerous amount of teachers from her past who helped perfect her musicianship. Her musical inspirations include Stevie Wonder and most recently, Cee Lo Green. She’s the first jazz musician ever to win Best New Artist and she reminds us there’s a lot of incredible music in her world, so take the time to take a listen.
8:28pm – The ladies who wrote & won Best Rap Song for ”Empire State of Mind,” originally wrote the song with Sting in mind. It was a love letter to New York because they were homesick. Little did they know the song would become an anthem.
8:22pm – Album of the Year goes to Arcade Fire’s, “The Suburbs.” Everyone backstage is asking –What’s going on? Even a member of the band was perplexed as he was accepting the award on stage. Wow…there were a ton of surprises and gasps tonight. Here we were at the beginning of the evening and everyone was afraid of losing to the Bieber. Meanwhile, poor Justin got nothin’. Better luck next year, and congrats to all the winners!!
8:14 – Were you wondering who performed on stage with Eminem and Dr. Dre? Her name is Skylar Gray and she actually co-wrote “I Need A Doctor.” The girl’s originallly from WI and started performing at age 6 with Mom. She started writing lyrics at 14 and moved to L.A. when she was 17. Being a high school dropout, she’s one of the rare ones that made it. She met Eminem through Alex da Kid and from there, her entire life changed. She’s currently working on her solo project which is exciting since she’s just sparked everybody’s interest tonight.
8:08pm – John Legend’s backstage. He’s got 3 Grammys in hand. John talks about going on tour with Sade this year and how incredible it’s going to be for the fans. His favorite performance of the evening? It was the stripped down version of “Nothin’ On You” performed by Bruno Mars, B.o.B and Janelle Monae. One of his goals this year? To brush up on his Spanish. He plans on working with some Latin artists soon.
8:01pm – Jennifer Lopez & Marc Anthony announced the winner for Record of the Year (hoping it’s B.o.B): Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now”
7:49pm – Eminem recieves the Best Rap Album Grammy! He thanked everyone who had a part in it, especially Rihanna who helped propel the single, “Love The Way You Lie.”
7:38pm – Mick Jagger gets an A+ for tonight’s performance!
7:19pm – Best New Artist = Esperanza Spalding. People were shocked backstage! Makes sense…she was up against Justin Bieber, Drake, Mumford & Sons and Florence & The Machine. What a surprise!
7:11pm – Seth Rogan jokes about getting high with Miley Cyrus backstage. Pretty funny!
7:05pm – And the Song of the Year Grammy goes to…Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” — Congrats again!
6:45pm – Cee Lo Green went all out to fit right in with The Muppets for their “Forget You” performance. Quite a performance…..and quite a hoot! Cee Lo’s inspiration for tonight’s performance? It was Elton John’s performance on The Muppets a long time ago and he told the Executive Producer of the Grammys, “I want to do that!”
6:20pm – Best Pop Vocal Album winner is…Lady Gaga for “Fame Monster”! And, of course, the first words out of her mouth? “Oh S**t”!
5:48pm - Train is backstage. They feel like this Grammy is a new beginning for them. When it comes to their hit song,”Hey Soul Sister,” they are just grateful that this song affects all different kinds of people. Pat says that as a child he always dreamt of people telling him how much his music means to them. Pat jokes that there’s even a rumor going around in which life-form on Mars is even jammin’ to “Hey Soul Sister,” — now that’s success! The one thing they’ve learned after 15 years is that their music actually affects people which has made them a lot more grounded. Very cute — Jimmy Stafford told us he took his 10-year old daughter to see the new Justin Bieber movie and admits that’s who he’s most excited to see tonight cause he’s got “Bieber Fever”!
5:21pm – Lady Gaga performs “Born This Way” — gotta say her body looks amazing!
5:20pm – Best Pop Duo or Group winner, Train! Yay! Our buddies! Lead singer Pat thanks everyone who made this possible, but an extra special thanks to Justin Bieber for not being a duo or group!
5:07pm - La Roux won for Best Electronic/Dance Album. She is ultra excited especially since her record was recorded, in all places, a living room. She describes the album as a love story. She’s already working on a new album, but before she finalizes it she just wants to enjoy this Grammy. This win will certainly inspire the rest of the album. La Roux said that her Dad always used to ask her, “Do you think you’ll ever break America?” Her answer was always, “Shut up!” Now, she’s changing her tune.
5pm – It’s showtime! Good luck to everybody! Florence Welch, Jennifer Hudson, Christina Aguilera, Martina McBride and Yolanda Adams singing tribute to Aretha Franklin = brilliance!
3:43pm – David Guetta is sooooooooo excited for his win! He walks away with a Grammy for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical for “Revolver.” He’s very happy for lots of different reasons – #1, his Grammy but more so because in one year dance music has exploded in America. He’s already recording his next album – yay! He jokes that he’s collaborating with aliens on the next record, and he warns there’s a lot of them. How does he balance his time between playing shows all over the world and working in the studio? Thanks to new technology, his full studio is on his laptop so he can produce, write and record everything from the road. Touring for his fans inspires him constantly because he gets to test his new music on his fans. He loves their feedback!
3:40pm – Lady Antebellum won for Best Country Song. Did you know “Need You Now” was written in a heartbeat? It was the very last song they played for the label before cutting the album. Saving the best for last did the trick!
3:34pm – Zac Brown Band’s video premiere of “Colder Weather” premieres tomorrow on V-Day!
2:37pm – Best Dance Recording, ”Only Girl In The World” – The producers and mixers haven’t heard from Rihanna just yet. But they are certain they will. Rihanna definitely had her fingers crossed for this win. They love how diverse and international this record is. They believe 3 years ago they wouldn’t of been able to play this record on American radio. Why did it take dance music so long to get to America? Simple, according to them, David Guetta had a lot to do with it. He opened a lot of doors for electronic/pop to cross over to the States. Rihanna wanted to take on the same risk, her goal was to become an international artist and guess what? She succeeded!!
1:46pm – Backstage at the telecast — For Best Short Form Music Video, the video producers, video director who worked with Lady Gaga on her “Bad Romance” music video walked away with a Grammy today. They described Lady Gaga as extremely detailed, very much involved in all aspects of her work from wardrobe to set design. Lady Gaga comes up with things on the fly all the time and you always have to be on your toes when you work with her. One of the more interesting traits about Lady G is she’s never afraid to look not 100% gorgeous all the time.
Our home radio station 102.7 KIIS-FM hosted an exclusive farewell performance for Naima & a few lucky die-hard American Idol fans a couple of days ago, so we thought we’d share the video of her performance with you. Check it out: