Katy Perry and Rihanna Waiting for Greatness

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Collaborations, Upcoming Releases, Pop,

Katy Perry's collaboration with Rihanna is taking so long because "you have to wait for greatness."

The "Part of Me" singer has planned to record a song with her friend for a long time, but it is taking time because they are searching for the right track.

"We collaborate on a lot of things, just not songs yet - we have a great friendship. Its' one of those things where it's gotten so much build up that if we don't' deliver, like, the best song... We're both busy, but we planted a seed two years ago, we're just looking for that special one. How disappointed would you be if that song came out and it wasn't that good? So sometimes you have to wait for greatness," she said.

Katy explained she would like the track to be iconic and empowering, rather than sexy, like Shakira and Beyonce's 2007 single "Beautiful Liar."

"I was telling her, you know the Eurythmics song featuring Aretha Franklin, 'Sisters are Doing it for Themselves'? That's like the kind of song which I'd like to do, rather than 'Beautiful Liar' - although that is still a great song. I loved that but I definitely want to do something which is iconic."

Gallery: Katy Perry and Rihanna Waiting for Greatness

Mix Tape: George Michael and The X Factor, George Clinton vs. Black Eyed Peas

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Artist News, Gossip, Rumors, The Charts, Hip-Hop & Rap, Pop, R&B / Soul, iTunes,

-Will singer George Michael have a new career as a reality show judge? The former Wham singer was reportedly offered a deal by Simon Cowell to appear on the U.S. version of The X Factor.

-Aretha Franklin returned home earlier this week after undergoing surgery in Detroit. According to her cousin, the Queen of Soul -- who is rumored to have pancreatic cancer -- is hoping to be back "on stage, late spring or early summer."

-Train's "Soul Sister" was iTunes' best-selling single of the year. Katy Perry's "California Gurls" ended 2010 in second place while Eminem and Rihanna's "Love the Way You Lie" placed third on the list.

-Funk legend George Clinton has accused the Black Eyed Peas of illegal sampling. He is suing the group for using "(Not Just) Knee Deep" in remixed versions of their song "Shut Up."

Gallery: Mix Tape: George Michael and The X Factor, George Clinton vs. Black Eyed Peas

Aretha Franklin Urged by Doctors to Cancel Appearances

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Artist News, Gossip, R&B / Soul,

At the “insistence” of her doctors, Aretha Franklin has canceled all of her upcoming appearances until May 2011.

A rep for the “Queen of Soul” made that announcement today without providing any other details about the singer’s health.

"Ms. Franklin is resting comfortably at home, but is very anxious to get back on the road to perform for her countless fans around the world," a statement read.

Just last week, the 68-year-old was released from a Detroit hospital where she had been receiving treatment for undisclosed reasons. It’s not known if Thursday’s news was in any way related to her stay.

"The award winning songstress sends her sincerest apologies to her loyal followers and colleagues for the canceled shows," her publicist added.

Read More | Today

Gallery: Aretha Franklin Urged by Doctors to Cancel Appearances

Eric Clapton Sidelined with Gallstones

Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Artist News, Concerts / Tours, Rock,

Musician Jeff Beck will be stepping in for Eric Clapton later this week during festivities for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The 64-year-old guitarist was forced to cancel his Madison Square Garden performance after undergoing surgery for gallstones.

Beck is just one of several musicians lined up for the two-day benefit event in New York. Stevie Wonder, Sting, Paul Simon and Crosby, Stills & Nash are amongst those scheduled for Thursday while Aretha Franklin, Lenny Kravitz, U2 and Metallica are on the slate for Friday.

Bruce Springsteen - who canceled an appearance in Kansas City yesterday after a death in his family - is also supposed to appear on Thursday.

Clapton is reportedly doing well and is recovering from his operation in England.

Read More | Hollywood Reporter

Gallery: Eric Clapton Sidelined with Gallstones

Michael Jackson to Be Buried Today

Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Pop,

Michael Jackson will be buried today at sunset.

The private funeral will take place at the Holly Terrace Grand Mausoleum at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills. It is expected to start at 7pm and run for 45 minutes. Media and fans will be banned from the service, which will be attended by a handful of close friends and family.

Michael’s long-time friend Diana Ross is expected to attend and music legend Aretha Franklin will sing as the King of Pop is lowered into his grave. After it is interred, the body will be encased in thick concrete to protect it from grave robbers.

Click to continue reading Michael Jackson to Be Buried Today

Gallery: Michael Jackson to Be Buried Today