Beloved Artist Tom Bridegroom Lives on in Posthumous Release of Christmas Favorite

LOS ANGELES (December 14, 2011) – Multi-talented and loved by all who knew him, artist Tom Bridegroom’s creative endeavors continue to reach and touch people, even more than 7 months after his tragic, sudden death. Continuing to live on through his gift of music, a posthumous Christmas track from Tom has now been released, offering his heartwarming rendition of the classic, “The Christmas Song,” which features upcoming singing star Coleen McMahon.

At only 29 years old, Tom’s life was tragically cut short, ending his promising career in the entertainment industry. Survived by his family and life partner Shane Bitney Crone, his unexpected death broke the hearts of his numerous loved ones, who treasure the many examples of his natural talent and passions for music and entertainment that he left behind. As a singer, actor and host, he was well loved by all who knew him and renowned for his gracious, generous spirit and unyielding vivacity.

Exceptionally ambitious and dedicated, Tom injected his unique personality and driving passion into his every pursuit and explored all presented opportunities to be creatively expressive. Tom loved learning and finding ways to grow as both an artist and person, and was always motivated to be creatively stimulated and involved. Featuring the beautiful vocals of talented artist Coleen McMahon, Thomas’ newly released recording of, “The Christmas Song” aptly showcases his solid musical ability and devotion to the emotional experience of creating music. In the track, which Tom and Coleen recorded for the enjoyment of their friends and family, Tom’s strong vocal talent comes through with a graceful, soothing tone, providing the holiday favorite with an air of ease and inviting familiarity.

Although there is nothing that can fill the void left by Tom’s tragic passing, the many people who loved him dearly hold onto the creative gifts he left behind, knowing that Tom’s love for music and vivacious spirit lives on through his numerous projects. With the holidays upon us, it is a privilege to have the beautiful, heartfelt rendition of “The Christmas Song” from Tom Bridegroom, the beloved artist who is unmatched in his unique talents, compassionate heart, and one of a kind personality.

To visit Tom’s Facebook Memorial Page, click HERE.

To find out more about Coleen McMahon, click HERE.

Beyonce And The Roots Perform “Countdown” Together!

If you want to make Beyoncé slightly more epic, just add The Roots. We know this because that’s exactly what happened this weekend on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. Performing “Countdown,” Beyoncé foregoes her signature hyper-choreographed moves in favor of a more subdued, sexy performance. And it’s pretty damn sexy — even when the girl isn’t really moving, damn, can she move! Complete with hip-defining costume and wind machine, Bey proves why she’s the King; even with an amazing band (and they are amazing) like The Roots behind her, all you can think while watching is “Oh Bey!”

Katy Perry Rules The Charts…Again.

The big chart story this week is rapper Mac Miller, whose independent debut Blue Slide Park sold 144,000 copies and hit Number One on the Billboard album charts. But we’re more intrigued by the latest single action from Katy Perry – last Friday, she put out the video for “The One That Got Away,” the sixth single from Teenage Dream, and it’s killer. Perry, in old-lady makeup, sits on her bed staring into space as she flashes back to the “younger” Perry in a goofy romance with actor Diego Luna. The whole thing ends tragically with the perfect closing: Johnny Cash singing “You Are My Sunshine” from his 2003 album Unearthed III: Redemption Songs. Anyway, the video premiered on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and has since hit more than 12.4 million views. What’s extraordinary is that even before that, radio was picking it up, boosting the single 38 spots up the Ultimate Chart, from 63 to 25. Look for this one to have serious longevity, given Perry’s hit history this year and the video boost.

Justin Bieber. His Under the Mistletoe dropped from Number One to Number Six this week, shedding 54 percent (97,000 total this week). On the flip side, Michael Bublé’s Christmas surged from Number Eight to Number Two, selling 123,000 copies and gaining 38 percent in sales. Bublé is clearly on the verge of dominating Christmas season. Lucky for him, holiday albums are traditional sales phenomena, as opposed to downloads – Bublé is just Number Seven on this week’s iTunes chart, and Bieber didn’t place at all. Why? Our guess is that most people still have CD players in their living rooms, where they decorate trees and such, and probably haven’t gotten around to syncing old-school hi-fis with iTunes and Spotify. Thus, holiday music is somewhat invulnerable to music piracy, which is why record companies love to release as much of it as possible during this time of year. As to why Bublé and not Bieber? No idea.

And finally, a word about a$$es. Detroit rapper Big Sean’s “Dance (A$$)” is one of the most hilariously, gloriously cynical videos we’ve seen in a long time – it’s all bling, booze and scantily clad ladies, plus the word “ass” repeated like a mantra and superimposed in various languages. The remix video contains a lengthy cameo from Nicki Minaj, who gamely shakes her own you-know-what (squeezed into Union Jack shorts, among other things) and actually elevates the video for a few seconds with her bug-eyed power-rapping. It’s up to 10.5 million views on YouTube and Ultimate Chart ranks it Number 14, up from Number 29 the previous week. We don’t expect it to hit bottom (sorry) soon.

Susan Boyle shoots to top of UK album chart

Photo Credit: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

Scottish singer Susan Boyle, a worldwide sensation since appearing on a TV talent show in 2009, shot straight to the top of the British chart on Sunday with her new album, “Someone to Watch Over Me,” the Officials Charts Company said.

Boyle, notching up her third No. 1 album in a row, has sold some 14 million albums worldwide and has been No. 1in 30 countries.

Cher Lloyd, 18, an “X Factor” finalist last year, saw her debut album, “Sticks and Stones,” enter the chart at No. 4, while The Wanted took the No. 5 slot with their second album, “Battleground.”

Barbados-born R&B singer Rihanna topped the singles chart with “We Found Love,” featuring Scottish DJ and producer Calvin Harris. The single bounced back to the top from last week’s No. 2 and has now spent four weeks at No. 1.

Boy band JLS was the highest new entry in the singles chart, at No. 2 with “Take a Chance on Me,” the second single from the forthcoming album “Jukebox.”

Kelly Clarkson to kick off North American tour in January

Kelly Clarkson will kick off a 40-city-plus North American tour in January, her record label said on Monday.

Clarkson’s Stronger Tour 2012, coming on the heels of the October release of her fifth studio album, “Stronger,” opens at the MGM Grand Theater in Mashantucket, Connecticut on January 13, with three months of dates through San Diego’s Valley View Casino Center announced so far.

Folk-rock singer-songwriter Matt Nathanson will join the Grammy-winning singer at several stops on the tour.

“Stronger” debuted at number-two on the Billboard Top 200 and the digital albums charts, and the first single, “Mr. Know It All,” made it to fourth on the iTunes Singles chart, marking Clarkson’s ninth top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.

Clarkson, who last week won a Country Music Association award for Musical Event of the Year with Jason Aldean for their hit single, “Don’t You Wanna Stay,” burst onto the music scene in 2002 at age 20, when she was the first winner of “American Idol.”

Unlike many other winners who failed to rise to the heights of superstardom, Clarkson has enjoyed chart-topping success with pop rock singles such as “Miss Independent” and the smash hit, “Since U Been Gone.”

She has also won two Grammys, two American Music Awards, two MTV Awards, in addition to last week’s CMA honor.

Tickets for the tour go on sale on November 18.

Bobble Head Releases Debut EP “Thinking Out Loud” (FREE DOWNLOAD)

Rising pop star Bobble Head just released his highly anticipated debut EP “Thinking Out Loud” and you can download it for FREE by clicking HERE!

Not too long ago Bobble Head’s hit single “Robodic” was featured on MTV’s hit TV show Jersey Shore, which gave this talented new artist a lot of well deserved exposure.

We have a feeling that Bobble Head isn’t going anywhere anytime soon and we look forward to following his career! You can keep tabs on this young stud at iAmBobbleHead.com.

Check out one of our favorite Bobble Head tracks “Can’t Get Enough” below!

Michael Jackson doctor guilty of manslaughter

Michael Jackson’s personal doctor was found guilty on Monday of involuntary manslaughter in the singer’s death following a six-week trial that captivated Jackson fans around the world.

Dr. Conrad Murray, 58, was led away in handcuffs after the Los Angeles jury reached a unanimous verdict. The doctor, who could face up to four years in prison, will be sentenced on November 29.

Dozens of fans outside the courtroom erupted in cheers and some burst into tears.

Murray had pleaded not guilty to giving the “Thriller” singer a fatal dose of the powerful anesthetic propofol — normally used in surgery — that was ruled the main cause of the pop star’s June 25, 2009 death.

But prosecutors argued Murray was grossly negligent in administering the propofol to help Jackson sleep. Defense attorneys claimed Jackson delivered the fatal dose to himself.

The judge ordered Murray, who has been free on bail for two years, held in custody until his sentencing at the end of the month.

Murray did not testify at the Los Angeles trial and looked impassive as the guilty verdict was pronounced to a small cry from his side of the packed courtroom.

Jackson’s mother Katherine and the singer’s sister Rebbie cried silently as the guilty verdict was read. His siblings La Toya, Jermaine and Randy, and his father Joe, were also on hand.

Jackson was found lifeless at his Los Angeles mansion on June 25, 2009, age 50, about three weeks before he was scheduled to begin a series of concerts in London aimed at returning the pop star to the limelight after the humiliation of his 2005 trial and acquittal on child molestation.

Murray admitted giving Jackson a small dose of propofol to help him sleep. But his lawyers argued at the trial that the singer was dependent on the drug and that Jackson likely gave himself a extra, fatal dose of the powerful anesthetic, as well as swallowing a handful of sedatives, without Murray’s knowledge.
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Justin Bieber to take paternity test on baby claim

Justin Bieber will take a paternity test to counter claims that he fathered a baby boy with a young California woman after a brief backstage encounter last year, a source close to the singer said on Monday.

The Canadian singer also is contemplating legal action against the woman for defamation, his spokesman said.

Bieber, 17, spent much of last week denying the claims made by Mariah Yeater, 20, in a paternity lawsuit filed in San Diego, saying he had never met her. Yeater gave birth to a baby in July that she claimed was the result of having sex in a backstage bathroom with Bieber after a Los Angeles concert in 2010.

“Justin’s team chose to proactively make arrangements for him to take a DNA test to put this to rest when he gets back from Europe,” a source close to the singer said.

Yeater asked for a paternity test and is seeking child support in her lawsuit.

“It’s sad that someone would fabricate malicious, defamatory, and demonstrably false claims,” a spokesman for the singer added.

“We’ll vigorously pursue all available legal remedies to protect Justin and to hold those involved with bringing this suit accountable for their actions,” he added

Teen heartthrob Bieber won award for best pop act and top male singer at the MTV Europe awards in Belfast on Sunday in a show hosted by his Disney Channel star girlfriend Selena Gomez.

He is expected to return to the United States from Europe in about two weeks time.

Avril Lavigne, Brody Jenner attacked in Los Angeles

Canadian singer Avril Lavigne and her boyfriend are recovering after being attacked outside the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Celebrity news website TMZ.com reported that five people attacked Lavigne and “The Hills” star Brody Jenner outside of the iconic Hollywood hotel.

Lavigne, 27, whose hit singles include “Sk8er Boi” and “Girlfriend,” addressed the incident on Twitter.

“I don’t fight. I don’t believe in it. To clear things up I got attacked by 5 people last night out of nowhere. Not cool…” Lavigne posted, adding that she had suffered a black eye, bloody nose, hair ripped out, scratches, bruises and cuts.

“So not ok to be abusive to others. Violence is NEVER the answer,” the singer said.

Jenner, 28, the step-brother of the celebrity Kardashian siblings, also posted about the incident on Twitter, saying “Just got of the hospital with a new scar on my face.”

No arrests have been made, although a spokesman for Los Angeles Police Department told Reuters they were aware of a “skirmish outside in that area on Sunday morning.”

Lavigne’s representatives were not immediately available for comment.

Michael Jackson is world’s top dead earner

For a second straight year Michael Jackson is the world’s top dead earner, according to a macabre list compiled by Forbes magazine of stars whose earning power remains undiminished beyond the grave.

The King of Pop, who died two years ago at the age of 50, brought in $170 million for his estate over the past 12 months, enough to place him ahead of every other pop music act of the past year — both living and dead — except for Irish rock band U2.

Elvis came in second place, earning $55 million, thanks to his evergreen songbook and a hit Las Vegas stage production featuring his tunes mounted by Cirque de Soleil.

In third place was movie siren Marilyn Monroe, who had $27 million in earnings over the past year.

“Peanuts” cartoon creator Charles Schulz was fourth while Beatles’ legend John Lennon tied for fifth place with screen goddess Elizabeth Taylor, both earning $12 million.

While much of Lennon’s revenues came as payment from other musicians performing his music, Taylor’s largely came from her best-selling perfume White Diamonds. The fragrance had gross sales of $54 million in the United States in 2010, according to industry experts cited by Forbes.

Taylor’s estate also appears likely to net handsomely from a December sale later this year by the Christie’s auction house featuring the late actress’s jewels, art work and gowns. Experts said it could fetch $30 million.

Forbes, which compiled its list by consulting agents, lawyers and other experts, said the year’s 15 deceased top earners were:

1. Michael Jackson
2. Elvis Presley
3. Marilyn Monroe
4. “Peanuts” cartoon creator Charles Schulz
5. John Lennon, tied with Elizabeth Taylor
7. Theoretical physicist Albert Einstein
8. Children’s author Theodor “Dr. Seuss” Geisel
9. Rock legend Jimi Hendrix; Swedish writer Stieg Larsson; Hollywood actor Steve McQueen; and legendary composer Richard Rodgers
13. Beatle George Harrison, tied with American pin-up girl Bettie Page and pop art creator Andy Warhol

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