Apple Presents... The iPad!

The rumors proved to be true.

This afternoon, at San Francisco's Yerba Buena Center, Steve Jobs announced the release of the fabled Apple tablet device, titled the iPad.

The iPad, which is being considered the missing device between the iPod touch and the Macbook, will begin shipping in March. The iPad's features include an 9.7 inch screen, Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity, an e-book reader, and much more.

The price range for an iPad is $499 to $829, depending on disk space (16-64 GB) and 3G capability.

Ryan Tedder on Leona's "Happy": Flop Because of No Promotion and Gaga-Led Dance Craze

One of pop music's most ubiquitous songwriters, Ryan Tedder, has offered an explanation as to why Leona Lewis' single "Happy" was a flop in the United States.

The song, which served as the lead single for her album Echo, peaked at #31 on the Hot 100 last year, thanks in part to its appearance in the trailer for the film Precious. According to Tedder, who also co-wrote her #1 smash "Bleeding Love", it wasn't enough.

He told Digital Spy, "In the US, unless you're Justin Timberlake or Beyoncé, you cannot put out a song and not be in the country when it comes out. Leona was gone for six weeks when 'Happy' came out because she was promoting the record in other countries - it wasn't her fault; she couldn't be two places in once. I had radio stations telling me that they thought 'Happy' was the single biggest ballad they'd come across in ten years, but that if Leona didn't come over here and promote it, it was going to fall."

The song was released in September, and with sales of over 50,000 in its first week, it debuted at #50 in the US. It quick fell as iTunes sales dropped off as well, only receiving a resurgence with Precious and the album's release. She performed the song on America's Got Talent, Ellen, Dancing with the Stars, and VH1 Divas. Her album has sold 150,000 copies so far in the US, debuting and peaking at #13.

Tedder also referenced Lady Gaga and the boom of dance music on Top 40 radio as reason for the song's disappointing performance. "On top of that, America's consumed with Lady GaGa and dance music right now, so it's not the best time for ballads anyway," he said. "When everything on the radio is blasting out at 120 bpm, a song like 'Happy' almost sounds out-of-place."

In my opinion, the real reason why "Happy" flopped is because it wasn't that great, coupled with Leona's lack of promotion. I completely disagree with the dance music argument, and its interesting that he would make it, since "Halo" and "Already Gone", two songs he produced, were radio smashes. After a debut like "Bleeding Love", Leona needed a song far more transcendent that the one Tedder provided.

Her new single "I Got You" is out now.

BWU Singles Chart (1/23): Three Weeks at #1 for Gaga, The Saturdays Rocket Up

Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" spends a third week on top of the BWU Singles Chart, preventing David Guetta's "Memories" from reaching the top spot. That song, featuring rapper Kid Cudi, stays put at #2 this week, becoming the first song to remain at the second spot for a second week. At #3 again this week is Leona Lewis' "I See You".

Last week's top debuts, "I Like" by Keri Hilson and "Haven't Met You Yet" by Michael Buble, both moved five spots to #4 and #5 respectively. This week's highest debut came from DJ Earworm's "United State of Pop 2009", which entered at #11. This is the first week where no song debuted in the Top 10.

After a performance on Dancing on Ice, The Saturdays' latest single "Ego" shot up from #22 all the way to #8. It is the second highest jump in the new chart's history; Leona holds the record when she went from #20 to #5 in the second week. Also benefiting from a TV appearance is Adam Lambert, who went from #23 to #14 with "Whataya Want From Me".

In total, seven songs debuted on this week's chart, including songs from John Mayer, Jason Derulo, Gabriella Cilmi, and the Sugababes.

Below is the Top 10:

1. Bad Romance - Lady Gaga (-)
2. Memories - David Guetta (-)
3. I See You - Leona Lewis (-)
4. I Like - Keri Hilson (+5)
5. Haven't Met You Yet (+5)
6. Telephone - Lady Gaga and Beyonce (-2)
7. I Got You - Leona Lewis (+1)
8. Ego - The Saturdays (+14)
9. All The Right Moves - OneRepublic (-4)
10. Yesterday - Toni Braxton (-4)

Download of the Day (1/21): Jason Derulo's "In My Head"

I'll be frank about Jason Derulo, and the others of the male pop explosion of 2009: I thought they were one-hit wonders.

To be fair to myself, though, they didn't give me any other reason to think otherwise. I mean, they all put out songs the other could've done with the same effect. Whether it was creative (like Derulo's sample of Imogen Heap in "Whatcha Say") or plain annoying (Iyaz's "Replay"), the songs were pretty anonymous, and the guys were in danger of facing flops come album release time.

Hoping to avoid such a disastrous fate, Derulo has released "In My Head" the follow-up to his #1 smash. It's a decidedly different song than "Whatcha Say", which is a very good thing. It still features production from JR Rotem, but the songs has a solid rock feel to it, with edgy guitar riffs sitting with the now-standard electro arrangement. In another effort to distinguish himself, the song's lyrics take on a slightly more risque feel. Derulo sings about the fantasies a girl he sees in the club inspires, as you guessed, in his head. While others like Chris Brown have been far more explicit, Derulo's take is not one to consider child's play. Neither is his voice, which has taken a lot more personality this second go-round. I am surprised to say that his vocal range is pretty nice, and it makes me wonder he'll handle some more interesting material.

While he may not be as accessible as Ne-Yo and the aforementioned Brown were when they first started, "In My Head" does suggest that Derulo is on his way to true pop stardom. He might even be able to stand tallest when the dust clears from the male pop battle.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Download of the Day (1/20): Leona Lewis' "I Got You"

Let's be honest: Leona has a pretty so-so past twelve months.

Yeah, the British songbird scored a massive gig with Avatar and its theme track "I See You", but she has seen quite a number of troubles: she was assaulted at a book signing, her lead single "Happy" flopped, her album debuted at an abysmal #13 in the US, she injured herself after horseriding, and just recently she was caught in the middle of an L.A. shootout.

But all is not lost for one of the best voices of her generation; she's got a new single out!

The follow-up to "Happy" isn't the smash-in-waiting "Outta My Head" like I had hoped; instead she is releasing "I Got You", an uplifting slice of midtempo that fits perfectly into multi-format pop radio.

I won't even discuss Leona's vocals, because at this point, it is a given that she is flawless. The song itself, written by pop god Max Martin, is her most instant release since "Better In Time". It definitely helps that the two have a similar hopeful outlook, both lyrically and musically. The song's shimmering, string-laden production is a gorgeous compliment to Leona's powerhouse vocals. Things get a little schmaltzy with the lyrics, as she sings about going to heaven and crying, but the song's universal message of unconditional love can vouch for that.

Like "Better In Time", this is a great, if not perfect, second single off of Echo. It is just unfortunate that, unlike it's relative, "I Got You" didn't have a "Bleeding Love" to see it off to the top of the charts.

Rating: 7 out of 10

Avatar Removed From Chinese Movie Theaters!

It may be the most successful film of all time, but Avatar is about to be removed from theaters all across China!

The Chinese government is ordering the removal of all 2D versions of the global box office smash, ahead of the nation’s biggest holiday, Lunar New Year. The 3D edition will remain in theaters, but the regular version is being pulled to avoid domestic competition.

A biopic about Chinese philosopher Confucius is due out in the country this week, increasing calls for Avatar’s demise.

China is known for their stringent practices regarding international films. The country only allows 20 foreign films in their cinemas a year, a law that director James Cameron tried to take down during his press junket visit there.

Avatar is currently the second most successful film in global box-office history, and is on track to beat Titanic, James Cameron’s other creation, to the top spot. This past weekend, the film won Best Picture and Best Director at the 2010 Golden Globe Awards.

Download of the Day (1/19): DJ Earworm's "United State of Pop 2009"

Ever wanted to hear Black Eyed Peas, Taylor Swift, T.I., Beyonce, Kings of Leon, and Lady Gaga mashed together?

Look no where else but DJ Earworm. The San Francisco mashup artist, as he does every year, took 25 of the most successful songs in the country, break them down, and make them into one song. The results are quite extraordinary. This year's mix is so flawless and seamless that you almost forget that there are twenty five songs being used. "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas, as the year's most blatantly successful song of the year, served as the backbone for the mashup. While some of the references are kind of obvious, there are some subtle mixes that gel really well, such as the use of Kelly Clarkson's "Already Gone".

While the song is the prefect test for those people with musically inclined ears, it is also a great song in its own right. 2010 may have just started, but I almost cannot wait for it to be over so we can hear a new one.

Rating: 9 out of 10

WORST: Jennifer Lopez Guest Hosts "Lopez Tonight"

I would tell her to stick to her day job, but "Louboutins" is flopping right now.

Jennifer Lopez switched places with George Lopez on his late night talk show on TBS "Lopez Tonight". She opened the show with one of the most awkward, unfunny monologues I have ever seen in my life. Seriously, it came off so phony that I wouldn't blame J-Lo for laughing about how bad it was.

On a good note, she looked absolutely stunning!

Check it out (if you can) below:

Boyzone's New Video "Gave It All Away": Touching Tribute?

Last year, the UK pop world was stunned when Boyzone member Stephen Gately died while on vacation in Majorca. The singer left behind one of the most successful boy bands Ireland ever produced, and it is still up to debate whether the group can or want to carry on without him.

The remaining members, headed by Ronan Keating, gave a little leeway to an answer with the release of their new single "Gave It All Away". The song was written by Mika and is reportedly the last ever Boyzone song with Gately's vocals. To make the situation a bit more tragic, he sings the first lyrics: "I will learn to live before I die".

As if the awkward factor wasn't high, the video will surely make people squirm a bit. The black and white video has the boys writing letters to Stephen, shedding tears, and gathering together to remember their fallen brother, intercut with clips of Stephen's impressive history with the boy band. The song itself is quite light and breezy (it is Mika we're talking about), which fails to effectively connect with the tone the video is trying to present. Than there is that ugly cynicism the video drudges up as we see the boys cry and laugh in different cuts: is is a tribute, or is a thickly veiled attempt at exploitation?

I feel like an ass for even suggesting that their grief is worth questioning, but the video is bound to make some uncomfortable when everything is considered. I feel like a ballad would be more appropriate for a Gately tribute, but that's just me.

The single will be released on March 1st in the UK and Ireland, a week before their new album, titled Brother.

Check the new video out below:

Mo'Nique May Have Won, But Mariah Has Her Own Golden Globes

Okay, it was a stupid pun, but look at them!

Pop singer/serious actress (I'm not being sarcastic about the latter) Mariah Carey attended last night's Golden Globe Awards in L.A. to support her film Precious, and she certainly caught a lot of attention as she bared just a tad bit of cleavage.

Of course, "a tad" really means "a shitload".

Hey, at least you know her servant husband Nick Cannon was happy with her outfit. So was I.

And just for good measure, here's another one.

 

Gamers Unite! Play Halo 3 Wednesday and Thursday and Bungie Will Donate to Haiti Relief

Some people will argue that some of the most disconnected people from society are those who play video games. Well, Bungie, the brains behind the hugely popular Xbox franchise Halo, is aiming to prove them wrong.

The company announced today that they will be holding a two-day online gaming event to support those suffering after the Haitian earthquake of last week. Bungie said that for every 1,000 players of either Halo 3 or Halo 3: ODST, the company will donate $100, potentially totaling $77,000, to the Red Cross for Haiti campaign. The only caveat is players have to change their emblem to have a red heart and a white circle, as seen below:

For those who can't make a monetary donation, and have an Xbox (or knows someone who does), this is a great (and fun) way to help those in Haiti. I will certainly be one of those fighting for the lives of those in need.

Remember, the two day event starts Wednesday!

2010 BRIT Nominations Announced: JLS, Gaga and Lily Allen Are Triple Nominees, Robbie To Be Honored

The nominations for the 2010 BRIT Awards were announced today at London's O2 Arena and JLS, Lily Allen and Lady Gaga are leading the pack.

X Factor runners-up JLS scored a triple whammy, being nominated for British Single, British Group, and British Breakthrough Act. They will be battling it out with winner Alexandra Burke for a spot in the British Single shortlist. Surprisingly, Burke only received one nomination.

The recently retired Lily Allen also received three nods for her album It's Not Me, It's You. She's nominated for British Female, British Album, and British Single.

In the international categories, Lady Gaga, who scored three UK #1 singles in the past year, scored three nominations herself for Best Female, Best Album, and Breakthrough Act. Last year, Gaga was invited to perform "What Have I Done To Deserve This?" with last year's Contribution to Music honorees Pet Shop Boys. This year's honoree is Robbie Williams, who is also nominated for British Male Artist. Robbie has the distinction of winning the most awards at the BRITS with eleven awards.

The full list is below:

British Female Solo Artist
Bat for Lashes
Florence & the Machine
Leona Lewis
Lily Allen
Pixie Lott

British Male Solo Artist
Calvin Harris
Dizzee Rascal
Mika
Paolo Nutini
Robbie Williams

British Breakthrough Act
Florence & the Machine
Friendly Fires
JLS
La Roux
Pixie Lott

British Group
Doves
Friendly Fires
JLS
Kasabian
Muse

MasterCard British Album
Dizzee Rascal - Tongue n’Cheek
Florence & the Machine - Lungs
Kasabian - West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum
Lily Allen - It’s Not Me, It’s You
Paolo Nutini - Sunny Side Up

British Single
Alesha Dixon - Breathe Slow
Alexandra Burke Ft Flo Rida - Bad Boys
Cheryl Cole - Fight For This Love
Joe McElderry - The Climb
JLS - Beat Again
La Roux - In For The Kill
Lily Allen - The Fear
Pixie Lott - Mama Do
Taio Cruz - Break Your Heart
Tinchy Stryder Ft N-Dubz - Number 1

Critics' Choice
Ellie Goulding
Delphic
Marina and the Diamonds

BRITs Album of 30 Years
Coldplay - A Rush of Blood to the Head
Dido - No Angel
Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms
Duffy - Rockferry
Keane - Hopes & Fears
Oasis - (What’s the Story) Morning Glory?
Phil Collins - No Jacket Required
Sade - Diamond Life
The Verve - Urban Hymns
Travis - The Man Who

International Female Solo Artist
Lady Gaga
Ladyhawke
Norah Jones
Rihanna
Shakira

International Male Solo Artist
Bruce Springsteen
Eminem
Jay-Z
Michael Buble
Seasick Steve

International Album
Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
Black Eyed Peas - The End
Empire of the Sun - Walking on a Dream
Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3
Lady Gaga - The Fame

International Breakthrough Act
Animal Collective
Daniel Merriweather
Empire of the Sun
Lady Gaga
Taylor Swift

Outstanding Contribution Award
Robbie Williams

Apple Announces January 27th Event San Francisco Event, Apple Tablet Likely

The invitation sent to media outlets from Apple. The tagline is cut off

This past month, speculation over the long rumored Apple tablet product has run rampant, without a single word from Apple themselves.

The silence is over. Somewhat.

Apple has sent out invitations for an event next Wednesday at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, beginning at 1:00pm EST. the tagline on the invitation is: "check out our latest creation".

That creation is widely expected to be the Apple tablet, a rumored multi-purpose product that is expected to revolutionize the entire technological world. The competition has already been prepping their own tablets in response, showcasing many of them at the Consumer Electronics Showcase in Las Vegas this month. Many reputable news sources, including New York Times and Wall Street Journal, have reported details about the tablet from unnamed sources. Some of the most common details:

• 10" LED Screen
• a variation on the iPhone operating system
• E-Book/magazine reader
• Could be called an iSlate

Now that the event has been confirmed, rumors about whatever Apple will be presenting will probably reach astronomical levels. The truth will be revealed on the 27th (while I'm in my Intro to Computing lab, no less).

For those salivating over rumors (kind of like me) and can't wait, check out Gizmodo's ultimate guide: The Exhaustive Guide to Apple Tablet Rumors.

2010 Golden Globes Winners Recap: Glory for Avatar, Sandra Bullock, and Mo'nique

Thankfully, he didn't declare himself "king of the world" again, but no one would blame James Cameron if he did, his billion dollar epic Avatar was one of the big winners at last night's Golden Globe Awards.

The film, which made has so far made $491 million in the US alone, won Best Picture - Drama and Best Director. Cameron was very humble in accepting his Best Director award, choosing to honor the hundreds of computer artists and his cast and crew for their efforts in making the film such a success.

Considering all of the critics' awards heaped on The Hurt Locker, Avatar's success can be seen as a major upset. The two films will now be seen as the major competitors for Oscar glory when the nominations are announced on February 2nd.

The drama categories were filled with welcome surprises, upsets, and humble speeches. Comedienne Mo'nique, who delivered a stirring performance in Precious, won Best Supporting Actress. The most memorable part of her speech occurred when she dedicated the award to victims of sexual abuse, one of the topics of the film. Sandra Bullock finally saw award glory as she took home Best Actress for The Blind Side. Bullock acknowledged that she wasn't the most talented, but was grateful for the many opportunities given to her. Another underrated actor, Jeff Bridges took home Best Actor for the film Crazy Heart.

In the comedy category, The Hangover took the honors for Best Picture. Even though the film's box office hopes were dashed by Avatar, Sherlock Holmes racked up a win for Best Actor with 2008's comeback kid Robert Downey Jr. The actor, whose film Iron Man 2 is due this year, delivered a hilarious speech where he "blamed" the people he thanked for making him a success. The Best Actress winner, the ubiquitous Meryl Streep, went the more sentimental route in speeches, mentioning her mother and her influence in her performance in Julie and Julia.

Extremely popular TV series Glee was honored with a Best Comedy Series award, while AMC series Mad Men took home another Golden Globe for Best Drama. Michael C. Hall, in the news recently for admitting to having cancer, won Best Actor - Drama for Dexter. Julianna Margulies won her first ever award for her CBS series The Good Wife. Toni Colette and Alec Baldwin won in the lead TV comedy categories for The United States of Tara and 30 Rock, respectively.

A jubilant Drew Barrymore took home Best Actress - Miniseries or Movie for Grey Gardens, which also won Best Miniseries.