ALBUM REVIEW: JUSTIN BIEBER - "BELIEVE"

Justin Bieber - Believe

Although it took a bit of time to happen, Justin Bieber's third Studio Disc Believe gives every indication that he is a few steps further in the right direction to a lasting career, defying the nagging perception that his best is behind him already, having first burst onto the scene in 2008 to instant success.

The parallels to Justin Timberlake are undeniable. It is clear here that Bieber has given his Collaborators a clear mandate to make an Album in the same vein as that one's Justified Disc and as much as Bieber might want to make a full-on R&B Disc, he makes a few choices here which will get him some much-needed Airplay.  Many would be surprised to know that despite his status as an International Superstar, the 18-year-old still has yet to achieve a U.S. Billboard Hot 100 number one. The Disc's first Single Boyfriend, co-penned by Mike Posner, came awful close though reaching number two.

Although hardly different from any of Chris Brown's more recent material, official second Single All Around the World (ft. Ludacris) is one of the Disc's best Tracks, reuniting Bieber with Toronto Duo Adam Messinger and Nasri.  Die in Your Arms, which samples Michael Jackson's We've Got a Good Thing Going, is all but lacking in the Charm Department, showcasing Bieber vocally at his best with his silky-smooth Runs and Riffs.  Fans are rewarded fully after waiting this long for a second Disc of original material, as he navigated triumphantly that ever-tricky lowering in Vocal Range.

COVER ARTWORK REVEALED FOR JUSTIN BIEBER'S "BELIEVE"

Official Artwork for Believe

At last an official Cover has been chosen for Justin Bieber's eagerly-awaited third Disc, Believe. A couple options were presented to Fans to choose from and I think the Beliebers made the right choice, don't you?

With first Single Boyfriend already peaking at number two in the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart, also reaching number one on the Canadian Hot 100, we can expect Collaborations with Heavyweights Ludacris, Drake, Taylor Swift, Usher, Kanye West and possibly even Cody Simpson and Lil Wayne too. Believe gets a release June 19, 2012 via Universal Music Canada.

(Photo credit: Universal Music)

JUSTIN BIEBER, ADELE, DRAGONETTE, DRAKE & THE SHEEPDOGS AMONG WINNERS AT 2012 JUNO AWARDS

Justin Bieber in Toronto - December 2011

Congratulations to Justin Bieber for being voted 2012 JUNO Fan Choice Award Winner!  Taking place in Ottawa this year at Scotiabank Theatre and hosted by William Shatner, there was an eclectic mix of Winners this year especially.  The Sheepdogs lead the tally with three wins including Single of the Year (I Don't Know), New Group of the Year and Rock Album of the Year (Leave & Burn). 

Other big Winners tonight included Martin Solveig & Dragonette (Dance Recording of the Year - Hello), Drake (Rap Recording of the Year - Take Care), Hedley (Pop Album of the Year - Storms), Arkells (Group of the Year), Adele (International Album of the Year - 21), Michael Bublé (Album of the Year - Christmas) and more.  

Click here for a complete list of Winners.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

HEDLEY, DRAKE, FEIST, CITY AND COLOUR, NICKELBACK AND DAN MANGAN EACH GARNER FOUR JUNO NOMINATIONS

The Boys of Hedley joke around with Police Officer backstage at 2008 Bell Celebrity Gala

It's an even match with this year's JUNO Award Nominees being announced earlier today.  Collecting four nominations apiece are Hedley, Nickelback, City and Colour, Dan Mangan, Drake and Feist.  Blue Rodeo will be inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame also this year at the show which takes place April 1, 2012 in Ottawa at Scotiabank Place.  William Shatner will be hosting the Broadcast.

Canadian Fans can vote for the Juno Fan Choice Award with Finalists including: Arcade Fire, Avril Lavigne, City and Colour, Deadmau5, Drake, Ginette Reno, Hedley, Justin Bieber, Michael Bublé and Nickelback.  Hmm. Wonder who's gonna win this...

Tickets go on sale February 10, 2012 at 10:00 AM here.

CTV will be airing the JUNO Awards. Click here for a full list of Nominees.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

MEET DRAKE AT HMV QUEEN ST.

Drake at HMV Queen St.

After what seems to have been a drought of Star Power these past few weeks, Drake "takes care" of us hungry Toronto Fans! The Hip-Hop Star will be promoting his new Disc Take Care with an Autograph Signing at HMV Queen St. (272 Queen St. W) in Toronto next Monday, November 14, 2011 at 5:30 PM Unfortunately there will be no posted Photographs, but you can take Photos of Drake! 

The first 500 Fans to pre-order Take Care that day at the Queen St. Store will get Wristbands to meet Drizzy himself. Wristbands will be handed out after 10:00 AM.  Get there early!  Have fun, Mavenati!

Listen to Take Care ft. Rihanna in full below:

CANADA GOOSE'S FALL/WINTER 2011 COLLECTION

Mr. Will-W. in Drake's Canada Goose Chilliwack Jacket

Maggie Gyllenhaal, Daniel Craig, Drake, Josh Duhamel, Hilary Duff, Matt Damon and Bill Clinton all have one thing in common - other than being notable names, that is. They all love their Canada Goose Jackets!

Founded in 1957 by Sam Tick of Toronto, Canada Goose has flourished into a luxury Apparel Company with products available in over 40 countries worldwide, catering both practically to the frigid Winter temperatures of our Country and also those discerning tastes of the Fashionable.  Dani Reiss has carried-on the Legacy of his Grandfather (Tick), acting as the President & CEO of the Company since 2001.  In 2007, Canada Goose saw a great surge in popularity with great demand for their Parka Jackets.

Canada Goose Accessories

I was thrilled to be invited to a private Media Launch for this, one of Canada's most iconic Fashion Lines, getting to try on an array of different Jackets.  One which caught my eye in particular was one designed last year by our v. own Drake.  Weighing in-excess of 10 lbs and complete with a hood trimmed lavishly in dyed black Coyote Fur, instantly I could feel the warmth of comfort of its Goose Down insulation.  Costing in-and-around the $1k mark, a Boy can only dream of possessing such Luxury!

I was thoroughly impressed at the quality of some of the Accessories I saw too like thickly-insulated Gloves, Merino Wool Scarves and their super-awesome PBI Aviator Hat - lined in Coyote Fur.

DRAKE & ERYKAH BADU SPOTTED TOGETHER IN YORKVILLE

Erykah Badu in Toronto - August 2011

My Spies tell me that Drake was spotted last night having an intimate Dinner with none other than Grammy Winner Erykah Badu at Yorkville's Sotto Sotto.  Of course, others in Drake's Entourage were there too!

Badu was spotted out and about in Yorkville also earlier in the day and it is v. much possible that she's in-town recording together with Drake, who we spotted on Tuesday night at Hazelton Hotel. We know already that Canada's Boy Wonder of Hip-Hop already has enlisted the help of Stevie Wonder for his second Disc Take Care, so a collaboration with Badu although a bit surprising, might indicate this Album will be more Soul-oriented.  Whatever he's got brewing, he's doing it in a mega-sized Kettle and a blinged-out Ladle.

Take Care will be going up against Heavyweights like Kelly Clarkson and Coldplay when it gets released October 24, 2011 via Universal Music Canada.

(Photo credit: Tyrone Kerr)

DRAKE SPOTTED AT HAZELTON HOTEL

Yup, that's Hip-Hop Star Drake arriving at Hazelton Hotel for a Business Meeting this evening with his three-vehicle Entourage. Just listen to the reactions from those female Fans! Unfortunately he didn't have time to greet them this time, but he still spared a moment of acknowledgment before he headed in!

This isn't the first time Drake has paid a visit to the Hotel as he is a huge Fan of the amazing ONE Restaurant, also situated on premises.  In fact, I spotted him there back in July when he was nice enough to pose for a quick Photo.

Drake just flew back into Toronto after a weekend spent celebrating the MTV VMAs where he performed alongside his Mentor Lil Wayne on Sunday.

(Video credit: Mr. Will-W.)

CORY GUNZ, MACK MAINE & LIL WAYNE IN TORONTO FOR "I AM STILL MUSIC" TOUR

Lil Wayne in Toronto - August 2011

14-time Grammy nominee Lil Wayne graced the City with his presence today for the Toronto stop-off of his I Am Still Music Tour. The Rapper was just in Montreal on Wednesday night, arriving in Toronto overnight. With his eighth studio Disc Tha Carter IV due in stores on August 29, 2011, it would appear that he has a big comeback Hit on his hands as latest single How to Love already as at number five on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart.

Tagging along for the Tour are Artists from his Record Label Young Money Entertainment, Mack Maine and Cory Gunz who are to perform alongside Lil Wayne this evening with other acts like Far East Movement and Keri Hilson. Maine and Gunz were amazingly nice to stop and pose for Photos with Fans before heading off in their Tour Bus. 

And while Lil Wayne was last to leave (after 7:30 PM) for his self-headlining show at Molson Amphitheatre this evening, his Handler made matters a little trickier for Fans - some who waited all day to see their Idol. He still obliged however and stopped for a couple Photos though telling Fans "Snap me!", before he was rushed off to his Tour Bus.

See more Photos below:

BRITNEY SPEARS AT TORONTO'S AIR CANADA CENTRE FOR "FEMME FATALE" TOUR

Britney Spears at Air Canada Centre - August 2011

Pop Legend Britney Spears performed the first of two Toronto shows this evening as part of her Femme Fatale Tour, bringing along a Camera Crew record footage for her upcoming Concert DVD, which also will be aired in the near future on Epix HD.  Kicking off in Sacramento, California in June, the Tour is set to wrap December 10, 2011 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Joining her tonight was Hip-Hop's hottest Female Rapper right now, Nicki Minaj who surprisingly prior had not visited the City to promote her Platinum-selling debut on Universal Music Canada, Pink Friday.  Minaj wowed the crowd with her colourful delivery and outfits, bringing along our v. own Drake on-stage for a Lap Dance during their performance of Collaboration, Moment 4 Life.  See more of Minaj in Toronto here.

DRAKE'S "OVO FESTIVAL" BOASTS SURRPISE GUESTS ON CARIBANA WEEKEND

Drake at the 2011 JUNO Awards

Drake's OVO Festival at Molson Amphitheatre has secured its place as one of the biggest highlights of Caribana, now known as the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival in Toronto.  Now in its second year, some are anticipating some big names to show-up tonight to the Show. Last year, the Audience were wowed by surprise performances from Jay-Z, Eminem and Beyoncé.

Expected to perform this year are acts like The Weekend, Rick Ross, NAS and Travis Porter but leave it to Drizzy himself to throw in a few surprises.  For one, Stevie Wonder was spotted flying in from Los Angeles yesterday and was seen by several Diners at Fusion hotspot Spice Route, known for its enticing Appetizers and $20 Chow Mein. I "wonder" though if he knew that he could get perhaps better and cheaper Chinese food over in Chinatown? Could the R&B/Soul legend himself be making an appearance at the OVO Festival?  We'll soon know!

Although some members of the Young Money Entertainment family, including Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne are due here in August, there also are rumours that they too might be lending their support.  Minaj surprised at Jay-Z show on Friday night, but it should be noted she is opening for Britney Spears tonight at Verizon Center in Washington, DC and likely won't be able to make it back to Toronto in-time tonight.  She will definitely be here on August 13th and 14th though.

RAPPER DRAKE IN YORKVILLE FOR BUSINESS MEETING

Drake & Mr. Will-W.

While out for a walk earlier hobbling along with my one injured foot, I crossed paths with the hottest name in Hip Hop - our v. own Drake!  I've actually met the Toronto native on multiple occasions in the past, but this time I had my Camera ready and was able to get a proper Photo.  Despite many others feeling that he is a difficult one to get a Photo with, I must say I've been lucky both times I've tried.

The former Degrassi star tells me that he was on his way to a business meeting at Hazelton Hotel's ONE Restaurant.  Lately there has been much speculation that he is rekindling a romance with Rihanna after being seen together on multiple occasions, including her recent Toronto visit in June.  Still no confirmation from both camps but really, is it any of our business?  Surely both their Fans would have little reason to object!

The last time I got a Photo with Drizzy this past December, our Photo was an #EPICFAIL:

DRAKE MAKES APPEARANCE AT 2011 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

Drake at 2011 MuchMusic Video Awards

Not a confirmed Guest at the MuchMusic Video Awards, Drake still showed love for his Hometown by making an appearance at the Show.  Opting not to walk the Red Carpet, the Rapper entered through a Backstage Entrance, throwing a quick wave to Fans behind a Barricade before heading in with his large two-SUV Entourage.

See more Photos below:

RIHANNA GREETS FANS ON TORONTO STOP OF "LOUD" TOUR

Rihanna & Fans in Toronto - June 2011

She certainly loves Toronto!   After opting to spend her day off here instead of Baltimore, Pop Princess Rihanna arrived in the City yesterday afternoon. Despite spending much of her time in her Yorkville Hotel Room, she did get a chance to go out and enjoy Dinner with Friends last night. Upon arriving, one Fan was lucky enough to score an Autograph from the currently fiery Redhead, who opted not to stop for Photos after noticing Paparazzi in-sight.

Earlier today she had spent a quick moment with Fans outside her Hotel, posing for a couple Group Photos en route to Air Canada Centre. Rihanna's Handler initially had denied her Fans a chance to get close to her and upon his being handed a Camera to take a Group Photo of them one Fan noted, "he was pretending to take a Photo, purposely pressing the wrong button".  The Singer finally intervened however, urging her Hander to co-operate, urging him "Please take the Photo!".  Despite a growing number of Fans crowding around her for a Photo, Rihanna headed straight into her SUV, immediately locking her door.

MY GODMOTHER & DRAKE BACKSTAGE AT THE JUNOS FOR "OLD MONEY"

Drake & Cast of Old Money Skit

My Godmother Angela is the best!  This Morning she e-mailed me this and a few Candid Photos to show all my Friends.  This Photo was taken Backstage with Host Drake and her fellow Skit Cast Mates from this past Sunday's Juno Awards.  As you can see, Drake not only is representing the Young Money but also the Old Money.

In case you missed the much-talked about Old Money Skit the first time, you can watch it in full on CTV's website here.  So awesome!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W. via Godmother Angela)

DRAKE AT 2011 JUNO AWARDS

Drake at the 2011 Juno Awards

Toronto's v. own Drake made his City proud tonight, playing Host to the 2011 Juno Awards (the 40th edition of the ceremonies).  Working every muscle of his talent from Comedic Chops to Singing to Rapping, the 24 year-old easily won the audience over.  

A pre-recorded Video Clip showed him Skyping his Buddy Justin Bieber, who is currently busy touring in Eurpoe, and doing a Duet to Sarah McLachlan's I Will Remember You together.  He also jokingly serenaded Shania Twain, telling her how he'd like to "make her feel like a Woman".  Nervy, considering her new Husband Frederic Thiebaud was right beside her!

The evening's biggest highlight was his parody called Old Money, poking fun at Lil Wayne's Record Label (which he is signed to), Young Money.  And get this, my Godmother Angela starred in the Skit too as a Champagne-drinkin' Granny!  Way to Godmother!  Yay! Watch the Clip in full here at CTV.

Earlier in the evening, Drake zipped right through the Red Carpet after signing a few Autographs, much to the disappointment of shivering Fans hoping to get a Photo with him. 

See some more snaps I got of him below:

JUNO AWARDS RED CARPET COVERAGE

Shania Twain

With just four days to the Juno Awards left, are you Guys excited yet or what?  I know I am and I will be lined-up at the Red Carpet and ready to deliver some awesome coverage for you!

CTV has confirmed today that among the superstars to walk the Red Carpet this Sunday at Air Canada Centre are Host Drake, Neil Young, Metric, Hedley and Shania Twain. This will mark the tenth year the Network will be airing the Awards.

You can catch the Red Carpet festivities in Ontario and Quebec at 6:30 PM ET, in Alberta at 6:30 PM MT and in the Atlantic at 7:30 PM AT.

eTalk at The Junos, an hour-long Special, will air in BC at 6:00 PM PT, Winnipeg at 6:00 PM CT and on CP24 at 6:30 PM ET.

If you have questions for your favourite Celebrities on the Red Carpet, you can Tweet Gossip Maven Lainey Lui at @etalkCTV during the broacast.

(Photo credit: ShaniaTwain.Com)

INTERVIEW: MINDLESS BEHAVIOR (PICS & VIDEO)

Mindless Behavior - Toronto, March 2011

It's been over two years in the making, but Pop Music will soon be embracing the debut of a new Teen phenomenon, Mindless Behavior. The Boy Band, three parts Los Angelenos and one part Philadelphian, have won the praise of industry Icons like Diddy and Janet Jackson, the latter who has handpicked them to join her on twelve key dates for her NUMBER ONES: Up Close and Personal Tour. Just having landed in Toronto after their first stop-off in Chicago earlier this week, I caught up backstage with the Boys of Mindless Behavior - their first ever Canadian interview - at a venue Midtown, a private Showcase organized by Faze Magazine.

Prodigy

Starting off our session with a quick Photoshoot, I was amazed firstly by the level of seasoning these Boys showed, comfortably throwing poses at the Camera - each defining who they were on a personal level. Prodigy, decidedly the lead Vocalist of the group, is confident and understated, giving me full-on Diddy. Princeton is colourful and outgoing, his hair actually reminiscent of a young Prince. Roc Royal is grounded and approachable. Ray Ray although the quietest and perhaps most endearing, is by no means shy on-stage.

The Boys explain to me the process of how they came to be Mindless Behavior with Princeton telling me, "Roc Royal and I were chosen out of 600 kids by Walter Millsap (Beyoncé) and Vincent Herbert (Lady Gaga) first, then came Prodigy from Philadelphia who was discovered on YouTube by our Choreographer. Ray Ray joined our group last.". Life hasn't been all Escalades and Red Carpets though since being signed to Interscope Records by Jimmy Iovine. He adds that "for two years we have been going to classes for Vocal Lessons, Media Training and Choreography. We're all being Homeschooled now.".

JUSTIN BIEBER IN TORONTO FOR PREMIERE OF "NEVER SAY NEVER"

Justin Bieber in Toronto - February 2011

Although Toronto was safe from the impending Blizzard today, another Supernatural force swept through the City. Justin Bieber.

Arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport just before 11:00 PM last night, the 16 year-old Teen Sensation retired to his Hotel Room, watching a bit of David Letterman with his little Sister Jazmyn by his side, before calling it a night. Bieber is in-town promoting his Big Screen debut, a 3-D Documentary titled Never Say Never, directed by Jon Chu. The Film follows him around in his world travels and promises lots of Celebrity Cameos.

With Fans camped out overnight in front of Royal York Hotel, many received a wonderful surprise after being summoned into his Media Only-Press Conference this afternoon by his Handlers. Answering seemingly mundane questions which oddly are fascinating considering his level of Fame, Bieber revealed lots of Fun Facts. For example, he confessed how much he misses Tim Horton's Iced Cappuccinos and how simply he cannot travel without those chewy Cinnamon-flavoured Confectioneries: Big Foots. He adores Ketchup Chips and is adamant in his distaste for Sour Patch Kids. I agree. Gross.

At one point in the Press Conference, he interrupted one Journalist posing a legitimate question, favouring a Fan question. "Will you marry me?", one lovestruck Fan asked. Kids.

DRAKE LEADS JUNO NOMINEES

Sir Richard Branson & Drake - June 2010

In addition to hosting this year's Juno Awards, Toronto's Pride and Joy Drake, gets an impressive six nominations, as announced earlier this morning at the Royal York Hotel.

Drake scored nods in major categories such as Artist of the Year, Single of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Artist of the Year. Teen sensation Justin Bieber who is in town today promoting his 3-D Documentary Never Say Never, scored two important nods for Artist of the Year and Pop Album of the Year. Arcade Fire is also up for multiple categories including Album of the Year and Group of the Year.

In a category we'll be watching closely, friends of Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven, Dragonette, are up for Dance Recording of the Year with Fixin' to Thrill. The Toronto-based Trio are up against Mia Martina & Edward Maya's heavily-played Stereo Love; other Artists in the race include Chromeo, Keshia Chante and Deadmau5.

The Junos will air on CTV, March 27, 2011 at 8:00 PM EST.  Click here for a full list of Nominees.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)