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.

CARLY RAE JEPSEN LEAVING TORONTO FOLLOWING 2012 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

Carly Rae Jepsen in Toronto - June 2012

Quickly catapulting herself as Canada's new Darling, Carly Rae Jepsen reigns both north and south of the Border with her infectious Call Me Maybe having climbed its way to number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart. And we couldn't be any prouder of her.

Just last night having won three Awards at the 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards: Most Streamed Vídeo, UR FAVE Video and Vídeo of the Year, Jepsen flew out of Toronto earlier today to much fanfare regardless how hard her Handler tried capping it. The Paparazzi also were armed and ready as Jepsen herself flashed smiles and waves their way. There's little wonder why we're all obsessed with this Girl-Next-Door from Mission, B.C.!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

BRIAN FRIEDMAN IN TORONTO FOR 2012 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

Brian Friedman & Mr. Will-W.

You might remember him from So You Think You Can Dance, but Dancer/Choreographer Brian Friedman has long been making a name for himself helming the Dance Moves in some of your favourite Britney Spears, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé Videos. 

Friedman made a visit to Toronto to lend his talents to Justin Bieber at the 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards.  The Teen Pop Sensation treated the Queen Street Audience to performances of his two latest Tracks, Boyfriend and All Around the World.

I caught-up with Friedman quickly earlier today along with Bieber's Team of Dancers as they headed off to New York, where Bieber is headed to next for a Performance tonight.

Follow the handsome self-professed Workaholic here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

JUSTIN BIEBER IN TORONTO FOR 2012 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS

Justin Bieber & Monika in Toronto - June 2012

Talk about making a Girl's Dream come true!  Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven Friend and Reader Monika has tried many times to get her Photo with Justin Bieber previously and just as she was ready to give-up, it happened today. Finally. Monika caught-up with Bieber after his morning Soundcheck for tomorrow night's 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards and she's still speechless and in-shock.

Arriving on-stage in a Jean Jacket, it wasn't long before Bieber got hot and had to remove it and his young Female Fans got an eye-full of him in his Tank Top. No complaints, right Ladies?

Bieber has been exceptionally generous with Fans on this Visit, including taking a slew of Photos with Fans last night at Toronto Pearsonal International Airport while picking-up Girlfriend Selena Gomez.  Perfect Publicity for his new Disc Believe, in-stores next week!

Thanks Monika for the Photo!

(Photo credit: Monika)

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)

KATY PERRY: FIRST CONFIRMED 2012 MUCHMUSIC VIDEO AWARDS PERFORMER

Katy Perry in Toronto - June 2010

Following her epic (and messy) arrival on the 2010 MuchMusic Video Awards Red Carpet, Katy Perry is set to perform again at the 2012 edition of the eagerly-awaited Spectacle. She is the first confirmed Performer thus far this year and according to some Insiders, at this point we're about 70% sure Megastar Justin Bieber also may be appearing too.

Although Perry visited the City last year quickly for her California Dreams Tour, Toronto Fans including myself will remember her 2010 five-day visit as being extremely memorable with her doing several appearances in support of her then-soon-to-be-released Teenage Dream Album.  It was during that visit that I was among the first to listen to her perform the hit Title Track at a taping of Live at Much!  And who could forget that time she came out to greet a large crowd of Fans waiting in front of her Hotel, zipping through them one-by-one?  Or how about her tossing Soft-Serve Ice Cream Cones from an Ice Cream Truck on the MMVAs Red Carpet?  Deliciously terrifying.  Love that.

Perry will be here supporting her upcoming Tour Documentary, Katy Perry: Part of Me 3-D - in theatres Thursday, July 5, 2012 via Paramount Pictures.

The 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards are set to air at 9:00 PM EST on Sunday, June 17, 2012.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

NEW MUSIC: JUSTIN BIEBER - "BOYFRIEND"

Official Artwork for Justin Bieber - Boyfriend

Justin would be proud. Timberlake, that is. Justin Bieber's latest Single Boyfriend surfaced at midnight on iTunes and was released to Radio simultaneously, carefully avoiding the wrath of Piracy and pre-release leaks. The Track produced and co-written by Mike Posner is v. much dominated by a hypnotic loop heard throughout the Track. After chatting with one of his Co-Writers from The Messengers back in December candidly at Massey Hall, I was told that we can expect a Sound inspired by Justin Timberlake's Justified Disc.  You know, back when he actually sang?

Listen to Boyfriend below:

(Photo/video credit: Universal Music)

JUSTIN BIEBER, SELENA GOMEZ & MORE TEAM FOR "CALL ME MAYBE" FAN VIDEO

Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber and more in Fan Video for Call Me Maybe

If there was any doubt that Carly Rae Jepsen is on the verge of becoming a major star... Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Big Time Rush's Carlos Pena, Sammy Droke and Ashley Tisdale teamed together with Director/Editor Alfredo Flores to make this Fan Video for Jepsen's current Single, Call Me Maybe, which already is a bona fide success in her homeland of Canada.  The only catch here of course is that these Fans are all Celebrities!

The next step with Jepsen's just-announced Record Deal with Scooter Braun's Schoolboy Records, of course is to take her success internationally.  Within a week, her stock has skyrocketed and proof of this is her Twitter Follower-base increasing from 30k to 100k. V. exciting!

Watch this Fan Video for Call Me Maybe below:

CARLY RAE JEPSEN IN TORONTO FOR "CURIOSITY" | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Carly Rae Jepsen in Toronto - February 2012

It's always exciting to see one of our own go on to succeed, but even more so, actually seeing them gaining respect in our Country. Let's face it, as Canadians often we're tougher on our own Artists and sometimes need to see them gain acceptance elsewhere before we buy into them.  26-year-old Carly Rae Jepsen's success story long has been in the works and after having first gaining attention on now-defunct Canadian Idol in 2007 placing third, she was signed to Vancouver-based 604 Records, distributed through Universal Music Canada.

Continuing to write and tour to modest success with 2008 Debut Tug of War, the Native of Mission, British Columbia now is finally reaping the rewards of persistence.  Friday, December 30, 2011 was an auspicious day for Jepsen when Canadian Megastar Justin Bieber Tweeting his affections for her Single Call Me Maybe.  Bieber confessed, "Call me maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen is possibly the catchiest song I've ever heard lol".  With over 17 million Fans following his every move, you better belieb that Jepsen's Profile would soon see a significant boost.

Undeniably infectious, the Track was released in September but finally as of January 2012, has achieved Platinum sales (80,000 units) in Canada.  The likes of Selena Gomez and Pretty Little Liars Star Ashley Benson would declare their love publicly for Call Me Maybe, creating a potential international breakthrough with the power of viral exposure and Celebrity influence.  The Song now currently is number one on the Canadian Hot 100 Chart, a rare feat for a Canadian Artist.

Now with the release of her EP Curiosity slated for tomorrow, Valentine's Day, we'll see just how much love Canadians have to give one of our newest National Treasures.  The slickly-produced six-track Disc (five of which she penned) expands on Jepsen's established Sound - tight melodies which could stand on their own with just a Guitar, but beneficially are embellished with Pop/Rock arrangements with a tinge of Electronica thrown in.  She even covers fellow Canadian Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now.

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.)

CODY SIMPSON & JUSTIN BIEBER COLLABORATION?

Cody Simpson Tweets about Justin Bieber Studio Session

Teen Aussie Hearththrob Cody Simpson Tweeted that he spent last night in the Studio with Justin Bieber, an opportunity made possible by the fact that they both now are managed by Scooter Braun. Both Artists appear to be using the same strategy of releasing EPs before a big full-length Disc and perhaps soon we'll see a Collaboration or more between them as the above Tweet hints? 

Simpson thus far has released two EPs, 4 U and Coast to Coast with his debut Album still in-the works under Warner Music, while Bieber's second Album Believe, hits stores some time later this year via Universal Music.

BILLBOARD & NIELSEN REVEAL TOP-SELLING ALBUMS AND ARTISTS OF 2011

Adele in Toronto - March 2011

CNN reveals a bit of interesting news on Digital Music Sales versus Physical Music Sales based on a Billboard/Nielsen Report conducted recently.  For the first time ever, Digital Music is outselling actual Physical Music, with the former increasing 8.4% from the previous year and the latter declining 5%.  In fact, Digital Music accounts for 50.3% of all Music sold in the U.S.

Adele came out on-top in 2011 accounting for Best Selling Artist, Album and Digital Song by a landslide, besting Lady Gaga and Canada's own Michael Bublé who ranked in second despite his Album being released only in November.  Katy Perry however, beat Adele as Best Selling Digital Artist with 15.1 million units sold.

For those curious, these are your Top Ten Selling Albums of 2011:

JUSTIN BIEBER CARDBOARD CUTOUT STOLEN FROM COLLINGWOOD SHOPPERS DRUG MART

Justin Bieber Someday Cardboard Cutout

Drama in Collingwood, Ontario! A life-size Justin Bieber Cardboard Cutout used to promote his Someday Fragrance was stolen from a Shoppers Drug Mart on Hurontario St., New Year's Day  The Cutout was to be sold-off for Charity and because its original was stolen, a replacement now has to be shipped to the Store in question. There are 1,200 Justin Bieber Cardboard Cutouts available throughout Canada, as reported by CTV News. 

The Fragrance, for which proceeds are donated to Charities like Pencils of Promise and the Make-a-Wish Foundation, recently was named Fragrance of the Year at the Women's Wear Daily Beauty Inc. Awards in December.  It is described as containing notes of: Mandarin, Juicy Pear, Wild Berries, Jasmine, Creamy Florals, Vanilla and Soft Musks.

If you have any information about the Culprit, you are to contact the Collingwood OPP at 705-445-4321.

JUSTIN BIEBER TWEETS LOVE FOR CARLY RAE JEPSEN

Carly Rae Jepsen in Toronto - October 2010

One of the few Finalists of now-defunct Canadian Idol to achieve some success, Carly Rae Jepsen just got a huge boost with the help of a fellow Canadian Pop Star.  Justin Bieber earlier today Tweeted his love for Canadian Labelmate Jepsen's latest Single Call Me Maybe.  The Track will be on her Universal Music Canada Sophomore Disc, due early 2012.

Justin Bieber Tweets about Carly Rae Jepsen

My Friend Ryan absolutely loves the Track too and e-mailed me secretly professing his love for it and I must admit it is pretty catchy.  Yes, we are grown Men with the musical taste of 15 year-old Girls!

I had the pleasure of meeting Jepsen back in 2010 Backstage at the Bell Celebrity Gala for Sick Kids' Hospital and she is absolutely adorable.  I still remember her Tutu. She was channeling Black Swan before Black Swan...

Watch the Video in full below for Call Me Maybe:

JUSTIN BIEBER: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS AT MASSEY HALL

Justin Bieber at Massey Hall - December 2011

Canada's favourite Teen King returned home to Canada last night for his exclusive CTV/MuchMusic Special, Justin Bieber: Home for the Holidays. The almost-two hour Acoustic Show in which he is accompanied by his Touring Guitarist Dan Kanter, was recorded tonight at the intimate Massey Hall before a rapidly sold-out crowd of manic Beliebers. And thanks to the generosity of Manager Scooter Braun, I was lucky enough to score tickets to see the Show, giving me an amazing seat at the front of the Balcony too!

Justin Bieber arrives with Sister, Jazzy

The Special premieres tomorrow, Thursday, December 22, 2011, 6:00 PM EST on MuchMusic and 7:30 PM EST on CTV, with footage from tonight being edited down to 30 minutes, focusing mostly on new material from his Disc Under the Mistletoe.  Although there were no Special Guests to perform with the 17 year-old, certainly he had no problems keeping his Fans on their feet with screams reaching deafening levels when he finally came on just-before 8:00 PM, performing his Hit Baby.

Bieber at one point asked his Fans, "What do you want most for Christmas?" and the sea of screaming Girls uniformly had one answer for him, "YOU!".  He at one point brought three year-old Sister Jazzy on-stage, playfully doing an Encore of Baby and One Time with her, melting the hearts of the Audience.  The Toddler, who has developed a habit of drawing on walls of late, revealed to us that she recently cut her own hair and also shaved her two year-old Brother Jaxon's head too. One lucky Fan was brought on-stage and serenaded, before being gifted with a signed Guitar from Bieber, making pretty much everyone extremely jealous.

MASSEY HALL CONFIRMED FOR "JUSTIN BIEBER: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS"

Justin Bieber in Toronto - February 2011

More details have been confirmed for the Justin Bieber: Home for the Holidays Special. The not-so-secret Acoustic Taping will be taking place Wednesday, December 21, 2011, 7:00 PM at intimate Massey Hall at Shuter x Victoria. You can buy Tickets for the Show beginning 4:00 PM on Sunday, December 18, 2011 via either Massey Hall's Website or this Special Link. All proceeds will be going to Bieber's BELIEVE Charity. I am not affiliated with Massey Hall, so please do not direct questions at me regarding Tickets.

Justin Bieber: Home for the Holidays premieres 6:00 PM EST on MuchMusic and on CTV, Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 7:30 PM EST.  It will be preceded by a half-hour eTalk Countdown Special at 7:00 PM EST on CTV.  The eTalk Special looks at BELIEVE, the making of his Mistletoe Video, plus his Toronto visit earlier this year to promote Never Say Never (we were there!).

Can't make it to the Concert or couldn't get Tickets?  Catch it on TV at the following times:

JUSTIN BIEBER TO RECORD CTV & MUCHMUSIC HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Justin Bieber & Family - February 2011

You better beleibe it!  Justin Bieber will soon be returning to the Homeland to tape a Special called MUCHMUSIC PRESENTS JUSTIN BIEBER: HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.  Bieber will be playing back home soon to tape the Special from a secret location which will include Covers of his favourites and also Holiday Classics.  

MuchMusic also is holding a Contest which will fly one Winner and their Friend to see the Secret Taping.  Contest closes December 19, 2011 on MuchMusic's Website.  In addition, proceeds from the Show will go to the Hearththrob's Charity, Believe.

The 30-minute Special airs Thursday, December 22, 2011 at 6:00 PM EST on MuchMusic and also 7:30 PM EST at CTV.

Hmm... wonder if Selena might join him on-stage for a Duet?  One can always dream!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

LADY GAGA & JUSTIN BIEBER TOP 2011 MTV EMAs

Katy Perry at 2011 MTV EMAs

Belfast's Odyssey Arena is where it was at last night for the 2011 MTV European Music Awards... and the Americans stole the show! Lady Gaga top home top honours winning Best Female. She also won awards for Best Song and Best Video with her track Born this Way, donning yet another interesting Headpiece from her Haus of Gaga Collection. Gaga also performed a stirring rendition of her new Single, Marry the Night.

Selena Gomez hosted the Event, also performing new Track Hit the Lights, while Boyfriend Justin Bieber even came out to do a festive Medley of Mistletoe and Never Say Never, himself being awarded Best Male.

Despite Gaga dominating, Katy Perry would not leave empty-handed, getting awarded Best Live by Jersey Shore Co-stars JWoww and Snooki.

Other highlights of the evening included Irish Actor David Monahan streaking across the stage naked as Hayden Panettiere introduced Lady Gaga for her performance.

Read more here.

See Gaga perform Marry the Night below:

NEW PHOTOS FROM JUSTIN BIEBER'S "UNDER THE MISTLETOE" | GIVEAWAY

Official Artwork for Under the Mistletoe

One of the most anticipated Holiday Albums of 2011 is now in-stores and along with it, these new Photos of Justin Bieber have surfaced from new Disc, Under the Mistletoe. These Photos by Kenneth Cappello surely will set the hearts of Teen Girls around the World aflutter.  It scares me how quickly he's growing-up!

Everyone's been talking about Bieber's collaboration with Mariah Carey on her Classic All I Want for Christmas is You (Superfestive!) and you can hear a noticeable lowering of vocal range, but he does his best to work against the limitations.

Listen in full below:

JUSTIN BIEBER & MICHAEL BUBLÉ RECORD "ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS YOU" BY MARIAH CAREY

Official Artwork for Under the Mistletoe

In the process of Justin Bieber being ready to release his Christmas Album Under the Mistletoe in a month, it seems somehow they've forgotten that he is due to release a proper second studio Album eventually!  My World 2.0 was released in what seems like ages ago, back in January 2010.

Although there's been a bit of speculation, it also has been confirmed subtly by Mariah Carey that indeed she has re-recorded her Holiday Classic, All I Want for Christmas is You along with Bieber for his Disc, due November 1, 2011 via Universal Music Canada. Bieber had Tweeted, "http://t.co/cUbr03xD - well like I said...#UnderTheMistletoe is not your normal christmas album. right @mariahcarey . #NOV1st", earlier today that same Tweet was Re-Tweeted by Carey.

The Pop Sensation however isn't the only Canadian Crooner to have been inspired by The Diva herself for the Holidays, but Michael Bublé also is doing a version of All I Want for Christmas is You for his Holiday Disc, Christmas, out on October 24, 2011 via Warner Music Canada.  Bublé will be in Toronto on October 11 to promote the Disc doing appearances on The Marilyn Denis Show and George Stroumboulopoulos Tonight, among others. 

Will we be seeing a similar strategy from Bieber perhaps to return home for a bit of promotion?