NICK CARTER IN TORONTO FOR SOLO DISC, "I"M TAKING OFF" | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Nick Carter in Toronto - August 2011

Backstreet Boy Nick Carter somehow has found time to record a second Solo Disc between making a Short Film and being a part of the successful/sold-out Backstreet Boys and NKOTBSB Tours.

Carter who just wrapped-up the NKOTBSB Tour Sunday in Ottawa, opted to stay in Toronto for a day of Press in support of new Disc, I'm Taking Off which has him collaborating with the likes of Toby Gad (Selena Gomez, Fergie) and Mischke (Spice Girls, Trey Songz). The Universal Music Canada release is led by first single Love Can't Wait, produced by Canada's v. own Shawn Desman.

NICK CARTER TO VISIT TORONTO FOR "I'M TAKING OFF"

Nick Carter in Toronto -  June 2011

You always go where you're loved most and Nick Carter knows exactly how much Toronto loves him!  The Backstreet Boy will be releasing his second Solo Disc, I'm Taking Off on August 9, 2011 via Universal Music Canada. and lined-up on the Press Tour is a stop-off in Toronto.  He will be visiting HMV's Queen Street Store (272 Queen St. W) to do an Autograph Signing in support of the new Album at 6:00 PM and the first 300 people with a Wristband who buy his CD will get an Autograph.  No Posed Photos unfortunately.

If you miss him, don't fret as he'll be in the the west-end of the City on Saturday, August 27, 2011 performing at the World Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation World Championships at Mississauga's Living Arts Centre.

Carter will be playing Hamilton's Copps Colisseum Friday night as part of the NKOTBSB Tour, followed by London's John Labbatt Centre on Sunday before heading back to Toronto again early next week.  Read my Review of the NKTOBSB Tour's Toronto show here.

Pre-order I'm Taking Off here.  

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

NKOTBSB TOUR HITS TORONTO'S AIR CANADA CENTRE - PICS, REVIEW & VIDEO

NKOTBSB at Air Canada Centre

Although many of you - primarily Men - have your reservations about the concept of an NKOTBSB (New Kids on the Block & Backstreet Boys) Tour, I'll have you know that your approval isn't needed as the wildly-entertaining spectacle is everything it's touted to be for Female Fans. Over two hours of gyrating, shirt-tearing, genital rubbing, surprise audience pop-ups and on-stage serenading from two of the most successful Boy Bands in the history of Pop Music, are exactly what the Ladies paid top dollar for.

Walking into the first of two Air Canada Centre Shows tonight, I had pretty much thought that both Backstreet Boys and New Kids on the Block were on-par with one another in my books.  I did grow-up witnessing the rise of both entities and in their respective eras, they were something v. special indeed; they still are. After seeing both Bands zip through an array of Hits from their respective Catalogs, I am certain now that I am indeed a bigger Backstreet Boys fan.  Totally.

The evening began with a Mash-up of Coldplay's Viva La Vida beneath New Kids' Single and Backstreet's The One, which had all nine Performers on-stage together at once.  In addition, the two joined forces again later on Backstreet's Larger Than Life and new collaboration Don't Turn Out the Lights.  Donnie Wahlberg brought-up the energy on tracks from New Kids with a bit of rapping, unafraid of flaunting his body, while Jordan Knight and Joey McIntyre proved to be the true heart and soul of the Group with their solid soaring vocals.  Surprisingly, tracks like Please Don't Go Girl, Tonight and I'll Be Loving You Forever didn't really stand the test of time live, especially when paired alongside the Backstreet repertoire.

Backstreet's Mid-tempo Ballads still deliver an impact especially with some of the younger Ladies in the audience, including I'll Never Break Your Heart, Quit Playing Games with my Heart and I Want It That Way - all which had the audience singing along in unison.  Their Choreography and Vocals show a level of refinement which only comes with constant Touring and the Backstreet Boys haven't lost a step at all.

JORDIN SPARKS AT MUCHMUSIC'S NEW.MUSIC.LIVE WITH DOG MAGGIE

Jordin Sparks at MuchMusic's NML

American Idol Season Six Winner Jordin Sparks visited MuchMusic's New.Music.Live yesterday to say "hi" to Fans and promote forthcoming Disc titled tentatively 3x or 3.  Although the Sony Music Canada release isn't due til this Fall, First Single I Am Woman already has hit the Airwaves and debuted on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart at number 82.

Sparks is currently on-tour with NKOTBSB, the Supergroup of New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys, who are in Toronto to perform two sold-out Shows at Air Canada Centre, Wednesday and Thursday.

During the Broadcast, Sparks at the request of one MuchMusic Staff Member, sang her Hit No Air minus Chris Brown before the audience.  She was impressed thoroughly with his vocal abilities!  The bubbly Songstress brought along her adorable Bichon Frise Maggie to the Show, and the adorable Lap Dog was on her best behaviour despite the crowding and hot temperatures.  In fact, shortly after Sparks had left the premises, one Girl suffered a Seizure possibly due to Overheating, with an Emergency Response Crew arriving quickly.  Fans in the audience were urged not to take Photographs.

See some Photos I took at the NKOTBSB Show here.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

"GLEE" STAR MATTHEW MORRISON ARRIVES IN TORONTO | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Matthew Morrison & Mr. Will-W.

Just what we all need on a Monday morning - a bit of Sunshine to start the week. Glee Star Matthew Morrison flew in bright and early this Morning on a Red Eye flight, for a promotional visit to Toronto in support of his self-titled debut Disc, now in stores via Universal Music Canada. This Morning he was sporting a smart pair of Glasses, a pair of Jeans and a Baseball Sweatshirt.

Included on his itinerary are an Autograph Signing at Eaton Centre later today, plus a Global Television Upfront Party tomorrow, introducing the forthcoming Television Season.

Despite canceling his self-headlining Tour recently, Morrison has been busy putting on some finishing touches for his Opening Set on the upcoming NKOTBSB Tour.  That of course being the upcoming Summer Arena Tour for the newly-combined New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys Super-group. Following this brief Toronto stay, Morrison will be headed to London for some additional Promotion.

Asked whether or not this was his first visit to the City, Morrison told Fans "Come on now! I've been here many times". And while proceeding to sign Autographs - including one for you Mavenati - he asked, "How long have you guys been waiting?", before chuckling in delight when it was revealed that some waited overnight for him!

MEET MATTHEW MORRISON IN TORONTO

That's right, Toronto!  This is your chance to meet Matthew Morrison from Glee!  Monday, May 30, 2011 at 4:00 PM Mr. Schuester himself will be live at Toronto's Eaton Centre and the first 300 people to buy his CD at HMV Eaton Centre will win passes to meet him!  Hurry.

This surely makes up for the fact that his upcoming Sony Centre for the Performing Arts Show is cancelled?  Uh, yeah.

All details listed above.

MATTHEW MORRISON CANCELS TOUR AND JOINS NKOTBSB

Matthew Morrison

Despite an announcement earlier today that Glee’s Matthew Morrison would be joining NKOTBSB (New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys’ supergroup) on the latter part of their Tour this Summer, it also has just been confirmed that Morrison will be cancelling his North American solo Tour altogether now.

This is not at all surprising considering he was charging close to $400 for Meet & Greet passes, while the Cast of Glee were charging in-and-around that price to meet them on their Glee Live! In Concert! Arena Tour this Summer.  The choice is obvious to Concert-goers, isn't it?

Was Morrison perhaps being too hasty in launching a Solo career already? Does his success still depend on Glee?

Toronto Fans hoping to see Morrison this Summer unfortunately won’t be seeing him at the two NKOTBSB shows scheduled for Air Canada Centre June 8th and 9th as he will only be joining the Supergroup effective July 9, 2011 when their Tour hits Anaheim, California.

(Photo credit: Universal Music)

FANS PICK NKOTBSB ALBUM TRACKS

NKOTBSB

The Fans have spoken. During the period of March 14 through March 24, 2011, Fans of both New Kids on the Block and Backstreet Boys, collectively known as NKOTBSB, were given an opportunity to vote online for songs which they wanted to be included on the Supergroup’s upcoming collaborative Album. To be released on Tuesday, May 24, 2011 via Sony Music, the Disc promises five Fan-picked Classics from each Group, plus new Music like first Single, Don’t Turn out the Lights - not to be confused with Enrique Iglesias’ Don’t Turn off the Lights.

I already have my Ticket to their Toronto Show on Wednesday, June 8, 2011 (bringing my Nieces) and surely will be there to deliver the scoop! On their itinerary is a rare show at Fenway Park in Boston, scheduled for Saturday, June 11, 2011. The Tour begins Thursday, May 26, 2011 in Rosemont, Illinois.

Follow NKOTBSB on Twitter here.

(Photo credit: Sony Music)