Video - Ronan Parke Does Lady Gaga “Edge of Glory” – Preps for First Album

Not a lot of people in the United Sates know who Ronan Parke is.

He came in second place in the “Britain’s Got Talent” television show last year and, much like our own United States AGT runner-up Jackie Evancho, seems to be doing pretty well for himself.

Ronan, who was only 12-years-old when he competed on BGT, has already been signed to a record label and is preparing his first studio album.

But it has not been an easy ride for young Ronan.

During the Britain’s Got Talent competition he and Simon Cowell were accused of rigging the competition.

Parke was accused of training in secret for two years under the care of Simon – who was also accused of paying for his vocal couch and buying his cloths and sitting him with a fashion coach.

In fact, the day before the final show Cowell actually called the police to try and stop the rumors.

Watch Ronan Parke Talk about BGT Scandal


Ronan started singing when he was only three and has been taking singing lessons the last two years. After singing at a few birthday parties he decided to enter the BGT auditions.

He blew away the judges and audience, and was booked for the show and made it all the way to second place.

Watch Ronan Parke Sing on Britain's Got Talent


But now the show is over and Ronan has been in the studio after being signed by Simon Cowell’s record label.

He has also been performing live shows and has appeared at the Manchester Opera House, The True Loves Academy in London, The Edge Festival in Edinburgh, and at The Kazimier in Liverpool.

Not bad for the now 13-year-old.

His upcoming album will release on October 24, 2011 and will consist of remixes of popular cover songs.

In preparation for the new album release, Parke has been giving his fans a sneak peek at the various tracks.

One that caught our eye was an acoustic version of Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory”.

Watch Ronan Park Sing Lady Gaga’s Edge of Glory


He may not be the next Justin Bieber, Greyson Chance or Cody Simpson but this kid has talent.

Ronan says that music is in his blood and it is all he wants to do in life. His parents are behind him 100 percent and it seems he is off to a good start.

You can visit Ronan on his Facebook page and can pre-order his new album here on Amazon.

Go get ‘em kid.

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Video - Justin Bieber Goes “Coning” – Almost Drives His Car into a Wall

What do you do when your worth $100 million dollars and bored?

You go coning!

While taking a break from working on his new album “Believe”, teen pop sensation Justin Bieber almost drove his car into a wall while coning at a local restaurant.

He also bought a Frosty from Burger King and tried to return it to a Wendy’s but was shut down by an astute manager.

And he filmed it all on his flip-cam.

Watch Justin Bieber Coning Video


As we told you last week, it seems that “Owling” is the new “Planking” but it looks like “Coning” may be taking the lead as the new social phenomenon.

The concept is simple.

Buy an ice cream cone at a drive-thru and when you grab it - you grab it upside down with the ice cream in the palm of your hand.

Related: Owling is the new Planking - Photos

But I guess when you work as hard as Bieber has the last three years you are entitled to a little time off and harmless fun.

For his part, Justin has been in the studio working on his new album “Believe” – and the buzz is starting to grow.

Related: Justin Bieber talks new album "Believe" – Video

With a list of top song writers and A-list producers working with him everyone is excited to hear what he is laying down.

Most suspect this new album will be a radical departure from his bubble gum “Baby” days and usher in the new “Justin Timberlake” era of his career.

And keeping in line with his maturing image, Bieber and his dad just released photos of their adventure to the tattoo parlor where they both got inked with matching tats of the Hebrew word for Jesus down their left side.

Related: Justin and Jeremy Bieber get matching Jesus tattoos – Photos

Like father like son.

Ah, they grow up fast these days don’t they?

And while Justin is enjoying some time off, his girlfriend Selena Gomez is back on the road with her band touring and just celebrated her 19th birthday.

As a birthday present, Bieber surprised Gomez on stage during her show to belt out “Cry me a river” as his gift to her.

Follow @InfoStar on Twitter – Coning, Owling, and Planking allowed

Video - New Greyson Chance Video Gives Tour of His Hometown and House

So, what’s it like to go from a small town musician to the bright lights of Hollywood?

Just ask 14-year-old Greyson Chance.

Greyson, who was discovered by Ellen DeGeneres after posting a YouTube video singing Lady Gaga, took to Vevo “Area Codes” last week to give his fans a personal video tour of his hometown Edmond Oklahoma.

His tour started inside his house where he shows us his two pianos – his childhood piano and the one that Ellen bought him.

Chance also talks about his discovery by Ellen, and shows us the very Church in Henderson Hills where he played the now famous “Paparazzi” by Lady Gaga that started it all and propelled him into the limelight.

Greyson says he is an avid collector of old school vinyl records and takes about 50 of them on the road with him while on tour.

Watch Greyson Chance Hometown Tour on Area Codes


Greyson also visits the Children’s Miracle Network hospital where he makes a donation of $10,000 and talks to several patients and doctors.

He gives us a view of the Ford Center where he was asked to perform the National Anthem and says he always listens to “Escape” by Journey before he goes on stage.

Chance has a new album coming out in August called “Hold on till the Night” and has recently released a new music video for his single “Unfriend You”.

Related: Greyson Chance releases video for “Unfriend Me” – Video

This comes on the success of his first single “Waiting Outside the Lines”.

Greyson is currently on tour with Miranda Cosgrove and Cody Simpson and frequently calls in to the Ellen show to give his fans an update on what he is doing.

It has also been announced that he will be taking a recurring role on the television series "Raising Hope" next season - his first journey into the world of TV.

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Video - Dani Shay Releases New Video of Her Personal Journey Through Life and Music

Dani Shay wants you to know who she is and what she is about.

She wants to share her views of music, poetry, laughter, and life – and says she is ready to share her music with the World.

“I feel that it’s my purpose, and my job to be exactly who I am.  I’ve been preparing, I’ve been learning, I’ve been growing. I know that after this I’m going to be in a HD studio recording with violins and other musicians and producers and a fancy mixing board. So thank you for welcoming me into your life.”

Many of you first met Dani Shay on the television show “America’s Got Talent” when she sang a parody of Justin Bieber’s hit song “Baby” after being told by friends and fans that she looks like the young superstar.

Related: Was that Justin Bieber on AGT? – Video

Twenty-two year old Dani comes from Orlando Florida and has been a musician all her life.

You can tell by her music and lyrics that there is a deep connection within her, and she is desperately trying to make sense of life’s journey through her music.

Last week, Shay was selected by the AGT judges to proceed to the live Hollywood round of the shows competition putting her one step closer to her dream.

Related: Dani Shay is going to Hollywood! – Video

But her journey almost ended last week when she decided to audition with her original tune “Super Heroes” and had to stop midway as her nerves got the best of her.

All three judges chastised her for singing an original, but gave Dani the opportunity to audition again with a cover of Ray LaMontagne’s “Trouble”.

It was good enough for the judges to put her through to the live Hollywood shows starting mid-July.

Almost as if she knows she is on the cusp of fame, Dani talks about her current album “See Me Now” and says it will become known as the “stuff I did before I got famous”.

She self-produced it herself and says,

“I created this 10-track album by myself in the Fall of 2010, while on a week-long, completely secluded recording retreat.  It includes 2 live bonus tracks, and has a very personal touch.  :)  I’ll sign the first 1,000 copies I sell!”

The album is available from her website Danishay.com

Shay also created a ten minute video for The Next Great Singer web site that gives us a little insight into who she is, what she is made of, what she likes, what scares her, and what her dreams are.

Watch Dani Shay Self Discovery Video


We suspect Dani is right – after her national media exposure on “America’s Got Talent”, and her already embedded base of music and fans, the next stop is Hollywood or Nashville to launch a full-blown music career.

Even if she doesn’t get much farther in the AGT competition, enough people have seen her, and know who she is, that it’s just a matter of time before the music labels come knocking at her door.

Once she gets the right people, financing, and marketing behind her there will be no stopping this artist.

But Dani, don’t let the system turn you into somebody you don’t want to be. Stay true to yourself and always be yourself and let the world come to you.

And about that whole looking like Justin Bieber thing - it might have been the best thing to ever happen to you as it got the World’s attention.

That’s always how it starts – with just one lucky break.

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Justin Bieber Magazine Sales Bomb – Is His Star Fading?

I guess there comes a time when every good thing starts to fade away...

But is Justin Bieber’s popularity starting to slow?

If you look at his magazine sales over the last year you might think so.

Bieber’s Vanity Fair cover and accompanying article earlier this year was the worst selling monthly cover in over a decade of the magazines history. His edition only sold 246,000 copies according to AdWeek – 50 percent less than most issues.

Ok, so it didn’t sell well - after all, VF is a publication targeted to adult females and covers very mature topics. It’s not Teen Beat, Bop, or Tiger Beat.

One editor joked, ““Who knew 12-year-olds didn’t buy magazines?”

Watch Behind the Scenes At Vanity Fair with Justin Bieber


Unfortunately the problem doesn’t stop with Vanity Fair.

In fact, his October 2010 Teen Vogue cover only sold 121,054 issues, almost 12 percent below the magazine’s usual monthly sales volume.

To make matters worse, his April 2010 cover of People Magazine sold just 961,762 copies – twenty-five percent less than normal issues, and the third worst cover of 2010.

So what.

Just because an artist doesn’t sell magazines doesn’t mean he or she is starting to fade. Bieber has conquered almost every aspect of our existing culture and is worth an estimated $150 million dollars.

He must be doing something right.

With a new album coming out later this year, the recent launch of his “Someday” perfume, a multitude of awards, new tattoos, a 3D movie, and a recent music video with Chris Brown, the Bieb’s is showing that he is not going away quietly.

Video – Justin Bieber and producers talk about new album.

Time will tell – and later this month Justin will again appear on the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine, a historical hip musical publication.

Maybe he should stick to the music, perfume, and nail polish and leave the magazine covers to somebody else.

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Video - Justin Bieber Talks About His New Album – Producers Talk New Strategy

Justin Bieber is preparing his third studio album expected to drop sometime this November.

After the runaway success of his My World and remix EP’s, the stakes couldn’t be higher.

In fact, some insiders say that his new album titled “Believe” will be a defining moment for the young pop singer as his fans have grown older and are looking for more mature music.

Bieber told MTV last week at his “Someday” event at Macys,

“I want to work a lot with myself. And I want to write a lot myself. I will be working with a lot of other producers and stuff like that, but I’m just writing a lot, and I wrote a lot on tour. I'm writing about how I feel. I’ve been really into it and, hopefully, this next album will be huge.”

And the stakes are high for the superstar.

Insiders say his current fans have begun to tire of the “Baby” and “One Less Lonely Girl” type music and are looking for more mature vibes from the singer – think Justin Timberlake.

Remember “MMMBop” by Hanson? Heard it lately?

Justin needs to produce a record of NEW songs and not just rehash the old ones he already has with remixes and collaborations with hip hop stars.

He needs to bring his existing fans along for the ride, but also appeal to the 18-25 year old market. If this album flops, many think it may spell the end of his miraculous run.

MTV’s Jim Jonsin, who is currently working with Justin on his new album, says,

"For Bieber, I think I want to reach back to New Edition, those days. I want to try to do something like that - 'Please Don't Go Girl,' New Kids on the Block style - because the girls would go crazy. He needs a little bit of soul, R&B, and pop as well."

Watch Jim Jonsin talk about Justin's New Album

InfoStar can think of lots of New Kids on the Block, New Edition, or Kelly Rowland tunes that we think would suit Justin very well. But that’s not new material – and that’s what he needs now more than ever.

One message that seems to be heard loud and clear from his current fans is NO MORE RAP OR HIP HOP.

And insiders agree.

Many feel if Bieber strays to close to Chris Brown, 50 Cent, Kanye or Diddy, it will backfire big time with his fans. Just ask any Belieber you know and they will tell you they don’t want him to move into doing hip hop.

But it may be too late.

Some of his fans say that Bieber has changed as he has grown older and they don’t like what they see anymore.

After inking several new tattoos this spring, and his music video collaboration with Chris Brown on “Next 2 You”, his fans are starting to look for a new star to throw their fan power and purchasing muscle behind.

Related: Justin Bieber gets new Star tattoo – Photos
Related: Justin Bieber gets Hebrew tattoo - Photos

“This is natural. Artists grow and so do their fans. The trick is to not change too much while bringing new, more mature music to the scene. If you move in a direction your fans don’t like it can be over for you as quick as it started.”

Related: Justin Bieber and Chris Brown new music Video

Somehow we suspect Bieber will pull off another great album.

There are too many white hot song writers and producers willing to help make sure the new album is the best it can be. There is a lot riding on it for a whole lot of people so we’re pretty sure they will get it right.

“This is a make or break album for Bieber. He can’t get away with singing ‘Baby’ forever and his fans need new material. But he absolutely has to transition into a more mature genre without alienating his existing fans while at the same time bringing in new 18-25 year old fans. Producers have to find new fans who will fall in love with new Justin Bieber songs.”

And hey, if this music thing doesn’t work out for him he can still retire with what he already has – three albums, hit 3D movie, Someday Perfume, and every other merchandise tie-in you can imagine.

We think he’ll do the right thing.

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Video - Cee Lo Green Releases New "I Want You" Music Video

Our man Cee Lo Green is at it again!

After a runaway smash hit last year with his controversial “Forget You” single and video, he has just released his latest music video “I Want You”.

While admittedly not as up-tempo as “F**k You”, his new video is a refreshing return to good old fashioned soul music that quite frankly the music industry has been lacking.

Cee Lo filmed the video entirely in Las Vegas and there is definitely a Liberace feel and groove to it.

In fact, the rhinestone piano and candelabra used for the video shoot was provided by the Liberace estate and filmed entirely on the grounds of Ceasars Palace.

He even borrowed a few show girls from their Bally's Jubilee Extravaganza.
 
“I Want You” is available on Cee Lo’s “Lady Killer” album and also on iTunes.

Watch Cee Lo Green's "I Want You" Music Video


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Video - Justin Bieber Covers Ernie Halter’s Very Mature “Come Home to Me”

Teen pop sensation Justin Bieber sure has had a lot on his plate the last two years.

This week, Bieber completed his My World concert tour after almost 150 shows worldwide and is now returning to Atlanta to begin recording is new album due later this year.

And his fans are looking for any clue about what he has in store. Bieber tweeted that he has been working hard writing new material and is growing anxious to get it out to his fans.

We know very little except that he wants a more mature sound, and we know he has been working with some of the top song writers in the industry including Sean Garrett who says,

“What we’re trying to do with Justin is to transition him into young adulthood. The one great thing about Justin Bieber is the fact that his fans are going to grow with him. So we want all the fans that started out with him to still be intrigued and excited about him, but we want to also stretch out a little bit and make the fans that are 22-23 years old love Justin as well, like when Justin Timberlake went from the last album of *N Sync to his first solo album. I want to say we're aiming for that level. That’s the bar for the type of song, that level of ‘Cry Me a River,’ big records.”

Bieber’s career is at an inflection point. He has outgrown the bubble gum “Baby” young teen genre, and may not be mature enough yet to pull off a full blown Justin Timberlake musical exploration – but we may have already heard a taste of what he is planning.

We hear that Justin and Dan Kanter have been using JB’s acoustic set during his live concerts to try out several new songs to gauge the crowd’s reaction and interest.

Related: Justin Bieber Covers Edwin McCain’s ‘I’ll Be’ and Cries – Video

Justin just released a new audio cover single by Ernie Halter called “Come Home to Me”, and was seen playing the tune live with Kanter during his show in Hong Kong.

When InfoStar first heard it we were somewhat blown away and didn’t even think it was Bieber singing. But as we listened it became clear that this was a much more mature Bieber then we have heard before - and we were impressed.

It was magnificent, and if this is any indication of what we can expect from his new album this fall then we have to say it will be a success.

Listen to Justin Bieber cover “Come Home to Me”


Watch Justin perform “Come Home to Me” Live with Dan Kanter


After watching all the twitter posts between Bieber and his tour management crew this year it is clear they are ALL ready to give the road a break and get back home.

There have been some definite highlights during the tour and we have listed a few below:

Liverpool Police Struggle to control Crowds
Bieber goes shirtless playing soccer in Spain
Is JB the next Pele? Spain thinks so… Video
Justin Bieber lashes out at Paparazzi in Israel
JB flash mob hits Malaysia - Video
Justin injures back wakeboarding in Bali
Justin Bieber egged during concert – Video
Scooter Braun guilty in Mall mob scene
Jeremy Bieber – Meet Justin’s divorced dad - Bio

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