EXCLUSIVE: Ryan Leander Doesn't Know When He'll Get A Hug From Taylor Swift

It started with a random idea hatched during class to score attention for YouTube videos. It’s safe to say that 22 year-old friends Ryan Leander and Michael Wekall have accomplished that, and by the time their mission is complete, YouTube hits might not be the only thing they have to show for their work. Leander and Wekall created AHugFromTaylorSwift.com. The goal is just that – be hugged by singer Taylor Swift. Yes, Swift knows of the website, and is offering challenges to the students via her own YouTube account. After completing the first task of helping senior citizens across the street, the duo will premiere a video that incorporates the number 13 in to good deeds. Leander told me on “The Ralphie Radio Show” that they’ll upload the clip on April 13. Yes, 13 is Taylor’s lucky number.

“We never saw it getting this big,” remarked Leander, who called in to “The RRS” from Alabama. Wekall is a student at Auburn University, while Ryan takes on-line courses. “It’s definitely hard to concentrate with school and this going on and just like a whole other separate life that you have to keep going.”
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Visit AHugFromTaylorSwift.com.

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Leander said that they keep in touch with a middle man who works with Taylor Swift, although he would not reveal the man’s identity or job title. It was this person that discovered Leander and Wekall on-line and alerted Swift. Apparently the songstress was flattered, and now the story is gaining national attention. Although their mission is now transforming in to a feel-good tale, Leander admits they were a little afraid of coming off as creepy.

“That was one of our major fears because I’m sure she gets a lot of that stuff,” said Leander. “We’re just two average guys, just wanting to have fun.”

But when will the fun come to a head, with a hug from Taylor? Leander has no idea.

“Your guess is as good as ours,” he replied. “Hopefully there won’t be too many (challenges), we’re both trying to graduate and get some jobs.”

In this day and age, that task might even be harder than scoring a hug from Grammy-award winning superstar. The students will surely find out soon enough.

TMZ'S DAX: Tiger's Comeback

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TMZ's Dax chatted on "The Ralphie Radio Show" about Tiger Woods' comeback at The Masters, including the premiere of a new Nike commercial and a prankster from above.
The Nike commercial

The plane flying above The Masters

Catch Dax on TMZ TV, local listings here.

EXCLUSIVE: Even Rob Thomas Still Gets Butterflies

As successful as Rob Thomas is, both on his own accord and as the lead singer of Matchbox Twenty, he still isn’t too cool for a “geek out” moment when interacting with fellow musicians. Take the recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony for example, which Thomas performed at.

“The day after the awards, Jann Wenner, the founder of Rolling Stone, called me and told me that he was hanging at a party the night before and Bruce Springsteen was talking about my performance and how much he liked it,” recalled Thomas. “And I wet myself.”

Given his genuine excitement level, you might think the Matchbox Twenty front man was only half-kidding. But all kidding aside, Thomas stays true to his art by embracing his inner-fan.

“I think if you stop being a fan of music, you should get out of the business,” he bluntly stated. “If you think you’re above it, then you don’t get it.”
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Part 1: Ralphie's 2nd Concert Ever, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Radio Promo

Part 2: Mad Season, Someday EP, New Matchbox Twenty LP


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Thomas doesn’t feel above it, and totally gets it – his actions speak for themselves. I caught up with the Grammy winner amidst a radio promo tour of mid-major markets. Yes, even after selling more than 80 million albums between Matchbox, solo works, and collaborations with the likes of Santana and Jagger – the singer/songwriter still makes the rounds, performing acoustic music sets for small groups of listeners who win access to the events.

“Radio promo for me is, hanging out with some of my best friends in the world, you know, traveling around the country, playing music for people,” he explained. “It’s what I do for a living, so to me yeah, it’s a really good time.”

Thomas latest project is his second studio LP, Cradlesong, along with a four-song EP, Someday. This summer he’ll embark on a “Storytellers”-type tour, playing venues ranging from 400 to 3,000 seats and performing acoustically while chatting about the songs and his career in between riffs. Then this fall, he’ll begin to work full-time with the rest of Matchbox on the band’s fifth studio album.

5 Teen Idol Lessons For Justin Bieber

Teen idols - they come, they go. Justin Bieber is here, and won't be leaving in the immediate future. Steve Pond from TheWrap.com wrote a great piece on five lessons he can learn from other teen idols of yester-year.

Check out the full article here.

VIDEO: Rob Thomas Acoustic Performance

97 BHT, Atlantic Records, The Mall At Steamtown, and F.Y.E. proudly presented Matchbox Twenty front man and Grammy award winner Rob Thomas, with an intimate, acoustic performance at the 97 BHT studios.

Lil Wayne's New Website

Lil Wayne's overcome much adversity during his rise from a Cash Money Millionaire to a musical pioneer. I suppose it shouldn't come as a shock then that while he serves a year-long jail sentance for a weapons possession charge, he launched a new website.

weezythanxyou.com is a blog-driven site that looks as if it will feature fan mail Wayne receives while incarcerated, along with his response - and random musings. The site also features the address to write Weezy in prison, along with a countdown til his release.

DR. ROBERT MELILLO: World Autism Awareness Day

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Dr. Robert Melillo called in to "The RRS" on Friday to shed more light on "World Autism Awareness Day."

Dr. Melillo authored the book, Disconnected Kids.

AUDIO: Interview On "Celebrity Court Radio"

Earlier today I had the pleasure of contributing to "Celebrity Court Radio", a new radio show hosted by Attorney Elizabeth Kelley on News Talk 1420 AM WHK in Cleveland, OH. Ms. Kelly and I spoke about the investigation in to the death of actor Corey Haim, and about the trials and tribulations of Lindsay Lohan and her parents - Michael and Dina.

Part 1: Corey Haim

Part 2: The Lohans

More on Elizabeth Kelley.