EXCLUSIVE: Adam Lambert Previews Tour, Elaborates On Missing 'Idol' Finale

In an interview with “The Ralphie Radio Show”, Adam Lambert elaborated on his absence from the season finale of “American Idol”, shedding more light on why he didn’t appear or perform on the show with other “Idol” alums.

“I didn’t skip a rehearsal because I wasn’t invited to a rehearsal,” Lambert reiterated, posting a similar message on his Twitter account. The AOL blog Popeater claimed “Idol” producers scrapped Lambert at the last minute because of an alleged no show, which the singer is vehemently denying. “There was nothing to skip.”

While both Lambert and his camp have issued statements, “Idol” is silent, perhaps fueling any other speculation as to what happened. But the former runner-up believes there’s no need for the show to speak on the subject.

“It wasn’t a big deal, there was nothing to it,” Lambert dismissed. “They invited their winners to sing to Simon (Cowell) and then I think a last minute decision was made that the people that were in the audience, that were past contestants would join. So it was kind of like this last minute thing. That’s why I wasn’t there, because I didn’t know… it wasn’t a slight at all, it was a last minute decision and I was really busy rehearsing for my tour.”

Lambert confirmed that he was also sick; however it was tour preparation that kept him from the show.

The tour kicks off June 4 in Wilkes Barre, PA – and the singer says the start in Northeastern PA was semi-calculated.
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“It’s so green here, we love it!” he joked about the area. “We were here before, with the Idol’s tour, and the audience was great. We thought we could relax here for a couple days and put our finishing touches on the tour and get it ready.”

The high demand for tickets even surprised Lambert – Wilkes Barre’s show on Friday at the F.M. Kirby Center sold out in 10 minutes. More dates have been added – and the singer revealed that a third batch of dates will also be announced, extending the “Glam Nation” tour through September.

“It is very family friendly,” Lambert also clarified – as I’m sure he’ll be hampered by those questions for the immediate future after his controversial performance at last year’s American Music Awards. “It doesn’t go to the level that the AMA performance went to, if anyone’s worried about that… if you felt that that was un-tasteful (sic), this is tasteful.”

Lambert is still asked about the award show, and still stands by his performance, characterizing it as “pretty solid.” But even the pop star admits the experience turned in to a good lesson for him.

“I learned that people were like, ‘Okay, we’re not ready for that yet,’” he admitted. “But it was just me being sexy, doing what my favorite pop stars have done and then I got heat for it.”

The “Idol” star noted that people may have been taken aback as well because it was his first TV performance outside of the competition, where he never expressed himself as much. But regardless, Lambert put the performance, and its critics, behind him.

“That was almost a year ago. We’re moving forward. That was one performance, one song, and now we’re on to the next.”

VIDEO: Orianthi Performs Inside The Mall at Steamtown

97 BHT presented Geffen recording artist Orianthi inside The Mall at Steamtown on Wednesday, June 2 for an intimate, acoustic performance. Special thanks to IGA, Cinnabon and Starbucks Coffee.

EXCLUSIVE: Orianthi Explains RedOne Collab, Talks Axes With John Mayer

Australian guitarist Orianthi has jammed with the likes of many: Michael Jackson, Carrie Underwood, and even Alice Cooper last week on the finale of American Idol. But here’s a collaboration you may not have foreseen – producer RedOne.

“I guess it was just put together,” explained Ori of the partnership – which yielded the track “Addicted to Love.” The song is one of four bonus tracks that will appear on the re-release of Orianthi’s album, Believe (II). “Yunno it was really cool, and (we had) a lot of fun in the studio.”

If you’re unaware of RedOne, he’s a big time music maker who is behind a lot of Lady GaGa’s big hits (artists usually sing the producer’s name in the beginning of the song). Orianthi and GaGa are housed under the same label group – could that be a collab right around the corner?
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Believe (II) comes out this Tuesday.

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“That’d be really cool, hopefully,” responded Orianthi of the prospects of such a tandem. The singer/guitarist has yet to meet GaGa.

The Aussie made time for “The Ralphie Radio Show” before kicking off the “Glam Nation” tour, where she and former Idol finalist Allison Iraheta will support Adam Lambert. Ori is pumped about the tour, and apparently the show’s name gets her even more excited.

“The fact that it’s called ‘Glam Nation’ just gets me excited,” she said. “Just the whole like, glam and you know, I’m in to sparkles and extravagance and I’m just super excited about getting out there and rocking out.”

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Taio Cruz - 'Dynamite'

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Taio Cruz chatted about his second U.S. single from Rokstarr, "Dynamite", on "The Ralphie Radio Show." The party anthem was produced by Dr. Luke and Benny Blanco - and co-written by Max Martin. The three are pop music royality, producing and penning hits for everyone from Britney Spears to 'N Sync to Katy Perry.

EXCLUSIVE: Watch Out Ladies, Taio Cruz Will Spoil You With Candy

Sure he warns that he’ll break (break, b-break break) your heart on his hit single – but what Taio Cruz didn’t tell you is that he’ll spoil you first, with sweets galore.

“The only vice I have is sugar,” admitted Cruz, calling in to “The Ralphie Radio Show” from his hotel room in New York on the day his album Rokstarr was released in the states. “I just love things that are sweet… girls love me because I love chocolate, cake, sweets.”

Lure them in with candy, stomp their hearts into a bunch of itty-bitty pieces. Cruz created quite the formula there – however only the former happens in real life. The latter is only sung about on his chart-topping song “Break Your Heart” – however women seem to look past the potential heartbreak and on to the honesty of the record.

“I guess women kind of like a bad boy to an extent,” noted Cruz. “I’ve had loads of messages saying, ‘Will you please break my heart?’”
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Although I didn’t press about any personal heartbreak – I did bring up the troubles his song brought to Train, who couldn’t find the top of the iTunes chart with “Hey, Soul Sister” for weeks because of Taio’s debut in the states.

“(Laughing) Wow, that’s cool, that’s the first I’m hearing about that,” responded Cruz when I informed him of Train’s Twitter plea to the singer to relent the top spot on iTunes, if even for a minute. “I mean, I guess their call was answered somehow.”

The two may find themselves in a battle again soon – Train is headed back to radio with “If It’s Love” while Cruz follows up his first single with “Dynamite” and the Ke$ha-assisted “Dirty Picture.”

TMZ'S NICKI FERTILE: Backstage 'Idol' Drama

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While most of the departing "American Idol" cast received proper sendoffs on national television - it appears that one person was left in the dust. TMZ's Nicki Fertile explained...

Catch Nicki on TMZ TV, local listings here.

WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: Used and Abused

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The Wingman explains the importance of self respect to an anonymous writer dealing with an issue.

Visit The Wingman on MySpace, Facebook, & Twitter.

CNN HEADLINE NEWS APPEARANCE: "$#*! My Dad Says"

Last night CNN Headline News' "Prime News" invited me back to discuss the title of a new CBS sitcom debuting this fall: "$#*! My Dad Says". Yes, there's a curse word in the title, but it will be bleeped and censored. The show is based on the super popular Twitter account and best-selling book (the former which doesn't sensor the word). William Shatner will play the father, and by all accounts, it looks hilarious.

However, The Parents Television Council does not find the title so funny... instead, more offensive to families nationwide. So, in typical PTC fashion, the non-profit released a statement to the press condemning the show, and is appearing on television screens to talk about how appalled they are, blah blah blah.

I sparred last night with PTC President Tim Winter on the subject. I don't think this is an issue: the curse word is not a "hate word" - like say, the n-word or f-word. It's censored and bleeped. Most importantly, it's a free country - you don't like it? Turn the channel.

Besides, I'm more concerned with other $#*!... you know, like the $#*! that is pouring in to the Gulf, or the bull$#*! we're getting from BP about it...

Liza Minnelli Murders Beyonce's Single Ladies (Not In A Good Way)

This is off the "Sex and the City 2" soundtrack... why Liza, why?

PRODUCT RECALL: Belkin iPod Car Fixtures

Bought one of these from a HUGE ELECTRONICS RETAILER - despite being recalled due to a possible fire hazard last October, they were still selling them.

Click here to see if your item is one of three models affected.

DR. ROBERT MELILLO: Megan Fox's OCD

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In the latest edition of Allure, Megan Fox talks about her OCD. "The RRS" spoke with expert Dr. Robert Melillo about the condition.

Dr. Melillo authored the book, Disconnected Kids.

EXCLUSIVE: Meet H*Wood & The Fist-Pump Friendly 'Could It Be You'

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Brandyn Bordeaux moved to Hollywood from Denver, adpoted the stage name, "H*Wood", and landed a deal with super-producer Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. Now he's gaining momentum across the blogosphere with his single, "Could It Be You (Punk Rock Chick)" and living out his dream.

H*Wood made some time for "The RRS" to talk about the track and his music that will be featured in upcoming episodes of "The Hills" and "Jersey Shore."

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Auburn - 'La La La'

Sure, her label may bill her that way. Yes, you may even think it after listening to "La La La." But do not call Auburn the "female Jason Derulo."

Matter of fact, don't call her the female version of anything.

The MySpace sensation scored a record deal with J.R. Rotem's Beluga Heights well before Derulo or Iyaz burst on to the scene. Now it's her turn at stardom with her first single pushed to radio, the catchy "La La La", which features her labelmate Iyaz.

Auburn checked in to "The Ralphie Radio Show" to shed some light on the track and the path she took to reach the current point of her career.

Part 1: "La La La"

Part 2: MySpace

EXCLUSIVE: VV Brown Plans To Prank Maroon 5 & Keep It Real With Owl City

Maroon 5, here’s your “call and response.” Owl City – sleep on this. VV Brown knows what she’s in for on her upcoming trek with both acts.

“I’ve heard that (the guys in Maroon 5) are pranksters,” noted Brown, who kicks off her slate of dates with the band on August 5. “Well, I’m a prankster,” she warned, half in jest.

While the fellas of M5 are chill, laid back, and relatively social – I warned VV when she stopped by “The Ralphie Radio Show” on Wednesday that Owl City’s Adam Young is the exact 180 – shy and introverted from all reports I’ve heard.

“Oh no, I can charm a lion,” she responded, dismissing my claim. “I think sometimes, people just need to be understood. I’ll try and understand him.”

I wished her the best of luck with that task.
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Part 1: Touring, Trickers, Big Bird

Part 2: "Shark in the Water", Lost Guitar


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“(Young) is probably sick of people kissing his butt all the time, and he just needs someone real to just tell him how it is,” continued Brown. “I always keep it real.”

The UK singer isn’t joking with that claim – all of her vocals from Traveling Like the Light are the demo versions – no retouching, no auto-tune, no thirty takes of one note. But just because she’s real, doesn’t mean she isn’t awkward, at times.

“I’m the kind of person that talks about inappropriate things at the wrong time,” admitted the artist, before offering up an example. “Just talking about poo around the dinner table… I’m very honest as well.”

If I could only be a fly inside the catering tent for this tour.

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Joey Fatone - 'Radio'

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Joey Fatone reveals how he chose "Radio" from a handful of songs he's recorded to be the lead single from his debut LP.

EXCLUSIVE: Joey Fatone Launches Solo Music Career Amidst Movies, 'Dancing'

He’s flying from coast to coast – filming a new movie, “Inkubus” in the east, appearing on “Dancing with the Stars” out west. He just welcomed a second child in to his life. This summer he is preparing for a two week run of “The Producers” in Pittsburgh – on top of countless other appearances and hosting commitments.

Yet somewhere in between all of this, Joey Fatone is finding the time to go back to his roots and launch a solo music career. “Radio” is his first single, and the evening before it hit iTunes, the former ‘N Sync member somehow spared 10 minutes to check in to “The Ralphie Radio Show.”

“It’s been a crazy month of May for me,” Fatone said, arguably a rather large understatement. “It’s been unreal, and I count my blessings every day.”

‘N Sync released its debut, self-titled album 12 years ago. From 1998 to 2003, the group sold 56 million albums worldwide – a number that sounds and reads unfathomable in this day and age. After the boy band disbanded – Justin Timberlake and J.C. Chasez pursued separate music careers. Lance Bass unsuccessfully attempted to launch in to space, before revealing he was gay in 2006. Chris Kirkpatrick hosted a morning radio show and appeared in a couple reality TV programs.

And if you were looking for Fatone, you didn’t need to look any further than the closest screen or stage – because the baritone singer decided he’d pursue everything that didn’t involve recording an album and touring.

“I did ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding’, and then I went off and did Broadway for a while,” noted Fatone, who appeared in “Little Shop of Horrors” and “Rent.” “And then I was spending time with my wife and my kid, and then I just finally had another kid recently.”

Fatone cites the birth of his second daughter as the reason he backed out of the spotlight – focusing on his family after “Dancing with the Stars” and his various hosting credits, which include the TV Guide Network. Now he’s back on the road – wrapping up his current film, a horror flick in which he stars alongside Robert Englund – the original Freddy Krueger, before the end of the month. Despite the constant activity in his life, Fatone believes the timing is right to return to music.
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Part 1: New movie, Return to "Dancing with the Stars"

Part 2: Solo album plans, possible Justin collab, "The Producers" in Pittsburgh

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“To have all the guys from ‘N Sync come out with an album at the same time, and just where I was, for me to do more Broadway and obviously not come out with an album, I think for me I’m glad it was kinda that way,” revealed Fatone. “You know, you don’t want people to get bombarded and go, ‘Oh look, Justin’s coming out with an album, oh here’s J.C. coming out with an album, here’s Joey coming out with an album, who’s coming out with an album next?’”

So he waited, and eventually recorded a handful of songs over the past couple years – fine-tuning his work until he was satisfied.

“I’m not the biggest writer, Justin and J.C. were really, really great writers… I’d always come up with concepts but never was a writer for that,” he recalled. “I always wanted to, and over the years developed writing and coming up with more ideas and working with a friend of mine, Rob Giles, who wrote ‘Radio’, it just kind of came together.”

Somehow Fatone fit in writing and recording sessions between his litany of other gigs. He’s only worked with Giles in studio thus far, but plans on reaching out this summer to other potential collaborators, including Timberlake. Fatone agreed with my assessment that Justin is more interested in partnering with other artists at the moment than recording his own material, so now may be the time to snag him for a feature.

“I think right now, because he doesn’t want the pressure on himself to have to go on tour and all that stuff,” said Fatone, who mentioned that he already spoke with Timberlake regarding the possibility. “So I think for him, producing and writing with other people is a great outlet for him, and he can stay at home.”

Certainly much has changed, besides the decline in sales, since ‘N Sync ruled the charts. But Fatone has taken note and adapted. He did not commit to any type of music video for “Radio” until he sees the reaction from fans – which these days, is instant thanks to comments and stat reports from iTunes, Amazon MP3, and YouTube.

“It’s like, why not put it out there, see what happens, and if it starts to grow… for me I’d love to do a tour and go out to maybe like, a House of Blues and do a tour like that,” said Fatone, also mentioning that he’d like to keep that intimate setting for his fans.

“My whole thing is, life’s too short, enjoy what you have, enjoy the music, enjoy spending time with your family, and that’s my vibe in general. I’m not trying to save the world by writing a song that’s going to make everyone hold hands and be one together. No, just have a party, have a good time.”

WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: Dirty Laundry

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The Wingman advises a listener to dump his girl before she airs more of his personal secrets... and sizes.

Visit The Wingman on MySpace, Facebook, & Twitter.

Defending "Single Ladies" on CNN Headline News

Last Friday, I made a cameo on CNN Headline News’ “Prime News” with host Mike Galanos to discuss a recent viral video on YouTube. The piece in question showed a group of 8 and 9 year-old girls at a dance competition in Los Angeles. The girls wore very elaborate costumes that showed off their midriffs, along with knee-high boots – and mimicked the dance to the music video for Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It).”

Parents and counselors across the country voiced their displeasure in the dance instructor and the children’s parents, calling the choreography too provocative and the outfits too revealing. Lauren Lake, a former hip hop dancer who appeared on the same HLN segment with me, compared the moves to that of a stripper – asking if a pole would be the next step for dancers their age.

I’m sorry, but I have to draw the line there. These girls were in a controlled environment, with parents, supervisors, and teachers. The comparison to exotic dancers was extreme, out of line, and uncalled for. I concurred that the outfits were not age-appropriate. But the dance moves consisted of more ballerina-twirling than booty shaking, grinding, or gyrating.

Matter of fact, how much of the latter actually appeared in the video? The girls were moving around frantically, but I think the “gyrating” claim is a little generous – perhaps these critics need a tutorial on how one actually gyrates.

Galanos and Lake were both against the video – which made it very hard for me to voice my opinion in the two-part, 10 minute piece. The bias in the segment reached a fever pitch right before Galanos tossed it to me for my first of only two chances where I’d be allowed to speak. The anchor decided it would also be a good idea to question not only the dance moves and costumes – but the song as well – by picking the most provocative lyrics of the track and reading them, while the words were displayed on screen.

This is a classic example of people criticizing pop culture without understanding it. You could pick a segment out of any piece of art – a song, a movie, The Bible – and find something to demonize. What Galanos failed to understand is that taken its full, intended context – Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” is an empowering song to women of all ages. In the track, which is one of Columbia Records’ most downloaded digital singles, Beyoncé sings about finding a man that will treat her right, and not needing any guy, especially one who won’t show her the respect she deserves.

Rolling Stone named “Single Ladies” the best single of 2008. The video has close to 90 million views on YouTube. Everyone from Joe Jonas to Justin Timberlake can be found on-line mimicking the dance… there is even footage of President Barack Obama, right before his inauguration, speaking to Beyoncé and noting that his daughters made him watch the video, attempting to teach him the infamous dance moves in the process. I’d hate to “pull a KanYe” – but Beyoncé has one of the best videos of all time!

“Single Ladies” is more than a song or a video – it’s a phenomenon that transcended to people of all ages and genders. Thankfully, there is at least a positive message to be taken from it.

That can’t be said for many other segments of our culture that 8 and 9 year olds are exposed to. Would Galanos and Lake rather see these girls hoola-hoop to Young Money’s “Bedrock”? How many of these dancers’ peers use a Lady GaGa song like “Just Dance” in a routine – yunno, where GaGa sings about getting drunk and hooking up in a club?

Galanos and Lake probably couldn’t answer that – which is another big problem with this whole ordeal. No one conducted a study to find out if “Single Ladies” is normally used in similar competitions, with comparable dance moves.

A TV network not giving a subject due diligence by reporting the facts? Maybe I shouldn’t be so surprised of my experience after all.

TMZ'S NICKI FERTILE: Drama Between Spencer/Heidi And Mama

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TMZ's Nicki Fertile explained what happened when police were called to the Pratt household after Heidi's mother showed up unannounced.

Catch Nicki on TMZ TV, local listings here.

WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: Drive-Thru Special

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The Wingman goes where few before have gone: the drive-thru.

Visit The Wingman on MySpace, Facebook, & Twitter.

New York State Wants To Make Trying On Undies Illegal

Another one of those laws that shouldn't be needed - common sense, right?

Apparently not.

10 Reasons You'll Never Quit Facebook

Via Business Insider...

1. You're not going to go back to waiting an hour to send an email to 30 people with 40 photos. attached.

2. How will you remember anybody's birthday?

3. How will you stalk your college boyfriend's new fiancé?

4. Without Facebook what are you going to do when you don't have a friend's email address or phone number? Facebook messaging blows. But at least you know you can reach anybody who has a Facebook account.

5. Forget Facebook. 80 million of you are addicted to Zygna's Facebook game, FarmVille.

6. It takes 2 seconds to "join" a new site through Facebook Connect. It can take a good 10 minutes doing it the old way. (Care to subscribe to these magazines?)

7. How will you hear about parties? How will you remember where and when those parties are? Evite?

8. You don't care about Facebook and Mark Zuckerberg's sometimes sketchy past

9. Sure, Facebook has privacy issues, but you don't care about privacy anymore. Remember when you wouldn't use your real name on the Internet?

10. You've never quit before. Remember News Feed? Beacon? You didn't quit then and won't now, either. Not even if you want to.

EXCLUSIVE: VerseCity's Micah Walker Reveals Details Behind 'Tik Tok Rok'

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VerseCity front man Micah Walker calls in to "The Ralphie Radio Show" from Houston to chat about his band's version of "TiK ToK", entitled, "Tik Tok Rok." The group kept the basic premise of the song while changing a few lyrics and melodies - transforming a ladies anthem in to something a little more unisex.

Walker tells "The RRS" that 10 cents of every iTunes sale goes to Ke$ha's publishing company. He also found out that Dr. Luke, who wrote and produced a litany of hits, including "TiK ToK", heard the rock version and liked it.

EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: Jon Gosselin Spends Mother's Day Shopping In King Of Prussia

You'd assume that reality star Jon Gosselin was not responsible for his eight kids on Mother's Day, with ex-wife Kate taking care of the children. So, how did Jon spend the day?



I spotted Gosselin and an attractive brunette on Sunday evening looking down the directory at the King of Prussia Mall, near Philadelphia. While the lady in hand is toting a Louis Vuitton purse, Jon is holding a pink Juicy Couture bag.

No pictures from the front, obviously I was in a mall, not expecting him to walk by me, and certainly not trying to cause a scene. My friend Nikki tells me that she spotted him later in the day at a nearby Target.

Happy Mother's Day!

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Chiddy Bang - 'Opposite Of Adults'

Rapper Chiddy, one half of Chiddy Bang, called in to "The Ralphie Radio Show" to talk about the group's single "Opposite Of Adults" as well as the video for it - which has received airplay on MTV and approval from the likes of KanYe West.

Part 1: "Opposite Of Adults"


Part 2: Rapper/Producer Relationship

Meet 5 Year-Old 'Toothless' Jack

You heard him belt these out on "The RRS"... here are the videos of adorable five year-old "Toothless" Jack... for crying out loud, a label needs to sign this kid STAT!

Train - "Hey, Soul Sister"

Adam Lambert - "Whattaya Want From Me"

TMZ'S NICKI FERTILE: L.T.'s 3rd Wife Claims 'Set Up'

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TMZ's Nicki Fertile reports on "The RRS" that TMZ spoke with Lawrence Taylor's third wife and she claims that the allegations of L.T. raping a 16 year-old are a part of a set up and not true.

Catch Nicki on TMZ TV, local listings here.

WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: One And Done

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The Wingman advises Kevin that he needs to take it easy if he wants to make it past the first date with a woman.

Visit The Wingman on MySpace, Facebook, & Twitter.

EXCLUSIVE: Travie McCoy Predicts Big Things For Bruno Mars, Previews 'Lazarus' & New GCH LP

Gym Class Heroes front man Travie McCoy is a little salty that a rough mix of a demo track featuring Ke$ha found its way on to the Internet. He knows someone on the West Coast is responsible, although is unaware of who leaked it. Regardless, he’s upbeat, with a more positive outlook on the bigger picture.

“Luckily enough, none of the stuff on the album has been leaked, and hopefully it won’t before the album drops,” revealed McCoy, speaking on his tour bus to “The Ralphie Radio Show.” His solo debut, Lazarus, comes out June 8. The first single, “Billionaire” features triple-threat Bruno Mars – who sings, writes, and produces. Mars gained notoriety recently for his chops on the hook of B.o.B’s smash hit, “Nothin’ On You.”

“I hooked up with his production team… just the tracks they were coming up with; I was like, ‘Whoa… we definitely need to get together on this record,’” McCoy said of collaborating with Mars and The Smeezingtons – a production team also comprised of Phillip Lawrence and Ari Levine. The meeting occurred about a year and a half ago. “We were in the studio, and he played me ‘Billionaire’… it was just the track and him on the hook – and I was just like, ‘Wow, alright, we’re in a recession right now, how can I come out with this song talking about wanting to be a billionaire?’”
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McCoy answered his own question by flipping the scenario and becoming selfless, instead of selfish. While he rhymes about spending money on the ones he loves and good causes – McCoy raps that he would have his own theme music wherever he walked. So, what would it be?

“Probably the theme song from Super Fly,” joked McCoy. “You know what I mean? I’d have a band behind me, as I walk everywhere.”

Speaking of bands – the one currently behind him isn’t going anywhere. McCoy reiterated that the Gym Class Heroes are not breaking up. The group is currently 12 demos in to a new LP, due out next year, titled PCC II. The GCH emcee alluded to the album being a sequel to the 2005 release The Papercut Chronicles. Gym Class drummer Matt McGinley is currently touring with McCoy.

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Cobra Starship - 'Living In The Sky With Diamonds'

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Cobra Starship front man Gabe Saporta explains why the band shot a video for this song off of Hot Mess, why it cost the group next to nothing to release.

EXCLUSIVE: Gabe & Ryland of Cobra Starship Talk Touring; Drinking; B.o.B. Collab

Some in the music business knew of B.o.B and his talents well before he scored a number one record and two top ten hits with his album B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray. Count Cobra Starship’s Gabe Saporta as one of those people.

“I was a huge fan of his when ‘I’ll Be In The Sky’ came out, I thought that song was gonna be a monster,” revealed the front man. “To me, he was the new Andre 3000.”

Saporta enjoyed B.o.B’s work so much that he asked the rapper to cameo on “The World Will Never Do” – which is the last track on Hot Mess.

“That is actually one of the songs we’re proudest of on the record,” Saporta said of the collab. “It’s the last song on the album – and that always kind of happens with Cobra records – like, I kind of start listening to our own record from track 6 onward, and the last song is always, usually, my favorite.”
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Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship invited "The RRS" aboard Cobra's tour bus (which Toby Keith also uses, true story) to chat about the band's tour with 3OH!3 and Travie McCoy along with a few select tracks from Hot Mess. In Part 2, Ryland Blackinton also joins in on the fun.

Part 1: Pacing Yourself On Tour, New Tour Bus, B.o.B. Collab

Part 2: Pete Wentz, Ryland Stops By

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Speaking of tracks from Hot Mess, Cobra recently released a video for track 7, “Living In The Sky With Diamonds” – a song that departs from the party-on message in the LP’s first two singles.

“I feel like all the songs we’ve done so far, people that haven’t heard Cobra Starship yet, a lot of them are probably like, ‘Wow these guys are just like, complete douches,’” the lead singer confessed, before I asked him to elaborate. “I guess if you only hear the two songs (“Good Girls Go Bad”, “Hot Mess”) they’re both about like, kinda getting drunk and going crazy and me encouraging girls to be on their worst behavior. But, we have a sensitive side too.”

The music video was shot by a film school student in the UK. English model Peaches Geldof stars in the production, which can be viewed on Cobra’s official website and YouTube.

STUDY: Average Woman Dates 24 Men Before Finding 'Mr. Right'

I think this is a ridiculous study - it also says ladies spend on average a little over $3,000 before finding their husband... you be the judge.

DAILY DOWNLOAD: 3OH!3 Recall Their First Kiss

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With the first single from Streets of Gold entitled "My First Kiss" - Nat and Sean answered a question that will more than likely be asked a lot over the next few weeks - what was their first kiss like?

The track features Ke$ha and is on iTunes now.

EXCLUSIVE: 3OH!3 Finishes 'Streets Of Gold', Call Ke$ha Single 'An Obvious Step'

Nathaniel Motte told me back on March 3, aka 3/03 Day, that he wanted to finish the 3OH!3’s second LP, Streets of Gold, before they hit the road for a trek with Cobra Starship and Travie McCoy on the Too Fast For Love tour.

Mission accomplished.

“We’re actually going back and forth now and getting mixes back and commenting on mixes right now,” Nat said of the album, which is scheduled for a June 29 release. “Can’t tell you how excited we are to have new music out.”

3OH!3 dropped Want, which spawned the huge hit “Don’t Trust Me”, back in July of 2008. There was no timeline to write, record, or release that record. That wasn’t the case with Streets of Gold.
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The fellas from Colorado also talked about a recent college show in which they played outdoors through a storm with lightening.

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“We took the first month and went up in the mountains and demoed a bunch of tracks that yunno, Nat had been working on production on the road… I had some vocal ideas,” said Sean Foreman. “We went up and just made as many songs as we could.”

The group narrowed 18 demos to 14 tracks which you’ll hear on the new LP. The first single is called, “My First Kiss”, and it features pop-star Ke$ha. 3OH!3 teamed up with her on “Blah Blah Blah” – and given the success of that song as well as Ke$ha’s popularity at the moment, Foreman felt it was “an obvious step.”

“Listening to the album, there’s a lot of great songs, but I think especially as like just one to get back out there with, it’s awesome,” Foreman continued. “I think it’s perfect, I hope everyone likes it.”

“We wrote that song with her a long time ago,” Motte added. “We wrote her part, and wanted a girl to feature.”

The band was introduced to her as an up-and-coming artist my mutual friend/producer Dr. Luke. And the rest as they say, is history.

“My First Kiss” hit iTunes on Tuesday. It’s available as a free download from the band’s official website if you preorder the new album.

Lil Wayne Mash-Up With 'The Office' Theme Song

How ironic given that last summer, Lil Wayne kicked off his "America's Most Wanted Music Festival" in right here in NEPA at Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain. Anyways, enjoy (NOTE: NOT CLEAN VERSION!).

Big thanks to my homie DJ Woogie for putting me up on this.

TMZ'S NICKI FERTILE: Tito Ortiz, Jenna Jameson Take It Back

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TMZ's Nicki Fertile chats about the 180 that UFC fighter Tito Ortiz and his baby mama, former adult film star Jenna Jameson, pulled on the allegations that they were hurling back and forth at each other.

Catch Nicki on TMZ TV, local listings here.

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Drake - 'Find Your Love'

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It will be Thursday night's Daily Download - and considering Drizzy himself posted a direct link to the MP3, I figured I'd forward it along...

Produced by KanYe West, the second single from Thank Me Later, due out June 15.

RRS: Ryan Leander Talks About Hugging Taylor Swift

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Ryan Leander, one half of the team behind "AHugFromTaylorSwift.com" checks in to "The Ralphie Radio Show" after he and Michael Wekall accomplished their mission and received a hug from Taylor Swift. The singer surprised the boys in Auburn, Alabama.

Leander notes that video of the experience will be posted soon here.

WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: Medical Creepin'

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The Wingman knows no limits to creepin' - even if he's bedridden in a hospital.

Visit The Wingman on MySpace, Facebook, & Twitter.

4 Bad Habits That Can Age You By 12 Years

40 is the new 30, not the new 28. According to this report on MSNBC, you should probably be mindful of:

- Smoking tobacco
- Not eating enough fruits and vegtables
- Drinking too much alcohol (men: more than 3 per day; women: more than 2)
- Getting less than two hours of physical activity per week

Don't Cough While Interviewing Christina Aguilera

I haven't interviewed her yet, so I've taken note for if that ever happens...

EXCLUSIVE: Brandy Pulls 180 On Working Relationship With Rodney Jerkins

Apparently one and a half years and a record that only sold 100,000 copies can change the way you feel about someone. Just ask singer Brandy Norwood, who revealed on television Sunday evening that her and long-time producer Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins aren’t on great terms.

During the latest installment of “Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business” on VH1 – Brandy’s little brother announces that he plans on working with Jerkins for his forthcoming LP. That does not sit well with big sis.

“You are talented, you can sing your ass off,” lectured Brandy to her younger sibling. “And to me, Rodney Jerkins better give you his best work because he did not give me his best work on Human.”

Human was the last album Brandy released. It only sold about 100,000 units – compared to her first project with Jerkins, the 1998 Never Say Never, certified five times Platinum.
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Check out this clip from Sunday's episode of "Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business" on VH1:

Now listen to this clip of Brandy speaking about "Darkchild" in an October 2008 interview on "The Ralphie Radio Show":

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“He better bring it on this album,” continued the songstress to Ray J – in a board room of the family’s new office space. “Or you tell him to kick rocks with an open toe shoe.”

Ouch, what a far cry from October 2008. A few months before Human dropped, Brandy called in to “The Ralphie Radio Show” and I asked her about the reunion with Jerkins.

“Rodney is a great guy. When we get together, he always finds a way to bring out the best in me,” she said during our conversation. “He’s hungry, you know? And I think he really wants to make an impact and inspire people with his music and, I think you always win when you want to do it from that place.”

I took it a step further – asking if her latest voyage in to the studio with Jerkins felt like her first – when such hits as “The Boy Is Mine” and “What About Us?” were hatched.

“It did feel the same way this time,” she replied. “You know working with him this go around felt like the old Brandy and Rodney. And that’s such a great feeling, I didn’t remember what that felt like. So, to have that feeling again and to be right at home with him and the rest of the 'Darkchild' camp was just truly refreshing and a blessing.”

Brandy and Jerkins later appeared on camera together and attempted to talk things through - with the singer even placing some of the blame off the producer and on to Epic Records. Still, what gives? Did Brandy embellish the beef to make good TV, or was she flat out lying 18 months ago on “The RRS”?

EXCLUSIVE: JLS Chats About First U.S. Trip

I learned the difference first hand between the tabloids in the States and across the pond on Saturday. The British boy-band JLS joined “The Ralphie Radio Show” – and were quick to correct me when I cited a report that I read in The Mirror that the fellas hung out with Jay-Z and KanYe West in Los Angeles.

“It’s good that you ask, because we can squash (the rumors),” replied Marvin Humes, who called in to “The RRS” from the UK just a few months ago. “The Jay-Z connection has come from back home.”

Both Jay and JLS performed and won at The Brit Awards, which is similar to the Grammys. After the show, the “Empire State of Mind” emcee congratulated the boys at an after party by sending a bottle of champagne over to their table… of course, each person received their own bottle.

As for Mr. West, JB Gill revealed JLS has yet to rub elbows or receive gifts from him. The initial report also claimed the boys were introduced to both rappers by former Sugababes member Keisha Buchanan, also incorrect.
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While we were speaking about what they did not do – Humes noted that they have yet to meet with J.R. Rotem, the man who produced “Everybody In Love” (along with half of everything else you hear on the radio these days). Yes, Aston Merrygold was photographed at Burger King but no, he never made it to In-N-Out Burger.

The guys did try Pinkberry for their first time - Oritsé Williams insisted he is addicted. Also while in L.A., the band wrote some new material for a forthcoming LP. Humes said that they worked with some big producers, including Toby Gad (Beyoncé’s “If I Were A Boy”).

JLS has also now encountered both the paparazzi in the UK and in the US. So, who’s more aggressive?

“We’re cool with both,” insisted Gill. “I’d say probably a bit more aggressive in the UK, obviously because we’re more known. But you know what, the paparazzi, they do their job and they help us – yunno, they give us press and they let people out there know what we’re doing.”

VIDEO: JLS Performs "Everybody In Love" Inside The Mall At Steamtown

International recording group JLS performed "Everybody In Love" for 97 BHT listeners inside The Mall At Steamtown.

TMZ'S DAX: Rachel Uchitel Shopping Reality Show Around

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TMZ's Dax says Tiger Woods' first mistress, Rachel Uchitel, is looking for love and hoping cameras are there to capture it all.

Catch Dax on TMZ TV, local listings here.

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Lights Over Paris - 'Turn Off The Lights'

Lights Over Paris front man Robb, a.k.a., "TaLLLLL", checked in to "The Ralphie Radio Show" to chat about the band's new EP, debut single co-produced by Kevin Rudolf, and what the band stands for - music and otherwise.

Part 1: "Turn Off The Lights"


Part 2: "Entourage", After Parties, Upcoming Tour

WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: The Bartender

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Sure T-Pain and Akon sang about it, but now The Wingman breaks down the intricacies of hitting on the bartender.

Visit The Wingman on MySpace, Facebook, & Twitter.

Why Do You Eat When You're Not Hungry?

I asked myself this question all the time, and now I have multiple answers - click through for more.

EXCLUSIVE: Duke Grad Mike Posner Recorded 'Cooler Than Me' On A Dell Laptop

Turns out new artists Mike Posner and Iyaz have a couple things in common. Both attended four-year schools here in the States. And both used Dell laptops to record vocals and launch their respective careers.

“But it sounds crispy, doesn’t it?” Posner asked on Tuesday, referring to the track “Cooler Than Me.’ Oh yeah, both artists have also joined “The Ralphie Radio Show” as a guest. And yes, “crispy, “clean”, “clear”, you could insert a number of adjectives to describe how good it sounds all considering. Posner wrote and recorded the track in his Duke University dorm room, inspired by the women he encountered at the school.

“I can’t tell you like after the song came out like how many girls from my past came out of the woodwork and were like ‘I know this song is about me,’” recalled the emcee. “It’s like, ‘Ugh, you’re so vain. It’s not about you. But, now that you’re saying that, it kinda is.’”

Despite his disdain for some of the women on campus, Posner credits the Blue Devil student body’s support in launching his career to its current point. And although he wouldn’t divulge on the existence of any form of hazing, the artist even admits that his fraternity, Sigma Nu, also played a big role.
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Mike Posner is poised to explode on to the scene with his mixtape anthem, "Cooler Than Me" - an ode to the types of women he typically encountered on the campus of Duke University. The Duke graduate also spoke on the school's basketball championship and his forthcoming appearance on this year's Vans Warped Tour.

Download Posner's mixtapes for free at mikeposner.com.
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“I told my brothers to help me spread (my music),” he said. “Within’ a matter of months, the people in my fraternity had helped me create a nationwide fan base and now, I’m living my dreams because of them.”

Matter of fact, Posner is so busy that he can’t even find the time to collaborate with the likes of Flo-Rida and T.I. for the rappers’ respective forthcoming albums. The Michigan-born artist is currently working on his debut LP. He wouldn’t release the title to “The RRS” but did reveal that he's looking at a September release and that there would be no features with other artists.

“All Posner, all hits!” he joked. “I don’t need to trick people in to liking my stuff.”

Certainly a unique perspective, but then again – how many emcees do you know entering the game with a degree from Duke?

Ke$ha's 'SNL' Performance: You Be The Judge

I'll stand by what I said on-air: "TiK ToK" is not conducive to a live performance with all of the autotune and vocal effects. That being said, in my opinion, Ke$ha still did a great job on "Saturday Night Live" and deserves props for adding parts in the beginning and bridge so that she could showcase her vocal skills. I really feel the people lashing out against her didn't like the song in the first place.

EXCLUSIVE: Mayday Parade's Derek Sanders 'Not Surprised' By YouTube Music Video Removal

Is Mayday Parade lead singer Derek Sanders surprised that YouTube removed the band’s music video for “Kids In Love”? He can’t believe it even made it on to the site in the first place.

“I’ve never heard of a video on YouTube that had any kind of nudity, and there’s definitely a whole lot of nudity throughout the video,” said Sanders in an interview that aired Monday on “The Ralphie Radio Show.” “I was surprised it was up as long as it was.”

YouTube removed the video after too many users flagged it as inappropriate. To the view the piece, the site required you were logged in and over the age of 18. Still, a parental advisory ran before the beginning. Dailymotion still hosts the video, and fans of Mayday have been uploading it to other video sharing sites as well, such as Vimeo.
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Anywhere But Here is in stores now.
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The video is a departure from your typical “boy-meets-girl” treatment. Instead, the clip documents teenagers falling in and out of love. From road trips to every type of sex you can imagine, it can all be seen, uncensored and unfiltered, throughout the video. Its honesty has sparked some conversation centered on the band, but Sanders doesn’t seem to mind, deeming the controversy “cool.”

“It’ll be like a video that no one else has seen before, and we kind of like that aspect of it,” Sanders said of the band’s thinking before choosing to shoot the clip. “We were like, ‘Let’s go for something different, and this just seems like very cool and very real.”

Sanders and Mayday Parade will be performing the track all summer long, as the band heads out again on Vans Warped Tour, Mayday’s fourth trek on the festival.

"The RRS" In The Press Last Week

ALL ACCESS covers "The RRS" coverage of Ryan Cabrera/Audrina Patridge

MTV NEWS AUSTRALIA cites "The RRS" in report on Ryan/Audrina


FOX 56 NEWS AT 10 features story broken locally on "The RRS" of Justin Bieber fan

It was a good week :)

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Orianthi - 'Shut Up and Kiss Me'

If people compared Orianthi’s style to Kelly Clarkson after “According To You” – they’re definitely saying something after hearing the singer/guitarist’s next single, “Shut Up and Kiss Me.”

“Yeah, that’s an awesome thing, she’s so talented,” Ori said of the comparison. “This song is a fun song; it’s got a guitar solo in it once again.”
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The showcasing of her guitar skills is far from a coincidence – the Australian-born artist hopes to inspire other kids, especially women, to pick up their own axe and play.

“Lyrically, it’s empowered, just like ‘According To You’, but it’s kind of sassy,” explained Orianthi.

But she quickly clarified that the song’s edge isn’t exactly a reflection of her.

“Yeah pretty much (me) with the volume turned up,” Orianthi said when describing the song. “That’s what you do for the song, you know, have fun with it.”