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Day in Pop Report for 12/17/2012


Alleged Stalker Arrested At Taylor Swift's Home
A man was arrested at Taylor Swift's home in Nashville on Friday, a few days after an interview surfaced where the country singer discussed her worsening stalker problem.

24-year-old Jacob Kulke was arrested at 1:45 AM Friday after being detained by security that reportedly saw him climbed over a fence at Swift's home. Swift was not home at the time.

Various reports indicate that Kulke told police that he was the boyfriend of the homeowner and had spoken to someone at Swift's home via social media before traveling to Nashville from Wisconsin by bus to visit the country star on her birthday (which was on Thursday).

As of Saturday, Kulke was being held on a $10,000 bond, according to Big Pond News and he reportedly has a criminal past of battery, disorderly conduct and drug possession.

The topic of stalkers came up in a recently interview Swift gave to a magazine, SF Gate
reports that Swift told Britain's Cosmopolitan magazine, "I get nervous when I have stalker incidents. I try not to talk too much about it because it scares me. Sometimes you get a dude who kind of wants to steal you. That's why I'm so grateful I have people looking after me, like (my bodyguard) Dennis.

"Over the past couple of years it's got worse. I get told if there's been an attempt or a threat. My security text me a picture and say, 'Look out for this dude; he's driven across the country, he's off his meds (medication),' or something like that. No one has ever been successful in getting into my house or anything like that. I have an amazing security team."

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Lady Gaga Performs With The Rolling Stones
(popmusiclife) Lady Gaga was on hand in New Jersey Saturday night to help the Rolling Stones wrap up their 50 & Counting tour.

The show, available via pay per view, featured special guests Gaga, Bruce Springsteen, the Black Keys, John Mayer, Gark Clark Jr. and former Stone Mick Taylor.

Pop icon Gaga strutted on stage to perform the band's 1970 classic, "Gimme Shelter," with the band.

The singer was still glowing over her guest spot on Sunday, tweeting, "I had a life dream to be transported in a time machine to 1973 NJ, beer + badboys. Someone heal me it happened + then I sang with the Stones." Watch the performance here.

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Jason Trawick Reportedly Plans to Break-Up With Britney Spears
(Hollyscoop) We've heard rumblings of a Britney Spears and Jason Trawick break-up for months, but now it looks like it's actually happening. Hollyscoop has learned exclusively that Britney and Jason are about to split and get this, Britney doesn't know about it!

A source close to the couple has told Hollyscoop exclusively that Jason has had enough and wants out of the relationship.

"Jason has told Britney's entire family that he's planning to leave her, so that Britney will have a support system when he breaks the bad news," the source tells us.

Jason is reportedly waiting for "The X Factor" to be over, because he and her whole family think Britney will take the news real hard, and would rather not have her deal with it while she's trying to film the show.

But here's the weirdest part, Jason reportedly wants to remain her manager after the break-up. So basically their relationship will become strictly business. Pretty sure Britney won't want him on payroll after he dumps her, but he has been great for her career, so who knows.

Jason used to be Britney's agent, but when they became a couple, he left his agency in 2011, dropped her as a client, and solely became her manager.

A second Britney source added to Hollyscoop, "I haven't heard anything about [the split], but I do know they are going on vacation together for the holidays." more on this story

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Kelly Clarkson Gets Engaged
Kelly Clarkson had big news to share with fans on her Twitter account on Saturday: the very first American Idol winner is now engaged.

"I'M ENGAGED!!!!! I wanted y'all to know!! Happiest night of my life last night!" Clarkson told fans via the social media website Saturday evening (December 15).

"I am so lucky and am with the greatest man ever," she said of her fianc�, Brandon Blackstock whom she has been dating for almost a year.

Blackstock, a talent manager, is the stepson of country star Reba McEntire. Clarkson was reportedly acquainted with him for years but their romance began after they saw each other at the Super Bowl in February.

Clarkson sang the national anthem at the event. more on this story

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Clay Aiken Says American Idol Is Now All About The Judges
Former American Idol runner-up Clay Aiken spoke to Billboard about the return of his Christmas show, but he also had some strong words about the singing competition TV show which gave him his start.

Aiken was asked if he planned to return to American Idol next year to mark the 10th anniversary of the second season where he was the runner-up

"I don't know that I would commemorate it on the show," he says. "I don't know that they did it with Justin Guarini and all those folks.

"But 'Idol' back in those days was about the contestants. Kelly (Clarkson) and Justin and Tamyra (Gray) and Nikki McKibbin, they were all the starts of the show. And when I was on, Ruben (Studdard) and myself and Kimberly Locke were the stars of the show.

"Now 'Idol' is about the judges. I don't even know if they remember there are contestants anymore."

Aiken also shared his excitement about the upcoming return of his annual Christmas tour, which he held for four years from 2004-2007. "It doesn't feel like Christmas for me if I'm not doing this," Aiken told Billboard.

"It was what made my year for me. It's what made Christmas feel like Christmas. This is what really puts me in the mood for the season."

Aiken kicked off his Joyful Noise 2012 tour last month. The tour features Aiken playing with a full orchestra and will conclude on December 23rd in Detroit.

December 16 Melbourne, FL King Center For The Performing Arts December 17 Atlanta, GA Symphony Hall - Woodruff Arts Center December 18 Atlanta, GA Symphony Hall - Woodruff Arts Center December 20 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre
December 21 Cleveland, OH Playhouse Square Center - Palace Theater December 22 Pittsburgh, PA Heinz Hall
December 23 Detroit, MI Masonic Temple

Aiken also spoke with Billboard about his plans for next year. While he isn't planning a return to American Idol, fans may still find him back on TV. Read their report here.

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Justin Bieber Releasing Believe Acoustic Next Month
Justin Bieber will be releasing a new acoustic EP in January, the teen pop star revealed on the Ellen DeGeneres Show last week.

The idea apparently came from his acoustic performances on tour which Bieber says is, "something the fans really like."

Its also a return to his roots, "Because I started out on YouTube just playing my guitar, just singing without all the production, so I like to just put out acoustic albums. I think it's more intimate."

The EP will feature seven songs and a bonus track and will be entitled "Believe Acoustic," according to MTV New.

They reached out to a representative from Bieber's record label and confirmed those details as well as a January 29th release date. See video of his announcement here.

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Country Thunder Lineups Expanded
The Country Thunder music festivals in Arizona and Wisconsin have expanded their line-up for the 2013 events and one headliner has cancelled.

Jake Owen, Sarah Darling and Dean Alexander have been added to Country Thunder in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin which will take place on July 18-21, 2013.

They will join the previously-announced performers Keith Urban, Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Little Big Town and more.

Lady Antebellum's previously-announced performance at Country Thunder on July 21st has been cancelled, as Hillary Scott is expecting her first baby and will not be able to travel and perform through the summer.

Aaron Lewis and Greg Bates have been added to Country Thunder Arizona which is set to take place in Florence, Ariz. on April 11-14, 2013.

They will join previously-announced performers Lady Antebellum, Toby Keith, Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, Kip Moore and many more. See the full lineups here.

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Nick Cannon Won't Let His and Mariah Carey's Kids Go Into Show Biz
(Hollyscoop) Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey could potentially raise the most dramatic and multi-talented kids in Hollywood. Their combined gene pool means their children could grow up to become actors, actresses, singers, comedians, judges, hosts, or music producers.

However, if Nick has anything to do with it, his kids will stay far away from Hollywood. "Nope! It's not a business that I would encourage somebody to get into especially because it's not going to be difficult for them to get into and I want them to have to strive for something," Nick tells Hollyscoop at Pastry Presents Skate & Donate event, "Don't get into something that just comes easy, I want you to go beyond entertainment."

You know, I was really looking forward to their twin's inevitable Disney Channel sitcom and rap album. Le sigh.

Also, don't expect anymore "dem babies" from this power-couple, we asked if there were plans for more babies, his answer? "Nope!"

And despite the fact that these two have only been married for 4 years and just renewed their vows this summer, Nick tells us they have plans for another big wedding vow renewal ceremony.

Gotta love that Cannon-Carey family. Bigger is always better with those two.

Oh and as for the Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj "American Idol" feud, Nick doesn't actually know where they stand.

"I think [they buried the hatchet]. I don't know, I don't work on that show," says Nick. more on this story

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Lady Antebellum Score Christmas Gold
Lady Antebellum's Christmas album debut, On This Winter's Night, has been certified gold by the RIAA.

Gold record awards are given for albums that have certified sales of 500,000 copies in the United States.

Released in October, the disc's title track was penned by the group and is accompanied by 11 additional holiday classics.

Lady Antebellum will be appearing on the CMA Country Christmas special on Dec. 20 at 8:00P CT on ABC and the 29th Annual Disney Parks Christmas Day Parade airing Dec. 25 at 9:00A CT on ABC.

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Miranda Lambert's Pink Land Replaces Hunting
When Miranda Lambert opened her Pink Pistol shop on November 23 of this year, most country folks expected it to be a hit, but Miranda wasn't as ready as she thought for the big change.

It's only been a few weeks, but juggling a singing career full of tours and running a shop full of pink, Miranda realized she had to cut some of her hobbies to divvy out her time.

While she recently made time to go to the San Diego Zoo with hubby Blake Shelton on a cutesy date, there is one hobby in particular that the star hasn't had time for and it's crushing Blake.

"I went hog hunting once [this season] and got a hog with my bow," revealed Miranda to Country Weekly. "I haven't had time. I'm in pink land now. Blake's like, 'Really? You're just going to be in pink glitter and no more hunting with me anymore?' I'm like, 'I'll go a couple times.'" On the other hand...

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American Idol's Colton Dixon Loves Jingle Bells, Even In Summer
Long before he was winning over fans on American Idol, Colton Dixon was performing in rock bands. He confessed that every year his band would cover "Jingle Bells" during the holidays but when it came down to choosing a favorite holiday song he had trouble selecting just one.

"'Carol of the Bells' has got to be one of my favorites," he tells CBS Local. "But I also love 'Once Upon a December' from Anastasia. My choir used to sing that song all the time. It's so creepy and eerie. I love that. It's almost like if Tim Burton or Danny Elfman were to take on a Christmas song that's what that style would be. I love that kind of stuff."

As far as holiday classics go, "Jingle Bells" is right up there too. "My old rock band used to cover 'Jingle Bells' and we did it like Relient K would do it," he said. "It's a lot of fun. I listen to that during the summer. We did a garage band recording of that and that was fun."

In the end though, Colton decided his original choice was really the best song of the season. Find out what that is here.

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Matt Blais Streaming New Song Online And Sets Album Release Date
Matt Blais has set a February 26, 2013 release date for his new sophomore album, 'The Heartbeat,' and he is streaming the first single online.

The new album release will be Blais' follow-up effort to his 2010 debut full length album, 'Let It Out'.

He had this to say, "Everyone always says they are excited about their new record. In this case though, I truly am more excited than I think I've ever been.

"I've learned a lot over my last years working as a musician and performer. I did things a bit backwards from the rest of the music world - I've been out honing this craft around the country. Then I made this record. I learned what audiences want to hear. Then I learned how I could produce that myself - so I could get it perfect.

"I found stellar musicians who not only had the chops to play these songs but the vitality to make the songs sound live, energetic and real.

"That's something I feel is missing from a lot of music today. I think 'The Heartbeat' is some of the most creative work of my career and I can't wait to share it."

Fans can stream the new song 'Running" here. It is the first single from the album which has been released to Canadian radio. more on this story

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Shameless Star Emmy Rossum Releasing New Album
Emmy Rossum, a star of Showtime's Shameless, will be releasing her album, Sentimental Journey, on January 29th.

The album will feature a collection of covers done of classic songs spanning the 1920's to the 1960's.

"I grew up surrounded by classical music singing in the Children's Chorus at The Metropolitan Opera and when I would come home, the house was filled with the voices of Frank Sinatra, Sam Cooke, and Judy Garland," Rossum says.

"For as long as I can remember, my mother would sing 'Apple Blossom Time' to me as a bedtime lullaby. Classics, jazz, and standards really infused my childhood and so it felt quite natural to finally make this record."

Recorded at The Village in Los Angeles, Sentimental Journey was produced by Rossum's friend Stuart Brawley, who also co-wrote and produced her 2007 album Inside Out.

Rossum currently stars in the comedy series Shameless on Showtime with William H. Macy.

She also stars alongside Emma Thompson, Jeremy Irons, and Viola Davis in the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures feature film Beautiful Creatures, which hits theaters on February 13th, 2013. more on this story

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Ratface Releases Mixtape
UK rapper/vocalist/producer Ratface has released his new "Gold Tones" mixtape ahead of a new EP release.

Ratface spoke with Pindrop's Sebastian Reynolds and gave the following information about his background: I grew up around Swindon, where there wasn't much goin on.... politically an culturally backward, no real live music scene, an very little encouragement/support for original material or styles... bein a misfit in a hum drum workin town, coupled with general boredom drove me further an further into making my own music an made me not give a f**k about what people thought of it. a couple of years livin in Oxford exposed me to lots of new styles an people an form my first proper punk band the dead letters which gave me lots of live experience an confidence on stage. Bristol is my home now.... the underground squat scene gave me a platform for my early mash up Ratface styles, an taught me a lot about workin a crowd an wingin it. I have also been massively influenced by the dub reggae/bass culture here.

I'm inspired by the music of roots Manuva, J Dilla, Rza/Wu Tang, Atmosphere, Ab Soul(Black Hippy), Billie Holiday, The Clash, Riddim Force, Skinny Man, Buriel, Solo Banton, Soom T, Puppajim/Stand High Patrol, Sonnyjim

In a lot of ways punk, hip hop an reggae have a lot in common, because its all music of dissent, but the styles, fashion an codes associated with them can create barriers. Bristol has a history of cultural an musical mish mashes, so it's probably the best place to be for my sound. a lot of punk fans are suspicious of 'computer' music or music without live instruments, a lot of hip hop heads distrust anything outside the established barriers an favour more chilled traditional formats. as a musical obsessive of all styles I don't give a f**k about barriers/rules. I haven't consciously created a 'sound', but I think loosely Ratface now is based around a free thinkin an playful approach to punk attitude an energy, focused an smoothed out through the mc'ing an sampling culture of hip hop, with a healthy dose of dub thrown in. Check out the mix tape here.

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Django, Prepare A Coffin Coming to DVD
(Noble) Arrow Video have set a January 14th release date for the UK DVD debut of Ferdinando Baldi's "Django, Prepare A Coffin", a long lost and previously unavailable sequel to Sergio Corbucci's 1966 Spaghetti Western classic Django.

"Django, Prepare A Coffin" will be available shortly before the arrival of another installment in the series � Quentin Tarantino's highly anticipated Django Unchained. According to the Spaghetti Western Database, Tarantino placed "Django, Prepare A Coffin" at #19 in his top-20 Spaghetti Western films of all time (the original Django is at #3).

The "Django, Prepare a Coffin" UK DVD release comes complete with reversible sleeve artwork, collector's booklet by Spaghetti Western expert Howard Hughes and the original film trailer.

The main musical theme in "Django, Prepare A Coffin" � a slow, mournful lament featuring a plodding bass line and souring trumpet - was sampled by Gnarls Barkley on their Grammy winning global smash-hit single "Crazy". Watch the trailer here.

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