Music News, Reviews, and Gossip on Idolator.com » Elton John

Melanie Amaro Bests Elton John In Super Bowl Commercial

Idolator Staff — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 22:29:24 +0000

Melanie Amaro first earned “respect” when she was crowned the first winner of The X Factor (which, don’t know if you’ve heard, is going through some growing pains at the moment). After signing a $5 million contract with Epic Records, Melanie has also landed a starring role in a Pepsi Super Bowl commercial. In it, Sir Elton John plays a tyrannical king who doesn’t let his people drink Pepsi. Melanie saves the day by belting out Aretha Franklin’s classic, and blows Elton down to the chamber below, releasing Pepsi for all! Watch it after the jump.

Did your jaw drop as far down as Elton? Let us know what you think on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below.

Elton John Fans The Flames Of His Feud With Madonna

Erika Brooks Adickman — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:05:34 +0000

Elton John must know that there’s nothing we love more than seeing two pop divas go at it. At least, that’s our reasoning as to why why the Rocket Man has made yet another catty remark about Madonna — this time about her upcoming Super Bowl Halftime extravaganza. The Golden Globe nominee (who ultimately lost to Madge, even after Sir Elton claimed she didn’t have “f***ing chance”) relayed this advice to the MDNA singer via Billboard: “Make sure you lip-sync good.” Me-ow! Is the Brit just playing around or is he still licking his wounds from his recent award show loss? Tell us below or give us a shout on Facebook and Twitter.

Whatcha Say: Lana Del Rey, Madonna and Adam Lambert Got Our Readers Talking

Guest Editor — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 01:30:22 +0000

This week, chances are you were either hating on or defending Lana Del Rey’s Saturday Night Live performance — we wanted to do the latter, but ended up doing the former — but believe it or not, there was plenty more going on in the world of pop. The ever-growing feud between Madonna and Elton John, Adam Lambert’s recent television appearances. If you’re one of the few people who don’t know what’s going on, don’t worry, check out our reader’s comments below for their thoughts.

:: Kathy came to LDR’s defense when she said of her lack of live performing skills: “i love lana del rey no matter what. seeing her on snl, i have come to the conclusion that while she isnt a ‘big arena, performing for millions of people’ pop star, shes the performer i would go see at a bar because i want a personal experience. which if you think about it, those are the best kinds of artists. she keeing it real, she knows shes not good live, but anyone worth hearing rarely is, you go to a show for the experience, not for a lip syncing and dancing 30 yr old robot.”

:: Anonymous didn’t agree with our responses, but they bring up a good point: “Instead of celebrating that she isn’t some over-managed pop star who says the ‘right’ thing all the time you are condoning her for that. She might not sell out a concert like Britney but she’s got more heart than you’ll ever give her credit for.”

:: On the other hand, Trey believes Lana should stick to working behind the scenes: “In my opinion, Lana Del Rey doesn’t even sing. Lana Del Rey moans. She seductively speaks her lyrics, and because the song has an instrumental backing, we call it music. She should simply stick to being a lyricist and continue to write beautiful stories through song. But as for her singing these said songs… Let’s just say, I don’t see her being asked to return as a musical guest any time in the near future. Or this lifetime.”

:: Fans were certainly abuzz about Madonna’s win at the Golden Globes. According to George, it’s time for Madonna to grow up: “I think she was snide and rude, and thought she was back into her 30s. She has a chip on her shoulder, and after so many years a fan, I am disappointed in seeing her last night, She has lost her edge.”

:: Co-Writer Indeed questioned how much work the Material Girl put into the song, but still gave their congratulations: “I’d love to know how much ‘co-writing’ Madge actually did on this and the majority of her oeuvre, but still, congrats, Vampyre! I’m sure aging queens around the world are setting themselves on fire to celebrate this most recent triumph of The Material Nation.”

:: Sean responded to the above commenter: “Are you kidding? Madonna has co-written or written nearly every single one of her songs since the mid-80’s including some of her greatest work like Like a Prayer and Ray of Light. what else does she have to prove? I don’t understand people who hate on her songwritting ability b/c they don’t think pop stars have that talent. Madonna LEADS the pack when it comes to songwriting.”

:: Finally, something everyone can agree on — readers expressed only praise for Adam Lambert’s performance on the Tonight Show. Sizzling wrote: “Vocal, visual and emotional perfection!! That’s Adam Lambert!! Love the rock wails at the end and that stunning, make-up free look!”

:: Paul commented on Adam’s stage presence: “Adam Lambert LIVE is a thing of beauty! He feeds off the audience and pushes each song to the limit! Most exciting live performer I have ever seen!”

:: And Carla praised him for his incredible vocals: “Just pure talent! AMAZING vocals! The notes from the second half – end just melted my heart! This performance reminded me why Adam is my all time favorite singer!”

Forget what else happened this week? Check out our Pop & Fizz Hype Index to see the other big things everyone was gossing about.

The Idolator Hype Index (Week Of 1.15.12)

Robbie Daw — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:38:56 +0000

It’s time once again to see who made our weekly Pop & Fizz chart, where we rank the top artists and headlines in pop music. Now you’ll know exactly who reigns the pop kingdom from week to week, according to our laboratory-developed research methods and sophisticated calculations. You know what kind of week Madonna, Lana Del Rey and Adam Lambert had — how’d they fare on this week’s index?

Voila! Our third Pop & Fizz Top 10 of the year:

To see just how these artists entered the hype index, check below.

How does this week’s chart rank for you? Let us know on Facebook, Twitter or in the comments.

Elton John’s Husband Tries To Rationalize All That Madonna Trash Talk: Morning Mix

Idolator Staff — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:00:59 +0000

Did You Hear?

:: Remember those nasty things Elton John said about Madonna’s chance of winning a Golden Globe? The rock legend’s husband, David Furnish, also got a few digs in on Facebook, but is now trying to rationalize the remarks: “My passion for our film Gnomeo & Juliet and belief in Elton’s song really got my emotional juices going.” Oh, so all’s forgiven then? Doubt it. [Vulture]

:: Katy Perry is the latest artist to get her own Pop Up Video. Of the fun facts we learned about “Teenage Dream”: Katy’s parents were on set to witness the California girl dancing half-nekkid on the beach and kissing a boy! Awkward. [MTV Buzzworthy]

:: Casper Smart may have added a few more Twitter followers since taking to the social network to discuss his May-December romance with Jennifer Lopez. He said, “Age, status, n opinions of others are irrelevant. Our hearts are endless and our souls infinite.” You know it’s true love, because J.Lo retweeted him! [E Online]

:: Selena Gomez may be taking a break from music, but she’s definitely not taking a break from Justin Bieber. The couple were spotted locking lips while they waited on line for fruit smoothies. [Pink Is The New Blog]

:: Lady Gaga! She’s just like us! The “Marry The Night” singer was seen doing laundry with new beau Taylor Kinney in California this week. We wonder how many loads she had to do; those outrageous outfits must be dry-clean only. [Just Jared]

After the jump, find out which acts you can find on the tube today.

Music On TV:

:: The Late Show With David Letterman (CBS) — Los Campesinos
:: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC) — Steven Tyler, Ryan Seacrest, Randy Jackson
:: Last Call With Carson Daly (NBC) —Mona (Repeat)
:: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon (NBC) — Cults

Madonna Discusses ‘MDNA’, Elton John Backstage At Golden Globes: Watch

Robbie Daw — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:20:22 +0000

Backstage at the Golden Globe Awards, Madonna certainly didn’t seem to harbor any ill will toward Elton John, following his red carpet dis of the Material Girl. “I hope he speaks to me for the next couple of years. He’s known to get mad at me,” Madge said while fielding a question about trumping John, after her Best Original Song win for “Masterpiece”. She also talked about collaborating on her upcoming album MDNA with producers Martin Solveig and William Orbit. Watch below!

“He’s brilliant and I adore him,” Madonna continued while talking about Elton. “He’ll win another award. I don’t feel bad.”

John’s Gnomeo & Juliet track “Hello Hello” was one of four other soundtrack tunes that Madonna’s “Masterpiece” beat out for the Golden Globe win.

The W.E. director was later asked about what the sound of her upcoming 12th studio album MDNA will be. “Well, I did a good majority of the album with Martin Solveig… I love his sound — it’s really fresh, doesn’t sound like anybody else’s,” Madonna said. “Happy. I would say his music is happy. It puts a smile on your face.”

She also talked about working once again with English producer William Orbit, who handled the bulk of her Grammy-winning 1998 album Ray Of Light: “His songs tend to be, I don’t want to say dark — more thoughtful and introspective.”

But lest anyone worry that this won’t be a dance album, Madge put her fans’ minds at ease. “Oh, yes — lots of dancing, cheerleading, football players,” she noted.

MDNA is due out some time in March. First single “Give Me All Your Luvin” arrives in early February, and will coincide with Madonna’s Super Bowl halftime performance.

Elton John At Golden Globes: “Madonna Hasn’t Got A F***ing Chance”

Robbie Daw — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:24:33 +0000

How does that foot taste, Elton John? If you’ve been wondering why Sir Elt looked so sour-faced at the Golden Globe Awards when the camera panned to him during Madonna’s Best Original Song acceptance speech, one need only watch the following red carpet interview Carson Daly did with the rock legend. “Madonna hasn’t got a f***ing chance,” said John, who’s Gnomeo & Juliet offering “Hello Hello” was also nominated. Carson noted those were fighting words. “No,” said Elton. “They’re accurate words.” Oops! Watch below.

After Elton left, Madonna was then interviewed by Carson, who couldn’t help informing the Material Girl what John had said about her. “Oh, damn him!” she joked, while stomping her foot. “Those are fightin’ words… okay, well, may the best man win.”

Elton John disses Madonna on the Golden Globe Awards red carpet

What did you think of Elton’s comments on Madge? Was it all in jest, or were they mean-spirited barbs meant to keep their supposed long-standing feud going?

Either way, Madonna’s “Masterpiece” still won. Sorry, Elt.

Elton John Confirms Musical Biopic, Wants Justin Timberlake For Lead

Robbie Daw — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:00:17 +0000

Pop-rock royal Elton John confirmed that a jukebox musical based on his life is in the works, and that he’d like former-popstar-turned-actor Justin Timberlake to portray him in the film. “I’ve got a wish list of people,” John told the Los Angeles Times. “No. 1 on my wish list is Justin Timberlake, because he played me before in a David LaChapelle video of ‘Rocket Man’ and was superb.”

Elton is referring to Timberlake’s turn as the “Your Song” legend in the concert film “Rocket Man” sequence of his Red Piano shows in Las Vegas.

Justin Timberlake as Elton John in the “Rocket Man” concert film from The Red Piano

Parts of this were used in Elton’s video for “This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore”, off 2001 album Songs From The West Coast. (Watch for Paul “Pee Wee Herman” Reubens’ appearance as John’s longtime manager John Reid.)

Justin Timberlake as Elton John in the “This Train Don’t Stop There Anymore” video

Elton told the Los Angeles Times that he and partner David Furnish will be producing the film, while Billy Elliot scribe has penned the script. John and Hall previously collaborated on the Billy Elliot musical adapted from the film. Meanwhile, Elton and David co-produced last year’s animated Gnomeo & Juliet, which is currently up for Best Original Song at the upcoming Golden Globe Awards.

Here’s how Sir Elt describes his biopic:

“That would be a jukebox musical in earnest, maybe with a couple of new songs. You never know. Because it’s going to be a surreal look at my life, and not just a factual look at my life, more in the manner of a Moulin Rouge! I just don’t want it to be a normal biopic because my life hasn’t been like that. And it only goes up to when I go into rehab in 1990. It starts with me going into rehab and ends when I come out.”

John noted that there is a director attached to the project that everyone is “very excited about,” and that there will be an announcement “very, very soon.”

Do you think playing Elton John would be the role that turns Justin Timeberlake into a bona fide box office draw? Or is there someone you think is better suited to fit the bill?

Madonna ‘W.E.’ Track “Masterpiece” Snubbed By Oscar For Best Song

Robbie Daw — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 17:16:12 +0000

A long list of contenders up for nomination for the Best Song category at the upcoming Academy Awards in 2012 is doing the rounds, and while some of the tunes that have already been nominated for Golden Globes are present — “Hello Hello” by Elton John and Lady Gaga, “The Living Proof” by Mary J. Blige, “The Keeper” by Chris Cornell, etc. — it appears as if there was no love for Madonna’s “Masterpiece”, from her directorial effort W.E.

According to Digital Spy, Oscar rules dictate that Madge’s track was ineligible because it was placed too far into the movie’s end credits to qualify, since contenders for the award must be the lead song in the credits.

Another Elton John tune from Gnomeo & Juliet, “Love Builds A Garden”, is also on the long list, as are songs from The Muppets (”Life’s A Happy Song”, “Man Or Muppet” and “Pictures In My Head”) and Zac Brown’s “Where The River Goes” from the Footloose remake.

The voting process for Oscar categories begins on January 5 by Academy members, after which the final nominees will all be announced live on January 24 at 5:30 a.m. PST.

Peek at all 39 tracks on the list for potential Oscar Best Song nominations here.

Golden Globe Nominations: Madonna, Elton John & Mary J. Blige Songs Receive Nods

Robbie Daw — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 15:40:56 +0000

The 2012 Golden Globe nominations are out, and Madonna’s upcoming directorial effort W.E. (hitting US theaters on February 3) got some Foreign Press Association love in two categories — Best Original Song (for Madge’s ballad “Masterpiece”, which she co-wrote with Julie Frost and Jimmy Harry) and Best Original Score (Abel Korzeniowski). Other song nominees include Mary J. Blige’s The Help contribution “The Living Proof” and Elton John’s “Hello Hello” from the animated film Gnomeo & Juliet.

Interestingly, new Interscope labelmates Madonna and Lady Gaga will be competing against each other for Best Original Song…sort of. Gaga serves as duet partner with Elton on the version of “Hello Hello” that appears in the Gnomeo & Juliet movie. However, she was stripped off the song as it appears on the actual soundtrack, apparently due to legal reasons.

Either way, it’s Elton John and longtime writing partner Bernie Taupin who receive the writing credit, and thus the nomination for “Hello Hello”.

Meanwhile, Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor follows up his success with the score for The Social Network by landing a nod for The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, and Glee is up for Best Television Series — Comedy Or Musical.

Golden Globe Music Nominees

BEST ORIGINAL SCORE, MOTION PICTURE
Ludovic Bource, The Artist
Abel Korzeniowski, W.E.
Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross, The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo
Howard Shore, Hugo
John Williams, War Horse

BEST ORIGINAL SONG, MOTION PICTURE
“Hello Hello”, Gnomeo & Juliet
Music by: Elton John
Lyrics by: Bernie Taupin

“The Keeper”, Machine Gun Preacher
Music & Lyrics by: Chris Cornell

“Lay Your Head Down”, Albert Nobbs
Music by: Brian Byrne
Lyrics by: Glenn Close

“The Living Proof”, The Help
Music by: Mary J. Blige, Thomas Newman, Harvey Mason, Jr.
Lyrics by: Mary J. Blige, Harvey Mason, Jr., Damon Thomas

“Masterpiece”, W.E.
Music & Lyrics by: Madonna, Julie Frost, Jimmy Harry

Catch the full list of 2012 Golden Globe nominees here.