The 2012 Billboard Music Awards turned into the 2012 Adele Awards, as the British songstress was honored with 12 awards, including Top Artist, during the show at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Party-meisters LMFAO also walked away with some major booty — six trophies, to be precise, with their smash single “Party Rock Anthem” nabbing the award in three separate musical genre categories (Top Pop, Rap and Dance Song).

The night’s other big winners include Woman Of The Year Taylor Swift (who kept her “surprised” face to a minimum level of shock, as she had no competition in this category), Lil Wayne picking up trophies for Top Rap Artist, Top Rap Album and Top Male Artist, and Coldplay winning Top Alternative Artist, Top Rock Artist and Top Rock Album. Check out the full list of winners below.

taylor looks ravishing in red

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TOP ARTIST: Adele

TOP FEMALE ARTIST: Adele

TOP DUO OR GROUP: LMFAO

TOP MALE ARTIST: Lil Wayne

TOP NEW ARTIST: Wiz Khalifa

WOMAN OF THE YEAR: Taylor Swift

TOP HOT 100 ARTIST: Adele

HOT 100 SONG OF THE YEAR: LMFAO, “Party Rock Anthem”

TOP BILLBOARD 200 ARTIST: Adele

TOP BILLBOARD 200 ALBUM: Adele, 21

TOP DIGITAL SONGS ARTIST: Adele

SOCIAL ARTIST: Justin Bieber

SPOTLIGHT AWARD: Katy Perry

TOP STREAMING ARTIST: Rihanna

TOP STREAMING SONG (VIDEO): Nicki Minaj, “Super Bass”

TOP STREAMING SONG (AUDIO): Adele, “Rolling In The Deep”

TOP DIGITAL MEDIA ARTIST: Adele

TOP DIGITAL SONG: LMFAO, “Party Rock Anthem”

TOP RADIO SONGS ARTIST: Adele

TOP RADIO SONG: Pitbull, “Give Me Everything”

R&B ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Chris Brown

TOP R&B SONG: Kelly Rowland feat. Lil Wayne, “Motivation”

TOP R&B ALBUM: Beyonce, 4

TOP POP ARTIST: Adele

TOP POP ALBUM: Adele, 21

TOP POP SONG: LMFAO, “Party Rock Anthem”

TOP RAP ARTIST: Lil Wayne

TOP RAP SONG: LMFAO, “Party Rock Anthem”

TOP RAP ALBUM: Lil Wayne, Tha Carter IV

TOP COUNTRY ARTIST: Lady Antebellum

TOP COUNTRY ALBUM: Jason Aldean, My Kinda Party

TOP COUNTRY SONG: Jason Aldean, “Dirt Road Anthem”

TOP ROCK ARTIST: Coldplay

TOP ROCK SONG: Foster The People, “Pumped Up Kicks”

TOP ROCK ALBUM: Coldplay, Mylo Xyloto

TOP ALTERNATIVE ARTIST: Coldplay

TOP ALTERNATIVE SONG: Adele, “Rolling In The Deep”

TOP ALTERNATIVE ALBUM: Coldplay, Mylo Xyloto

TOP LATIN ARTIST: Shakira

TOP LATIN SONG: Don Omar & Lucenzo,  ”Danza Kuduro”

TOP LATIN ALBUM: Romeo Santos, Formula: Vol. 1

TOP DANCE ARTIST: Lady Gaga

TOP DANCE SONG: LMFAO, “Party Rock Anthem”

TOP DANCE ALBUM: Lady Gaga, Born This Way

TOP TOURING ACT: U2

TOP CHRISTIAN ARTIST: Casting Crowns

TOP CHRISTIAN SONG: Laura Story, “Blessings”

TOP CHRISTIAN ALBUM: Casting Crowns, Come To The Well

BILLBOARD ICON AWARD: Stevie Wonder

MILLENNIUM AWARD: Whitney Houston (accepted by Bobbi Kristina Brown)

BATTLE OF THE BANDS: Patent Pending

Bono is now the richest rocker on the planet, according to NME. Obviously, the U2 frontman was already pretty well off — so what tipped his bank into absurd levels of wealth? Bono owns 2.3% of the shares in Facebook through his investment group, Elevation Partners, which paid $90 million for shares in 2009. Now that the social networking site/time waster has gone public today (May 18), all its early investors will be seeing a flood of cash, and Bono’s share could be worth over $1.5 billion.

For comparison’s sake, Paul McCartney, the previous title-holder of the world’s richest rocker, has a fortune estimated to be around $1.05 billion. The lesson to be learned: associating yourself with Facebook is now more rewarding than being a former Beatle. These are the sad times we’re living in.

Bono, however, is either remaining humble or refuses to believe he could hold such a title. TMZ caught up to the artist while he was in D.C. this morning, and asked him how it feels to be the world’s richest rocker. “I don’t think it’s true,” he replies before taking off.

Other tidbits from NME’s article: U2 is prepping their follow-up to 2009′s No Line On The Horizon, and they’re reportedly working with One Direction‘s songwriters, will.i.am, Danger Mouse and RedOne. What interesting and not at all tired collaborations!

Regardless, today might be a good day to hit up Bono and ask him for, well, pretty much anything.

On February 5, Indianapolis will host Super Bowl XLVI — the 46th iteration of America’s biggest game. Millions of fans will gather ’round the television set with seven-layer dip and cold drinks to watch an epic match-up of teams, the year’s funniest and most expensive commercials and most importantly — as far as we’re concerned — Madonna’s Super Bowl halftime show. The newly minted Interscope singer has been on her grind lately, promoting her Golden Globe-winning directorial debut W.E., unleashing a super sexy fragrance line and gearing up for the release of her 12th studio album MDNA and a world tour.

With so much going on, can Madonna still quarterback a show as memorable as these 10 amazing Super Bowl halftime performances?

TOP 10 MOST MEMORABLE SUPER BOWL HALFTIME PERFORMANCES

10. U2 honor the victims of 9/11 at Super Bowl XXXVI (2002). Following the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the Irish supergroup gave a bittersweet performance of “Where The Streets Have No Name”, while the names of FDNY, NYPD and the passengers of American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 93 were projected on stage behind the band.

9. Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake get NSFTV at Super Bowl XXXVIII (2004). Litigation for perhaps the most controversial Super Bowl halftime moment of all time was just recently put to bed — seven years after the MTV-produced segment first aired. The five-minute set saw Janet rocking a medley of “All For You” and “Rhythm Nation” before JT joined her on stage for the big, um, reveal during “Rock Your Body”, off Justified.

8. Gwen Stefani gets Stung at Super Bowl XXXVII (2003). Halftime shows have frequently paired together odd combos of musicians. And when Gwen Stefani joined Sting on stage for “Message in a Bottle” there was a definite “Well, that’s not something you’ll see everyday” vibe.

7. Stevie Wonder shares the stage at Super Bowl XXXIII (1999). Apparently someone thought Stevie Wonder didn’t pack enough star power to command the entire Super Bowl halftime stage, so producers brought Gloria Estefan, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and tap dancer Savion Glover along for the ride. The show was all over the place, with Wonder running through his hits before clomping along with Glover, then making way for Estefan’s salsa-tinged, baton-wielding finale.

6. It’s a small world for New Kids on the Block at Super Bowl XXV (1991). The groundbreaking boy band’s first run happened to coincide with America’s first war in the Middle East: Desert Storm. The resulting feel-good Disney-fied performance was actually pre-recorded and then aired after the game, due to news coverage of the conflict.

5. Everybody loves Paul McCartney at Super Bowl XXXIX (2005). After “Nipplegate,” the NFL powers that be thought it wise to go with a “guaranteed-not-to-get-naked” act. Sir Paul McCartney is a classy guy and turned in a sterling set of Beatles faves “Drive My Car” and “Get Back”, before delivering a pyrotechnic punch with “Live and Let Die” as a finale.

4. The Black Eyed Peas rep GNR at Super Bowl XLV (2011). Who, besides people with short-term memory loss, could forget last year’s halftime show, which introduced the world to Fergie’s Axl Rose impression? The show experienced an array of sound and technical problems that critics were enthusiastic to point out.

3. Pop royalty reigns at Super Bowl XXXV (2001). Basically everyone you cared about in 2001 took the stage that night: *NSYNC, Britney Spears, Aerosmith, Mary J. Blige and Nelly all performed, with a hilarious comic lead-in from Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller and Chris Rock. There’s really nothing else that needs to be said.

2. Michael Jackson brings the “World” to Super Bowl XXVII (1993). It’s no surprise that the King of Pop sits so high on our list: MJ gave an electrifying performance with all the right moves, performing his biggest hits to date, including “We Are The World”.

1. Prince makes it (purple) rain at Super Bowl XLI (2007). When Prince took the stage with his powder blue guitar with matching leopard strap, the crowd erupted in cheers only a true giant of pop can produce. He whipped through his own hits as well as a surprise cover or two (who expected to hear a Foo Fighters jam?). But it’s the finale, when mother nature decided to get into the act, that truly makes this performance. As the Artist Formerly Known As The Artist shifted into “Purple Rain”, the skies opened fully and it… rained. With water dripping down his guitar, streaking down his face, and the A&M marching band glowing neon through the downpour, it was a moment of high drama and celebration, and the perfect way to cap off our list.

Did our list of Most Memorable Super Bowl Halftime Performances makes your list of Most Memorable Lists? Sound off in the comments below, or on Twitter and Facebook.

—Reporting by Maud Deitch

Did you make it out to see any of your favorite music acts perform live this year? If so, you weren’t the only one — entertainers raked in millions of dollars via touring, and we’d know, because we were at some of these shows! Although Bono & co. have not released an album since early 2009, U2 easily trumped the competition, raking in $231.9 million worldwide during 34 concerts, according to Pollstar. But Taylor Swift was not far behind, as her cameo-filled Speak Now tour garnered the #2 slot in North America and #4 globally. Who else made the cut? Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Kanye West & Jay-Z, and Rihanna, to name a few. See the rankings below.

A few of our favorite to make the cut:

Top-Grossing North American Tours 2011

1. U2
2. Taylor Swift
4. Lady Gaga
6. Elton John
8. Kanye West & Jay-Z
9. Lil Wayne
14. Britney Spears
22. Katy Perry

Top-Grossing Worldwide Tours 2011

1. U2
4. Taylor Swift
6. Elton John
7. Rihanna
11. Britney Spears
13. Justin Bieber
14. Lady Gaga
16. Katy Perry
17. Usher
20. Shakira
21. Kylie Minogue
23. Kanye West & Jay-Z

For the Top 25 rankings and grosses, head over to Pollstar.

For the 20th anniversary of U2′s Achtung Baby, Q magazine is releasing an album of covers, featuring a handful of famous rock acts putting their spin on each track from the original LP. Recently resurfaced alt-pop-rock group Garbage, who are preparing to drop a new album next year, have contributed a cover of U2′s “Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses”. Welcome Shirley Manson’s haunting voice back into your life by listening to the tune below.

Q magazine’s AHK-toong BAY-bi Covered will be released in the UK on October 25. Overseas plans will be announced soon.

Garbage – “Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses” (U2 cover)

Here’s the full track list:

Nine Inch Nails – Zoo Station
U2 (Jacques Lu Cont Mix) – Even Better Than The Real Thing
Damien Rice – One
Patti Smith – Until The End Of The World
Garbage – Who’s Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses
Depeche Mode – So Cruel
Snow Patrol – Mysterious Ways
The Fray – Trying To Throw Your Arms Around The World
Gavin Friday – The Fly
The Killers – Ultraviolet (Light My Way)
Glasvegas – Acrobat
Jack White – Love Is Blindness

For the first time since they appeared (somewhat) together on the cover of Time‘s Most Influential People In The World issue last year, Lady Gaga and Bill Clinton are making headlines again. This time it’s for a special Hollywood Bowl gig being staged to celebrate the work the William J. Clinton Foundation — an organization Clinton founded after his presidency — has done over the past decade.

The benefit concert will be broadcast live on Yahoo, and, aside from Gaga, also features Spider-Man maestros Bono and The Edge, plus Usher (as well as other artists who haven’t been announced yet) on the roster. The event goes down at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on October 15.

Clinton, who served two terms as President from 1993 to 2001, stated the following in a press release:

“I am proud that some of today’s most influential performers are coming together to raise awareness about the work of my Foundation. In the past decade, commitments to my Clinton Global Initiative have improved the lives of more than 300 million people around the world. We’ve lowered the cost of AIDS and HIV treatment, combated climate change, strengthened economies, increased access to education and healthcare, provided financing and mentoring for small businesses. This celebration marks ten years of these efforts and demonstrates how much we can do to make a difference in the years ahead.”

Let’s hope Mother Monster gets Bubba on his feet with a rousing rendition of “Government Hooker.”

The year 1991 marked a significant change in the sound of pop music. The days of bubblegum (Debbie Gibson, Rick Astley, New Kids On The Block) and hair metal (Poison, Warrant, Motley Crue) were suddenly numbered as alternative rock and grunge culture bubbled up to the surface and heavily infiltrated the mainstream. Perhaps sensing the turning tide, veteran acts like U2 and Michael Jackson headed in new directions, musically. Meanwhile, R&B was all about new jack swing, Motownphilly and a whistle-register songbird named Mariah. Flip through our gallery to revisit 10 classic albums that celebrate their 20th anniversaries this year.

Don’t be surprised to see an unusually earnest tweet from your favorite pop star in the next few days. A group of music’s biggest names — including Beyonce, Madonna, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Shakira, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, U2, Mariah Carey and Coldplay — have joined forces to promote Save the Children’s “I’m Gonna Be Your Friend” campaign. They hope to raise awareness of a famine sweeping East Africa by directing their Twitter and Facebook followers to download Kevin McDonald’s film High Tide Or Low Tide, which has been bundled together with Bob Marley & The Wailers’ similarly titled reggae classic. Learn more after the jump.

“Not one child should be denied food nor water,” said Bob Marley’s widow, Rita Marley.  “Not one child should suffer. Along with Save the Children, we must stand up together as friends to put a stop to this, to feed our children and to save their lives.” You can download the short film and its soundtrack from iTunes for $1.29 by clicking here.

By enlisting the help of music’s A List, the organization hopes High Tide Or Low Tide will be seen by 700 million people around the world. Watch the film below.

A music video set to the Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark song “Rise Above” surfaced online today, and beside the fact that the sleepy clip lacks any truly exciting footage (Backstage rehearsals! Skyscrapers! Shadows! Zzzz!), isn’t this all a little too late? The show has already been torn apart, and any heat this song could have gotten as a single would have already happened when the fellas performed it back in May during the American Idol finale. Plus, we’ve already moved onto Andrew Garfield’s Spidey. Still, hey — a Broadway show released a music video! Take that, Book of Mormon.

Reeve Carney feat. Bono & The Edge — “Rise Above”

[Via Vulture]

We all know that Beyonce gave a history-making performance at the Glastonbury festival in the UK yesterday, but what about all the other artists who hit the stage during the annual three-day music event? For starters, Coldplay served up a euphoric rendition of their new single “Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall” on the Pyramid Stage on Saturday, while Cee Lo belted out Gnarls Barkley’s “Crazy” while dressed as a red barbarian. Head below to catch those performances, plus live jams from U2, Big Boi, Jessie J, Tinie Tempah and Janelle Monae at this year’s Glasto fest!

Coldplay — ”Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall” (at Glastonbury)

Coldplay — “Fix You” (at Glastonbury)

Cee Lo Green — ”Crazy” (at Glastonbury)

U2 – “I Will Follow” (at Glastonbury)

Janelle Monae — “Tightrope” (at Glastonbury)

Big Boi — “Shutterbug” (at Glastonbury)

Jessie J — ”Who’s Laughing Now” (at Glastonbury)

Tinie Tempah — ”Wonderman” (at Glastonbury)

Poor Haley Reinhart! First, the fan favorite gets voted off American Idol right before the finals, then she gets mercilessly teased with the possibility of filling in for a laryngitis-stricken Lauren Alaina, and to top it off, her original song was shelved at the last minute due to the inclusion of Bono, The Edge and Reeve Carney’s performance of “Rise Above” from the Spider-Man musical. “That was going to happen,” she tells The Hollywood Reporter about debuting her original tune on the finale. “And then Bono came in and it was taken away.”

“I actually practiced three songs that I had already done on the show,” Haley says of being told there was a chance she would replace Alaina during the finals. “But I knew in my heart it wouldn’t happen. I didn’t even want it to. I thought, on one hand, it’s an honor to be able to get that opportunity and how it’s never happened before. On the other, it was hers to win or to lose. I already had my time to say goodbye.”

There’s no word on whether we’ll get to hear that original song, or whether she’ll release a single. “Probably not now, but it was an option when I was let go. They had said that it was going to happen, and like everything else in this business, it’s all subject to change. I was excited about it, but then again, I think I’d like to wait and come up with something that’s very me. Everything happens for a reason, so it’s all good.”

Not that we don’t appreciate Bono or anything, but anyone else out there agree that watching Haley perform a new song would have been infinitely more enjoyable than trying to drum up any excitement for a disappointing song from a terribly-reviewed musical?

[Via PopCrush]

Okay, so most of our predictions for American Idol Season 10 didn’t end up happening, but we can’t say we’re that upset with country crooner Scotty McCreery being crowned champ. Besides seeing the 17-year old being rubbed by all his fellow Idols (and smooched on the cheek by runner-up Lauren Alaina), last night’s finale was really about the high-profile performances. And since we have nothing else to judge or critique as the season is over and done with, let’s rate the performances from best to worst… and weirdest.

#1. Beyonce – “1 + 1″
Beyonce, you are our American Idol. (Sorry, Scotty.) The pop star (in her second of two performances for the night) belts out her new 4 single and completely steals the whole show. She sounds and looks amazing, and though we were iffy when we first heard the song (about a half hour before the Idol finale began), this live performance sealed the deal for us. Expect this ballad to be covered in every piano bar from here to eternity.

#2. Marc Anthony with Sheila E and Jennifer Lopez
We expected Marc Anthony to perform on the Idol finale (being J-Lo’s hubby, you get some major perks), but we had no idea this muy caliente performance would be one of the most showstopping numbers of the night. Especially when Jennifer’s renown booty (as well as the rest of her) joins her partner on stage to slink around him and shake her derriere like the pro she is. This is the non-embarrassing version of Kara running around in a bikini during the finale a few years ago – a judge doing sexy just right.

#3. Haley Reinhart with Tony Bennett
If only they had done Tony Bennett night this season, Haley might have become a frontrunner even earlier and advanced into the finals. This is a perfect pairing and a totally gratifying performance for the lounge-loving Reinhart.

#4. Steven Tyler – “Dream On”
Lest anyone forget that Steven Tyler is more than just inappropriate come-ons and unique exclamations, the Aerosmith frontman still kills it when he hits the stage. A good reason to trust this man’s opinion about performing when he gives it.

#5. Beyonce sings with the Top 13
Beyonce busts out her moves, and brings her own backup dancers with her. (You think the Top 13 girls can shake it like Bey needs them to? No.) We’re surprised that this performance doesn’t conclude with “Run The World (Girls)”, but we suppose twice on TV in one week is enough for that song.

#6. Casey Abrams and Jack Black – Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls”
Yeah, we know he’s only there to promote Kung-Fu Panda 2, but pairing up Jack Black with Season 10′s quirkiest contestant is an inspired choice. We do wish Casey brought out his melodica or bass one last time, though – if they had gone serious, we bet he could have made it work with Tony Bennett, too.

#7 Jacob Lusk with Kirk Franklin and Gladys Knight
Before Jacob somehow adopted an incredibly arrogant and cocky persona, we had a soft spot for the church crooner. This song showcases him right in his element.

#8. Lady Gaga – “The Edge Of Glory”
Has Gaga officially performed on Idol more times than anyone else? We swear she’s on this show every other week. Anyway, she performs her new Born This Way single, and with her stuck on top of the Aggro Crag from Nickelodeon’s Guts the whole time, we’re a bit disappointed with the whole thing. (That dive off the cliff was fun, though.)

#9. Scotty McCreery and Tim McGraw – “Live Like You Were Dying”
Is it just us, or does the Idol champ sound even better on this song than Tim McGraw?

#10. Lauren Alaina and Carrie Underwood – “Before He Cheats”
It’s cute. That’s about it.

#11. Top 13 – “Born This Way”
We were pretty sure the Idols wouldn’t sing the lyrics “Don’t be a drag, just be a queen” and “No matter gay, straight or bi, lesbian, transgendered life” – and they didn’t prove us wrong. Still, this is a pretty kick-ass performance… for a group number, anyway.

#12. Top 13 Girls sing a Beyonce medley
Needs more Beyonce.

#13. James Durbin with Judas Priest
James looked like a lost member of The Village People in a spiked leather vest, hat and arm bands. Are we sure he’s not actually one of Gaga’s leather-clad backup dancers?

#14. Top 13 Guys sing a random medley including “What’s New Pussycat”, “She’s A Lady” and Prince’s “Kiss
We were initially extremely excited since this medley began with Prince’s “Kiss” – is Prince going to perform?!?! He is in LA for his 21-Night Stand tour, after all! Turns out, no, he’s not, and nor will this medley have any sort of theme besides songs that have not been on Top 40 radio in over a decade. UPDATE: Apparently I missed that this was a Tom Jones tribute, thrown off by the inclusion of Prince’s “Kiss” (which Tom Jones did a cover of). Oh, well. Doesn’t make me enjoy it any more knowing it’s less random than I thought.

#15.Tom Jones and the Top 13 Guys – “It’s Not Unusual”
Needs more Beyonce.

#16. Bono and The Edge with Reeve Carney – “Rise Above” from Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark
Well, at least Spidey didn’t fall into the audience and kill someone.

#17. Top 13 Girls with Lil Jon and TLC For Some Reason
Are Lil Jon and TLC also in Kung-Fu Panda 2? Why on earth are they there? We have no idea how either act was chosen by Idol producers to be an appropriate, timely choice to perform at the finale nor why they were paired together. The biggest WTF moment of the night.

We’re not sure if the members of U2 are Team Lauren Alaina or Team Scotty McCreery, but either way, the Irish rockers will be sharing the stage with the pair of American Idol finalists during the Season 10 finale on Wednesday (May 25) night. “[We've got] Idol rehearsal tomorrow,” the Billboard Music Award-winning band’s manager Paul McGuinness let slip to Billboard last night. “Maybe that’s supposed to be a secret.” Oops! UPDATE: Billboard now reports that only half of the band — Bono and The Edge — will will appear alongside cast members of the Broadway musical Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark.

U2 are currently traveling around the States making up for 360° Tour dates they had to cancel last year, due to Bono’s back injury. The band hits up Salt Lake City’s Rice-Eccles Stadium tomorrow night before jetting to L.A. for the Idol finale.

EMI has issued a press release that features some results of its charity auction for Japan disaster relief, in which the label says over 200 artists participated by donating personal items and memorabilia. Altogether, the label says its roster helped raise $940,000 for the Red Cross to use in supporting those affected by last month’s earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan. Head below to see just how much Chris Martin’s jacket, Katy Perry’s cupcake trampoline (!!) and Daft Punk’s 1987 Ferrari featured in Electroma went for.

EMI points out that the auctioned items (which were up on eBay as of April 5) raised $470,000, with the label itself doubling that amount for the grand total of $940,000.

Here’s how things shook out with some of the items:

* Original Jane Birken handbag: $163,000
* Daft Punk‘s 1987 Ferrari: almost $42,000
* Deadmau5‘s diamante costume head: $19,000
* Steinway grand piano used by Bono and Eric Clapton: $14,878
* Jacket worn on stage by Chris Martin: $14,060
* Private dinner with Herbert Grönemeyer: $10,792
* Signed copies of David Bowie‘s entire catalog: $10,138
* Handwritten “God Only Knows” lyrics by Brian Wilson & Platinum album for Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds: $7,643
* A day on tour with Simple Minds: $6,891
* Handmade “ZERO” shirt worn by the Smashing Pumpkins’ Billy Corgan: $6,744
* Original painting from Iron Maiden: $6,466
* Cupcake trampoline used by Katy Perry on her current tour: $5,075
* Signed guitar offered by Japanese musician Miyavi $8,992

Admit it, you wanted that cupcake trampoline, too, didn’t you?

Did You Hear?

:: Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, The Black Eyed Peas, Taio Cruz, Keith Urban and Lady Antebellum are among the first batch of performers revealed for this year’s Billboard Music Awards. The nominations will be announced this Wednesday. [Neon Limelight]

:: U2 have bested The Rolling Stones to score the record for the act with the highest-grossing tour ever, for their worldwide 360 tour. They’re also set to score the record for the most-attended tour ever as well. Kind of makes up for the Spider-Man musical, doesn’t it? [Spinner]

:: Drake wears a lot of sweaters. Must be from living up in chilly Canada. [Vulture]

:: Forget about a record deal — is Pia Toscano now dating Mark Ballas from Dancing With The Stars? Reality competition show couple made in heaven. [E! Online]

:: Check out Paramore’s fiery frontwoman Hayley Williams’ cutest pics. [MTV Buzzworthy]

After the jump, find out which music acts are performing on the tube today.

Music On TV:
:: Late Night with David Letterman (CBS) — Foo Fighters
:: Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC) — Jenny and Johnny
:: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC) — Kenny Rogers (repeat)
:: Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC) — Amanda Palmer, Matt & Kim, Screaming Females (repeat)
:: Gayle King (OWN) — Josh Groban (repeat)

After the money raised with last year’s charity singles for Haiti, it’s not surprising that the music industry had the same idea to help the relief efforts in Japan. But instead of a star-studded charity single, we’re getting a whole charity album.

“We are doing it only digitally because it is faster, and this will be a worldwide release,” says a spokesperson from Universal Music. “The plan is to have it available later this week.” Money raised by the sale of the album will benefit the Japanese Red Cross.

So far, the roster includes artists such as U2, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Bon Jovi, Justin Bieber, though the label is trying to get other acts, including Lady Gaga, on board as well. Gaga, of course, has certainly has raised an impressive amount of money (over $250,0000) on her own by selling her We Pray For Japan bracelets.

It was not clear whether the album would be compiled of already existing songs or have any new material on it. But we don’t think people will need much convincing to download it and donate.

[Billboard, NME]

Did You Hear?

:: More Spider-Man drama: Director Julie Taymor is out, and Bono and U2 are back in to help make the show “more of a Broadway musical”. Shouldn’t they have done that the first time around? [Vulture]

:: The Top 13 Idols are living the high life — check out their Beverly Hills digs. Yowza. It’s almost as big as Jennifer Lopez’s shoe closet! [TMZ]

:: RIP Lilith Fair. Sarah McLachlan announces the end of her all-female music festival. [Pink Is The New Blog]

:: Jay-Z teamed up with charitybuzz.com to offer people the chance to bid on sitting next to him at a Knicks game. The opening bid was $8,500, so you can imagine just how much more will be raised for the opportunity to sit next to Hova while he ignores you and watches the game. [Hip-Hop Wired]

:: Ja Rule is going to jail for two years. At least we’ll know where he is. [Rap-Up]

After the jump, find out which music acts are performing on the tube today.

Music On TV:
:: Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC) — Cake (repeat)
:: Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC) — Neon Trees
:: Late Show with David Letterman (CBS) — Chris Colfer, Gang of Four (repeat)
:: Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson (CBS) —
:: Last Call with Carson Daly (NBC) — Clare Burson (repeat)
:: Chelsea Lately (E!) — Rihanna
:: Conan (TBS) — Lykke Li
:: Live with Regis and Kelly (ABC) — Jennifer Lopez

Hot shot producer RedOne has been with Lady Gaga since the beginning — he produced tracks forThe Fame and The Fame Monster as well as her highly-anticipated third album, Born This Way. So it’s a no brainer that he was included on the panel of industry professionals at Grammy Career Day, held at USC this past week.

While RedOne (born Nadir Khayat) spoke to high-schoolers about the realities of making it in the music biz, we wanted to know all about Gaga’s new album. Much like he’s done in the past when questioned about the pop star’s new tunes, he tried to keep mum or stay vague — she should feel relieved that the secrets of her songs are safe with him — but we still tried to get it out of him anyway. Can you blame us?

We also discussed Jennifer Lopez’s abilities to multi-task working on a TV show and finishing a new album, and touched on why so many artists are stepping into the club scene. Head below to check out our one-on-one with the Grammy-nominated producer:

Idolator: Congratulations on your two Grammy nominations! Have you already made plans to celebrate?
RedOne: Honestly I have nothing planned like that! To me I feel like I already won that I’m nominated, it’s a big deal for me. If I win, its going to be the biggest bonus, but if I don’t, its okay. I’m happy with everything going on in my life.

You’ve got some phenomenal competition for Producer of the Year. Who would get your vote as the past year’s most noteworthy producer?
Of course Dr. Luke, he’s incredible hitmaker. And Alex Da Kid is this new guy in the game and he’s doing hits. Ari Levine  and Philip Lawrence [of The Smeezingtons with Bruno Mars] – anyone can win and deserve it.

You’re producing your third album with Lady Gaga. Her debut LP, The Fame, focused on the superficial, while The Fame Monster was a bit more personal, and a shade darker. What’s the vibe of Born This Way?
Freedom.

Can you elaborate?
No. Is there anything bigger than freedom? Freedom is the biggest word. Freedom is the world, being able to live. It expresses everything. That’s the only word I can put out.

The title track’s lyrics have come out — it’s a long song with a ton of words, which makes us wonder how it will play on the radio. Is “Born This Way” destined to be a “Bad Romance” and “Poker Face”-sized hit for her?
I believe so! I think [Fernando Garibay, DJ White Shadow, White Shadow and Gaga] did an amazing job. They’ve been working on it, perfecting it for awhile. And now it’s ready to be heard… its an incredible song.

You’ve also producing tracks for Jennifer Lopez on her new album Love?, which has been delayed a bit and suffered a bit of bad press with the lukewarm reaction to “Louboutins”. What’s the status of that song?
It’s not on the album, I don’t think… the first [official] single is “On The Floor”. It’s blowing up. It’s an amazing record.

Many think Jennifer signing on as a judge on American Idol is an indication that her recording career is over. What do you think?
She can do it all. That’s the beauty of Jennifer Lopez, a full on artist and global star. She does it all with no problem. And she has a family! I don’t know how she manages to do it all at the same time but she does.

You also produced “More” for Usher, which is heating up the Top 40 right now. What do you think of him moving into a more dance-oriented direction after the success of “OMG” and “DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love”?
Usher has his side which is an urban side, but he’s a dancer. And people want to dance when they hit hit songs with a dance beat. If anyone can represent dance as a male artist it’s Usher. Of course he’s doing really well, and it’s working.

I hear you’re producing a club-centric album with U2 as well?
I’ve been working with U2 [but] I don’t know how to define it yet… it’s in the middle [stages]. It’s fun and a big experience for me. Bono is the king.

Why do you think so many artists nowadays are moving into the dance genre?
It all started with Gaga. The dance movement stated with Gaga. It opens a lot of doors to every new act. People want to dance and feel good… And it’s cool and gets cooler and cooler. Everything we did affected the world and changed music and affected history.

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Watch the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards this Sunday (and tune into our live blog!) to see if RedOne nabs a trophy for Producer of the Year and Album of the Year for The Fame Monster.

$201.1 million—that’s the number you’ll need to beat if you want your concert ticket sales to overtake Bon Jovi’s successful 2010 The Circle world tour. Not only did the first time Grammy awards performers top this year’s list, they exceeded annual front runners AC/DC and U2 by over $41 million. Also among the year’s highest earners was none other than Lady Gaga—the only female artist in the top 10—who pulled in $133.6 million with her dazzling Monster Ball tour. Think you know who rounded out the highest grossing ticket sales list, then jump below to see if you’re right.

#5 Metallica: $110.1 million)
#6 Michael Bublé: $104.2 million
#7 live show “Walking With Dinosaurs”: $104.1 million
#8 Paul McCartney: $93 million
#9 The Eagles: (clearly, they’re glad that hell froze over in back in 1994)$92.3 million
#10 Roger Waters: $89.5 million.

(MTV)

Did You Hear?

:: Lady Gaga looks like Edward Scissorhands’ soulmate while shopping in Milan. [MTV Buzzworthy]

:: Remember Panic! At The Disco? Well, the quarter-turned-duo pop-punk group is dropping a new album, Vices And Virtues, this March. [MySpace Music]

:: Uh oh — is this the beginning of the end of Gorillaz? [Consequence of Sound]

:: Matthew Morrison gave the guests at the Kennedy Center Honors an impromptu performance after the show, singing “Sway” at the after party. [PopEater]

:: U2′s Spider-Man musical suffers another blow as one of the lead actresses has to leave the show after being injured during the show. [Spinner]

After the jump, see which R&B superstar will bring music fresh out the kitchen to appear on late-night TV.

Music on TV Today:
:: Late Show with David Letterman (CBS) – Ra Ra Riot
:: Tonight Show with Jay Leno (NBC) — Keith Urban
:: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (NBC) – R. Kelly
:: Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC) — Brad
:: The View (ABC) — Wilson Phillips
:: The Ellen DeGeneres Show (ABC) — Duffy
:: Last Call with Carson Daly (ABC) – Matt & Kim
:: Conan (TBS) — Christina Perri
:: Lopez Tonight (TBS) — Keri Hilson