Pop newcomer Ke$ha recently set a new download record with her Number One debut single, "TiK ToK." She sold over 610,000 digital copies of the track for the week ending December 27, giving her the highest first-week sales by a female artist since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking downloads in 2003. That puts Ke$sha in second place on the overall highest single-week downloads list. Flo Rida has the Number One spot with "Right Round," which sold 636,000 copies in one week. Ke$ha earned her breakthrough in early 2009 by appearing on "Right Round." This week (week ending January 9), "TiK ToK" keeps its place at Number One on the Hot 100 chart. The song is from Ke$ha's upcoming debut album Animal, which will be released on January 5.
Thriller Among New Movies Added to National Film Registry
On December 30, 25 films were added to the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. Among the titles inducted for preservation into the world's largest archive is Michael Jackson's 1983 Thriller video, which is the first video added to the registry. Others include The Muppet Movie, Dog Day Afternoon, Pillow Talk and The Incredible Shrinking Man. (Complete list at www.loc.gov)
Michael Jackson Tribute Concert Canceled
The Michael Jackson tribute concert that was originally planned for Vienna, Austria then postponed to take place in mid-2010 at London's O2 Arena has been cancelled. The show's organizer, World Award Media GmbH, closed its doors on November 30. Martin Schneider, liquidator for the organizers, told Reuters, "The company cannot sign any new contracts and will certainly not plan any new events."
Carey to Receive Breakthrough Performance Award
On January 5, Mariah Carey will receive the Breakthrough Performance Award at the 21st annual Palm Springs International Film Festival. She's being honored for her role in Precious, based on the Novel Push by Sapphire. Mariah plays a social worker in the critically-acclaimed film.
New Album Releases January 5:
"Animal" by Ke$ha, "Unbroken" by Katharine McPhee, "Speak Low" by Ashley Brown, "Hell On Earth" by Toxic Holocaust, "Love Will Find You" by Findlay Brown and "The American Dream" by Sugaree.
Musical Events/Festivals/Benefits:
A celebration will take place January 7-10 to commemorate what would have been Elvis Presley's 75th birthday. The four-day event in Memphis, Tennessee will include a birthday proclamation at Graceland attended by Lisa Marie and Pricilla Presley, live entertainment and panel discussions.
Awards Presentations/Winners:
The 2010 People's Choice Awards will be handed out on January 6 in Los Angeles. Celebrities from film, television and music will be recognized for their work. Here are the nominees in the music categories:
Male Artist: Eminem, Jason Mraz, John Mayer, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw.
Female Artist: Beyonce, Britney Spears, Carrie Underwood, Pink, Taylor Swift.
Country Artist: Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift.
Breakout Music Artist: Adam Lambert, Demi Lovato, Kris Allen, Lady Gaga, Susan Boyle.
Hip-hop Artist: Eminem, Flo Rida, Jay-Z, Lil' Wayne, T.I.
Rock Band: Daughtry, Green Day, Kings of Leon, Muse, Paramore.
Music Collaboration: Cobra Starship & Leighton Meester, "Good Girls Go Bad;" Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat, "Lucky;" Jay-Z, Rihanna & Kanye West, "Run This Town;" T.I. & Rihanna, "Live Your Life;" The Lonely Island & T-Pain, "I'm on a Boat."
R&B Artist: Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, Usher.
Pop Artist: Britney Spears, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, the Black Eyed Peas.
Hosted by Queen Latifah, the People's Choice Awards will air live on CBS-TV. Mary J. Blige is set to perform.
Look Who's Going on Tour!
On January 7, Brad Paisley will kick off the final leg of his "American Saturday Night" tour. Dates begin in San Antonio, Texas and continue in 19 more U.S. cities through March 6. Miranda Lambert and Justin Moore will open the shows. Paisley is also scheduled to appear at "RodeoHouston" on March 11 in Houston, Texas.
