This year’s Grammy Awards has been postponed due to coronavirus concerns, the organizers have announced.
The ceremony, one of the music industry’s biggest awards, was due to take place on January 31.
The 2021Grammy Awards will now take place on March 14, due to rising infection numbers in Los Angeles and the state of California.
Beyoncé, Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa led the nominations for this year’s awards, which were announced in November.
A statement from the Recording Academy, which runs the Grammys, said: “Nothing is more important than the health and safety of those in our music community and the hundreds of people who work tirelessly on producing the show.”
It is unclear whether comedian Trevor Noah, who was set to host the show, will still take part in this year’s ceremony.
The Grammys’ new date clashes with the previously-announced Screen Actors’ Guild awards. The actors union said it was “extremely disappointed” by the scheduling conflict.
“We announced the same date for the SAG Awards last July with the intent to give the greatest possible scheduling consideration for other awards shows,” it said in a statement.
“We expect the same consideration from sister organizations throughout the industry.”
It said it was in conversation with the Recording Academy in an attempt to resolve the situation.
This year’s Grammys were already due to be a virtual event, in line with other recent award shows, such as the MTV VMAs and the Billboard Awards.
Other major ceremonies, including the Oscars, the Golden Globes and the Brit Awards have already been postponed.
Taylor Swift has become the first female singer to win album of the year award at the Grammys twice.
Her 1989 album won the award at this year’s Grammys in Los Angeles.
Kendrick Lamar won the most prizes on the night with five awards.
Taylor Swift also won best pop vocal album and best music video for her track Bad Blood.
Ed Sheeran also won his first two Grammys for song of the year and best pop solo performance for his number one hit Thinking Out Loud.
Photo Instagram Taylor Swift
A surprised Ed Sheeran beat Kendrick Lamar, Taylor Swift, country group Little Big Town and Wiz Khalifa to the song of the year accolade.
Taylor Swift was equally surprised at winning the top honor. Her album, which was released in 2014, came out too late to be eligible for last year’s awards so was finally recognized at this year’s ceremony.
The singer gave a powerful acceptance speech saying: “As the first woman to win album of the year at the Grammys twice, I want to say to young women: There are going to be people along the way who will try to undercut your success or take credit for your accomplishments or your fame.
“But if you focus on your work and don’t let those people sidetrack you, someday when you get where you’re going, you’ll look around and you’ll know it was you and the people that love you that put you there. And that will be the greatest feeling in the world.”
Kendrick Lamar’s wins included best rap album for To Pimp A Butterfly; best rap song and rap performance for Alright; best rap/sung collaboration and best music video, which he shared with Taylor Swift for Bad Blood.
Alabama Shakes were triple winners. They collected best alternative music album while their song Don’t Wanna Fight won best rock song and rock performance.
The Weeknd also picked up two Grammys for best urban contemporary album and best R&B performance.
Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars won two awards for their hit Uptown Funk, including record of the year, while Meghan Trainor was named best new artist.
Muse also won best rock album for Drones, and Tony Bennett collected his 18th Grammy for best traditional pop vocal album.
Justin Bieber also won his first Grammy for his collaboration with Skrillex and Diplo, winning best dance recording for Where Are U Now.
Amy – Asif Kapadia’s documentary on the life of Amy Winehouse – won the Grammy for best music film.
Kendrick Lamar is leading the 2016 Grammy nominations with 11 nods in total.
The hip-hop star is up for album of the year for To Pimp A Butterfly.
Kendrick Lamar’s competition comes from Taylor Swift, whose pop smash 1989 is finally nominated, a year after its release.
It came out too late to be eligible for last year’s awards, a fate which has befallen Adele’s 25 this time around.
Taylor Swift ties with R&B star The Weeknd for second place, with seven nominations apiece.
Ed Sheeran is up for two of the major prizes – song of the year and record of the year – for his emotive ballad Thinking Out Loud.
The former award goes to the writers (in this case Ed Sheeran and Amy Wadge), while the record of the year category takes into account the performance and production of a hit song.
Other nominees for song of the year include The Weeknd’s breakthrough hit Can’t Feel My Face and Mark Ronson’s global smash Uptown Funk.
Taylor Swift is nominated for the tongue-in-cheek single Blank Space, as is Kendrick Lamar for Alright, the hope-filled centerpiece of his album.
Kendrick Lamar’s domination of the shortlist is “a testimony to his artistry,” said Neil Portnow, head of the Recording Academy.
“He’s someone that’s very serious about his art and about his craft, and has been working it for quite some time. And this is one of those instances where the work pays off.”
Kendrick Lamar’s other nominations include best rap album and best pop duo/group performance for Bad Blood – a remix of one of the tracks on Taylor Swift’s 1989.
The singer is also shortlisted twice for best rap song, including Kanye West’s All Day, which he co-wrote – along with 18 other credited performers, which could make an interesting moment on stage if West wins.
Among the most prestigious awards in music, the Grammys feature an exhaustive 83 categories in 30 genres, including the likes of best tropical Latin album and best jazz improvisation.
Outside the main categories, the late Amy Winehouse is up for her seventh Grammy thanks to Asif Kapadia’s revealing documentary on her life; while a deluxe reissue of The Rolling Stones’ Sticky Fingers is up for best box set.
Justin Bieber, who had been considered a contender for some of the main prizes, only gets one nomination, for best dance recording; while Rihanna also misses out, despite her Paul McCartney duet FourFiveSeconds being tipped as a nominee for song of the year.
The Grammy Awards ceremony will take place on February 15, 2016, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
A copyright lawsuit against Taylor Swift has been dismissed.
Taylor Swift was being sued for $42 million for allegedly stealing the lyrics for her song Shake It Off.
R&B singer Jesse Braham claims Taylor Swift stole the words from a song he wrote in 2013 called Haters Gone Hate.
US district court judge Gail Standish disagreed.
In a written statement dismissing the suit, Judge Gail Standish lifted lyrics from We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together, Blank Space and Bad Blood.
“At present, the Court is not saying that Braham can never, ever, ever get his case back in court.
“But, for now, we have got problems, and the Court is not sure Braham can solve them,” Gail Standish wrote.
The judge ruled that Jesse Braham didn’t provide enough evidence and said, for now, the claims are just speculation.
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“As currently drafted, the Complaint has a blank space – one that requires Braham to do more than write his name.
“And, upon consideration of the Court’s explanation in Part II, Braham may discover that mere pleading Band-Aids will not fix the bullet holes in his case,” Gail Standish wrote.
However, Jesse Braham will be able to file a new complaint if he can sort out some of the problems the judge had with this one.
“At least for the moment, Defendants have shaken off this lawsuit,” Gail Standish concluded.
Jesse Braham had previously told the New York Daily News he believed there was “no way” Taylor Swift could have penned the lyrics independently of his song.
“Her hook is the same hook as mine. If I didn’t write the song Haters Gone Hate, there wouldn’t be a song called Shake It Off,” he said.
Jesse Braham added he had spoken to Taylor Swift’s record label, Big Machine, four or five times about the issue.
The R&B singer originally asked to be named as a writer and requested a selfie with Taylor Swift but was repeatedly dismissed and told his claim had no merit.
Taylor Swift is being sued for $42 million for allegedly stealing the lyrics to her 2014 hit Shake It Off.
Jesse Braham has claimed in legal papers Taylor Swift stole the words from a song he wrote in 2013 called Haters Gone Hate.
As well as the monetary compensation, the R&B singer also wants his name added as a writer on the track.
Representatives for Taylor Swift have yet to officially comment on the legal case.
Shake It Off topped music charts around the world and reached No 2 in the UK. The video for the song has been watched more than 1.1 billion times on YouTube.
Jesse Braham – who goes by the stage name Jesse Graham – claims he has copyright ownership of the phrases “haters gone hate” and “playas gone play”, which appear in the chorus of Taylor Swift’s song.
In his song, the chorus comprises: “Haters gone hater, playas gone play/ Watch out for them fakers, they’ll fake you everyday.”
The chorus of Shake It Off features lyrics including: “Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play/ And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate.”
Taylor Swift sings another line: “And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake.”
Apart from the lyrical similarity, the songs bear no resemblance musically.
Jesse Braham, 50, told the New York Daily News he believed there was “no way” Taylor Swift could have penned the lyrics independently of his song.
“Her hook is the same hook as mine. If I didn’t write the song Haters Gone Hate, there wouldn’t be a song called Shake It Off,” he said.
The singer added he had spoken to Taylor Swift’s record label, Big Machine, four or five times about the issue.
He originally asked to be named as a writer and requested a selfie with the pop star, but was repeatedly dismissed and told his claim had no merit.
“At first I was going to let it go, but this song is my song all the way,” Jesse Braham said.
Taylor Swift has announced she is taking a break from music.
The singer’s 1989 tour comes to a close in December and she admits that she hasn’t got any big plans for time away from touring.
Taylor Swift told NME Magazine: “I think I should take some time off. I think people might need a break from me.”
“I’m going to hang out with my friends. Write new music. Maybe not write new music. I don’t know.”
She also admitted she is paranoid the world is waiting for her to mess up.
Taylor Swift told the publication that she relies on phone calls to her mother to keep her anxiety under control.
“I’m in the news every single day for multiple different reasons.
“It can feel, at times, if you let your anxiety get the better of you, like everybody’s waiting for you to really mess up – and then you’ll be done.
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“A lot of the time I need to call my mom and talk for a really long time, just to remind myself of all the things that are great and all the things that matter.”
Taylor Swift has also opened up about a few celebrity rows she’s had in the past few years.
In July, the singer got into a Twitter exchange in July with Nicki Minaj which started when she thought one of her tweets was an attack.
Taylor Swift declined to talk about her recent verbal bust-up with Nicki Minaj but revealed she calmed the situation with a text message.
“I send text messages now. If there seems to be some kind of misunderstanding, I go to someone’s management, I get their number and I text them.
“It’s an important lesson for anyone to learn in 2015.”
Taylor Swift says things “took a while” to make up with Kanye West but she is on “such good terms now” with the rapper.
Kanye West infamously took the microphone from Taylor Swift at the 2009 MTV VMAs to say she didn’t deserve her award.
Taylor Swift and Nicki Minaj have buried the hatchet following their Twitter row over the MTV VMA nominations.
Taylor Swift has admitted she misunderstood Nicki Minaj’s initial tweets, which attacked the music industry for favoring white females.
The singer wrote: “I thought I was being called out. I missed the point, then misspoke, I’m sorry, Nicki.”
Nicki Minaj has accepted her apology by tweeting back: “That means so much Taylor, thank you.”
It all started after Nicki Minaj voiced her disappointment at Anaconda not getting a nomination for video of the year.
“If your video celebrates women with very slim bodies, you will be nominated for vid of the year,” she wrote.
“When the <<other>> girls drop a video that breaks records and impacts culture they get that nomination.”
This spurred Taylor Swift into action, who felt the comment was directed at her getting a nod for her Bad Blood video, which includes a lot of slim white females.
“I’ve done nothing but love & support you. It’s unlike you to pit women against each other. Maybe one of the men took your slot,” Taylor Swift wrote.
This confused Nicki Minaj who replied: “Huh? U must not be reading my tweets. Didn’t say a word about u. I love u just as much. But u should speak on this.”
Nicki Minaj said she wasn’t attacking Taylor Swift personally, but was trying to highlight the challenges minority artists face getting the same recognition.
Other celebrities then got involved in the Twitter row, including Katy Perry.
Katy Perry, who is widely thought to be the inspiration behind Bad Blood, wrote: “Finding it ironic to parade the pit women against other women argument about as one unmeasurably capitalizes on the take down of a woman…”
Nicki Minaj’s criticism of the MTV VMA 2015 nominations has descended into a Twitter row with Taylor Swift and other celebrities.
She told MTV that she was upset her videos for Anaconda and Feeling Myself hadn’t had more recognition.
In a stream of tweets Nicki Minaj suggests that white musicians were favored over her.
“If I was a different “kind” of artist, Anaconda would be nominated for best choreo and vid of the year as well,” the rapper tweeted.
MTV has nominated Taylor Swift featuring Kendrick Lamar (Bad Blood), Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars (Uptown Funk), Beyonce (7/11), Ed Sheeran (Thinking Out Loud) and Kendrick Lamar (Alright) for best video.
Nicki Minaj’s Anaconda has been nominated in the best hip-hop video category, but Feeling Myself, which features Beyonce, has not been put forward for any awards.
“When the “other” girls drop a video that breaks records and impacts culture they get that nomination,” Nicki Minaj said on Twitter.
She put out a tweet which some people interpreted as being a jibe aimed at Taylor Swift, who featured models and other female celebrities in her Bad Blood video.
Nicki Minaj added: “If your video celebrates women with very slim bodies, you will be nominated for vid of the year.”
Taylor Swift obviously took it that way too, tweeting: “@NICKIMINAJ I’ve done nothing but love & support you. It’s unlike you to pit women against each other. Maybe one of the men took your slot.”
However, Nicki Minaj said Taylor Swift was missing the point.
“Huh? U must not be reading my tweets. Didn’t say a word about u. I love u just as much. But u should speak on this. @taylorswift13”
Then Nicki Minaj replied: “Oh but trust me. I’ll be on that stage to collect my awards for vid of the year. Feeling Myself & Anaconda.”
Later on, Taylor Swift made this offer: “@NICKIMINAJ If I win, please come up with me!! You’re invited to any stage I’m ever on.”
Nicki Minaj said the media’s focus on her disagreement with Taylor Swift was an attempt to “overshadow” the discussion she was trying to have about racial issues in the music industry.
Next in the firing line was Ryan Seacrest, who posted a headline on his website (which has now been removed) saying that Nicki Minaj had taken “jabs” at Taylor Swift.
Nicki Minaj reacted: “Ryan posted a headline of Taylor saying she loves & supports me. But not me saying the same to her. Lol. Their headline says I took a “jab”?”
Kim Kardashian also got caught up in the row, after sharing a photo of herself with the caption: “Imma let you finish.”
This phrase is reminiscent of what the reality star’s husband, Kanye West, said to Taylor Swift when he invaded the stage during her acceptance speech at the MTV VMAs in 2009.
“Wait wait I’m in Paris it’s the middle of the night & I’m posting my Vogue Spain pics not having a clue what’s going on in the music world,” she tweeted.
“I’m not trying to shade anyone! That’s not my style! I just thought that caption was perfect for that pic! Changing the caption now! #ironic,”Kim Kardashian added.
Other celebrities saw the chance for a joke and jumped on it.
Apple Music has decided to reverse its payment policy, less than 24 hours after Taylor Swift said she was refusing to allow the company to stream her album 1989.
In an open letter to Apple, Taylor Swift, 25, said she was withholding the record as she was unhappy with the three-month free trial offered to subscribers.
Now Apple Music says it will pay artists for music streamed during trial periods.
Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services, tweeted on June 21: “We hear you @taylorswift13 and indie artists. Love, Apple.”
“Apple will always make sure that artist are paid,” he added.
Eddy Cue’s response may have headed off what could have been a bruising battle for Apple during a crucial period in which Apple Music is attempting to compete with streaming services like Spotify, which knows all too well what it’s like to be on the receiving end of Taylor Swift’s ire.
He also tweeted: “#AppleMusic will pay artist for streaming, even during customer’s free trial period.”
Taylor Swift had said the plan was “unfair”, arguing Apple had the money to cover the cost.
“I find it to be shocking, disappointing, and completely unlike this historically progressive and generous company,” the singer said, describing Apple as one of her “best partners in selling music”.
“Three months is a long time to go unpaid, and it is unfair to ask anyone to work for nothing.”
Apple Music launches on June 30. It will cost $9.99 per month in the US for one person or $14.99 for families.
It is not the first time Taylor Swift has spoken out against streaming music – she pulled her entire catalogue from Spotify last November and had refused to offer 1989 on streaming services, saying the business had “shrunk the numbers of paid album sales drastically”.
1989 went on to become one of the biggest-selling albums of 2014 and has sold more than 4.9 million copies in the US alone.
Taylor Swift has decided to pull her 1989 album from Apple Music and criticized the company.
In an open letter to Apple, Taylor Swift said she was withholding the record as she was unhappy with the three-month free trial offered to subscribers by Apple’s new streaming music service.
The 25-year-old singer wrote: “I’m not sure you know that Apple Music will not be paying writers, producers, or artists for those three months.”
Taylor Swift said the plan was “unfair”, arguing Apple had the money to cover the cost.
“I find it to be shocking, disappointing, and completely unlike this historically progressive and generous company,” she said, describing Apple as one of her “best partners in selling music”.
“These are not the complaints of a spoiled, petulant child. These are the echoed sentiments of every artist, writer and producer in my social circles who are afraid to speak up publicly because we admire and respect Apple so much,” she continued.
“We know how astronomically successful Apple has been and we know that this incredible company has the money to pay artists, writers and producers for the 3 month trial period – even if it is free for the fans trying it out.
“Three months is a long time to go unpaid, and it is unfair to ask anyone to work for nothing.”
Taylor Swift ended her letter by calling on Apple to change its policy, suggesting she would reinstate her album on the service if the company changed its mind.
“We don’t ask you for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation.”
Apple has yet to comment on the issue.
The rest of Taylor Swift’s back catalogue will remain available on Apple Music when it launches on June 30. It will cost $9.99 per month in the US for one person or $14.99 for families.
The music industry has generally supported Apple bringing its vast music library to paid streaming, and the company said it will pay 70% of the music subscription revenue to music owners.
It is not the first time Taylor Swift has spoken out against streaming music – she pulled her entire catalogue from Spotify last November and had refused to offer 1989 on streaming services, saying the business had “shrunk the numbers of paid album sales drastically”.
1989 went on to become one of the biggest-selling albums of 2014 and has sold more than 4.9 million copies in the US alone.
Taylor Swift is the big winner of this year’s Billboard Music Awards, winning eight of the 14 categories in which she was nominated.
Among Taylor Swift’s prizes were best female artist, best streaming song for Shake It Off and the ceremony’s top honor, artist of the year.
Sam Smith won best new artist – and accepted his trophy using flash cards after having vocal surgery.
Kanye West was booed as he closed the show with a medley of hits.
Audience members jeered as Kanye West’s sisters-in-law, Kendall and Kylie Jenner, introduced his set; and the booing continued during his performance.
Surrounded by pyrotechnics and largely in the shadows, Kanye West’s delivery on All Day and Black Skinhead was angry and intense. And while some disapproved, other fans could be seen pumping their fists to the tracks.
Photo AP
TV audiences were also left mystified as the first minute of his set was censored by broadcasters ABC – reminiscent of Kanye West’s performance at the Brit Awards earlier this year.
Other artists were more favorably received, with Britney Spears and Iggy Azalea receiving a standing ovation for the first performance of their new song, Pretty Girls.
Simple Minds took to the stage to perform Don’t You Forget About Me, marking the 30th anniversary of teen movie The Breakfast Club, which featured the song in its closing moments.
One Direction came away with two trophies, for best group and best touring artist, dedicating the latter to “our brother Zayn” Malik, who left the band in March.
Taylor Swift opened the show with the premiere of her star-studded new video, Bad Blood – which features the likes of Ellie Goulding, Selena Gomez, Jessica Alba and Cindy Crawford.
The singer, who has successfully transitioned from country artist to pop star, accepted the prize for best album by thanking the fans who “embraced change”.
“I love you so much, more than I will be able to say to you,” Taylor Swift said.
Sam Smith, who is recovering from throat surgery, sent his acceptance message in a special video.
He held up a series of cards, reading: “Thank you Billboard for this incredible honor. Secondly, thank you to my amazing fans. It’s times like this that I realize how lucky I am to have you in my life.
“I can’t wait to get this surgery out of the way so I can sing my ass off for you again.”
Iggy Azalea won top rap song for Fancy, her collaboration with Charli XCX, while John Legend won Top radio song for All Of Me.
Meghan Trainor’s All About That Bass was named top digital song and top Hot 100 song, recognizing its US chart performance.
Coldplay won best rock album for Ghost Stories, while Irish singer Hozier picked up best rock song for Take Me To Church.
In tribute to the late singer Ben E King, rock band Imagine Dragons performed Stand By Me to an audience that included the late singer’s daughters and granddaughters.
Presenter Ludacris also gave a touching tribute to blues star BB King, who died on May 15.
Kanye West and Taylor Swift looked like they had made up at the Grammy awards last week.
In 2009, Kanye West stormed the VMAs stage during Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech for the Best Female Video award saying that “Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time” and deserved the prize.
As the 2009 incident is behind them, now Kanye West has said he and Taylor Swift are “definitely” going to go into the studio together.
Kanye West was asked on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show if he would collaborate with Taylor Swift.
Photo Getty Images
“Yeah, she wants to get in the studio and we’re definitely going to go in.
“Any artist with an amazing point of view, perspective, fan base – I’m down to get in the studio and work.
“I don’t discriminate, I don’t have an elitism of music because of like how many Grammys or you know, the amount of ratings you get on an album.
“I that think everyone loves music whether they love hip-hop, alternative, country, and if I could be involved in giving people any type of energy, advice in the studio, whether you’re Beyonce, whether you’re Taylor Swift, whether you’re Jay-Z, whether you’re Beck, whoever.”
Kanye West was asked about the interview he gave to E! at the Grammys, where he said Beck should “respect artistry” and give his best album award to Beyonce.
The rapper was also asked about his new project, Five Four Seconds, with Rihanna and Paul McCartney.
“Hey everyone, America, I’m not comparing myself to John Lennon, I’m just saying I’m angst a bit like John Lennon. And the [tension creates] a new magic.
“The pressure creates the diamond from the coal. And he came in with the best vibes ever, and I said, <<Four, five, seconds from wildin>>,’ and he said, <<It’s great everyone!>> and we just had that.”
Kanye West started to interrupt Beck as he collects his Best Album Grammy Award, echoing his infamous 2009 on stage faux pas with Taylor Swift.
Prince was on stage announcing that Beck had won the Album of the Year award for his record Morning Phase.
“Like books and black lives, albums still matter – tonight and always,” the music legend said.
As Beck collected his award and walked up to the microphone, Kanye West approached the stage.
The audience gasped and jeered in horror thinking they will witness a repeat performance of one of the most cringeworthy moments in award ceremony history.
Kanye West famously interrupted Taylor Swift when she beat Beyoncé at the MTV VMA in 2009, shouting: “Yo, Taylor, I’m really happy for you and I’mma let you finish, but Beyoncé had one of the best videos of all time. One of the best videos of all time!”
Taylor Swift is the first female singer to succeed herself at the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Taylor Swift’s latest track, Blank Space, rose 12 places to bump her previous number one hit, Shake It Off, from the top after a four-week run.
She is the 10th act to score the feat overall, following acts such as the Beatles, Usher and the Black Eyed Peas.
Taylor Swift’s album, 1989, also scored a third consecutive week at number one on the album chart.
The record has so far sold two million copies and is the second best-selling album of 2014, after Disney’s Frozen soundtrack, which has sold 3.25 million copies.
Billboard announced on November 19 it would be updating its album chart from a purely sales-based ranking to one measuring broader music consumption.
The new chart – which will take effect from December 3 – will include on-demand streaming and digital track sales.
Billboard said the changes would help to “provide a better sense of an album’s popularity”.
Under the new method, 10 digital track sales or 1,500 song streams from an album will be the equivalent of one album sale.
Figures from subscription services such as Spotify, Beats Music and Google Play will be included in the data.
Billboard said artists likely to benefit from the change include Ariana Grande, Hozier and Maroon 5, whose streaming and digital sales have outperformed their physical album sales in recent weeks.
Singer Taylor Swift has been named Billboard‘s Woman of the Year 2014.
Taylor Swift has become the first artist to receive the award twice.
The award goes to the female artist who “has shaped and inspired the music industry with her success, leadership and innovation” over the last year.
Previous winners include Pink, Beyonce and Katy Perry.
Taylor Swift has been named Billboard’s Woman of the Year 2014 (photo billboard.com)
Taylor Swift will receive the prize at the Billboard Women in Music award ceremony on December 12 in New York.
“As one of the most influential artists of her generation, Taylor Swift has seen incredible success on the Billboard charts,” said Janice Min, co-president and chief creative officer of Guggenheim Media’s Entertainment Group, which includes Billboard.
“Over the course of her career, she’s charted 60 entries on the Billboard Hot 100 – the most of any female artist since her debut in 2006.
“We are tremendously excited to be honoring her as the 2014 Billboard Woman of the Year for the second time.”
Taylor Swift is a seven-time Grammy winner and the best-selling digital music artist of all time.
Metallica and Taylor Swift are among the performers set for the US debut of the Rock in Rio music festival next year, organizers announced.
No Doubt and Linkin Park will also perform on the main stage during the four-day event in Las Vegas. The Deftones and John Legend will perform on a different stage, the festival announced on September 26.
Metallica and Taylor Swift are among the performers set for the US debut of the Rock in Rio music festival in 2015
Rock in Rio USA will take place in las Vegas on May 8-9 and 15-16.
A group including casino company MGM Resorts plan to build a 33-acre open-air music venue on the Las Vegas Strip for the festival. The layout is expected to include five stages.
Rock in Rio music festival was launched in 1985. The festival also will be held in Rio de Janeiro in September 2015, featuring Katy Perry and Legend.
The 56th Annual Grammy Awards will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on January 26, 2014.
The show will be broadcast on CBS at 8 PM ET/P.
Host LL Cool J kicked off the countdown to music’s biggest night on Friday with the Grammy Nominations Concert, featuring performances by Macklemore, Taylor Swift, Lorde, Katy Perry and more.
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis opened the night their smash hit Thrift Shop, but it was their song Same Love that got a nod for Song of the Year.
Taylor Swift performed via satellite from Sydney, Australia, while her Red album was announced as a contender for Album of the Year.
The 56th Annual Grammy Awards will take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on January 26, 2014
Song of the Year: Just Give Me a Reason by Pink Locked Out of Heaven by Bruno Mars Roar by Katy Perry Royals by Lorde Same Love by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance: Get Lucky by Daft Punk and Pharrell Williams Just Give Me a Reason by Pink and Nate Ruess Stay by Rihanna and Mikky Ekko Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke, T.I. and Pharrell Suit and Tie by Justin Timberlake and Jay Z
Album of the Year: The Blessed Unrest by Sara Bareilles Random Access Memories by Daft Punk good kid, m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar The Heist by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis Red by Taylor Swift
Best Country Album: Night Train by Jason Aldean Two Lanes of Freedom by Tim McGraw Same Trailer Different Park by Kacey Musgraves Based on a True Story by Blake Shelton Red by Taylor Swift
Best New Artist:
James Blake
Kendrick Lamar
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
Kacey Musgraves
Ed Sheeran
Record of the Year: Get Lucky by Daft Punk and Pharrell Williams Radioactive by Imagine Dragons Royals by Lorde
Locked Out of Heaven by Bruno Mars Blurred Lines by Robin Thicke, T.I. and Pharrell Williams
Taylor Swift was the biggest winner at the American Music Awards 2013 in Los Angeles last night, winning four prizes.
Taylor Swift, 23, has been awarded with artist of the year, favorite pop/rock female artist, favorite country album and favorite female country artist.
Justin Timberlake picked up three awards including favorite soul and R&B male, while One Direction collected two prizes including best pop/rock group.
Katy Perry, Jenifer Lopez, Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga were among the performers at the show in Los Angeles.
Taylor Swift was the biggest winner at the American Music Awards 2013 in Los Angeles
Taylor Swift beat Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Bruno Mars and Macklemore & Ryan Lewis to win artist of the year for the third time, the most times an artist has won the category.
After picking up her fourth and final award for best country album for Red, the singer said: “This validates that if you voted for this, that we are heartbroken in the same way and we fall in love the same way and we’re happy in the same way, and if you listen to this, we’re on the same page … we’re pretty much in it together.”
Taylor Swift was also on hand to give out an award.
Rapper 2 Chainz, Kelly Osbourne and Fall Out Boy were among the other presenters at the 41st edition of the event.
Hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, who led the nominations with six nods, came away with two wins for favorite rap/hip-hop artist and favorite rap/hip-hop album for The Heist.
Rihanna appeared on stage with her mother to pick up the icon award.
The Bajan singer also performed on the night.
Ariana Grande was given the best new artist award and Avicii beat off Calvin Harris, Daft Punk and Zedd to win the favorite electronic dance music artist award.
Entertainer Of The Year
George Strait Male Vocalist Of The Year
Blake Shelton Female Vocalist Of The Year
Miranda Lambert Vocal Group Of The Year
Little Big Town Vocal Duo Of The Year
Florida Georgia Line New Artist Of The Year
Country Music Association Awards 2013
Kacey Musgraves Album Of The Year
Blake Shelton, Based On A True Story
Single Of The Year
Florida Georgia Line, Cruise Song Of The Year I Drive Your Truck – Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, and Jimmy Yeary Musical Event Of The Year
Tim McGraw With Taylor Swift & Keith Urban, Highway Don’t Care Music Video Of The Year
Tim McGraw, Highway Don’t Care Musician Of The Year
Mac McAnally Pinnacle Award
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift snagged not one but eight statues at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards stage in Las Vegas on Sunday night.
The awards included Top Female Artist and Top Billboard 200 Artist.
Additionally, Taylor Swift won Top Digital Songs Artist, Top Country Artist, Top Country Song for We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together, and Top Country Album for Red.
During one of her acceptance speeches, 23-year-old Taylor Swift appeared to be making fun of herself, referring to her many much documented and troubled relationships as she thanked her fans.
“You are the longest and best relationship I have ever had!” she exclaimed before strutting off stage.
Taylor Swift snagged not one but eight statues at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards stage in Las Vegas
Earlier Taylor Swift also gave an energetic performance at the annual ceremony.
Bouncing around in a blue T-shirt with a sparkly unicorn and the rainbow thought cloud: “Haters Gonna Hate”, Taylor Swift proved that her talent speaks for itself.
With her angelic blonde locks tied into an innocent ponytail, Taylor Swift sang 22 and pranced about in high-waist shorts that showed off her long, slender legs.
The singer was a finalist in a total of 11 categories for the night, as were Fun. and Maroon 5.
Earlier on the blue carpet, slim Taylor Swift wore a royal blue mini dress that let her legs do the talking.
Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez made sure to be seated apart and not seen together throughout the entire 2013 Billboard Music Awards show.
However, backstage it was a completely different story for Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber.
After bumping into one another, Selena Gomez put her arm around Justin Bieber to lean in and give him a tender kiss on the cheek.
Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber’s casual meet up was captured on Billboard’s online backstage video feed after the show.
In the video, Justin Bieber is seen standing with one of his pals, as Selena Gomez and her best friend and fellow singer Taylor Swift walk past.
Selena Gomez stops to talk to Justin and puts her arm around him and pulls him in for a kiss on the side of his face.
In the video it also appears that Justin Bieber tries to pull her in for a kiss on the lips before Selena Gomez seemingly pinches him on the cheek.
Following the smooch, Taylor Swift is seen sticking her tongue out in a gesture of either surprise or disgust over her friend’s actions.
Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber then continue to chat for some time, looking like they are catching up.
While Taylor Swift waits patiently for them to finish their conversation, a red head woman tries to pull Selena Gomez along but she is keen to keep chatting to her former beau.
The pair finally part ways after embracing each other again with Selena Gomez nodding several times.
Selena Gomez kissed former flame Justin Bieber on the cheek backstage at the 2013 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday night
While the duo affectionately greeted one another, the meeting however appeared more like friends catching up rather than a couple conversing after getting back together.
However, after the backstage cameras caught the moment, Justin Bieber noticed he was being filmed and quickly tried to shoo away and cover up the cameras with his hand.
Meanwhile, Selena Gomez later posted the picture on her Instagram account, proudly captioning it: “Vegas hug + kiss.”
The pair’s meeting comes after they managed to avoid being photographed or seen together all night.
Selena Gomez was originally set to be sitting next to Justin Bieber at the awards ceremony on Sunday night.
Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez had appeared to had patched things up since their split in the New Year and were expected to go public at the annual music awards in Las Vegas.
According to Us Weekly, a source revealed Selena Gomez would be sitting on the front row at the MGM Grand Garden Arena right next to Justin Bieber, with her close friend Taylor Swift on her other side.
The insider said it was “clearly no accident”, adding: “Their camps must have requested this seating arrangement. No way would it have happened without their go-ahead.”
However, when the awards ceremony commenced, Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez were not seated together, instead sitting across the aisle from one another.
Rumors had been circulating the pair were back together since they were caught kissing backstage in Norway, and were then seen cuddling in a picture uploaded to Instagram by Justin Bieber last month before he deleted it.
Justin Bieber, 19, and the 20-year-old former Disney starlet arrived in Vegas early, and were apparently spotted at the Cirque du Soleil’s Love show together on Friday night.
The Baby hitmaker tried to enter the Mirage venue incognito, but was rumbled when an onlooker shouted out his name.
Justin Bieber then spent the entire night “nuzzling right into” his former girlfriend Selena Gomez as they snacked on M&M chocolates, People magazine reported.
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