Holy Fuck, Kelegend Has A New Single

I've been overdosing on Kelly Clarkson since basking in the glow of her flawless K-mart fashion and vocal brilliance in Perth. Stronger is a 21-sized smash in my mind (and on my iPod), so it seems a little short-sighted to close the door on that era when she has gems like "I Forgive You" and "Let Me Down" just waiting to be unleashed. Kelegend's label obviously feels differently and has decided to rush-release a greatest hits compilation just in time for Christmas. It's a bit lazy but happily the lead single from Greatest Hits: Chapter 1 is yet another triumph.

In a strange way "Catch My Breath" picks up where her stunning football anthem left off - by exploring an unusually synth-heavy soundscape. The Jason Halbert/Eric Olsen-produced track is a perky mid-tempo dance anthem with an uplifting chorus that finds Kelly taking stock of her phenomenal career. You can tell she didn't work with an  industry heavyweight like Max Martin or Dr. Luke on this one - it has a softness and sincerity that their radio-ready hits often lack. That may work against it on the charts but I sincerely doubt Miss Independent gives a fuck either way. "Catch My Breath" is the perfect song to celebrate ten years of hard work and over-achievement.

Kelegend's latest smash rocks Australian iTunes on October 17.

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Why Nicki Minaj Will Always Be Kelly Rowland To Mariah's Beyoncé

Mariah is truly the most triumphant human-being on the planet. While Stinki Garbaj trolls Twitter in a desperate bid for publicity in the wake of their much-publicised American Idol beef, the rainbow-loving chart legend has continued - completely unphased - on her fabulous way.

You know, doing simple, everyday things like riding a rollercoaster in a couture gown, while posing seductively and flashing her diamonds to the mere mortals in the crowd. This is my favourite Mariah moment since the scene in "Honey" video where she rides a jet-ski in heels. Our faves could never!

Oh and if you need any more convincing that Mimi will always have Onika's measure, there's this:

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Kelly Clarkson Conquers Perth

Two and a half years ago I went to Kelly Clarkson's All I Ever Wanted tour a mildly-interested casual fan and left preaching the gospel of Kelegend. There's something utterly compelling about her combination of raw talent and natural charm that just draws you in. Since then, the inaugural American Idol winner has had something of a career revival. She released the best album of her career in 2011 and returned to number one on the US singles chart with the double-platinum selling smash "Stronger". I was curious to see if her current success reflected in the stage show and was oddly relieved that it was just as low key as her last tour. Kelly doesn't fuck around with choreography, costume changes and lighting concepts. She just sings her heart out and wins the crowd over with her funny anecdotes and down-to-earth personality. I wouldn't have it any other way.

"My Life Would Suck Without You" eloquently describes how many of us were feeling when the perky pop star walked on stage singing what will inevitably become her signature tune. I love that Kelly just put her hair back in a ponytail, threw on a pair of old jeans and a sparkly top that she could well have picked up at Target. Your fave could never and you know it! That modern classic was followed by the equally stellar "Behind These Hazel Eyes", which still sounds better than just about anything on the radio. The Texan superstar then belted out a trio of songs from Stronger. "I Forgive You" - AKA the ultimate wasted opportunity - was always destined to be a massive single but I guess now it will have to settle for live favourite status. How shit. It really is a great song. I loved "Dark Side" went it leaked initially but I'm a little bit over it now and was vastly more excited to hear "You Love Me", which is probably my favourite non-single of last year.

Next up was her desperate "Halo" rip-off "Already Gone" (Ryan Tedder's fault, not hers) and a surprise rendition of her amazing Jason Aldean duet "Don't You Wanna Stay". I didn't think we'd get much country Kelly but we got a double dose when she announced that her fan request for the evening would be Carrie Underwood's "Blown Away". It just so happens that I went to the show with Australia's biggest Carrie fan and she howled through the entire song and couldn't move afterward because of "the emotion". Obviously, she is a crazy lady but I was only slightly less moved. Kelly's rendition of the haunting ballad was absolutely exquisite. She pared the song back to its bare bones and emphasised the dark lyrics, turning Carrie's American smash into an eerie lullaby. After the country detour, the famed football fan performed the best of Breakaway - belting out pitch-perfect renditions of "Because Of You", the title track and "Since U Been Gone".

The world's favourite girl-next-door then closed the show with "Stronger". I know it's one of the biggest hits of her entire career but I still think it sounds like a Cher B-side. Which should be a good thing but strangely isn't. After the shortest of breaks, Kelly returned in a stunning fitted dress for the encore. She looked adorable and nailed a beautifully-arranged ballad version of "Never Again". I need an mp3! "Mr Know It All" - another big hit I'm not overly fond of - sounded infinitely better live but I was more excited to hear "Miss Independent", the only song from her debut to make the setlist. Kelly ended the show with a rousing cover of Fun.'s "We Are Young" with support acts The Fray and Sarah DeBono. It was an refreshingly ego-free closing number (how many divas close their shows with a cover?) that underlines why the 30-year-old remains one of pop's favourite daughters. She's just here to sing and do her thing. Nothing else matters.

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Kelly Clarkson's Stunning Football Anthem

Just when I thought my love for Kelly Clarkson couldn't run any deeper, she goes and records a gay dance anthem for the Dallas Cowboys' official theme song. Seriously, could your fave? Sport hasn't been this fabulous since Tina Turner homosexualised a generation of Australian boys with those rugby league ads in the '80s! "Get Up (A Cowboy's Anthem)" is actually part of a new Pepsi promotion. They have commissioned a bunch of rappers and pop stars to record songs for their home football teams and will be releasing them as a free download when you scan a can of Pepsi in Walmart - or something classy like that. Someone needs to start a blog about Pepsi promotions because they always choose the finest celebrities. Who could forget the "We Will Rock You" campaign with Beyoncé, Pink, Britney and Enrique? As far as I'm concerned, Kelegend is a perfect choice to continue the legacy and "Get Up (A Cowboy's Anthem)" is an absolute beauty. I worship this camp trash and hope it gets the full single treatment. Do you think she could whip up something for the almighty Parramatta Eels when she brings her tour to Sydney next month? I'm counting the days!

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11 Questions With Carrie Underwood

Last week saw the release of Carrie Underwood's hotly-anticipated fourth album. Blown Away is another flawless affair that showcases the 2005 American Idol winner's powerful pipes and evolution as an artist. The sound is still very much contemporary country but the 29-year-old shows her dark side on the positively Hitchcockian "Two Black Cadillacs" and lands an emotional knock-out punch on "Good In Goodbye" (ie. the country "Someone Like You"). There's even a reggae-tinged country-pop explosion called "One Way Ticket" that has crossover hit written all over it. Carrie is heading our way to promote the album with her first Australian tour in late June. I saw her perform an industry showcase in Sydney last year and she was brilliant. It's not too late to buy a ticket. I'm seeing her in two different cities! The Oklahoma-born beauty did some local press to promote the album and I was lucky enough to ask her a few questions. An edited version of this interview appeared on Idolator a couple of days ago but this is the full conversation.

“Good Girl” is adorable crossover country-pop song. Was it a conscious decision to spearhead the album with a more commercial track?
I really don't get into that whole "which song gets released when" game. I just try to make great music and, hopefully, can give everyone 14 tracks that could all be singles to choose from!

With the exception of “Good Girl”, “Blown Away” explores some dark themes on the title track and epic revenge-fantasy "Two Black Cadillacs". What inspired the change in direction?
We just seemed to go in that direction. It wasn't on purpose. I heard "Blown Away" and loved the song. Plain and simple! Then we ended up writing a couple more that were a little edgier. Like I said, I didn't make a conscious decision to sing songs that were darker. That's just the way the album wanted it.

You co-wrote most of the album. Was it exciting to bring your own point of view and life experience to the lyrics?
It's always fun to write. I love creating a song out of thin air. That said, I submit my co-writes like everyone else and the best songs are the ones that make the album. I love to write, but it's not imperative that I write every song on the album. I just want the best album possible.

You’re leading the CMT award nominations – who do you think is your main competition?
You never know who's going to win awards. But, we're such a tight community of performers, that we all support each other and love to get together and celebrate country music. That said, I do hope I take home something!

Your duet with Brad Paisley “Remind Me” is up for a couple of awards. How did the collaboration come about and what was it like working with him?
Brad and I know each other pretty well. We toured together a few years ago and have been hosting the CMA Awards for the past four years. A duet was inevitable at some point in time...we were just waiting on the right song. He came up with "Remind Me" right before he wrapped up his album and asked me if I would come sing on it. A few days later, I was in his studio laying down my part. He is such a great guy and I am happy that I can call him and his family my friends.

You look amazing on your new Billboard cover. Tell us about your new super-glamorous image!
Thank you! I love fashion and love to try new things. It was all about "stepping it up" this time around! I wanted this album to sound, feel and look different from my previous three albums. I got to create more drama in my looks and play around with some styles that I haven't tried before.

Despite your initial reluctance to use Twitter, you already have a huge presence due fan accounts. How do you feel about that level of fan loyalty and do you read tweets that people send you?
The whole Twitter experience has really opened my eyes to fans that I have in other countries. So far, I am having a lot fun with it. It really can be a great way to communicate instantly with fans.

What was it like touring with Keith Urban. Is he as nice as he seems from interviews?
You guys should really be proud to call Keith Urban your own! He is a very nice, talented guy who truly loves music. Touring with him was so much fun and was an experience that I learned so much from and will never forget.

You’re about to embark on a huge tour. What can fans expect from the show?
We have a lot of fun on stage and we want the people in the audience to do the same. I think people can expect to show up and have a great time! I love singing and I think that it really shows in our live concerts.

I saw you perform at a record label showcase in Sydney last year. You were brilliant and won a lot of fans that night. Were you surprised by how well you were received?
I was so happy that we had such a great time in Sydney and in Australia in general. Now I'm happy that I get to actually perform for the public there. I can't wait to get that opportunity! We will be performing at the Sydney Opera House (where I got to take a tour the last time I was in Sydney) on July 2.

“Jesus Take The Wheel” is one of my favourite songs of all-time and has really struck a chord with fans around the world. Why do you think it has connected with so many different people?
I think we've all had those moments in our lives that we realize we need to change some things about ourselves or change the way we've been living our lives. It's a very real sentiment that everyone can relate to. It is certainly one of my favorite songs to sing!

Blown Away is in stores now. Download it from iTunes now. 

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Haley Reinhart & The Best American Idol Single Not Recorded By Kelly Or Carrie

One of the highlights of my stint in LA last year was being sent to review American Idol Live at the Staples Center. To be honest, I hadn't watched any of the series and spent the afternoon frantically watching clips on YouTube so I would have some idea about the acts I was about to watch. Most of the contestants left me cold but 21-year-old Haley Reinhart made an impression with her jazzy voice and unusual song choices. My instincts turned out to be spot on. The quirky diva really stood out during the live show and I've been patiently waiting for her debut single ever since.

It took a bit longer than expected but "Free" dropped last month and it's really quite exceptional. In fact, it's one of the best American Idol singles not released by Kelegend or Queen Carrie. I love that Haley had the guts to record a jazzy, mid-tempo ballad instead of hooking up with Dr Luke or RedOne for yet another generic club anthem. "Free" is so old-fashioned, it's positively revolutionary. There's something very '70s about this breezy examination of a failed couple that just can't cut the chord. The lyrics are surprisingly honest and her voice has so much character. Check out the atmospheric video below. It's simple but suits the song and Haley looks amazing. Your faves have been put on notice. Bring on the album!

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