Madonna and Taylor Swift performed together onstage at last nights iHeart Radio Music Awards. Swift joined Madonna on guitar as the Queen of Pop delivered a gorgeous rendition of new single Ghosttown.
The inaugural awards took place in the Shrine Auditorium in LA last night and broadcast live on NBC. Madonna was introduced on stage by Mike Tyson who guests on the star's track Iconic from new album Rebel Heart.
Madonna has previously sung Swift's praises saying "she writes incredibly catchy songs ". It was a wonderful sight to see the Queen of Pop perform with the woman of the moment. Swift picked up two gongs at the awards show last night.
Watch the superstar pair perform below. Madonna releases Ghosttown on April 20th with its Jonas Ackerlund directed video set to premiere soon.
Brandon Flowers has premiered the video for current single Cant Deny My Love. Flowers debuted the new track last week , which is currently available to download as an instant grat download with pre-orders of his forthcoming album.
Flowers releases his second solo album The Desired Effect on May 18th
Rihanna has debuted her new single , the trappy , ferocious and attitude driven Bitch Better Have My Money.
The Bajan icon unveiled the new track today after showcasing its art sleeve last night. The new track is a darker , more menacing prospect than recent hit single FourFiveSeconds. It's got that hard edged Rihanna feel we've seen on tracks like Rude Boy and certainly has all hallmarks of her collaborator , one Kanye West.
Her last studio album came in 2012 with Unapologetic. The gap between that album and the forthcoming set is the longest in the stars career. Rihanna released seven albums in seven yaers from 2005 through to 2012.
In that time , she became an international icon with mammoth tracks such as Umbrella , Only Girl ( In The World ) , We Found Love and Diamonds.
Having unveiled his storming new single Cant Deny My Love yesterday , Brandon Flowers has revealed the track listing for forthcoming sophomore solo album The Desired Effect.
Produced by Ariel Rechstadlt , The Desired Effect is released May 18th. The full track listing is as follows
1. Dreams Come True
2. Can’t Deny My Love
3. I Can Change
4. Still Want You
5. Between Me And You
6. Lonely Town
7. Digging Up The Heart
8. Never Get You Right
9. Untangled Love
10. The Way It’s Always Been11. The Desired Effect
Kodaline have unveiled the video for anthemic new single The One. The Irish indie merchants will release the gorgeous ballad as the second single from current album Coming Up For Air.
The album shot straight to Number 1 in Ireland and landed in the UK Top 10 upon its release last month. The One follows previous single Honest and is due for release on April 13th.
Kodaline will play a headline show at Cork's Live At The Marquee series of concerts this summer.
Ed Sheeran and Rudimental have premiered the video for their collaboration Bloodstream. The track has been reworked after originally appearing on the massive X.
Its the fourth track to be lifted from the BRIT Award winning album and is set for release on March 30th.
Sheeran today revealed details of his own record label Gingerbread. Meanwhile , Rudimental will release their new album later this summer.
Jess Glynne is on course for a hat trick of UK Number 1 singles this weekend. The singer's fantastic Hold My Hand looks set to displace Sam Smith from the top after its first day on sale. The track has stormed to the top of the iTunes chart overnight.
It looks certain to give Glynne her third UK Number 1. She topped the charts twice last year providing the vocals on Clean Bandits Rather Be and Route 94's My Love. Her first solo outing Right Here dented the Top 10 last July.
Florence And The Machine have debuted the latest video taken from this June's How Big , How Blue , How Beautiful.
In another beautifully striking visual , St Jude sees Florence Welch strolling through the countryside in a single shot , straddling mist and rain before collapsing in awe at the end.
It follows last months stunning What Kind Of Man video and stokes further anticipation for the new albums release. The track itself is more low key yet not without Welch's euphoric vocals , although restrained , still as spinetingling.
How Big , How Blue , How Beautiful is released on June 1st. Watch the video for St Jude below
Ahead of the release of his second solo album The Desired Effect on May 18th , Brandon Flowers has debuted brand new single Cant Deny My Love.
Produced by Ariel Rechstadt , the track evokes the 80s influence synonymous with Flowers and The Killers. The track will receive its world premiere on BBC Radio 1 tonight with Annie Mac.
Flowers has spoken about his forthcoming sophomore album , the follow up to 201o's Flamingo saying he 'wished it was a Killers album as it was full of singles'. The Killers , who released their last studio album in 2012 are currently on hiatus.
Cant Deny My Love will be available to download as an instant grat trck from March 24th with pre-orders of the new album.
Listen to a live version of Cant Deny My Love below
Bristol duo BLONDE struck chart gold at the end with the infectious I Loved You featuring the hotly tipped Melissa Steel. The track reached Number 7 and subsequently spent 15 weeks in the chart.
Now Adam Englefield and Jacob Manson , are potentially set to top the charts this April with the thumping and anthemic All Cried Out.
The defiant heartbreak dance banger features the octave smashing vocals of Glee star Alex Newell. Gleeks will recognise Newell , for his portrayal of cross dressing Wade 'Unique ' Adams on the hit show which ends in the US this week.
The track hits iTunes on April 12th and has summer anthem written all over it. It's an absolute belter of a track which should see BLONDE ascend to the top of the charts.
Years and Years have announced the details of their eagerly awaited debut album. The trio will release Communion on June 22nd. The release date ties in with a possible Glastonbury appearance the following weekend.
The album will of course include recent Number 1 smash King and previous releases Take Shelter and Desire.
The full tracklisting for Communion out June 22nd is
01 Foundation 02 Real 03 Shine 04 Take Shelter 05 Worship 06 Eyes Shut 07 Ties 08 King 09 Desire 10 Track 10 11 Without 12 Border 13 Memo 14 1977 15 Ready For you (Acoustic) 16 Track 16 17 King (Acoustic)
As Ireland gets ready to celebrate its national day tomorrow on St Patricks Day , you can be rest assured that traditional Irish music will be heard from every pub from Dublin to Galway. The land of saints and scholars has always had a rich musical history. From the trad tales of Christy Moore and The Dubliners , through to rich female voices like Sinead O'Connor , Mary Black and Imelda May.
Right up to globe conquering artists such as U2, The Cranberries , The Script , Snow Patrol and Hozier.
Here are just 10 essential Irish classics for St Patricks Day.
1. A Womans Heart - Eleanor McAvoy & Mary Black
As Irish as Tayto crisps and Guinness , in the summer of 1992 , the compilation album A Womans Heart and its stunning title track became a national phenomenon. Featuring the likes of Frances Black , Dolores Keane and Sharon Shannon , the album became one the biggest selling in Irish history. Its title track , an Irish anthem.
2. Aslan -Crazy World
An everyman anthem from one of Ireland's most popular bands , Aslan's Crazy World , is a bona fide and timeless Irish classic. Released in 1993 , Christy Dignam and co's enduring anthem has been sung loudly in packed venues the length and breadth of Ireland.
3. Sinead O'Connor - Nothing Compares 2 U
The bould Sinead. Love her or hate her , Sinead O'Connor is an Irish icon. Whether its her music , so often not written about , or her many legendary appearances on The Late Late Show , Sinead O'Connor will forever be remembered for THAT song.
And what a song. And what a video. This song conquered the world in 1990 , a rousing heratbreak anthem penned by Prince. Twenty five years on , O'Connor is still an enduring figure in Irish music , but this stone cold classic and "all the flowers that you planted Mama ", has transcended torn pictures of Popes and tabloid headlines , and remains timeless.
4, Damien Rice - The Blowers Daughter
Irish music was going through a particularly stunning homegrown renaissance , when Damien Rice released the acclaimed and commercially successful O. Along with the likes of Damien Dempsey , Mundy , David Kitt and Gemma Hayes , he was leading a new generation of heart on their sleeve Irish singer songwriters.
The Blowers Daughter captured the public imagination more than most though. From Rice's delicate vocals to Lisa Hannigan's beautiful and ethereal part towards the end , its been covered by many an aspiring troubadour.
5. The Saw Doctors - To Win Just Once
Much like Aslan , Galwegian journeymen The Saw Doctors are another of Ireland;s most beloved and enduring bands. Even though this particular track only peaked at No.24 in comparison to the much loved Number 1 I Useta Love Her , its everyman appeal and defiant chorus are quintessentially Irish.
6. The Commitments -Destination Anywhere
Quite simply the greatest Irish movie ever made. 1991 was the year of The Commitments. Alan Parkers big screen version of Roddy Doyle's classic novel and its accompanying soundtrack were a national phenomenon. A bright young cast that featured future Oscar winner and The Frames frontman Glen Hansard and the unmistakable voice of Maria Doyle Kennedy. There were many gems to be enjoyed from Barrytown's finest but the upbeat Destination Anywhere is probably most fondly remembered
7. The Cranberries -Linger
Linericks The Cranberries followed in the footsteps of U2 in the mid nineties by breaking America and conquering the world. Dolores O'Riordan was an instant star and their first two albums Everybody Else is Doing It , So Why Cant We and No Need To Argue became huge successes. Their locomotive like success stuttered to a halt before the 90's were out , but circa 1993 , The Cranberries were everywhere. And so was Linger. It became a staple of Irish radio alongside other memorable tracks such as Zombie and Ode To My Family.
8. The Corrs - Runaway
The Dundalk siblings found domestic success in 1995 with debut album Forgiven Not Forgotten. However it wasn't until 1998 when second album Talk On Corners hit Number 1 in the UK and sold by the truckload. They would claim their only UK Number 1 single in 2000 with Breathless before ducking out of the limelight after their last studio album almost a decade ago. Sharon has released two solo albums and been a judge of the Irish version of The Voice.
Andrea , the pin up of the group also released a solo album with little success whilst drummer Caroline has raised a family and brother Jim has become more known for his love of conspiracy theories.
Runaway first hit the airways in 1995 and became a UK hit 4 years later. It was infectious if inoffensive Celtic Pop which The Corrs did so well.
9. U2 - Beautiful Day
You can hardly compile a list of classic Irish hits without the country's biggest export musically , the mighty U
This time around its 2000's Beautiful Day. Whilst 1997's Pop was a hit and miss affair as well as that huge lemon , their 2000 comeback was vintage U2. The album All That You Cant Leave Behind ushered in a glorious new era for U2 , that was capped off in 2001with two sold out shows at Slane Castle
10. Hozier - Take Me To Church
The most recent track on this list. Yet it feels like its been around forever. Wicklow man Hoziers stunning two fingers to Catholic Church oppression has taken both the US and UK by far. First hitting the Irish charts in October 2013 , the song is one of the finest songs to come out of Ireland in years. And though it may have long since been overplayed
Sam Smith has clocked up his 5th UK Number 1 in just under two years this evening. The multiple Grammy winner has raced straight to the top of the charts with this years official Comic Relief single. His reworked version of Lay Me Down featuring John Legend , claims this weeks top spot.
The award winning In The Lonely Hour also heads back to the top of the album charts keeping Madonna's new album Rebel Heart off the top.
Since July of 2013 , Smith has now topped the UK singles chart five times. His Naughty Boy collaboration La La La , was his first chart topper.
He followed that up last year with Money On My Mind and Stay With Me both hitting the top. He then featured on Band Aid 30's reworked Do They Know Its Christmas in November. In just under two years Smith has now claimed five UK Number 1 singles.
Smith performed Lay Me Down with John Legend on Friday nights live Comic Relief telethon.
Madonna has finally released her 13th studio album Rebel Heart this week. It's been met with a highly favourable critical response and with most Madonna album releases , there always a sense of looking back on her majestic discography.
Not content with producing arguably some of the greatest pop songs of all time , Madonna has always had a knack for a beautifully crafted ballad.
Look at 1995's classic compilation Something To Remember which collected some of her most well known ballads all on one album.
So here I rank , with a lot of deliberation , Madonna's 10 ultimate ballads.
10. Rain (1993 )
Alongside its accompanying video , Rain was a stunning addition to her canon of ballads when it appeared on Erotica. The glorious final crescendo as Madonan sings about "your love coing down like rain " , is still as powerful 22 years later
9. This Used To Be My Playground ( 1992 )
Taken from one of Madonna's more likeable movies A League Of Their Own , this underrated gem has still to be performed by the woman herself. Madonna's vulnerable vocals and the lush orchestration make this a truly affecting ballad.
8. You'll See ( 1995 )
The lead single from the ballad compilation Something To Remember was one of Madonna's finest vocal deliveries of the 90's and set her in good stead for Evita a year later. "All by myself , I don't need anyone this time ". Like most of her ballads , Madonna sings of defiance and independence.
7. Drowned World ( Substitute For Love ) (1998)
The opening track to the seminal Ray Of Light saw Madonna reflect on fame and fortune amidst a gorgeous lilting guitar. One of her most emotive and confessional moments " I traded fame for love , without a second thought , it all became a silly game , some things cannot be bought "
An astounding opener to an astounding album
6. The Power Of Goodbye ( 1998 )
Another stunning moment from Ray Of Light. William Orbit's electronic ballad oozes elegance and that sweeping orchestral climax is a aural revelation,
5. Frozen (1998 )
Which brings us nicely to that stunning lead single from Ray Of Light , which crowned a remarkable creative and commercial renaissance for the Queen of Pop.
Dark , melancholic , cinematic and ultimately divine , it remains one of pop's most stunning comeback tracks
4. Oh Father (1989 )
One of Madonna's finest moments accompanied by one of her most striking videos. A song and visual that packed a weighty emotional punch that still floors you almost 25 years later. Madonna's open letter to her father is rife with brooding emotion. Its David Fincher directed video showing Madonna 's mother laid to rest with her lips sewn shut remains on eof the most striking images in her groundbreaking videography
3. Take A Bow (1994 )
One of the highlights of her underrated Bedtime Stories album , this gorgeous ballad hogged the top spot in the USA for seven weeks.
" I've alwsys been in love with you , I guess y0u've always known its true " , sings Madonna , adied by R&B legend Babyface on this soulful , beautiful track. A classic.
2. Crazy For You ( 1985 )
One of the quintessential Madonna ballads , Crazy Fro You was originally written for the long forgotten movie Vision Quest. It was the first time Madonna had proved she could do romance and a gorgeous vocal.
Swaying room as the music starts Strangers making the most of the dark Two by two their bodies become one
One of the most memorable Madonna lyrics , its old fashioned romance was simple but brilliant
1. Live To Tell (1985 )
And so , Madonna's ultimate ballad. It could only be Live To Tell. Madonna traded the bangles and lace gloves for bleached blonde hair and a soaring ballad that showcased her immense versatility. Moody yet fragile , almost 30 years on Live To Tell remains Madonna's signature ballad
'Will it grow cold? The secret that I hide, Will I grow old?"[
Florence and The Machine will headline Ireland's largest outdoor music festival , Electric Picnic this September.
The group , fronted by Florence Welch ,will play to a likely sell out crowd of revellers at Stradbally Hall in County Laois on the weekend of the 4th , 5th and 6th of September.
Electric Picnic has become Ireland's largest music festival over the past decade and the event continues to grow each year.
Other acts announced are Welsh veterans Manic Street Preachers , multi platinum singer songwriter George Ezra , critically acclaimed American act The War On Drugs and dance legends Underworld.
Other acts heading to Stradbally include Rosiin Murphy ,Tame Impala , Chvrches , Jessie Ware , Low , Django Django , My Morning Jacket , Hot Chip , Jurassic 5 and Belle & Sebabstien.
Further details can be found on www.electricpicnic.ie with more acts to be announced soon.
Watch the video for Florence and the Machine's new single What Kind Of Man
Years and Years look set to justify the hype around them as they are on course to knock Ellie Goulding off the top of the UK charts this weekend.
The BBC Sound of 2015 winners track King is set to knock Goulding from the top spot after four weeks.
The electronic trio fronted by Olly Alexander , previously hit the charts in December with Desire peaking at 22.
The band have been heavily tipped for success and it looks as though their predictions are coming to fruition.
Years and Years will release their debut album later this year.
Irish singer/songwriter Hozier has debuted the clip for brand new single Someone New. It's the latest track taken from the Grammy nominated troubadours self titled album. His worldwide hit Take Me To Church continues to ride high in both the US & UK tour.
Someone New features Game of Thrones and Hunger Games actress Natalie Dormer. She spends the video falling for different people before watching Hozier perform at a club.
Hozier is set to play Slane Castle and the V Festival this summer. Watch the video for Someone New below
Kasabian , Calvin Harris , Sam Smith , Sterophonics , Ellie Goulding , The Script , Paloma Faith and George Ezra are amongst the first acts confirmed for the 20th anniversary of V Festival this August.
Once again Chelmsford in Essex and Staffordshire will host the weekend long festival at Weston Park and Hylands Park on the 22nd and 23rd August.
Tom Jones , Olly Murs , Jessie Ware , Kodaline , Ella Eyre , Labrinth , Ella Henderson , Chvrches , Clean Bandit and Marina and the Diamonds , are also confirmed.
Tickets for the 20th anniversary of V Festival go on sale , this Friday March 9th at 9am
Mumford And Sons have announced the details of their forthcoming third album entitled Wilder Mind.
Released on May 4th , it follows 2012's Grammy award winning Babel , and is preced by the new single Believe , out April 27th.
The British folk rock band who headlined Glastonbury in 2013, have added new elements to their known banjo heavy style with the new album incorporating guitars , synths and drum machines. The group will embark on few dates across North America later this summer with The Flaming Lips and the Foo Fighters.
Carly Rae Jepsen had the most memorable pop anthem of 2012 when the ubiquitous Call Me Maybe blitzed charts worldwide.
Since then , things have gone a bit quiet and many wondered had Jepsen faded into obscurity as another pop one hit wonder.
But three years on , the Canadian starlet is set to conquer the charts again with the irrepressibly catchy I Really Like You. Rae Jepsen may have one of the more surprising but enjoyable comebacks of the year with this bona fide bop.
The singer has been working with Dev Hynes & Ariel Rechstad who've previously worked their magic for Miley Cyrus amongst many others.
A follow up to 2012's This Kiss is due later this year, but I Really Like You shall ensure that Carly Rae Jepsen is no one hit wonder.
Ahead of next week's release of her new album Rebel Heart , Madonna has announced a new world tour for later this year.
After her last tour , 2012's MDNA became the highest grossing tour of that year plus the highest grossing tour by a female performer of all time , raking in $300m.
The pop legend kicks off the 35 city jaunt in Miami on August 29th and takes in North America and Europe , with the 56 year old icon heading to the UK in December. Tickets go on sale on Monday March 9th , the same day as new album Rebel Heart is finally released. After being dogged by leaks, the album has had a positive critical response thus far.
The full dates for the Rebel Heart World Tour are
North America:
August 29 - Miami, FL, American Airlines Arena
September 2 - Atlanta, GA, Philips Arena
September 5 - San Juan, PR, Coliseo de Puerto Rico
September 9 - Montreal, QC, Bell Centre
September 12 - Washington, DC, Verizon Centre
September 16 - New York, NY, Madison Square Garden
September 19 - Brooklyn, NY, Barclays Centre
September 24 - Philadelphia, Pa, Wells Fargo Centre
September 26 - Boston, Ma, TD Garden
September 28 - Chicago, IL, United Centre
October 1 - Detroit, MI, Joe Louis Arena
October 3 - Atlantic City, NJ, Boardwalk Hall
October 5 - Toronto, ON, Air Canada Centre
October 8 - St. Paul, MN, Xcel Energy Centre
October 11 - Edmonton, AB, Rexall Place
October 14 - Vancouver, BC, Rogers Arena
October 17 - Portland, OR, MODA Centre
October 19 - San Jose, CA, SAP Centre at San Jose
October 22 - Glendale, AZ, Gila River Arena
October 24 - Las Vegas, NV, MGM Grand Garden Arena
October 27 - Los Angeles, CA, Forum
Europe, including the UK:
November 4 - Koln, Lanxess Arena
November 7 - Prague, O2 Arena
November 10 - Berlin, Mercedes-Benz Arena (O2 World)
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