
AUGUST 2002
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2002
Eminem Hugs Christina: Backstage At The VMAs
Onstage at the MTV Video Music Awards, you'll see the celebs playing it calm like it's no big deal to present an award alongside one of their peers or to look into the crowd and see a sea of people staring back. But backstage it's a whole different story.
The night's big winner Eminem may have let Slim Shady come out onstage, threatening to punch Moby while accepting the Best Male Video honor, but backstage he was just plain ol' Marshall Mathers, seemingly squashing any beef he had with another person he blasted on wax. Walking out of sight of the audience and cameras, Eminem was engaging in a spirited conversation with award presenter Christina Aguilera that at initial glance could have easily been construed as an argument. However, once the rapper said his peace and Christina voiced on her opinions, Em, who was nodding his head and looked to be agreeing with the singer, opened his arms just as she was about to walk away and the two actually briefly embraced.
"Now that's an MTV moment," exclaimed an applauding Brandy as she stood off to the side next to Darrin Dewitt Henson of the booty-shaking how-to home video "Darrin's Dance Grooves" and the cable TV show "Soul Food."
Earlier, Aguilera sat in a dressing room along with Brandy as they both got their makeup done. Before Aguilera went out in front of the crowd at Radio City, she was more concerned with making jokes with her friend and sending messages on her 2way pager than exchanging pleasantries with Usher, who was standing at arm's length.
�Shaheem Reid, with additional reporting by Corey Moss
Source: MTV.com
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FRIDAY, AUGUST 30, 2002
Christina On VMA Red Carpet, Stage
Last night Christina appeared on the red carpet of the 2002 MTV Video Music Awards with black-streaked hair, a white newsboy hat, scarf-like top, and micro-mini denim skirt.
She revealed to John Norris that 'Stripped' is the tentative title for her upcoming album, due for release in October. She spoke of her excitement over the album's release, as well as the early leak of "Dirrty" to radio.
Later in the evening Christina presented the award for Best Male Video to Eminem.
Christina Among Fall's Big Releases
By Nekesa Mumbi Moody, AP Music Writer
NEW YORK - This fall looks to have plenty of blockbuster releases from some of music's biggest acts � on paper, that is.
Whether Whitney Houston, Justin Timberlake or Santana can match their previous multiplatinum efforts is among many question marks hovering over the recording industry.
"It's hard. Christina Aguilera has a new release � will that be big?" asks Mark Hogan, vice president of marketing and advertising at Trans World Entertainment, which owns the FYE! entertainment retail chain. "I don't know who it will be, but there always seems to be something that will come through that will surprise you."
Last year was filled with surprises, not all of them good. There were a number of disappointments or out-and-out flops from performers who had seemed surefire winners � Macy Gray, Mariah Carey, Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney, to name a few.
The industry remains mired in a slump; album sales this summer are down about 10 percent from last summer.
"I think the trend continues to be one of double-digit decreases in the music business," Hogan said. "It's still a tough business situation."
The fourth quarter is the most lucrative for the record industry; it's when most major releases are doled out and most music buying occurs.
Aguilera's new disc follows her enormously successful, self-titled debut in 1999. Since then, she has transformed herself from a wholesome teen-pop powerhouse to a sexier, edgier diva. Whether that will win new fans � or keep old ones � remains to be seen.
The as-yet untitled disc is set for release Oct. 29. The first single, described as a funky R&B song featuring rapper Redman, is titled "Dirrty."
"There's always a sense with these teen-pop people that they are very micromanaged," says Alex Pappademas, an associate editor at Spin. "She seems like she's breaking out and doing controversial things ... (but) there's always the possibility of a backlash against her, like, she's trying to be something she's not."
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 29, 2002
Audio Section Back Up, 'Dirrty' Added
After being down for some time, our Audio section is back up and running. Sorry again for the inconvenience.
Two versions of "Dirrty," one with and one without the rap from Redman, have been added to the section. The lyrics have also been updated with Redman's rap.
'Listen' Possible Album Title
Amazon.com has listed Christina's new album as being titled 'Listen,' with a release date of October 29. Please note that this information has not been confirmed by Christina or RCA and may be incorrect.
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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2002
'Dirrty' Makes Early Premiere
Christina's brand new single "Dirrty" has premiered early, thanks to Spanish website los40.com, and several U.S. radio stations. The official radio impact date is said to be September 3, and that Christina's label RCA has requested that the song not be played until that day.
You can still listen to "Dirrty" via the los40.com website by clicking HERE, and clicking the button labeled 'Escuchar.'
The lyrics are also now available in our Lyrics section.
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SATURDAY, AUGUST 24, 2002
Christina To Appear At VMAs
It was originally believed that Christina would not be able to attend this year's MTV Video Music Awards due to photo shoots and making the video for "Dirrty" in Los Angeles, but MTV.com has now confirmed Christina as a presenter for this year's show.
Other presenters scheduled include B2K, Brandy, Bow Wow, Enrique Iglesias, Anthony Kiedis, Avril Lavigne, Linkin Park, Kylie Minogue, Nelly, P.O.D., Usher, and more.
The awards will air live on Thursday, August 29 at 8:00pm ET/PT on MTV.
Eve Interview Mentions Collaboration
In a recent interview with MTV News, Eve mentioned her collaboration for Christina's upcoming album.
"I'm on Christina Aguilera's new album," she said. "I can't remember the name of the song. It's real hot, though. It's a girl's anthem," reffering to her rap on "Can't Hold Us Down."
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 22, 2002
Artists Dip Into 'Disneymania'
'N Sync, Jessica Simpson, Ashanti, Anastacia, and Usher are among the artists who have contributed tracks to Walt Disney Records' "Disneymania" album. Due Sept. 17, the collection finds 15 notable pop acts turning in new versions of songs from classic Disney films.
"We're extremely excited to be releasing this unique collection of Disney's greatest songs," Walt Disney Records president Luigi-Theo Calabrese said in a statement, calling the disc "a record that both celebrates Disney's musical legacy and redefines it for the new millennium."
No less than four songs originated with "The Lion King" -- Aaron Carter's "I Just Can't Wait To Be King," Ronan Keating's "Circle of Life," Baha Men's "Hakuna Matata," and S Club 7's "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." An additional three songs were culled from the soundtrack to "The Little Mermaid" -- A*Teens' "Under the Sea," No Secrets' "Kiss the Girl," and Simpson's "Part of Your World."
The remaining tunes span Disney's storied history, from Anastacia's "Someday My Prince Will Come" (from 1937's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs") and 'N Sync's "When You Wish Upon a Star" (from 1940's "Pinnochio") to Christina Aguilera's "Reflection" (from 1998's "Mulan") and Usher's "You'll Be In My Heart" (from 1999's "Tarzan"). Smash Mouth's version of "I Want To Be Like You" will be featured in the upcoming "Jungle Book 2" movie, set for a spring 2003 release.
Disney is also planning a fall TV special in conjunction with the release of "Disneymania," but details have yet to be announced.
A prior Disney tribute album with a more rock-leaning edge, "Stay Awake," was released in 1988 by A&M. The set featured the likes of Los Lobos, Suzanne Vega, Sinead O'Connor, the Replacements, Tom Waits, and more covering such songs as "Cruella da Ville" and "When You Wish Upon a Star."
Here is the full track listing for "Disneymania":
"Under the Sea," A*Teens
"I Just Can't Wait To Be King," Aaron Carter
"Someday My Prince Will Come," Anastacia
"Colors of the Wind," Ashanti
"Hakuna Matata," Baha Men
"Reflection," Christina Aguilera
"Tiki Tiki Room," Hilary Duff
"Beauty and the Beast," Jump 5
"Part of Your World," Jessica Simpson
"When You Wish Upon a Star," 'N Sync
"Kiss the Girl," No Secrets
"Circle of Life," Ronan Keating
"Can You Feel the Love Tonight," S Club 7
"I Want To Be Like You," Smash Mouth
"You'll Be in My Heart," Usher
--Troy Carpenter, N.Y.
Source: Billboard.com
Here She Comes
Christina Aguilera's in Los Angeles for photo shoots, gearing up to finally unveil "her baby." That's how record industry insiders are referring to the singer's much-anticipated album, on which she's staking her transition from pop princess to artist-in-command. We can tell you the first single, "Dirrty," featuring hip-hop star Redman, will show up next month along with a "Dirrty" video directed by Paul Hunter. The song is described as having a very urban feel. The still-untitled RCA album has a rumored Oct. 29 release date -- and you can be sure the firecracker talent will be making the talk- and music show rounds, in addition to getting cover girl treatment. Christina wrote and co-produced much of the album (which was originally anticipated in June), working with the very hot producer Rockwilder.
--Marilyn Beck and Stacy Jenel Smith
Source: U Daily News
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2002
Christina Gets 'Dirrty' With Redman
While Britney Spears is "not a girl, not yet a woman," Christina Aguilera is of legal age and ready to get down 'n' dirty.
In mid-September, Aguilera will drop "Dirrty," the first single from her still-untitled fourth record, which is now scheduled for release in late October. The song was produced and written by Aguilera and Rockwilder (who co-produced last year's hit remake of "Lady Marmalade") and features rapping by Redman, a publicist said.
At the end of the month, the brazen pop songstress will shoot a video for the track in Los Angeles with "Lady Marmalade" director Paul Hunter, who has also worked with Eminem, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz. Aguilera's label said that Redman will appear in the clip but would not reveal any additional details.
Aguilera worked with a host of writers and producers on her upcoming record, including Glen Ballard (Alanis Morissette), Linda Perry from 4 Non Blondes (Pink), Eminem accomplice Scott Scorch, Eve, Dave Navarro and Alicia Keys, who co-wrote and co-produced the song "Impossible". Aguilera wrote or co-wrote nearly every song on the album.
"I was very impressed by the fact that she has taken the role of being a writer quite seriously and really applied a lot of effort and class in drawing from her own inspiration," Ballard said of Aguilera. "I think she's a wonderful writer. We already know she's a great singer, but I think we'll be able to add to that. She's a really incredible writer."
Aguilera worked on the album, which is the proper follow-up to her 1999 self-titled debut, at various studios, including Electric Lady in New York and Conway in Los Angeles. She's currently narrowing down the disc from 20 songs to a more manageable number. Leftover tracks will likely appear on B-sides and soundtracks, one of her representatives said.
Other song titles may include "Beautiful," "Fighter," "Infatuation" and "Can't Hold Us Down," a rousing track inspired by the verbal abuse she has received from Eminem and Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst.
�Jon Wiederhorn, with additional reporting by Jonathan Cane
Source: MTV.com
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MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2002
New Single Coming In September!
Christina's official website has just announced that the first single from her upcoming album is called "Dirrty" and will feature a rap by Redman. The song was written and produced by Christina and "Lady Marmalade" producer Rockwilder, and will hit radio in mid-September.
The video for the single, also featuring Redman, will be directed by Paul Hunter and shot in Los Angeles at the end of August.
Confirmed Magazine Covers
Also just announced by Christina's official website is a list of upcoming magazine covers that will feature Christina. The list of magazines and issue dates is as follows:
ROLLING STONE - October 26th issue
YM - December issue, out November 5th
BLENDER - December issue, out November 26th
MAXIM - January issue, out mid-December
COSMOGIRL - January/February issue, out mid-December
JANE - January/February issue, out early January
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SUNDAY, AUGUST 4, 2002
Shelly Clears Up Release Date Wonders
Christina's mother Shelly Kearns recently posted a message on Christina's LiveDaily message board, attempting to clear up the rumors of release dates for the upcoming album. She also explained that Christina's official website is undergoing a complete renovation.
Here's what she had to say:
Since we're in the middle of working to overhaul the whole site right now and the focus is on that and not updating it just this minute, I thought I'd come here to help clear up all the confusion. People are writing to me by the dozens, asking me about this or that release date. I hear MTV.com even has the incorrect information posted.
The real information is this: the album is late October. No exact date set yet. Hopefully the single is late August, if we can get the video and pix done by the deadline. But if not, not until after 9/11... probably 9/18 or so.
Now that, folks, is the REAL truth about the album. Anything else floating around out there is incorrect.
Hope this helps.
God bless, and love to you all
Shelly
Lightning In A Bottle
Hit VH1 Series 'Driven' Continues With All-New Episode Looking At The Formative Years Of Superstar Singer Christina Aguilera, Debuting Tuesday, August 6 at 9:00 P.M. (ET/PT)
Latest Episode of New VH1 Series Spotlights Never-Before-Seen Video Footage, Home Movies and Family Photos, Plus New Interviews With Parents, Families, Friends, Music Executives And Others
NEW YORK, Aug. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Like many others, she was born with an indelible talent. Unlike most others, Christina Aguilera knew it -- and honed the amazing vocal gift that would eventually land her a Grammy Award for Best New Artist, beating out Britney Spears, Kid Rock and Macy Gray.
"Driven" brings the music world's biggest icons' unknown pasts to life with video footage and photos that the public has never seen, plus interviews with those special people who played integral roles in their development as artists and individuals, providing a rare glimpse at what they were really like. The hit VH1 series continues with "Driven: Christina Aguilera" on Tuesday, August 6 at 9:00 p.m. (ET/PT), followed by more all-new episodes premiering on Tuesdays at the same time.
There's no such thing as overnight success -- over time, like a jigsaw puzzle, pieces are added, small breakthroughs are made, and eventually the picture of a pop star begins to take shape. "Driven" traces that process from childhood to the first glimmer of stardom, through the eyes of those who knew the artist best and helped play pivotal roles in their development -- teachers, family members, friends, and creative partners. With each episode of "Driven" dedicated to a single artist, the show looks at the stars' blueprints for success and what propelled them to achieve it despite the obstacles that lay in their paths.
"Driven: Christina Aguilera" returns to the singer's earliest years, from her birthplace of Staten Island, through her years as an Army brat in Texas, Japan and New Jersey, and to her adopted hometown of Rochester, PA, where she first began to uncover and focus the singular talent that would make her a local star, lead her to "The Mickey Mouse Club" ensemble cast (alongside Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake), and, in time, produce a stunning debut album that would climb to the very top of the charts.
"Driven: Christina Aguilera" features rare and never-before-seen video, footage and photos -- spotlighting home movies as well as footage from school talent shows, "Star Search," "The Mickey Mouse Club," local TV and cable shows, live performances (such as singing the National Anthem at the Pittsburgh Pirates season home opener), rehearsals and recording sessions -- plus new interviews with Christina's mother and stepfather, family members, school friends and classmates, fellow performers, management, producers, and talent scouts, including former Mouseketeer Nikki DeLoach, RCA Music Group chairman Bob Jamieson, superstar songwriter-producer Diane Warren, "Mulan" writer-producers Matthew Wilder and David Zippel, "Genie in a Bottle" writer-producers Steve Kipner and David Frank, RCA Records V.P. of Video Lou Robinson, and many others who were part of Christina's towering success.
Highlights of "Driven: Christina Aguilera" include:
* Christina's mother Shelly Kearns: "Mom was the first one who brought my attention to Christina's singing. I was so focused on existing, and trying to survive my marriage, that it never dawned on me that this was an extraordinarily talented little girl."
* Former Pittsburgh TV show host Larry Richert: "She was not only singing the song, but she had the moves, her body was just going with the song ... And I thought, 'There's no way this kid is nine ... This is some type of trick.' "
* Shelly Kearns: "Christina definitely used music to block out the scariness, the yelling, the fighting ... She kind of focused into it, and it was a saving thing for her."
* "The Mickey Mouse Club" casting director Matt Casella: "She pretty much kept her eye on the ball, and knew it was a job, and knew she was there to do her best."
* Shelly Kearns: "If you have a large enough talent, where people around you notice, it really kind of ticks people off, for some reason ... People started to get jealous ... Christina was so hurt."
* RCA Records senior A&R V.P. Ron Fair: "I listened to the demo tape, and there was nothing particularly remarkable about any of it -- until the song called 'Obvious.' The song made me freak out."
Viewers can go online to VH1.com and check out a photo flipbook of rare photos, scrapbooks, and exclusive video clips of "Driven" subjects in their early days plus additional features and info on all the artists included in the series. The series' next episode, "Driven: Notorious B.I.G.," premieres on August 20.
"Driven" is a production of VH1. Executive Producers, Michael Hirschorn, Shelly Tatro, Suzanne Ross; Producer, Susan Evans.
Source: VH1