[Watch] Miley Cyrus Gives A Raw Rendition Of "Wrecking Ball" @ 2013 iHeartRadio Festival

Miley Cyrus isn't doing anything to prove those who only recently became aware of her existence via the controversial things that she does, that she isn't anything but another plastic-pop star.

At the iHeartRadio Festival, the Diva had a perfect opportunity- with the live rendition of Wrecking Ball- to at least show detractors that there was a capable voice behind the gimmicks. Instead this happened [watch the video]. Wavering melody, pushed vocals- with a terrible attempt at improv at the song's closing- and a generally unpolished delivery ensued. We've heard that Cryus can sing, but performances like these aren't doing anything to enlighten those unaware of it.

Though I think the biggest problem highlighted by this, and the We Can't Stop performance, is the grating tone of her voice. It's something which isn't so apparent on the mastered versions, but becomes almost unbearable in this live set.

So was this a case of the emotion of her recent breakup getting to her, or is that just an excuse for a poor and lazy performer not putting in the effort?

[Watch] Jessie J Covers Mariah Carey's "Emotions" @ Rock In Rio 2013

Jessie J loves a cover! So much so, that in her set for Rock In Rio 2013, the Diva shoehorned in a whole medley dedicated to other artist's material. Lucky enough to get a look in were: Fatback Band's I Found Lovin', Chaka Khan's Ain't Nobody, Mariah Carey's Emotions and Luther Vandross' Never Too Much. Of course I was most excited about one of these songs more than the others...take a wild guess which!

If I had been in the crowd, my brain would have literally exploded the second I heard the MTV-Unplugged introduction to Mariah's classic 90's hit. But being a vocal virtuoso, was Jessie able to hit the astronomic whistle notes that the song is so famous for? Well watch and find out for yoursel! (The medley start at 16:20 )

Thanks to Luiz for the heads up on this. Oh, and feel free to watch the whole set.. ;)

[Free For All Friday]

Free For All Friday time!  Today I will mostly be drinking tea and eating Milky Bar. What a rich and riveting life I lead.

If you don't know the score, here be the rules:

• Try not to get too perverted-this site still needs to basically be "safe for work".
• If somebody starts a controversial subject, try keeping it civil when dealing with it. If things get out of hand please flag the conversation.
• It would be nice if it stuck to music, but it's not a requirement! So talk about news, current events, how you're getting your hair done next time you hit the hairdresser! Whateves, really!
• No nasty comments aimed at other users.

Inappropriate hugs to all y'all and wishing you an awesome weekend!

[Listen] Charice Pempengco Covers Katy Perry's "The One That Got Away" and Sia's "Titanium" On "Chapter 10"

Did anyone else know that Charice Pempengco had released an album of cover tracks? Chapter 10 contains some of the Diva's favourite songs, re-imagined by herself and includes golden-oldies like Toni Braxton's How Could An Angel Break My Heart and Bryan Adams' (Everything I Do) I Do it For You.

Apparently the album is for the Philippine market, with her next international set of original material to be recorded some time soon. But one has to ask why this wasn't released further afield, it's just the kind of music her Glee fans would eat up. [Scratch that, just found it on Itunes....whoops.]

Some of the arrangements on Chapter 10 are a little too "Karaoke" in their production for me- think synthetic strings and drum machines- but there are gems to be found, especially when it's just Charice and a piano. My particular favourites are her take on Katy Perry's The One That Got Away and David Guetta and Sia's Titanium- which I've rather helpfully tacked on to the post!

Enjoy

[Thoughts On] Natalia Kills

Is there anyone else out there on the site who is loving Natalia Kills' sophmore album, Trouble?  I've sat on the album- figuratively speaking- for the last week, but boy was I impressed when I got around to giving it a spin.

Up until now I've always been slightly weary of the British singer-songwriter, thinking she was going to be  a case of more style than substance. This being so, I wasn't expecting much when I forced myself to give the album a chance today. However, her style of brash and bolshy, electro-pop was just what the Doctor ordered! I'm slightly smitten.

I'm even tempted to go back and take a listen to her first album Perfectionist so enjoyable was the experience, but I'm scared I'll be disappointed. Maybe you guys can help me fill in the gaps of my non-existent knowledge on the Diva and why I should worship her like a packet of Monster Munch. Personal opinion is so much more fun than Wikipdia.


Drink that Kool-Aid, peeps!