POP MUSIC
- This week there was a new number one single, the group Cover Drive topped the charts with their song, ‘Twilight’. ZT is a fan of pop-stars-wearing-their-own-merch, but likes pop-stars-playing-their-own-songs even more, so was pleased to see that happening via the medium of product placement in their video. (link). They have let themselves down with a lack of attention to detail though, as their track is numbered as ’2 of 2′ and seems to be lagging 46 seconds behind the video. ZT wonders which other song is on the in-car stereo. It’s probably Bloody Adele. (link)
- Ed Sheeran climbed back to number one in the album chart. According to his wikipedia page, Sheeran played 312 gigs in 2009 because he wanted to do more than James Morrison, who once played 200 shows in one year, a feat both arbitrary and seemingly borderline innumerate. Alarmingly, Sheeran was not born until 1991. Enjoyably his wikipedia page is split between two categories: ‘non mainstream career’ and ‘+’. (link)
- More information emerged about the new chart show/revised TOTP website. Listeners will be able to view the show live, as well as watching previous live lounge performances and watching interviews. It all sounds like quite a lot of effort to be honest. Because it seems the record business is in no way clutching at straws in a desperate and unimaginative attempt to reinvigorate the singles chart without actually investing any money or effort into pop acts the new format will also mean that the act that tops the charts will also get to take home an award. So it’s nice that the act will get something out of it after paying for their video and promo. (link)
TV
- The Celebrity Big Brother final took place on Friday. Ex X-factor contestant Frankie Cocozza came second, a bit of a result for him. The series’ winner was actress/loose women panellist Denise Welch. On leaving the house Denise gave what MTV are calling a ‘trademark bra flash’ (link)
- The National Television Awards took place last week at the O2 arena. They were godawful, but a real low point occurred when Bruce Forsyth presented Jonathan Ross with a ‘Special recognition Award’. Another low was the moment Chris Moyles presented Gary Barlow with an Outstanding Contribution Award. By the time David Walliams received his Landmark Award it had all got a bit much. (link)
- The NTAs had a bit of an upset when The Only Way Is Essex did not win an award. The new series began on sunday, without Kirk, Maria or Harry. It looks like the moment may have passed but you never know.
- Dancing On Ice was on again. No-one died. (link)
SOAPS
- Coronation Street won best soap at the NTA. The NTAs being what they are (crap), this is a bit of a poisoned chalice, suggesting that Corrie is, in fact, not the best soap. (link)
FAMOUS PEOPLE DOING THINGS
- Amanda Holden had an emergency caesarian section and her life was saved by doctors. The new baby is well and Amanda is recovering after spending much of the week in intensive care. (link)
- Spice Girls threatened to reunite for the Queen’s diamond jubilee. Can already hear the shouts of ‘Girl Power’. (link)
- Demi Moore collapsed and was taken to hospital. The 911 call reporting the emergency has been released because America is really classy like that. (link)
OUTRAGE
- Twitter outrage this week focussed around the cause of a couple who were seeking to leave a contract with the gym chain LAfitness. After the couple’s story was circulated on twitter the company dropped the contract. (link)
SHIT FILMS
- Adam Sandler’s new film Jack and Jill is being advertised ahead of its UK release in February. ZT was surprised to see it’s being advertised. We’re surprised it’s being released as it really couldn’t look much more dreadful. (link)
- There’s talk that the Hangover 3 will pay its stars $15 million each. (link)
- The Oscar nominations were announced. Despite Madonna’s triumph at the Golden Globes, the Oscars snubbed her efforts in their list of nominations for Music (original song). It doesn’t look like it’s been an impressive year for film soundtracks, as only two songs are nominated. (link). NEWS JUST IN from @edknock “Madonna’s Masterpiece (in name only) is ineligible for an Oscar as it’s the second song on the end credits”
ANIMAL NEWS
- Uggie, the awesome dog in The Artist is retiring from film work. We’ll always remember the good times. (link)
