The Legend Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan King of Qwali

Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened," wrote the great Sufi mystic Jalaluddin Rumi, "Don't open the door to the study and begin reading. Instead, take down a musical instrument. Let the beauty we love be what we do."

The Sufis believe in celebrating by singing and dancing. Thus music takes the centre stage as it comes very close to meditation, as underlined by Osho. In North India, Sufi Masters like Bulle Shah, Baba Farid and Shahbaz Kalandar wrote ecstatic poetry that has become popular as Sufi and folk music today especially in the form of Qawwali.

Qawwali is a vibrant musical tradition that stretches back more than 700 years. Originally performed mainly at Sufi shrines throughout the subcontinent, it has also gained mainstream popularity. A lead singer has a group of supporters who sing along and clap with the accompaniment of other musicians. The artists and the listeners are often transported into a state of 'wajad' where they feel intoxicated with the presence of God. The late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is considered the uncrowned emperor of Qawwali.

'Mast Kalandar' the qawwali of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Kalandar is perhaps the most famous and most popular of these. Considered as 'the national anthem' for qawwalis, it is sung at every concert of Sufi music. Pakistan's the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan popularized qawwali to the West after the Sabri Brothers became renowned qawwali singers. In the 1970s, Shakila Bano Bhopali from India was perhaps the most popular female qawwali singer who toured many countries to entertain NRIs. Now Abida Parveen has joined this famous group. Now Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, a nephew of Nusrat, is becoming popular especially with 'Lagi man ki lagan'.

In India, the Wadali Brothers and Hans Raj Hans are top Sufi and qawwali singers. Another star is Zila Khan, daughter of legendary Sitar maestro, Ustad Vilayat Khan is named after Amir Khusrao's raag Zila Kaafi.

Since 1960, Bollywood films popularized qawwali since the classic 'Barsat ki Raat' 'Mughle-e-Azam' had memorable qawwalis are remembered till today. Other hits come from 'Amar, Akbar, Anthony'. More recently, 'Maqbool' had a powerful number by Daler Mehndi and this year 'Jodha Akbar' had one "Khwaja mere Khwaja" by A. R. Rehman. Among the Punjabi folk singers, Hans Raj Hans, has a number of traditional Sufi numbers to his credit, Rabbi Shergill got overnight fame for 'Bulla Ki Jaana' and Kailash Kher for 'Allah ke Bande'. Although a Punjabi Pop Singer, Hans Raj Hans, has made a name for himself as a Sufi singer as well and he is a great admirer of Osho, reading and listening to his words for inspiration, he says. All these singers are reviving qawwali with a modern touch.

Traditional qawwalis go one for one hour or more as in the case of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan that transports listeners into a trance like stage with his artistry and surrender. They succeed in touching the ones who are open to the call of the Ultimate. Sufis use music as a medium, for example in qawwali, to share the eternal message; and when it is sung with fervour, it brings one closer to the Ultimate.

Pakistani Sufi singer Shafqat Ali, says, "Sufi music is more about ibadad (prayer) of God. The whole idea of Sufi music is connecting to God through music. The lyrics of those songs are mostly poems and shayari (poetry) written to praise God and talk about his love towards mankind."

Adds Sufi singer Abeeda Parveen, "Sufiism is a practice in praise about the almighty. The music is a broader term expressing love for the beloved. The intensity of the love is indefinable."

Osho says, "Music comes closest to meditation. Music is a way towards meditation and the most beautiful way. Listening to great music you suddenly become silent -- with no effort. Falling in tune with the music you lose your ego with no effort. You become relaxed, you fall into a deep rest. You are alert, awake, and yet in a subtle way drunk." Seems Osho is talking about Sufi qawwali music.

Editor, Author, Special Correspondent, Publisher, Media Consultant, Kul Bhushan has worked for major newspapers, news agencies, a UN agency in various key positions and travelled to over 50 countries.

Music is popularly termed as "The Universal Language" which is not limited by any borders or boundaries. It is invented in various forms and played with various instruments like Guitar, Piano, Violin, Drums, Sitar, Tabla, Chello, Etc. And there are various types of music created using these instruments like, Pop, Rock, Metal, Jazz, Trance, Classical, Folk, Western, etc.

Music is used for various purposes in the Entertainment Industry, like Songs in a Movie, Background Scores in a Movie, Individual Artiste Albums, etc. Besides being a mode of entertainment, music is also used for various other purposes like, Meditation, Healing, Relaxing, etc.

Every form of music has its experts and the people who master their art of music have become Legends in their Respective Fields. These Experts and Legends became what they are because they had the Dedication and Determination to Excel in their respective field of music. To name a few, Antonio Vivaldi was one of the Biggest Names in the Field of Violin Music, in-fact he was the first to hold a series of Violin Concerts across different places with the preview of promoting the art.

Elvis Presley, the Undisputed King of Rock and Roll, he was a person who changed the music preferences of people with his Music and performances. He rose from humble circumstances to bring about a Revolution with his Charismatic Voice and Stage Presence. In the words of a Historical Marker, that stands outside the house where he was born, "Presley's Career as a Singer and Entertainer Redefined Popular Music".

Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan made the Sufi Music known to the world. He was Known as the Elvis of The East. He was one of the first artist's who gave a background score in a Hollywood movie and also did a lot of Fusion work artist's from western music world.

No Legends named above are with us anymore. Yet, they are a part of our lives through the music made by them and through the Music which they passed on to their students, who are carrying their legacy ahead, besides being Legends in their fields, they were also Great Music Teachers, who passed on their art to the students who they felt had a passion for learning. Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan is one of the living Examples of the same, who is successfully taking The Sufi Music ahead, from where his Teacher and Uncle, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan had left it.

The Beautiful Music that a musician makes is a result of the knowledge that he/she was imparted with from his/her Music Teacher. The Music Teacher is addressed by various names across the globe such as, "The Guru", "Ustad", etc, but the fact remains, irrespective however they are addressed, they are "THE VOICE BEHIND THE MUSIC" which eventually creates the impact that it does on the world.

Shafqat Amanat Ali Songs Latest Songs And Music Life

Nikhil Advani comes back with his next installment Patiala House after the failed debacle of Chandni Chowk to China. As the name suggests its a punjabi centric film which reflects in the soundtrack. Shankar Ehsaan Loy have created a different kind of music for the album thus one can expect some good numbers in the album.

The album starts of with Laungda Lashkara which is a very good track and instantly registers with you and has the makings of a chart burster. The song is sung by Jassi along with Mahalaxmi Iyer in a bhangra dance routine number included by some rap by Hard Kaur. Overall a good song and the remix of this song is also one to watch out for.

The next number Kyun Main Jaagoon is an altogether rhythm from the previous song. Its a slow song which reminds you of the title track from Kal Ho Na Ho that went well with the audience. Lyricist Anvita Dutt Guptan has penned a beautiful song and well rendered by Shafqat Amanat Ali. The song will leave a mark on the listeners and the remix version of the song doesn't fare much compared to the original.

Rola Pe Gaya is like any other regular punjabi based songs floating around and therefore hasn't much new to offer in terms of rhythm or sound.Despite Mahalakshmi Iyer, Hard Kaur, Shankar Mahadevan, Earl and Master Saleem having lended their voice the song doesn't pick up much and can be termed as a regular dance number. The remix version of the song is almost similar and doesn't fare that well too.

Again after a racy number follows a slow song Aadat Hai Voh. Vishal Dadlani has sung this number and has done a good job of it. Its entirely different from the other songs and has a rock feel to it and would definitely find many listeners and appeal to the new genre of desi rock loving fans.

Baby when You Talk To Me is a love song by the gen next singers Suraj Jagan and Alyssa Mendonsa in a western style. The song will get hitched to you on repeated listening and the remix version also carries the flavour further into the listeners heart.

Next is a group song Tumba Tumba which is a fun filled family entertainment song. Hans Raj Hans sings this song and does justice to it specially with the song being in a punjabi flavour.

The last track of the album is Aval Allah sung by Richa Sharma which is a devotional track sung well.

Patiala House music rises above ones expectations and will definitely find place in the hearts of music lovers. The first album of 2011 and has gone off to a kicking start and hope the movie fares well too.

It is a very important part of life to many people with different cultures. It is something which helps you to express your feelings of joy and grief with some outstanding words and instruments. There are so many cultures in today's world and so are the type of Music. In today's world Indian Music has really captured an outstanding market place across the globe specially Bollywood music.

There are Movie Songs, Pop Songs, Ghazals, Remix Songs, Sufiana Music, Punjabi, Hip hop and much more to be entertained with.

Bollywood has produced so many Legends in the field of Music. Great Musicians, Composers and the last but not the least the singers who has the ability to touch your soul and make you feel exactly what they want you to.

In the past there have been so many legends e.g. Kishore Kumar, Lata, Mohammad Rafi, S D burman, R D burman, S P Bala, Udit narayan, Alka yagni, and many many more great artists. Their music and songs are something out of the world.

These days also there are so many great singers and musicians in Bollywood such as A R Rehman, Sonu Nigham, Sherya, Sunhidi, Kailash Kheer, Sukhwinder Singh, Hemash Reshmiya, K.K, Asha Bosle, Shankar, and many more to be listed.

Some of them are Pakistani singers who are working for Bollywood who are really very talented e.g. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Atif Aslam, Shafqat Amanat Ali, Amanat Ali, Jawad Ahmed, Ali Zafar, Ali Azmaat (junoon) and so on the are giving some soul touching melodies to the listeners of Bollywood music.

Pop star Atif Aslam New Song And News

If there is something called instant connection, then Atif Aslam's singing typifies it--soulful yet quivering with fervent youthful energy.

Atif is the latest in the line of talented crop of Pakistani singers we have seen in recent times... Nazia Hassan (need one say much...:-)), Jahangir Hassan (remember Hawa Hawa!), Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Raahat Fateh Ali, Adnan Sami (of Lift Karaa De fame) and Strings' Faisal and Bilal (recall Dhaani?).

Continuing the trend was a young Atif. Along with his Jal band mate Goher, Atif hit the scene with Aadat. The year was 2004. A video shot in a colonial Karachi mansion became an instant craze in Pakistan topping the radio FMs in that country.

Mahesh Bhatt is attributed to giving Atif his Bollywood break. The very next year (2005) Atif crooned to chart-busting Woh Lamhe from Zeher.

Since then, his popularity shows no sign of ebbing...

Here's a look at Atif Aslam's Bollywood songs:

Tu Jaane Na (Film: Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani, 2009; Music: Pritam Chakraborty): This wonder-struck love ballad is high on mood. Youthful, soulful yet happy and so full of love, it has been an instant hit with the young ones.

Tera Honey Laga Hoon (Film: Ajab Prem Ki Gazab Kahani, 2009 Music: Pritam Chakraborty): Here's another one from Atif-Pritam team. Giving company is immensely talented Alisha Chinnoy. Cast in the young, soft rock genre, this love sonnet is vintage Atif. It suits Ranbir Kapoor to the T.

Pehle Nazar (Film: Race, 2008; Music: Pritam Chakraborty): Throbbing with sensual energy is this number from Race. The emotional urge and urgency of this song is sure to blow listeners away; small wonder it was a smashing hit.

Tere Bin (Film: Bas Ek Pal, 2006; Music: Pritam Chakraborty): Here's another cracker from the Atif stable. Young, passionate, longing and oh-so-sensuous! Well, almost hinting at lust!

Woh Lamhe (Film: Zeher, 2005; Music: Anu Malik & Roop Kumar Rathod): The song that got Atif on a long road to Bollywood fame and one that got Indians to be introduced to the youngster from across the border. Vibrant, alive, passionate, emotional, full throated; this was young Atif being introduced to Indians for the first time.

Atif Aslams Albums:

The album that got Atif started a long road to fame and destiny was 'Doorie'. It has a number of record-busting numbers such as 'Doorie', 'Kuch is Tarah' and 'Hum Kis Galli Ja Rahe Hain'. All hits and at least two that have been adapted and used as Bollywood numbers. Way to go, Atif!

Jalpari was, of course, his first solo venture and was released in 2004. The most memorable number was 'Aadat', again used in Bollywood film 'Kalyug'. Atif was then only 21! Imagine!!

His songs in his albums are striking in their expression of melancholic love and longing; a note that transforms into passionate desire in his later Bollywood numbers.

Here was a guy who is at once a young rock star with soft, romantic overtones and yet a mature lover.

Like with anybody else, skeptics abound. Many find him technically challenged (Be-sura in Hindustani) but for a man who sings from his heart, such criticism barely holds much water.

After all, who would care for correctness, when a happy heart sings? Long Live Atif Aslam's glorious imperfections!

Note: Good news for all Atif Aslam fans, you can catch this star singer live in concert on 11 February 2010 at the Hamsadhwani Theatre, New Delhi India. Book your tickets now before it is too late!!!

Well!! Many of the Pakistani people don't know about the fact that Pakistan has the largest pop industry in Asia!! Pakistan is blessed with talent and when we talk about Pakistani Music, you can never stop picking up one of the best Pakistani pop song until now because there are number of such hit songs nobody can judge the best one in past decades such as"Na tu ayegi", "Dil Dil Pakistan", "Huwa Huwa", "Mehndi ki Raat", "Na Kaho", "Dil Haray", "Ankhain Milanay Walay", "Wakt", "Neeli Neeli Ankhain", "Jaisay Chao Jeo", "Garuj Burus", "No More", "Ankhoun ki Sagar", "Na Tu Aigi", "Addat", "Bachana", "Pyar Di Ganderi", "Jazba Junoon", "Jaan Jaye" etc.

Many new talented artists in Pakistan are still working hard to bring quality Pakistani music. Nowadays some private channels are also working to promote new artists. Even our singers are also crossing the forbidden border of Pak-India to show their talent by singing fabulous songs which are enjoyed by both Pakistani and Indian people. Artists like Ali Zafar, Atif Aslam, Kamran Ahmed, Azal Band, Nouman Javaid, and many others are showing their talent in across the Paki border. Ali Zafar played his debut film "Tere Bin Laden" in India directed by Abhishek Sharma which was a glorious hit. Not only for India now our artists are playing a great role singing for Hollywood movies like Spiderman, Spanish Beauty etc. Atif Aslam recently got the chance to sing for Hollywood. His three songs featured in the film Man Puch Cart Aadat, Ehsaas & Yaqeen. Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan also sang for Hollywood.

Pakistani music industry had a big turnaround when rock bands came into scene which gave ascension to the Paki Music infact rock bands like ICU, Karavan, EP, Fuzon, Kainath, Seth, Incision, Black Warrant, Inteha, Aaroh, noori, Aks, junoon, overload, Roxen. Arsh the band, call, Jal, Josh the band, the kominas and many other played a great role in making the rock music of good quality and enjoyed a considerable success. Then came the rap style and R & B style in Pakistan by a number of singers. Nowadays we can find variety in the music of Pakistan. However, Sufi music is an important part of our music but whatever the world is doing we should go with that & if new talented singers will make this type of music for Pakistan then surely the Pakistani Music industry will be known all over the world.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan Song History

For many directors in Bollywood the film's music just might be a drop in the bucket, but it's not the same for Director Siddharth Anand. Siddharth has always given impetus to his film's music. Be it, Ta Ra Rum Pum, Salaam Namaste or Bachhna Ae Haseeno. He has his job cut out for as he doesn't have to ponder about his film's music, as he has left the job to his ace pick music duo Vishal Shekhar. We now know that Vishal-Shekhar has composed the music for all his previous three movies and now Anjaana Anjaani will roar to the beats of Vishal-Shekhar. Well, Anjaana Anjaani film's music is real deal. It has club tracks to groove to, peppy music to croon to, poignant songs which will soothe your soul and lot more. Anjaana Anjaani the film has 7 original tracks and 2 remixes.

The album kick starts with Anjaana Anjaani Ki Kahani song. Monali Thakur and debutante singer Nikhil D'souza come together to croon this club track full of zest, beats, bop, and much more. The song is akin to Ranbir Kapoor's Main Tera Dhadkan song from Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani. The song gives you a doze of the 80's retro music with classic R.D. Burman beats to it. Second to go is Hairat sung by Lucky Ali. After Bachhna Ae Haseeno, Lucky Ali has been brought back to the action as it's believed that his voice suits Ranbir Kapoor the most. So, after a hiatus Lucki Ali is back with Hairat which will take your breath away. It's a typical Lucky Ali track which will leave you bewildered. Surely there is no charm lost when it comes to Lucky Ali.

Aas Pass Khuda is crooned by the great Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. It's a comforting track which goes gentle throughout. Tumse Hi Tumse is crooned by Shekhar Ravjiani and Caralisa Monteiro which is a good track but comparatively not amongst the best in the album. Tujhe Bhula Diya song in Anjaana Anjaani is arguably the best song from the album. Sung by Mohit Chauhan, this one is a feat to the ears. Shekhar Rajvani and Shruthi Pathak have also contributed to the song. This is a stupendous song with some awe-inspiring lyrics and when someone like Mohit Chauhan croons it, it only gets better. This one is sure to stir the emotion in you. In the sultry voice of Shilpa Rao and rock solid voice of Vishal Dadlani I Feel Good song sticks to the quixotic romantic thesis of the album. This track is melodious to the core and the flow of the song goes deep and passionate as the songs progresses. This is an archetypal audio-video song i.e. it will leave an impact once the audience see it on the silver screen. And last but not the least is the title track Anjaana Anjaani, which is again crooned by Vishal Dadlani and Shilpa Rao.

Perhaps this is the most acute song in the album. This is sure to leave a mark on your mind for a long long time as this song gets better by the moment and Vishal's singing skills just got way better in this song and Shilpa Rao's sultry voice can't get any better than this On an whole this track just might jerk a tear from your eye. Apart from these the album has 2 remixes i.e. Tujhe Bhula Diya - Remix sung by Mohit Chauhan, Shekhar Ravjiani, Shruti Pathak and Aas Paas Khuda - Unplugged crooned by Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Shruti Pathak. Both these songs are just made to give the song a different look, diverse version of the original track. By and large Anjaana Anjaani music adds romantics to this anecdote. This is the idyllic music for a love story and it can't get better. Like the movie's title, there aint anything strange about Vishal Shekhar's music in Anjaana Anjaani.

"Today, like every other day, we wake up empty and frightened," wrote the great Sufi mystic Jalaluddin Rumi, "Don't open the door to the study and begin reading. Instead, take down a musical instrument. Let the beauty we love be what we do."

The Sufis believe in celebrating by singing and dancing. Thus music takes the centre stage as it comes very close to meditation, as underlined by Osho. In North India, Sufi Masters like Bulle Shah, Baba Farid and Shahbaz Kalandar wrote ecstatic poetry that has become popular as Sufi and folk music today especially in the form of Qawwali.

Qawwali is a vibrant musical tradition that stretches back more than 700 years. Originally performed mainly at Sufi shrines throughout the subcontinent, it has also gained mainstream popularity. A lead singer has a group of supporters who sing along and clap with the accompaniment of other musicians. The artists and the listeners are often transported into a state of 'wajad' where they feel intoxicated with the presence of God. The late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan is considered the uncrowned emperor of Qawwali.

'Mast Kalandar' the qawwali of Hazrat Lal Shahbaz Kalandar is perhaps the most famous and most popular of these. Considered as 'the national anthem' for qawwalis, it is sung at every concert of Sufi music. Pakistan's the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan popularized qawwali to the West after the Sabri Brothers became renowned qawwali singers. In the 1970s, Shakila Bano Bhopali from India was perhaps the most popular female qawwali singer who toured many countries to entertain NRIs. Now Abida Parveen has joined this famous group. Now Rahat Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, a nephew of Nusrat, is becoming popular especially with 'Lagi man ki lagan'.

In India, the Wadali Brothers and Hans Raj Hans are top Sufi and qawwali singers. Another star is Zila Khan, daughter of legendary Sitar maestro, Ustad Vilayat Khan is named after Amir Khusrao's raag Zila Kaafi.

Since 1960, Bollywood films popularized qawwali since the classic 'Barsat ki Raat' 'Mughle-e-Azam' had memorable qawwalis are remembered till today. Other hits come from 'Amar, Akbar, Anthony'. More recently, 'Maqbool' had a powerful number by Daler Mehndi and this year 'Jodha Akbar' had one "Khwaja mere Khwaja" by A. R. Rehman. Among the Punjabi folk singers, Hans Raj Hans, has a number of traditional Sufi numbers to his credit, Rabbi Shergill got overnight fame for 'Bulla Ki Jaana' and Kailash Kher for 'Allah ke Bande'. Although a Punjabi Pop Singer, Hans Raj Hans, has made a name for himself as a Sufi singer as well and he is a great admirer of Osho, reading and listening to his words for inspiration, he says. All these singers are reviving qawwali with a modern touch.

Traditional qawwalis go one for one hour or more as in the case of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan that transports listeners into a trance like stage with his artistry and surrender. They succeed in touching the ones who are open to the call of the Ultimate. Sufis use music as a medium, for example in qawwali, to share the eternal message; and when it is sung with fervour, it brings one closer to the Ultimate.

Pakistani Sufi singer Shafqat Ali, says, "Sufi music is more about ibadad (prayer) of God. The whole idea of Sufi music is connecting to God through music. The lyrics of those songs are mostly poems and shayari (poetry) written to praise God and talk about his love towards mankind."

Adds Sufi singer Abeeda Parveen, "Sufiism is a practice in praise about the almighty. The music is a broader term expressing love for the beloved. The intensity of the love is indefinable."

Osho says, "Music comes closest to meditation. Music is a way towards meditation and the most beautiful way. Listening to great music you suddenly become silent -- with no effort. Falling in tune with the music you lose your ego with no effort. You become relaxed, you fall into a deep rest. You are alert, awake, and yet in a subtle way drunk." Seems Osho is talking about Sufi qawwali music.

Nelly Furtado Award History

A Grammy award winning Portuguese Canadian singer and song writer Nelly Furtado tasted her first success in 2000 with her debut album Whoa, Nelly!. The album featured the single "I'm like a bird" which brought her the Grammy Award. After a short break in her career while she had a baby girl 'Nevis', Furtado returned to fame with the release of 'Loose' in 2006. The album included the hit singles "promiscuous", "Maneater", "Say It Right", and "All Good Things (Come to an End)". Her second album in 2003 "Folklore" did not gain a lot of popularity while in 2007 Nelly released her first Spanish Language album.

Furtado listened heavily to mainstream R&B, hip hop, alternate rock, New Wave, alternative hip hop, trip hop and world music since her teenage. She has been influenced by stars like Jeff Buckley, Caetano Veloso, Amalia Rodrigues, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Cornershop and many others. Furtado's multicultural music has also been inspired by the city of her current residence, Toronto, which is aptly the most multicultural city in the world. She grew up in Canada and experienced the wide diversity of Toronto's cultural diversity. This exposure helped Nelly to experiment with new genres of music.

Furtado's comment about the varied taste on a Rolling Stone issue in 2006 says-
"I always know there's a new genre left to discover. For me, it's like a metaphor for life. I feel like if you can get down with any style of music, you can get down with any style of person. So it's fun for me--I get to expose my fans to different vibes and they, in turn, open their minds too. I'm always undergoing mind-opening."

Furtado has an insatiable desire for wide- ranging music and curiosity in different cultures. She is known for experimenting with various sounds, instruments, languages, genres and vocal styles. Nelly holds a record of selling over 12 million albums till date. Her songs enjoy the highest rankings in the U.S. Billboard 200 (U.S.), Canada (CAN), Mexico (MEX), United Kingdom (UK) and at many other countries. The biggest worlds music markets have sold million copies of her albums including Germany (GER), Netherlands (NET), Ireland (IRE), Switzerland (SWI), Poland (POL) and Australia (AUS).

Furtado's regularly released singles have enjoyed highest chart positions in the United World Chart (UWC), U.S. Billboard Hot 100 (U.S. Hot 100), Pop 100 (U.S. Pop 100), HOT Dance Club Play (U.S. Dance) and many other successful music markets throughout the world.

Her acting career started in middle school while she participated in school plays. She appeared as Ava Brandt, as a master- thief and victim of domestic abuse on the episodes of "Some Buried Bones" on CSI: NY. Her two songs "Maneater" and "All Good Things (Come to an End)" were also featured in the episode.

Nelly has a whole bunch of Awards and nominations under her belt. She is a winner of Radio Music Awards in the category 'Most Requested Song', "Turn off the Light". In the Billboard Music Video Awards "she won awards for the "Best Pop New Artist Clip". IN the Juno Awards her list of winnings include categories from " Best New Solo Artist", "Best Single", "Best Songwriter", "Best Pop Album" and various others. Furtado has a lond list of songs that have been included in the chart topping lists.

By now everybody has listened her new album "Loose". The album was named partly after the TCL band she admires for "taking back their sexuality, showing they were complete women". It became the most successful album of Nelly's career, reaching number one in several counties.

The release in June 2006 was also followed by a series of statements issued by the "Promiscuous" star. The real statement that got the press fired up was the one referring to her newly discovered bisexuality.

The "Maneater" singer revealed in an interview with a gay magazine: "I'm reading a book about Chinese medicine which claims all people are inherently bisexual to balance their energies. It makes so much sense. As humans we have both male and female energies."

Furthermore the singer added that she believes Kurt Cobain's statement that "in the end, everyone is gay".

This is partly true. Studies show that men with a high sex drive have a more targeted kind of sexual arousal while women with a high sexual drive tend to desire both sexes.

This being said I wouldn't argue that the artist is wrong. But clearly she does not have the best reasoning for her belief. In my opinion it would seem more plausible if she would have said she's a woman who loves having sex and suddenly discovered she enjoys the company of women without saying this is something she read in a book which claims all people are inherently bisexual. So because she read some book now she's a bisexual.

The debate is whether Nelly is dabbling about bisexual chic which in turn is used for advertising or it is all about advertising and her statements are made due to a marketing strategy.

Bisexual chic is a trend that now conquers more and more people. As a pure example of bisexual chic is Madonna who was seen kissing another girl in her music video "Justify my love" and the scene that made people go crazy at the MTV music awards in 2003 when Madonna kissed Britney Spears and then Christina Aguilera.

The thing is sex sells. And girl kissing girl sells even more! Let's not forget the success the girls from TATU had. TATU's lyrics and videos allude to relationship between the two of them and the girls promote it during interviews. The Daily Mail (London) wrote: "Tatu degrades marketing and music at the same time."

Mary J Blige Song History

It's the only one named Mary J Blige the great American singer and rapper. She has recorded 8 multi-

platinum albums. She received "World Music Legends Award". Mary has sold 50 million albums and 15 

million singles till 2010. Her second last album was "Growing Pains" released in 2007. Its the most .

favorite on my side than the rest of her albums.

The queen of hip hop Mary J Bilge has announced her tour for UK in November 2010. At O2 Arena, LG 

Arena and at MEN Arena she will perform on Nov 02, 03, 05. What's the 411? Was her first album and 

Stronger with Each Tear is her last completed one. Now these days she is on her 10th album named 

"LuvHer". She will perform in UK at Arena place a mixture of her some old and new hits. Currently in she 

is on Music Saved My Life Tour. "Love No Limit", "Don't' Go", "You Are My Everything" and I Never 

Wanna Live without You" her best hits. Her each album produce a huge impact on her listeners and the 

amount or her fans just go on increasing from the first one.

The most of her albums which one I found best is just "Growing Pains". In that album the single "Just 

Fine" is the only sigle which released in multiple formats. It stayed on 22 position at US singles chart. 

"Hurt Down " is third single of album and "Stay Down" is 4rth. At the beginning it was decide that "Stay 

Down" is 3rd song of the album officially. But at last minute "Hurt Down" took the place of it.

These are the words by Mary J Blige for this album "The album represents who and what I am right now. 

I'm a stronger human being after all the growing pains. It's about life, love, change, strength-mostly really 

knowing who you are and being confident in that".

Chantal Kreviazuk Best Song Ever

Barring a geographical recreation of Pangaea, those of you who travel to far away destinations likely choose to fly. This may be the quickest route of travel, but it can also be one of the most boring: the in-flight magazines are lousy reading, the alcoholic beverages are costly, and passengers in adjoining seats typically don't want to converse, fearing that they will say the wrong thing and be asked to leave. For all these reasons, the avid travelers among you may often pass the time listening to music. The following is a list of some of the best songs for flying the friendly skies.

Leaving on a Jet Plane by Chantal Kreviazuk- One of the best flying songs of all time, Leaving on a Jet Plane tells the world that your bags are packed and you are ready to go. While this song is covered by several artists, Kreviazuk gets the nod because of the uniqueness and beauty of her version. Plus, including a John Denver version on a list about flying is just flat out bad karma.

Rocket Man by Elton John - So you might not be in an actual rocket, but with a little imagination, and a Bloody Mary or two, you can easily pretend. Elton John's Rocket Man is among his greatest hits, a song that really captures his caliber of talent; no matter how many time you listen, it's gonna be a long, long time until it gets old.

High Enough by Damn Yankees - Ah, High enough. Something everyone who flies hopes to be. This song is arguably the best one the Damn Yankees ever released. It couples remnants from the "Monster Ballad" era with a bit of good old fashioned love song. Oh yes, it's damn good.

Heavin' on a Jet Plane by Bob Rivers - A man known for musical parodies, Bob Rivers' Heaving on a Jet Plane is a song that brilliantly captures the discomfort of flying. This song is particularly suitable for people who get motion sickness or ingest airline food.

Major Tom by Peter Schilling - When the Earth's below you and you're drifting, falling (don't worry, the landing gear is down) there is no better song than Major Tom. Also known as Coming Home, this is a great song to listen to on a return trip. 4, 3, 2, 1......

Time for Me to Flyby REO Speedwagon - Even a wagon full of speed isn't fast enough for this band; they know when they need to take a plane. Time for me to Fly is a song that is fun on land, but makes even more sense in the air.

High on You by Survivor - The band that brought you the theme songs to The Karate Kid and Rocky, can also bring you a theme song to Your Flight. High on You might be talking about a different kind of high, but the song is so great that you probably won't mind. Listening to a song by a band named Survivor may be particularly good for those afraid of flying.

Higher and Higher by Jackie Wilson - A song that spent 12 weeks on Billboard's Top 40, Higher and Higher is a good, old fashioned fun song. Sung by a member of the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame, listening to Jackie Wilson's songs are sure to take you higher and higher, at least up to 30,000 feet.

Including any of the above songs on your MP3 player, your IPOD, or - for those of you still living in 1989 - your mixed tape, is sure to make the trip a little quicker and a little more entertaining. If these songs aren't available, then just include any song by Jet.

Brittany Murphy Live Performance

The Brittany Spaniel is a medium sized dog generally used for hunting or companionship. This dog weighs between 30 and 40 pounds, and will range up to 20 inches at the shoulder. There is only a slight difference between the sexes. The dog has long legs and is agile and strong. The coat of the Brittany Spaniel is either liver and white or orange and white. If the tail is docked, it is left at 4 inches. The Brittany Spaniel will live for 10 to 12 years. This dog is also referred to as the Brittany, American Brittany, and Epagneul Breton.

History: The Brittany Spaniel originated in the French province of Brittany perhaps 1800 years ago. The Brittany Spaniel has been depicted in European art for over 300 years. It is believed that the Brittany arose from breeding between a local orange and white dog and an unknown hunting dog. It is also possible that this dog was crossed with English hunting dogs at the beginning of the 20th century, and that this augmented the hunting skills of the Brittany. It is also believed that the Brittany is closely related to the Welsh Springer Spaniel.

Temperament: As is usual with hunting dogs, which have evolved interacting with humans, the Brittany Spaniel is an even tempered dog known for having a sweet disposition. It is very sensitive to corrections and requires calm, thoughtful training to bring out the best in this dog. It is intelligent and not hard to teach as this dog wants to please its owner. The Brittany is very good around children and can be socialized to respond well to other household pets. This breed can be shy if not properly socialized.

Health Issues: The Brittany Spaniel is generally a healthy dog, but can be subject to a few problems. The largest problem is hip dysplasia. Another health issue is epilepsy. The Brittany Springer Spaniel can also suffer from progressive retinal atrophy and glaucoma.

Grooming: The Brittany Spaniel should be brushed on a regular basis to keep its coat in good condition. This dog can be bathed when necessary, or a dry shampoo can be used. As the ears are always a sensitive spot, be sure to clean them often to prevent ear infections. Since the Brittany is generally used as a hunting dog it is important to check the dog for ticks, fleas, burrs, and other plant material that may have become embedded in the coat.

Living Conditions: The Brittany Spaniel is a very active dog that requires a high level of exercise to keep it fit mentally and physically. This dog loves to participate in outdoor sports with the humans it loves. They do best if allowed to be in the home with the family. As they are active dogs inside, they do not make the best apartment dwellers, even if provided with daily exercise. Although this is a hardy dog, it is not suited to living outside in winter and must be provided with indoor.

For more information about the Brittany Spaniel including Training, Care, Puppies for sale and much more about all the different dog breeds please visit my sites below.

Michelle Branch Live Video Concert

Mark Burnett Productions (one of the most influential television producers) and INXS (one of the most influential rock bands in the world) have joined together for the first ever, ROCKSTAR competition. The very first competition ever, where an already successful band looks for a new lead singer a la reality show!

They auditioned worldwide and searched for the best male or female artists to come up with a group of 15 potentials. These 15 potentials (4 are Canadian) will sing their hearts with the hopes of landing the lead of INXS! The hopefuls will sing it out during the 13- week series, hosted by Dave Navarro (Jane's Addiction) and Brooke Burke (actress and host of E! Entertainment Television's "Wild On"). Not an easy task for anyone, but most of the contenders are seasoned performers in one form or another. I had a chance to speak with the 4 Canadian contenders (Tara Slone, J.D. Fortune, Deanna Johnston and Suzie McNeil) on the phone, before they embarked on an adventure that will in evidently change their lives forever!!

Tara (Tar- a, not Tear-a) Slone is no stranger to the auditioning process, her most recent band Joydrop (all male band with Tara as lead singer"), had placed an ad in the paper that she answered and after a few successful hits (" If I was Beautiful like you and I sometimes Wanna die"), a couple strong tours well...the rest is history.
Perhaps she has the goods to be the lead singer of INXS! She is definitely familiar with the boys club, that's for sure! Tara shares with us what the auditioning process was like?

Tara

Actually I heard about the audition from a girl who was a fan of my band Joydrop and INXS is her favourite band of all time. It would be her dream come true for her - for me. (Tara laughs and you hear some chuckles from the rest of the gang on the phone). I think it was just the amalgam of her two favourite bands.

How did you feel about that?

I sort of heard about the auditions happening in Toronto. Auditioning for the band was just not something that I contemplated and it just turned out that I was going to be away during the time of the auditions. So, she sent away a few pictures of me and one of the Joydrop videos to INXS' management and they contacted me.

That must have been a surprise to you?

Well, she asked my permission and I said, "Do your thing" and from there I didn't really think about it. Next thing I knew they called me and asked if I would be interested in stepping in and auditioning.

So, you did have to sing for them.

Oh my God, the final audition process was ....a lot.

Tara, how will landing the lead as INXS' affect your own album? Will that be put on hold?

It is ready to go and I would like to think that the music that I write is timeless, so I would like to think I could release it at anytime. I put a lot of work into my songs and it is work that I am really proud of. It isn't going anywhere.

J.D. Fortune had the worst audition of his life for INXS and share with us why this almost did not happen. No stranger to the limelight( J.D. is well known for his Elvis Impersonator show), he managed to overcome!
J.D.

I waited in line with all the other hopefuls and once I finally got inside....terrible! I started singing a song and we were both in the same key, which is always great in an audition (haha). The accompanist started playing once song and I was singing another and when I corrected him to play the song I was singing. So I assumed he would start playing the song that I was...not singing...and we ended up switching again. He ended up playing the song I was once singing. I stopped right away and said to the producer who was looking after the auditions, "Have you ever had a really bad nightmare that you just could not wake up from?" A few people laughed and someone said "thank-you" and I walked off the stage. Moments later I am out in the parking lot with my hand on the car door to leave and the same producer had come out with a contract and said, "Tomorrow you are singing for the band". I thought he was kidding me, I was literally freaking out and he contested that he was serious and that I needed to learn two INXS songs and come back tomorrow. So I went back with the intentions that I didn't really care what was going to happen, because I was going to be singing in front of INXS ( long time favourite band!) and that was going to be cool. Prior to singing I went into the bathroom and said to myself, is it important for me to be on the show or just redeem myself from yesterday? All I asked of myself is to give the best audition I could ever have and went out on stage. Once I was singing, they kept asking me to sing more and more and more, to top it all off I broke three mike stands and a camera. But, to put the icing on the cake, I walked out and Kirk Pengilly was strumming "Never tear us a part" and we did the full version of that. Now here he is!!

The two Torontonians in the competition are Tara Slone and Suzy McNeil. The girls know of each other in and around the business. So, Suzy were things a lot smoother for your audition?

Suzy McNeil

Mine, actually almost ended up not happening. Karen Bliss had recommended me to another producer who I never got to meet and he called me while I was in performing at the Windsor Casino (Suzy has been performing in an ABBA tribute band for quite some time. The producer told me of the recommended day to audition, which was separate from the "cattle call" day, but I could not do it that day, because I was flying to Arizona with the band. So I graciously thanked him and was going to hang up and he said, "No, we have to get you in." So he said to show up on the cattle call day and they would get me in. On the day of auditions, I go to the MOD CLUB and had a scheduled appointment after the auditions for 1pm, with my audition time set for noon. I went with the idea that, that was my "set" time and when I showed up, there were tons of people lined up the street! I thought-" Shit", because I did not want to walk up in front of everyone and insist to be let in, but it was the only thing I could do. So, the bouncers had no idea that I was coming and were not going to just let me in and just as I was about to leave when I recognized a guy inside. I finally found a contact and they told me I was not going to be able to sing for an hour or more. By this time I was really starting to get pissed off and told them to forget it, that I was going to have to leave due to another appointment. But, I was totally humble about it and the contact said that they would go and see what they could do. She drags me to the front of the line and bless those people's hearts that were waiting, because I felt so bad doing that. But, in the end it was good to know that they wanted to give EVERYONE a chance - just in case, which I think was really cool.

But, the next thing was the call back. They called me and said they would like to see me again and I was flying to Arizona on that day, so I totally missed the callback. Again! I felt that this was not going to happen again and I thought oh well, what can I do? So, they suggested that I fly to Boston from Arizona to audition there and I told them that I did not have the money to do that. Finally I was told to send in a video, which some people were doing anyway (including Tara)

Deanna Johnston who resides in Resada, California , but born in Kingston, Ontario still considers herself a Canadian living amongst the Americans. She has lived in America a little over six years, but she assures me she is still CANADIAN! But, living in the U.S. did not give her any advantage during the audition process, in fact she learned of the audition through a friend who had auditioned for the house band for the show.
I was very much surprised that INXS was accepting women to compete for the lead, which I thought was cool, considering it was an actually ROCK competition. Everything in LA is either R&B, Urban or Hip-Hop music, so I feel like a fish out of water in these parts. I am always either too rock, because "they" don't really know what rock is, they think Rock is Michelle Branch. (Everyone laughs on the phone).

I was thrilled to audition! I went to the Whiskey in Hollywood and I was lucky I had somebody on the inside, who I knew, so I had an appointment set up, by passing the "cattle call" thing. Deanna impressed them so much that she earned her spot on the ROCKSTAR show.

There is a shot of all the contenders together and they have done some press already together, so I asked them if they heard one another sing and the telephone line goes silent. Then everyone laughs.

Mandy Moore Lovely Song Latest

Mandy Moore has come a long way since she was a Britney-type, blonde teeny bopper. We've watched her grow through various hairstyles and various boyfriends to match, finally settling on being a natural brunette and marrying indie rocker Ryan Adams.

Her latest album, Amanda Leigh also proves she's all grown up, and she casts aside her poppy ways in favour of some twangin' country. Marital influence? Perhaps; but it sounds good on her. Her stunning voice is the first thing that catches our attention, and reminds us that her singing chops are what have helped her outlast her contemporaries.

The album features quirky duets with sweeping melodies like 'Merrimack River,' a broadway-type, lovely song (with a reprise!) that floats somewhere between a waltz and carnival music. And 'I Could Break Your Heart Any Day of the Week' is a fun 80s-inspired rock/pop single with an amusing music video.

'Song About Home' includes some 70s fluting, 'Everblue' is surprisingly subdued and heavy, while the catchy 'Love to Love Me Back' lightens the mood and is heavily countrified by slide guitars. 'Nothing Everything' sounds like a 60s soul ballad, while 'Bug' is a cross between a folksy version of the Beatles and Joni Mitchell.

Moore's 6th album could be seen as uneven and amateurish, even a little schizophrenic; but it's the variety of genre that Moore plays with (some more successfully than others) that makes it an intriguing album to listen to when in the mood for something light and pleasant.

Keeping up with different Mandy Moore hairstyles can be hard, since she loves to change her hair almost every time the season changes. She has gone from golden blonde to dark brown, from long hair down her back to a razor cut short style, and then back again. She is well known for her long, beautiful locks, but she loves to change her style frequently in order to bring out certain characteristics with each different style.

One of the most common Mandy Moore hairstyles is the short pixie cut, which she normally wears in a dark golden brown. It is easy to maintain since it can be worn in a number of different ways, depending on each individual occasion. Her hair falls just around her ears, making it easy to tuck it behind when wearing it down for a more casual look. Cute pins or clips can be use to pull back top sections for a more fun look, or it can be curled for some added sophistication. Spray gel or wax can be used to add some definition to the ends when wearing it down, for a more punk look that is both fun and flirty.

Mandy Moore is also well known for her long and beautiful hair, which she loves to wear in a number of different styles. She normally wears her hair in a more natural, un-maintained style, which makes it look both soft and gorgeous. She can use a curling iron to add some volume when her hair is down, and sometimes she likes to pull back the front of her hair to draw attention to her face and collarbone. Bangs can also be worn with the many long Mandy Moore hairstyles, and they look great straight down or swept to the side.

Mandy Moore has gone from a blonde, to brunette, back to blonde, and then brunette again. The different colors work to strengthen certain characteristics, and certain colors look better with certain styles. Mandy Moore's dark hair helps to make it look thicker than it actually is, but her wispy hairs in the front still leave it looking soft and healthy. The blonde actually helps to bring out her flawless complexion, and helps to make her glow during the summer months. There are many different Mandy Moore hairstyles that can be easily maintained, all they all work great to cover up flaws and bring out other characteristics.