Video: Stefano Langone Sings “I Need You Now” on AI

Moments after American Idol contestant performed Smokie Norful’s mournful plea, “I Need You Now”, Smokie’s name began trending on the popular social networking website Twitter.com. Until last night, many young people had never heard of Smokie or his most popular 2002 hit. Langone’s rendition of the song stirred emotions in the hearts of young people who testified their desire to find Jesus in these, their darkest days.

Below is Smokie’s live extended version of “I Need You Now”.




 

Even Keri Hilson Believes Justin Bieber Wuz Robbed

According to the NY Post’s Page Six, singer Keri Hilson is among the very few in the music industry who believe Justin Bieber wuz robbed of his Best New Artist Grammy.

The gorgeous bottle blond told Page Six, “I really did think Justin would take Best New Artist.”

As you know, the award went to gifted jazz artist Esperenza Spalding, 26 — not to 16-year-old Bieber, who was the odds on favorite to win.

Esperanza’s win sparked fury from the hard core Bieber fans who ran amok on the Internet, sending Esperenza’s name trending on Twitter and hacking her Wikipedia page.

Hilson performed at the official Grammy after-party with the Roots and kicked back with Quincy Jones at Jimmy Iovine’s party. Then she flew to NYC where she sat front row at yesterday’s Diesel Black Gold show, as part of Fashion Week. Source

Photos: Wireimage/Getty




 

Celebs Out & About: Esperanza Spalding

Grammy Best New Artist, Esperanza Spalding, was spotted at Japan’s Narita International Airport early this morning. The 26-year-old jazz bassist was mobbed by paparazzi as she made her way through the airport. Spalding became an overnight sensation when she snatched the Best New artist trophy from Justin Bieber, who was the odds on favorite.

Her surprise win over the 16-year-old teeny bopper signified an industry that has become wary of the cocky, overhyped “Baby” singer. The writing was on the wall. Rumors swirled back in January that a few female reporters were treated rudely by Justin at a press conference (I was asked not to provide details of the incident).

E’s win angered Justin’s Stans who caused a fracas online. Stans immediately attacked Esperanza’s Wikipedia page, changing her middle name from “Justin” to “quesadilla” and back to “Justin” again.

Before she boarded her flight to Japan, E flew to Hollywood, Florida (a suburb just North Miami) where she posed for a photoshot at The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Photos: Splash News and INF PHOTO




 

Justin Bieber runs into Esperanza Spalding backstage (VIDEO)

When Esperanza Spalding shocked the world by snatching away Justin Bieber’s Best New Artist award at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, it signaled a new dawn in the music industry. People are just plain tired of Justin Bieber, who is rumored to be extremely rude to adults — particularly to no name female reporters.

We all know he should have won that award last night (whether he deserved it or not), but the Grammy committee wanted to send a strong message to the cocky kid: you’re not all that!

After eating a slice of humble pie, Justin, 16, literally ran into Spalding, 26, backstage at the Staples Center near the green room where interviews were being conducted. According to MTV News, rather than be bitter, Bieber shook hands with the newly crowned Grammy winner, congratulating her on her victory.

Their meeting was very brief, but the implication was clear: anyone can snatch your crown. You’re never too big to be chopped down to size. Just ask Beyonce.




 

Photo of the Day: Cher Lloyd Meets Lil Wayne

Britain’s X-Factor finalist Cher Lloyd, 17, gained notoriety on this side of the pond when she was signed to Roc Nation label by Jay Z. Since then she has been riding a wave of hype that she hopes will wash over a skeptical Hip Hop nation. So far, no one is impressed with her… other than Jay Z and Lil Wayne.

Lloyd, who bumped into Weezy at a Miami studio last night, tweeted:
“had an amazin meet with lil wayne last night,the guys a genius! thank you @redone_official and @onefeme !!!




 

Kim Kardashian premieres her new song

Socialite and reality TV star Kim Kardashian premiered her new single over the weekend at TAO in Las Vegas. The tune, titled “Turn It Up,” was produced by Christina Milian’s ex, The Dream.

Kardashian reportedly shot the video for the song last week in a LA studio with Kanye West who makes a brief cameo in it. If you recall, there were absurd rumors floating about that Kanye and Kim were dating each other.

If Kanye is wondering why annoying newcomer Nikki Minaj’s debut album Pink Friday is outselling his latest CD by at least a few hundred thousand copies — he need look no further than the ridiculous moves he’s making musically. Clearly, Kanye doesn’t know his audience.




 

New Music: Miguel – Sure Thing

In case you missed it, here’s the music video for Miguel’s 2nd single off his debut album, All I Want Is You. “Sure Thing” was directed by Hype Williams, who directed Aaliyah’s last music video the day before she died in a plane crash.

The video for “Sure Thing” stars newcomer Brittany as Miguel’s leading lady.

According to Idolator.com, “Sure Thing” is a “highly personal song that no one was ever supposed to hear.” Bu tthe song was too good to leave off his album.

Ladies, Miguel is reading this post. Let him know what you think about the video!

Miguel is currently on tour with Usher. All I Want Is You is in stores now!