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D’Angelo will headline the Roots Picnic in 2025, marking a rare live performance for the R&b icon.

The Black Messiah singer will perform alongside The Roots during the two-day music festival, set to take place May 31st-June 1st, at The Mann in Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, Pa. For D’Angelo, it will mark his first full performance in front of an audience since 2016.

Last year, D’Angelo’s close collaborator, Raphael Saadiq, revealed that D’Angelo was working on a new album, his first since Black Messiah in 2014, so perhaps he’ll debut some new music during his set at the Roots Picnic.

Alongside D’Angelo, the 2025 Roots Picnic lineup features Lenny Kravitz, Miguel, Kaytranda, GloRilla, Pusha T, Tems, Latto, 2 Chainz, Musiq Soulchild, and more.

A ticket pre-sale for Roots Picnic begins on Tuesday, February 18th at 10:00 a.m. Et, with a public on-sale following on Friday, February 21st at 10:00 a.

Members of the entertainment industry came together to celebrate 50 years of City of Hope, 50 years of hip-hop and the 40-year career of music executive Lyor Cohen at the annual Spirit of Life Gala at the Pacific Design Center in Los Angeles Wednesday night. Sixteen artists took to the stage during a special DJ Cassidy Pass the Mic Live! segment at the sold-out event, which counted Jay Z, Diddy, Jermaine Dupri and other A-listers among its 900 guests.

City of Hope’s Music, Film and Entertainment Industry (Mfei) fundraising group raised more than $4.3 million to address racial and socioeconomic inequities in cancer treatment and prevention at the event, adding to the more than $150 million Mfei has raised over City of Hope’s 50-year history. The focus on improving cancer outcomes for communities of color is what moved Cohen, who started out managing artists at Def Jam Records before co-founding his own independent label,...

Image Source: Beth Taye

Since "Verzuz" launched in March 2020, it has hosted some of the greatest showdowns in modern music between singers, songwriters, and producers. The latest installment featured R&b legends Anthony Hamilton and Musiq Soulchild going head-to-head for the Valentine's Day special. During the battle, Kevin Ross performed a soulful rendition of "Lessons (Remix)" alongside Hamilton and guests Eric Roberson and Raheem DeVaughn. Popsugar caught up with Ross after the battle, and he describes the event as a "surreal experience."

As a Grammy-nominated R&b singer, songwriter, and producer, Ross has worked with big-name artists, such as Ari Lennox, Trey Songz, Nicki Minaj, Toni Braxton, and Jamie Foxx. Formerly signed to Motown Records, Ross made what he calls "the biggest leap of faith as a man and an artist" when he decided to leave the record label in 2018. The following year, he founded his own record label, Art...

Judging from the group of people who flocked into Hollywood's Couture lounge on Thursday night, it's clear Columbus Short has a slew of supporters. But following the release of some court documents filed on Tuesday by his now-estranged, wife Tuere Tanee Short, that claim (among other things) that he threatened to kill her, the Scandal star, 31, is geared up for what's ahead with his reputation. "To be honest with you, I'm feeling raw, focused, vulnerable and in a perfect place to write great music," he told People as he was promoting the new single, "Gave You," off his upcoming album.

Tags: MonifahR&B DivasIMDb

Watching this week’s season finale of R&B Divas felt sort of like watching The Lion King. One moment it’s all Hakuna Matata! You’re singing with your friends and loving life! And then you realize Scar has killed your dad and everything is horrible! Except Scar is in the form of Nicci Gilbert!

Let’s start with the Hakuna Matata stuff, which is alllll Monifah and Terez. We start off the episode in Monifah’s living room with Terez, who’s finally down from New York. But only we know that she brought a ring with her this time, what whaaaat. Terez suggests taking a day trip while she’s visiting, mayhaps to her hometown of Chattanooga. Mo is thrilled.

When they arrive in the Volunteer State, Terez takes her to one of her favorite places, the Tennessee Aquarium. As Mo tells the camera,...

Details from the press release... Production is underway in Atlanta on Gmc’s original World Premiere feature film In The Meantime, starring Kali Hawk, Darrin Dewitt Henson, Terri J. Vaughn, Thomas Mikal Ford, Rodney Perry, David Mann, Tamela Mann and Musiq Soulchild in his film debut. In The Meantime is directed and produced by former Tyler Perry Studios executive Roger M. Bobb and will make its world television premiere on Gmc TV in July. The screenplay is written by Nzinga Kadalie Kemp and was the grand-prize winner of the second Gmc Faith and Family Screenplay Competition presented at the American Black Film Festival in 2012. The competition’s first winning screenplay was...

New York — When record executive Mark Pitts heard "Sure Thing," a song Miguel wrote for possible inclusion on an album by Usher, Pitts felt there was something special about the young songwriter. Then he heard "Quickie," another song from Miguel, and Pitts knew he had to meet the man behind these infectious R&B jams.

"He came and performed and just had no fear. I loved him," said Pitts, president of urban music at RCA Records. "He was like Elvis. He was all over the place at the time, but it was just different. With a little tweaking, this could be special."

Instead of giving the songs to Usher, Pitts gave Miguel a recording contract. The 25-year-old kept the songs for his 2010 debut album, "All I Want Is You," and the tracks became R&B hits. "Sure Thing" was 2011's top R&B song.

Now the singer who almost fell...

According to his Wikipedia page (at the time of this writing, at least), 2 Chainz is "widely recognized as Mitt Romeny's [sic] running mate." They're running on a very specific platform: "Once Romney wins the presidential election, 2 Chainz and Romney vowed to make sure that Nicholas [sic] Cage never makes another movie as long as he lives."

Stranger things have happened. Born Tauheed Epps, the 36-year-old rapper is currently experiencing an unlikely renaissance. Though he's essentially making the same brash, Southern trap hip-hop he's made his whole career, everything else has changed. The ex-felon (Epps was convicted on cocaine charges when he was 15) is no longer rapping under the unfortunate moniker Tity Boi (the name he used while part of Playaz Circle, an Atlanta rap duo). Now he's hanging out with Kanye West and Nicki Minaj and sharing his thoughts with almost a million Twitter followers. And he just earned his first-ever certified gold record with "No Lie,...

Verse spits about his favorite topics on what he tells MTV News is his 'biggest mixtape' yet.

By Rob Markman, with reporting by Flx

Verse Simmonds

Photo: MTV News

Main Pick

Headliners: Verse Simmonds and DJ Drama

Representing: Atlanta, Georgia

Mixtape: Sex Love & Hip-Hop

Real Spit: If you couldn't tell from his Sex Tape ChroniclesVol. 1 & 2, Verse Simmons is super passionate about music and women. The singer, songwriter and sometimes rapper once again does what he does best on Sex Love & Hip-Hop.

"This mixtape right here is really important for me because it's my third mixtape coming out of the Sex Tape Chronicles mixtapes that I was putting out," Verse tells Mixtape Daily of his latest tape, which he dropped with DJ Drama in April. "I think it's my biggest mixtape. Took a little bit of time for me to put together, but it's finally perfect and I know everybody gonna love it.

The disco ball is dimming its sparkle today. Mere moments after the sad news broke that Donna Summer tragically succumbed to her battle with cancer, her celebrity friends and admirers took to Twitter and released statements to offer their respects to the legendary Queen of Disco.

Related: Queen of Disco Donna Summer Dies

Mary J. Blige: Rip Donna Summer!!!!!!!!! You were truly a game changer!!!

Ryan Seacrest: I remember sitting in the front seat of my mom's toyota while she sang Donna Summer's "she works hard for the money" songs were just classic

Alyssa Milano: I used to do interpretative dance in my living room to Donna Summer's music when I was a little girl. Rest in peace.

Niecy Nash: Rip Donna Summer #discodiva #sadtweet Whitney. Tina Marie. Vesta. Now Donna Summer. The choir in heaven has a new member. They will be singing up a beautiful storm:)

La Toya Jackson: My condolence...

Robert Glasper Experiment, "Black Radio" (Blue Note)

In between the grooves on "Black Radio," the new album from the Robert Glasper Experiment, the band allows time for a little gripe session.

"When people think of jazz musicians, they pigeonhole us, like, just `jazz musician,'" says bassist Derrick Hodge over a freestyle melodious mix.

"I don't think people know what's good and what's not good anymore," says multi-instrumentalist Casey Benjamin, while bandleader and acclaimed jazz musician Glasper chimes in: "Anything popular, even if it's wack, is like what sets the pace of music nowadays. ... Ninety-eight percent of the stuff you hear on the radio is wack."

If that's the case, then "Black Radio" is a very smart – and entertaining – response to what is ailing the music world. The title reflects an idyllic dream state: Few black radio stations would even play Glasper or the varied music he represents, even if...

American Idol shook things up by taking its auditions to the open water — or more specifically, to the U.S.S. Midway in San Diego Harbor — for a special Sunday-night episode. But there were plenty of constants, too: Producers continued the Season 11 trend of de-emphasizing joke auditions; Jennifer Lopez continued to champion the combination of poofy shorts and high heels; and Randy Jackson was there.

Let’s cut to the chase, shall we?

We kick things off with Melons McHotpants (*not her real name), who presumably was already spending time down by the docks in her ill-fitting red-and-white tube top and denim underpants,...

San Diego auditions aired late Sunday night after the Nfc Championship game.

By Adam Graham

Jane Carrey on "American Idol"

Photo: Fox

It was a late night for "American Idol" on Sunday, as the show's San Diego auditions didn't air until after the New York Giants' overtime win over the San Francisco 49ers in the Nfc Championship game. That meant "Idol" didn't start until nearly 11 p.m., and didn't wrap until just before midnight.

The show — which, in an "Idol" first, took place on an aircraft carrier, the USS Midway — introduced viewers to seven of the 53 singers who earned Golden Tickets to Hollywood Week. It also showcased a singer, Jennifer Diley, who gave season eight's Katrina "Bikini Girl" Darrell a run for her money in the skimpy-wardrobe department.

Sunday's show also featured a pair of shout-outs to Fox's yesteryear hit "In Living Color." In the opening moments, Jennifer Lopez was...

From a Run-d.M.C. classic to raps with not-so-merry sentiments, here's MTV News' nontraditional playlist.

By Rob Markman

Kanye West

Photo: Ben Hider/Getty Images

Sure, Michael Bublé and Justin Bieber are the current Christmas crown holders, but what if your yuletide tastes require a harder edge? While rappers aren't exactly known for spreading holiday cheer, hip-hop has given fans plenty of rap carols. Run-d.M.C.'s 1987 classic "Christmas in Hollis" may be the most-popular, but new-schoolers like Ludacris and Kanye West have kept rap's Xmas tradition alive.

If you've grown tired of listening to Nat King Cole's 1946 "The Christmas Song" or even Mariah Carey's more recent 1994 hit "All I Want for Christmas Is You," MTV News has compiled a 12-song playlist of rap's best Christmas-themed hits.

"Christmas in Hollis," Run-d.M.C.

No doubt the greatest rap carol ever recorded, this 1987 classic found Run and partner-in-rhyme D.

"Extra's" Aj Calloway caught up with Cedric the Entertainer, hosting the 2011 Soul Train Awards.

Check out the interview!

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Some of the top-line talent include the Legendary Award honorees Gladys Knight and Earth, Wind & Fire, plus Natalie Cole, Cee Lo Green, Common, Chrisette Michelle, Mary Mary, Marsha Ambrosius, Musiq Soulchild, Anthony Hamilton, Tamar Braxton and others!

The 2011 Soul Train Awards premiere Sunday, November 27 at 9:00 Pm on Bet and Centric.

Billboard Hot 200 is flooded with new entries this week, but Adele stays strong at No. 1 with her second studio album "21". The British singer/songwriter holds off Beastie Boys from taking the hot spot, thanks to another 155,000 in sales (up 26%).

Adam Yauch and his bandmates land at the runner-up place with their "Hot Sauce Committee Part.2" which bows around 128,000 units in its opening week. Trailing closely behind them at No. 3 is the "Now That's What I Call Music Vol. 38" compilation which has sold 14,000 copies in its first week.

Fleet Foxes occupies No. 4, and Jennifer Lopez rounds up the top 5. The rest of the chart are filled with Stevie Nicks, Sade, Musiq Soulchild, and Nikki Sixx's side project Sixx:a.M.. The only holdover of this week, beside Adele, is Mumford & Sons who are forced to fall from No. 3 to No. 9.

Elsewhere on the U.S. single chart, Adele also tops the list,...

British singer snags seventh week at #1 since the release of her album 21.

By Gil Kaufman

Adele's <i>21</i>

Photo: Columbia Records

Not a superstar cameo-packed mini-movie, nor a spot on the biggest show on TV nor a fawning media blitz are enough to knock British songbird Adele from the top of the heap. For the seventh week since its release, the singer's 21 will sit in the #1 position on the Billboard 200 albums chart, according to figures provided by Nielsen SoundScan.

Thanks to another 155,000 in sales, Adele cruised past the 1.5 million mark and held off a stampede of new faces in the top 10.

Well behind at #2 are the Beastie Boys with Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 (128,000), followed by the Now 38 collection (#3, 124,000) and the chart debut of the well-received second album from hirsute folk rockers Fleet Foxes, Helplessness Blues (#4, 91,000). Despite a high-profile slot on the "American Idol" judging panel, Jennifer Lopez's latest, Love?, didn't get much affection at retail,...

Musiq Soulchild returns with his sixth studio album "MusiqInTheMagiq" -- one of the Grammy winner's most diverse albums to date. It's no easy trick blending the old with the new, but neo-soul's golden voice has given us his best shot, and from the sound of his first two singles, "Yes," and "Anytime," his album will leave listeners amazed. Essence.Com spoke with Musiq about creating a different type of love album, pop vs. R&B, and the benefits of being true to oneself...

British singer approaching 1.4 million in sales with 21.

By Gil Kaufman

Adele's <i>21</i>

Photo: Columbia Records

For decades, British singers and bands have packed up their instruments and wellies and jetted to New York with high hopes of conquering America. Most of them have been sent back with their guitar cases between their legs, defeated by the disinterested Yankee public and intimidated by the expanse of the nation's sprawling music market.

But not Adele. The U.K. songbird has not only planted the Union Jack on these shores, she's damn near set up house in the country that has adopted her soulful tunes as their own. In a week when all but one of the top 15 albums on the Billboard 200 albums chart saw double-digit sales dips, Adele's 21 sold more than enough copies to hold on to the #1 spot yet again, despite a 19 percent drop-off from the previous week. With 124,000 units moved, according...

Dancing With The Stars! Kirstie Alley and Maxim fall, funny tweets lift spirits? [Apr. 6] Kirstie Alley has been a big player so far on season 12 of Dancing with the Stars. She and her dance partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy have been scoring well with the judges so far. On Monday, April 4th, 2011, however, the dancing duo flopped on the dance floor during their rumba to Somewhere Over the Rainbow! Kirstie Alley fell to the floor during her dance routine with Maksim! A fan favorite, Kirstie Alley found herself on the floor after Maksim apparently was unable to hold her up during a move in their routine. Each of the celebrity dance couples were to choose songs for their dances that tell a story for them. The evening turned out to be very emotional for many of the contestants. Here’s the complete list of songs performed by the dancig celebrity duos and their...

Kendra Wilkinson has revealed that she is feeling more and more "comfortable" on Dancing with the Stars. The reality star and former Playboy playmate, who performed a Rumba to 'You & Me' by Musiq Soulchild with partner Louis van Amstel during last night's live broadcast, said that she believes she could ultimately be a "dangerous" competitor. Wilkinson admitted to E Online that she was "so mad" after a malfunctioning smoke machine caused her difficulties during last night's performance - despite receiving high marks from the judges - and vowed that she will continue to improve as she holds herself to a high standard. "It should have been that [score]. You know, the last thing I want to do (more)...

Wendy Williams' foxtrot is the lowest-rated of the night.

By Kelley L. Carter

Kym Johnson and Hines Ward

Photo: ABC

Monday night's "Dancing With the Stars" was an emotional event, as the celebrities were asked to choose a song that told a story about themselves. Some songs talked about their career challenges, some called up memories of now-deceased parents and others were about relationships and the challenges that go along with romance in the pubic eye.

At the top of the judges' list were football star Hines Ward and supermodel Petra Nemcova, who both grabbed scores of 25 out of 30. Talk-show host Wendy Williams earned the lowest score of 15.

Here's how the dancers fared this week:

Williams and her partner, Tony Dovolani, told the story of Williams' dreams of having a radio career. She performed the foxtrot to "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life," and the judges thought she lacked fluidity.

Essential ViewingEssential ViewingIt's Friday and it's time to rewind by looking at the week in pictures. Have a glance at Ray J, LeBron James and Michelle Obama celebrating their birthdays. Also take a look at all the Golden Globe and Bet Honors action. To cap it off, take a peek at the Obamas hosting the first state dinner of the year...Tank, Pebbles, Musiq SoulchildTank, Perri "Pebbles" Reid and Musiq Soulchild were all on hand for the Essence Music Festival 2011 Sponsor Summit at The Red Rooster.Diahann CarrollDiahann Carroll attended the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame Committee's 20th Annual Induction Gala in Beverly, Hills.Nicki MinajNicki Minaj made her way to London this week. She's out promoting "Pink Friday."Soledad O'BrianCNN's Soledad O'Brien attended the Essence Music Festival 2011 Sponsor Summit at Red Rooster.Ray J and BrandyRay J and Brandy were all decked out to celebrate Ray J's 30th Birthday.

Fox is opening a forum for "Glee" fans to ask any kind of questions to the cast. In the first part, fans ask random questions like how can people tell if Cory Monteith is a Canadian and what their favorite fan moment is.

Lea Michele gets to answer her favorite Broadway show and she mentioned "Spring Awakening". The play is close to Michele's heart for she earned a Drama Desk Award nomination for her performance as the lead role.

Chris Colfer then recalls his high school days when he was bullied, the similar situation that his character Kurt goes through in McKinley High. Meanwhile, Amber Riley reveals what kind of songs are in her iPod and she says, "Musiq Soulchild, Lauryn Hill to Michael Buble."

Monteith is crossing finger for a Michael Jackson-themed episode. The gang indeed gets to do a number this upcoming season when they remake "Thriller" for the Super Bowl episode.

It’s that time of the year already! The 53rd annual Grammy nominations (for 2011) were announced last night and it’s safe to say that Eminem made a clean sweep popping up in 10 categories. Love the Way you Lie is up for Song and Record of the Tear while Recovery has received nominations for Album and Rap Album of the Year. Just for a quick memory jog, remember who was a big winner at last year’s Grammys? Beyonce! Other big nominees this year include Bruno Mars with seven nominations, and Jay-z, Lady Gaga and Lady Antebellum with six each. John Legend and B.o.B follow closely with five. Katy Perry, who’s performing for VH1 Divas Salute the Troops (Sunday, Dec. 5, at 9/8c), scored four nominations, including one for Album of the Year for Teenage Dream. What’s your take on the nominees this year? Did anyone get left out?...

Natalie "The Floacist" Stewart, the London-born slam champion and singer who, in 2002, graced the R&B scene as one half of Floetry, reemerges this November with her solo debut--Floetic Soul. The album, which features a bevy of veteran linguists (among them, Musiq Soulchild, Lalah Hathaway and Raheem DeVaughn), is a unique elixir of sensual lyricism and earthy soul. Stewart recently spoke with Essence.com about the personal walk she's been on these last five years, her relationship with former group-mate Marsha Ambrosius, and what fans, old and new, can expect next...

Directed by Paul Haggis of the Academy Award-winning Crash, "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" was recorded on February 1, 2010, in the same studio as the original 25 years earlier, Henson Recording Studios, formerly A&M Recording Studios. The new version of "We Are the World" features 80 performers of various musical genres. Among them are: Barbra Streisand, Jeff Bridges, Jennifer Hudson, A.R. Rahman, Harry Connick Jr, Gladys Knight, Patti Austin, Enrique Iglesias, Nick Jonas, Justin Bieber, Nicole Scherzinger, Jennifer Nettles, Celine Dion, and Fergie. Also, Miley Cyrus, Keri Hilson, Zac Brown, Akon, Brandy, Melanie Fiona, Mya, Musiq Soulchild, Katharine McPhee, Robin Thicke, Trey Songz, Faith Evans, Jimmy Jean-Louis, Vince Vaughn, Freda Payne, Josh [...]...

Director Paul Haggis and producer RedOne give a preview of the Haiti benefit single and video.

By Jocelyn Vena

Wyclef Jean, Kanye West and Jennifer Hudson recording "We Are the World — 25 for Haiti"

Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

"We Are the World — 25 for Haiti" is set to premiere on Friday night (February 12) during the opening ceremony of the Olympics in Vancouver. The song features appearances by a number of artists including Janet Jackson, Justin Bieber, Jordin Sparks, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Pink — along with some newly added artists who won't be revealed until the remake airs. But while we wait for the debut of the Haiti benefit, organized by Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones, we have a preview from the people behind the song.

"I just keep the class of the original one," producer RedOne told MTV News, explaining how "We Are the World" would differ from the club tracks...

Never in a million years would you imagine pop princess Miley Cyrus singing alongside the soulful Natalie Cole, or even American Idol (TV) judge Randy Jackson belting it out next to Couple's Retreat (2009) Vince Vaughn. But it did. It all went down Monday night, at famed producer Quincy Jones' studio in La, to benefit the earthquake in Haiti. Everyone from the Jonas Brothers to Faith Evans showed up to lend their vocals to "We Are the World" remix. 25 years ago, Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie and the late Michael Jackson rallied an insane number of famous singers, actors, and performers to lay the tracks for 'We Are the World" written by Richie and Jackson and produced by Jones. The year was 1985 -- big hair was a must have, neon colors drove the fashion industry, and in one La music studio history was made. To help stop famine in Africa,...

Usher, Celine Dion and even Vince Vaughn unite for epic recording session.

By Gil Kaufman

Stars gather for "We Are the World" remake

Photo: Getty Images

Los Angeles — The energy was electric Monday night (February 1) at Henson Studios as more than 80 of music's biggest stars gathered for a charity remake of "We Are the World" in support of Haitian earthquake relief.

"I feel like a kid in a candy store," Wyclef Jean said, speaking to the press about the idea of remaking such an iconic song, which is getting production help from RedOne and Will.I.Am. "What's bigger than a contribution is that you lend your voice," the Haitian native said earlier in the day to his peers while trying to inspire them during the session, which began around 3 p.m. and lasted well into the night.

Among the voices in the 81-member choir were Pink, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Nick Jonas,...

"The Insider" has the latest... The Who's Who of the music, movie and TV world, including everyone from Barbra Streisand to Will.i.am to Kanye West to Celine Dion, gathered together in a Los Angeles studio on Monday to re-record the inspirational song, "We Are the World" to raise money for Haiti Earthquake relief and we have the video from inside! The all-star roster also includes Snoop Dogg, Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, Nicole Richie, Justin Bieber, Earth, Wind & Fire, Lil Wayne, Julianne Hough, Gladys Knight, Wyclef Jean, Kanye West, Randy Jackson, Faith Evans, Vince Vaughn, Nicole Scherzinger of the Pussycat Dolls, Mary Mary, Musiq Soulchild, Sugarland, Mya, Josh Groban, Kid Cudi, Jeff Bridges, Usher, Natalie Cole, Jennifer Hudson, Toni Braxton, Busta Rhymes, Akon, Keri Hilson, Robin Thicke, Brandy, Harry Connick Jr., Tyrese, Trey Songz, Jordin Sparks, Rob Thomas, the Wilson sisters from Heart, Fonzworth Bentley, Tony Bennett and...

Jamie Foxx, Jeff Bridges, Vince Vaughn, Usher, Lil Wayne were also in the house.

By Gil Kaufman

Wyclef Jean, Toni Braxton and Kanye West

Photo: Kevin Mazur/ WireImage

Los Angeles — When it came time to record the 25th-anniversary remake of "We Are the World," the legendary African-famine relief benefit's co-writer and producer, Lionel Richie, said he wanted to approach the project from a modern perspective. That might explain why none of the singers from the 1985 single were in the house for Monday night's marathon sessions, which took place in the same studios where the original song was laid down.

Instead of Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Cyndi Lauper and the late Michael Jackson (whose previously recorded voice, however, will be heard on the tune), the 2010 version will be headlined by Justin Bieber, Lil Wayne, Wyclef Jean, Josh Groban and Will.I.Am. It features a newly penned hip-hop break written by the Black Eyed Peas...

'It was a beautiful moment,' Musiq Soulchild says of Celine Dion-led jam session.

By Jocelyn Vena

Musiq Soulchild

Photo: MTV News

When you get some of the music world's biggest names into one room, a sing-along is bound to happen. That's what went down when an 80-celeb-strong group gathered to re-record the 1985 charity single "We Are the World" for Haitian earthquake relief on Monday.

"I was standing there, and an artist, Melanie Fiona, she was leaning on me — literally leaning on me — and I said, 'This is "We Are the World," not "Lean on Me"!' And then Celine Dion just started going on, actually," Musiq Soulchild told MTV News of how the impromptu "Lean on Me" sing-along kicked off. "Everybody started chiming in. It was very organic and not planned at all, and I kind of, like, huddled back, like, 'What just started?' "

Fiona said she...

With the big show coming to an end, the 2010 Grammy Awards have named the year’s big winners during a fun-filled Staples Center ceremony on Sunday night (January 31).

Taking home the top prize was Taylor Swift, while other big winners included Beyonce, the Black Eyed Peas and Lady GaGa.

As actor host Jeff Bridges led viewers through the crowning of category picks, fans were also treated to dazzling performances by the likes of Lady GaGa, Beyonce and Taylor Swift.

Not to be forgotten, Carrie Underwood, Usher, Smokey Robinson, Jennifer Hudson and Celine Dion teamed up for a high-energy tribute to Michael Jackson as his young children picked up their late father’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

A complete list of 2010 Grammy Award winners is as follows:

Album of the Year

Beyoncé – I Am… Sasha Fierce

Black Eyed Peas – The E.N.D.

Lady Gaga – The Fame

Dave Matthews Band – Big Whiskey...

Beyonce took home the most hardware with six wins to her credit, but Taylor Swift took home Album of the Year for "Fearless."

Here's the list of the winners in the major categories:

Record Of The Year

"Halo," Beyonce

"I Gotta Feeling," The Black Eyed Peas

"Use Somebody," Kings of Leon

"Poker Face," Lady Gaga

"You Belong With Me," Taylor Swift

Album Of The Year

"I Am...Sasha Fierce," Beyonce

"The E.N.D.," The Black Eyed Peas

"The Fame," Lady Gaga

"Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King," Dave Matthews Band

"Fearless," Taylor Swift

Song Of The Year

"Poker Face," Lady Gaga & RedOne

"Pretty Wings," Hod David & Musze

"Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)," Thaddis Harrell, Beyonce Knowles, Terius Nash & Christopher Stewart

"Use Somebody," Caleb Followill, Jared Followill, Matthew Followill & Nathan Followill (Kings of Leon)

"You Belong With Me," Liz Rose & Taylor Swift

Best New Artist

Zac Brown Band...

Here are some of the highlights from the R&B legend's nearly 40 years in the music business.

By Neil Gladstone

Teddy Pendergrass

Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/ Getty Images

Teddy Pendergrass, the 59-year-old Philadelphia soul legend who died on January 13 from complications due to colon cancer surgery, may be best remembered for a few things: gravelly ballads delivered sweat-drenched and bare-chested, quiet-storm mainstays such as "If You Don't Know Me by Now" and "Close the Door" and a 1982 accident in his Rolls Royce that left him paralyzed from the waist down.

After that life-changing moment, he went through a gauntlet of surgeries and wrenched his way back to the recording studio (1984's Love Language) and the stage (notably a Live Aid in 1985 and later in a late-'90s production of "Your Arms Too Short to Box With God.") But he had many other memorable moments.

1950: Theodore DeReese "Teddy" Pendergrass was...

Beyonce leads the pack with 10 nominations.

By Gil Kaufman

Beyoncé

Photo: Stephen Lovekin/ Getty Images

It could be Beyoncé's year at the 52nd annual Grammy Awards in January, thanks to a field-leading 10 nominations for the singer's I Am ... Sasha Fierce album. She leads a female-heavy list of nominees that includes eight nods for Taylor Swift; six nods apiece for Maxwell, the Black Eyed Peas, and Kanye West, and five each for Jay-z and Lady Gaga.

Here's a list of nominations in some of the major categories:

Album Of The Year

Beyoncé, I Am ... Sasha Fierce

Black Eyed Peas, The E.N.D.

Lady Gaga, The Fame

Dave Matthews Band, Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King

Taylor Swift, Fearless

Record Of The Year

Beyoncé, "Halo"

Black Eyed Peas, "I Gotta Feeling"

Kings of Leon, "Use Somebody"

Lady Gaga, "Poker Face"

Taylor Swift, "You Belong With Me"

Song Of The Year...

If you're going to announce the nominees for the 52 Annual Grammy Awards, do it in song. And that's just what CBS did Dec. 2. 

The award show will be broadcast live on Jan. 31.

Here's the complete list of nominees:

Record Of The Year

"Halo," Beyonce

"I Gotta Feeling," The Black Eyed Peas

"Use Somebody," Kings of Leon

"Poker Face," Lady Gaga

"You Belong With Me," Taylor Swift

Album Of The Year

"I Am...Sasha Fierce," Beyonce

"The E.N.D.," The Black Eyed Peas

"The Fame," Lady Gaga

"Big Whiskey and the Groogrux King," Dave Matthews Band

"Fearless," Taylor Swift

Song Of The Year

"Poker Face," Lady Gaga & RedOne

"Pretty Wings," Hod David & Musze

"Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)," Thaddis Harrell, Beyonce Knowles, Terius Nash & Christopher Stewart

"Use Somebody," Caleb Followill, Jared Followill, Matthew Followill & Nathan Followill (Kings of Leon)

"You Belong With Me," Liz Rose & Taylor Swift

Best...

Taylor Swift keeps on making 2009 her year. After grabbing five kudos each from both Country Music Association Awards and American Music Awards, the 19-year-old singer was revealed on Wednesday, December 2 that she is among the leading contenders at the upcoming 52nd Annual Grammy Awards.

The country crooner got only two nominations less than Beyonce Knowles, who led the pack with 10 counts. Her nominations included Album of the Year for "Fearless", Song of the Year and Record of the Year. Both of the latest noms were for her "You Belong with Me" single. To win the mentioned three kudos, she will have to battle the R 'n' B diva as well as rising artist Lady GaGa.

Taylor Swift and Beyonce Knowles were not the only ones with multiple nominations for the Grammys. Kanye West, Black Eyed Peas and Maxwell each earned six nods, while David Guetta, Jay-z and Lady Gaga received five each,...

On a one-hour special dubbed "The Grammy Nominations Concert Live!! - Countdown to Music's Biggest Night", nominations recipients for next year's Grammy Awards have been revealed. Beyonce Knowles leads the pack with 10 nods.

Following Beyonce's domination is her junior Taylor Swift. The country music singer grabs eight nominations, four of which have her going head-to-head against Beyonce. The two female performers are up against each other in Song of the Year, Record of the Year, Album of the Year and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.

The nominees were announced on December 2 with Nick Jonas and his new band, Black Eyed Peas and Maxwell rocking the special event. George Lopez unveiled contenders for Song of the Year which include "Poker Face" by Lady GaGa, "Pretty Wings" by Maxwell and "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon in addition to "You Belong With Me" by Taylor and "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" by Beyonce.

After being absent from honoring musicians in 2008, Soul Train Music Awards comes back this year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Motown Records. Nominations for the upcoming event have been announced, revealing that Beyonce Knowles, Maxwell and Keri Hilson lead the pack with four nods each.

The three of them compete against each other in Song of the Year and Record of the Year. In addition, both Beyonce and Maxwell are also up for Album of the Year. Beyonce and Maxwell get their fourth kudos in Best Female and Male R&B/Soul Artist respectively. As for Keri, she receives her two other nominations in Best New Artist and Best Collaboration.

Other artists who are listed as nominees at the show include Kanye West, Jamie Foxx, Robin Thicke and Whitney Houston. A special honoree for Entertainer of the Year will be given to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Cable channel Centric has announced the list of nominees for their first special "Centric Presents: 2009 Soul Train Awards Show," with industry biggies Beyonce, Keri Hilson, and Maxwell leading with four nominations each.

Beyonce is competing against Chrisette Michele, Jennifer Hudson, Ledisi and the legendary Whitney Houston in the Best R&B/Soul Artist Female category, while Hilson is up against Beyonce's sister, Solange, Drake, Jazmine Sullivan, and Ryan Leslie for the Best New Artist trophy.

Maxwell is up for Best Male R&B/Soul Male against Charlie Wilson, Musiq Soulchild, Raphael Saadiq, and Robin Thicke.

The event will feature a star-studded line-up of performers, such as Toni Braxton, Erykah Badu, Ginuwine, Boyz II Men, and Brian McKnight among many others.

Furthering their recent collaboration on the song Sajna from Couples Retreat, award-winning composer Ar Rahman has joined the cast list for feature documentary Son Of A Preacherman alongside gospel favourite Kirk Franklin, American Idol Winner Ruben Studdard and producer Warryn Campbell to name a few.The film chronicles the life and times of - Grammy, Stellar and Dove winning singer, writer, producer Pj Morton whose credits include India Arie, Musiq Soulchild, Mary Mary & Monica.The documentary delves into his relationship with his Christian father Bishop ...

'He really wants to express what's going on in his life,' producer Bryan Michael Cox says.

By Shaheem Reid

Usher

Photo: Logan Fazio/ FilmMagic

Usher "damn near" lost his mama in the new song "Papers," but has he lost his touch when it comes to making classic albums? Producer, songwriter and longtime Ursh collaborator Bryan Michael Cox says if you're sleeping on his man, wake up. The upcoming Raymond vs. Raymond is going to be the album to talk about.

"I think Usher is in a place where he really wants to express what's going on in his life, as any artist would," Cox told MTV News, referring to Usher's divorce from Tameka Foster-Raymond. "All the greats did it. Marvin Gaye did Here, My Dear. All the greats express where they are personally. [Usher's] last album was that too. I think [the new album] is where we are going to see Usher as an artist.

It's hard out here for an American Idol contestant on the road with the post-show tour, especially when (unlike Kris Allen, Adam Lambert, and Allison Iraheta) he hasn't yet been signed by 19 Entertainment. But fret not for season 8 heartthrob Anoop Desai. He's got a plan to move to Los Angeles this fall, where he's hoping to get in the studio, make "music for music's sake," and turn out material that'll fit very nicely alongside such non-vocoder-reliant R&B artists as Ne-Yo, Chrisette Michele, and Musiq Soulchild. If you love Anoop (and why wouldn't you?), then pressing play below is required by law. (Gratuitous leg shots included! If you appreciate them, follow me on Twitter @EWMichaelSlezak!) More 'American Idol': Kris Allen dishes his new CD, going country Megan Joy: Still fighting for independence on the Idol tour Matt Giraud: I'm not a Justin Timberlake wannabe! Jason Castro...

Ghostface Killah has a new single called "Baby". In support of the song, he makes public its music video which features his collaborator Raheem DeVaughn. The video was shot in Harlem earlier this month.

On the day he filmed the video, Killah told MTV that he wants to make a duet with Mary J. Blige in his new album "The Wizard Of Poetry: In Emerald City". He said, "We got the ill chemistry together. I love Mary. I hope one day we could ... get together and just make an ill classic. Some Peaches & Herb. We just hop in real quick. Just one go-round, a one-off. That's just fly."

Aside from "Baby", other tracks in "Wizard Of Poetry" are yet to be revealed. Its release date also hasn't been disclosed. Words are, John Legend, Lloyd, Estelle and Musiq Soulchild will contribute to the studio project.

Ghostface Killah's "Baby" music video...

By Gigi Abrantes

Since he first dropped his debut album in 1996, Jay-z became an instant classic on the hip-hop scene. Now that he is about to drop his 11th album The Blueprint 3, MTV News takes a look back at the history of one of the greatest artists in rap history with The J to Z of Jay-z.

Last week, Jay-z joined forces with former protégés Kanye West and Rihanna for his new music video "Run This Town." It's a testament to Jigga's reach, as it featured two stars whose careers he helped nurture — something he has done time and again over his career.

21-year-old Barbados native Rihanna first brought her Caribbean flavor to the United States in 2003. She spent over a year shuttling between New York City and her home, shopping her demo, writing songs and making connections. She finally caught the ear of then-ceo of Def Jam Jay-z, who signed her on the spot.

Chrisette Michele has made public a music video in support of her single "What You Do". In the video, she is seen walking into a club only to find that her boyfriend, who is played by Pooch Hall from The CW's sitcom "The Game", flirting with another woman.

"What You Do" is a song where Chrisette teams up with Ne-Yo. It appears among new songs in her sophomore set "Epiphany" which has been in stores since May. Its music video is directed by Ray Kay and shot in Brooklyn, New York.

Chrisette Michele has completed a tour with Anthony Hamilton and Musiq Soulchild in May and June. She will next be seen opening for Maxwell during a tour to promote his latest record "BLACKsummers'night" through July 31.

In another news, Chrisette Michele's journey to stardom will be revealed on Bet's new TV series "Rising Icons". Beside her, other new artists...

By Selina Kaye

Last night I went to the Joe/Chico DeBarge album release party in New York City. Both Chico Debarge's new album Addiction and Joe's record Signature hit stores this week, and they each performed their classic hits while introducing new music to an intimate audience. It was so refreshing to hear music dedicated to women, to hear a man sing how much he appreciates and values us for who we are. For a short time we were missing that in the music game, especially considering the dearth of soul men these days. Where were the gentlemen of music? We did get a taste of it from artists like Ne-Yo and Musiq Soulchild, but it seems like those guys were few and far between. They have shown that it is cool to hold open the door for a woman again. And with Maxwell topping the charts and Ginuwine and Al B.

Chrisette Michele, the R&B/soul singer behind "Epiphany (I'm Leaving)," will be leaving with Maxwell on his comeback tour this month. She only recently finished touring with Anthony Hamilton and Musiq Soulchild. The stint comes in support of her new album "Epiphany," which arrived May 5. She also recently appeared on "The Late Show with David Letterman," "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon," and the CBS "Early Show."   "What you Do" is the next single in line for the record, and it's a hot buttered one at that. In this music video, and behind the scenes, Chrisette Michele admits that it brings her...