Music News
Music News
One Direction have been named the biggest British band in the world.
The 'Night Changes' hitmakers - Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne - have fought off stiff competition from artists including Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran to claim the title for the third year in a row.
Simon Cowell - who mentored them on 'The X Factor' before signing them to his Syco record label - told The Sun newspaper: "I am absolutely delighted and immensely proud that One Direction were the biggest UK act in the world in 2014.
"To accomplish this for a third year in the row is a fantastic achievement - and especially pleasing as this latest album also highlighted the band's skills as songwriters."
The heartthrobs' success is based on figures from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) whose Global Recording Artist Chart shows that they outsold all other British acts for a third consecutive year following the release of their latest album 'Four', which topped the iTunes chart in 85 different countries.
Meanwhile, the 'Story of My Life' crooners are nominated for Best British Group and Best British Video at the BRIT awards tomorrow night (25.02.15).
One Direction biggest British band in the world
One Direction have been named the biggest British band in the world.
The 'Night Changes' hitmakers - Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne - have fought off stiff competition from artists including Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran to claim the title for the third year in a row.
Simon Cowell - who mentored them on 'The X Factor' before signing them to his Syco record label - told The Sun newspaper: "I am absolutely delighted and immensely proud that One Direction were the biggest UK act in the world in 2014.
"To accomplish this for a third year in the row is a fantastic achievement - and especially pleasing as this latest album also highlighted the band's skills as songwriters."
The heartthrobs' success is based on figures from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) whose Global Recording Artist Chart shows that they outsold all other British acts for a third consecutive year following the release of their latest album 'Four', which topped the iTunes chart in 85 different countries.
Meanwhile, the 'Story of My Life' crooners are nominated for Best British Group and Best British Video at the BRIT awards tomorrow night (25.02.15).
Music News
Lorde will start recording her new album in "the next month".
The 18-year-old pop sensation has been hard at work writing songs for the follow-up to her 2013 debut album 'Pure Heroine' and is set to begin recording with her trusted producer Joel Little in the next few weeks.
He revealed: "We're gonna get in the studio again very soon. That's the plan, basically. We're just going to start writing some songs."
Elaborating on when the sessions would be taking place, he added: "Really soon. Like within the next month or so we'll be in the studio."
The 32-year-old producer - who has also worked with Ellie Goulding and Sam Smith - continued to say the LP may not fall into the same genre as the 'Royals' hitmaker's multi-platinum debut, as they are being completely open-minded about the sound.
He said: "We haven't got some planned out 'this is what it's going to sound like'... I think we're just going to start writing and when it starts to feel right, we'll know that it's right. It's pretty simple really."
And while Lorde's first record sold millions of copies around the world, Joel added neither of them are feeling any pressure to live up to the standard set by 'Pure Heroine'.
He told Australia's Triple J radio station: "You can't control what you're going to come up with on the day.
"If you think about it like that you're not going to come up with anything good. Some days you're in the studio and things don't click, you don't write anything good. And some days you're in the studio and things go great."
Lorde heading into studio in ‘the next month’
Lorde will start recording her new album in "the next month".
The 18-year-old pop sensation has been hard at work writing songs for the follow-up to her 2013 debut album 'Pure Heroine' and is set to begin recording with her trusted producer Joel Little in the next few weeks.
He revealed: "We're gonna get in the studio again very soon. That's the plan, basically. We're just going to start writing some songs."
Elaborating on when the sessions would be taking place, he added: "Really soon. Like within the next month or so we'll be in the studio."
The 32-year-old producer - who has also worked with Ellie Goulding and Sam Smith - continued to say the LP may not fall into the same genre as the 'Royals' hitmaker's multi-platinum debut, as they are being completely open-minded about the sound.
He said: "We haven't got some planned out 'this is what it's going to sound like'... I think we're just going to start writing and when it starts to feel right, we'll know that it's right. It's pretty simple really."
And while Lorde's first record sold millions of copies around the world, Joel added neither of them are feeling any pressure to live up to the standard set by 'Pure Heroine'.
He told Australia's Triple J radio station: "You can't control what you're going to come up with on the day.
"If you think about it like that you're not going to come up with anything good. Some days you're in the studio and things don't click, you don't write anything good. And some days you're in the studio and things go great."
Music News
Chris Brown feels "responsible for reviving" Drake's career.
The 25-year-old rapper has had several high-profile spats with the 'Trophies' hitmaker but doesn't want to give him any more publicity because he feels like the Canadian musician only has a career because he is always badmouthing him.
He said: "We're not getting no cheque from talking about dude.
"We're giving him all this pub [publicity]. We're us. I can't keep making these motherf***ers famous. I'm responsible for reviving a lot of careers. When I keep talking about somebody, I'm just making them hot."
The pair's long-running feud is believed to have started after Drake began dating Chris' ex-girlfriend Rihanna, leading to a physical altercation at WIP nightclub in New York in June 2012 in which eight people we injured.
As well as Chris, fellow rapper Tyga - who is rumoured to be dating 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' star Kylie Jenner - also chimed into the debate by suggesting Drake isn't a sincere artist and has changed since becoming famous, commenting just days after the 28-year-old star insulted the 'Rack City' hitmaker in his new track '6PM in New York'.
Speaking to Hot 97, he said: "This industry, like you said, is so fake.
"Half of these rappers and everybody just be weirdos. They get money and get a little clout, a little fame and then they just think they're this new person."
Chris Brown feels ‘responsible for reviving’ Drake’s career
Chris Brown feels "responsible for reviving" Drake's career.
The 25-year-old rapper has had several high-profile spats with the 'Trophies' hitmaker but doesn't want to give him any more publicity because he feels like the Canadian musician only has a career because he is always badmouthing him.
He said: "We're not getting no cheque from talking about dude.
"We're giving him all this pub [publicity]. We're us. I can't keep making these motherf***ers famous. I'm responsible for reviving a lot of careers. When I keep talking about somebody, I'm just making them hot."
The pair's long-running feud is believed to have started after Drake began dating Chris' ex-girlfriend Rihanna, leading to a physical altercation at WIP nightclub in New York in June 2012 in which eight people we injured.
As well as Chris, fellow rapper Tyga - who is rumoured to be dating 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' star Kylie Jenner - also chimed into the debate by suggesting Drake isn't a sincere artist and has changed since becoming famous, commenting just days after the 28-year-old star insulted the 'Rack City' hitmaker in his new track '6PM in New York'.
Speaking to Hot 97, he said: "This industry, like you said, is so fake.
"Half of these rappers and everybody just be weirdos. They get money and get a little clout, a little fame and then they just think they're this new person."
Music News
Pharrell Williams helps British people get out of bed in the morning.
The 41-year-old singer's track 'Happy' has been voted the top tune to start the day, closely followed by Bill Withers' 'Lovely Day' and 'Beautiful Day' by U2, while The Eagles' 'Hotel California' was found to be the best song to relax and unwind to, followed by Adele's 'Chasing Pavements' and Sam Smith's 'Stay With Me'.
The ultimate British playlist survey - which was carried out to celebrate MasterCard's 2015 BRIT Awards sponsorship - also looked at what music fans listen to on the way to and from work, when working out, getting ready for a night out, going through a break up and when they are in the mood for romance.
Shaun Springer, Head of Brand and Sponsorship, for MasterCard UK & Ireland said: "Everyone's playlist is different but it's fascinating to know the most common songs which we choose to listen to depending on our moods and motivations throughout the day. With us Brits on average listening to a full day of music each week, we are clearly a nation with eclectic tastes and a passion for music. At MasterCard we want to help our customers access the things they love, so we are hugely proud of being able to support The BRIT Awards for the 17th year."
The survey of 2000 people found the average Brit listens to around three hours and 23 minutes of music daily, or seven weeks a year, with over half claiming to need music to get through the working day - with 10 per cent of 18-24 year olds doing so to block out the sound of colleagues.
Great British playlist survey results:
Top 10 songs to listen to when you wake up:
1. Pharrell Williams - 'Happy'
2. Bill Withers - 'Lovely Day'
3. U2 - 'Beautiful Day'
4. Katrina and the Waves - 'Walking On Sunshine'
5. Ed Sheeran - 'Sing'
6. Wham! - 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go'
7. Avicii - 'Wake Me Up'
8. The Killers - 'Mr Brightside'
9. Cat Stevens - 'Morning Has Broken'
10. Katy Perry - 'Roar'
Top 10 songs to listen to on the commute into work:
1. The Beatles - 'Hey Jude'
2. Dolly Parton - '9-5'
3. AC/DC - 'Highway to Hell'
4. Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars - 'Uptown Funk'
5. The Bangles - 'Manic Monday'
6. The Jam - 'Going Underground'
7. Take That - 'Shine'
8. Michael Jackson - 'Man in the Mirror'
9. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell - 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough'
10. The Rolling Stones - 'Start Me Up'
Top 10 songs to listen to while working:
1. Taylor Swift - 'Shake It Off'
2. Coldplay - 'Viva La Vida'
3. Michael Jackson - 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough'
4. Aretha Franklin - 'Respect'
5. Lady Gaga - 'Poker Face'
6. The Killers - 'Human'
7. AC/DC - 'Thunderstruck'
8. No Doubt - 'Don't Speak'
9. The White Stripes - 'Seven Nation Army'
10. George Ezra - 'Blame it on Me'
Top 10 songs to listen to on the way home from work:
1. Queen - 'Don't Stop Me Now'
2. Fleetwood Mac - 'Go Your Own Way'
3. Snow Patrol - 'Chasing Cars'
4. Black Eyed Peas - 'Let's Get It Started'
5. Coldplay - 'Paradise'
6. Lily Allen - 'Smile'
7. Prince - 'Purple Rain'
8. Tracey Chapman - 'Fast Car'
9. Calvin Harris - 'Ready for the Weekend'
10. George Ezra - 'Budapest'
Top 10 songs to listen to at the gym:
1. Survivor - 'Eye of the Tiger'
2. Queen - 'Bohemian Rhapsody'
3. Beyoncé - 'Crazy in Love'
4. Fatboy Slim - 'Right Here, Right Now'
5. AC/DC - 'Back in Black'
6. Daft Punk - 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger'
7. Florence and the Machine - 'You've Got the Love'
8. Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj - 'Bang Bang'
9. Eric Prydz - 'Call on Me'
10. Bruno Mars - 'Locked Out of Heaven'
Top 10 songs to listen to when relaxing:
1. The Eagles - 'Hotel California'
2. Adele - 'Chasing Pavements'
3. Sam Smith - 'Stay With Me'
4. Dido - 'White Flag'
5. Oasis - 'Wonderwall'
6. John Legend - 'All of Me'
7. Beethoven - 'Symphony No. 9: ode to joy'
8. Norah Jones - 'Come Away With Me'
9. All Saints - 'Pure Shores'
10. Pink Floyd - 'Comfortably Numb'
Top 10 songs to listen to while getting ready for a night out:
1. Black Eyed Peas - 'I Gotta Feeling'
2. Queen - 'We Will Rock You'
3. Michael Jackson - 'Billie Jean'
4. Beyoncé - 'Single Ladies'
5. The B-52's - 'Love Shack'
6. Elvis Presley - 'A Little Less Conversation'
7. Whitney Houston - 'Dance with Somebody'
8. David Guetta - 'Titanium'
9. Journey - 'Don't Stop Believin'
10. Shania Twain - 'Man I Feel Like A Woman'
Top 10 songs to listen to when getting in the mood for romance:
1. Barry White - 'You're My First, My Last, My Everything'
2. James Blunt - 'You're Beautiful'
3. Marvin Gaye - 'Sexual Healing'
4. Marvin Gaye - 'Let's Get It On'
5. Lionel Richie - 'Say You, Say Me'
6. Etta James - 'I Just Want to Make Love To You'
7. Donna Summer - 'Love to Love You Baby'
8. Tom Jones - 'You Can Leave Your Hat On'
9. Daft Punk - 'Get Lucky'
10. Pharrell feat Snoop Dogg - 'Beautiful'
Top 10 songs to listen to while going through a break-up:
1. Adele - 'Someone Like You'
2. Elvis - 'You Were Always on my Mind'
3. U2 - 'With or Without You'
4. Bill Withers - 'Ain't No Sunshine (When's She's Gone)'
5. Sinead O'Connor - 'Nothing Compares 2U'
6. Marvin Gaye - 'Heard It Through the Grapevine'
7. Justin Timberlake - 'Cry Me A River'
8. Joy Division - 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'
9. Toni Braxton - 'Unbreak My Heart'
10. Kelly Clarkson - 'Because of You'
Pharrell Williams wakes Brits
Pharrell Williams helps British people get out of bed in the morning.
The 41-year-old singer's track 'Happy' has been voted the top tune to start the day, closely followed by Bill Withers' 'Lovely Day' and 'Beautiful Day' by U2, while The Eagles' 'Hotel California' was found to be the best song to relax and unwind to, followed by Adele's 'Chasing Pavements' and Sam Smith's 'Stay With Me'.
The ultimate British playlist survey - which was carried out to celebrate MasterCard's 2015 BRIT Awards sponsorship - also looked at what music fans listen to on the way to and from work, when working out, getting ready for a night out, going through a break up and when they are in the mood for romance.
Shaun Springer, Head of Brand and Sponsorship, for MasterCard UK & Ireland said: "Everyone's playlist is different but it's fascinating to know the most common songs which we choose to listen to depending on our moods and motivations throughout the day. With us Brits on average listening to a full day of music each week, we are clearly a nation with eclectic tastes and a passion for music. At MasterCard we want to help our customers access the things they love, so we are hugely proud of being able to support The BRIT Awards for the 17th year."
The survey of 2000 people found the average Brit listens to around three hours and 23 minutes of music daily, or seven weeks a year, with over half claiming to need music to get through the working day - with 10 per cent of 18-24 year olds doing so to block out the sound of colleagues.
Great British playlist survey results:
Top 10 songs to listen to when you wake up:
1. Pharrell Williams - 'Happy'
2. Bill Withers - 'Lovely Day'
3. U2 - 'Beautiful Day'
4. Katrina and the Waves - 'Walking On Sunshine'
5. Ed Sheeran - 'Sing'
6. Wham! - 'Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go'
7. Avicii - 'Wake Me Up'
8. The Killers - 'Mr Brightside'
9. Cat Stevens - 'Morning Has Broken'
10. Katy Perry - 'Roar'
Top 10 songs to listen to on the commute into work:
1. The Beatles - 'Hey Jude'
2. Dolly Parton - '9-5'
3. AC/DC - 'Highway to Hell'
4. Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars - 'Uptown Funk'
5. The Bangles - 'Manic Monday'
6. The Jam - 'Going Underground'
7. Take That - 'Shine'
8. Michael Jackson - 'Man in the Mirror'
9. Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell - 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough'
10. The Rolling Stones - 'Start Me Up'
Top 10 songs to listen to while working:
1. Taylor Swift - 'Shake It Off'
2. Coldplay - 'Viva La Vida'
3. Michael Jackson - 'Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough'
4. Aretha Franklin - 'Respect'
5. Lady Gaga - 'Poker Face'
6. The Killers - 'Human'
7. AC/DC - 'Thunderstruck'
8. No Doubt - 'Don't Speak'
9. The White Stripes - 'Seven Nation Army'
10. George Ezra - 'Blame it on Me'
Top 10 songs to listen to on the way home from work:
1. Queen - 'Don't Stop Me Now'
2. Fleetwood Mac - 'Go Your Own Way'
3. Snow Patrol - 'Chasing Cars'
4. Black Eyed Peas - 'Let's Get It Started'
5. Coldplay - 'Paradise'
6. Lily Allen - 'Smile'
7. Prince - 'Purple Rain'
8. Tracey Chapman - 'Fast Car'
9. Calvin Harris - 'Ready for the Weekend'
10. George Ezra - 'Budapest'
Top 10 songs to listen to at the gym:
1. Survivor - 'Eye of the Tiger'
2. Queen - 'Bohemian Rhapsody'
3. Beyoncé - 'Crazy in Love'
4. Fatboy Slim - 'Right Here, Right Now'
5. AC/DC - 'Back in Black'
6. Daft Punk - 'Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger'
7. Florence and the Machine - 'You've Got the Love'
8. Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj - 'Bang Bang'
9. Eric Prydz - 'Call on Me'
10. Bruno Mars - 'Locked Out of Heaven'
Top 10 songs to listen to when relaxing:
1. The Eagles - 'Hotel California'
2. Adele - 'Chasing Pavements'
3. Sam Smith - 'Stay With Me'
4. Dido - 'White Flag'
5. Oasis - 'Wonderwall'
6. John Legend - 'All of Me'
7. Beethoven - 'Symphony No. 9: ode to joy'
8. Norah Jones - 'Come Away With Me'
9. All Saints - 'Pure Shores'
10. Pink Floyd - 'Comfortably Numb'
Top 10 songs to listen to while getting ready for a night out:
1. Black Eyed Peas - 'I Gotta Feeling'
2. Queen - 'We Will Rock You'
3. Michael Jackson - 'Billie Jean'
4. Beyoncé - 'Single Ladies'
5. The B-52's - 'Love Shack'
6. Elvis Presley - 'A Little Less Conversation'
7. Whitney Houston - 'Dance with Somebody'
8. David Guetta - 'Titanium'
9. Journey - 'Don't Stop Believin'
10. Shania Twain - 'Man I Feel Like A Woman'
Top 10 songs to listen to when getting in the mood for romance:
1. Barry White - 'You're My First, My Last, My Everything'
2. James Blunt - 'You're Beautiful'
3. Marvin Gaye - 'Sexual Healing'
4. Marvin Gaye - 'Let's Get It On'
5. Lionel Richie - 'Say You, Say Me'
6. Etta James - 'I Just Want to Make Love To You'
7. Donna Summer - 'Love to Love You Baby'
8. Tom Jones - 'You Can Leave Your Hat On'
9. Daft Punk - 'Get Lucky'
10. Pharrell feat Snoop Dogg - 'Beautiful'
Top 10 songs to listen to while going through a break-up:
1. Adele - 'Someone Like You'
2. Elvis - 'You Were Always on my Mind'
3. U2 - 'With or Without You'
4. Bill Withers - 'Ain't No Sunshine (When's She's Gone)'
5. Sinead O'Connor - 'Nothing Compares 2U'
6. Marvin Gaye - 'Heard It Through the Grapevine'
7. Justin Timberlake - 'Cry Me A River'
8. Joy Division - 'Love Will Tear Us Apart'
9. Toni Braxton - 'Unbreak My Heart'
10. Kelly Clarkson - 'Because of You'
Music News
Rihanna and Kanye West's first collaborative tour date has been revealed.
The pair will play a concert together in Tallinn, Estonia, on July 25, which is believed to be the first date of the pair's rumoured world tour.
Appearing on the Live Nation website under the "international events" section, the show is advertised as being set to take place at the city's Laululava venue, with tickets due to go on sale on March 5.
Although no further details about the show are currently available, speculation about a string of joint performances was sparked in December when Rihanna auctioned off the "Kanye West Tour Experience" for her Diamond Ball charity fundraiser.
Earlier this month, Complex magazine also posted an image online purporting to be the official logo for the pair's tour.
Kanye and the 'Diamonds' singer previously toured together in 2008 when the rising-star supported the outspoken rapper and producer on his 'Glow in the Dark Tour', and have since collaborated on 'All of the Lights' and 'Run This Town' as well as the Bajan beauty's latest single, 'FourFiveSeconds'.
Meanwhile, the 37-year-old star - who has 20-month-old daughter North with wife Kim Kardashian West - recently revealed he is an executive producer on the singer's eagerly-anticipated eighth album, which has been tentatively titled 'R8'.
Speaking at the Grammy Awards, he said: "I'm executive producing Rihanna's album.
"I played her my album and I said, 'I've done a few songs with Paul McCartney', and she couldn't get past this record - she had to have it on her album."
Rihanna and Kanye West’s first collaborative tour date revealed
Rihanna and Kanye West's first collaborative tour date has been revealed.
The pair will play a concert together in Tallinn, Estonia, on July 25, which is believed to be the first date of the pair's rumoured world tour.
Appearing on the Live Nation website under the "international events" section, the show is advertised as being set to take place at the city's Laululava venue, with tickets due to go on sale on March 5.
Although no further details about the show are currently available, speculation about a string of joint performances was sparked in December when Rihanna auctioned off the "Kanye West Tour Experience" for her Diamond Ball charity fundraiser.
Earlier this month, Complex magazine also posted an image online purporting to be the official logo for the pair's tour.
Kanye and the 'Diamonds' singer previously toured together in 2008 when the rising-star supported the outspoken rapper and producer on his 'Glow in the Dark Tour', and have since collaborated on 'All of the Lights' and 'Run This Town' as well as the Bajan beauty's latest single, 'FourFiveSeconds'.
Meanwhile, the 37-year-old star - who has 20-month-old daughter North with wife Kim Kardashian West - recently revealed he is an executive producer on the singer's eagerly-anticipated eighth album, which has been tentatively titled 'R8'.
Speaking at the Grammy Awards, he said: "I'm executive producing Rihanna's album.
"I played her my album and I said, 'I've done a few songs with Paul McCartney', and she couldn't get past this record - she had to have it on her album."
Music News
Ed Sheeran will debut a new song at the BRIT Awards.
The singer-songwriter - who celebrated his 24th birthday last week - will perform at the annual ceremony at London's O2 Arena on Wednesday (25.02.15) and is set to surprise viewers by singing a brand new track.
BRITs chairman Max Lousada, who is organising the event, told The Sun newspaper: "Ed is going to give an exclusive performance of a new song at the Brits. It's going to be great.
"I want the Brits to be about exclusive performances of new material, not just a reflection of the super smashes of the past year. We're going to balance a bit of both."
The 'Thinking Out Loud' hitmaker will also be hoping to win big at the ceremony having been nominated in the British Video, British Male Solo Artist and British Single categories, as well as being up for the prestigious MasterCard British Album award for his sophomore record, 'X'.
And the red-haired singer isn't the only chart-topper scheduled to perform on the evening, with Taylor Swift, Madonna, Sam Smith, Paloma Faith, Royal Blood, George Ezra and Take That all set to take to the stage at the event, which will be presented by Ant and Dec.
Ed Sheeran to debut new song at BRIT Awards
Ed Sheeran will debut a new song at the BRIT Awards.
The singer-songwriter - who celebrated his 24th birthday last week - will perform at the annual ceremony at London's O2 Arena on Wednesday (25.02.15) and is set to surprise viewers by singing a brand new track.
BRITs chairman Max Lousada, who is organising the event, told The Sun newspaper: "Ed is going to give an exclusive performance of a new song at the Brits. It's going to be great.
"I want the Brits to be about exclusive performances of new material, not just a reflection of the super smashes of the past year. We're going to balance a bit of both."
The 'Thinking Out Loud' hitmaker will also be hoping to win big at the ceremony having been nominated in the British Video, British Male Solo Artist and British Single categories, as well as being up for the prestigious MasterCard British Album award for his sophomore record, 'X'.
And the red-haired singer isn't the only chart-topper scheduled to perform on the evening, with Taylor Swift, Madonna, Sam Smith, Paloma Faith, Royal Blood, George Ezra and Take That all set to take to the stage at the event, which will be presented by Ant and Dec.
Music News
Rihanna has secured a Prince track for her album.
The 'FourFiveSeconds' singer is still putting together her eighth studio album and has snapped up a single penned by the iconic star for the collection, which she may debut at the BRIT Awards on Wednesday (25.02.15).
An industry insider revealed: "Prince is among the most respected songwriters of all time but chooses his collaborators carefully.
"Rihanna is so chuffed he wants to work with her and is considering rushing a performance of the track into the Brits. She really wants the song to be a single."
The annual ceremony - which will take place at London's O2 Arena - will feature performances from Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran and Madonna, but the Bajan beauty is yet to confirm whether she will sing at the event, or if she will collaborate with rapper Kanye West who will also be in attendance.
The source told The Sun newspaper: "Kanye West is in London to film the Jonathan Ross show, which leaves the option of playing 'FourFiveSeconds' open, or she could do a medley. She's leaving the organisers sweating."
Another source previously said: "Brits bosses have wanted to get Rihanna for a long time, but they've been waiting for an answer.
"She has been finalising her album plans and wanted to get the Grammys out of the way before confirming a second performance."
Meanwhile, the 'Diamonds' hitmaker celebrated her 27th birthday in Los Angeles on Friday (20.02.15) with guests including Beyonce, Mick Jagger, Naomi Campbell and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Rihanna secures Prince song for album
Rihanna has secured a Prince track for her album.
The 'FourFiveSeconds' singer is still putting together her eighth studio album and has snapped up a single penned by the iconic star for the collection, which she may debut at the BRIT Awards on Wednesday (25.02.15).
An industry insider revealed: "Prince is among the most respected songwriters of all time but chooses his collaborators carefully.
"Rihanna is so chuffed he wants to work with her and is considering rushing a performance of the track into the Brits. She really wants the song to be a single."
The annual ceremony - which will take place at London's O2 Arena - will feature performances from Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran and Madonna, but the Bajan beauty is yet to confirm whether she will sing at the event, or if she will collaborate with rapper Kanye West who will also be in attendance.
The source told The Sun newspaper: "Kanye West is in London to film the Jonathan Ross show, which leaves the option of playing 'FourFiveSeconds' open, or she could do a medley. She's leaving the organisers sweating."
Another source previously said: "Brits bosses have wanted to get Rihanna for a long time, but they've been waiting for an answer.
"She has been finalising her album plans and wanted to get the Grammys out of the way before confirming a second performance."
Meanwhile, the 'Diamonds' hitmaker celebrated her 27th birthday in Los Angeles on Friday (20.02.15) with guests including Beyonce, Mick Jagger, Naomi Campbell and Leonardo DiCaprio.
Music News
Sam Smith is "trying not to go mental".
The 22-year-old singer has confessed he has worked equally hard trying to keep himself grounded as he has promoting his music since releasing his debut album 'In The Lonely Hour' last year.
The four time Grammy Award-winner said: "I've spent as much energy this past year trying not to go mental as I have plugging my record. You have to. It's like your body's trying to float away from you. And you're hanging on for dear life."
Fortunately, the 'Stay With Me' hitmaker is currently taking some time off to relax following the release of his first record, and feels no pressure to produce a follow-up album any time soon due to his debut offering's immense success.
He told The Observer newspaper: "If my first hadn't done very well I would have to be bringing out another towards the end of this year. My team would be panicking, getting me in sessions. But I'm in this beautiful situation. There is no schedule."
Sam Smith is ‘trying not to go mental’
Sam Smith is "trying not to go mental".
The 22-year-old singer has confessed he has worked equally hard trying to keep himself grounded as he has promoting his music since releasing his debut album 'In The Lonely Hour' last year.
The four time Grammy Award-winner said: "I've spent as much energy this past year trying not to go mental as I have plugging my record. You have to. It's like your body's trying to float away from you. And you're hanging on for dear life."
Fortunately, the 'Stay With Me' hitmaker is currently taking some time off to relax following the release of his first record, and feels no pressure to produce a follow-up album any time soon due to his debut offering's immense success.
He told The Observer newspaper: "If my first hadn't done very well I would have to be bringing out another towards the end of this year. My team would be panicking, getting me in sessions. But I'm in this beautiful situation. There is no schedule."