Mariah Carey is leaving American Idol

Our friends at THR tell us The singer made it official on Thursday afternoon with a tweet that read, "W/ global success of “#Beautiful” (#1 in 30+ countries so far) @MariahCarey confirms world tour & says goodbye 2 Idol." The message was promptly re-tweeted by Carey's longtime PR firm, PMK-BNC.

Asked for further comment, a representative for the singer points to a "jam-packed" scheduled that includes, "putting the finishing touches on her much anticipated forthcoming album, headlining the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular and appearing in Lee Daniel's The Butler, opening in August." The film's cast also includes Oprah Winfrey, Forest Whitaker, Vanessa Redgrave, Jane Fonda, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Lenny Kravitz.

Carey will also embark on a world tour that kicks off this October in Asia.

The singer's exit from the Fox show had been much speculated. No further announcements have been made regarding Idol's future judging panel, although alum Jennifer Hudson is said to be negotiating for a seat at the season 13 table.

A statement released by production partners Fox and FremantleMedia reads, “Mariah Carey is a true global icon -- one of the most accomplished artists on the planet - and we feel extremely fortunate that she was able to bring her wisdom and experience to the American Idol contestants this season. We know she will remain an inspiration to Idol hopefuls for many seasons to come.”

 

Billboard Artist Popcaan Guyana to Jamaica to Zimbabwe!

Dancehall artiste, Popcaan, has a very busy season ahead as he prepares to debut recently shot music videos, fulfills engagements both overseas and at home, while putting in some quality time in studio on his first album project.

The artiste, who has made the Caribbean his home this year, will quite appropriately spend Christmas in Guyana where he is scheduled to perform on December 25. With many of his songs doing exceptionally well on that mainland territory, Popcaan is definitely the ‘Ravin’ King’ in Guyana, a country which holds a special place in his heart.

“The people are so friendly ….it feels just like home. The fans there have a special place in their heart for me,” he said as he pulled out his brightest smile. 

Of course, fans at home will not be left out and Papi, as he is affectionately called, is set to make a supreme performance on what is dubbed the greatest one-night reggae/dancehall show on earth – Sting. The annual December 26 treat is shaping up to be quite an occasion this year and Popcaan is good and ready. He has an arsenal of hit songs, old and current, which cater to both the girls who love to gyrate and his 'rude bwoy' fans who see Popcaan as their role model and mentor.

Known in some quarters as the Gaza Prefect, Papi has matured significantly during this year, and with his ever-expanding stature as an artiste, he defies being pigeon-holed, but reiterates that his loyalty remains unchanged. For him, Sting will not be a showdown in any shape or form, it will simply present a chance for the artiste to show his mettle and thrill his fans on a show that has the reputation of catering to patrons who are “hard to please”.

“We have the songs and we have the package and I am looking forward to performing on Sting 2012,”Popcaan declared.

Right after Sting, Papi will pack his bags and head out to Zimbabwe, where reggae legend Bob Marley and the Wailers performed in April 1980 at the official Independence Ceremony, at the invitation of the newly elected president Robert Mugabe. Many reggae acts have since performed in Zimbabwe and Popcaan has every intention of being a great musical ambassador as rings in the New Year with his first performance on African soil.

Elijah’s European ‘Do Good in Life’ Tour!

With the release of the first single from his album ‘Do Good in Life,’ Switzerland’s premiere artist, Elijah returns to his native land for a five city tour!

The artist began his tour in Saanen, Switzerland on May 27th, where Elijah entertained fans as he promoted positivity through lifestyle choices and daily meditations.  The tour continues to Winterthur where the young star opens for Alpha Blondy and Julian Marley, then on to Wildhaus, Stuttgart and Unterstrass for the FCU Soccer Night.  This event is extra special to Elijah as he used to play football for Unterstrass, and it’s where Elijah is from.  “FCU soccer night is an event at the place where I come from.  It will be right deh a me yard so I’ll be giving a showcase for my people” said the Swiss born star.  The tour goes on to include Soundcircle Festival in Hüntwangen on August 7^th and Lakesplash, Twann on September 7^th, 2011.

Preparing for his tour, Elijah was reached by phone in Jamaica where he said “I’m looking forward to this tour, and to sharing the stage with Alpha Blondy and Julian Marley.  These are two artists that I respect and admire.  I’m also looking forward to performing for my fans, and making a personal connection with them!”

Since the release of Elijah’s single some weeks ago, the song’s video, which was shot in Hanover, Jamaica and Gambia, Africa, has received over 7,000 views on YouTube, and strong support from DJ’s around the world including Germany, Italy and Canada.  The song was also featured on Inflammable Sounds May 2K11 Mixtape.

Joining Elijah on his tour are the co-producers to his debut single, Dubby Conquerors, who will act as backing band.

Learn more about Elijah!  Visit www.elijahmusic.net.  For bookings and management inquiries contact marquito@deepdivemusic.net

  

Britney Spears in Montreal with Nicki Minaj!

evenko and Live Nation are are thrilled to present Britney Spears on August 11th at Bell Centre. Pop music trendsetter Britney Spears, who has continually captivated crowds around the world with her live music events, recently confirmed special guest Nicki Minaj will join the Femme Fatale touring event of the summer.  The all female line-up includes Jessie and the Toy Boys and Nervo on every tour stop.  Spears has prepared an extraordinary show in support of the North American tour that begins on June 16th in Sacramento.  

“This is the Femme Fatale tour and I’m thrilled to have Nicki Minaj, Jessie and the Toy Boys, and Nervo join me and get everyone on the dance floor,” said Spears. “Can’t wait to take the Femme Fatales on the road.”

Spears continues to influence a generation of pop music fans with the release of her highly acclaimed, seventh studio album, Femme Fatale, which is expected to debut at #1 on tomorrow’s Billboard Album charts, marking her 6th #1 album, and continuing her reign as one of the top-selling artists of the past decade.  Spears has sold more than 67 million albums worldwide since her debut in 1999 and has generated more than 24 Top 40 Hits on the Billboard Mainstream Top 40 chart.

“Till The World Ends” is the recently released second single from Spears’ new pop epic Femme Fatale and the follow up to the smash debut single, “Hold It Against Me,” which has sold more than a million copies. “Hold It Against Me” also debuted at number one on the charts.

Do not miss Britney Spears and her special guests on August 11th at Bell Centre!
www.britneyspears.com
Twitter: @BritneySpears 

  

DUANE STEPHENSON ON TOUR IN CELEBRATION OF BLACK GOLD!

Duane Stephenson is currently on his fourth tour outing with reggae’s legendary group The Wailers.  Recent tours throughout South America and the U.S. have garnered a positive response with sold out performances for this compelling songwriter and versatile singer.  Performing songs from his September, 2010 VP Records release, BLACK GOLD as well as songs from his debut album FROM AUGUST TOWN (2007), Duane explains that he is: “meeting many fans for the first time and these fans are a bit out of the scope of the traditional reggae market, working with the Wailers, and the support has been great so far.”    

Duane’s introduction to The Wailers was through their work with the United Nations World Food Programme. He was invited to write a song “A Step for Mankind” to support the WFP.  Duane is currently working on a new song whose proceeds will benefit the World Food Programme’s largest global operation in Sudan.

In October, 2010 Duane was invited by the World Food Programme to honor of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the The George McGovern Leadership Award Ceremony as part of his work to spread the message of the need for more action in addressing the issue of world hunger.

As for the scope of his contribution as a reggae artist and humanitarian, he explains: “What I am doing is part of a larger mandate.  The more you can do to make the world a better place for everybody, it is really a pleasure to do the little bit that I am actually doing, the feeling is great.  It is something worthwhile as there are not many of these opportunities left.”

Duane Stephenson, The Wailers Uprising Tour with Tomorrow’s Bad Seeds

2/3/11    Bourbon Theatre  - Lincoln, Nebraska   show time: 10:00
2/4/11    First Avenue - Minneapolis, Minnesota  show time: 11:00
2/5/11    Blue Moose - Iowa City, Iowa  show time: 8:00
2/8/11    Majestic Theatre - Madison, Wisconsin  show time: 10:30
2/9/11    The Ark - Ann Arbor, Michigan  show time: 8:45
2/10/11   Bluebird - Bloomington, Indiana   show time: 9:00
2/11/11   The Rave at Eagles Auditorium -  Milwaukee, Wisconsin  show time: 10:00
2/12/11   House of Blues - Chicago, Illinois  show time: 10:00
2/13/11   The Kent Stage - Kent, Ohio  show time 10:00
2/16/11   Pickle Barrel Nightclub - Killington, Vermont  show time  11:00
2/16/11   Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center  - Stowe, Vermont   show time: 8:45
2/18/11   Festival Montreal En Lumiere - Montreal, Quebec   show time: 9:00
2/19/11   The Music Hall - Portsmouth, New Hampshire  show time: 8:45
2/20/11   Tarrytown Music Hall - Tarrytown, New York  show time:  7:45
4/2/11     Lake Worth Reggae Festival - Lake Worth, Florida  show time: 8:00
4/10/11   Steamboat Springs Ski Area - Steamboat Springs, Colorado show time: 3:00
5/20/11   Chesapeake Jubilee Festival, Main Stage - Chesapeake, Virginia
               show time:  7:00

Kylie Minogue - Aphrodite Tour (2011)

International Pop Star Kylie Minogue has announced North American dates for her Aphrodite – Live 2011 World Tour beginning April 28th in Montreal  (the only Canadian date) through May 22nd where Kylie will close the tour at the legendary Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.  The tour starts Feb. 19th in Denmark and will play in arenas throughout Europe & Japan before hitting Canada, U.S. and Mexico.  The Aphrodite – Live 2011 tour promises to be an absolute landmark in the career of Kylie Minogue who is renowned for her groundbreaking live shows. 

“The reaction to ‘Aphrodite’ has been absolutely incredible and has inspired me and my creative team to develop a new show that will take all of us on a euphoric journey of joy, excitement and glamour.  I can’t wait to get on the road and see all my fans in 2011,” said Kylie.

In the fall of 2009 Kylie stormed America to sell out her first ever North American tour.  The 6-city tour kicked off in Oakland and made stops in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Chicago, Toronto and New York, wowing fans and critics alike at each stop.  Entertainment Weekly called the show a “two-hour post-disco fantasia of strobe, bass, and glitter—an all-out spectacle.”  The New York Times claimed “The concert (was) efficient, clobbering, expensive, generous…close to an alternate reality”; high praise indeed and the 2011 show promises to be bigger and better in every way!  

Click here for more info on the tour! 

CHRISTOPHER MARTIN AND GENTLEMAN TO TOUR EUROPE

Jamaican music sensation Christopher Martin heads to Europe this winter for 5 solo shows and then joins European reggae star Gentleman as they embark on a multi-city European tour in November and December.

Christopher Martin and Gentleman have seen significant success in their careers as individual artiste but recently teamed up and merged their solo success and created a number one hit song called To The Top.  The video, shot in Marrakech, Morocco saw the two blending their musical styles with the captivating backdrop of the ancient city.  And this November Christopher Martin and Gentleman will further emphasize their collaborative genius on stages all over Europe.

Christopher Martin will start his tour of Europe, solo, for five shows beginning on October 30 in Mannheim, Germany. Martin then moves to Cologne, Germany on November 2, Oslo in Norway on November 5, back to Cologne on November 6 and finally in Helsinki, Finland on November 7.  The intensity of the tour will increase when Martin joins Gentleman on his Diversity tour from November 18 to December 22. This is the second leg of the tour with the fist leg, a six-week summer tour, being sold. out The upcoming tour will see Christopher Martin and Gentleman taking the stage in 9 countries for 22 shows. The two will perform in Germany, Switzerland, France, Holland, Spain, Luxemburg, Poland, Macedonia, and the Czech Republic.

Gentleman’s latest album Diversity entered the German Album Charts directly in pole position. This year MTV pays tribute to the artist and, for the first time, Gentleman is nominated in the category "Best German Artist" for the MTV European Music Awards in Madrid on November 11, 2010. 

Asked how he feels about being part of such a high profile tour, Christopher Martin says he is glad for the chance to show the world his music: “I am really happy for this opportunity, the song I did with Gentleman has really opened many doors for me and this tour will open more doors. I have never been on a tour of this magnitude, I know it will be a challenge but I am ready for it, keeping fit and getting ready to give the European fans my all.”

Christopher Martin, who has notched up numerous hits both in Europe and Jamaica, is now considered one of the new crop of stars who will carry on the legacy of Jamaican music in Europe.

Tour Announcement - Charly B-L-A-C-K - Rich Dis Year!

Tour Announcement!

Charly to the B-L-A-C-K’s ‘Rich Dis Year’ Tour!

Jamaica’s Dancehall sensation, Charly Black, is set to cover North America for 2 weeks on his highly anticipated ‘Rich Dis Year’ tour!


Organized by Niyah of Toronto’s MYC Entertainment, Charly sees performance dates in Toronto, Montreal, Brampton, Calgary, Edmonton, New Jersey, Baltimore and Virginia Beach from March 18th to March 29th, 2010.


Promoting his highly anticipated debut album, ‘Rich Dis Year,’ Charly said “It’s all about the fans on this tour. We’re going to show them a really good time; show them how to party and get ‘wet up’ while we all get ‘Rich Dis Year!’’


Charly is looking forward to meeting fans, and having his name and music be enjoyed by party goers of all walks. Performing his hit chunes like “Rich Dis Year,” “Gone Too Soon,” “Wet Up” and “Buddy Buddy,” Charly’s versatility ensures that all patrons who attend his tour will have a good time!


To arrange for an event pass-through, or to book a date as a part of the tour, contact Niyah at 416-206-9106 or e-mail niyah.myc@gmail.com

About Charly Black:


Charly Black stamped an indelible mark on the dancehall scene since his hit single “Nuff Nuff Luv” was released in 2007 on the Nuff Luv Riddim produced by Mark Bartley of Bass Odyssey Entertainment. Charly Black stormed unto the dancehall scene captivating audiences worldwide with his inimitable voice and unforgettable stage performance.


Maturing into one of the best entertainers Jamaica has produced, Charly’s level of respect and credibility put him in the international league as he’s shared the stage with Mavado, Bounty Killer, Junior Reid, Vybz Kartel, Tarrus Riley, Turbulance, Assasin, Jose Wales, Munga, Mikeylous and Dadda.


Charly Black pursues the highest musical standards and his mission is to spread authentic Jamaican reggae music, keeping the feel of the music alive through his voice.


About MYC Entertainment:


MYC Entertainment was founded by Niyah in 2006 when she staged her first Dancehall event called ‘Statement.’ Since then, Niyah has promoted some of the biggest events in Toronto, including the Serani show, Marcia Griffiths / Barrington Levy / Gregory Isaacs show, Tifa and more. MYC Entertainment has grown to include touring as a part of their product offerings for 2010.
 

Download the Exclusive Tour Music Mixxx Here!

 

Click here for more tour flyers!