“It should be harder to be an artist. You shouldn’t just be able to put a song on YouTube and go out on tour,” Cyrus said to Australia’s Daily Telegraph as she prepared to hit the road in support of her new music.

And Cyrus is right. Today’s instant media turns those with limited talent into unlimited stars. (Oh, hi there, Charlie Sheen.) In the surprisingly candid interview, Cyrus also commented on lip-synching, which too many of these YouTube sensations probably have to rely on in the live setting.

“I don’t lip-sync. I would rather someone say I sang like crap than have people see me lip-sync,” she said.

Take that, Ashlee Simpson.

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HollywoodNews.com: Jane Fraser, president, The Stuttering Foundation (www.stutteringhelp.org), issued the following reaction to the Oscar awards:

“It is an eloquently golden night for people who stutter. The King’s Speech has been a godsend for the entire stuttering community.

“Tom Hooper gave us an inspirational hero, David Seidler gave us an impassioned voice, Helena Bonham Carter gave us a forceful yet supportive spouse, and Colin Firth and Geoffrey Rush portrayed the perfect relationship between therapist and patient, an alliance built upon unbreakable trust, mutual respect and lifelong friendship.

“We salute tonight’s Oscar winners, including Best Movie The King’s Speech, Best Director Tom Hooper, Best Original Screenplay David Seidler, Best Leading Actor Colin Firth, and the entire cast and crew, for their courage, grace and humanity in making this film for audiences to appreciate.

“The real winners tonight, however, are people who stutter, especially those who require the courage of a King to cope with stuttering on a daily basis.”

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By Fred Topel

HollywoodNews.com: Nick Lachey has two second chances coming up. He’s engaged again to Vanessa Minnillo, and he’s back as host of “The Sing-Off” on NBC. Lachey hosts the a cappella singing competition which runs for an entire week in December. Celebrity judges Ben Folds, Shawn Stockman and Nicole Scherzinger will lend their music experience to the contestants. Lachey discussed the second season of The Sing-Off in a conference call with the media, but couldn’t quite dodge engagement questions.

Q: First off, what is your reaction to Jessica Simpson’s engagement?

NL: Same thing I’ve always said. I wish her the very best.

Q: What took you so long to get engaged to Vanessa?

NL: All things have their appropriate time. Thank you.

Q: Have you set a date?

NL: No, no, we’re still basking in the glow of our very recent engagement, enjoying that. I’m sure we’ll get on to the planning and what not shortly but right now we’re just enjoying this experience.

Q: Is Vanessa a fan of the show?

NL: Definitely she’s a fan of the show and had a chance to come and witness firsthand the talent of these groups. I’ve never met anyone in my life who loves music as much as she does. Having worked at MTV as a VJ she was exposed to music constantly.

Q: Does she sing?

NL: She does sing but she’ll be the first to admit not so well. She is a huge fan of the show.

Q: How does it feel to be engaged again?

NL: It’s very exciting. We’re extremely happy and looking forward to everything the future brings. I’m very excited and enjoying the moment.

Q: How do you have time for your fiancé when you’re working on the show and so much other work?

NL: I think anyone who balances their professional and personal life knows you have to make time for both. No matter what your profession or personal life, it’s always a balance and fine line we all get to walk.

Q: When o you find time to work out?

NL: Honestly, for me, that’s the one thing that more than anything helps me clear my head. I tend to do my best thinking, which isn’t saying much, when I’m running. Yeah, it’s something I always find a way to work in.

Q: Do you ever want to get back on stage yourself?

NL: Well, it is a bit of a throwback for me to see these groups harmonizing on stage. It does take my back tow here I got my start with 98 Degrees and some of the a cappella work we did. If you’re a musician at all, hearing the exceptional performances does make you itch to perform. If you’re a musician, that’s human nature but it’s exciting. It’s exciting to be around music done so well.

Q: What turned you on to show last year?

NL: Obviously, my start was in music, still actively in the music business. Specifically with 98 Degrees, we took pride in doing a cappella and doing it well. Frankly that’s how we got signed, the ability to do a cappella in a room live for Motown records. For me, it was something I was passionate about.

Q: How did you end up singing a cappella for Motown? Did you plan that or did they put you on the spot?

NL: It was 100% intentional. It was nerve wracking to say the least to step into the president of Motown’s office and say go, have to perform and know what’s at stake. That’s also the very reason we did a cappella and do it well. It’s the one kind of music there’s nowhere to hide. One single member drops the ball and the whole thing comes unrailed. Boys II Men did a similar thing when they sang for Michael Bivins. There’s nowhere to hide with a cappella. You either have the talent and chops to pull it off well, and all the groups on the show down, or you don’t and it’s apparent quickly.

Q: Are you a harsh critic?

NL: Well, I’m blessed that as far as The Sing Off goes, I’m the unbiased and objective host so I don’t do any judging. You certainly know what to listen for and know when it’s done well and not done as well. Thankfully, the majority of time on The Sing Off they’ve done extraordinarily well so it’s not painful on the ears.

Q: How do you help them backstage deal with the emotions and nerves?

NL: I think it’s just encouragement. I don’t think you need to try and emphasize the importance of performing on national television. All the groups understand that. I’ve been blown away how composed and poised they are given the stakes. You’ve got to trust what got you there. You’ve got to trust your rehearsal. Trust what you did in rehearsal you’re going to do on live television. The beauty of my role is I get to support all the groups and be an encouraging voice backstage. I think as a performer, the biggest thing I try to remind them of and biggest thing I try to remind myself of when I step on stage is to have a good time. Obviously the voices matter, the music matters, the notes matter. You’ve got to trust in your preparation as far as that goes but when you step on stage, you have to remind yourself to have a good time because you want the audience to have a good time. The only way they can is if they see that joy in you.

Q: How important was the School for Creative and Performing Arts to your success?

NL: It was incredible for anyone who enjoys singing and performing, the Performing Arts school was a great opportunity to nurture those talents. It’s especially exciting for me because it seems like a cappella music has blown up. It’s not just the barbershop or classic forms of a cappella anymore. We’re seeing a cappella done in exciting ways. For me the school was a great way to get to know a cappella music, practice it and ultimately perform it.

Q: Do you wish there were more arts emphasis in schools?

NL: It was phenomenal. It’s those other tangents that make us well rounded and excited to go to school. For me it was singing and acting. For others, it was football or basketball. I don’t know if I’d be in this business had I not been exposed to that at an early age.

Q: Will you perform on The Sing Off?

NL: You’ll have to tune in and see. We had a small chance to perform a little bit last year which was fun. It wouldn’t surprise me if we see something similar to that but can’t give too much away. We want people to tune in.

Q: Do you hope this kind of melodic harmonized music comes back, since we hear so much rhythm emphasis these days?

NL: I think it is. That’s why for me it’s great to do a show with Shawn Stockman. Boys II Men were a huge influence on my group. All the groups, whether ours or Backstreet Boys or Nsync, we all took pride in doing a cappella and do it well. It’s nice to see it celebrated. There’s music for everybody. The more rhythmic music that’s become more mainstream is great but it’s also great to see melody and harmony celebrated like it is on The Sing Off. That’s why we’re back for season two.

Q: Why did you want to come back to host?

NL: I love the idea of the show, the premise of the show. A cappella was always a real passion for myself and my group. I always appreciated the art form. It’s great to see it celebrated on national television. I was passionate about it. Shawn and Ben, our judges are equally passionate about it. It’s great to be a part of something that celebrates real musicians out there, a part of a difficult style of singing. I think for me, I remember that moment when we got discovered when we got our opportunity. There are talented people across the country. It’s exciting to see people who love a cappella music get that opportunity to step out and make their dreams come true so to speak, to have the opportunity to win a competition like this and make it a career. There’s just a genuine excitement that’s contagious.

Q: Will you release any more albums?

NL: Yeah, music will always be my passion and kind of my home base. I’m actually getting back into the studio right here to start a new record. I’m now independent. Jive Records and I have decided to part ways. It’s exciting because the music business has changed so much there are a lot of new opportunities. It’s exciting for me to find a different angle and take a new perspective. I can’t imagine ever not doing this in some capacity. I’m very excited to get some new stuff together and put out a new album for everyone to hear.

Q: Are there any actual plans for a 98 Degrees reunion tour?

NL: Yeah, we remain in contact with each other constantly. We throw that idea out there every now and then. I don’t think there are any imminent plans to get back together but given the right time and opportunity I can certainly see that happening.

Q: What are your favorite romantic songs?

NL: There are obviously countless songs that fall into that category. Obviously all 98 Degree songs make the perfect weddings songs. Sade is my favorite romantic artist out there. There’s no better concert I’ve been to in terms of romance and vibe than Sade. Anything she sings, especially live, would fall into that category.

Q: Would you pick one of the a cappella groups to perform at your wedding?

NL: I haven’t gotten so far as even getting to the planning stages but yeah, I’d be honored. They’re all incredibly talented. It’s a great suggestion. They’ve all done such great work. Not a bad suggestion. I might take that one.

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Cheryl’s single ‘Promise This’ looks like it will land the top spot in the British charts this Sunday, after having already shifted 92,000 copies. The 27-year-old has scored one of the highest first week sales of the year, according to midweek positions.

Cole stormed the ‘X Factor’ stage in knee-high zebra print tights on Sunday to perform the single but the Geordie was slammed for lip synching part of the song. The ‘Fight For This Love’ singer’s former contestant on the show Joe McElderry, who she mentored to victory, looks likely to miss out on the number one spot in the album charts to King of Leon.

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Source: Splash News

HollywoodNews.com: Despite showing off her singing in ‘The Runaways,’ that may have been one of the few chances people have to see Kristen Stewart showing off her vocal prowess.

The ‘Twilight’ star reportedly never wants to do karaoke, and the few times that she has taken the chance, she’s only had a couple of lines and always ends up talking them, reports Monsters and Critics. Stewart admits that she is “so scared” of karaoke and even talking about it makes her feel a bit “embarrassed.”

So even though she is in front of tons of fans all the time and has already sung for everyone to hear, don’t expect to see her performing at a karaoke joint anytime soon.

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HollywoodNews.com: ‘Glee’ is no longer going to just be on your television thanks to “Karaoke Revolution.”

Gleeks will be able to perform all the memorable moments at home with the new game “Karaoke Revolution: Glee,” reports MTV. The game is played on Nintendo Wii and will likely be released this fall.

All of the fans’ favorite characters will be there to choose to sing with in a duet or harmony, if you think you can hold your own.

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HollywoodNews.com: Join Skywalker Sound’s Re-Recording Mixer and Sound Designer Tom Myers, Sound Re-Recording Mixer Michael Semanick, Director Lee Unkrich, and Stuart Bowling, Technical Marketing Manager at Dolby Laboratories as they take you behind-the-scene and discuss the sound of “Toy Story 3.”

“Toy Story 3″ will be released in Dolby Surround 7.1 in 12 languages in select cinema chains throughout Australia, France, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latin America, New Zealand, North America, Singapore, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

Article and Video courtesy of Soundworks Collection.

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HollywoodNews.com: Michael Jackson has already gotten his own bobblehead, and now he is going to get his own video game.

Ubisoft will be releasing a currently untitled game that will be “dance karaoke” featuring Jackson dancing on screen, according to TMZ. Apparently the object of the game will be to imitate his signature moves and will be available on game systems including the Wii and Xbox 360. They also report that the game will include a karaoke feature in which “gamers can sing MJ songs like ‘Billie Jean’ … and even mess around with their voice thanks to an autotune feature.”

The game is set to be released in time for Christmas.

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HollywoodNews.com: The 40th Annual Bumbershoot Music and Arts Festival in Seattle, Washington has become a great venue to showcase emerging talent alongside veterans. The festival has just announced the lineup for the weekend, which includes a festival kick-off by the legendary Bob Dylan.

The opening night will also feature Neko Case and The Decemberists among others. Weezer will take the stage on Sunday, and Mary J. Blige will close out of the festival on Monday.

Programming Director for One Reel’s Festival Division, Chris Porter, said, “Bumbershoot has a strong history of showcasing emerging talent alongside veteran superstars. This year for our 40th Festival, we’re excited to have artists that span more than four decades of phenomenal music. With this roster of talent, we’re truly offering a music lineup that will engage and entertain people of all ages and interests.”

A couple of changes have been made to the tickets this year, the main being that the Standard Ticket now includes guaranteed access to the Mainstage performances. However, the Standard Tickets are available in limited quantities, so it is encouraged to purchase early to ensure a spot.

Below is a list of confirmed artists:

Bob Dylan / Mary J. Blige / Weezer / Hole / Rise Against / Neko Case / The Decemberists / J. Cole / LMFAO / Billy Bragg / Ozomatli / Angelique Kidjo / Solomon Burke / The Dandy Warhols / Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros / Jenny and Johnny (featuring Jenny Lewis and Jonathan Rice / Jamie Lidell / The Raveonettes / Balkan Beat Box / Motion City Soundtrack / The Thermals / Ra Ra Riot / The English Beat / Justin Townes Earle / Booker T. / Surfer Blood / The Bouncing Souls / Japandroids / Bob Schneider / Anvil / Bomba Estereo / Jay Electronica / Aterciopelados / Baroness / James Cotton “Superharp” Blues Band / David Bazan / Meat Puppets / Crash Kings / This Providence / Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express / The Moondoggies / The Whigs / Greg Laswell / Civil Twilight / Trampled By Turtles / The Clientele / Atlas Sound / Laura Veirs & The Hall of Flames / The Budos Band / Bobby Bare Jr. / Horse Feathers / Vienna Teng Trio / HEALTH / Plants and Animals / Georgia Anne Muldrow & Declaime / Wheedle’s Groove / Hey Marseilles / Kings Go Forth / Sweet Water / Delorean / JEFF The Brotherhood / Chris Pureka / Shawn Lee’s Ping Pong Orchestra / Garotas Suecas / The Maldives / The Constellations / Coryell, Auger, Sample Trio / Grynch / Visqueen / Victor Shade / Star Anna & The Laughing Dogs / Fresh Espresso/ Pete Molinari / Sista Monica’s “Singin in the Spirit” / Lay Low / Unnatural Helpers / Idiot Pilot / The Round / Wild Orchid Children / The Cute Lepers / Feral Children / Fences / Caspar Babypants / The Tripwires / Fatal Lucciauno / Loch Lomond / The Physics / THEESatisfaction / School of Rock All Stars / See Me River / Zoe Muth and The Lost High Rollers / People Eating People / Eldridge Gravy & The Court Supreme / Brent Amaker & The Rodeo / Born Anchors / Slender Means / BOAT / McTuff Trio / Parlour Steps / The Redwood Plan / Helladope / Lisa Dank / Greta Matassa Quartet / The Lonely H / Matt Jorgensen Quintet / Becki Sue & Her Big Rockin’ Daddies! / Great Waves / Brian Vogan / Johnny Bregar

The festival takes place September 4-6 at the Seattle Center. To purchase tickets and view all details, head to Bumbershoot.org.

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By Roger Friedman

HollywoodNews.com: Rock club Don Hill’s in the news. I told you on April 19th that Paul Sevigny and Nur Khan of Kenmare restaurant fame were planning on turning the punk emporium into a classy joint. It took the New York Post more than a month to say the same thing, without mentioning where the story came from…

…Don Hill’s unofficial queen of rock, Bebe Buell, has a new album called “Sugar,” with a major national release on June 15th. A week later she plays the Roxy in West Hollywood on Sunset…The album is already featured at www.newburycomics.com along with another favorite of this column, Grace Potter and the Nocturnals…

To read more go to Showbiz411.com.