Amazon stumbled on Monday when it offered Lady Gagas new album in the MP3 format at 99 cents, a surprise one-day promotion that proved so popular it stalled the companys servers. But on Thursday it is trying the promotion again, and promises that it will be prepared.
Amazon will offer Lady Gagas new album in the MP3 format at 99 cents on Thursday.
Clearly customers are really excited for Lady Gagas new album we saw extraordinary response to Mondays promotion far above what we expected. She definitely melted some servers, Craig Pape, Amazons director of music, said in a statement. So were doing it again, and this time were ready.
The promotion is expected to push opening-week sales of Lady Gagas album, Born This Way (Interscope), above its early estimates of about 750,000 copies, to 850,000 or possibly more than a million. In the last five years, only two albums have sold more than a million copies in a week: Lil Waynes Tha Carter III in 2008, and Taylor Swifts Speak Now last year.
Amazons Lady Gaga deal has been widely interpreted in the music industry as a way for the company to compete with Apples iTunes store, the dominant music retailer on the Web, and to promote its new Cloud Drive service, which allows customers to store their music on Amazons servers and stream it over the Internet. But the company received a barrage of customer complaints on Monday when its servers failed.
Amazon introduced its Cloud Drive service in March, and earlier this month Google announced its own cloud music service.
Apple is in negotiations with the major record labels and music publishers for its service, which music executives say could be introduced as early as next month.
TV Season Finale Awards: The polls are open! Vote now!
TV Season Finale Awards: The polls are open! Vote now!
Weve reached the final round of EW.coms 2nd annual fan-voted Season Finale Awards, and after combing through more than 1,500 of your nomination ballots, weve got your short lists in 20 categories. Vote in the polls below through Monday, May 30. Winners will be announced Tuesday, May 31. If youre a spoilerphobe and theres a finale you still havent yet watched, proceed with caution. Also, judging by the number of shows that end up in both best and worst categories, showrunners arent lying when they say they cant please everyone all of the time. Have fun!
So imagine their excitement when a very well liked teacher told students at Maugham Elementary she was friends with the superstar singer, and they were going to meet her.
She said after the NJ ASK, which is a big test at our school, she would bring in a surprise for us. And we didnt know what it was. And then after the NJ ASK she told us it was going to be Lady Gaga, Waldman said.
I was really excited. I was happy that I was going to meet somebody famous, student Jessica Ranaldi said.
On Wednesday the teacher gathered students in the school library for a video chat with Lady Gaga and autographed pictures.
It was so exciting when we saw that picture and she was smiling at us, Waldman said.
Everybody was like oh my God! another said.
But fourth grader Michael Ranaldi said many students were suspicious when the woman they thought was Gaga only typed answers and never spoke.
At first I thought it was really weird because she had glasses on. And they said her microphone was disabled, Michael Ranaldi said.
School administrators discovered the woman online was an impostor. On Friday they sent letters home to parents and broke the news to heartbroken kids.
Ally tore up her fake autographed photo.
Its not fair because, like, she lied to us, Waldman said.
People started like crying, Sadler added.
I was disappointed, a parent said.
By all means I thought it was well intended, and the reality is sometimes these things happen, parent Ron Ranaldi said.
I would be disappointed if we didnt get to meet her and she just told us, but now I feel betrayed and just three times worse, Michael Ranaldi said.
The school superintendent said they are taking this matter very seriously and are taking appropriate action. School administrators would not say what punishment, if any, the teacher will face.
Please offer your thoughts in the comments section below.
Is Twitter Getting More Social Or Just More Complicated?
Is Twitter Getting More Social Or Just More Complicated?
Twitter has added a couple of features recently, that while adding more social elements may risk 'jumping the shark' a little. The new features are the ability to see what tweets your followers are making as well as those made by people they follow. They also added a "stumble through" button allows you to shuffle through your followers tweet streams.
Now how many people are scratching their heads wondering what all that was about and if it is something users really need?
The beauty of Twitter was its simplicity. Being forced to communicate in 140 characters at first seemed ridiculous but quickly took hold because it was simple. The company played with a few features over the few years of its existence but dropped most as they did not foster that simplicity. Now it seems Twitter wants more interaction between its users and are launching these new features to foster this. But should they?
"You can see above that you will be able to click on a person that youíre following and see Tweets from their followers. This means that you are effectively looking at their Twitter stream," the Next Web noted. The feature had been available a couple of years ago but was pulled, they added.
The 'stumble" feature has not rolled out globally but the pic below shows there will be a button to click to go through and see others tweet streams. This could come in handy, but is it essential? Social media sites have a tendency to get lucky with their initial service offer and then make changes to what they belive their users want and in many cases they are wrong. Hey, even Google has launched bad products and pulled them quickly.
Why do I want to randomly see a twitter stream of one of the people I follow? Is this a feature to just get more interaction? Twitter does not run ads so the extra pageviews will not add to their income - or are they ready to monetize and want to have some increased pageview generators in place?
One has to wonder if the people at Twitter are making moves that may become too intrusive and change the perception of this simple yet popular communication tool. Twitpics was a hugely successful feature - whether these two new ones become popular has yet to be seen. Personally, I don't think this feature will become very popular... but I have been wrong before.
Born in New York City in 1950, Conaway was a fast starter. Acting on Broadway at the age of 10. Opening for classic rock acts such as The Animals as a teenager. Starring as T-Bird leader Danny Zuko in the stage version of Grease in his early 20s.
As Zuko, Conaway joined an elite group of young leading men, including John Travolta, who'd strutted in the role on Broadway.
"I knew sooner or later that a movie would be made of Grease, and one of us would do it," Conaway said in 1978, "whoever was the biggest star."
By the time the film was cast, Travolta was the biggest stara bona fide heartthrob. And so he was anointed Zuko. Conaway was cast as the sidekick, Kenickie; his character's show-stopper from the stage, "Greased Lightning," was reassigned.
Released in 1978, Grease was an instant smash that made superstars of Travolta and Olivia Newton-John.
Conaway professed no bitterness. He was tall, blond and handsomea "stud," as Newton-John described Conaway to her sister, Rona, who would marry the actor. He moved from Grease straight into Taxi. The workplace sitcom won Emmys, but Conaway wasn't happy with his character, Bobby Wheeler, an actor who made a better cabbie.
"I didn't like the way he was being written to represent actors," Conaway said in 1981, the same year he left the show, three seasons into its five-season run. "It was coming down to that same old self-centered, egocentric stereotype everybody already thinks of."
While Taxi was hardly a ratings hit, the show was respected, and Conaway's departure was viewed as unwise, especially after his subsequent 1980s series, including Wizards and Warriors, for its day the most expensive show in prime time, came and went quickly.
Conaway again professed no bitterness. He said he didn't regret leaving Taxi, and he claimed to be glad to be done with TV, although it seemed just as likely that TV was done with him, too, at least as a leading man.
In his 40s, he landed a supporting role on Babylon 5, the cult sci-fi series that was a bright spot in his increasingly dark world, marked by DUI busts and more.
"I spent a good part of my life on substancesalcohol, pot, cocaine," Conaway told E! News in 2010.
The temptations dated back at least to his rock days. "I thought if I stay in this business, I'll be dead in a year," he said in 1985.
Death seemed to loom large in Conaway's thoughtsand he had his share of scrapes. In the 1970s, he credited his dog with saving him from a house fire. In 2008, he told Howard Stern he'd tried to commit suicide 21 times. "Mostly it's been with pills," he said. "I've taken enough pills to knock an elephant out."
Few who heard his slurred, slowed speech in interviews doubted the toll of his addictions; few who saw his two stints on Celebrity Rehab doubted his physical and emotional pain. (For what it's worth, Conaway insisted he was merely playing to the cameras.)
Maybe missed connections and lost opportunities caught up with him, or maybe they never mattered.
The Vampire Diaries' Paul Wesley Talks to TV Fanatic!
As you know, I recently spent time with The Vampire Diaries cast on location in Atlanta. If you haven't already, check out my interviews with Ian Somerhalder and Katerina Graham.
It was great to sit down and chat with Paul Wesley, as we so often see him as the brooding vampire. In reality he's actually quite funny, and very entertaining.
In this interview with Paul, I talk to him about Stefan's vervain tolerance, Twitter, whether or not Stefan wants to turn Elena into a vampire and much more.
Stay tuned for more interviews in the coming days and weeks - and don't miss the long-awaited return of The Vampire Diaries tonight at 8 p.m. on The CW!
Billboard projects that Lady Gagas Born This Way will debut with first-week sales of at least a million units, far outpacing earlier projections, thanks to explosive sales at Amazon, which priced the album at 99 cents for two days this week.
According to sources, Born This Way, scanned 330,000 units at Amazon on Monday, even though the unprecedented traffic derailed the Amazon servers. While the Amazon experience left some consumers in a sour mood, the news on the technical glitch helped heighten awareness about the album (not that Interscope and Lady Gaga needed any help in that department).
As a make-good for customers who experienced difficulty in downloading Born This Way on Monday, May 23, the merchant priced the album again at 99 cents on Thursday (May 26). Industry sources expected that the second-day availability of 99-cent prices would generate another 150,000 scans.
But even without a second day of 99-cent pricing, Born This Way was on its way to a million-unit debut week, sources told Billboard. On the first day alone, the album moved at least 500,000 units, with sources saying that first day sales at iTunes totaled 104,000 units; Best Buy, 45,000 units; Target, 35,000 units and Starbucks, 10,000 units. Consequently, industry prognosticators project that Best Buy will hit 200,000 units by the end of the SoundScan week on May 29; Target will reach 150,000; Wal-Mart will hit 125,000, and iTunes will hit 200,000 units.
Moreover, the album is one of the most widely distributed titles in current times, available in about 20,000 storefronts, including CVS pharmacies, Whole Foods, Walgreens and others, according to UMG sources.
The pricing of the Lady Gaga album and how the industry reacted presents an interesting dichotomy for the industry.
On the one hand, some brick-and-mortar merchants complained that Born This Way units moved both at Amazon and at Best Buy (which gave away the album for free with a smartphone), shouldnt be counted in compiling the Billboard 200 chart. Billboard decided to count the former, but not the latter.
But beyond the loss-leader strategies, Born This Way was also a story about a pricing rebound. Of the 2.1 million units shipped by Universal Music Group before street date, 1.3 million were for the deluxe version, sources say. The standard physical version, which contains 14 songs, listed for $12.99 and wholesaled at $10.35; while the deluxe version, which contains three extra tracks on the main album and a second remix disc with 10 tracks, listed for $21.98 and $14.00 wholesale. Meanwhile, the digital standard version carried an $11.99 list price and a wholesale of $8.40; while the deluxe digital version carried a $15.99 list, which translates into an $11.20 whole.
Beyond Amazons 99-cent deal, retail sources say that the deluxe version far exceeded opening-day expectations, with the higher-priced album taking as much as 70% of sales, in both CD and digital versions.
Last month, UMG executives were expecting sales of about 400,000 units and went to higher projections as the albums street date approached. By Monday they were talking 650,000-700,000 units, and then moved it up to 800,000-900,000 units. It wasnt until Wednesday that they began conceding the possibility of a million-unit week.
Lady Gaga has revealed that she is a fan of UK singer Adele and she praised her success with album 21
Im so excited for Adele. Shes doing so well all over the world and its wonderful to see the world embrace her. Shes beaten some of my chart records but Im happy for her. I love seeing women succeed and shes so talented
Not only was Spencer Pratt deemed the "least likable celebrity" by E-Poll Research earlier this month, but the former "Hills" villain evidently is just as deplored by his wife's circle of colleagues. According to TMZ.com, producers of Heidi Montag's new VH1 show, "Famous Food," have banned her hubby from coming near production.
"We're told producers were adamant...Spencer wasn't allowed on the set, near the set, or to be involved in any way whatsoever," the site reports. But that doesn't mean he can't show up in one his famous bearded man disguises, right?
Lindsayâs House Arrest Sounds Draconian, And She Made a Bikini Movie
Lindsays House Arrest Sounds Draconian, And She Made a Bikini Movie
Lindsay Lohan started her house arrest yesterday, and just in case you didnt think her sentence was cushy enough, shes allowed to have as many visitors as she wants on top of no longer taking blood or alcohol tests. Itll be a miracle if she makes it through the night. RadarOnline reports:
Under the terms of her home arrest, Lohan has to stay in her house 24/7 and must not go outside. Her ankle bracelet is connected to her phone system and is centrally monitored by the Sheriffs Department too. The home arrest is considered a better option for the authorities because they save a lot of money with no jail costs to absorb; Lohan is not currently undergoing any blood or alcohol testing.
Except it gets even more hilarious than that. TMZ reports shes bought a ton of art supplies and plans to spend her time painting and wait, wait for it reading scripts so she can decide on her next project. AHAHAHA! She should write this site instead of me because theres no way Im topping that. On that note, guess whos on drugs again. Youll never guess.
UPDATE: Apparently, Lindsay just made some sort of 90 second YouTube video thats nothing but her in a bikini, so I guess she really is reading scripts after all. I stand corrected.
Lady Gaga and Rihanna kicked off summer music on Friday with two morning concerts in New York City.
Mama Monster and her Little Monsters stormed Central Park for a concert on Good Morning America. According to GMA host George Stephanopoulos, it was the biggest crowd the show had ever had for their summer concert series.
The singer a native New Yorker made a dramatic and acrobatic entrance on a zip line during Bad Romance. She then played her latest hit, Edge of Glory, followed by Judas and finished with Hair, which she played on a black unicorn piano.
I live half way between reality and theater at all times, she said during her GMA appearance. I love my fans so much thank you for coming out today theyre my family!
Adding, Its an absolute dream come true to play here today, to play Central park. I grew up five blocks from here It means absolutely everything.
Gaga kept things provocative, ending Born This Way in a giant clear plastic box filled with a gooey liquid as two female dancers and one male dancer pawed at Gagas body.
AH Nation Poll: Were Lady Gagas GMA and Rihannas Today performances too risque for morning television? Vote HERE!
Across town at The Plaza at Rockefeller Center, Rihanna kicked of the Today shows summer concert series with a set of high-energy performances.
Things got off to shaky start when a fan grabbed the singer as she made her entrance while singing S&M. Rihanna appeared unfazed by the incident and continued singing. She also performed Only Girl In The World, Whats My Name. and California King Bed.
During her interview segment, the singer spoke with Matt Laurer and Meredith Vieira about how her life as changed since she last appeared on the morning chat show in June 2008.
Im 20 times busier, I cant complain, she said. Theres a lot of life experiences, a lot of great things that have happened since I was 20 years old.
She also addressed her recent Billboard Music Awards performance with Britney Spears, that some called a little too racy.
Nothing popped out! she said with a laugh. There are some people who will think that was too sexy, but youre always going to find that.
Rihanna might have also raised a few eyebrows with her seductive dancing that saw her caressing her bod on stage and featured plenty of booty shaking.
Check out Gagas performance, HERE! And Rihannas performance, HERE!
5/5
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Lady Gaga on GMA (left) and Rihanna on Today (right), May 27, 2011
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Lady Gaga performs on ABCs GMA at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, NYC, on May 27, 2011
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Lady Gaga performs on ABCs GMA at Rumsey Playfield, Central Park, NYC, May 27, 2011
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Rihanna performs on NBCs Today in Rockerfeller Plaza in New York City, May 27, 2011
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Britney Spears and Rihanna perform onstage during the 2011 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 22, 2011
Lopez had been successful in that legal fight.. Up till now.. citing that release of the footage would violate the confidentiality agreement Noa signed.
Court documents, exclusively obtained by RadarOnline.com reveal that Noa managed to find a loophole in the law - selling the footage to his current girlfriend, Claudia Vazquez for her to release it on his behalf.
A Los Angeles judge issued a ruling Friday morning that allows Vazquez to release the footage JLo doesn't want the public to see.
Ed Meyer, the executive producer of the project tells RadarOnline.com: "Claudia Vazquez has been allowed to release the home videos of Ojani and Jennifer. The project will deal with JLo's rise to fame, and her marriage to Ojani. Claudia will be meeting with video distributors on Tuesday, and hopefully, a deal can be made very soon."
The written ruling states: "Vazquez argues she has and is suffering harm in that she has had difficulty in obtaining work as a result of Lopez's attempts at enforcing the Injunction against her.
Vazquez argues that Lopez, on the other hand, will suffer no harm if Vazquez's preliminary injunction is granted. Lopez puts forth no arguments contradicting those of Vazquez and, in fact, fails to address this element of the preliminary injunction test altogether. As a result, the Court finds that the balance of the equities weighs in favor of Vazquez.
Lopez and Cuban-born Noa were married February 1997 and divorced in 1998. They met when Noa was working as a waiter in a Miami restaurant.
Lady Gaga Performs âHairâ and âEdge of Gloryâ in Central Park [VIDEO]
Lady Gaga Performs Hair and Edge of Glory in Central Park [VIDEO]
VIDEO
(ABC)
Lady Gaga made quite the entrance on Good Morning America, zip lining her way to the stage before performing several songs in New York Citys Central Park.
Check out Mother Monsters arrival and her awesome performances of Hair and Edge of Glory below.
It's been confirmed that Dallas and hubby Seth Gabel are expecting their second child. it would certainly explain the speculation of the dress that Bryce was wearing at the Cannes film festival earlier this month. Wish them all the best and a big congrat's on the wonderful news.
Bella is very tired in the end of another long day on Isle Esme Edward has satisfied expression because Bella would have no chance to seduce him this night again ....hahaha
Jeremy and Caitlin, both musicians were at Johnny Flynn's show last night in Toronto. Johnny as you know is Rob's friend, member of the tight, Brit Pack. More info about his music atwww.johnny-flynn.com And a lucky fan was able to meet Rob. Please take note that these tweets were over 5 hours ago.
Donna/@dkatch40 @tinkrbe1l3 @RobStenation Just met him over an hour ago....he is beautiful and gracious and I love him ever more. @jeremyfetzer we gave those doggie treats to Rob for Bear but we're still happy that a doggie is going to enjoy them. Great show by the way! @tinkrbe1l3 he really is breathtakingly beautiful. He was clean shaven and had his beanie on...*swoon*...love Beanie Rob..
Justin Bieber Holds On Tight To Selena Gomezâs Bottom â How Crazy Intense Is Their PDA?!
Justin Bieber Holds On Tight To Selena Gomezs Bottom How Crazy Intense Is Their PDA?!
Justin Bieber loves Selena Gomez so much he cant contain his affection!
Whoa! Justin Bieber and Selena Gomezcant keep their hands off of each other on their tropical Hawaiian holiday! The couple has had to endure a long distance relationship while Justin was traveling the world for his tour, but now that they are reunited they are taking a PDA tour of the states.The very affectionate pair frolicked around the waves in Maui yesterday, stopping for multiple kisses throughout the afternoon. They are staying at the Four Seasons along with Justins mom, although she didnt seem to be top of mind when Justin and Selena were making out all over the place.
selena-gomez-justin-bieber-tattoo-vacation-hawaii/" target=_blank>Justin and Selena have been dating for over six months now, and while they were at first shy about their love, it is now out in full force!
What do you think of their PDA is it super sweet or over-the-top?
Is Justin and Selena's PDA so sweet or over-the-top?
Nice art !!
