Andrew W.K. sets drumming record at MTV O Music Awards

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Musician Andrew W.K., the self-described "party king," set a new world record after playing drums nonstop for 24 hours during MTV's O Music Awards this week.

The O Music Awards, which give out accolades in a variety of fan-voted categories to musicians who make a significant impact online through social media, was streamed solely online as a 24-hour virtual concert.

The 34-year-old American, who was born Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier, drummed for 24 hours from Wednesday to Thursday, earning the world record for Longest Drum Session in a Retail Store, MTV said in a statement.

A message left seeking confirmation from Guinness World Records, which verifies official records, was not immediately returned.

Artists such as the Jonas Brothers, Hanson, Atlas Genius and Kate Nash performed from the MTV studios in New York, Los Angeles and Nashville during the 24-hour live music festival that MTV billed as the largest online-only event of its kind.

The network said that more than 100 million votes had been cast by fans online.

Winners included Joe Jonas for Best Artist Instagram, rocker Jack White for Analog Genius and German pop group Tokio Hotel for Fan Army FTW (For The Win).

Yoko Ono, 80, wife of late Beatle John Lennon, won the Digital Genius Award for her online art and music work, as well as her digital presence on social media.

Newcomer band Darling Parade was also selected from 50 new artists to play at the MTV Video Music Awards in August.

Now in its third year, the O Music Awards has attempted to set a new record each year.

At the first O Music awards in Las Vegas in 2011, rapper Chiddy of rap duo Chiddy Bang set a Guinness World Record for the "longest freestyle rap" and "longest marathon rap" after performing for more than nine consecutive hours.

In 2012, rockers Flaming Lips set a record for most concerts played in 24 hours, as they performed in eight cities, traveling by bus, breaking rapper Jay Z's previous record for seven cities in 24 hours via private jet.

MTV and its sister channels VH1 and CMT, which also participated in the O Music Awards, are part of Viacom Inc.

(Reporting by Piya Sinha-Roy; Editing by Eric Kelsey and Eric Walsh)

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Andrew W.K. sets drumming record at MTV O Music Awards

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Musician Andrew W.K., the self-described "party king," set a new world record after playing drums nonstop for 24 hours during MTV's O Music Awards this week.

The O Music Awards, which give out accolades in a variety of fan-voted categories to musicians who make a significant impact online through social media, was streamed solely online as a 24-hour virtual concert.

The 34-year-old American, who was born Andrew Fetterly Wilkes-Krier, drummed for 24 hours from Wednesday to Thursday, earning the world record for Longest Drum Session in a Retail Store, MTV said in a statement.

A message left seeking confirmation from Guinness World Records, which verifies official records, was not immediately returned.

Artists such as the Jonas Brothers, Hanson, Atlas Genius and Kate Nash performed from the MTV studios in New York, Los Angeles and Nashville during the 24-hour live music festival that MTV billed as the largest online-only event of its kind.

The network said that more than 100 million votes had been cast by fans online.

Winners included Joe Jonas for Best Artist Instagram, rocker Jack White for Analog Genius and German pop group Tokio Hotel for Fan Army FTW (For The Win).

Yoko Ono, 80, wife of late Beatle John Lennon, won the Digital Genius Award for her online art and music work, as well as her digital presence on social media.

Newcomer band Darling Parade was also selected from 50 new artists to play at the MTV Video Music Awards in August.

Now in its third year, the O Music Awards has attempted to set a new record each year.

At the first O Music awards in Las Vegas in 2011, rapper Chiddy of rap duo Chiddy Bang set a Guinness World Record for the "longest freestyle rap" and "longest marathon rap" after performing for more than nine consecutive hours.

In 2012, rockers Flaming Lips set a record for most concerts played in 24 hours, as they performed in eight cities, traveling by bus, breaking rapper Jay Z's previous record for seven cities in 24 hours via private jet.

MTV and its sister channels VH1 and CMT, which also participated in the O Music Awards, are part of Viacom Inc.

(Reporting by Piya Sinha-Roy; Editing by Eric Kelsey and Eric Walsh)

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Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift big winners at Billboard Awards

(Reuters) - Pop stars Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift won the big prizes on Sunday at the Billboard Music Awards, which also honored legendary performers Madonna and Prince.

Bieber, who was named top male artist, also performed at the show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. He also took home Billboard's first Milestone Award, chosen by fans, for musical innovation and ingenuity.

"I'm 19 years old. I think I'm doing a pretty good job, Bieber said. "It should really be about the music. This is not a gimmick. I'm an artist and I should be taken seriously. And all this other bull should not be spoken of."

The teen heartthrob did not elaborate, but in recent months he has been involved in several high-profile incidents ranging from driving offenses to reports of hard partying and drugs being found on his tour bus in Sweden.

Swift won the top award of the night, artist of the year. She thanked her fans by telling them: "You are the longest and best relationship I've ever had."

Pop diva Madonna was named top touring artist for her "MDNA Tour," 2012's highest-grossing concert series.

Madonna strode onstage to accept the accolade from will.i.am, wearing black fishnet stockings, garters and a padlock choker.

The MDNA tour grossed more than $305 million from 88 sold-out shows and attracted an audience of 2.2 million people. Madonna acknowledged her fans, saying: "A showgirl needs her fans. Thank you for supporting me for three decades."

She also thanked her four children for being "incredibly supportive."

The Billboard Music Awards, hosted by "30 Rock" star Tracy Morgan, opened with Bruno Mars performing "Treasure."

Early awards went to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, who won top rap song for "Thrift Shop," and Nicki Minaj, who took home the top rap artist honor.

Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" was named top digital song, while Swift took home the top Billboard 200 album award for "Red."

French producer and DJ David Guetta was named top electric dance music artist.

Among musical highlights, Bieber performed "Take You," which was chosen by his fans via Twitter, before pairing up with will.i.am for "#ThatPOWER."

Other musical pairings included Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull singing "#LiveItUp," Minaj and Lil Wayne who performed "High School," and Christina Aguilera and Pitbull singing "Feel This Moment."

Selena Gomez, Chris Brown, Icona Pop, South Korea rap sensation Psy and Swift, who was nominated for 11 Billboard awards and received eight, performed as well.

In an apparently unscripted moment, Miguel, performing "Adorn," leapt from the stage and landed feet-first atop two young women. No mention was made on the broadcast as to whether they were injured.

The show ended with the Icon Award for Prince, in recognition of his unique career and accomplishments in the music industry. Prince performed a medley to close the show, but did not deliver an acceptance speech.

(Reporting by Chris Michaud; Editing by David Brunnstrom and Stacey Joyce)

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Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift big winners at Billboard Awards

(Reuters) - Pop stars Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift won the big prizes on Sunday at the Billboard Music Awards, which also honored legendary performers Madonna and Prince.

Bieber, who was named top male artist, also performed at the show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. He also took home Billboard's first Milestone Award, chosen by fans, for musical innovation and ingenuity.

"I'm 19 years old. I think I'm doing a pretty good job, Bieber said. "It should really be about the music. This is not a gimmick. I'm an artist and I should be taken seriously. And all this other bull should not be spoken of."

The teen heartthrob did not elaborate, but in recent months he has been involved in several high-profile incidents ranging from driving offenses to reports of hard partying and drugs being found on his tour bus in Sweden.

Swift won the top award of the night, artist of the year. She thanked her fans by telling them: "You are the longest and best relationship I've ever had."

Pop diva Madonna was named top touring artist for her "MDNA Tour," 2012's highest-grossing concert series.

Madonna strode onstage to accept the accolade from will.i.am, wearing black fishnet stockings, garters and a padlock choker.

The MDNA tour grossed more than $305 million from 88 sold-out shows and attracted an audience of 2.2 million people. Madonna acknowledged her fans, saying: "A showgirl needs her fans. Thank you for supporting me for three decades."

She also thanked her four children for being "incredibly supportive."

The Billboard Music Awards, hosted by "30 Rock" star Tracy Morgan, opened with Bruno Mars performing "Treasure."

Early awards went to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, who won top rap song for "Thrift Shop," and Nicki Minaj, who took home the top rap artist honor.

Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" was named top digital song, while Swift took home the top Billboard 200 album award for "Red."

French producer and DJ David Guetta was named top electric dance music artist.

Among musical highlights, Bieber performed "Take You," which was chosen by his fans via Twitter, before pairing up with will.i.am for "#ThatPOWER."

Other musical pairings included Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull singing "#LiveItUp," Minaj and Lil Wayne who performed "High School," and Christina Aguilera and Pitbull singing "Feel This Moment."

Selena Gomez, Chris Brown, Icona Pop, South Korea rap sensation Psy and Swift, who was nominated for 11 Billboard awards and received eight, performed as well.

In an apparently unscripted moment, Miguel, performing "Adorn," leapt from the stage and landed feet-first atop two young women. No mention was made on the broadcast as to whether they were injured.

The show ended with the Icon Award for Prince, in recognition of his unique career and accomplishments in the music industry. Prince performed a medley to close the show, but did not deliver an acceptance speech.

(Reporting by Chris Michaud; Editing by David Brunnstrom and Stacey Joyce)

View the original article here

Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift big winners at Billboard Awards

(Reuters) - Pop stars Justin Bieber and Taylor Swift won the big prizes on Sunday at the Billboard Music Awards, which also honored legendary performers Madonna and Prince.

Bieber, who was named top male artist, also performed at the show at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. He also took home Billboard's first Milestone Award, chosen by fans, for musical innovation and ingenuity.

"I'm 19 years old. I think I'm doing a pretty good job, Bieber said. "It should really be about the music. This is not a gimmick. I'm an artist and I should be taken seriously. And all this other bull should not be spoken of."

The teen heartthrob did not elaborate, but in recent months he has been involved in several high-profile incidents ranging from driving offenses to reports of hard partying and drugs being found on his tour bus in Sweden.

Swift won the top award of the night, artist of the year. She thanked her fans by telling them: "You are the longest and best relationship I've ever had."

Pop diva Madonna was named top touring artist for her "MDNA Tour," 2012's highest-grossing concert series.

Madonna strode onstage to accept the accolade from will.i.am, wearing black fishnet stockings, garters and a padlock choker.

The MDNA tour grossed more than $305 million from 88 sold-out shows and attracted an audience of 2.2 million people. Madonna acknowledged her fans, saying: "A showgirl needs her fans. Thank you for supporting me for three decades."

She also thanked her four children for being "incredibly supportive."

The Billboard Music Awards, hosted by "30 Rock" star Tracy Morgan, opened with Bruno Mars performing "Treasure."

Early awards went to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, who won top rap song for "Thrift Shop," and Nicki Minaj, who took home the top rap artist honor.

Carly Rae Jepsen's "Call Me Maybe" was named top digital song, while Swift took home the top Billboard 200 album award for "Red."

French producer and DJ David Guetta was named top electric dance music artist.

Among musical highlights, Bieber performed "Take You," which was chosen by his fans via Twitter, before pairing up with will.i.am for "#ThatPOWER."

Other musical pairings included Jennifer Lopez and Pitbull singing "#LiveItUp," Minaj and Lil Wayne who performed "High School," and Christina Aguilera and Pitbull singing "Feel This Moment."

Selena Gomez, Chris Brown, Icona Pop, South Korea rap sensation Psy and Swift, who was nominated for 11 Billboard awards and received eight, performed as well.

In an apparently unscripted moment, Miguel, performing "Adorn," leapt from the stage and landed feet-first atop two young women. No mention was made on the broadcast as to whether they were injured.

The show ended with the Icon Award for Prince, in recognition of his unique career and accomplishments in the music industry. Prince performed a medley to close the show, but did not deliver an acceptance speech.

(Reporting by Chris Michaud; Editing by David Brunnstrom and Stacey Joyce)

View the original article here

Tom O'Neil: Experts predict Tony Awards winners: Matilda, Vanya, Tom Hanks, Cicely Tyson and ...

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Top Broadway pundits predict easy victories at this Sunday's Tony Awards (CBS, 8 p.m.) by Tom Hanks in Lucky Guy (Best Actor), Cicely Tyson in The Trip to Bountiful (Best Actress), Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (Best Play) and Pippin (Best Revival of a Musical), but there is a lot of drama in other leading contests.

Eight of the 14 experts polled by GoldDerby.com predict Matilda will win Best Musical, giving it 2-to-13 odds: Melissa Bernardo and Thom Geier (Entertainment Weekly), Martin Denton (NY Theatre), Andy Humm (Gay USA), Michael Musto, Mark Shenton (The Express/ The Stage), Doug Strassler (NYPress), Matt Windman (amNY). However, six gurus bet on Kinky Boots to prevail with 9-to-1 odds: Harry Haun (Playbill), Brian Lipton (Theater Mania), David Sheward (ArtsinNY/ theaterLife), Wayman Wong (NY Daily News) and Paul Sheehan and me from Gold Derby.

The battle over Best Musical Actress is a fierce diva smackdown between Laura Osnes (the Cinderella star has a slight edge) and Patina Miller (Pippin). Ten of our pundits predict Billy Porter (Kinky Boots) will win Best Musical Actor, but Bertie Carvel (Matilda) has five experts in his camp.

Below is a sampling of odds in some top races. See more here. See how the experts rank contenders in each top category here (click links in left column to see more races).

BEST MUSICAL
1.) Matilda - 5/6
2.) Kinky Boots - 11/8
3.) A Christmas Story - 50/1
4.) Bring It On - 100/1

BEST PLAY
1.) Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike - 1/20
2.) Lucky Guy - 33/1
3.) The Assembled Parties - 50/1
4.) The Testament of Mary - 100/1

BEST ACTOR IN A PLAY
1.) Tom Hanks (Lucky Guy) - 2/9
2.) David Hyde Pierce (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike) - 6/1
3.) Nathan Lane (The Nance) - 50/1
4.) Tracy Letts (Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?) - 50/1
5.) Tom Sturridge (Orphans) - 100/1

BEST ACTRESS IN A PLAY
1.) Cicely Tyson (The Trip to Bountiful) - 4/9
2.) Kristine Nielsen (Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike) - 27/10
3.) Holland Taylor (Ann) - 50/1
4.) Laurie Metcalf (The Other Place) - 50/1
5.) Amy Morton (Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?)

See more here.

Follow Tom O'Neil on Twitter: www.twitter.com/goldderby

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