Blog Posts by Billy Johnson Jr.

Super soul singer John Legend lived up to his name Friday night at New York’s United Palace Theatre, kicking off the Yahoo! On the Road series. In addition to performing new and old songs from his catalog, the “Ordinary People” singer played with the Salomé Chamber Orchestra and covered songs by rock icons Bruce Springsteen and Simon & Garfunkel.

Legend's connection to Springsteen may have started two months ago, when he performed "Dancing in the Dark" at the 2013 MusiCares Person of the Year tribute to Springsteen. At the MusiCares event, Legend said he was excited to honor “one of the greatest songwriters of all time.”

[ Photo gallery: John Legend performs in New York ]

At Friday night's concert, Legend gave a nod to Springsteen once again with the rendition of “Dancing in the Dark,” which was much more subdued than the upbeat original. His vocal pacing was slower than Springsteen’s, but it maintained a triumphant build that suited the live classical instrumentation, including Legend’s own fine grand piano work.

The audience exclaimed in delight when they realized Legend’s surprise. Friday’s version was also different than the jazzy offering he delivered with the Roots on Jimmy Fallon last year during a week-long ode to Springsteen.

Read More »from John Legend Covers Bruce Springsteen and Simon & Garfunkel During Yahoo! On the Road Launch

B.o.B. teamed up with T.I. and Juicy J to release the video for “Still In This Bitch” from his F-ck ‘Em We Ball mixtape.

The clip captures the trio rapping in a strip club. B.o.B. explained the concept of the video in an exclusive interview with Hip Hop Media Training. 

“Me and Decatur Dan, the director, was talking about it and you know just wanted to kinda capture the essence of the song and really just show everybody having fun and really just bring that energy to life visually,” he said.

On Saturday, B.o.B. and Big Boi shot a video for “Double Or Nothin’,” their song from their new video EA game, Army Of Two The Devil’s Cartel.

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Read More »from B.o.B. Explains Concept Of New Mixtape Video With T.I. And Juicy J

Bridgit Mendler

Bridgit Mendler is on course to become just as popular a singer as she is an actress. The co-star of Disney's hit sitcom, "Good Luck Charlie," recently released her solo album, "Hello My Name Is."

Though Mendler has displayed her vocal chops on "Good Luck Charlie" and Disney special "Lemonade Mouth," the sound of her album takes listeners on yet another path. Mendler said she intentionally sought out a style that would distinguish her from her television persona.

Read More »from Disney Actress And Singer Bridgit Mendler Inspired By Bob Dylan And The Fugees

Last week, Justin Bieber failed to garner a Grammy nomination for music from his top-selling third album, "Believe." His fans and manager vented online. But he's now being recognized for another achievement — a humanitarian effort.

In 2012, the 18-year-old pop star received more retweets than any other celebrity on Twitter, according to a report prepared by the social networking site.

[Photos: Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj snubbed at the Grammy nominations ceremony]

In September, Bieber's tweet "RIP Avalanna. i love you" was retweeted 223,771 times. Bieber expressed condolences to late 6-year-old fan Avalanna Routh, who died of cancer.

Bieber's followers knew Routh's story. The adorable child who adopted the nickname "Mrs. Bieber" spent last Valentine's Day with the teen idol. They ate cupcakes, played board games and she even styled his hair.

In June, Routh joined Bieber on stage at the Apollo in New York and for an appearance on the "Today" show.

Routh got Bieber's attention

Read More »from Justin Bieber's Tweet To Late Fan, Top Celebrity Tweet Of 2012

Timothy Dormer, who streaked across Rihanna’s 777 Tour plane Monday, said he got the urge to disrobe because he was feeling reckless.

“I was just in the bathroom and was like, ‘Hell it’s 3 a.m. and we’re on an airplane, and have been flying for ages,” the British radio and TV host told Yahoo! “Plus, I have a massivecrush on Sydney, one of the air hostesses.”

Timothy Dormer streaks on Rihanna's 777 Tour plane.Rihanna has not responded tothe incident that has sparked a flurry of news reports. Dormer said he wascareful not to invade Rihanna’s area of the plane.

“I thought about doing itthe long way and going all the way down to the first class section, but thoughther security is going to take me out, and it’s going to get ugly,” he said.

Though Dormer’s obscenegesture drew mostly cheers from the media and contest winners in attendance, itwas preceded by a peaceful protest. Journalists upset that Rihanna had not heldany of the press conferences promised by her label, chanted, “Just one quote,”“Occupy 777” and “I Need A Headline.”

Journalists

Read More »from Journalist Who Streaked On Rihanna’s 777 Tour Jet Explains Actions

Rihanna sells out arena shows and has sold more download singles than any other artist, but despite her massive fan base, the "Diamonds" singer prefers performing in small venues, says her choreographer Nadine "Hi-Hat" Ruffin.

Ruffin is traveling with Rihanna on the singer's "777 Tour" that touches down in seven countries over the course of seven days. While on the road with Rihanna, Ruffin customizes the singer's show for each stage.

"Everyday is different. Every venue is different. May be smaller venues. Like yesterday, Stockholm was really, really small," Ruffin told Yahoo! Music after deboarding the chartered "777 Tour" twinjet in Paris. "She likes venues like that because she has less choreography to do. The bigger the venue, the more choreography, the more structure she will have."

Ruffin, who choreographed Rihanna's "Where Have You Been" video, said Rihanna was an ideal client. "She moves well and she picks up really, really fast," she said. "Every choreographer wants an artist

Read More »from Rihanna Prefers Performing In Small Venues, Says Choregrapher