Demetria Devonne Lovato was born on August 20, 1992 in Dallas, Texas to Deana Lovato (a former country singer and Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader (1983-1984)) and Patrick Lovato [divorced]. Her stepfather’s name is Eddie DeLaGarza. She is the middle child. She has an older sister (by 5 years) named Dallas Lovato (also an actress and singer) and a younger half-sister named Madison DeLaGarza (who is 10 years younger than her).
Demi began acting and singing at an early age. At the tender age of six (2003), she made her first break into TV as Angela on the Barney and Friends series. [Fast fact: One of the other actresses on Barney was Selena Gomez, who became her good friend.] Over the next few years she continued to pursue her love of acting and singing and appeared in a number of productions and contests throughout the state of Texas.
In 2006, she tried to make her way into more mainstream television. She began to receive roles in episodes for series such as Prison Break, Split Ends and Just Jordan. In 2007, she received her first regular role in the shorts on Disney Channel for As the Bell Rings (playing Charlotte).
Her big break came in 2008 in the role of Mitchie Torres in the smash made-for-TV Disney movie Camp Rock co-starring the Jonas Brothers.
Demi released her debut album, Don't Forget in September 2008.
After Camp Rock, she did not slow down. She is touring with the Jonas Brothers in their 2008 Tour, entitled “Burning Up Tour” (before that, she toured solo on the “Demi Live! Warm Up Tour) She is filming another Disney Channel Original movie entitled Princess Protection Program and in-between everything, she is recording her self-titled debut album. She is also slated to star in her own TV series, Welcome to Mollyword, playing the role of Molly [Note: Disney has announced a Camp Rock 2 to air in 2009]
Skills = sings, acts, plays the drums, piano and guitar
Personal info: hair color = Brown, eye color = brown
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Taylor Swift
Taylor Alison Swift (born December 13, 1989) is an American country pop singer-songwriter, guitarist and actress. In 2006, she released her debut single "Tim McGraw", which peaked at number six on the Billboard country charts. Later in October 2006, she released her self-titled debut album, which produced five hit singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts and was certified 3× Multi-Platinum by the RIAA. The New York Times described Swift as "one of pop's finest songwriters, country’s foremost pragmatist and more in touch with her inner life than most adults".[3]
According to Nielsen SoundScan, Swift was the biggest selling artist of 2008 in the United States with combined sales of more than four million albums. Swift's Fearless and her self-titled album finished 2008 at number three and number six respectively, with sales of 2.1 and 1.5 million.[4] She was the first artist in the history of Nielsen SoundScan to have two different albums in the Top 10 on the year end album chart.[4] Fearless has topped the Billboard 200 in 11 non-consecutive weeks.[5] No album has spent more time at number one since 1999-2000. It also was the first album by a female artist in country music history to log eight weeks at #1 on The Billboard 200. In mid-January 2009, Swift became the first country artist to top the 2 million mark in paid downloads with three different songs.[6] As of the week ending February 8, 2009, Swift's single "Love Story" became the country song with most paid downloads in history and the first country song to top the Mainstream Top 40 chart.[7][8] Swift then subsequently went onto replicate the feat, reaching #1 again on the Mainstream Top 40 in September 2009 with "You Belong With Me", making it just the second country song in the chart's history to reach the top. [9] According to the 2009 issue of Forbes, Swift is ranked as the 69th most powerful celebrity with over $18 million in earnings this year.[10]
Early life
Swift was born in the borough of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. She is the daughter of Scott, a stock broker, and Andrea Swift, a homemaker. She has a younger brother, Austin.[11] When she was in fourth grade, Swift won a national poetry contest with a three page poem entitled "Monster In My Closet".[12][13] At ten, Swift began writing songs and singing at karaoke contests, festivals, and fairs around her hometown. During one summer, Swift devoted herself to writing a 350 page (unpublished) novel.[14] She was a member of Kirk Cremer's SNL-inspired kid's sketch comedy group, TheatreKids Live!, where she was a natural comedic talent. After seeing her karaoke performance at one of the cast parties, it was Cremer's mother who first suggested that Swift seemed more of a natural to pursue a career in country music, rather than theatrical performing. Cremer soon leased space at a local mall and began to showcase his young protégée in weeknight performances of country songs with karaoke backing tracks. Emboldened by her performances and growing audiences, she began to perform in other local open mike and karaoke nights. Her first major show was a well-received performance at the Bloomsburg Fair, arranged by local performer Pat Garrett.[15]
Songwriting interest
Swift first learned to play guitar from a computer repairman who showed her how to play three chords. After learning those three chords, she wrote her first song, "Lucky You". She began writing songs regularly and used it as outlet to help her with her pain from not fitting in at school. Other kids would react badly to her so she wrote songs about them.[citation needed]
Early work
Swift's greatest musical influence is Shania Twain.[16] Her other influences include her grandmother, LeAnn Rimes, Tina Turner and Dolly Parton. Although her grandmother was a professional opera singer,[17] Taylor's tastes always ran more toward country and she developed a love for Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton at an early age.[18] She also credits the Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain for demonstrating how much impact can be made by "stretching boundaries".[19] At age 11, Swift made her first trip to Nashville hoping to obtain a record deal by distributing a demo tape of her singing with karaoke songs. She gave a copy to every label in town.[20] Swift faced rejection, not just from record labels, but also from her peers.[21] After Swift returned to Pennsylvania, she was asked to sing at the U.S. Open tennis tournament; her rendition of the national anthem received a lot of attention.[22] Swift started writing songs and playing 12-string guitar when she was 12. Swift began to regularly visit Nashville and wrote songs with local songwriters. By the time she was 14, her family decided to move to an outlying Nashville suburb.[23] When Swift was fifteen, she rejected RCA Records because the company wanted to keep her on a development deal.[24] Swift then performed at Nashville's songwriters' venue, The Bluebird Café, catching the attention of Scott Borchetta[25] who signed her to his newly-formed record label, Big Machine Records. She also became the youngest staff songwriter ever hired by the Sony/ATV Tree publishing house at 14.[26]
Music career
2006–2008: Taylor Swift
Swift performing at a café with a koa wood guitar in June 2006
Swift's first single, "Tim McGraw", was released to radio in mid-2006 and reached number 6 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart during the week of January 27, 2007.[27] Swift said, "I wrote the song in my freshman year of high school. I was dating a guy who was about to go off to college. I knew we were going to break up so I started thinking of all the things that I knew would remind him of me. Surprisingly, the first thing that came to mind was that my favorite country artist is Tim McGraw."[18] Her self-titled debut album Taylor Swift was released on October 24, 2006.[28] Swift wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on the album, which debuted at number 19 on the Billboard 200 and sold 39,000 copies during its first week.[29] It later peaked at number one at Billboard Top Country Albums and number five on the Billboard 200.[30] It also spent eight consecutive weeks at the top of the Top Country Albums charts[31] and remained at the top for 24 out of 91 weeks.[32] The only other country artists this decade to achieve the number-one sales position for 20 weeks or more are The Dixie Chicks and Carrie Underwood.[33] As of November 2008, Taylor Swift has sold over three million copies and 7.5 million single downloads.[34]
Swift has surpassed the 200 million mark for music streams on MySpace. She is currently ranked in the Top 10 for the most MySpace visits for all genres of music, and is MySpace's current top-ranking Country artist.[35][dead link] Swift is the most searched musical artist on MySpace in 2008.[36] The music video for "Tim McGraw" set a record by appearing for 30 consecutive weeks on GAC's fan-voted weekly Top 20 music countdown show, and reached number one on CMT's video charts. The video also won Swift an award for Breakthrough Video of the Year at the 2007 CMT Music Awards.[37] Her pursuit of country music stardom was the subject of "GAC Short Cuts", a part-documentary, part-music-video series airing since the summer of 2006 on the country music channel.[38] On May 15, 2007, Swift performed "Tim McGraw" at the Academy of Country Music Awards. She sang the song to Tim McGraw in the audience, and introduced herself for the first time to him. Swift has been an opening act for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill on their Soul2Soul 2007 tour. She has opened in the past for George Strait, Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts as well.[39]
On August 21, 2007, Swift performed live on the season finale of America's Got Talent.[40] The second single from the Taylor Swift album, "Teardrops on My Guitar", was released February 24, 2007. The song originally made its peak positions in mid-2007, peaking at #2 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart and #33 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was re-released to the Hot 100 and Pop 100 in late 2007 with a pop remix that brought "Teardrops on My Guitar" to #13 on the Hot 100 and #11 on the Pop 100. In October 2007, Swift's songwriting peers at the Nashville Songwriters Association International honored her with their Songwriter/Artist of the Year Award, making her the youngest artist ever to win the award.[41]
On November 7, 2007, Swift won the 2007 CMA Horizon Award and also performed "Our Song," the third single from her album, which would go on to become her first #1 song the week of December 22, 2007, where it leaped up from the #6 spot. This was the biggest jump to Number One since January 1998, when Tim McGraw's "Just to See You Smile", also jumped from #6 to #1.[42] "Our Song" spent six weeks at #1 on the Country charts and also peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #24 on the Billboard Pop 100. Swift also recorded a holiday album, Sounds of the Season: The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection, which was released October 16, 2007, exclusively available at Target stores. The album, which was not as successful as her self-titled debut, featured both holiday classics such as "Last Christmas" and original songs written by Swift. Swift was nominated for a 2008 Grammy Award in the category of Best New Artist, but lost to Amy Winehouse. Swift's successful single, "Picture to Burn" was the fourth single from her debut album. The song debuted early in 2008 and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Country Chart in the spring of 2008.
Swift performing at Yahoo HQ in 2007
Big Machine Records announced the release of "Should've Said No" on Monday, May 19. The song is the fifth and final single from Swift's debut album. She performed it on the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.[43] The performance started off with her dressed in a hooded sweatshirt and jeans, but soon after a short black halter dress was revealed. In the last minute of the song, she went backstage to perform the final verse under a cascading waterfall. Swift had wanted to do that performance on stage with the water and the change of clothes since she was ten years old.[44] "Should've Said No" became her second Number One single for the chart dated August 23, 2008. In June 2008, at the CMA Music Festival held in Nashville, Swift signed autographs for nearly eight straight hours. It was the longest autograph-signing session since Garth Brooks' 23-hour marathon in 1996.[45] In Summer 2008, Swift released Beautiful Eyes, an EP sold exclusively at Wal-Mart.[46] In its first week of release, the album sold 45,000 copies, debuting at #1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and #9 on the Billboard 200. With her self-titled debut album at #2 the same week, Swift became the first artist to hold the Top 2 positions of the Top Country Albums chart since LeAnn Rimes did so in 1997.[47] Swift plays a custom-made Taylor acoustic guitar made of koa wood.[48]
2008–present: Fearless
Swift's latest studio album, Fearless, was released in the United States on November 11, 2008.[49] The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart. Its sales of 592,304 were the highest debut of any country artists in 2008. This is also the largest opening U.S. sales week in 2008 by a female artist in all genres of music, and the fourth biggest overall behind Lil Wayne, AC/DC and Coldplay.[50] Its lead single "Love Story" became a hit on both the country and pop charts. During the first week of release, more than 129,000 of Swift's sales were sold digitally. This gives Swift the best online start for any country album in history.[51] It also makes Swift the fourth biggest week for a digital album since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking them in 2004.[52] Through its eighth week of release, Fearless has sold more than 338,467 paid downloads, making it the bestselling country album in digital history. In second place is Swift's debut Taylor Swift with sales of 236,046 downloads as of April 18, 2009.[53]
In its debut week, seven songs in total on Fearless were charted on Billboard Hot 100, tying Swift with Hannah Montana for the most by a female artist in a single week. With "White Horse" charted at #13, this gave Swift her sixth top 20 debut of 2008, a calendar year record for any artist in the history of the Billboard Hot 100. Of the 13 tracks on Fearless, 11 have already spent time on the Hot 100.[52] "Change", a song from the album, was selected as part of a soundtrack supporting Team USA's efforts in the 2008 Summer Olympics.[47] The song was also featured as part of the soundtrack of NBC's broadcast package of the Olympics. She also released the lead single from the album, "Love Story", on September 12, 2008. The song is accompanied by a music video that is based on Romeo and Juliet. The song has reached number 2 on iTunes Store Top Downloaded Songs and number four on the Billboard Hot 100. It is also called as Taylor Swift's signature song. Fifteen weeks after being added to pop radio, "Love Story" also became the first country crossover recording to hit number one on the Nielsen BDS CHR/Top 40 chart in the 16-year-history of list, as well as number one on the Mediabase Top 40 Chart.[54] The second single from Fearless, "White Horse", was released on December 8, 2008. The music video for the song premiered on CMT on February 7, 2009. Though it missed the #1 spot on Billboard's Hot Country Songs as of the week April 11, 2009, "White Horse" claimed the #1 spot atop the USA Today/Country Aircheck chart (powered by Mediabase) in that week.[55] "Forever & Always", another song from the album, was based on Swift's relationship with singer Joe Jonas.[56]
Swift is Billboard's Top Country Artist and Hot Country Songwriter of 2008; she is also country music's best-selling artist of 2008.[57] Swift ranked seventh on Nielsen SoundScan Canada's top-10 selling artists across all genres in 2008. Fearless and Taylor Swift took the #1 and #2 slots on 2008 Year-End Canadian Country Albums Chart.[58] Swift sang the Star-Spangled Banner at game three of the World Series in Philadelphia on October 25, 2008. On January 10, 2009, Swift made her first musical guest appearance on Saturday Night Live, making her the youngest country singer to appear as a musical guest on the show in its 33-year run.[59][60] Swift's show achieved SNL’s highest adult 18-49 rating and overall viewer total since the November election (in 2008). It was tied for the #7 rating of that week among all broadcast and cable entertainment programs on all networks and outscored all its telecasts of last season in 18-49 and total viewers.[61]
On February 8, 2009, Swift performed her song "Fifteen" with Miley Cyrus at the 51st Grammy Awards. Since the release of Swift's second album, Fearless, she has released one new song "Crazier" for the soundtrack of the feature film Hannah Montana: The Movie. At the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, Swift picked up Album of the Year honors as a performer and producer for Fearless. She is the youngest artist in history to win Album of the Year award. Swift was also awarded the Academy's Crystal Milestone Award, given for Outstanding Achievement in Country Music. The Academy lauded her for career achievements including selling more albums in 2008 than any other artist in any genre of music, the breakthrough success of her debut album (which spawned five Top 10 hits, more than any in history for a female artist's debut CD), and the worldwide crossover success of her #1 single "Love Story". The Academy also cited Swift's contribution to helping country music attract a younger audience.[62]
As of late April 2009, Swift has sold more than 14 million downloads, as well as three Gold Mobile Ringtones.[63] In June 2009, Swift performed "Thug Story" with T-Pain at the CMT Music Awards. She went on to win two awards for Female Video of the Year and Video of the Year.[64] On July 14, 2009, it was confirmed Swift would perform at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. "I'm so excited that MTV and the VMAs have invited me to perform, because I think this year's show will be unlike anything they've ever done!" stated Swift. "I love incorporating theatrics into my performances, and the VMAs have always allowed artists to run with that," Swift says. "MTV has been so good to me, and I could not be more excited about this year's VMAs." This was Swift's first performance on the VMAs. The show aired September 13 on MTV, with British comedian Russell Brand hosting for the second year in a row.[65] In addition to having three of her songs featured, Swift will appear as a playable character in Band Hero.[66] Swift announced September 6 on her Myspace blog that Fearless will be re-released on October 27 with six new songs. It will also include a DVD with her tour footage and pictures.[67]
In January 2009, Swift announced her first headlining tour. Swift is taking her North American Fearless Tour 2009 to 52 cities in 38 states and provinces in the US and Canada over the span of 6 months. Opening acts include Kellie Pickler and Gloriana, a new group in country music. The tour features a theatrical presentation of graphics, sets and visual elements designed by Swift; Swift plays guitar as well as piano. Multiple costume changes and a fairy-tale castle are some of the elements of the three-act show.[68] The tour kicked off April 23 in Evansville, Indiana. On February 6, 2009, tickets went on sale for the May 22 date at Los Angeles’ Staples Center and sold out in two minutes.[69] Tickets for several dates and venues, including Madison Square Garden, went on sale the following week and sold out in one minute.[70][71][72][73][74] On April 28, 2009, Swift gave a free, private concert to students at Bishop Ireton High School, a small Catholic school in Alexandria, Virginia after the school won a national "TXT 2 WIN" contest from Verizon Wireless.[75] The students sent over 19,000 text messages to Verizon during a roughly one month long contest. Swift played for about an hour during the school's field day, an annual day-long recess with games and activities.
2009 MTV Video Music Awards controversy
For more details on this topic, see 2009 MTV Video Music Awards controversy.
West taking the microphone from Swift at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.
On September 13, 2009, during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, singer/rapper Kanye West came on the stage and took the microphone from Swift during her acceptance speech for winning Best Female Video for "You Belong with Me", saying that Beyoncé's video for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", nominated for the same award, was "one of the best videos of all time". This caused the audience in the venue to respond negatively.[76][77] He handed the microphone back to a stunned and reportedly upset Swift, who did not finish her acceptance speech.[76][78] West was removed from the remainder of the show for his actions.[76] When Beyoncé later won the award for Best Video of the Year for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", she called Swift up on stage so that she could finish her acceptance speech.[76][79] Following the awards show, West apologized for his verbal outburst in a blog entry (which was subsequently removed).[76] He was criticized by various celebrities for the outburst,[77][80][81][82][83] and by President Barack Obama in an "off the record" comment.[84][85][86][87] He later posted a second apology on his blog and appeared on The Jay Leno Show one day after the incident, apologizing publicly.[77]
On September 15, 2009, Swift talked about the matter on The View. Asked what she was thinking the moment it happened, she stated, "Well, I think my overall thought process was something like, 'Wow, I can't believe I won, this is awesome, don't trip and fall, I'm gonna get to thank the fans, this is so cool'", she said, and that she further thought, "'Oh, Kanye West is here. Cool haircut. What are you doing there?' And then, 'Ouch.' And then, 'I guess I'm not gonna get to thank the fans.'"[88][89] In addition, she said that West had not spoken to her following the incident.[89] Following Swift's appearance on The View, West contacted her to apologize personally; Swift said she accepted his apology.[89][90] The night of the awards show, Swift became the first country music artist to win an MTV Video Music Award.[90]
Television appearances
In 2008, Swift made her acting debut in Brad Paisley's music video "Online". In that same year Swift filmed a documentary for MTV entitled MTV's Once Upon a Prom and a documentary with Def Leppard for CMT entitled CMT Crossroads, which was premiered on November 7, 2008, drew more than 4.5 million viewers for its four initial airings.[91] Swift collaborated with the Jonas Brothers in their 3D Concert Film, Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience. The film was released on February 27, 2009 in North America. The concert film brought in $12,700,000 on its opening weekend.[92] Swift made her primetime television acting debut on CBS's CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Turn, Turn, Turn on March 5, 2009 in the U.S. and Canada. The episode was watched by 20.8 million viewers.[93] Swift made a cameo appearance in Kellie Pickler's music video "Best Days of Your Life". Swift also appeared in Hannah Montana: The Movie as "woman singing in the barn". The film was released on April 10, 2009 in North America.[94] The television show Dateline NBC showcased an hour to Swift on May 31, 2009. The episode titled Dateline NBC: On Tour With Taylor Swift included scenes from her tour bus, concert footage, and rehearsals. She was also interviewed for the show and some of her exclusive video diaries were shown.[95]
Philanthropy
On September 21, 2007, Swift launched a campaign to protect children from online predators.[96] She has teamed up with Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen to combat internet sex crimes.[96] The year-long campaign, launched in partnership with the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police, will distribute Internet safety information and materials to parents and students across the state.[96] In early 2008, Swift donated the pink Chevy pick-up truck given to her by her record label to children’s charity, the Victory Junction Gang; in June, 2008, Swift donated all the proceeds she got from her merchandise sales at the 2008 Country Music Festival to Red Cross, the Nashville Area Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and the National American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.[97] Swift donated $10,000, funded by CMT ONE COUNTRY, to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by winning the "Video of the Year" and "Female Video of the Year" awards at the 2008 CMT Music Awards.[98] In 2009, Swift won "Video of the Year and "Female Video of the Year" awards at the 2009 CMT Music Awards. She donated $5,000, funded by CMT, to American Red Cross.[99]
Swift donated $100,000 to the Red Cross in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to help the victims of the Iowa flood of 2008.[100] Swift has teamed up with Sound Matters to make listeners aware of listening "responsibly".[101] Swift supports @15, a teen-led social change platform underwritten by Best Buy to give teens opportunities to direct the company's philanthropy through the newly-created @15 Fund. Swift's song, "Fifteen", is featured in this campaign.[102] Swift has lent her support to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal by joining the lineup at Sydney's Sound Relief concert,[103] reportedly making the biggest contribution of any artist playing at Sound Relief to the Australian Red Cross.[104] Swift donated her prom dress, which raised $1,200 for charity, to DonateMyDress.org.[105]
Public image and other work
Swift has been featured on the cover of a number of magazines. In 2008, the list includes Blender, Seventeen,[106] Billboard,[107] Girls' Life,[108][109] Women's Health and CosmoGirl.[110] In 2009, Swift graced the cover of Teen Vogue,[111] Self Magazine,[112] Rolling Stone,[113] Allure,[114] Glamour,[115] and Bliss.[116] She has been a cover girl for Blender, for which she was one of two country artists during the magazine’s fifteen year run to be a cover subject.[117] Additionally, she was named number fifty-seven on Maxim's sexiest women of 2008.[118] CosmoGirl voted Swift as the "2008 Girl of the Year".[119] Swift was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of "The RS 100: Agents of Change".[120] She was nominated as a candidate for TIME's "2009 The Time 100 Finalists" list, which is determined by online voting.[121]
Jakks Pacific released a celebrity doll of Swift in late 2008.[122] Taylor Swift is the face of L.E.I. Jeans (Life Energy Intelligence) since 2008.[123] Swift and the L.e.i. Clothing Line made a deal to create a line based on Swift's style of dressing. It will appear in Wal-Mart in the coming months.[124] However, Swift said she does not want to be called a designer. Instead, she says she will inspire the clothing company's dress line based on her own style. "I don't look at it like I'm branching out as a designer... It's not the Taylor Swift designer line."[125] In 2009, Swift became the National Hockey League's newest celebrity spokesperson. She appears in commercials for the Nashville Predators.[126]
Personal life
Swift's best friend has been Abigail Anderson, whom she has known since ninth grade. During a discussion of Shakespeare in an English class they learned what they had in common. "We were the ones in the back of the class saying negative things about Romeo and Juliet because we were so bitter toward that emotion at the time," said Anderson. "We just really connected ... and ever since then we have been inseparable."[127] Anderson also appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to surprise Swift. On that episode of Ellen, Swift also revealed that Joe Jonas broke up with her in a 27-second phone conversation.
Swift is also close friends with Kellie Pickler, with whom she co-wrote Pickler's second single "Best Days of Your Life" from her self-titled album Kellie Pickler.[128] In July 2008, Swift graduated from the Aaron Academy, a Christian school in Hendersonville, Tennessee which offers a home-schooling program.[129]
Band
This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (September 2009)
Swift has had the same backup band for most of her career thus far. Some of them join her to record in the studio[citation needed]. Banjoist Ben Clark and fiddle player Emily Poe are the only two people who have left the band. As of 2009, the lineup is:
Taylor Swift – Lead vocals, guitar, piano
Grant Mickelson – Guitar
Paul Sidoti – Guitar
Mike Meadows – Banjo, mandolin, guitar, keyboards, cello
Caitlin Evanson – Fiddle
Amos Heller – Bass
Al Wilson – Drums
Discography
Main article: Taylor Swift discography
Albums
2006: Taylor Swift
2008: Fearless
EPs
2007: Sounds of the Season: The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection
2008: Beautiful Eyes
Live albums
2008: Live From SoHo
Video albums
2008: CMT Crossroads: Taylor Swift & Def Leppard
According to Nielsen SoundScan, Swift was the biggest selling artist of 2008 in the United States with combined sales of more than four million albums. Swift's Fearless and her self-titled album finished 2008 at number three and number six respectively, with sales of 2.1 and 1.5 million.[4] She was the first artist in the history of Nielsen SoundScan to have two different albums in the Top 10 on the year end album chart.[4] Fearless has topped the Billboard 200 in 11 non-consecutive weeks.[5] No album has spent more time at number one since 1999-2000. It also was the first album by a female artist in country music history to log eight weeks at #1 on The Billboard 200. In mid-January 2009, Swift became the first country artist to top the 2 million mark in paid downloads with three different songs.[6] As of the week ending February 8, 2009, Swift's single "Love Story" became the country song with most paid downloads in history and the first country song to top the Mainstream Top 40 chart.[7][8] Swift then subsequently went onto replicate the feat, reaching #1 again on the Mainstream Top 40 in September 2009 with "You Belong With Me", making it just the second country song in the chart's history to reach the top. [9] According to the 2009 issue of Forbes, Swift is ranked as the 69th most powerful celebrity with over $18 million in earnings this year.[10]
Early life
Swift was born in the borough of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania. She is the daughter of Scott, a stock broker, and Andrea Swift, a homemaker. She has a younger brother, Austin.[11] When she was in fourth grade, Swift won a national poetry contest with a three page poem entitled "Monster In My Closet".[12][13] At ten, Swift began writing songs and singing at karaoke contests, festivals, and fairs around her hometown. During one summer, Swift devoted herself to writing a 350 page (unpublished) novel.[14] She was a member of Kirk Cremer's SNL-inspired kid's sketch comedy group, TheatreKids Live!, where she was a natural comedic talent. After seeing her karaoke performance at one of the cast parties, it was Cremer's mother who first suggested that Swift seemed more of a natural to pursue a career in country music, rather than theatrical performing. Cremer soon leased space at a local mall and began to showcase his young protégée in weeknight performances of country songs with karaoke backing tracks. Emboldened by her performances and growing audiences, she began to perform in other local open mike and karaoke nights. Her first major show was a well-received performance at the Bloomsburg Fair, arranged by local performer Pat Garrett.[15]
Songwriting interest
Swift first learned to play guitar from a computer repairman who showed her how to play three chords. After learning those three chords, she wrote her first song, "Lucky You". She began writing songs regularly and used it as outlet to help her with her pain from not fitting in at school. Other kids would react badly to her so she wrote songs about them.[citation needed]
Early work
Swift's greatest musical influence is Shania Twain.[16] Her other influences include her grandmother, LeAnn Rimes, Tina Turner and Dolly Parton. Although her grandmother was a professional opera singer,[17] Taylor's tastes always ran more toward country and she developed a love for Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton at an early age.[18] She also credits the Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain for demonstrating how much impact can be made by "stretching boundaries".[19] At age 11, Swift made her first trip to Nashville hoping to obtain a record deal by distributing a demo tape of her singing with karaoke songs. She gave a copy to every label in town.[20] Swift faced rejection, not just from record labels, but also from her peers.[21] After Swift returned to Pennsylvania, she was asked to sing at the U.S. Open tennis tournament; her rendition of the national anthem received a lot of attention.[22] Swift started writing songs and playing 12-string guitar when she was 12. Swift began to regularly visit Nashville and wrote songs with local songwriters. By the time she was 14, her family decided to move to an outlying Nashville suburb.[23] When Swift was fifteen, she rejected RCA Records because the company wanted to keep her on a development deal.[24] Swift then performed at Nashville's songwriters' venue, The Bluebird Café, catching the attention of Scott Borchetta[25] who signed her to his newly-formed record label, Big Machine Records. She also became the youngest staff songwriter ever hired by the Sony/ATV Tree publishing house at 14.[26]
Music career
2006–2008: Taylor Swift
Swift performing at a café with a koa wood guitar in June 2006
Swift's first single, "Tim McGraw", was released to radio in mid-2006 and reached number 6 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart during the week of January 27, 2007.[27] Swift said, "I wrote the song in my freshman year of high school. I was dating a guy who was about to go off to college. I knew we were going to break up so I started thinking of all the things that I knew would remind him of me. Surprisingly, the first thing that came to mind was that my favorite country artist is Tim McGraw."[18] Her self-titled debut album Taylor Swift was released on October 24, 2006.[28] Swift wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on the album, which debuted at number 19 on the Billboard 200 and sold 39,000 copies during its first week.[29] It later peaked at number one at Billboard Top Country Albums and number five on the Billboard 200.[30] It also spent eight consecutive weeks at the top of the Top Country Albums charts[31] and remained at the top for 24 out of 91 weeks.[32] The only other country artists this decade to achieve the number-one sales position for 20 weeks or more are The Dixie Chicks and Carrie Underwood.[33] As of November 2008, Taylor Swift has sold over three million copies and 7.5 million single downloads.[34]
Swift has surpassed the 200 million mark for music streams on MySpace. She is currently ranked in the Top 10 for the most MySpace visits for all genres of music, and is MySpace's current top-ranking Country artist.[35][dead link] Swift is the most searched musical artist on MySpace in 2008.[36] The music video for "Tim McGraw" set a record by appearing for 30 consecutive weeks on GAC's fan-voted weekly Top 20 music countdown show, and reached number one on CMT's video charts. The video also won Swift an award for Breakthrough Video of the Year at the 2007 CMT Music Awards.[37] Her pursuit of country music stardom was the subject of "GAC Short Cuts", a part-documentary, part-music-video series airing since the summer of 2006 on the country music channel.[38] On May 15, 2007, Swift performed "Tim McGraw" at the Academy of Country Music Awards. She sang the song to Tim McGraw in the audience, and introduced herself for the first time to him. Swift has been an opening act for Tim McGraw and Faith Hill on their Soul2Soul 2007 tour. She has opened in the past for George Strait, Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts as well.[39]
On August 21, 2007, Swift performed live on the season finale of America's Got Talent.[40] The second single from the Taylor Swift album, "Teardrops on My Guitar", was released February 24, 2007. The song originally made its peak positions in mid-2007, peaking at #2 on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart and #33 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song was re-released to the Hot 100 and Pop 100 in late 2007 with a pop remix that brought "Teardrops on My Guitar" to #13 on the Hot 100 and #11 on the Pop 100. In October 2007, Swift's songwriting peers at the Nashville Songwriters Association International honored her with their Songwriter/Artist of the Year Award, making her the youngest artist ever to win the award.[41]
On November 7, 2007, Swift won the 2007 CMA Horizon Award and also performed "Our Song," the third single from her album, which would go on to become her first #1 song the week of December 22, 2007, where it leaped up from the #6 spot. This was the biggest jump to Number One since January 1998, when Tim McGraw's "Just to See You Smile", also jumped from #6 to #1.[42] "Our Song" spent six weeks at #1 on the Country charts and also peaked at #16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #24 on the Billboard Pop 100. Swift also recorded a holiday album, Sounds of the Season: The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection, which was released October 16, 2007, exclusively available at Target stores. The album, which was not as successful as her self-titled debut, featured both holiday classics such as "Last Christmas" and original songs written by Swift. Swift was nominated for a 2008 Grammy Award in the category of Best New Artist, but lost to Amy Winehouse. Swift's successful single, "Picture to Burn" was the fourth single from her debut album. The song debuted early in 2008 and peaked at #3 on the Billboard Country Chart in the spring of 2008.
Swift performing at Yahoo HQ in 2007
Big Machine Records announced the release of "Should've Said No" on Monday, May 19. The song is the fifth and final single from Swift's debut album. She performed it on the 43rd Annual Academy of Country Music Awards.[43] The performance started off with her dressed in a hooded sweatshirt and jeans, but soon after a short black halter dress was revealed. In the last minute of the song, she went backstage to perform the final verse under a cascading waterfall. Swift had wanted to do that performance on stage with the water and the change of clothes since she was ten years old.[44] "Should've Said No" became her second Number One single for the chart dated August 23, 2008. In June 2008, at the CMA Music Festival held in Nashville, Swift signed autographs for nearly eight straight hours. It was the longest autograph-signing session since Garth Brooks' 23-hour marathon in 1996.[45] In Summer 2008, Swift released Beautiful Eyes, an EP sold exclusively at Wal-Mart.[46] In its first week of release, the album sold 45,000 copies, debuting at #1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and #9 on the Billboard 200. With her self-titled debut album at #2 the same week, Swift became the first artist to hold the Top 2 positions of the Top Country Albums chart since LeAnn Rimes did so in 1997.[47] Swift plays a custom-made Taylor acoustic guitar made of koa wood.[48]
2008–present: Fearless
Swift's latest studio album, Fearless, was released in the United States on November 11, 2008.[49] The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 Album Chart. Its sales of 592,304 were the highest debut of any country artists in 2008. This is also the largest opening U.S. sales week in 2008 by a female artist in all genres of music, and the fourth biggest overall behind Lil Wayne, AC/DC and Coldplay.[50] Its lead single "Love Story" became a hit on both the country and pop charts. During the first week of release, more than 129,000 of Swift's sales were sold digitally. This gives Swift the best online start for any country album in history.[51] It also makes Swift the fourth biggest week for a digital album since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking them in 2004.[52] Through its eighth week of release, Fearless has sold more than 338,467 paid downloads, making it the bestselling country album in digital history. In second place is Swift's debut Taylor Swift with sales of 236,046 downloads as of April 18, 2009.[53]
In its debut week, seven songs in total on Fearless were charted on Billboard Hot 100, tying Swift with Hannah Montana for the most by a female artist in a single week. With "White Horse" charted at #13, this gave Swift her sixth top 20 debut of 2008, a calendar year record for any artist in the history of the Billboard Hot 100. Of the 13 tracks on Fearless, 11 have already spent time on the Hot 100.[52] "Change", a song from the album, was selected as part of a soundtrack supporting Team USA's efforts in the 2008 Summer Olympics.[47] The song was also featured as part of the soundtrack of NBC's broadcast package of the Olympics. She also released the lead single from the album, "Love Story", on September 12, 2008. The song is accompanied by a music video that is based on Romeo and Juliet. The song has reached number 2 on iTunes Store Top Downloaded Songs and number four on the Billboard Hot 100. It is also called as Taylor Swift's signature song. Fifteen weeks after being added to pop radio, "Love Story" also became the first country crossover recording to hit number one on the Nielsen BDS CHR/Top 40 chart in the 16-year-history of list, as well as number one on the Mediabase Top 40 Chart.[54] The second single from Fearless, "White Horse", was released on December 8, 2008. The music video for the song premiered on CMT on February 7, 2009. Though it missed the #1 spot on Billboard's Hot Country Songs as of the week April 11, 2009, "White Horse" claimed the #1 spot atop the USA Today/Country Aircheck chart (powered by Mediabase) in that week.[55] "Forever & Always", another song from the album, was based on Swift's relationship with singer Joe Jonas.[56]
Swift is Billboard's Top Country Artist and Hot Country Songwriter of 2008; she is also country music's best-selling artist of 2008.[57] Swift ranked seventh on Nielsen SoundScan Canada's top-10 selling artists across all genres in 2008. Fearless and Taylor Swift took the #1 and #2 slots on 2008 Year-End Canadian Country Albums Chart.[58] Swift sang the Star-Spangled Banner at game three of the World Series in Philadelphia on October 25, 2008. On January 10, 2009, Swift made her first musical guest appearance on Saturday Night Live, making her the youngest country singer to appear as a musical guest on the show in its 33-year run.[59][60] Swift's show achieved SNL’s highest adult 18-49 rating and overall viewer total since the November election (in 2008). It was tied for the #7 rating of that week among all broadcast and cable entertainment programs on all networks and outscored all its telecasts of last season in 18-49 and total viewers.[61]
On February 8, 2009, Swift performed her song "Fifteen" with Miley Cyrus at the 51st Grammy Awards. Since the release of Swift's second album, Fearless, she has released one new song "Crazier" for the soundtrack of the feature film Hannah Montana: The Movie. At the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, Swift picked up Album of the Year honors as a performer and producer for Fearless. She is the youngest artist in history to win Album of the Year award. Swift was also awarded the Academy's Crystal Milestone Award, given for Outstanding Achievement in Country Music. The Academy lauded her for career achievements including selling more albums in 2008 than any other artist in any genre of music, the breakthrough success of her debut album (which spawned five Top 10 hits, more than any in history for a female artist's debut CD), and the worldwide crossover success of her #1 single "Love Story". The Academy also cited Swift's contribution to helping country music attract a younger audience.[62]
As of late April 2009, Swift has sold more than 14 million downloads, as well as three Gold Mobile Ringtones.[63] In June 2009, Swift performed "Thug Story" with T-Pain at the CMT Music Awards. She went on to win two awards for Female Video of the Year and Video of the Year.[64] On July 14, 2009, it was confirmed Swift would perform at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. "I'm so excited that MTV and the VMAs have invited me to perform, because I think this year's show will be unlike anything they've ever done!" stated Swift. "I love incorporating theatrics into my performances, and the VMAs have always allowed artists to run with that," Swift says. "MTV has been so good to me, and I could not be more excited about this year's VMAs." This was Swift's first performance on the VMAs. The show aired September 13 on MTV, with British comedian Russell Brand hosting for the second year in a row.[65] In addition to having three of her songs featured, Swift will appear as a playable character in Band Hero.[66] Swift announced September 6 on her Myspace blog that Fearless will be re-released on October 27 with six new songs. It will also include a DVD with her tour footage and pictures.[67]
In January 2009, Swift announced her first headlining tour. Swift is taking her North American Fearless Tour 2009 to 52 cities in 38 states and provinces in the US and Canada over the span of 6 months. Opening acts include Kellie Pickler and Gloriana, a new group in country music. The tour features a theatrical presentation of graphics, sets and visual elements designed by Swift; Swift plays guitar as well as piano. Multiple costume changes and a fairy-tale castle are some of the elements of the three-act show.[68] The tour kicked off April 23 in Evansville, Indiana. On February 6, 2009, tickets went on sale for the May 22 date at Los Angeles’ Staples Center and sold out in two minutes.[69] Tickets for several dates and venues, including Madison Square Garden, went on sale the following week and sold out in one minute.[70][71][72][73][74] On April 28, 2009, Swift gave a free, private concert to students at Bishop Ireton High School, a small Catholic school in Alexandria, Virginia after the school won a national "TXT 2 WIN" contest from Verizon Wireless.[75] The students sent over 19,000 text messages to Verizon during a roughly one month long contest. Swift played for about an hour during the school's field day, an annual day-long recess with games and activities.
2009 MTV Video Music Awards controversy
For more details on this topic, see 2009 MTV Video Music Awards controversy.
West taking the microphone from Swift at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.
On September 13, 2009, during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, singer/rapper Kanye West came on the stage and took the microphone from Swift during her acceptance speech for winning Best Female Video for "You Belong with Me", saying that Beyoncé's video for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", nominated for the same award, was "one of the best videos of all time". This caused the audience in the venue to respond negatively.[76][77] He handed the microphone back to a stunned and reportedly upset Swift, who did not finish her acceptance speech.[76][78] West was removed from the remainder of the show for his actions.[76] When Beyoncé later won the award for Best Video of the Year for "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)", she called Swift up on stage so that she could finish her acceptance speech.[76][79] Following the awards show, West apologized for his verbal outburst in a blog entry (which was subsequently removed).[76] He was criticized by various celebrities for the outburst,[77][80][81][82][83] and by President Barack Obama in an "off the record" comment.[84][85][86][87] He later posted a second apology on his blog and appeared on The Jay Leno Show one day after the incident, apologizing publicly.[77]
On September 15, 2009, Swift talked about the matter on The View. Asked what she was thinking the moment it happened, she stated, "Well, I think my overall thought process was something like, 'Wow, I can't believe I won, this is awesome, don't trip and fall, I'm gonna get to thank the fans, this is so cool'", she said, and that she further thought, "'Oh, Kanye West is here. Cool haircut. What are you doing there?' And then, 'Ouch.' And then, 'I guess I'm not gonna get to thank the fans.'"[88][89] In addition, she said that West had not spoken to her following the incident.[89] Following Swift's appearance on The View, West contacted her to apologize personally; Swift said she accepted his apology.[89][90] The night of the awards show, Swift became the first country music artist to win an MTV Video Music Award.[90]
Television appearances
In 2008, Swift made her acting debut in Brad Paisley's music video "Online". In that same year Swift filmed a documentary for MTV entitled MTV's Once Upon a Prom and a documentary with Def Leppard for CMT entitled CMT Crossroads, which was premiered on November 7, 2008, drew more than 4.5 million viewers for its four initial airings.[91] Swift collaborated with the Jonas Brothers in their 3D Concert Film, Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience. The film was released on February 27, 2009 in North America. The concert film brought in $12,700,000 on its opening weekend.[92] Swift made her primetime television acting debut on CBS's CSI: Crime Scene Investigation Turn, Turn, Turn on March 5, 2009 in the U.S. and Canada. The episode was watched by 20.8 million viewers.[93] Swift made a cameo appearance in Kellie Pickler's music video "Best Days of Your Life". Swift also appeared in Hannah Montana: The Movie as "woman singing in the barn". The film was released on April 10, 2009 in North America.[94] The television show Dateline NBC showcased an hour to Swift on May 31, 2009. The episode titled Dateline NBC: On Tour With Taylor Swift included scenes from her tour bus, concert footage, and rehearsals. She was also interviewed for the show and some of her exclusive video diaries were shown.[95]
Philanthropy
On September 21, 2007, Swift launched a campaign to protect children from online predators.[96] She has teamed up with Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen to combat internet sex crimes.[96] The year-long campaign, launched in partnership with the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police, will distribute Internet safety information and materials to parents and students across the state.[96] In early 2008, Swift donated the pink Chevy pick-up truck given to her by her record label to children’s charity, the Victory Junction Gang; in June, 2008, Swift donated all the proceeds she got from her merchandise sales at the 2008 Country Music Festival to Red Cross, the Nashville Area Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and the National American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.[97] Swift donated $10,000, funded by CMT ONE COUNTRY, to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by winning the "Video of the Year" and "Female Video of the Year" awards at the 2008 CMT Music Awards.[98] In 2009, Swift won "Video of the Year and "Female Video of the Year" awards at the 2009 CMT Music Awards. She donated $5,000, funded by CMT, to American Red Cross.[99]
Swift donated $100,000 to the Red Cross in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to help the victims of the Iowa flood of 2008.[100] Swift has teamed up with Sound Matters to make listeners aware of listening "responsibly".[101] Swift supports @15, a teen-led social change platform underwritten by Best Buy to give teens opportunities to direct the company's philanthropy through the newly-created @15 Fund. Swift's song, "Fifteen", is featured in this campaign.[102] Swift has lent her support to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal by joining the lineup at Sydney's Sound Relief concert,[103] reportedly making the biggest contribution of any artist playing at Sound Relief to the Australian Red Cross.[104] Swift donated her prom dress, which raised $1,200 for charity, to DonateMyDress.org.[105]
Public image and other work
Swift has been featured on the cover of a number of magazines. In 2008, the list includes Blender, Seventeen,[106] Billboard,[107] Girls' Life,[108][109] Women's Health and CosmoGirl.[110] In 2009, Swift graced the cover of Teen Vogue,[111] Self Magazine,[112] Rolling Stone,[113] Allure,[114] Glamour,[115] and Bliss.[116] She has been a cover girl for Blender, for which she was one of two country artists during the magazine’s fifteen year run to be a cover subject.[117] Additionally, she was named number fifty-seven on Maxim's sexiest women of 2008.[118] CosmoGirl voted Swift as the "2008 Girl of the Year".[119] Swift was named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of "The RS 100: Agents of Change".[120] She was nominated as a candidate for TIME's "2009 The Time 100 Finalists" list, which is determined by online voting.[121]
Jakks Pacific released a celebrity doll of Swift in late 2008.[122] Taylor Swift is the face of L.E.I. Jeans (Life Energy Intelligence) since 2008.[123] Swift and the L.e.i. Clothing Line made a deal to create a line based on Swift's style of dressing. It will appear in Wal-Mart in the coming months.[124] However, Swift said she does not want to be called a designer. Instead, she says she will inspire the clothing company's dress line based on her own style. "I don't look at it like I'm branching out as a designer... It's not the Taylor Swift designer line."[125] In 2009, Swift became the National Hockey League's newest celebrity spokesperson. She appears in commercials for the Nashville Predators.[126]
Personal life
Swift's best friend has been Abigail Anderson, whom she has known since ninth grade. During a discussion of Shakespeare in an English class they learned what they had in common. "We were the ones in the back of the class saying negative things about Romeo and Juliet because we were so bitter toward that emotion at the time," said Anderson. "We just really connected ... and ever since then we have been inseparable."[127] Anderson also appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to surprise Swift. On that episode of Ellen, Swift also revealed that Joe Jonas broke up with her in a 27-second phone conversation.
Swift is also close friends with Kellie Pickler, with whom she co-wrote Pickler's second single "Best Days of Your Life" from her self-titled album Kellie Pickler.[128] In July 2008, Swift graduated from the Aaron Academy, a Christian school in Hendersonville, Tennessee which offers a home-schooling program.[129]
Band
This section does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (September 2009)
Swift has had the same backup band for most of her career thus far. Some of them join her to record in the studio[citation needed]. Banjoist Ben Clark and fiddle player Emily Poe are the only two people who have left the band. As of 2009, the lineup is:
Taylor Swift – Lead vocals, guitar, piano
Grant Mickelson – Guitar
Paul Sidoti – Guitar
Mike Meadows – Banjo, mandolin, guitar, keyboards, cello
Caitlin Evanson – Fiddle
Amos Heller – Bass
Al Wilson – Drums
Discography
Main article: Taylor Swift discography
Albums
2006: Taylor Swift
2008: Fearless
EPs
2007: Sounds of the Season: The Taylor Swift Holiday Collection
2008: Beautiful Eyes
Live albums
2008: Live From SoHo
Video albums
2008: CMT Crossroads: Taylor Swift & Def Leppard
Miley Cyrus
American actress Destiny Hope Cyrus, or more commonly known as Miley Cyrus, was born on November 23, 1992, in Nashville, Tenn. Miley is the daughter of country singer/actor Billy Ray Cyrus, and her name comes from the shortened nickname for "Smiley." In 2006, she landed the role of a regular girl and rock star on the Disney channel original series "Hannah Montana." Also, her favorite sport is cheerleading.The daughter of country-music superstar Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus got her start in the entertainment industry on an episode of her father's PAX TV medical series Doc before appearing in Tim Burton's fantastical 2003 adventure Big Fish. A fateful appearance as the character Hannah Montana in the Disney Channel series The Suite Life of Zack and Cody followed in 2006, and her character proved so popular that a spin-off series called Hannah Montana was launched shortly thereafter. In the series, Cyrus portrayed a fun-loving California teen who just happens to be moonlighting as a world-famous pop star. Only Hannah's family (which includes her real-life father on the series) and her two closest friends, Lilly (Emily Osment) and Oliver (Mitchel Musso), know the truth about Hannah's remarkable secret life. Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Aly and AJ
Following two No. 1 Radio Disney songs, “No One” from the “Ice Princess” film soundtrack and “Do You Believe In Magic”, (the single for which has sold over 50,000 copies), sister duo Aly & AJ will release their debut project, INTO THE RUSH, to the general market August 16th and to the CBA market October 4th on Hollywood Records.Having developed a strong passion for music at very young ages and playing the piano since they were six years old, Aly & AJ now 16 and 14, compose most of their songs on their guitars. The energy and spirit the sisters bring to their music colors the entire album, for which they have written or co-written all of the songs. Though they may be young teens, when it comes to writing songs, they aim high. “We want our songs to be fun, but we also want to write about deeper issues that make people think and issues that we can all relate to in one way or another,” says AJ. Aly & AJ’s song "I Am One of Them" tackles the tough subject of child kidnappings. They want to bring awareness by encouraging kids to look out for one another and use precautions and safety measures to empower them. AJ contributed a track called "Protecting Me," a song featured in a Disney Channel "Phil of the Future" episode, which addresses the vulnerable nature of being a kid today. Says Aly: "We want to let kids know they have the power to protect themselves and one another." Aly & AJ have also written songs that address the issues of relationships, heartaches, staying true to yourself and celebrating your own uniqueness.” Today, Aly co-stars in the hit Disney Channel series "Phil of the Future” and AJ has had recurring and guest-star roles in many major network shows including "Six Feet Under," "Oliver Beene", “Birds of Prey”, "The Guardian," and "General Hospital." The signature track from the original Disney Channel movie "Now You See It," (starring Aly), is the remake of the 60’s classic “Do You Believe In Magic,” which became the No.1 most requested song on Radio Disney. The song also reached No. 2 on the Billboard Single Charts. In addition to becoming the No.1 most requested song on Radio Disney, a hit on Yahoo Music!, and a featured song on ABC’s hit show, “Alias”, their follow-up single “No One” was featured throughout the opening scene and introductory credits of the movie “Ice Princess,” starring Kim Cattrall and Joan Cusack. Currently riding high off the success of their current single “Walking On Sunshine” from the Herbie Fully Loaded soundtrack, Aly & AJ have received over 600 total music video spins on The Disney Channel. The video for “Walking On Sunshine” is also receiving exposure on both AOL and Yahoo!Along with a taped live performance set to air in over 50 Regal movie theaters across the country, look for features on Aly & AJ in Tiger Beat, Twist, Music Express, Bop, Sweet Sixteen and more, as well as performances scheduled in various mall music retail shops mid-August in New York, Chicago, Minneapolis, and Los Angeles.
Vanessa Hudgens
Vanessa Anne Hudgens[2] (born December 14, 1988)[3] is an American actress and singer. After working in local theater plays and television commercials in her childhood, Hudgens made her screen debut in the 2003 drama film Thirteen. Hudgens starred in the 2004 science-fiction-adventure film Thunderbirds as Noel. But Hudgens' most prominent role was as Gabriella Montez in the High School Musical series.[4] Hudgens was nominated for Imagen Foundation Awards and Young Artist Awards for her portrayal in the film series.
Her debut album V on September 26, 2006. The album debuted at number twenty four in the U.S.[5] and was later certified Gold. Hudgens released her second album, Identified, on July 1, 2008 in the U.S. Hudgens garnered critical acclaim in the 2009 film Bandslam which released on August 14, 2009.[6] Hudgens' ranked 32nd in the "100 Reasons to Embrace Film in 2010" of Total Film.[7]
Early life and career
Hudgens was born in Salinas, California, and lived all over the West Coast – from Oregon to Southern California – with her parents, Gina (née Guangco) who held a succession of office jobs, and Gregory Hudgens, a firefighter, and a younger sister, Stella Hudgens.[2][3] Hudgens and her family moved to Los Angeles after she won a role in a television commercial.[8] Hudgens is of mixed cultural descents,[9] as her father is of Irish and Native American descent, and her mother, a native of Manila, is of Chinese-Filipino-Spanish descent.[3][10] Both sets of Hudgens' grandparents were musicians.[8]
Starting at the age of eight, Hudgens performed in musical theater as a singer, and appeared in local productions of Carousel, The Wizard of Oz, The King and I, The Music Man, and Cinderella, among others.[11] Two years after her career in stage plays and musicals, she started auditioning for commercials and TV shows.[12] Her acting career started at the age of 15, and she was not able to finish her high school in Orange County High School of the Arts after being home schooled by tutors.[13][14]
Career
2003-2007: Career development
Hudgens during the High School Musical: The Concert tour performing Come Back to Me.
In 2003, Hudgens played a minor role in the independent drama film Thirteen, where she plays Noel, a friend of Tracy (Evan Rachel Wood's character). The film received general favorable reviews, critically successful, and surpassed its $4 million budget. She landed a role, eventually, in the 2004 science fiction-adventure film as Tintin. Unfortunately, the film was commercially and critically unsuccessful, and received heavy criticism through the Internet prior to its release. Since then, Hudgens has already appeared in several TV shows and commercials.[12] In late 2005, she landed the role of shy and meek Gabriella Montez in High School Musical, opposite to Zac Efron.[15]
Before she played her breakout role as Gabriella Montez in High School Musical, Hudgens has already appeared in television shows such as Quintuplets, Still Standing, The Brothers García, Drake & Josh and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. Her performance in High School Musical received numerous nominations and awards.[16][17] With the success of the film, BBC UK noted that Hudgens will be a "household name" in the US.[18]
Hudgens received a recording contract with Hollywood Records.[19] On September 2006, the release of her debut album entitled V, charted on the Billboard 200 at number twenty-four on the chart[5] and was certified Gold on February 27, 2007.[20] Her first single, "Come Back to Me" became her highest-charting single and her second single was "Say OK". Billboard readers chose "V" as the seventh best album of the year.[21] Hudgens was named Female Breakout Singer of the year at the 2007 Teen Choice Awards.[22]
Hudgens also participated in the nationwide High School Musical: The Concert tour in fall 2006, performing the songs from the soundtrack album as well as the three songs from her debut album.[23] She sang the duet "Still There For Me" with Corbin Bleu for his debut album. In 2007, Hudgens reprised her role as Gabriella Montez in the sequel of High School Musical, High School Musical 2.[24] Virginia Heffernan of TV Review described Hudgens in her performance in the movie as "matte" as she "glows like a proper ingénue".[25]
In December 2007, she sang to George Bush, who was then the president of the U.S., and his family, at The National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. with other singers at a Christmas event.[26]
Hudgens reprised her role as Gabriella Montez in High School Musical 3: Senior Year.[27] Her performance in the film made her win favorite movie actress in the 2009 Kids Choice Awards.[28] Her sophomore album, Identified, which received generally favorable reviews,[29] was released on July 1, 2008, debuting at #23 on the Billboard 200.[30] The album's lead single was "Sneakernight". Hudgens's Identified Summer Tour began on August 1, 2008 and ended in early September 9 of the same year.[31]
2009-present: Critical success
Hudgens with Zac Efron at the 81st Academy Awards.
Hudgens played a supporting role in a musical comedy Bandslam, which was released theatrically on August 14, 2009.[32][33] Hudgens plays "Sa5m", a 15-year-old awkward freshman with untapped talents.[34] Although Bandslam was commercially unsuccessful, Hudgens' performance received praise from critics.[35] David Waddington noted that Hudgens "outshines the rest of the cast, failing to fit in with the outcast narrative and making the inevitable climactic ending all the more expected."[36] In the film, Philip French of The Guardian compared her acting to Thandie Newton and Dorothy Parker.[37]
In 2009, it was announced that Hudgens will play Linda Taylor in Beastly, a film based on the book by Alex Flinn.[38] Hudgens was cast as Blondie in an action film Sucker Punch, which will release in March 2011.[39] In June 2009, Hudgens was officially attached in a film adaptation of the comic series Dead@17 created by Josh Howard.[40] Hudgens performed a musical number with other artists during the 81st Academy Awards.[41] On April 8, 2009, Hudgens's participation in a comedic short video entitled "Zac Efron's Pool Party" for the website Funny Or Die was released for public viewing.[42]
Personal life and public image
In an October 2007 interview, Hudgens stated that she is dating her High School Musical series co-star Zac Efron and had been since the filming of High School Musical.[43][44] The two were not paired together during the audition process and did not meet until the first early rehearsals before filming started.[45] Hudgens is a Catholic.[46] Her height is 5'3.[47]
In 2006, Hudgens' earnings were estimated to be $2 million.[48] Hudgens was included in Forbes richest list in early 2007, it was posted in Forbes website, that Hudgens was included in Young Hollywood's Top Earning-Stars.[49] On December 12, 2008, Hudgens was ranked #20 in the list of Forbes "High Earners Under 30", having reported to have an estimated earnings of $3 million in 2008.[50][51] She was number 62 at FHM's Sexiest Women in the World of 2008 and number 42 in the 2009 list.[52][53] Hudgens is also featured in Maxim' lists.[54] She was included in People's annual "100 Most Beautiful People" 2008 and 2009 lists.[55][56]
Hudgens is represented by William Morris Agency.[57] She is a spokesperson for Mark Ecko products.[58] Hudgens also promotes Neutrogena[59] and was the 2008 featured celebrity for Sears' back-to school campaign.[60] Hudgens regularly volunteers for charitable activities, including those for Best Buddies International,[61][62] Lollipop Theater Network,[63] St. Jude Children's Research Hospital[64] and the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.[65] Hudgens is also featured in A Very Special Christmas Vol.7 disc which benefits the Special Olympics.[66]
Controversies
Nude photos
On September 6, 2007, photos of Hudgens appeared online, one showing her posing in lingerie and another showing her nude. A statement from her publicist claims that the photo was taken privately and it was unfortunate that they were released on the internet. Hudgens later apologized, saying that she was "embarrassed over the situation" and regretted having "taken [those] photos."[67] Hudgens has since released a statement that she doesn't want to talk about the scandal.[68]
OK! magazine speculated that Hudgens would be dropped from High School Musical 3 when naked photos of Hudgens surfaced the internet in late 2007.[69] The Walt Disney Company denied the reports, saying, "Vanessa has apologized for what was obviously a lapse in judgment. We hope she's learned a valuable lesson."[70][71][72]
In August 2009, a new set of pictures showing Hudgens topless emerged on the internet. Hudgens's representatives have yet to make an official statement. Lawyers have requested the removal of the pictures from the internet.[73][74] Hudgens later commented on the photos' impact on her career in the October issue of Allure with, "Whenever anybody asks me, would I do nudity in a film, if I say that it's something I'm not comfortable with, they're like, 'Bullshit, you've already done it.' If anything, it makes it more embarrassing, because that was a private thing. It's screwed up that someone screwed me over like that. At least some people are learning from my mistake."[75]
Lawsuits
Brian Schall sued Hudgens last 2007 for an alleged "breach of contract"; according to the suit, Schall claims he advanced costs and expenses on Hudgens’s behalf for her songwriting and recording career.[76] Schall claims Hudgens owes him $150,000 after helping her earn more than $5 million for her music career. Hudgens argues that she was underage to sign her contract on October 2005 as she was just 16 then.
Hudgens subsequently disaffirmed it on October 9, 2008. Papers filed in court by her lawyer say California's Family Code "provides that the contract of a minor is voidable and may be disaffirmed before (age 18) or within a reasonable time afterward."[77]
In 2008, Hudgens was sued by Johnny Vieira, who claims he is owed a share of the 19-year-old's advances, royalties and merchandising revenue in exchange for his management services. Vieira accuses Hudgens of abandoning her talent team as soon as she became a commercial name in the High School Musical era.[78] In early May 2009, the case was settled.[79]
Her debut album V on September 26, 2006. The album debuted at number twenty four in the U.S.[5] and was later certified Gold. Hudgens released her second album, Identified, on July 1, 2008 in the U.S. Hudgens garnered critical acclaim in the 2009 film Bandslam which released on August 14, 2009.[6] Hudgens' ranked 32nd in the "100 Reasons to Embrace Film in 2010" of Total Film.[7]
Early life and career
Hudgens was born in Salinas, California, and lived all over the West Coast – from Oregon to Southern California – with her parents, Gina (née Guangco) who held a succession of office jobs, and Gregory Hudgens, a firefighter, and a younger sister, Stella Hudgens.[2][3] Hudgens and her family moved to Los Angeles after she won a role in a television commercial.[8] Hudgens is of mixed cultural descents,[9] as her father is of Irish and Native American descent, and her mother, a native of Manila, is of Chinese-Filipino-Spanish descent.[3][10] Both sets of Hudgens' grandparents were musicians.[8]
Starting at the age of eight, Hudgens performed in musical theater as a singer, and appeared in local productions of Carousel, The Wizard of Oz, The King and I, The Music Man, and Cinderella, among others.[11] Two years after her career in stage plays and musicals, she started auditioning for commercials and TV shows.[12] Her acting career started at the age of 15, and she was not able to finish her high school in Orange County High School of the Arts after being home schooled by tutors.[13][14]
Career
2003-2007: Career development
Hudgens during the High School Musical: The Concert tour performing Come Back to Me.
In 2003, Hudgens played a minor role in the independent drama film Thirteen, where she plays Noel, a friend of Tracy (Evan Rachel Wood's character). The film received general favorable reviews, critically successful, and surpassed its $4 million budget. She landed a role, eventually, in the 2004 science fiction-adventure film as Tintin. Unfortunately, the film was commercially and critically unsuccessful, and received heavy criticism through the Internet prior to its release. Since then, Hudgens has already appeared in several TV shows and commercials.[12] In late 2005, she landed the role of shy and meek Gabriella Montez in High School Musical, opposite to Zac Efron.[15]
Before she played her breakout role as Gabriella Montez in High School Musical, Hudgens has already appeared in television shows such as Quintuplets, Still Standing, The Brothers García, Drake & Josh and The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. Her performance in High School Musical received numerous nominations and awards.[16][17] With the success of the film, BBC UK noted that Hudgens will be a "household name" in the US.[18]
Hudgens received a recording contract with Hollywood Records.[19] On September 2006, the release of her debut album entitled V, charted on the Billboard 200 at number twenty-four on the chart[5] and was certified Gold on February 27, 2007.[20] Her first single, "Come Back to Me" became her highest-charting single and her second single was "Say OK". Billboard readers chose "V" as the seventh best album of the year.[21] Hudgens was named Female Breakout Singer of the year at the 2007 Teen Choice Awards.[22]
Hudgens also participated in the nationwide High School Musical: The Concert tour in fall 2006, performing the songs from the soundtrack album as well as the three songs from her debut album.[23] She sang the duet "Still There For Me" with Corbin Bleu for his debut album. In 2007, Hudgens reprised her role as Gabriella Montez in the sequel of High School Musical, High School Musical 2.[24] Virginia Heffernan of TV Review described Hudgens in her performance in the movie as "matte" as she "glows like a proper ingénue".[25]
In December 2007, she sang to George Bush, who was then the president of the U.S., and his family, at The National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. with other singers at a Christmas event.[26]
Hudgens reprised her role as Gabriella Montez in High School Musical 3: Senior Year.[27] Her performance in the film made her win favorite movie actress in the 2009 Kids Choice Awards.[28] Her sophomore album, Identified, which received generally favorable reviews,[29] was released on July 1, 2008, debuting at #23 on the Billboard 200.[30] The album's lead single was "Sneakernight". Hudgens's Identified Summer Tour began on August 1, 2008 and ended in early September 9 of the same year.[31]
2009-present: Critical success
Hudgens with Zac Efron at the 81st Academy Awards.
Hudgens played a supporting role in a musical comedy Bandslam, which was released theatrically on August 14, 2009.[32][33] Hudgens plays "Sa5m", a 15-year-old awkward freshman with untapped talents.[34] Although Bandslam was commercially unsuccessful, Hudgens' performance received praise from critics.[35] David Waddington noted that Hudgens "outshines the rest of the cast, failing to fit in with the outcast narrative and making the inevitable climactic ending all the more expected."[36] In the film, Philip French of The Guardian compared her acting to Thandie Newton and Dorothy Parker.[37]
In 2009, it was announced that Hudgens will play Linda Taylor in Beastly, a film based on the book by Alex Flinn.[38] Hudgens was cast as Blondie in an action film Sucker Punch, which will release in March 2011.[39] In June 2009, Hudgens was officially attached in a film adaptation of the comic series Dead@17 created by Josh Howard.[40] Hudgens performed a musical number with other artists during the 81st Academy Awards.[41] On April 8, 2009, Hudgens's participation in a comedic short video entitled "Zac Efron's Pool Party" for the website Funny Or Die was released for public viewing.[42]
Personal life and public image
In an October 2007 interview, Hudgens stated that she is dating her High School Musical series co-star Zac Efron and had been since the filming of High School Musical.[43][44] The two were not paired together during the audition process and did not meet until the first early rehearsals before filming started.[45] Hudgens is a Catholic.[46] Her height is 5'3.[47]
In 2006, Hudgens' earnings were estimated to be $2 million.[48] Hudgens was included in Forbes richest list in early 2007, it was posted in Forbes website, that Hudgens was included in Young Hollywood's Top Earning-Stars.[49] On December 12, 2008, Hudgens was ranked #20 in the list of Forbes "High Earners Under 30", having reported to have an estimated earnings of $3 million in 2008.[50][51] She was number 62 at FHM's Sexiest Women in the World of 2008 and number 42 in the 2009 list.[52][53] Hudgens is also featured in Maxim' lists.[54] She was included in People's annual "100 Most Beautiful People" 2008 and 2009 lists.[55][56]
Hudgens is represented by William Morris Agency.[57] She is a spokesperson for Mark Ecko products.[58] Hudgens also promotes Neutrogena[59] and was the 2008 featured celebrity for Sears' back-to school campaign.[60] Hudgens regularly volunteers for charitable activities, including those for Best Buddies International,[61][62] Lollipop Theater Network,[63] St. Jude Children's Research Hospital[64] and the VH1 Save The Music Foundation.[65] Hudgens is also featured in A Very Special Christmas Vol.7 disc which benefits the Special Olympics.[66]
Controversies
Nude photos
On September 6, 2007, photos of Hudgens appeared online, one showing her posing in lingerie and another showing her nude. A statement from her publicist claims that the photo was taken privately and it was unfortunate that they were released on the internet. Hudgens later apologized, saying that she was "embarrassed over the situation" and regretted having "taken [those] photos."[67] Hudgens has since released a statement that she doesn't want to talk about the scandal.[68]
OK! magazine speculated that Hudgens would be dropped from High School Musical 3 when naked photos of Hudgens surfaced the internet in late 2007.[69] The Walt Disney Company denied the reports, saying, "Vanessa has apologized for what was obviously a lapse in judgment. We hope she's learned a valuable lesson."[70][71][72]
In August 2009, a new set of pictures showing Hudgens topless emerged on the internet. Hudgens's representatives have yet to make an official statement. Lawyers have requested the removal of the pictures from the internet.[73][74] Hudgens later commented on the photos' impact on her career in the October issue of Allure with, "Whenever anybody asks me, would I do nudity in a film, if I say that it's something I'm not comfortable with, they're like, 'Bullshit, you've already done it.' If anything, it makes it more embarrassing, because that was a private thing. It's screwed up that someone screwed me over like that. At least some people are learning from my mistake."[75]
Lawsuits
Brian Schall sued Hudgens last 2007 for an alleged "breach of contract"; according to the suit, Schall claims he advanced costs and expenses on Hudgens’s behalf for her songwriting and recording career.[76] Schall claims Hudgens owes him $150,000 after helping her earn more than $5 million for her music career. Hudgens argues that she was underage to sign her contract on October 2005 as she was just 16 then.
Hudgens subsequently disaffirmed it on October 9, 2008. Papers filed in court by her lawyer say California's Family Code "provides that the contract of a minor is voidable and may be disaffirmed before (age 18) or within a reasonable time afterward."[77]
In 2008, Hudgens was sued by Johnny Vieira, who claims he is owed a share of the 19-year-old's advances, royalties and merchandising revenue in exchange for his management services. Vieira accuses Hudgens of abandoning her talent team as soon as she became a commercial name in the High School Musical era.[78] In early May 2009, the case was settled.[79]
Ashley Tisdale
Ashley Michelle Tisdale (born July 2, 1985) is an American actress, singer and television producer. Tisdale's first major acting role was as Maddie Fitzpatrick in Disney's The Suite Life of Zack & Cody. She went on to star in the High School Musical film series as the female antagonist Sharpay Evans. She became the first female artist to debut two songs simultaneously on the Billboard Hot 100 with "What I've Been Looking For" and "Bop to the Top", both songs from the film's first soundtrack.[1]
After her first High School Musical appearance, she pursued a solo music career. Her debut album, Headstrong was released in February 2007 and debuted at number five in the U.S. chart, selling 64,000 copies,[2] and was later certified Gold. Tisdale has a supporting voice role as Candace Flynn in Disney Channel's Phineas and Ferb. Her second studio album, Guilty Pleasure was first released in June 2009.[3] She also starred in the 2009 feature film, Aliens in the Attic as Bethany Pearson.[4]
Early life and career beginnings
Tisdale was born in West Deal, Monmouth County, New Jersey on July 2, 1985,[1] to Lisa (née Morris) and Mike Tisdale, who run a construction company.[5] She grew up in Ocean Township. While her elder sister, Jennifer Tisdale, is also an actress, her maternal grandfather, Arnold Morris, developed the Ginsu Knives; through her grandfather, she is also related to businessman Ron Popeil.[6] Tisdale is Jewish on her mother's side and considers herself Jewish.[7][8]
At the age of three, Tisdale was discovered by Bill Perlman, her current manager, at a New Jersey mall. He sent Tisdale on auditions for commercials[1] and on her first audition, Tisdale landed a JC Penney spot and went on to appear in more than 100 commercials as a kid.[1] At the age of eight, she was cast in a leading role in the Broadway musical, Les Misérables, and later toured internationally with the cast of Annie.[1] She began her theatrical career by appearing in Gypsy: A Musical Fable and The Sound of Music at the Jewish Community Center of Monmouth County.[1][9] At the age of twelve, Tisdale
sang for Bill Clinton in the White House.[1] Tisdale was a Ford Model and appeared in Toys "R" Us and T-Mobile commercials.[10][11]
Career
1996-2006: Early roles
Tisdale performing at the High School Musical: The Concert tour.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Tisdale made minor appearances on several television shows such as The Hughleys, Smart Guy, 7th Heaven and Bette, where she co-starred with Brenda Song for the first time. For her role in Boston Public she received a 2000 Young Artist Award nomination for "best guest performance in a TV drama".[12] Tisdale had minor roles in A Bug's Life, Whisper of the Heart and Donnie Darko. In 2004, She was cast as Maddie Fitzpatrick on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody after auditioning for the roles of Maddie and London Tipton.[13] She later won her first award at Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards UK for her role in the show.[6]
Tisdale was soon cast as Sharpay Evans in Disney Channel Original Movie High School Musical. Tisdale's role required her to perform several songs on the soundtrack. Tisdale became the first female artist to debut two songs simultaneously on the "Billboard Hot 100" with "What I've Been Looking For" and "Bop to the Top".[1] Tisdale also covered "Kiss the Girl" and a music video for the song was made.[6] In 2006, she signed a record deal with Warner Bros. Records and covered Wham!'s "Last Christmas", which was her first single in her Warner Bros. deal. In December 2006, prior to the release of her debut album, she released a three-song EP, He Said She Said EP to promote the album.[14] In late 2006, she participated in the international High School Musical: The Concert tour, performing the songs from the soundtrack and three songs from her debut album.[15]
2007-present: Career development
In February 2007, her first solo album, Headstrong was released by Warner Bros Records.[16] The album debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 64,000 copies.[16] "Be Good to Me" was released as the first single from the album in fall 2006 and "He Said She Said" was released as the second. In 2008, a third single, "Not Like That" was released in European countries, while a fourth single, "Suddenly" was released in Germany.
She later reprised her role as Sharpay Evans in High School Musical 2. She also appeared in the soundtrack. Tisdale has a voice role in Disney Channel's Phineas and Ferb as Candace Flynn.[6] She also voiced Camille Leon in Kim Possible. In 2007, Tisdale released a music DVD, There's Something About Ashley, with a three-song trilogy comprising music videos and a documentary about the creation of Headstrong.[6] The album was certified Gold in the U.S. for reaching 500,000 copies shipped,[2] and Billboard readers chose it as the sixth best album of the year.[17]
Tisdale performing at the 2009 Comet Awards
In 2008, Tisdale starred in the ABC Family Original Movie, Picture This as Mandy Gilbert.[18] She was one of the movie's executive producers.[18] Tisdale reprised her role as Sharpay Evans in the Walt Disney Pictures film High School Musical 3: Senior Year and also sang songs on the the soundtrack.[6] Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly acclaimed Tisdale as the film's breakout star, saying her character makes "narcissism a goofy, bedazzled pleasure".[19]
Tisdale began working on her second solo album, Guilty Pleasure in early 2008.[20] Tisdale said the album includes "more rock and edgier" music.[21] The album's lead single, "It's Alright, It's OK", was released on April, 2009 in the United States in airplay and digital formats.[22] Guilty Pleasure was first released in June, 2009 in several countries and in July of the same year in North America.[3] The album debuted at number twelve on Billboard 200, selling 25,000 copies in its first week.[23] "Crank It Up" is the the album's second single and will be released in October 2009.[24] She is featured in Boys Like Girls' "Love Drunk" music video and in the Phineas and Ferb soundtrack.[25][26]
Tisdale starred in the 20th Century Fox film, Aliens in the Attic with Robert Hoffman and Carter Jenkins,[4] as Bethany Pearson. In 2009, she guest starred as Maddie Fitzpatrick on The Suite Life on Deck. Tisdale is also a producer,[27] she has a production company named Blondie Girl Productions and is working in two projects.[27] Tisdale also signed a deal with FremantleMedia to produce a reality show.[27] She also left Gersh Agency and joined Creative Artists Agency.[28] Tisdale has collaborated with Jessica Horowitz to create an animated series, After Midnight which is currently being shopped around for distribution.[29] In early October 2009, Tisdale was cast in the film, Sleepless Beauty.[30]
Musical style
"Not Like That" (2008)
"Not Like That" is one of the tracks cowritten by Tisdale
Problems listening to this file? See media help.
Tisdale's music is predominantly pop and has included ballads and pop rock.[21] Love and heartbreak are major themes in Tisdale's songs and her output makes use of electronic instruments such as drum machines and guitars. She co-wrote several songs on Headstrong and Guilty Pleasure.[31][32][33] Her musical influences include Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson[34] and many popular 1980s songs.[35][36] In a AOL interview, Tisdale said, "I’ve been a big fan of Pink ever since she started. I love Katy Perry’s sense of humor and her pop/rock feel. I love Pat Benatar's music. I’m inspired by all these women when I’m going into the studio, but almost anything inspires me."[37]
Public image and personal life
In 2007, Tisdale appeared in a promotional campaign for Staples, Inc.'s "Geared 4 School" sweepstakes and appeared in promotional campaigns for Eckō Red clothing brand, she toured malls in the U.S. and performed in fashion shows hosted at each mall as part of her deal.[38] Tisdale was romantically involved with Jared Murillo and ended their relationship in March 2009.[39] In March 2007, Tisdale told Blender she was drug and alcohol-free, and doesn't smoke and went on to add, "my mom really instilled confidence in me, so I'm not somebody who'd be under peer pressure".[40] She was ranked #10 in Maxim's 2008 Hot 100 list and was ranked #94 on Forbes' 2008 Celebrity 100 list.[41][42]
She underwent a septoplasty procedure on November 2007 to correct her partially deviated septum. According to Tisdale, this was done for health-related reasons and not out of a belief in plastic surgery;" The procedure also corrected two small fractures in her nose which were interfering with her breathing. She spoke to People magazine about the surgery, saying that it was important to her to be honest with her fans.[43]
In 2008, Tisdale was ranked #17 in "Forbes' High Earners Under 30" list and earned $2.8 million from High School Musical 3.[44][45] She also teamed up with Huckleberry Toys to produce a limited edition of dolls modeled after her.[46] She was the face of Degree Girl in the U.S. and recorded several commercials and songs to promote the product.[47] In 2009, Tisdale signed a five-year endorsements contract with Italian clothes line, Puerco Espin.[48] She is a volunteer for the 2009 "Get on the Bus" charity campaign.[49]
After her first High School Musical appearance, she pursued a solo music career. Her debut album, Headstrong was released in February 2007 and debuted at number five in the U.S. chart, selling 64,000 copies,[2] and was later certified Gold. Tisdale has a supporting voice role as Candace Flynn in Disney Channel's Phineas and Ferb. Her second studio album, Guilty Pleasure was first released in June 2009.[3] She also starred in the 2009 feature film, Aliens in the Attic as Bethany Pearson.[4]
Early life and career beginnings
Tisdale was born in West Deal, Monmouth County, New Jersey on July 2, 1985,[1] to Lisa (née Morris) and Mike Tisdale, who run a construction company.[5] She grew up in Ocean Township. While her elder sister, Jennifer Tisdale, is also an actress, her maternal grandfather, Arnold Morris, developed the Ginsu Knives; through her grandfather, she is also related to businessman Ron Popeil.[6] Tisdale is Jewish on her mother's side and considers herself Jewish.[7][8]
At the age of three, Tisdale was discovered by Bill Perlman, her current manager, at a New Jersey mall. He sent Tisdale on auditions for commercials[1] and on her first audition, Tisdale landed a JC Penney spot and went on to appear in more than 100 commercials as a kid.[1] At the age of eight, she was cast in a leading role in the Broadway musical, Les Misérables, and later toured internationally with the cast of Annie.[1] She began her theatrical career by appearing in Gypsy: A Musical Fable and The Sound of Music at the Jewish Community Center of Monmouth County.[1][9] At the age of twelve, Tisdale
sang for Bill Clinton in the White House.[1] Tisdale was a Ford Model and appeared in Toys "R" Us and T-Mobile commercials.[10][11]Career
1996-2006: Early roles
Tisdale performing at the High School Musical: The Concert tour.
During the late 1990s and early 2000s, Tisdale made minor appearances on several television shows such as The Hughleys, Smart Guy, 7th Heaven and Bette, where she co-starred with Brenda Song for the first time. For her role in Boston Public she received a 2000 Young Artist Award nomination for "best guest performance in a TV drama".[12] Tisdale had minor roles in A Bug's Life, Whisper of the Heart and Donnie Darko. In 2004, She was cast as Maddie Fitzpatrick on The Suite Life of Zack & Cody after auditioning for the roles of Maddie and London Tipton.[13] She later won her first award at Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards UK for her role in the show.[6]
Tisdale was soon cast as Sharpay Evans in Disney Channel Original Movie High School Musical. Tisdale's role required her to perform several songs on the soundtrack. Tisdale became the first female artist to debut two songs simultaneously on the "Billboard Hot 100" with "What I've Been Looking For" and "Bop to the Top".[1] Tisdale also covered "Kiss the Girl" and a music video for the song was made.[6] In 2006, she signed a record deal with Warner Bros. Records and covered Wham!'s "Last Christmas", which was her first single in her Warner Bros. deal. In December 2006, prior to the release of her debut album, she released a three-song EP, He Said She Said EP to promote the album.[14] In late 2006, she participated in the international High School Musical: The Concert tour, performing the songs from the soundtrack and three songs from her debut album.[15]
2007-present: Career development
In February 2007, her first solo album, Headstrong was released by Warner Bros Records.[16] The album debuted at number five on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 64,000 copies.[16] "Be Good to Me" was released as the first single from the album in fall 2006 and "He Said She Said" was released as the second. In 2008, a third single, "Not Like That" was released in European countries, while a fourth single, "Suddenly" was released in Germany.
She later reprised her role as Sharpay Evans in High School Musical 2. She also appeared in the soundtrack. Tisdale has a voice role in Disney Channel's Phineas and Ferb as Candace Flynn.[6] She also voiced Camille Leon in Kim Possible. In 2007, Tisdale released a music DVD, There's Something About Ashley, with a three-song trilogy comprising music videos and a documentary about the creation of Headstrong.[6] The album was certified Gold in the U.S. for reaching 500,000 copies shipped,[2] and Billboard readers chose it as the sixth best album of the year.[17]
Tisdale performing at the 2009 Comet Awards
In 2008, Tisdale starred in the ABC Family Original Movie, Picture This as Mandy Gilbert.[18] She was one of the movie's executive producers.[18] Tisdale reprised her role as Sharpay Evans in the Walt Disney Pictures film High School Musical 3: Senior Year and also sang songs on the the soundtrack.[6] Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly acclaimed Tisdale as the film's breakout star, saying her character makes "narcissism a goofy, bedazzled pleasure".[19]
Tisdale began working on her second solo album, Guilty Pleasure in early 2008.[20] Tisdale said the album includes "more rock and edgier" music.[21] The album's lead single, "It's Alright, It's OK", was released on April, 2009 in the United States in airplay and digital formats.[22] Guilty Pleasure was first released in June, 2009 in several countries and in July of the same year in North America.[3] The album debuted at number twelve on Billboard 200, selling 25,000 copies in its first week.[23] "Crank It Up" is the the album's second single and will be released in October 2009.[24] She is featured in Boys Like Girls' "Love Drunk" music video and in the Phineas and Ferb soundtrack.[25][26]
Tisdale starred in the 20th Century Fox film, Aliens in the Attic with Robert Hoffman and Carter Jenkins,[4] as Bethany Pearson. In 2009, she guest starred as Maddie Fitzpatrick on The Suite Life on Deck. Tisdale is also a producer,[27] she has a production company named Blondie Girl Productions and is working in two projects.[27] Tisdale also signed a deal with FremantleMedia to produce a reality show.[27] She also left Gersh Agency and joined Creative Artists Agency.[28] Tisdale has collaborated with Jessica Horowitz to create an animated series, After Midnight which is currently being shopped around for distribution.[29] In early October 2009, Tisdale was cast in the film, Sleepless Beauty.[30]
Musical style
"Not Like That" (2008)
"Not Like That" is one of the tracks cowritten by Tisdale
Problems listening to this file? See media help.
Tisdale's music is predominantly pop and has included ballads and pop rock.[21] Love and heartbreak are major themes in Tisdale's songs and her output makes use of electronic instruments such as drum machines and guitars. She co-wrote several songs on Headstrong and Guilty Pleasure.[31][32][33] Her musical influences include Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, Michael Jackson[34] and many popular 1980s songs.[35][36] In a AOL interview, Tisdale said, "I’ve been a big fan of Pink ever since she started. I love Katy Perry’s sense of humor and her pop/rock feel. I love Pat Benatar's music. I’m inspired by all these women when I’m going into the studio, but almost anything inspires me."[37]
Public image and personal life
In 2007, Tisdale appeared in a promotional campaign for Staples, Inc.'s "Geared 4 School" sweepstakes and appeared in promotional campaigns for Eckō Red clothing brand, she toured malls in the U.S. and performed in fashion shows hosted at each mall as part of her deal.[38] Tisdale was romantically involved with Jared Murillo and ended their relationship in March 2009.[39] In March 2007, Tisdale told Blender she was drug and alcohol-free, and doesn't smoke and went on to add, "my mom really instilled confidence in me, so I'm not somebody who'd be under peer pressure".[40] She was ranked #10 in Maxim's 2008 Hot 100 list and was ranked #94 on Forbes' 2008 Celebrity 100 list.[41][42]
She underwent a septoplasty procedure on November 2007 to correct her partially deviated septum. According to Tisdale, this was done for health-related reasons and not out of a belief in plastic surgery;" The procedure also corrected two small fractures in her nose which were interfering with her breathing. She spoke to People magazine about the surgery, saying that it was important to her to be honest with her fans.[43]
In 2008, Tisdale was ranked #17 in "Forbes' High Earners Under 30" list and earned $2.8 million from High School Musical 3.[44][45] She also teamed up with Huckleberry Toys to produce a limited edition of dolls modeled after her.[46] She was the face of Degree Girl in the U.S. and recorded several commercials and songs to promote the product.[47] In 2009, Tisdale signed a five-year endorsements contract with Italian clothes line, Puerco Espin.[48] She is a volunteer for the 2009 "Get on the Bus" charity campaign.[49]
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