Mariah on new album: "It won't be ready until January"

Mariah Carey has revealed new release details for her upcoming album. The singer is currently working on her eleventh studio record between recording the new series of American Idol and hopes to unveil the collection in early 2013. "I want to go sooner, but I guess it wouldn't be ready until around January, somewhere around there," Carey told On Air with Ryan Seacrest.
 "I wanted to put another single out, a ballad. I love it, but I'm still writing, I'm still working. So, you never know what it's going to end up being." Carey released her latest single "Triumphant (Get 'Em)" back in August. The track reached 144 on the UK chart and has so far failed to enter the US Hot 100.
(Digital Spy)

Triumphant Chart updates!

Triumphant continues to move up on the Billboard Hot Dance/Club Play Songs chart to #5 (Last week: #8)
and holds on tight on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart at #61 (Last week: #61)
Taken from Billboard magazine issue dated October 6, 2012.

List of Billboard Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones

MOST WEEKS AT NUMBER ONE
16 weeks
Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men — "One Sweet Day" (1995-1996)
14 weeks
Whitney Houston — "I Will Always Love You" (1992-1993)
Boyz II Men — "I'll Make Love to You" (1994)
Los del Río — "Macarena" (Bayside Boys mix) (1996)
Elton John — "Candle in the Wind 1997" / "Something About the Way You Look Tonight" (1997-1998)
Mariah Carey — "We Belong Together" (2005)
The Black Eyed Peas — "I Gotta Feeling" (2009)


NUMBER ONE DEBUTS
Michael Jackson — "You Are Not Alone" (September 2, 1995)
Mariah Carey — "Fantasy" (September 30, 1995)
Whitney Houston — "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" (November 25, 1995)
Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men — "One Sweet Day" (December 2, 1995)
Puff Daddy and Faith Evans featuring 112 — "I'll Be Missing You" (June 14, 1997)
Mariah Carey — "Honey" (September 13, 1997)
Elton John — "Candle in the Wind 1997" / "Something About the Way You Look Tonight" (October 11, 1997)
Céline Dion — "My Heart Will Go On" (February 28, 1998)
Aerosmith — "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" (September 5, 1998)
Lauryn Hill — "Doo Wop (That Thing)" (November 14, 1998)
Clay Aiken — "This Is the Night" (June 28, 2003)
Fantasia — "I Believe" (July 10, 2004)
Carrie Underwood — "Inside Your Heaven" (July 2, 2005)
Taylor Hicks — "Do I Make You Proud" (July 1, 2006)
Britney Spears — "3" (October 24, 2009)
Eminem — "Not Afraid" (May 22, 2010)
Kesha — "We R Who We R" (November 13, 2010)
Britney Spears — "Hold It Against Me" (January 29, 2011)
Lady Gaga — "Born This Way" (February 26, 2011)
Katy Perry — "Part of Me" (March 3, 2012)


MOST TOP TEN SINGLES
Madonna (38)
Elvis Presley (36)
The Beatles (34)
Stevie Wonder (28) tie
Michael Jackson (28) tie
Elton John (27) tie
Janet Jackson (27) tie
Mariah Carey (27) tie


MOST NUMBER ONE SINGLES
The Beatles (20)
Mariah Carey (18)
Elvis Presley (17)
Michael Jackson (13)
Madonna (12) tie
The Supremes (12) tie
Whitney Houston (11) tie
Rihanna (11)[26] tie
Janet Jackson (10) tie
Stevie Wonder (10) tie


MOST CUMULATIVE WEEKS AT NUMBER ONE
79 – Elvis Presley
79 – Mariah Carey
59 – The Beatles
50 – Boyz II Men
47 – Usher
44 – Rihanna
37 – Michael Jackson
36 – Beyoncé
34 – Elton John
33 – Janet Jackson
31 – Whitney Houston


MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN TOP TEN
69 weeks – Katy Perry "California Gurls" (featuring Snoop Dogg), "Teenage Dream", "Firework", "E.T." (featuring Kanye West), "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" (2010–11)
48 weeks – Ace of Base "All That She Wants", "The Sign", "Don't Turn Around" (1993–94)
46 weeks – Rihanna  "Love the Way You Lie" (Eminem featuring Rihanna), "Only Girl (In the World)", "What's My Name?" (featuring Drake), "S&M" (2010-11)
42 weeks – Santana  "Smooth" (featuring Rob Thomas), "Maria Maria" (featuring The Product G&B) (1999–2000)
41 weeks – Mariah Carey  "Fantasy", "One Sweet Day" (with Boyz II Men), "Always Be My Baby" (1995–96)


PRODUCERS WITH THE MOST NUMBER ONE SINGLES
George Martin (23)
Jimmy Jam (16) (tie)
Terry Lewis (16) (tie)
Steve Sholes (16) (tie)
Barry Gibb (14) (tie)
Mariah Carey (14) (tie)

SONGWRITERS WITH THE MOST CONSECUTIVE YEARS WITH A NUMBER ONE HIT
Paul McCartney (8) (1964-1971)
Lionel Richie (8) (1979-1985)
Cole Porter (7)
Mariah Carey (6) (1995-2000)


SONGWRITERS WITH THE MOST BILLBOARD NUMBER ONE SINGLES
Paul McCartney (32)
John Lennon (26)
Mariah Carey (17)
Barry Gibb (16)
Brian Holland (15) (tie)
Sean Garrett (15) (tie)


MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN TOP TEN AFTER DEBUTING IN TOP TEN
21 weeks - Nicki Minaj — "Starships" (2012)
20 weeks - The Black Eyed Peas — "I Gotta Feeling" (Number one for 14 weeks) (2009)
19 weeks - Maroon 5 featuring Wiz Khalifa — "Payphone" (2012)
19 weeks - Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men — "One Sweet Day" (Number one for 16 weeks) (1995-1996)
18 weeks - Avril Lavigne — "Girlfriend" (Number one for one week) (2007)
17 weeks - Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg — "California Gurls" (Number one for six weeks) (2010)
17 weeks - Puffy Daddy and Faith Evans featuring 112 — "I'll Be Missing You" (Number one for 11 weeks) (1997)
16 weeks - Eminem featuring Rihanna — "Love the Way You Lie" (Number one for 7 weeks) (2010)
16 weeks - Mariah Carey — "Fantasy" (Number one for 8 weeks) (1995)
15 weeks - Pink — "So What" (Number one for one week) (2008)
15 weeks - Mariah Carey — "Always Be My Baby" (Number one for two weeks) (1996)
15 weeks - Whitney Houston — "Exhale (Shoop Shoop)" (Number one for one week) (1995-1996)


SIMULTANEOUSLY OCCUPYING THE TOP TWO POSTIONS
Elvis Presley: October 20, 1956 through November 3, 1956
"Hound Dog" / "Don't Be Cruel"
"Love Me Tender" ("Best Sellers in Stores" and "Most Played by Jockeys" charts)
The Beatles: From February 22, 1964 until April 25, 1964 the Beatles held the top two positions, with various singles. In some of the weeks, the band held the top three or top four slots, the only act in chart history to do so. On April 4, 1964, The Beatles occupied the entire top five.
"Can't Buy Me Love"
"Twist and Shout"
"She Loves You"
"I Want to Hold Your Hand"
"Please Please Me"
Bee Gees: March 18, 1978 through April 15, 1978
"Night Fever"
"Stayin' Alive"
Ashanti: April 20, 2002 through May 18, 2002
"Foolish"
"What's Luv?" (Fat Joe featuring Ashanti)
Nelly: August 10, 2002 through August 31, 2002
"Hot in Herre"
"Dilemma" (songs switched positions on August 17, 2002)
OutKast: December 20, 2003 through February 7, 2004
"Hey Ya!"
"The Way You Move"
50 Cent: April 16, 2005
"Candy Shop" (50 Cent featuring Olivia)
"Hate It or Love It" (The Game featuring 50 Cent)
Mariah Carey: September 10, 2005
"We Belong Together"
"Shake It Off"
Akon: December 2, 2006
"I Wanna Love You" (Akon featuring Snoop Dogg)
"Smack That" (Akon featuring Eminem)
April 14, 2007
"Don't Matter"
"The Sweet Escape" (Gwen Stefani featuring Akon)
T.I.: October 18, 2008 and November 1 through November 29, 2008
"Live Your Life" (T.I. featuring Rihanna)
"Whatever You Like" (songs switched positions several times)
Black Eyed Peas: June 27, 2009[34] through July 18, 2009
"Boom Boom Pow"
"I Gotta Feeling" (songs switched positions on July 11, 2009)

In addition to her historic 18 No. 1 total on the Hot 100, Carey has tallied 15 toppers on Dance/Club Play Songs, 11 on Radio Songs and 10 on R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.

Note: Triumphant just moved up 5 spots to number 8 on the Dance/Play chart! Get 'Em!!!

Mariah and Nicki Minaj: We're getting along "wonderfully"

The speculation that Mariah Carey was not pleased with Fox's decision to bring Nicki Minaj on as another new judge began weeks before the network actually confirmed it, so we're not surprised that there are new rumors suggesting that the two are in the midst of a feud.
 But according to Carey, a real feud would take much longer to develop than the time she's had with Minaj. The songbird and new "Idol" personality said as much during a press conference in New York on Monday, as she and Minaj laughed at the reports that they're "at each other's throats".
 "We're getting along wonderfully, darling," Minaj told press, as Carey responded, "Dearest heart!" Besides, Carey added with a laugh: "How are we going to feud in two days?! Like, a feud takes a little longer to... you know, spread out." Randy Jackson, ever the "Idol" mediator, assured reporters that they're all having a good time.
 Meanwhile, the other newcomer, Keith Urban, explained why he decided to sign on for "Idol" in the first place: "What I like about it, for me it's not just American Idol, it's about the dreams... the American dream. That's why I moved to America, you know," Urban said. "My dad loved America when I grew up in Australia, and I listened to all this American music. And the fact that you can come from nothing, a tiny little town in Australia with this deep, deep love for American country music, and be able to move here, and have the career that I've had, that really is the American dream. So this show can give somebody in the middle of nowhere that opportunity as well."
 Minaj agreed, explaining she just couldn't say no to a brand as big as "Idol". "I feel like, you don't even have to live in America to respect American Idol," she told press. "I remember watching American Idol the first season and feeling inspired. I spoke to Jordin Sparks the other day, and here she is starring in a movie. I've been asked before to do stuff like this, but this is such a credible brand. It's really serious, it's the real deal, it's not anything else other than really looking for talent. And if I can be a part of it then I'm down for it. And plus, I get a chance to wear a whole bunch of different wigs!"
 But leave it to Mariah Carey, who throughout the conference was giving proof that she'll be the one to watch when "Idol" returns in January, to be more blunt. "Do I get a drum roll?" she asked before admitting that, "honestly, and I'm just being completely honest, I've never been a fan of this type of thing. I'm just going to be completely honest. But I realize what it's done for such talented artists, and truly giving them careers. When Randy Jackson was talking about careers before, you know, you can look to the American Idol mammoth brand and say they have created superstars. And you can look at them and say they will have lasting careers. And I think there's an image that goes along with the whole brand and the whole name and the whole thing, and I just felt like, look, I've done a lot of stuff, this is something that would be really interesting."
 Interesting, to say the least.

(CNN)

"Triumphant" Moves up 5 spots to #8 on the Billboard Dance/Play chart

(Billboard)

American Idol Announces Judges

Press conference held on the set of the American Idol auditions on September 17, 2012.

It's official: American Idol is adding new judges from the worlds of country music and hip hop.

Fox announced Sunday that 44-year-old Aussie singer Keith Urban and colorful 29-year-old rapper Nicki Minaj will sit with pop diva Mariah Carey at the season 12 judges table of the reality hit, along with returning judge Randy Jackson. The confirmation settles months of behind-the-scenes reports and speculation about the show's panel that saw singers such as Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Nick Jonas, Adam Lambert and Kanye West floated as possible judges.

"Nicki's an unbelievably captivating international phenomenon who has made an indelible mark on rap and pop," said Fox's president of alternative Mike Darnell in a statement. "And Keith is another great addition to Idol – he's one of the biggest stars in country music and I know that our fans and contestants will fall in love with him. With an unparalleled star like Mariah, fan-favorite Randy, chart-toppers like Nicki and Keith and our incomparable host Ryan [Seacrest], we've put together one of the most exciting judging panels around."

Earlier this summer, Fox announced the exit of Idol season 10 and 11 judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, along with the hiring of Carey. The network then strongly considered shifting Jackson to a mentor role. After quietly selecting Minaj and Urban for slots, Fox recently made an offer to Latin singer-songwriter Enrique Iglesias to fill a fourth spot, but those talks broke down last week. In addition to Carey receiving about $17 million for her role on the show, we're hearing Urban will pull down about $4 million. According to one report, Minaj will earn around $8 million.

The network hopes the new hires will boost the ratings of the aging series – or at least stabilize its declines. Though Idol remains TV's top entertainment series, the show suffered a record year-over-year ratings drop last season. Part of the problem is the marketplace has become more crowded with singing competition shows like NBC's The Voice and Fox's own X Factor.

The announcement also confirms Idol will return to a four-judge format that the show previously used in its eighth and ninth seasons. Idol switched back to three judges after some felt the show was spending too much time showcasing the judges' opinions rather than the contestants' performances. But hot rival The Voice has managed to function just fine with four judges, and X Factor has employed a judging quartet as well.

One question is whether the addition of Minaj and Urban will result in a greater diversity of singers going to Hollywood, or just give the panel some fresh perspective. Though Idol's most successful graduate, Carrie Underwood, is a country artist, and the show has had several rock and country contestants over the years, Idol is best known for celebrating pop music (the show is based on the British series Pop Idol). Rap music has been practically nonexistent on the show.

American Idol returns to Fox in January...

(Entertainment Weekly)

MC TWEETED:

On my way to meet the new #IdolJudges

American Idol Season 12 Judges Panel Confirmed

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest has confirmed the judges panel for the show's 12th season, which begins in January 2013:

It's official, your new American Idol judges are Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson! Everyone gave a heartfelt toast about being on the show after we ate last night. Cant wait to see the first contestants today

Can Mariah save Jermaine Dupri from financial ruin?

 Jermaine Dupri was once a millionaire producer who dated some of the hottest women on the planet, including the incomparable Janet Jackson. The last few years have been tough on J.D., with numerous rumors of home foreclosures, IRS tax bills, and car repos. Some say he tricked all of his money away on Janet Jackson; some say it was his luxurious lifestyle. We don't know.
 According to TMZ, J.D. has just dodged another bullet and has saved his Atlanta home from foreclosure for the second time. The home was reportedly up for foreclosure auction this week because he allegedly failed to pay $193,000 in mortgage debt. At the last minute, J.D. filed an emergency motion in response, asking the court to block the auction, claiming he only owed $89,901... and he paid the bill in full by the time he filed the motion.
 On the bright side, J.D.'s long time collaborator Mariah Carey is back in the studio and prepping a new album. Her first single, "Triumphant", was co-produced by J.D., and we hear that she has been in the studio with him working on her new music. Hopefully Mariah Carey's single will do well, and other artists will be enticed to work with the one-time top producer again.
(AllHipHop)

Triumphant reaches #2 on 106 & Park today!

Triumphant goes to number 3 on 106 & Park

Triumphant goes to number 3 on 106 & Park Way to go Lambs, keep voting HERE!

Also if you are in the US you can also text MAR to 79922

Mariah Carey On Her Most Revealing Song

Mariah Carey's 1997 album "Butterfly" holds a number of hits, including the smash singles "Honey" and "My All."

But it's also the album on which Carey tucked an introspective and revealing song called "Close My Eyes."

The powerhouse vocalist was honored by Broadcast Music, Inc. on September 7 for her songwriting, and she told CNN that the compositions she holds closest typically aren't the songs that became chart-toppers.

Instead, her favorites are often lesser-known cuts from more obscure records.

She cites "Underneath The Stars" from the 1995 album "Daydream" as well as "Looking In" and "I Am Free" from the same album as some of her favorites.

Of big No. 1 hits such as "Touch My Body" "We Belong Together" and "Hero," Carey said: "I still love those songs," but added, "I love the obscure songs because they're very close to my heart. Especially a song called, 'Close My Eyes' - that's like my life story."

The down-tempo, piano-backed track paints a picture of a woman with a past - "I was a wayward child, with the weight of the world that I held deep inside," Carey sings. "Life was a winding road, and I learned many things little ones shouldn't know."

But, like her new single "Triumphant (Get 'Em)," the chorus speaks of courage in the face of adversity: "But I closed my eyes, steadied my feet on the ground, raised my head to the sky. And though times rolled by, still I feel like a child as I look at the moon... Maybe I grew up a little too soon."

While Carey didn't go into detail about the experiences that inspired that song, she did describe what led to the creation of "Triumphant."

Carey said her husband, Nick Cannon, was going through some health problems around the same time her friend Whitney Houston died.

"There was just so much going on," she said.

"It was such an awful time... I don't even know how to express what was happening, but I had to express it through music in terms of going the opposite way, almost to encourage myself."

And by encouraging herself, she hoped to encourage others. "I say, 'Stay triumphant. Keep on living.' That is what I wanted people to hear - I wanted people who didn't have the strength... That's why I'm glad that I put this record out, because that's what it meant to me. And I was also singing what I would want to sing in an encouraging way to my kids." Carey's twins with Cannon, Monroe and Moroccan, celebrated their first birthday in April.

There's a good chance "Triumphant" will have the impact Carey's hoping for, as she's heard from fans how her songs have changed their lives.

"This (BMI Icon) award is so amazing because ... this is really about songwriting and there have been many times that people have told me throughout my career that: 'This song has changed my life,' 'This song helped me get through the death of a family member,' " Carey said.

"And as the writer of that song... there's no greater feeling than that."

(CNN)

NEW BALLAD COMING!!!

Earlier this morning, B. Scott tweeted about hearing a new ballad that Mariah is working on:

B. Scott ‏@lovebscott
Late night listening session... w/ My Mimi.. @MariahCarey - Um , this BALLAD!!!!

MC said she'll reveal the name shortly.

(B. Scott via Twitter/MDJ)

I could judge "Idol" by myself

Mariah Carey doesn't need no stinkin' co-judges on "American Idol", the diva tells TMZ she can do it all by her damn self. And with multiple personalities, she's just the person to pull it off. Carey spoke to photogs on both ends of the country yesterday - first in NYC, where the paps asked about the tension between herself and Nicki Minaj.
 Carey shot back, "What tension? There's no tension!" Suuuuure. When she arrived to L.A. we asked Carey who she would like to join her on the judge's panel, since there are still 3 open chairs. Mariah replied, "I'd answer that, but I'm not quite sure how."
 When we suggested she judge the show by herself, Carey made it clear she loved that idea, saying, "Naturally, why not?" Think about it. She's going to make $18 mil. If she pulls a Sybil, producers could pay each personality a more reasonable $4.5 million, and everybody wins.
(TMZ)

LMAO! stupid, but I had to share. :)

Mariah Accepts BMI Icon Award

Mariah Carey was late to the BMI Urban Music Awards, where she was the guest of honor, but that didn't stop other artists from literally singing her praises.

Fantasia Barrino and Eric Benet were among those who serenaded the star with her own hits. Benet performed "One Sweet Day" and the former "American Idol" sang "Hero" during the private ceremony at the Saban Theatre, where writers, producers and publishers of the year's top urban hits were recognized Friday.

Barrino stepped off stage and stood right in front of Carey in the audience's front row as she wailed the final words of the song. When she finished, they embraced.

BMI chief Del Bryant presented Carey with the music-rights organization's Icon Award for her outstanding songwriting that has resulted in 18 No. 1 singles and more than 200 million albums sold.

Bryant called her "an unparalleled musical superstar" and "the greatest singer in history."

He also endorsed her new position as a judge on "American Idol."

"Who knows more about musical artistry and song selection than Mariah Carey?" Bryant asked.

"Sorry, Randy, didn't see you there," he added, jabbing at Carey collaborator and longtime "Idol" judge Randy Jackson.

Carey, 42, didn't mention "Idol" as she accepted her award.

She simply thanked the performers "for doing something so beautiful with the songs I wrote" and BMI for honoring her songwriting contributions.

"I'm so humbled by this moment because a lot of people still don't know I write my own songs," she said.

Other entertainers honored Friday included Nicki Minaj, who had the year's most played song with "Super Bass," and Drake and Lil Wayne, who were named songwriters of the year for their string of hits. None of the rappers were on hand to accept the honors.

(Associated Press)

Triumphant on 106 & Park

Thurs Aug 30 - Debut @ #10

Friday Aug 31 - #7

Today, Friday Sept 7 - Re-entry #7

Lambs please continue to vote and help Triumphant do something in the states. VOTE HERE!

Also for those of you that go clubbing, request the hot club mixes to your DJ! Get 'Em!!!

Triumphant goes to Number 1 in the UK!

Amazing NEWS! Mariah Carey’s “Triumphant” rockets to NO.1 on the Official UK Urban Club Chart this week! “Triumphant” becomes Mariah’s first No.1 Urban Club Hit this decade, her last being 2003′s “I Know What You Want.”

Mariah tweeted minutes ago to thank her UK Lambs: "Thank you so much to my UK fans for supporting Triumphant and making it #1 on the UK urban chart!!! This song for YOU! Stay Triumphant!!!"

WANT MORE MC...

Over the next few days I will be posting a bunch of random MC videos to my YouTube channel. Lambs feel free to stop by and check them out. 

LambzRus Channel 

via JD's twitter

American Idol only has ONE judge

 "American Idol" is in a pickle - the judges start their on-air auditions in New York City in 2 weeks, and only one judge has signed a deal, sources connected with the show tell TMZ. Our sources tell us, only Mariah Carey has inked a deal, and a good deal it is at $18 mil.
 We know although producers are set on Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban, they have not fully come to terms on the deal and nothing is signed. And it gets worse. We're told "A.I." honchos want 4 judges on the panel this year, because they don't think 2 women and a man will work. And they have not picked the 4th.
 But wait, there's more. Randy Jackson - who is being kicked upstairs to mentor - has not signed his deal either. So right now, it's Ryan Seacrest and Mariah Carey. On the bright side, it could be entertaining to see Mariah as Sybil.
(TMZ)

MARIAH'S MASSIVE MONEY PILE

R&B Magazine has ranked the wealthiest R&B artists, dead or alive. Topping the list is Mariah Carey, with $500 million.
Read the full article HERE

We are Lambily!!!

BUY all 15 Mariah Dance Mixes in on iTunes or Amazon NOW!!!

A 15 track digital EP of Mariah Carey’s “Triumphant” house remixes has now been made available in the United States.


Tracklisting
1. Triumphant – Vintage Throwback Mix
2. Triumphant – Vintage Throwback Radio
3. Triumphant – Vintage Throwback Extended
4. Triumphant – Mariah Carey Vs. Laidback Luke Vocal Club
5. Triumphant – Mariah Carey Vs. Laidback Luke Radio
6. Triumphant – Mariah Carey Vs. Laidback Luke Dub
7. Triumphant – Pulse Club Mix
8. Triumphant – Pulse Radio
9. Triumphant – Pulse Instrumental
10. Triumphant – The New Iberican League Club Mix
11. Triumphant – The New Iberican League Radio
12. Triumphant – The New Iberican League Instrumental
13. Triumphant – Danny Verde Remix
14. Triumphant – Danny Verde Radio
15. Triumphant – Danny Verde Dub

Download NOW: Purchase from Beatport can be made from all major music markets in the world! | iTunes USA | Amazon MP3 USA

NOTE: If you have previously purchased the Pulse and Throwback remixes, You will get the album discounted at iTunes. $7.41

NEW LAMBZRUS DANNY VERDE PROMO

Mariah Carey and No Doubt to perform live

NBC/NFL Network special on Sept. 5, 7:30-8:30 p.m. ET precedes NFL Kickoff game: Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Giants.

It's time to get Back To Football as the NFL begins its 93rd season with a rocking celebration in its special pregame show, "NFL Kickoff 2012 presented by Bud Light" -- 7:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Sept. 5. Multi-platinum global stars no Doubt and Mariah Carey are scheduled to perform in the 10th anniversary of NFL Kickoff.

Simulcast coverage of the 60-minute pregame show from Rockefeller Center in New York City will air from 7:30-8:30 p.m. ET on NBC and NFL Network. The live pregame broadcast also will be available via NFL Mobile from Verizon.

Don't forget to set your DVR!!!

The musical performances are part of the celebration to kick off the 2012 season and to honor the Super Bowl champion New York Giants. The Rockefeller Center show is the third Kickoff set at an iconic New York City landmark, following shows live from Times Square (2002) and Columbus Circle (2008). This is the 10th anniversary of NFL Kickoff continuing the tradition of saluting the Super Bowl champions with the opening game in their stadium in primetime.

The show leads into the season opener between the Giants and the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium (NBC, NBCSports.com, Westwood One Radio Sports, 8:30 p.m. ET).

The NBC show will feature performances by Grammy Award-winning artists Mariah Carey and No Doubt from a specially-constructed stage in front of 30 Rockefeller Plaza, above the iconic statue of Prometheus facing toward Fifth Avenue. Mariah Carey, who leads all solo artists with an unprecedented 18 No. 1 Hot 100 singles, recently released her new single "Triumphant (Get 'Em)." No Doubt's new album 'Push And Shove" will be released September 25 and their chart-topping single "Settle Down' is out now. More information on how fans can watch the free concert will be announced shortly.

Keith Urban Finalizing Deal To Join 'American Idol'

Fake cover I created for the nostalgia!

Australian country star Keith Urban is almost ready to join the judging panel for American Idol's upcoming season. Urban will replace Randy Jackson, who left the show on Friday after an 11 year run, according to TMZ.com.

The singer will join Mariah Carey, who signed an $18 million deal to join the show last month, on the judges panel; and TMZ.com reports that Nicki Minaj has a deal in place that's "99% done."

Word is Mariah's not happy about Nicki joining the show and has voiced her disdain; but producers think the tension between the two will be good for the show.

Urban's set to make a far cry from what Mariah is pulling in. His deal is estimated to be in the $3-4 million range. Minaj will reportedly make $6-8 million.

Urban and Minaj's signings would leave the show with just one vacancy; and word is Nick Jonas has been approached by producers and is in talks to fill the fourth spot on the judging panel.

"American Idol" Randy Jackson out as judge

 The dawg days are over at "American Idol". TMZ has learned Randy Jackson is officially leaving the judge's table, but will still remain a part of the show as a "mentor". Sources connected to "Idol" tell us there's some concern among the brass that Jackson is not well-suited for the mentor role, but they feel they need him because he's the glue that helps keep the show together.
 As for his replacement, sources tell us Nicki Minaj's deal is 99% done, but still not a sure thing just yet. We're told the honchos are keenly aware Mariah Carey isn't a fan of Minaj and doesn't want her at the table, a fact producers love, because they think the conflict and tension will be good for the show.
 And we now know A.I. will once again go with a 4th judge. We're told producers are gunning for someone from the country music world for the third seat. Seat number 4 is up in the air. Finally, altough "A.I." wanted Diddy or Kanye West, we're told they are definitely out of the picture. This is getting intense.
(TMZ)