Spice Girls Forever!

Girl Power is set to live forever…. In a West End musical called Viva Forever! After selling 75 million records worldwide the Spice Girls are the biggest girl band in history. 

Their pure pop sound and story-telling lyrics their songs lend themselves with theatreland. The girls were empowering for women and everyone loved them in their hey day, but are people still interested in hearing the songs in a musical format? Only time will tell.

Total Biz World are excited to discover which songs will be included in the line-up as the story was revealed earlier this week. The obvious mega hits are certain to be included such as Wannabe, Say You’ll Be There and 2 Become 1.

But will they use the hard hitting album tracks such as Naked and Something Kinda Funny from the debut album? They were fan favourites on the early tours and surely lend themselves to a story on the stage.

Popular favourites from Spice are Last Time Lover and Love thing. 

From Spiceworld we hope Spice Up Your Life and Too Much are included. Also our favourites with a celebrity theme would be the cool Denying, Headlines and Saturday Night Divas. 

The first two albums seem ideal for the musical but will they include the Forever album? Of course I feel the main theme to the Spice Girls musical will be the massive hit Viva Forever!

So what’s the story?

From the award-winning writer and comedienne Jennifer Saunders (Absolutely Fabulous, French & Saunders), and Judy Craymer, producer of the worldwide smash-hit musical MAMMA MIA!, comes VIVA FOREVER!, a wonderfully joyous contemporary musical about the value of friendship in the face of fame and fortune! 

As one girl follows her dreams, VIVA FOREVER! charts her journey into the world of overnight celebrity and its impact on her mother, and the friends she thought she’d have forever. From London to Spain and back again, as the world judges you, it’s all about who you really are and who you want to be, whatever the cost. 

Spice up your life with this exhilarating and irresistibly funny tale of love, loyalty and romance. An original story of our times, inspired by the songs of the Spice Girls, VIVA FOREVER! hits all the high notes for a fabulous feel-good night out. 

Iconic BRITs performance

Tickets are on sale now! Previews are starting at the Piccadilly Theatre, London West End from 27^th November 2012. The Spice Girls Musical, Viva Forever officially launches from December 11^th 2012 and booking as far as June 2013. 

Geri Lands X Factor Judge Role

Could Geri Halliwell be the new permanent judge on X Factor this year? The former Spice Girl is joining the panel at the first auditions in Liverpool as a guest. But rumours are saying she is on a trial run to see how popular she is before she lands the role from the boot camp rounds.

Geri has appeared as a guest judge before but was not well received the first time round due to some catty comments. However she is older and wiser this time around and was very popular in her judge role on Popstars: The Rivals where she helped hand pick Girls Aloud back in the day.

Total Biz World are very excited about a Spice Girl becoming a permanent judge, as Gary Barlow is officially back on the panel this year. So two members from the biggest girl band and boy band of the 90's will be a force on the show this year. Added with the annoying Louis Walsh and there is Tulisa of course.....

After Dannii turned down a million pound deal to spend time with her family, we feel the X Factor bosses wanted an older figure head to fit the bill last year. As two young cubs last year causes conflict between Tulisa and Kelly Rowland.

Murs and Flackers returning to Xtra Factor

Caroline Flack and Olly Murs have been confirmed to be coming back the ITV2 Xtra Factor this year after massive ratings last year.

Geri may have some tough competition though, as Mel B is set to join the panel as a guest judge at the Manchester auditions. Mel is a judge on the Australian X Factor and had huge success there.

Harsh judge - Mel B

All X Factor needs this year is a little bit of Spice.....

Cheryl Pops in at Shrek The Musical

Cheryl Cole jetted into London from France yesterday to support here Girls Aloud bandmate.

Cheryl was in Cannes but flew in to visit her pal Kimberley Walsh in her final performance in the West End where she has been starring as Princess Fiona in Shrek The Musical.

She has been playing the role since last September and was delighted three of her Girls Aloud co-stars were able to watch her bow out.

 Joining Cheryl in the theatre were Nicola Roberts and Sarah Harding, and as usual Nadine Coyle was absent from the mini reuniuon. Which still makes us wonder if an anniversary get together will actually happen.

Kimberley tweeted: "Today is a very exciting day. Cannot thank you all enough for your UNBELIEVABLE support over the past 8 months. Very overwhelmed! #1showtogo."

And ever the true superstar Cheryl only arrived during the interval.... the girls looked happy to see each other as they posed for pics.

With a new single from Miss Cole due to drop on 18th June she will be keen to appear in the papers at any given opportunity until then.

Stenson Takes Over.....

Carly Stenson (from Hollyoaks) will be taking over the role that Kimberly Walsh has played so brilliantly. With a glorious stint in Legally Blonde, Carly has done the leg work to land this lead role and audiences are very excited to see her take on this mighty female lead. Good Luck Carly!!

Jodie Harsh X Melanie C

Melanie C is teaming up with the hottest DJ around Jodie Harsh. After working together last year they came up with three dance tracks. Their collaboration has now come to light after the announcement of their 3 track EP entitled 'The Night'.

Fans of Melanie will be delighted to hear three dance tracks, not since the Ibiza sound of 'I Turn To You' have we heard Melanie's vocals rocking the clubs. She teased us with the upbeat and playful single 'Think About It'.

The tracks featuring on the 'The Night' EP are called 'Set You Free', 'Sunrise' and 'Walkaway'.

'The Bit About Jodie'

Jodie Harsh, is the most striking DJ in London she is an icon in hot-pink lipstick and is fast becoming the reigning Queen of international nightlife.

Over the last few years, Jodie has become established as a prominent guest DJ who has been found spinning records at Fashion Week parties, showbiz bashes and clubs around the UK, America and Europe.

Jodie's house and electro sets have taken the DJ to New York, Milan, Russia and Ibiza, and she is now a resident DJ for Manumission after embarking on a world tour this summer. Ibiza welcomes Jodie with open arms as she has played with The Swedish House Mafia at Pacha.

Melanie C's website describes the tracks:

Set You Free
The lead track introduces the EP with light dub-set moments and thrusts into full-on hands in the air synths and a tight kick drum. Through big anthemic vocals Melanie sings about the freedom you feel in that perfect dance floor moment - blinded by lights, drowning in the music, feeling the love from your friends.

Sunrise
It's immediately apparent this song is inspired by nights out in Ibiza. The track boasts a big room sound with a killer beat and chopped up vocals. Girl meets boy, dances the night away, boy looks just as great in the sunlight the following day. A holiday romance and a real peak-time dance floor moment.

Walkaway
Taking things a little slower, the final song narrates the organic end to a relationship and the weight it brings off your shoulders... a sigh of relief and a 'change of atmosphere'. Mid-tempo and orchestral, it's a dramatic ending to the EP with it's big hip hop drum and an epic build.

The Night is released on iTunes Sunday 13th May as a 3-track download plus digital booklet featuring song lyrics and exclusive images of Melanie shot by world renowned fashion photographer Tim Bret-Day.

SMASH is a new American musical drama based on the life of Marilyn Monroe. It is based around the creation of a new Broadway production and is being dubbed the adult version of Glee.

The new production loosely named Marilyn later evolves into the new musical being named Bombshell after the workshop process. As the production takes shape everyone involved has to balance their chaotic personal lives with the demands of musical theatre. It shows a real insight into the hard work that goes on behind the scenes on Broadway.

Series one has just 15 episodes, and the show has already been signed up to make a second series. It has had huge success in America and is being well received in the UK.

With a amazing cast featuring in Smash its sure to be a global success. Debra Messing, from Will & Grace fame plays Julia Houston. A successful lyricist and Bombshell's co-writer. 

Also Anjelica Huston stars as Eileen Rand, the musical's producer, she is dealing with divorce proceedings from her husband which adds drama to the programme and her conflicts with him could threaten the future of Bombshell.

Stealing the show though are the amazing talents of Katharine McPhee as Karen Cartwright and Megan Hilty as Ive Lynn. Both competing to play the lead role of Marilyn. They both bring different elements of the character to their performances and throughout the running of Smash they each play the role in various workshops leaving us to decide which girl we like.

Adding to the mix Smash features cameo roles from huge stars such as Uma Thurman, Nick Jonas and Bernadette Peters.

The music of Smash is fantastic, using current songs to coincide with the story adding more depth to the drama. Songs that feature include Adele's Rolling In The Deep, and Red Neck Woman, also listen out for the brilliant episode where Karen and Ivy sing Rihanna's  Drink To That in Times Square.

Also the amazing songs written especially for the show about Marilyn Monroe are superb. Our favourites are 'Let Me Be Your Star' and 'Mr & Mrs Smith'.

Catch Smash on Sky Atlantic, Saturdays 10pm

Meet The Canadian Idol Storming The Global Charts

Canadian Carly Rae Jepson has stormed the UK charts with her smash hit 'Call Me Maybe' but where has this talent come from? Total Biz World decided we should find out more!

The 26 year old star was discovered on Canadian Idol, after finishing third back in 2007 she then toured Canada with the Idol top three contestants.

Carly recorded her debut album Tug of War and released her first single on June 16, 2008. It was a cover of John Denver's song 'Sunshine On My Shoulders'. It is the only cover on her album which shows she is also a brilliant song writer.

2nd Album - Curiosity

Using the power of Myspace, Jepson later added two new songs to her profile page, 'Bucket' and 'Heavy Lifting'. This created a buzz for her next single release.

Finishing in third place meant that sheer hard work and determination was needed for Carly to succeed, so she quickly realised the Internet was the best way to publicise herself. Releasing her videos and album previews online to her Myspace.

So three years after Canadian Idol, Jepson is now signed to a new record label and has bagged herself a new manager, Scooter Braun. He also managed fellow canadian star Justin Bierber.

2012 saw the release of second album 'Curiosity'. This album features the massive hit 'Call Me Maybe'. This song became the first by a Canadian artist to hit the top of the digital charts since Justin Bierber's 'Baby' in January 2010.

'Call Me Maybe' is her biggest hit to date, and after reaching number one on her home ground, she has also reached the top of the charts here in the UK, Ireland and Australia. 

Carly on Canadian Idol

Search is on to find Jesus!

Andrew Lloyd Webber has joined forces with ITV1 this time around in his search for a new musical star. The mission is to find a new star to play the fantastic role of Jesus in new rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar. 

It will not be appearing in a prestigious West End theatre, instead the task is to find a rock star with a voice that can fill an arena! Its a very exciting concept, and it is bringing something different to the talent show format. With its move from BBC to ITV it is clear that the show will have more of an appeal when it hits the screens this summer. 

So with a new show and broadcasting on a brand new channel Lloyd Webber has enlisted the help of a celebrity panel. Joining forces will be Melanie C and Jason Donovan, with the expert help of casting agent David Grindrod to find the Next Best Superstar! 

Jason Donavan has had massive success in stage shows, having recently appeared in West End smash hit Priscilla and having a lead role in Sound of Music year. Melanie C has the rock edge and the voice to know what she is looking for in a rock star. Also Melanie brings with her to the panel her hugely successful experience appearing in Blood Brothers in the West End. 

Looking forward to seeing how the panel get on finding a new star for the big stage! 

Glitter & Gold Aint No Chore

It's hard to believe Rebecca Ferguson is only about to release her 2nd single on March 4th. Too Good To Lose is an upbeat song ready to set the charts alight. Since the X Factor Rebecca has taken the time out to write her album and juggling her other full time job, being a full time Mum to her two children.

Her debut album Heaven was released in December 2011 is the fastest selling record from a talent show contestant so far. She has even outsold Matt Cardle's debut album Letters in just so little time.

Her talent is under estimated and after seeing Miss Ferguson live on tour she has only just begun to let her talent unfold before our eyes. Her album sales are surely going to rise as her 16 date sold out tour is in full swing.

Heaven is our favourite album from an X Factor contestant as it comes with honest and heartfelt lyrics and mesmerising melodies. Rebecca slots in perfectly where Duffy has left off with her soothing yet haunting vocals at times. She bursts with passion and determination throughout this debut masterpiece!

Total Biz World caught Rebecca at her pre-tour shows in Sunny Wales. Check out the review below.

Heaven Live: Rebecca Ferguson Tour Review

Don't forget Too Good To Lose is released March 4th with a B-side On & On.

Second single released March 4th 2012

Oh My Goodness Olly!

Listen up Olly fans, get ready for the news about the next single from our favourite cheeky chappy. Mr Murs has announced he will be releasing his third single from the Number one album 'In Case You Didn't Know. 

'Oh My Goodness' will be released on 1st April 2012! We are very happy Olly is releasing this song as its one of the best tracks on the new album. 

The single follows hot on the heels of previous releases 'Heart Skips A Beat' featuring Rizzle Kicks and the brilliant 'Dance With Me Tonight'. 

We can reveal there will be a fantastic new track as a b-side with the new release called 'Don't Say Goodnight Yet'. 

Last month Olly filmed the video for 'Oh My Goodness' at Westfield Shopping Centre in Stratford. Filming the video overnight Olly describe the shoot as "tiring, but so much fun". 

Olly kicks off his first headlining arena tour tonight in Cardiff! He is proving that even if contestants do not win the X Factor they can still go on to have a successful career in music.

The hard working essex boy is up for Best Single at this years BRITs for 'Heart Skips A Beat'. Things are just getting better for Olly as it has just been revealed he will be performing at the BRIT Awards on the night. Alongside other established artists such as Coldplay, Florence and the Machine, Blur and Adele. 

You can vote for Olly to win Best Single below. Voting closes at 12pm on 17th February 2012.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE FOR OLLY AT THE BRITS

Molly Aint No Dolly!

Watch out folks, the mighty Molly McQueen is back on the scene!

After re-discovering Molly McQueen the Total Biz World office has been blaring out the 2006 single 'No Sleep 2Nite'. Best known as being on the soundtrack on the smash movie starring Uma Thurman, 'My Super Ex-Girlfriend'.

Brit Chick McQueen

So where has McQueen come from? Back in 2005 it was the year Girl Bands were popping up everywhere with a new 'rocky image' that failed to set the charts alight. Molly was the lead singer in rocky girl band 'The Faders' they fought off strong competition from 'Twenty First Century Girls' that year and 'The Faders' went on to release two successful singles. One being 'No Sleep Tonight' and the other 'Jump'.

Today, 24 year old London girl Molly McQueen is making her debut solo album after a rocky ride to her music career. Having left her girl band days firmly behind her, Molly has been hard at work making a living as a Singer / Song writer.

When McQueen signed to Sony back in 2007 it was her talent for writing songs that became her niche. Her talent also forced her rose coloured glasses to become clear, learning how harsh the music industry can be.

The early years....

As she was no stranger to failure after being dropped with 'The Faders' and later being released from a year long solo deal with Innocent Records we are sure this made for some excellent angst when writing her own material!

After a successful writing session for her own debut album a song she had co-written was recorded by another artist. This song was 'Perfect Circle' recorded by Katie Melua for her 2007 album 'Pictures'.

During 2007 Molly finished writing, recording and producing her first two songs. She later used the power of the internet and the mighty Myspace to upload her songs ready for her fans to hear. These were 'Psycho Gorgeous' and 'You Are Not The One'.

'Pyscho Gorgeous' was a huge hit with Myspace users and was later given the remix treatment from 'Future Freaks' and Molly McQueen became a Dancing Queen. The dance track was massive in the UK and Europe and reached number 10 in the dance charts.

Twilight fans may know the song 'Kiss By The Book' used in the new Breaking Dawn film, this features Molly in a duet with Sandy Nuttgens.

Molly still uses Myspace and uploads new songs to her site along with pictures and blogs. She now also has a Twitter account. Be sure to follow her if not only for her banter between herself and her mother.

Our favourite song in the TBW office is the addictive DIY. Check this out on Myspace!

Success comes with hard work and McQueen has been writing and recording with Sony. After waiting in the wings for so long she is ready to be unleashed!

Video Alerts! Check out the old favourite The Faders debut below and the hit song Psycho Gorgeous.

Molly can be found on myspace and twitter:
http://www.myspace.com/mollymcqueen
Twitter: @Molly_McQueen

Melanie C has confirmed that Molly McQueen will be her support act for The Sea Live 2012 in February and March! With an extra date in Brighton just added and some dates tickets are still available, grab you tickets quickly as some dates are sold out! I caught Melanie at the Liverpool date in December and she was amazing! The Sea is her best album so far, and you have to hear it live - Scotty (TBW)

The Faders 'No Sleep Tonight'

'Psycho Gorgeous' - Molly McQueen - Original

Little Mix Of Chart Success!

Little Mix are the first group to win the X Factor, and they are the most exciting winner since Alexandra Burke won in 2008!

Bursting with massive potential Little Mix are set to be the next big Girl Band the UK has been waiting for since Girls Aloud. Bringing a whole new attitude and a sweet swagger to the charts, there is absolutely no doubt that with the right song choices and image these girls are going to a success.

I was disappointed at first with the choice of song for their first release, but Cannonball showcases all their voices allowing us to get know them as individuals. Its the glimmer of magic from their performance of En Vogue's classic 'Don't Let Go' that seals Little Mix as pure gold!

So its no surprise to me they chose this song to perform at last nights National Television Awards. It was their first live telly performance since winning the X Factor. They were on form vocally, as they have been busy preparing for the upcoming X Factor tour next month.

Although Little Mix still have not met the mighty record boss Simon Cowell, they are planning a late spring album release. Hot on their heels they are wasting no time to start work on their eagerly anticipated debut.

There are rumours that there will be duets with Jessie J and also with their mentor Tulisa. If the rumours are true this will be sure to set them apart from previous winners.

It is unlikely they will be as huge as the Spice Girls, but surely if these girls work hard they should develop their own path to chart success.

JLS Proud To Sing Charity Single!

JLS are doing their bit for charity this year, the boys are the most charitable band in pop! This time around they have chosen to release a song called Proud for the Sport Relief Charity and will be available from 18th March 2012. Listen to the brilliant ballad below.

However they are not content with just a single the JLS's boys are due to perform a special charity concert in the afternoon of 24th March 2012 at London's O2 Arena! Joining them on stage will be a whole host of stars including the likes of Mr Olly Murs and Rizzle Kicks.

For more information about the event and how to book your tickets head on over to the Sport Relief Official Website now. Tickets also available from gigsandtours.com and ticketmaster.co.uk