Pop Bites: Pharrell, Pink, Sub Pop and more
Pharrell Williams’ quest for total domination of pop, and our hearts, continues with the singer-producer’s announcement that he’ll release his first album in nearly eight years, “G I R L,” on March 3. If the album sounds anything like his gleeful clap-along “Happy” -- which might score him an Oscar -- or his slinky Grammy-winning work with Daft Punk (the robotic French duo also appear on the record), the soundtrack of this summer has just arrived. (Thomas Samson / AFP/Getty Images)
Dishing what’s sweet, and sour, from the week in music.By Gerrick D. Kennedy
Pink will inject some cool into the oft-stuffy Academy Awards ceremony with a “highly anticipated moment,” according to show producers. The formidable performer joins a lineup that already includes Pharrell, U2 and Karen O. What’s she going to sing? Doesn’t matter as long as she’s channeling the entire Cirque cast during her gravity-defying performance. Still, she can sing yet didn’t win a Grammy this year and has been thin on awards for her solo work over the past decade. Seriously, how many more ceilings does homegirl have to swing from for her brilliance to be recognized? (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)
Justin Bieber released his first song since his DUI arrest in January. “I guess they want a reaction, but I ain’t gonna give it to ‘em,” he boasts on “Broken,” a club banger featured on a mixtape by his tour DJ. But the Biebs doesn’t muster any believable defiance here in his delivery, despite the song’s “I cannot be broken” mantra. Maybe he’s just exhausted from hotboxing on private jets, frolicking with strippers and fighting his mounting legal battles -- we’re certainly tired of reading about them. (Powers Imagery / Invision / Associated Press)
OutKast’s highly anticipated reunion will feature the pioneering Atlanta hip-hop duo headlining more than 40 festivals around the world, including Coachella. The run will mark the 20th anniversary of their seminal 1994 debut and is the first time fans have seen them together in nearly eight years. There’s a catch though, and it’s not so fresh and clean. Big Boi recently delivered the soul-crushing news that the pair don’t intend on releasing a new album, quashing rumors they were hard at work in the studio. The festival blitz better be good considering “Idlewild” was OutKast’s last artistic offering. (Theo Wargo / WireImage)
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“American Idol” continues to slide in ratings. In recent years, the aging Fox competition has struggled to recapture the glory days of its once-untouchable status as a ratings and juggernaut. The new season features a refreshing mix of old and new judges who actually get along (Harry Connick Jr. is a knockout addition), a breezier production and a diverse mix of talent, which includes the series’ first openly gay contestant. Too bad no one is tuning in for all the fun. (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)
