Hey J-14ers!

Today, J-14 got to sit down for an exclusive interview and performance with Norwegian singer and songwriter Marit Larsen. Does she look familiar? She should! Marit used to be in the band M2M with her old childhood friend Marion Raven, and she toured with Jason Mraz in Europe. She even got to sing "Lucky" with him every night -- talk about lucky!

After making a splash overseas, she's ready for the U.S. airwaves! J-14 got an exclusive up-close and personal performance of her current single, "If A Song Could Get Me You," and I think it's great! Not only does she have an extremely likeable personality (she's adorable) but her single is very current -- think Colbie Caillat! It's something I could imagine rocking out to on the radio.

Check out a clip from our video below, and keep a look out for her album, due to hit stores this summer.

What do you guys think of Marit's song?

Your J-14 Intern,
Nicole

Photo: Michael Petersohn

Hey J-14ers!

It's here! The much anticipated album by youngest Jonas Brother, Nick Jonas, Who I Am, hits shelves today and proves that this Jonas is all grown up as he makes his solo debut in the spotlight.

Nick stunned JoBro fans all over the world when he announced he was breaking away from his brothers to work on a solo project, Nick Jonas & the Administration, back in October last year. His first single, "Who I Am", wasted no time in heating up the charts and after I listened to the album, I have no doubt that the album will be a success.

Here's my review track-by-track!
1. "Rose Garden" -- Inspired by a true story, I love how this opening track tells a story with catchy lyrics.
2. "Who I Am" -- Nick dished exclusive to J-14 that this track is not only about trying to find the right girl, but also about finding himself! This single is a great set up for what the album is like and definitely a stand out!
3. "Olive & An Arrow" -- This song is different then most on the album with jazz and blues undertones that suit his voice well!
4. "Conspiracy Theory" -- Lenny Kravitz-influenced, this track has a classic rock feel with awesome guitar riffs! A lot of fun and definitely a favorite!
5. "In The End" -- Though the sound feels dated, it showcases his vocals brilliantly.
6. "Last Time Around" -- This is my favorite track on the album with it's catchy chorus and funky beat!
7. "Tonight" -- A nice spin on the Jonas Brothers' tune from A Little Bit Longer.
8. "Stage of Emergency" -- This song has a quirky sound to it that reminds me of the Jonas Brothers' sound with an edge!
9. "Vesper's Goodbye" -- Another favorite of mine, haunting and heartfelt lyrics that you can hear him spilling his heart and soul in to. Love this!
10. "Strong (Back on the Ground)" -- A feel good song and perfect closing track to an overall great album.

Never the biggest Jonas Brother fan myself, I will admit that I am pleasantly surprised with this New Jersey native's album. This 17-year-old is a definite triple threat between his soothing voice, musical abilities, and oh yeah, he wrote all of his songs, which is impressive enough for me! I can't wait to see what else this talented cutie has in store for the future!

Who I Am is out today!

Your J-14 Intern,
Nicole

So, what do you guys think? Will you be picking up Nick's album today? What do you think of it!? Let me know below!

Photo: Courtesy of Hollywood Records

The J-14 staff was psyched about last night's Grammy Awards show! Here are our picks for the stand-out performances of the night.

Beyoncé
"My fave was Beyoncé performing a more rock version of "Halo," with her mixing in Alanis Morissette's "You Oughta Know." - Assistant Art Director Erik Jacobsen

P!nk
"I had goosebumps during the whole performance -- I gave her a standing ovation in my living room! Her voice sounded beautiful even when she was upside down, spinning above the crowd." - Photo Assistant Katelyn Mullen

Lady Gaga & Elton John
"Gaga looked gorgeous and proved once again that she's more than just hair bows and sequins -- she's a star! And Elton John was pretty good too. =)" - Editorial Assistant Lisa Raphael

Taylor Swift
"I'm a big Fleetwood Mac fan, so hearing Taylor Swift duet on "Rhiannon" with Stevie Nicks was awesome! It was cool to see old and new school singers come together on stage." - Assistant Editor Emily Krauser

Zac Brown Band
"I loved how the Zac Brown Band totally turned the glam Grammys into a down-home country jamboree with their performance. "Chicken Fried" is such a fun song!" - Freelance Editor Ashley Spencer

Do you agree or disagree? What was your fave performance from last night?

Photo: Courtesy of Cliff Lipson/CBS

Hey J-14ers!

It's your resident American Idol blogger Nicole back with more dish from last night's episode where Katy Perry sat in as the guest judge!

The spunky singer made it very clear from the start that she was going to be an honest judge during her day on Idol. Back in August she tweeted, "Ok, I must confess, I'm SO excited to guest host on American Idol. I think Simon & I are gonna get along famously. He tells it like it is & truthfully, that's how ppl need to hear it. This isn't like ur local highschool talent contest. This is AI! Ppl that wanna b in music biz need to know this **** isn't a cake walk! :P No more pitty passing kids on to the next level just cause they have some kinda sob story or cuz they look like a replica of past idol winners."

And honest she was! But not only to the contestants, but to fellow judge Kara DioGuardi! The most interesting part of last night's episode was Kara belting out the lyrics to Katy's hit, "I Kissed A Girl", only to be quickly interrupted by the singer. "Please stop before I throw my Coke in your face!" she said.

From that point on, there was plenty of tension in the air, especially when the two disagreed over the fate of Idol hopeful Chris Golightly who sung "Stand By Me." Kara loved his audition but Katy was definitely not feeling it. "This is not a Lifetime movie, sweetheart. You have to have talent!" Ouch!

That was the end of the "Hot N Cold" singer's time on Idol this season, but next up tonight in the judges chair is Joe Jonas and Neil Patrick Harris! You know I'll be tuning in.

Your J-14 Intern,
Nicole

Photo: Courtesy of Fox

Hey J-14ers,

Alice In Wonderland was one of my fave stories when I was a kid, which is why I was psyched to hear about Tim Burton's new reincarnation of the classic tale, starring Johnny Depp.

What I wasn't sure about was the Almost Alice soundtrack. Can 3OH!3, Avril Lavigne, and Metro Station really make music for the flick? And what are two of my fave bands, Motion City Soundtrack and the All-American Rejects, going to come up with? Turns out I have nothing to be worried about because there are two Alice in Wonderland soundtracks! One is the official score by Danny Elfman, while Almost Alice is music inspired by the Tim Burton flick.

I feel better already, especially after streaming 3OH!3's "Follow Me Down" on their MySpace page. Avril's track "Alice" will premiere on MySpace on February 4, followed by All Time Low's "Painting Flowers" -- which lead singer Alex told me exclusively that he was psyched to write -- on February 19. The whole album will stream on MySpace on February 28, with the album officially dropping on March 2.

I'm excited to hear the bands' takes on the story of Alice in Wonderland. Check out the full track listing after the jump.

Tell me - what do you think of an inspired soundtrack? Are you psyched to hear the musical collabs?

<3,
Emily, J-14 editor

Photo: Courtesy of Pamela Littky

Hey J-14ers,

ABC Family's Greek is back for a new semester, and I couldn't be more excited! When last night's season 4 premiere started off with the ZBZ sisters burying something suspicious in the woods, clad in fairy tale princess attire, I knew it was going to be an interesting episode -- and I was not disappointed!

Cyprus-Rhodes University is the type of college that anyone would want to go to. Between relationship drama, friendship betrayals, and yes, even arson, there's never a dull moment! Reunited couple Cappie and Casey already went through a rough patch last night but resolution wasn't far away after they had a much-needed talk. Good thing, because I'm so happy they got back together -- I was never really a fan of Casey's ex, Omega Chi president Evan!

But that wasn't the only drama! Rebecca and Evan continue down a very bumpy road declaring that they're just friends until they almost kiss -- but then Rebecca spots Evan staring at Cappie and Casey across the dance floor! Ouch. Calvin and Grant find love though I predict much more conflict with them in the future. Ashleigh still can't find a good guy, and Rusty beat Dale for a scholarship (awkward for those roomies!).

And did I mention that the ZBZ's found out that they were guilty for lighting a candle that burnt down the Gamma Psi house? And the semester has only just begun! Will the ZBZ's get caught for setting the Gamma Psi's house on fire? Secrets don't last long at this chool (especially since Casey lost her tiara in the woods while discarding the arson evidence!)

I can't wait for next week's episode!

Tell me - are you guys tuning in to Greek?

<3,
Nicole, J-14 intern

Photo: Courtesy of ABC Family

Hey J-14ers!
As dreary as the months up to spring can be, if you're like me, you look forward to the one good thing that happens every January: American Idol! It's still audition time on Idol, and this season started off differently than the others with no Paula in sight, but I've liked guest judges like ex-Spice Girl Victoria Beckham and Broadway-gone-Gleekster Kristin Chenoweth!

As an extreme Idol fan since the first season, I've always had mixed opinions about this part of the show. Some leave me bored, others leave me hopeful, and then there are those that leave me completely horrified! I mean, c'mon, do these people really think they can sing!? I can't NOT feel second-hand embarrassment just watching some of them. But as much as we all like to see these poor folks make fools out of themselves, I get the most satisfaction from seeing the "Golden Ticket" winners and making my predictions for who will make it to the top.

So far, I am disappointed by the lack of talent the show has showcased this year -- (don't you think the majority of airtime goes to contestants that are just bad?) But there have been some standouts for me so far including country dreamer Vanessa Wolfe, cancer survivor Justin Williams, and gospel singer Jermaine Sellers. I can't wait for Hollywood Week to see how far these guys make it!

Though we're still in auditions, I have faith that the 9th season of Idol is going to be bigger and greater than ever before with Ellen DeGeneres joining the judges. Even with the honest and ruthless Simon Cowell (for the last season! :[ ), Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi -- Paula Abdul, you and your antics will definitely be missed.

Can't wait to see Joe Jonas and Neil Patrick Harris judging in Dallas this week, and I look forward to Katy Perry and Avril Lavigne getting their chance to critique Idol hopefuls! Stay tuned to J-14.com and the J-14 Blog for weekly Idol dish!

So... What do you guys think of the auditions: love 'em or hate 'em? Early favorites or predictions? Let me know below!

Your J-14 Intern,
Nicole

Photo: Courtesy of Fox

I love TV. It's the only "About Me" subject on Facebook that I get REALLY excited about changing and updating. I have strong allegiances to the shows that I DVR so dearly, and if two of them collide, it's pure programming heaven.

This weekend, I was catching up on 30 Rock and my jaw (literally) dropped when in the first few minutes of this past Thursday's show, there was a subtle Glee reference! And not just any ol' Glee reference, but a Kevin McHale (wheelchair-bound Artie on the show and former NLT boy band member) name drop that I'm sure only Gleeks with super sonic hearing picked up on.

The Scenario: Jack (Alec Baldwin) and Liz (Tina Fey, pictured above as Liz) are in an elevator.
Kevin McHale Name Drop: Jack refers to Liz as "the female Kevin McHale" -- most likely because of their shared brown hair and thick-rimmed glasses.
Conclusion: Yes, I know that Kevin McHale is also a bball star, but, hello -- do you see those pics above?!? I say it's still a sly reference to Artie-poo. It may not seem like the most flattering, but knowing Tina Fey's sassy sense of humor, she was totally poking fun at herself and, since she's a 30 Rock writer, is probably just letting her big Gleek flag fly!

Dear Ms. Fey, you are an excellent writer, actress, and role model for girls of all ages. Please have Kevin McHale guest star on 30 Rock. Or figure out how to make a Glee cameo.

XOXO,
Lisa
J-14 Editor

Do you guys watch 30 Rock? Did you hear the Kevin reference? What do you think of the two, could they be brother and sister, or what?

Photos: Courtesy of Mary Ellen Matthews/NBC; Courtesy of Fox