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A Week In News: Bieber In Amsterdam, Psy Returns, Lindsay's Late


Justin Bieber Psy Lindsay Lohan Aubrey Plaza Brad Pitt Bradley Cooper Beyonce Knowles Chris Pine

One Hit Wonder? Psy's 'Gentleman' Breaks 24hr YouTube Record


Psy

So we pretty much all assumed Psy would disappear without trace, many of us even hoped he would. But he hasn't. Quite the opposite in fact. The South-Korean rapper's follow-up to Gangnam Style has already broken the record for the most views in a single day after it was watched 20 million times in its first 24 hours. The video for 'Gentleman' has since gone on to rack up a huge 87 million views, meaning it's tracking to topple the 1.5 billion achieved by Psy's breakout hit.

Surprise, surprise - 'Gentleman' once again furthers Psy's reputation for catchy dance moves. He's seen pulling off a woman's bikini, removing a chair from underneath another and forcing his weird moves on a girl studying in a library. He even adjusts the speed setting on a treadmill to ensure a runner goes flying off the end. This is certainly not gentlemanly Psy. We are disappointed in you.

The song basically sounds exactly the same as Gangnam Style, which we can't exactly blame him for. It's also number eight in the UK iTunes chart and will no doubt reach the top spot at some point. As the YouTube hits racked up, Psy tweeted his surprise, writing, "51million views in 40hours!! My God!!!"

Continue reading: One Hit Wonder? Psy's 'Gentleman' Breaks 24hr YouTube Record

Psy's 'King Of YouTube' Crown Remains Intact After 'Gentleman' Scores 85 Million+ Views In First Few Days


Psy

Psy, the South Korean pop star who shot to meteoric highs after his song 'Gangnam Style' became an internet sensation, is back to his old tricks of breaking YouTube records following the release of his newest single. 'Gentleman' was uploaded to Psy's YouTube account last Saturday (April 13) and since then the song has soared through the viewing figures and currently stands at over 85 million views, with that figure ever increasing as the clicks keep on coming.

On Saturday itself, the video picked up almost 19 million views, smashing the record for most views in a single day previously held by Justin Bieber and Nicki Minaj for the 'Beauty and the Beat' video (which had close to 10 million views in its first 24 hours). If you can't quite remember why Psy is still such a name to behold, his breakthrough record, 'Gangnam Style,' became the first video on Youtube to surpass 1 billion views and given the rate 'Gentleman' is being watched Psy might have another Guinness World Record to pick up in the near future. One person who can't quite believe the pace at which 'Gentleman' is moving is Psy himself, who Tweeted on Monday (April 15) “51 million views in 40 hours!! My God!!”

Continue reading: Psy's 'King Of YouTube' Crown Remains Intact After 'Gentleman' Scores 85 Million+ Views In First Few Days

Psy’s New Video For Gentleman To Be Revealed, Shout Out To Korea Planned


Psy

Psy is known for one thing and one thing only: his hair. Nah, we’re kidding, it’s Gangnam Style, obviously. But will he start another ridiculous trend at Seoul's World Cup stadium? See that’s the concert in which the video for Gentleman will be revealed.

The now-global superstar describes the division of the Korean peninsula as a "tragedy", and says he wants North Koreans to share in the "fun and happiness" of his music. "Tonight me and 50,000 Korean people...we are going to sing out loud. We are going to shout out loud and we are really close to them, so they can hear," he said. "Hopefully with my 'Gangnam style', 'Gentleman', and my music video, choreography... hopefully they might enjoy it too," he added. Gangnam Style was an unprecedented success and took the world by storm. It was the first video to reach one billion views on YouTube, and since then, it has become the most-watched YouTube video of all time, registering more than 1.5 billion views since it debuted last July. Because of that, the decision to release Gentleman without a video came as quite a surprise.

PsyPsy went from domestic to worldwide star in... 5 minutes?

Continue reading: Psy’s New Video For Gentleman To Be Revealed, Shout Out To Korea Planned

A Week In News: Finding Nemo Sequel, Magic Johnson's Son And Diana In Drag?


Ellen Degeneres Albert Brooks Heidi Klum Magic Johnson Cory Monteith Diana Princess Of Wales Psy Angelina Jolie Harry Styles

Ellen DeGeneres

Nemo's Back! Great news this week for fans of Finding Nemo, Pixar's smash-hit animation featuring the voices of and Albert Brooks. Yep, you guessed it, a sequel has been announced and will hit cinemas in 2015. 'Finding Dory' will focus on DeGeneres' character, though Pixar promises plenty of new faces!

Klum's Close Call: Sticking on the subject of the ocean, it was a close call for Heidi Klum in Hawaii this week when son Henry was dragged into a dangerous riptide. Luckily, the youngster is a strong swimmer and managed to claw his way back onto dry land. Phew!

Continue reading: A Week In News: Finding Nemo Sequel, Magic Johnson's Son And Diana In Drag?

Male Heavy Nominations For NME's Heroes And Villains Inc. Bradley Wiggins, Barack Obama, David Cameron And Harry Styles


Frank Ocean Barack Obama Harry Styles David Cameron Pussy Riot Azealia Banks Dave Grohl Bradley Wiggins David Bowie Skrillex Psy

The NME awards isn't just to praise the biggest and best bands of the year, it is also a platform for popular social commentary, and for a hefty dose of good humored judgement. The categories of Heroes and Villains are a tidy round up of the stars that have done the best and worst work over the year. 

This year's Villain nominations include the obvious choice of David Cameron, but he's facing stiff competition in the form of Harry Styles, Skrillex, Psy, Fred Macpherson and Azealia Banks. Styles being in One Direction (nominated for worst band) is reason enough to be in the list, and Azealia Banks tweeted feud with fellow female rapper Angel Haze in which she used a homophobic slur against Haze certainly makes her a baddy. But as for Fred Macpherson's appearance in the list, we can't quite work out why he's been included, Spector aren't that bad. 

The Hero's list is a far better list and there's no question as to why any of the nominees are included. Dave Grohl brought Nirvana back with the help of Paul McCartney - even if you don't agree with the choice of McCartney, it was a great feat, and Grohl never fails to give his all to music and to an enormous range of bands. Pussy Riot went to prison for speaking openly about LGBT and feminist topics. Frank Ocean brazenly came out in a predominantly heterosexual and largely homophobic hip hop community during 2012, confessing to having fallen in love with a man. Bradley Wiggins is Bradley Wiggins. Barack Obama is Barack Obama. And David Bowie is back. Happy days.

Continue reading: Male Heavy Nominations For NME's Heroes And Villains Inc. Bradley Wiggins, Barack Obama, David Cameron And Harry Styles

First Video To Reach 1 Billion Views On Youtube - Psy's Gangnam Style


Psy

It’s hard to believe that a single artist has made a year’s worth of news with a single track, but this is exactly what Psy has done with 'Gangnam Style.'

We can hear you groaning already. If you’ve lived on planet Earth in the past six months, you’ve probably heard the K-pop sensation enough times to last you a lifetime, not counting remixes, spoofs, parodies and whatever else there is. Well, all that publicity adds up to something massive, as 'Gangnam Style' has become the first video on youtube to reach a billion views, Billboard reports. Yes, we had to spell it out, so as not to get confused by all the zeroes. One billion. This trumps Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga and any video of a cat falling over you can think of.

Psy, or Park Jae-Sang, has so far sold more than 4 million copies of the song worldwide, as well as becoming the first Korean artist to reach the top of the UK chart - a victory for cultural diversity, the power of the internet and, well, overall strangeness, if ever there was one. It’s rare that an online sensation crosses over into “real life” so easily, but at the end of last summer, 'Gangnam Style' broke into traditional media and regular life with such force, that it managed to stamp itself onto the collective consciousness for months and maybe even years to come. In a somewhat ironic (or is it? we can never figure that out) twist, by the time traditional media picked up on the phenomenon, the internet was already sick of it, resulting in 'Gangnam Style' being declared dead more times than hip hop.

Continue reading: First Video To Reach 1 Billion Views On Youtube - Psy's Gangnam Style

Gangnam Style's 1 Billion Views Surprised Psy


Psy

The incredible success of Gangnam style, from the already-established-in-Korea rapper, Psy, has left him struggling to gather enough superlatives and explanations when MTV spoke to him about the song and its billion views on YouTube. 

"I can't compare it to anything else!" he laughed. "In 2012, I experienced so many things; it's been a tremendous year, but to accomplish this, it's really something that stands out. Because it all began with YouTube, and to have [the video] reach 1 billion views ... I don't think even I can break that record!" Psy has been seen at pretty much every must-be-seen at event this year, teaching the stars how to dance Gangnam style, and even plugging his slogan, "dress well, dance cheesy." "Honestly, when I made this video I didn't even expect 1 million views, because this is off my sixth album in Korea, so I just hoped it would be huge there," he said. "I didn't even think about any other countries; I just did my job and waited and watched. And, you know, today, I'm still wondering and analyzing its success. Because I've done this thing many times, this dance, this album, this video ... this one just became something else entirely."

"Gangnam Style" is a Korean neologism that refers to a lifestyle associated with the Gangnam District of Seoul, where people are trendy, hip and exude a certain supposed "class".

Gotye Ya! Psy's Gangnam Style Is Most Watched YouTube Of All Time


Psy Gotye Carly Rae Jepsen Barack Obama

Forget Goyte, forget Charlie bit my finger, Obama's rap battle or Kony 2012, because Psy's 'Gangnam Style' has become the most-viewed YouTube video of all time. The South Korean pop sensation is approaching 1 billion views for his bizarre dance video, leaving hugely popular clips in his wake.

To clarify, Gangnam Style isn't just the most watched music video of all time, it's the most popular video full stop. Artists and comedians are increasingly using the sharing website to promote their material and it's clearly working with the right videos. "It definitely suggests that there's change afoot," said James McQuivey, an analyst with Forrester Research. "I don't think the change is about one form of entertainment replacing the other. It's about the expansion of the platform to include more things. That will continue." The website now attracts more than 800 million users, who watch more than 4 billion hours of video a month. Gangnam Style, which spread from Asia to the United States and Europe, illustrates the true power of the internet influencing popular culture. "A lot of people are used to us having an insular pop culture, where everything is originating out of the U.S. and spreads to other parts of the world," said YouTube trends manager Kevin Allocca, "YouTube is a global thing - 70% of YouTube's views happen outside of the U.S. You have these things that are phenomena at a global scale."

Psy's breakout video overtook Gotye's 'Somebody That I Used To Know' as the most watched YouTube video of all time, with the Kony 2012 clip in third place. 'Call Me Maybe' by Carly Rae Jepsen and the Barack Obama versus Mitt Romney Rap Battle rounded out the top five. 

Continue reading: Gotye Ya! Psy's Gangnam Style Is Most Watched YouTube Of All Time

Gangnam Style Death: Father Of Three Dies While Dancing The Popular Dance


Psy

The first instance of a Gangnam Style death has occurred, and while the dance did not explicitly cause Eamonn Kilbride's death, the physical excursion from what is a demanding set of moves did.

We at Contact Music are paying our respects to Kilbride, 46, and his family: his wife Julie and children, Laurajade, 22, Jack, 21, and Conor, 18, who are all at university. Mrs Kilbride paid tribute to her "loving husband" of 23 years, calling him "the life of the party." Unfortunately for Mr Kilbride, his health problems, which came to a head while he was dancing Psy's Gangnam style, have rendered his death intrinsically to the Korean rapper. Professor Bernard Keavney, a consultant cardiologist at Newcastle University, has warned older men not to "stray outside your comfort zone" while dancing at their Christmas parties this year. "The chance that you'll come to grief is very small. But as with any form of untypical exercise ... be somewhat measured. Let the lady dance around you," he told The Daily Telegraph.

Mrs Kilbride said the following of her late husband and father to her children: "He was a great family man and he worked so hard. Eamonn was always the life of the party and loved dancing. We were having a fantastic time at the Christmas party and Eamonn had just finished dancing to Gangnam Style. He was up on stage and entertaining everybody. He said he had a bit of a pain and just collapsed. He loved me dearly and would tell people all the time. I know he thought the world of us."

Continue reading: Gangnam Style Death: Father Of Three Dies While Dancing The Popular Dance

Gangnam Style Death Reported In UK: Man Dies Recreating Psy’s Dance


Psy

The world’s first Gangnam Style death has prompted a warning to middle aged-men, urging them not attempt the dance, after a 46 year old man collapsed at an office party in Blackburn, England. Eamonn Kilbride died in front of his wife after mimicking Psy’s popular ‘Gangnam Style’ dance, The Independent reports.

A consultant cardiologist at Newcastle University warned older men to be careful, especially during the festive season and told them not stray outside of their “comfort zones” when it comes to strenuous exercise, or having fun at their Christmas parties. He added “The chance that you’ll come to grief is very small. But as with any form of untypical exercise … be somewhat measured. Let the lady dance around you.” Kilbride was at the party with his wife Julie, who described him as the “life of the party” and she paid tribute to her “loving husband.” He leaves behind three children, Laurajade, 22, Jack, 21 and Conor, 18.

There have been a plethora of ‘tribute’ videos to Psy’s unique ‘Gangnam Style’ dance uploaded onto YouTube – the site that made the original version so famous. Occasionally, the stories behind these videos have not had such a happy ending; such as the time a group of lifeguards lost their jobs for but this is the first time that such a tragic story has been reported as a result of people celebrating Psy’s overnight success.

Psy's Anti-American Song Is No Match For Gangnam Style Take-over


Psy Barack Obama Diana Ross

Despite offending the nation with the discovery of an avidly anti-American song, 'Dear America', which speaks about killing Americans, families and children, Psy is still on the good side of the States having issued what seems like a heartfelt apology, and performing at the Christmas in Washington charity concert, reports MTV.

The apology read: "The song I was featured in - from eight years ago - was part of a deeply emotional reaction to the war in Iraq and the killing of two innocent Korean civilians that was part of the overall antiwar sentiment shared by others around the world at that time," he said "While I'm grateful for the freedom to express one's self I've learned there are limits to what language is appropriate and I'm deeply sorry for how these lyrics could be interpreted. I will forever be sorry for any pain I have caused anyone by those words." 

It was obviously deemed enough in President Obama's eyes who shook Psy's hand at the event hosted by Conan O'Brien, and didn't even refer to the Psy controversy in his speech. "Tonight is about Conan and Diana Ross and Santa and all the other talented folks on the stage," Obama said. "But it's also about the Americans who are spending this holiday in a hospital bed, or a shelter, or protecting our freedom on a battlefield far from home ... let's keep them in our prayers." 

Continue reading: Psy's Anti-American Song Is No Match For Gangnam Style Take-over

'Anti-American' Rapper Psy's Barack Obama Meeting Criticized By US Press


Psy Barack Obama

You’d think that shaking the hand of President Barack Obama would signify the high point of ‘Gangnam Style’ rapper Psy’s acceptance by the USA, however, from the outraged reaction of several publications it would appear that his love affair with the country could be about to come to an end.

Though known these days as a lovable funster, whose dance moves have caught the imagination the world over and caused him to have the most watched Youtube video ever, back in 2004 he sang “kill those f****** Yankees who have been torturing Iraqi captives…kill them all slowly and painfully” as part of an anti-American protest song that he’d written, according to the Daily Mail. Psy has apparently since apologized for the song, but it was picked up by Breitbart.com nevertheless who fumed at the meeting of the rapper and the President. They raged “OBAMA, BIDEN COZY UP TO ANTI-AMERICAN RAPPER PSY”, their story going on to be tweeted dozens of times, with other publications picking up the piece as well.

Psy was performing at the White House as part of a charity concert that also featured Diana Ross, Demi Lovato and Scotty McCreery, the festive gathering seeing the K-pop star perform his celebrated dance moves. The President said that the event was “a chance to get in the Christmas spirit, spread some joy and sing along with artists who have much better voices than we do.” It seems like some aren’t quite ready to impart any seasonal goodwill just yet.

Psy Still An Internet Sweetheart Despite Anti-American Song


Psy

After it emerged that Korean pop sensation Psy had covered aan anti-American song eight years ago, it looked like the honeymoon was well and truly over for South Korea's new cultural ambassador. However, looking over Twitter and the rest of Psy's home away from home (the internet), it looks as though he might escape this one with only a few scratches.

At last nights New York Nets game against the Golden State Warriors, 'Gangnam Style' could still be heard blaring down from the rafters, and no one seemed to care. Likewise on Twitter, rather than a feeling of Nationalist defence of America there was more of a feeling of "well, not that many people like us anyway." Acclaimed author Gary Shteyngart for one praised Psy for being "so Old Testament," in regards to his lyric "Kill their daughters, mothers, daughters-in-law, and fathers." Whilst another person Tweeted "Psy doesn't like us :( I thought that was clear when he brought MC Hammer out onto the stage."

Psy has since issued a public apology for the song and any other anti-American sentiment he may have harboured before he became an internationally known star. The events in question are both ten and eight years old respectively and the latter involved the star at a protest aimed at the U.S. military presence in South Korea in 2002 (as the Washington Post first pointed out) where he destroyed a fake tank on stage and again in 2004 at another anti-America military rally where he performed the now infamous song 'Dear America' - a cover by the South Korea metal band N.E.X.T. 

Pictures: Justin Bieber, Ke$ha And A Who's Who Of 2012 Pop Play The Second Night Of KIIS FM's Jingle Ball


Justin Bieber Kesha Kendall Jenner Kylie Jenner The Wanted Psy Alicia Keys Flo Rida Carly Rae Jepsen

Justin Bieber, KIIS Jingle Ball

Justin Bieber performs on the second night of the KIIS Jingle Ball, but he was far from the only star of the evening

Justin Bieber was among those performing at the second night of the KIIS FM Jingle Ball, with pretty much anyone who's been anyone making an appearance over the radio network's massive two-dayer. Sunday night (December 2) at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles saw current chart sensation Taylor Swift coming up against The Jonas Brothers - who found themselves eclipsed by the star. Last night, though (December 3), it was the turn of Bieber - still deep into his lengthy tour - Ke$ha, YouTube sensation Psy and fast rising British group The Wanted, among others, to provide the party.

Continue reading: Pictures: Justin Bieber, Ke$ha And A Who's Who Of 2012 Pop Play The Second Night Of KIIS FM's Jingle Ball

A Week In Music Featuring: Coldplay, ELO, Hot Chip, Hot Chip And Much More!


Coldplay Rihanna Chris Martin Elo Jeff Lynne Placebo Swans Scott Walker Foals Hot Chip Peter Serafinowicz Atlas Genius Death Cab For Cutie Dutch Uncles Rolling Stones Florence Welch Mary J Blige Mick Jagger Psy Justin Bieber

Coldplay Live 2012

Coldplay live CD/DVD Cover

Albums of Note... Coldplay’s Live 2012 album shows a band far more at ease with themselves than their previous live release, from 2003. The Live 2012 package includes both blu-ray and CD. The footage is punctuated by behind-the-scenes interludes and these excerpts showcase each band member’s enthusiasm for their live shows as well as revealing how the material from Mylo Xyloto evolved over time and culminated with them band playing to a vast stadium audiences across the globe. “Live 2012 includes some nice musical moments... the low-key piano intro to 'Yellow', a guest appearance from Rihanna during 'Princess Of China', and the stripped back intimacy of 'Us Against The World'. All of the other elements of big choruses and sing-along's spanning the entire Coldplay back catalogue are present and correct… and Chris Martin's voice seems to have found a renewed strength to cope with the massive venues the band now fills.”

Continue reading: A Week In Music Featuring: Coldplay, ELO, Hot Chip, Hot Chip And Much More!

Let's All Do Gangnam Style In The Gangnam District


Psy

Whether you love or hate Psy's 'Gangnam Style', one has to recognise its sheer popularity as it became YouTube's most viewed video ever, despite not being around as long as many of its competitors.

While we either dance around to it, or cover our ears and run away whenever we hear it, the song, and Psy's success has been a pretty big deal for South Korea, who have attempted to capitalize on the unlikely triumph of an already established rapper in the U.S and Europe. The dance, and song, is named after the Gangnam district - one of the 25 gu (local government districts) which make up the city of Seoul, South Korea. The affluent part of town literally translates as "South of the (Han) River". In fact, the song isn't just named after the district, famous for its deluxe shopping boutiques and rich population, it's pretty disparaging of it; mocking the rampant consumerism that goes on down there. 

The whole thinking behind this frankly bizarre video is to boost Gangnam's attractions. The goal is to draw more tourists to the area, and to Seoul. And along with the campaign is a contest in which people write on the group's Facebook page about what Gangnam means to them. Winners get a free trip to Seoul. Check out vid below; it kind of makes us never ever want to go anywhere near it. Ever. 

Continue reading: Let's All Do Gangnam Style In The Gangnam District

South Korean Prisoners Perform 'Gangnam Style' Dance


Psy

Have we not had enough of members of seeing members of Joe Public performing the insufferable dance to the ubiquitous 'Gangnam Style' yet? Seems like you can’t even walk down the street these days for fear of being swept up in some kind of sloppily choreographed version of K-pop rapper Psy’s dance routine.

Anyway, the latest group of dancers to perform the dance do perhaps have more excuse than most, given that they’re in prison and there generally isn’t very much to do in prison. The Associated Press reports that 70 of the 4,500 prisoners currently held captive at the Bangkok Remand Prison in South Korea put on a show on Tuesday (November 27) for the media and corrections department executives after competing in a dance contest. The idea behind the contest, apparently, was that it would relieve stress and help keep them fit. We’d be more of the surly, pump iron in silence prisoner types we reckon, but fair enough.

Anyway, this flimsy event comes amidst the backdrop of the original video for ‘Gangnam Style’ becoming the most watched clip on YouTube ever, a feat it achieved earlier in the month. It’s currently heading towards the 838 million viewers mark.

Continue reading: South Korean Prisoners Perform 'Gangnam Style' Dance

Psy's Unstoppable Gangnam Style Hurtles Towards 1 Billion YouTube Hits


Psy Justin Bieber

It's hard to imagine a life before Psy's Gangnam Style, especially for us entertainment writers. Such is its popularity, it's recently become the highest viewed video on YouTube, and if this continues, it'll be the first vid to secure 1 billion hits, we're sure of it. 

But don't take our word for it; YouTube trends manager Kevin Allocca has been talking to MTV about the viral hit-turned-dance floor classic. "There are a number of artists who have a billion views in their catalog ... Bieber has three billion for all his videos," said Allocca. "But we haven't had a single music video pass one billion yet [and] 'Gangnam' is in position to be the one right now." And  with an average of 7-10 million views a day (11 million on Saturdays), Allocca said the tune is still operating at an "incredible" pace that hasn't been seen before. "This is so unlike anything we've seen before," he said. "It's hard to say he'll average seven million a day because that's a ridiculous statement based on what we know about YouTube. But he's operating in a space where there's not a lot of history to work from."

What Bieber started - using the social media video platform to launch a prolific career - Psy seems to have capitalized on, and maybe even bettered. "What Bieber has done is a very special thing in pop culture," he said, noting that "Baby" has been online since February 2010 and has slowed down since its heyday. "He's a poster figure for using YouTube and social media to build a dedicated fanbase who feel very invested in him."

Sorry Justin: Psy's Gangnam Style Becomes Most Watched YouTube, Ever


Psy Justin Bieber Scooter Braun

Gangnam Style, the surprise hit by South Korean artist Psy, has become the most watched video on YouTube after racking up 825 million views. Psy overtakes the previous record holder Justin Bieber, whose video for Baby totalled 805,378,958 hits.

A blog post on YouTube announced the figures, though warned that Bieber was still the king of social media, "Psy's official channel now has over 1 billion views, a considerable number. Views on Bieber's Vevo channel alone, however, still total over 3 billion," it read. However, any sense of a battle brewing between the pair is severely unfounded, given that Bieber's manager Scooter Braun has already signed up Psy with the intention of releasing an English-language track in the near future. Real name Park Jae-Sang, Psy, 34, attended the Berklee College of Music in Boston though grew up in the upscale Gangnam district of Seoul. His released an album of hip-hop tracks in 2091, though it was Gangnam style and that horse dance that catapulted him to global prominence this year.

During a recent interview the New York Times, Psy said he took his inspiration from Tupac, Notorious B.I.G, Dr Dre, Eminem and Snoop Dogg.

Continue reading: Sorry Justin: Psy's Gangnam Style Becomes Most Watched YouTube, Ever

Madonna And Psy, Music's Political Leaders Together On Stage


Psy Madonna

'Gangnam Style' Psy joined Madonna on stage yesterday (13th Nov. 2012) where her MDNA tour has reached New York, at Madison Square Garden, reports New York Daily News. 

Over the years Madonna has been vilified and praised for her interesting manner in which she proclaims her political inclinations. This year the use of a swastika in her tour came under fire in France, pointing a fake gun at a crowd in Denver was also met with swathes of criticism and her very vocal support of Barack Obama did nothing for her popularity at the New Orleans leg of the tour. In a similarly political slant, the Gangnam Style South Korean star Psy was awarded the Okgwan Order of Cultural Merit by South Korea's Culture Ministry, earlier this month, for increasing interest in South Korea and knowledge of the country's pop music, reports the BBC. 

However, unlike Madonna's political advocations, which are entirely under her own steam, Psy seems intimidated by the whole ordeal. Speaking to BBC Radio 1's Newsbeat he said "They are saying that I am making history for the country right now so all of a sudden I just became the guy who is representing one country and that is really heavy pressure and I don't want to live like that." He also admitted to being something of a 'badass' before international success hit. 

Continue reading: Madonna And Psy, Music's Political Leaders Together On Stage

PICTURES: Madonna Joined By Special Guest Psy At Madison Square Garden


Madonna Psy

Madonna at Madison Square Garden

Madonna in one of her less revealing stage outfits at Madison Square Garden last night (November 13, 2012)

Madonna called in to New York's Madison Square Garden for the second night in a row of a tour that's stretched back to before the summer - but this time she had a special guest with her. At one point in the concert, the 53 year-old announced that she was going to sing a song she'd not performed in a while, before launching into 'Give It 2 Me', from 2008. So far so 'meh'. However, midway through the track who should pop up than current internet sensation Psy, spitting lyrics from his ubiquitous hit 'Gangnam Style', the both of them performing the infamous dance moves from the video for the song. The pair also duetted on Madonna's smash hit 'Music'. Check out the fan video below!

Continue reading: PICTURES: Madonna Joined By Special Guest Psy At Madison Square Garden

Psy Makes EMAs His Own


Psy

South Korean superstar Psy has already taken the world with his hugely successful video for the single 'Gangnam Style,' yet that didn't mean he was going to take things easy when he pulled up in Frankfurt for this this weekends MTV Europe Music Awards.

The K-Pop sensation brought the multi-platinum single to the stage at the awards ceremony and just like the video for the song, he didn't skimp on the over the top antics with a performance that included hundreds of Psy lookalikes taking to the stage and even a surprise appearance from David Hasslehoff, on a toilet no less. The performance featured Psy and a throng of back-up dancers walking to the stage to perform his trademark dance, with a screen behind him featuring a cartoon image of the singer before he was joined by even more backing dancers - all dressed as Psy. If that wasn't good enough, then the appearance from the Hoff should have appeased just about everyone watching.

Psy took to Twitter after his performance to ask his fans what they thought of his breathtaking performance, asking:  "How was it!? Am I #EMAzingPSY!!???" 

Continue reading: Psy Makes EMAs His Own

Psy Collects Guinness World Record For 'Gangnam Style'


Psy

Global phenomenon Psy was in London this week to discuss world-recognised hit 'Gangnam Style' whilst also picking up his plaque from Guinness World Records as he officially became recognised as having the 'Most Liked' video on Youtube.

The Korean star wipe aside competition from Justin Bieber who’s debut song 'Baby' comes in at third with a total of 1,327,147 likes, with LMFAO’s 'Party Rock Anthem' closely following with 1,574,963 likes. However 'Gangnam Style' blew his closest rivals out of the water with a massive 4,911,081 likes recorded on the video sharing website.

Psy was speaking to BBC Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills on his show when the award was at last delivered to honour the song that has been listened to over 680 million time worldwide and has made Psy and his infectious song a household name. This is by no means the first record that Psy has broken though, having become the first Korean to top the iTunes chart with his hit song.

Continue reading: Psy Collects Guinness World Record For 'Gangnam Style'

Maroon 5 Hold 'Gangnam Style' At Number Two For Eighth Week With 'One More Night'


Maroon 5 Psy Christina Aguilera Rihanna Calvin Harris Fun Taylor Swift

Maroon 5's new single 'One More Night' stays at number one in the charts for the eighth week running, kicking Psy's 'Gangnam Style' to number two.

The pop band have also beaten their own record by doubling their previous hit 'Moves Like Jagger' featuring Christina Aguilera which remained at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for just four weeks. South Korean rapper Psy, whose hilarious hit 'Gangnam Style' originally hit the charts at number one has dropped to number two for its seventh week. Last week, the points between the two songs were scarce at just 600, but more and more listeners seem to be enjoying 'One More Night' as this week 2,000 points separate the two tunes. It is also in its fifth week on top of the Radio Songs chart while Psy still stands at the top on the Digital Songs and On-Demand Songs charts. The last seven week run at number one was Rihanna with 'We Found Love' featuring Calvin Harris in November and December 2011.

At number three is Fun.'s 'Some Nights' while 'Diamonds' by Rihanna goes from number five to number four. Taylor Swift's 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' is now at number five having survived three weeks at number one on its release.

'Gangnam Style' Gets Royal Treatment, Zara Phillips Dances For Children In Need


Zara Phillips Psy Boris Johnson David Cameron

Zara Phillips and her fellow Team GB equestrian team members will be dancing ‘Gangnam Style’ to raise money for Children in Need.

The Royal Olympian and granddaughter to the Queen will be dancing in full equestrian kit, to the strains of Psy’s surprise electro-pop hit, which has spawned many an imitation (one of which got a group of lifeguards fired from their jobs, no less), The Telegraph reports.

‘Gangnam Style’ became a viral hit this summer and has now been viewed over 658 million times on YouTube. Now, it gets the royal seal of approval, as Princess Anne’s daughter, along with Tina Cook and Nicola Wilson, will perform their very own brand of the now-legendary dance as part of the BBC’s evening of charity-focused entertainment. Fittingly, the dance itself features a mime of someone pretending to ride a horse and spinning a lasso. That first bit, at least, should be a doddle for the Equestrian Event team, who will release the video on Monday (November 12, 2012), ahead of the annual Children in Need telethon, which will take place on Friday (November 16, 2012).

Continue reading: 'Gangnam Style' Gets Royal Treatment, Zara Phillips Dances For Children In Need

Psy Leads Mass 'Gangnam Style' Dance At Oxford University (Video)


Psy

South Korean internet sensation Psy led a mass dance to his worldwide hit 'Gangnam Style' at Oxford University Union this week. Appearing at a packed university debating chamber, Psy, 34, simply turned on the speakers, fired up his song, and showed students his famous horse dance.

Hundreds joined in with the moves, made famous in a YouTube video that has garnered over 650 million views. He's the first Korean pop artist to score a UK No.1 and hopes his success will start a new wave of Korean acts having chart success in Britain. Addressing the university union, Psy spoke of his surprise at the rapid success of 'Gangnam Style' and now feels the pressure to do the same with his new work. Ah, that difficult second album eh?

The Oxford Union is one of the most famous and prestigious student societies in the world, having been founded in 1823 to provide a form for free speech at a time when Oxford University banned all discussion of politics and religion. The late Michael Jackson is a previous singer to have addressed the union, as is Shakira and more recently, the My Chemical Romance singer Gerard Way.

Continue reading: Psy Leads Mass 'Gangnam Style' Dance At Oxford University (Video)

Ai Weiwei Uses 'Gangnam Style' Spoof To Criticise Government


Psy

Chinese artist, Ai Weiweu has capitalized on the success of the Gangnam Style craze created by rapper Psy to create a spoof, and in doing so, criticize the level of censorship enforced by the Chinese government, The New York Daily News Reports. 

In a video uploaded to YouTube on Wednesday, Ai's "Grass-Mud Horse Style" riffs off an Internet meme that pokes fun and criticizes online censorship in China. Ai's clip features him imitating the popular dance moves made famous by South Korean rapper Psy in the original "Gangnam Style" video, which has more than 530 million views on YouTube and sits at No. 2 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart. Ai cuts a controversial figure in his native China, where he was arrested last year on charges of tax evasion. Although the 55-year-old is barred from leaving China, his outspokenness has earned him an international following and hasn't stopped him from creating sculptures, photos and other installation art, most of which, criticize what he believes to be an oppressive government. 

Another spoof of the dance landed the Royal Thai in a spot of bother, as a senior naval officer mimicked the vid with this uniform on, The Daily Dot reported. Vice Admiral Therathorn Kajitsuwan accepted the blame for the performance, saying, "I admit that in some respects it may not be appropriate, but I insist that we had no intention to insult or make fun of Navy officers in uniform. We only thought about finding an activity that officers and employees would enjoy doing together to bid farewell to our retiring colleagues."

Continue reading: Ai Weiwei Uses 'Gangnam Style' Spoof To Criticise Government

Is Japan Immune To The Power Of Psy's 'Gangnam Style'?


Psy

The global popularity of South Korean rapper Psy’s ‘Gangnam Style’ appeared to know no bounds. Until recently, that is, when Japan ‘snubbed’ the song. That’s right, folks, the people of Japan, between them, only bought enough copies of ‘Gangnam Style’ for it to “just scrape” the top 30 songs on the Japanese iTunes chart, according to The Telegraph. To many, that would still be a pretty respectable result. The people of South Korea are not happy with the result, however and are blaming political tensions between the countries.

Japan have responded by accusing South Korean citizens of boosting the singer’s online YouTube views by using automated viewing programmes. Crikey. Who knew that a silly dance tune like ‘Gangnam Style’ could create such cultural and political conflict!? Possibly in an effort to smooth over such contentious issues, Psy took some time to do a little bit of a dance with the secretary general of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday (October 23, 2012). Ban Ki-moon joked that he felt a little outdone by Psy, who could well have ousted him as the most famous Korean in the world, thanks to the viral success of ‘Gangnam Style.’

Continue reading: Is Japan Immune To The Power Of Psy's 'Gangnam Style'?

South Korean Formula 1 Grand Prix To Be Given A Touch Of 'Gangnam Style' This Weekend


Psy

Youtube viral video sensation Psy is to be the flag waver at this weekend's South Korean Formula 1 Grand Prix. Some might argue that this is some sort of hefty selling out by the 34 year-old rapper given that the song that has made him famous, 'Gangnam Style', is an attack on the wealthy, materialistic ways of the people who dwell in the aforementioned Gangnam area. After all, is there anything quite so indulgent as owners pumping millions of dollars into a car race? Yet it's hard not to soften to Psy, given the way that his video has caught the imagination of the global public.

Continue reading: South Korean Formula 1 Grand Prix To Be Given A Touch Of 'Gangnam Style' This Weekend

Rihanna's 'Diamonds' Too Bright For 'Gangnam Style' As Comeback Single Tops UK Charts


Rihanna Psy

Rihanna's comeback has made swift work of internet viral sensation Psy's Gangnam Style in the UK. Following a huge video success that saw the K-pop artist's song about the middle class Gangnam region of South Korea, Psy looked set to dominate the charts for weeks to come. He didn't count on the return of Rihanna though, and at the close of play on Sunday night it was the pop princess who topped the UK singles charts with her new single Diamonds.

The Press Association reports that the mid-week charts last Wednesday (October 3rd) did hint that it would be a close run thing between the American star and the overnight Korean success story. The video on Youtube for Gangnam Style has now topped 400 million views, and its led to worldwide success. However Rihanna's fan base is incredibly strong and so perhaps it wasn't much of a surprise that she would wrestle the top spot off the rapper. Next week she'll receive a considerable threat herself, though, with Adele's James Bond theme for Skyfall set to enter the charts.

Over on the album charts, meanwhile, Mumford and Sons found that Muse had taken their top charting album placing, with The 2nd Law beating out Babel. The Mumfords do have the consolation that it's the fastest selling of the year across in the USA.


Psy Performs Free Homecoming Show In Seoul


Psy

South Korean singer/rapper Psy returned to his hometown of Seoul to perform a massive, free show to cap off a month of globe-hopping to mark the massive success of his single ‘Gangnam Style.’
The Korean government closed off part of the centre of the capital city and extended subway operations for an estimated 80,000 fans to squeeze into the open venue outside Seoul City Hall, with many fans spilling out into the surrounding streets as the massive space proved to still not be enough. The show streamed live on YouTube, adding to Psy’s already impressive online resume, with the video for ‘Gangnam Style’ already surpassing 350 million views on YouTube since it was uploaded in July.

The modest singer told the massive crowd and those watching at home, “I did not get here because I was worthy of it. I’m here because of all of you. I’m just a fat man with two kids.”

The song has gained a huge amount of popularity across the world and despite the fact that most of it is sung in Korean, ‘Gangnam Style’ is currently top of the British charts and number two on the US Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. The Korean, whose success has made him something of a national hero in his native country, made it to the free concert following a hugely successful promotional tour of the US last month. During his time in the States he made a guest appearance at the MTV Awards in Los Angeles and was given a cameo role on NBC’s Saturday Night Live.

Continue reading: Psy Performs Free Homecoming Show In Seoul

Chart Topper: Psy Bags No.1 With ‘Gangnam Style’


Psy The Script Britney Spears Katy Perry Tom Cruise

Psy’s ‘Gangnam Style’ has now reached the top of the UK charts. The novelty dance track became an online sensation, with over 334 million views on the YouTube site. And now, Sky News report that the track has found success offline, too. After breaking into the UK charts at number 37, the track has been steadily climbing the official UK chart, before being crowned number one in the UK.

The track’s creator, Psy, had said that he’d dance half naked if he reached the top of the US charts but he’s made no such promises for topping the UK’s equivalent. It was tough news for the Irish band The Script, who were forced into second place by the Korean rapper. The 34 year-old, whose real name is Park Jae-Sang may be a new name to most in the US and Europe but he’s already an established artist back home and has already released six album. He’s renowned for his humorous videos but he’s really hit the mark with ‘Gangnam Style’, which has spawned a series of spoof videos and has been shared online by the likes of Britney Spears, Katy Perry and Tom Cruise.

‘Gangnam Style’ has been in the news for less celebratory reasons too, though. A group of Californian lifeguards made their own version of the dance, which they named Lifeguard Style. After posting the video online, they were all promptly sacked by the council. Over 17,000 people have signed up to a Facebook group to support them and appeal for their reinstatement


How Psy’s Gangnam Style Took Over The Billboard Hot 100


Psy Maroon 5 Adam Levine Rebecca Black Christina Aguilera

Psy’s Gangnam Style – with its strange rap lyrics and crazy dance video – has jumped from No.11 to No.2 on the Billboard Hot 100, meaning it’s now truly made the transition from viral sensation to commercial powerhouse. Though the YouTube video has been viewed 285 million times, the single has now been downloaded 301,000 times, skyrocketing it up the chart and proving music fans simply aren’t happy with the video alone.

Its sales this week represented a 69 per increase, and it’s now perilously close to becoming the No.1 song in America (currently held by Maroon 5 with ‘One More Night’.) According to Billboard, the gap between the two songs is so tight that Psy could easily overtake Adam Levine and his gang on next week’s chart. It’s a sensational rise to stardom for the South Korean rapper and proof that an internet viral track (or video) can perform on the official charts too. Last year, Rebecca Black’s ‘Friday’ became the most talked about song of the moment (thanks to a cringe-worthy video and even worse lyrics) though it only managed No.58 on the U.S. chart. So what’s the difference with ‘Gangnam Style’? Well, it’s probably a variety of factors though it probably boils down to the fact that pop music fans feel slightly less embarrassed about getting up and dancing to the LMFAO-esque ‘Gangnam Style’ then they did grooving along to Black’s “Friday, Friday, kicking back on Friday.”

Elsewhere on the chart this week, Christina Aguilera’s ‘Your Body’ debuted at a relatively poor No.34, having been downloaded 103,000 times.


Psy's 'Gangnam Style' Clinches Guinness World Record


Psy Gotye

It's fair to say that South Korean pop artist Psy's song Gangnam Style has become a truly global phenomenon, topping the singles charts of many countries and looking set to make a worldwide star of the hitherto unknown rapper. Its success comes squarely down to the video on Youtube though, the distinctive dancing that takes place within it making it a global sensation that could arguably take over even Gotye's Somebody I Used To Know (currently 324 million views and counting). In just three months, Gangnam Style has reached 227 million views, and it's a feat that's been recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records, who have awarded the artist a certificate for his prolific video.

"Having been the 'Have you seen this?!' video of the last two months across the web, it's great to be able to award a record for this tremendously popular video" said a statement reported by Prefix Mag. "In years past it was unthinkable that something would be viewed a hundred million times, and now "Gangnam Style" has achieved more than twice this figure in just three months on YouTube. PSY - your certificate is waiting here at our office, come pick it up any time!"

Currently Psy is on the top spot of the iTunes Singles Music Chart and Music Video Chart, he's also expected to top the Billboard Hot 100 Charts soon. And why? See for yourself below:

Continue reading: Psy's 'Gangnam Style' Clinches Guinness World Record

"I'd Dare To Dance Half Naked!": 'Gangnam Style' Psy Wants Billboard Success


Psy

Psy's ‘Gangnam Style’ is so hot right now that the rapper has pledged to perform half naked if the song tops the Billboard chart. The song has become a global phenomenon since the video started gaining attention on YouTube back in July and the South Korean rapper has promised to do something a little crazy if his infectious track hits the top spot in the United States. “If I do become number one on Billboard, I'd dare to dance half-naked in front of a large crowd of people, Psy told a bustling press conference when he returned from a promotional tour of the US.

According to Associated Press, the 34 year-old singer went on to say that he’d choose a prominent location for the stunt: “I would pick a place, preferably in front of Seoul City Hall,” though he insists he wants to be remembered for more than just the horse dance. “I'd like to be more than a wacky Korean guy doing the horse-riding dance, and be branded as a Korean singer who can have, and give, non-stop fun for hours.” He’s already provided plenty of people with entertainment with his ‘Gangnam Style’ video (which has been viewed over 270 million times on YouTube) and the song has subsequently found its way onto mainstream radio, across the globe.

“This is my heyday, in 12 years since I debuted as a singer... This is just unbelievable, and I'm thankful for everything,” he told the gathered press. ‘Gangnam Style’ is currently at number 11 on the Billboard chart, so he has a little way to go before he needs to start unbuttoning his shirt.


'Gangnam Style' Insights Gang Violence In Thailand


Psy

It's topped the charts in South Korea, Malaysia, Finland and Latvia, the Youtube video has hit 227 million views worldwide and its performer Psy could become the first South Korean artist to top the singles charts in the UK, but Gangnam Style is influencing rather more sinister elements of the world. Reports have surfaced from local Thailand press that the dancing style in it was employed by two rival gangs in a West Side Story style dance-off before the argument escalated and gun shots were fired.

INN picked up on the story, and reports that no one was injured in the face-off, although several passing vehicles took some damage from the gun shots. Apparently the incident took place at the upmarket Ekkamai neighbourhood in Bangkok - ironic given that Gangnam Style supposedly attacks a particular place of wealth and high social class in South Korea - and saw the younger members of two rival gangs dance provocatively at each other before things got more heated. Apparently the two gangs have had a history of violence before and arrest warrants have been issued.

Many have been discussing the state of Thailand's current gang culture recently, with much of it playing out in secondary schools and colleges. What this incident also does though is show the almost frightening influence of Gangnam Style.


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Psy

Date of birth

31st December, 1977

Occupation

Musician

Sex

Male

Height

1.70






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