Nicole Scherzinger wins "Dancing With the Stars." OK, I know that my family will kill me if I write anything about her, but I'm so happy she won because I've been channeling her ever since I was 13 years old. Ke$ha, Teen Vogue photo spread. I've never seen Ke$ha look this cool with glitter. It's perfect!
Christina Aguilera's "Bionic," due June 8. I remember being 13, wearing red lipstick and dancing to four of her singles from her debut. When I was 15, I could not get enough of the 20 songs on her "Stripped" CD. And now she's back with "Bionic," whose cover is very "roboticly colorful." I can't wait to hear it.
ANNA IHEKORONYE, St. Paul
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K'Naan's "Wavin' Flag" becomes official song for World Cup. The ex-Twin Cities rapper has retooled the lyrics to his 2008 tune for the soccer tourney. The new version will be released as a single in 150 countries and be part of a Coca-Cola ad campaign. K'Naan will finally get the recognition he deserves.
Otis Redding, "Live on the Sunset Strip." This revamped 1966 concert double CD captures the master showman at his peak. His classics, including "I Can't Turn You Loose" and "I've Been Loving You Too Long," are featured, along with a horn-accented "A Hard Day's Night" and a freewheeling "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag." Gritty, raw and priceless.
Colin Hay, the Cedar. He was delightfully entertaining with his impressions of Peter Lorre and Ed Sullivan, his long-winded but hilarious yarns about rock, drugs and celebrities and his well-crafted songs delivered with a Scottish or American accent.
JON BREAM, STAR TRIBUNE
