Alicia Keys is famous for her pop songs, but did you know she is also and excellent classical pianist? Her first album was a big success and made her the best-selling R&B artist of 2001. Her new album is doing well too. Alicia says she wants it to inspire her female fans. You might know the songs "Girl on Fire" and "Brand New Me". Do they inspire you?
BRUNO MARS
2012 was a busy year for Bruno Mars. The singer from Hawaii became an international star and played conerts around the world. Bruno released his first album, Doo-Wops & Hooligans, in 2010. Bruno is a talented musician: he grew up in a musical family and plays drums, guitar, keyboard, bass, piano and harmonica. His second album, Unorthodox Jukebox, is sure to be a hit!
People love to laugh at Psy's "Gangnam Style" video. But in his home country, South Korea, Psy is a national hero.
There is nobody like Psy
Psy's musical style is 100% original. It is often called "K-pop", but his term is misleading as Psy mixes lots of styles. The video "Gangnam Style" mixes rap and martial arts with dance moves that look like Psy is on a horse.
From South Korea to the USA
Psy grew up in Gangnam District, a rich district in Seoul, South Korea. After leaving school he went to the USA to study bisiness administration. Psy's father is in charge of a big company and Psy was going to take over one day.
Psy discovers his vocation
But Psy soon realized that he preferred the music world to the business world. He used the money for his business education to buy musical equipament and started studying music instead. With his experience of the USA and its music in his mind, he returned to South Korea with a clear idea: to become a famous singer.
A hero in Korea
Many people go on YouTube to watch Psy because they are curious: they want to understand why a crazy Korean star is getting so much attention. But in his country, Psy is a hero. The government has given him one of the country's highest honours for his exceptional services to the arts.
Can Psy continue?
Amazed by his success, Psy is not sure if he can make another song better than "Gangnam Style". But he shouldn't worry. Someone with the imagination to create pop songs inspired by horses is sure to have lots of other crazy musical ideas.
"GANGNAM STYLE CHANGED MY WHOLE LIFE AND MY WHOLE PLAN.
I DIDN'T EXPERT ANYTHING LIKE THIS. SO WHAT CAN I SAY?"
