And now, the video for Lady Gaga‘s third single off of Born This Way: “The Edge Of Glory.”

Spoiler Alert: Literally nothing happens. She dances and thrusts around a fire escape, and then that’s it.

This all sort of doubly confirms the rumours that some major shit went down behind-the-scenes of this production (which was originally being directed by Joseph Kahn), because this looks like she whipped it up during a cigarette break before her performance on the Germany’s Next Top Model finale. In fact, just watch that instead.

In some ways, this is Gaga’s “Gimme More” video moment. (That’s a Britney reference, for those unaware. Also, the fuck you doin’ on MuuMuse if you didn’t know that?) Not in terms of the quality–”Gimme More” is still a genius slice of pop history; the perfect representation of Britney’s actual undoing onscreen–but rather in terms of production.

From many accounts behind-the-scenes, the filming of “The Edge of Glory” was a disaster that wound up in a complete set shutdown. And as with the missing stills from Britney’s video, we know there was an entirely different video planned that was sidelined by Britney’s–erm, lack of presence. So now, we’re left wondering: What could have been?

At least she looks hot…right? Right?

“The Edge of Glory” was released on May 9. (iTunes)

Okay–new post idea!

This is Muusical Chairs, or essentially the “6 Degrees of Separation/Kevin Bacon” game. The idea is to take one pop star, connect the musical dots to another, and maybe share some previously unknown pop tidbits in the process!

This one’s an easy start, but I’m sure I can dream up more complex connections in the future. Let me know what you think!

Volume 1: Siobhan Donaghy to BoA

Siobhan Donaghy is a talented UK indie-pop songstress responsible for releasing two albums: 2004′s Revolution In Me and 2007′s Ghosts, a gorgeous, electro-tinged smart pop record that spawned two singles (“Don’t Give It Up” and “So You Say”) and remains an absolutely essential addition to any pop lover’s collection. Donaghy first rose to fame…

As one of the three founding members of the Sugababes, the massively successful UK girl group famous for both their soulful smashes–including “Freak Like Me,” “Round Round” and “Hole In The Head”–and their ever-changing line-up.

In 2007, the groups third incarnation (Keisha Buchanan, Heidi Range and Amelle Berrabah) recorded a cover of Aerosmith‘s “Walk This Way” as a charity single for Comic Relief with another another UK girl group…

Girls Aloud, the power pop fivesome originally formed through the reality series, Popstars: The Rivals in 2002. The girl group ruled the UK charts for over 7 years until late 2009, when they chose to go on hiatus to pursue personal projects, including solo albums by Nadine Coyle and the group’s breakaway star and current X Factor UK judge, Cheryl Cole.

During the group’s majorly successful Out Of Control Tour in 2009, Girls Aloud performed a cover of “Womanizer” by…

Britney Spears, the legendary icon who requires no formal introduction. (Plus, if you’ve hung around this site long enough, you’d already know every minor detail about her life.) The superstar’s fifth studio album, 2007′s critically acclaimed Blackout–featured production by several high profile acts including Danja, Bloodshy & Avant and…

Sean Garrett, who worked on Britney’s “Toy Soldier.” Along with writing the follow-up to his 2008 debut, Turbo 919, the rapidly rising producer has busied himself with several major productions including Beyoncé‘s “Diva” and “Video Phone” as a writing duo with producer Swizz Beatz, Nicki Minaj‘s “Massive Attack,” and…

BoA‘s “I Did It For Love,” the second single off of the international superstar’s 2009 English self-titled debut album (which allows for some truly sick choreography–check that Joseph Kahn-directed video, stat!) The single went on to peak at #19 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Play in May of 2009.

AND THERE YOU HAVE IT: Siobhan, meet BoA!

The video for Nicole Scherzinger‘s new RedOne-produced single “Poison” was just released, and it is completely terrible. Let us explore why. (VIDEO)

1.) The hair: It’s a problem. For everyone involved.

2.) Britney rip, Part I: A Joseph Khan-directed music video that involves a pop star on a high-speed motorcycle? I’ve never seen this before.

3.) Extended spit scenes: Ew, gross. If I wanted to watch a video of a man spitting, I’d be–I’m stopping that thought.

4.) Britney rip, Part II: A Joseph Khan-directed video that involves a pop star constantly quick-changing into another outfit simply by spinning around quickly? I’ve never seen this before.

5.) The dancing: It’s sloppy, and not in the ‘look how fun and cheeky we’re being by making a campy superhero video’ kind of way, but in a ‘this is shitty and fun for nobody that’s watching’ kind of way.

But above all, the greatest offense of this video is that it was directed by Joseph Khan, the same man behind Britney’s “Stronger,” “Toxic,” and “Womanizer,” Kylie‘s “All The Lovers,” Gaga‘s “LoveGame” and generally amazing music videos.

That this video looks like nothing more than a quickly slapped-together combination of everything we’ve already seen from him (but done ten times worse) is truly a cheapening of the Joseph Khan brand–not to mention yet another count against the continuously crumbling empire that is Nicole Scherzinger’s career.

GET YOUR SHIT TOGETHER, WOMAN.

BoA is back–and this time, she’s Korean!

As some of my Muusers may know, Korean superstar BoA has been working her way across various international markets over the past few years to achieve global success (read: WORLD DOMINATION), releasing several Japanese language albums and an English language debut in 2009.

However–at the risk of overgeneralizing–the bulk of BoA’s Japanese output for the past five years has been shit.

Sure, she’s managed to rack up a great deal of success in Japan, but the music has been little more than bland, radio-ready fluff that absolutely pales in comparison to the edgier tracks from her Korean releases, including My Name and Girls On Top.

Luckily, the wait is finally over. BoA’s gone back to Korea to celebrate her 10th anniversary in the music industry, and new music awaits!

This is “Game,” the first song to be released from BoA’s sixth studio album in Korea. The video was reportedly shot by “Toxic” mastermind Joseph Khan (UPDATE: Khan’s directing the album’s title track–this song’s just for the fans), and features the use of a very-nifty-though-not-entirely-necessary 360 degree camera. Work those angles, bitch!

As you can see, BoA’s cranked up the sass factor for her return home-bound, now cockier and more confident than ever. She’s really grown up since her latest release (see “Girls On Top” video), and it’s nice to see her having some fun. Would have loved some of her signature killer choreography, though…next time, I’m sure!

Song’s not too bad, either. There’s clearly some very slight Ke$ha-lite influence in the number (the Auto-tune, the electronics), but not enough to deem this nearly as grating as something like, oh…”Blah Blah Blah.”

According to BoA’a newly launched official website, the new album is entitled Hurricane Venus and is due for release on August 2. CANNOT WAIT.

In the meantime, check out my interview with BoA in March of last year while she was still promoting in America. Insane!

The above is a shot of Kylie Minogue being stunning for the Joseph Kahn-directed video for the upcoming single, “All The Lovers,’ courtesy of her Twitter.

This is what divinity looks like.

Teen Today has just posted a LQ recording of the disco diva’s new single, “All The Lovers.” While a more complete review will come after its proper premiere on Friday, a few notes:

+ OH MY FUCKING GOD.
+ It is immensely gorgeous. Stunning. (I’m in love, woo!)
+ “I Believe In You” and “The One” come to mind, with a little bit of shimmering Light Years sound.
+ The clip in the preview from Kylie camp reveals itself to be the song’s glittery middle eight crescendo.

If the album follows in line with this song, it truly will be one of the finest in Kylie Minogue’s career.

Click above to see the newly released behind-the-scenes video of Kylie Minogue filming her part in the Joseph Khan-directed video for Haiti charity single, “Everybody Hurts.”

An absolute vision. Coupled with the Vogue Spain shoot, I don’t believe that Kylie has ever looked finer than she does right now.

The charity single was released on February 7 in the UK and can be purchased here.

BoA is a global superstar. Having already moved a total of over 20 million units between Korea and Japan, the singer has released over 14 albums (not including compilations), 32 singles, dozens of prestigious musical and cultural awards, and gone on several nationwide tours since her debut in 2000.

Oh, and she’s only 22.

Debuting at the tender age of 14, BoA has continued to shatter records and defy expectations as an incredibly determined pop artist, showcasing both an incredible vocal range and superb command of intricate and innovative choreography. As a result, the entertainer has often been compared to Britney Spears because of their similarly successful pop careers, both built at an early age. But while Britney may have had her ups and downs in the music world, BoA has successfully maintained her popularity in Japan and Korea, continually releasing successful albums and singles to this day.

In 2008, BoA’s management announced plans to move into the Western world for an English debut album. Several press releases later, BoA’s first single, “Eat You Up,” premiered online in late 2008, along with a newly formed American website. Six months later on March 17, 2009, BoA’s self-titled debut officially marked BoA’s latest crossover into new territory.

Though the singer has been quite busy with promotional duties in both America and Japan, I had the wonderful privilege of speaking to her on the day of her English album’s debut–in English, no less! Though the language barrier did make itself apparent in parts of the interview, BoA’s excitable, chit-chatty nature was infectious, leading to a conversation mainly filled with giggles. In the few short minutes we spoke, we covered the new album, plans for her career post-America, her interests, and yes…even the Britney concert.

To say the least, it was utterly surreal. Aside from being an intense workaholic, BoA seems like an absolute sweetheart. Best of all, after I completely melted at the interview’s end and gushed about having all of her albums and posters, she called me “so sweet.”

STARSTRUCK.

So without further ado, here is the full audio and text of the conversation (click “Read More…” to expand the post). Though I firmly believe that my giggling fan boy voice pays myself no real compliment, I know that many fans would want to hear BoA’s conversational English. You’ve been warned accordingly–nervous fandom and old school microphones do not equate to a high quality recording.

P.S. Like my “Circus” ringtone? Haha.

(FIXED) AUDIO AND TEXT AFTER THE JUMP!

Hey BoA! How are you?

Fine, how are you?

I’m great! So, today’s March 17—that means today is the official debut of the album. I’m so excited…Congratulations!

Thank you!

I have to say, I just got the album in the mail about an hour ago and I’ve been listening to it ever since–

How is it? Do you like it?

I really do. I love it. It sounds like you put a lot of work into it.

Oh, thank you!

How long did it take to record the album?

Well, I think it took around two years.

Really?

Yeah, yeah (laughs). Because I had to go to Japan [for promotional duties], so we couldn’t go on recording constantly.

I had no idea it took so long…That’s cool! So I was listening to some of the lyrics on the album, and it’s definitely more mature than some of your past work. The songs aren’t like “Shine We Are,” all bubbly and sweet…it’s got more mature themes. Did you want to show that you were adult this time around?

Well, yeah…Because I’m an adult! (Laughs)

That makes sense (Laughs). What do you think your Japanese and Korean fans will think of this new sound?

Well, I hope they like this sound and keep supporting me…Hopefully, they’ll love this album. In Japan, I released my “best” album along with my US album so they can listen to both CD’s and enjoy them together.

The other thing I noticed is that the album is dance—no ballads. Was that just something that happened, or did you want it to be an album of all dance music?

I really wanted to make a hot dance album, so we just tried to make all types of dance music. I started working with producers like Bloodshy & Avant and Sean Garrett, and I guess I did a good job. I think the record came out really hot.

Yeah, you did! I watched your first single “Eat You Up” as it went up to the Top Ten on the Dance Charts.

Yes, thank you!

Now, “I Did It For Love” is coming out soon and I really, really do love that song.

(Laughs) It’s so catchy!

I have a feeling it’s going to go really high on the charts.

Yeah! We shot the music video at the end of January with Joseph Kahn. Sean Garrett was actually in the video too. It should be out at the end of March.

(Laughs)

I love it!

The rehearsal [for the video] was crazy. I was using chairs, hats, fans…lots of things like that.

So do you have a favorite song off of the album?

I would say “I Did It For Love,” definitely…I love it. I also really like “Energetic.”

So I remember, ever since your debut, there were rumors that you were finally coming to America…and now you finally did it. Is there any reason you decided to do it now?

Well, I just felt like this was the right time. We were finally all set for the album after we had been recording for so long. Actually, “I Did It For Love” was recorded last year, like right before the Christmas day.

Really?

Yeah! (Laughs.) It definitely came out right before New Years. Everything was all set, and then we decided this time was the right time, and we were ready to go!

That’s cool! So, do you have any plans to do an American tour? I know a lot of fans would really love to see you.

Yeah! I guess there’s a lot of people supporting me right now. They’ve told me that they’re really happy I’m here.

Yeah, you have a lot of fans in America, you definitely do.

(Laughs) Thank you! I actually just did Kollaboration…It’s really big in Asian society. It was in L.A. at the Shrine Auditorium. There were like…6,000 people there.

Wow!

Yeah, so I had a chance to say hello to my Asian fans!

So when you go back to Korea, or when you go back to do your Japanese work, do you think you’re going to do your English songs on tour?

Oh yeah, of course…Why not? I’m the same performer with my English songs as in Japan and Korea! (Laughs) I’ve actually got an event coming up in Japan called Springroove. It’s like a big festival…lots of artists from America are coming to perform their music, like T-Pain, John Legend, and Akon.

Wow…When’s that?

Um…April 4! It’s in Tokyo. I’m going to perform English and Japanese songs.

Awesome! So, after this album, do you think you’re going to return to Korea? We haven’t heard a Korean album from you in a long time!

Aw, that’s true! Ahh…I don’t know yet. I definitely have to go to Japan. Of course, I’ll return to Korea again I’m sure! (Laughs)

So, are you enjoying America now while you’re here?

Yeah, of course…I like it here!

You liking the weather?

Yeah, the sunshine! (Laughs) I really like LA weather.

What artists are you listening to right now?

These days, I’m listening to T-Pain, T.I., Lady Gaga (laughs). Stuff on the radio…

Are you going to any concerts?

Manager: You know, with her schedule…We’re trying to find time to go to Britney’s concert–

You should go to Britney’s concert. I went last night.

BoA: How was it?!

Oh my God, it was amazing (laughs).

She’s back? Finally?!

She’s back, definitely. It was so wonderful. I was right in the front.

(BoA gasps.)

Manager: Wait, where did you see her?

Boston.

BoA: Boston! I want to go there!

You should! No, she was really amazing. I just—(laughs). It was amazing.

(Laughs) Nice.

Well, alright, I don’t want to take up too much of your time! I just wanted to say I’ve been a huge fan for years, I’ve loved you ever since I listened to Atlantis Princess, I’ve had all your albums and your posters….

Aww, thank you! You’re so sweet!

I just wanted to say thank you for making such good music.

Thank you, thank you!

Is there anything else you want to say to your fans before I go?

Well, my album just came out today, so I’m really happy that my American fans will get to hear it. I can’t wait for it!

I know all yours fans in America are so proud of your success, so thank you so much! Have a good day!

Thank you, you too…Bye!

Click above to hear more from BoA, including her newly released debut album!

Additionally, click to visit BoA’s MySpace and her official website.

The director for Britney‘s latest video is the talented Joseph Kahn, responsible for “Toxic” and “Stronger,” as well as videos for Destiny’s Child, Moby, U2, and many more. Today, Kahn blogged about the experience of filming Spears’ latest endeavor:

Anyway…Womanizer.

I’ve been on this side of celebrity for so long that I’ve got to see some really messed up things. She can’t go to a fucking McDonald’s without a mean, shitty blog written about her.

And ten years of it, every move.

No doubt you have to be strong to survive this business. But at the end of the day, she’s still a girl. Dickheads.

I genuinely like her. She has a good southern laugh. I think she’s a good person in a fucked up world. I’ve worked with bad people. She’s not one of them. Not by a long shot.

So I really wanted Womanizer’s video to be good.

I literally could not find anytime to sleep this last week. I got six hours in four days. If I had slept more than that, the video would have suffered.

Turned it in for broadcast. Went to work on other projects. Went home, watched the premiere, checked for reactions.

They love Britney again.

I don’t know if it was because I was punch drunk tired, but I almost cried.

It’s such a genuine, caring response, and really captures the essence of my infatuation, and even more so, defense of Spears. She is a glimmer of innocence within a deeply polluted sea of greed and malice. Sure, her work is far from innocent (and let’s not cross over into the arena of “legitimacy” or “originality” in regard to her music here), but her intention is little more than entertainment. I’ll always be rooting for her.

With the current state of political turmoil and economic corruption, it’s crucial to have something…anything to turn to for temporary escape from the madness. For me, it’s found in Britney Spears.