Copyright Disputes Cast Shadow Over Reality TV Deals – But casting a shadow over the booming business of reality TV is the murky issue of copyright. While a reality hit like The Voice can generate billions in worldwide licensing revenue for Talpa as rights holder, international copyright legislation gives little protection against someone else, particularly from another country, stealing an idea and passing it off as their own. Talpa itself is at the center of multiple legal disputes related to The Voice and other reality formats, both as the plaintiff and as the accused copyright offender. That’s a decision that Roy Barry would dispute. An independent producer based in Ireland, Barry claims to be the original creator of The Voice format and has been fighting for years to prove his case in court. In 2008, Barry registered an idea with the Writers Guild of America West and the U.S. Copyright Office for a singing talent show entitled Voice of America featuring blind auditions, in which judges cannot see the contestants. – Read more at The Hollywood Reporter
Kelly Clarkson Says Recording Soulful New Album Is “Effortless” – Kelly Clarkson’s children’s book, River Rose and the Magical Lullaby, has hit the New York Times Bestsellers List, but her fans are eagerly awaiting the moment when her next album hits the Billboard chart. The singer’s working on a new collection of what she calls “soulful” music, and says she’s loving the fact that singing that kind of music is “effortless.” “It’s not as strict and formulaic as pop can be,” Kelly says of soul and blues music. “Pop music is actually harder to sing. The more soulful, bluesy stuff is just natural in me, so I don’t have to think about anything.” She adds, “I think it’s just how I naturally sang as a child, like, the things I…kinda learned how to sing on. So it’s just so effortless and I love that.” – Read more at ABCNewsRadio
Carrie Underwood Dishes on Motherhood and Life on the Road with Isaiah
The world hears Jordan Smith’s voice – For your new holiday album, ’Tis the Season, you teamed up again with Canada’s David Foster who co-produced your debut release, Something Beautiful. How would you describe your relationship? Not only would I call David Foster a mentor, but I consider him a friend. Working with him has been a tremendous learning experience and it has also been extremely fun. He is beyond talented and he has worked with some of the most talented artists ever. During my time in the studio with him I realized that he was pushing me to become a better singer and a smarter musician. I hope to continue working with him in the future and making more great music together. – Read more at GlobeandMail
Zach Seabaugh: Our exclusive chat – Your self titled EP came out in June. Any chance on a full length LP coming our way soon? “I do plan on having a full record out soon. I want to take my time on it though. I’m still searching for my sound. Working with different producers, writing with different writers in Nashville is where I’m at right now with that. It’s like a kid in a candy shop. Searching for your favorite candy can sometimes be tricky!” – Read more at CelebMix.com
RaeLynn Talks Life on Tour with Her Voice Mentor: Having Blake’s Support Has Been ‘Really Affirming’ – RaeLynn, who rose to fame after competing on Team Blake during season two of The Voice in 2012, has remained close with Blake Shelton in the years since, recording songs with the country star and joining him as the opening act on his nationwide tour, which recently wrapped for the year. As a close friend and mentor, one of the most important things Shelton, 40, has taught RaeLynn, 22, about being a successful recording artist is to “always be myself.” “At first, I tried to hold back from being me, but people are going to embrace who you’re going to be, so I’ve really stuck to that,” the newlywed, who married husband Josh Davis in February, tells PEOPLE. – Read more at People
Dancing’s Derek Hough: I’m Thrilled Marilu Finally Had Her Moment – We had a little song drama this week too. There was some miscommunication and we thought we had a salsa because our song is so salsa-like. So for all of Tuesday, we were prepping a salsa, and then they were like, “No, you have a cha-cha.” We’re calling it a “chalsa.” The song is so salsa that I feel like I have to incorporate some salsa moves into it. Plus, it’s Latin Week, so we want to make it fun and vibrant. – Read more at TVGuide.com
