Kesha gets things started at Top40 radio for 2013 in fine fashion. “C’mon” (RCA Nashville) is her latest and she is proving to be the “real deal” after all. One of the most talented groups around these days continues to be Owl City. They are back at it and in a very big way with the gem “Shooting Star” (Universal/UMG). Watch for some big weeks ahead for this excellent single. Will I Am turns everything he touches into gold and this time out he’s taking Britney Spears with him for the ride. “Scream & Shout” (Interscope) is their fun filled duet and make no mistake about it – these two are one dynamic team. We’ll see how it all plays out in the coming weeks for sure.

Ludacris and Usher are also getting plenty of spin action at the format. Together they are keeping pace with the best of them with the help of super mixer/producer David Guetta for the smash “Rest Of My Life” (IDJMG). Train keeps cranking out hit after hit and they may have struck one again. “Mermaid” (Columbia/Sony) is the jam that many of our music and program directors are raving about. Justin Timberlake has teamed up with Jay Z for what could be a huge record. “Suit & Tie” (RCA/RLG) is already pulling in some big time adds and spins and keep your eyes and ears on this one for sure. Taylor Swift just can’t seem to get any hotter at radio. Her “I Knew You Were Trouble” (Big Machine/Universal) is biggest record she’s had out to date but there could be more my friends.

The Lumineers are Grammy bound and Hit bound and that’s for sure. Their debut single “Ho Hey” (Dualtone) has become a huge record and look for some bright moments ahead for them in 2013. Newcomer Christy Angeletti continues to impress our panel with her single “Tough Enough” (Ind). Jason Mraz is one talented recording artist. His latest entitled “93 Million Miles” (Atlantic/WEA) underscores just what I’m talking about. Jason did his time in the San Diego area and now he shares his time with the rest of the world. Enrique Iglesias is making beautiful music with Sammy Adams and it’s all coming together. The single “Finally Found You” (Republic) is finally finding a spot on many playlists at radio here and around the world.

Recording artist Britt Nicole has a good thing going and make no mistake about that. She shines in the single “Gold” (Sparrow/EMI) that is creating a huge buzz just about everywhere it’s getting spun. Newcomers Beyond The Sun are getting plenty of support from our panel of radio stations. It’s all due to the gem “My Kind Of Crazy” (OM20) that is “oh so good”. Alicia Keys continues to work her magic as her “Girl On Fire” (RCA/RLG) single keeps getting some solid play at radio. Lifehouse continues to deliver excellent music every time out. They display it all once again in the track “Between The Raindrops” (Interscope). Save some room on your list for this strong track.

Matchbox 20 is back where they belong and that’s on TF radio. This time out they are taking the single “Overjoyed” (Emblem/Atlantic) out for a spin. Michael Damian is back with a surprise hit single. “Rock My Heart”
(Weir Brothers) taken from his movie “The Sweeter Side Of Life” that he directed, is getting a super push thanks in part to multiple airings on the Hallmark Channel. Radio seems to be loving this single “big time” as well.

The Rolling Stones are back at Top40 radio and that’s always a good time. “Doom And Gloom” (ABKCO/Interscope) is the one to watch and listen for. Nicki Minaj is getting extra attention from being an American Idol judge and she’s also getting spins for the spicy single “Va Va Voom” (Universal Republic). Apostle J Dancy keeps the heat on everybody with his strong and powerful “Soon” (Predestined International). Rihanna continues to rock the free world with “Diamonds” (IDJMG) and why not. Multi nominee Marsha Jewell keeps rocking the format with her “Ragged Angel” (Jewell Lane) single. NMA nominee Tommy Roe and Melissa Hooker continue to rock the format with the brilliant “It’s For You I’m Me” (Airebelle Records). Nominee Matt Backer has teamed up with nominee Julian Lennon for “All That You’ve Wanted” (Right Records). I’ll have more soon in our very next issue.