Bruno Mars has be one of the brightest music stars to come around in a long while. The format really loves him and they are falling all over his new “When I Was Your Man” (Atlantic/WEA). That should be of no surprise as this guy is such a major talent and I believe he’s just getting started. I had the pleasure of catching Ed Sheeran over at The Grove a few days before the Grammy Awards. I could not believe the crowd that showed up for this
kid and the girls went wild. They also made a big fuss over his new single “Lego House” (Asylum/WB) that is just getting started at radio. His “A-Team” debut single put him on the map “big time” and now that he has a  toured lined up to open Taylor Swift, he’s the only one that can mess this up. Keep up the good work Ed. One of my Facebook friends is Alicia Keys. She’s so good about keeping her fans and friends updated. I was able to follow her trail at the Super Bowl all the way to her Grammy performance with Maroon 5. “Girl On Fire” (RCA/RLG) is a most appropriate title for where she is in her life.

Josh Groban has to be one of the nicest guys at the format proving that good guys can finish first from time to time. “Brave” (Reprise/WEA) is his latest offering and it’s a great single for your programming consideration. Hunter Hayes is making his way over to the AC format and why not. His “Wanted” (WB/WEA) single fits AC radio like a glove, and we’ll see how that all plays out in the coming weeks. There is a major buzz going for Emeli Sande and for good reason. The debut single entitled “Next To Me” (Capitol) is already crossing formats and in a very big way. You have to love how Justin Timberlake made his music re-birth during this year’s Grammy Awards. Teaming up with Jay Z was a very brilliant  move and so is the single “Suit & Tie” (RCA/RLG). Lisa Loeb (remember her?) is back at radio and it’s about time. She’s taking the song “No Fairy Tale” (429) out for a ride and “so far so good”. The single is getting “rave reviews” from many of our music and program directors which is a sign that she’s on the right track for a solid return to AC radio. The fabulous Goo Goo Dolls are back and make no mistake about it. “Rebel Beat” (WB/WEA) is their latest and it showcases just why we love these guys. Rihanna is getting some real “love” from the AC format. Her “Diamonds” (IDJMG) she wears quite well and why she’s back with Chris Brown is forever a mystery. Can’t she find a real date? It’s so great to see the name Boz Scaggs back on the radio charts. That’s what is starting to happen as his new “Mixed Up, Shook Up Girl” (429) gets the green light from many of our reporting stations. Newcomer Keith Harkin is getting raves for the single “Don’t Forget About Me” (Verve). We’ll see how that all plays out in the coming weeks. The entire world is loving Fun and for good reason. They are truly the hardest working band out there as the new “Carry On” (Fueled By Ramen) takes flight.

Michael Damian is back at radio and make no mistake about that my good friends. Little brother is making his move with “Rock My Heart” (Weir Brothers) and if you don’t believe me, just ask Mom. We’ve been seeing major adds and spins for Beyond The Sun. They are getting the “thumbs up” from everybody for their brilliant “My Kind Of Crazy” (OM20). Maroon 5 is still getting quite a lot of love at the format. Their current “Daylight” (Octone/A&M) has become a real favorite and Adam Levine is the real “star of the show”. Recording artist Bill Songy has a good thing going at radio, and make no mistake about that. His debut single “Those Days Are Gone” (Franzia) has been a “winner” from the first week as it makes its way to the “top of our charts”. Young Emil has had a great run with “Night Train” (Caper). Del Robbins continues to build believers with his stellar “Where Did The Love Go” (Fame & Fortune). New Music Award “winner” Marsha Jewell continues to shine with “Ragged Angel” (Jewell Lane). Tommy Roe picked up a well-deserved NMA Award as his duet with Melissa Hooker “It’s For You I’m Me” (Airebelle Records) moves ahead. Matt Backer and Julian Lennon can also add “winners” to their list of credits thanks to “All That You’ve Wanted” (Right Records). Congratulations to all of our New Music Award “winners”. Let’s get this CRS Party started!