Ludacris' <i>Release Therapy</i>
Photo: Def Jam

After two weeks of dominance, could any disc dethrone Justin Timberlake's FutureSex/LoveSounds — an album that surpassed the 1-million-sold mark in just three weeks — to claim Billboard's albums-chart crown?

Timberlake, it turns out, is not invincible — just ask Ludacris. For the third time in his career, the rapper will see his latest disc debut at #1 on the Billboard albums chart. Luda's Release Therapy sold more than 309,000 copies during its initial week of release to earn the top spot. Luda's last two efforts, 2004's The Red Light District and 2003's Chicken-N-Beer, both debuted at #1 — with 322,000 and 430,000 sales, respectively.

While Ludacris' mission was clear — bump Timberlake from the top of the chart — he didn't go it alone. Three other new releases played a part in Justin's slip from #1 to the #5 spot he holds after selling close to 147,000 copies of his FutureSex/LoveSounds its third week in stores. Janet Jackson bows at #2 with 20 Y.O. putting up 296,000 in first-week sales. Tony Bennett's Duets: An American Classic — featuring collaborations with Bono, Sting and Stevie Wonder, among others — opens at #3 with close to 202,000 scans. Alan Jackson finishes fourth, with first-week sales of Like Red on a Rose nearing 149,000.

According to the latest SoundScan figures, a total of five albums penetrated Billboard's top 10 — the fifth is "Weird Al" Yankovic's Straight Outta Lynwood, which opens at #10 with more than 74,000 sales. In at #6 is John Mayer's Continuum, with week-three sales reported at 91,000 and change, while Hinder's Extreme Behavior climbs three spots to #7, selling 77,000 units. Clay Aiken's A Thousand Different Ways falls six spots to #8 with 74,000 copies sold. And Fergie's The Dutchess follows at #9, chalking up second-week sales of nearly 74,000.

All told, 28 new releases break into Billboard's next top 200. Scissor Sisters' Ta-Dah opens at #19 with 42,000 scans — not bad considering the album was not stocked in some of the nation's largest record stores (see "Scissor Sisters' Ta-Dah Cut Out Of Major U.S. Retail Chains"). Saosin's self-titled disc claims #22 with 35,000 in week-one sales, while V, the debut from Vanessa Hudgens — best known for her role as Gabriella Montez in the Disney Channel movie "High School Musical" — bows at #24 with more than 34,000 sold.

At #37 is the Dave Matthews Band, with their four-disc set, Fenway Park, Boston, MA, July 7-8, 2006, selling more than 26,000 units. The self-titled debut from former "American Idol" contestant Mario Vazquez finishes at #80 with 12,000 scans, followed at #95 by Enigma's A Posteriori with 10,000 sales. Dave Hollister's The Book of David, Vol. 1: The Transition claims #98 with 10,000 copies sold, while Mewithoutyou's Brother Sister opens at #116 with 9,000 discs scanned. My Morning Jacket follow at #131 with Okonokos: Double Live Album selling more than 8,000 units, while Rhino Records' two-disc collection The Very Best of Jerry Garcia opens at #166 with 6,000 scans. And Medeski, Scofield, Martin & Wood's Out Louder ranks at #188 with 5,000 sold.

Check out "Think You Know Luda? Meet Chris Bridges" to step into the studio with the chart champ. And see "Justin's Future Shock" for more on Timberlake's LoveSounds.

• Ludacris
• Justin Timberlake
• Tony Bennett
• Alan Jackson
• Scissor Sisters

Avril Lavigne, John Mayer, and Nelly announce 2003 Grammy nominations
Photo: MTV News

When nominations for the 45th annual Grammy Awards were announced Tuesday morning, reactions ranged from sincere congratulations to "What were they thinking?" (Click here for the list of nominees.)

Few readers writing to MTVNews.com's You Tell Us forum had sour sentiments about demure Norah Jones, the jazz-influenced singer/pianist who's got a chance to sweep the four biggest categories — Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year and Best New Artist (see "Eminem, Avril Lavigne, Nelly, Norah Jones Nab Most Grammy Noms"). Jones is also among the eight artists who garnered five nominations. (Click for photos of this year's Grammy nominees.)

"I'm sooo happy for [Norah Jones]," wrote 18-year-old Lexi, from Seattle. "I know many people haven't heard her music, but those who have know how great it is. Big ups to the critics for giving this girl the credit she deserves."

Jones' Come Away With Me faces stiff competition from The Rising, Bruce Springsteen's return to form, and, to a lesser extent, The Eminem Show. Although the mainstream seems to have embraced the volatile rapper, with hardly a protest over his third major-label album or his fictionalized biopic "8 Mile," the Grammys might not be ready to bestow such a prestigious honor to a man who had a hit with a song that talks about killing the mother of his child and stuffing her in a trunk.

Then again, Eminem already has five golden gramophones in his trophy case (though none in the big four categories), and the Recording Academy did grant an Album of the Year Grammy to Steely Dan in 2001, for Two Against Nature, which featured the song "Cousin Dupree," about incest. But old guards like Donald Fagen and Walter Becker have always had Grammy odds in their favor, which is why Springsteen stands such a good shot. And even if The Eminem Show doesn't win for Album of the Year and "Without Me" doesn't lay claim to Record of the Year, Eminem is likely to make good on at least one of his other three nominations.

While Jones stands as the artist with the smallest presence at radio compared with fellow new-artist nominees R&B songbird Ashanti, singer/songwriter Michelle Branch, sensitive guy John Mayer and pop-rocker Avril Lavigne, most of you think the latter stands as her fiercest competition.

"I think Avril Lavigne definitely deserves Best New Artist," wrote 14-year-old Ashley of Thief River Falls, Minnesota. "She's worked so hard and accomplished so much this year."

"There is no doubt that Avril Lavigne should win Best New Artist," echoed 14-year-old Danielle, from Somerset, New Jersey. "She writes her own music, had three top 40 songs in 2002, sold over 4 million copies of her debut, Let Go, and hates Britney Spears. What more could you want in a Best New Artist?"

While statistics may garner gold records, they don't necessarily translate to a Grammy. Awards are (theoretically) doled out to those who demonstrate genuine artistry in their work. And that's Avril Lavigne, isn't it?

"Avril has no business being nominated for as much as she was," disagreed 19-year-old Andrea. "As far as music and creativity go, Britney is more creative — and you know that's a stretch, especially since Britney is nothing but manufactured bubble gum. Avril may have had something going with her and her ties but let's face it, MTV, that's all she has had."

After yesterday's announcement of the nominations, Lavigne has a lot more attached to her, namely a monumental mistake when she mispronounced David Bowie's last name. When reading the list of artists up for the Best Male Rock Vocal Performance, she mispronounced Bowie as "bow-wie" (rhymes with oh, wowee!). An unnerving hush immediately enveloped Madison Square Garden.

"Am I the only person who realizes what a poser Avril Lavigne is?" queried 22-year-old Kim, from Denver. "First of all, she botched the pronunciation of David Bowie, one of the most influential musicians of our time. ... Does Avril know anything about music? ... My point is, although everyone seems to be touting Avril Lavigne as some new prodigy, the fact is that she is not a true musician or artist and is just as fake and untalented as Britney Spears."

And here we thought Avril was the anti-Britney.

While Mayer's the only guy among the gals in the Best New Artist pack, his fans warn not to count him out just because he's outnumbered.

"John Mayer deserves to win the Grammy for Best New Artist," declared 18-year-old Tiffany Johnson, from Austin, Texas. "He is just on a different level from the rest of the nominees. The guy is brilliant."

Nelly, who's up for Album of the Year, Best Male Rap Solo Performance and Best Rap Album honors, among others, is feeling the brunt of haters. For the nearly 5 million copies of Nellyville sold, the St. Louis rapper seems to have just as many, if not more, detractors.

"I want to know what the Grammy folks see in Nelly," demanded 19-year-old Jason Curtis of Seattle. "Everyone is hypnotized by his so-called 'skills,' which are by no means good. As far as I'm concerned, Nelly doesn't deserve a Grammy."

It wasn't all trash talk directed at the St. Louis rapper, however. Many have their fingers crossed that the Band-Aid bearing MC will leave with even more gold than he came in with.

"I'm really anticipating seeing Nelly take home the Grammy for best album," wrote 14-year-old Linzi, from Sandusky, Michigan. "I mean, his music is totally hot, and I'm pretty sure that I don't know anyone who isn't into Nelly."

Linzi, meet 21-year-old James, from New Haven, Connecticut.

"It is clear once again that the awards honor what is popular, not what is good," James began. "Nelly has sunk so far down in the talent pool that he's left rapping about sneakers and some sort of heat wave that has apparently swept Nellyville. Talk about meaningless music. Seriously, if it's that hot in 'herre,' then drink a glass of water. Don't make a freakin' song about it."

Fellow hip-hopper Petey Pablo, up for Best Rap Album with Diary of a Sinner: 1st Entry, faced some harsh reactions, with fellow nominee Mystikal also catching some heat.

"I am very upset to see that Pete Pablo has been nominated for Best Rap Album," expressed 25-year-old Curtis, from Tallahassee, Florida. "Also, Mystikal's Tarantula album was very disappointing. How come someone like Trick Daddy or Cee-Lo never gets nominated? He is pure trash, and I understand why people like Jay-Z protest the Grammys. If we want to make it mainstream for all these old white people, let's nominate Will Smith. Even though his album sold probably 200 copies, he does not curse."

Such outrage over those who were nominated couldn't rival the furor over those who were left out: uber-producers the Neptunes and anyone from the neo-garage school, such as the Hives, the Vines, the Strokes or the White Stripes.

"How did Dr. Dre get nominated in the Producer of the Year category, while the Neptunes were ignored?" wondered Venni, 18, from Blacksburg, Virginia. "Dre didn't do anything in 2002. Every single song on the radio was produced by the Neptunes."

OK, Venni may be exaggerating a bit, though Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo are responsible for Justin Timberlake's "Like I Love You," Nelly's "Hot in Herre" and Mystikal's "Bouncin' Back (Bumpin' Me Against the Wall)," all of which are Grammy-nominated.

"I'm surprised the new 'the' bands didn't get major nods," typed an aghast CJ, 18, from Newmarket, New Hampshire. "I'm sad that the White Stripes were shafted, when overrated Avril Lavigne gets all the credit. Well, the Grammys are pretty lame either way."

If the nominations aroused such fervent feelings in these folks, they'd better be prepared for the shock of February 23. While some surprises can be expected with the nods, utter jaw-droppers like the over-the-hill Jethro Tull winning for Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance in 1988 are unmatched.

Stay tuned and stay calm.

For a look back at previous big Grammy winners, red carpet photos and much more, visit our Grammy News Archive.

• Eminem
• Norah Jones
• Nelly
• Dixie Chicks
• Bruce Springsteen

Ozzy Osbourne, Kermit The Frog, Rod Stewart, and Queen Elizabeth.
Photo: Ken Goff/WireImage

Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Bennett, Paul McCartney, a handful of Hell's Angels, a gospel choir of 5,000 and a throng of close to 1 million onlookers turned out to help England's Queen Elizabeth celebrate 50 years on the throne over the weekend at London's Buckingham Palace.

Eric Clapton, Ricky Martin, S Club 7, Spice Girl Emma Bunton, Joe Cocker, Phil Collins, the Corrs, Aretha Franklin, Sir Elton John, Tom Jones, Annie Lennox, Mis-Teeq, Brian Wilson, Rod Stewart, Cliff Richard and Will Young also turned out for the event, which played to a global television audience of millions more over the course of the weekend-long celebration, according to Reuters.

The Queen's Golden Jubilee weekend kicked off Saturday and came to a climax with Monday's pop concert. The young-at-heart 76-year-old Queen started the star-studded evening by leading the nation in a rousing rendition of the mop-top favorite "All You Need Is Love."

Queen guitarist Brian May then took to the roof of Buckingham Palace in front of 12,000 ticket holders (and a million more outside the palace gates) for a solo performance of the national anthem "God Save the Queen."

After light ceremonies, classical music performances, fireworks, some hardcore church-going and a closing concert, the festivities wrapped up Tuesday. The lights went down on Buckingham as the Hell's Angels joined a gospel choir of 5,000 in a carnival procession. After the parade, the tired Queen waved to the masses from a Buckingham Palace balcony, closing the Jubilee weekend.

Stateside fans can catch a broadcast of the Party at the Palace on Sunday, June 9 at 9 p.m (ET) on VH1.

• Ozzy Osbourne
• Elton John
• Paul McCartney
• Ricky Martin
• Queen

Michael Jackson with Dave Navarro
Photo: Walik Goshorn

The Democratic Party brought its Every Vote Counts voter registration efforts to the forefront Wednesday night in New York.

Michael Jackson, Chris Tucker, Tony Bennett and other celebrities joined the likes of former President Bill Clinton and members of the Democratic National Committee at Harlem's Apollo Theatre for a concert fundraiser.

Tucker co-hosted the event with actress Cicely Tyson. Ruben Blades, k.d. lang and Tony Bennett performed, as did Jackson. M.J. sang a medley of songs that included "Black or White" and "Smooth Criminal," and was joined by Jane's Addiction guitarist and former Red Hot Chili Pepper Dave Navarro for a portion of his set. (Click here for photos from the event)

The event raised $2.5 million, according to a spokesperson for the Democratic National Committee.

The Every Vote Counts program aims to promote awareness about the importance of voter registration and to educate people about the process in hopes of thwarting discrimination when they go to register.

• Michael Jackson
• Dave Navarro
• Tony Bennett

India.Arie
Photo: Motown

Newcomers and old-timers alike, from India.Arie to Patti LaBelle, will gather for special performances at next week's Grammy Awards ceremony.

Arie, R&B singers Brian McKnight and Al Green, and gospel star Hezekiah Walker will perform what the Recording Academy called Thursday (February 21) an "inspirational segment" at the 44th annual awards show February 27 at Staples Center in Los Angeles.

LaBelle, a two-time Grammy winner, will join Christina Aguilera, Pink, Lil' Kim, Mya and Missy Elliott on "Lady Marmalade," a song she took to the top of the charts in 1975 and the pop stars remade with massive success for last year's "Moulin Rouge" soundtrack.

Also added to the premier music awards show is a duet between Billy Joel and Tony Bennett on "New York State of Mind," a classic song that took on new meaning after Joel performed it at the September 11 telethon "America: A Tribute to Heroes." Joel and Bennett, who have won 14 Grammys between them, are nominated this year for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for their version of the song on Bennett's album Playin' With My Friends: Bennett Sings the Blues.

Previously announced performers include U2, 'NSYNC with Nelly, Outkast, Alicia Keys, Alejandro Sanz with Destiny's Child, Dave Matthews Band, Train, Bob Dylan, Alan Jackson and a tribute to the "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" soundtrack (see ).

Don Henley and Trisha Yearwood, together nominated for the Best Country Collaboration with Vocals Grammy for "Inside Out," have been added to a list of presenters that includes Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, Gwen Stefani, Ja Rule, Kid Rock and others, according to the Recording Academy.

Arie is second only to U2 for most nominations with seven. The neo-soul singer is the only artist competing in all four of the top categories: Album of the Year, Best New Artist, Record of the Year and Song of the Year (the latter two for "Video").

McKnight will compete in five categories, including Best Male R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Song for "Love of My Life" and Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for "My Kind of Girl" with Justin Timberlake.

Green will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Walker is nominated for Best Gospel Choir or Chorus Album for Love Is Live!

Joel, a former Grammy Legend Award winner, will accept the 2002 MusiCares Person of the Year award from the Recording Academy at a Los Angeles dinner two nights before the Grammys. Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora, Matchbox Twenty's Rob Thomas and Nelly Furtado will perform in honor of Joel's accomplishments as a musician and humanitarian.

Comedian Jon Stewart will host the Grammys, which will be broadcast on CBS at 8 p.m.

For more Grammy news, check out the MTV News Grammy Archive.

• India.Arie
• Patti Labelle
• Brian McKnight
• Al Green
• Tony Bennett

Tony Bennett
Photo: Columbia

Sheryl Crow, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Bonnie Raitt are among the artists collaborating with Tony Bennett on his upcoming album.

Playing With My Friends: Bennett Sings the Blues is due in the fall and also features k.d. lang and Diana Krall, according to the spokesperson for the project's producer, Phil Ramone (Barbra Streisand, Paul Simon).

Ramone first worked with Bennett on a similar collaboration project, Frank Sinatra's Duets, which featured the two crooners on "New York, New York." Bennett will spend the summer on a joint headlining tour with k.d. lang that kicks off July 25 in Portland, Maine. The two teamed up to sing "Moonglow" for Bennett's 1994 "MTV Unplugged" appearance.

Meanwhile, Ramone has kept busy with several other projects. He recently finished producing Donny Osmond's This Is the Moment album and accompanying tour, as well as the debut album for tenor Michael Amante.

The producer is also writing a book based on his time in the recording studio with artists such as Elton John and Billy Joel, due later this year from Hyperion Publishing, and has been tapped to produce Diane Schuur's next album, his spokesperson said. He last worked with the jazz singer on Friends for Schuur, which included guest vocals from Wonder and Charles.

• Tony Bennett
• k.d. lang
• Sheryl Crow
• Stevie Wonder

The Who'sRoger Daltry
Photo: MTV News

Pop legends the Beach Boys, crooner Tony Bennett and British Invasion rockers the Who will win Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2001 Grammy Awards, the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences announced Tuesday (December 12).

The academy has also selected reggae legend Bob Marley and Rat Pack entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. to receive posthumous Lifetime Achievement Awards, according to the announcement, made by NARAS President and CEO Michael Greene.

The academy will also bestow Trustees Awards to producers Arif Mardin and Phil Ramone for their contributions to the music industry. After immigrating to the United States from Turkey in 1958, Mardin worked as a house producer for Atlantic Records in the 1960s, cutting records for the likes of the Young Rascals and Aretha Franklin. Mardin has also worked and collaborated with Phil Collins, Culture Club, Jewel and Willie Nelson.

Ramone, a former NARAS chairman during the '90s, rose to fame as an engineer and producer in the late-'60s and '70s on albums for Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Paul McCartney and John Coltrane, among scores of others. Harry Belafonte, Woody Guthrie, Willie Nelson and John Lee Hooker received 2000 Lifetime Achievement Awards prior to February's Grammy Awards ceremony, while conductor/producer Mitch Miller, producer Phil Spector and Arista Records founder and then-president Clive Davis were honored with Trustees Awards.

Lifetime Achievement and the Trustees Award winners will be acknowledged during the presentation of the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards show, scheduled for February 21 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.

For more Grammy news, check out the MTV News Grammy Archive.

• The Beach Boys
• Tony Bennett
• The Who

The honors just keep rolling in for Mary J. Blige.

-- John Gill

• Tony Bennett
• Mary J. Blige