Elton John Calls Today’s Songwriters “Pretty Aweful”

Elton John was very open and honest in his latest interview with Radio Times magazine, saying that “Songwriters today are pretty awful, which is why everything sounds the same. Contemporary pop isn’t very inspiring.” He also talked about how important it is to “pay your dues” before having fame and also said, “It’s important they (pop stars) write their own songs, so they’re not at the mercy of anyone.” So, who does he like? He said he was a fan of Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga. One of his funnier quotes was this, “Also I don’t want to be on television. It’s become boring, arse-paralysingly brain crippling.”

Video: Steven Tyler On Judging ‘American Idol’

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Lauren Conrad Comes “Back to Reality”

Lauren Conrad just confirmed that she will in fact be a part of another reality show, which will be on MTV. It will apparently follow her career but would not say exactly what it would contain. We assume it will follow her fashion career. She told the Ryan Seacrest show, “I’ve always been open to doing reality again,” she said. “Just under different circumstances. As long as you have a separation, then it works. You have your personal life and you have your work life; when it’s combined, it’s difficult.”

Top Video Games Coming This Month

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Rihanna Gets a New Tattoo

“She came in at about 2:00 A.M.,” East Side Ink owner and artist Keith “Bang Bang” McCurdy tells OK! exclusively. “She told me in advance she’d be coming, and then when she got there, she told me what she wanted: ‘Never a failure, always a lesson,’ but written backwards.” Bang Bang continues, “I asked her why she wanted that and she said, ‘It’s kind of my motto in life for everything.’ Instead of considering things to be mistakes, considering them lessons.” He explains that RiRi, who he says is “doing great,” wanted the phrase done in backwards writing so she would be able to read it in the mirror.

Michael Jackson’s New Single

Who says being dead means your career is at an end? For Michael Jackson, his death has ramped up his music career like never before. After years of sluggish sales and financial troubles, the star died and still managed to come out with another album.

Next month, MJ’s first single since his death will be released. The track is called ‘This is It.’

The song — which features backing vocals by Michael’s brothers, the Jacksons — is part of a two-disc album of music inspired by the upcoming “This Is It” film, which chronicles Jackson’s final days rehearsing for his comeback concerts.