10 Movies To Look Forward To in 2014

1) 22 Jump Street- After the success of 21 Jump Street back in 2012, which made over $30 million during its opening weekend, the sequel is another destined success. Once again starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, this time the pair is sent undercover to a college campus. This is already one of the most anticipated comedies of the year. Check out the trailer HERE! (Rated R)
2) The Fault In Our Stars- Based on the best-selling novel by John Green, the movie adaptation starring Shailene Woodley (best known for her role in ABC Family's "The Secret Life Of The American Teenager"), already has fans of the novel marking their calendars for its release date on June 6th! The love story revolves around 16 year old Cancer patient Hazel and her love interest Gus, who lost his right leg to Cancer. The plot is full of twists and turns and is perfectly capable of pleasing people of any age, gender, or background. Just one piece of advice before you get ready to see it: DON'T FORGET THE TISSUES! The trailer itself is a tear-jerker! This is truly "one sick love story"!
3) Divergent- Also based on a best-selling novel (this time by Veronica Roth) and starring Shailene Woodley, "Divergent" is full of action, adventure, and romance. The story revolves around a futuristic world in which society is divided into 5 factions; Abnegation for the selfless, Amity for the peaceful, Dauntless for the fearless, Candor for the honest, and Erudite for the intelligent. The main character, 16 year old Tris, must face her fears unconditionally and do whatever it takes to save those like her... Divergent. See the trailer HERE!
4) The Hunger Games- Mockingjay Part 1- As the third installment in the "Hunger Games" series, Mockingjay begins Katniss's rebellion against the Capitol. She becomes the symbol of a new future- one without the Capitol's sense of brutal entertainment. Simultaneously, she learns that she will have to face even more difficult challenges than she did in the games including facing President Snow, the fear of losing the only family she has, the task of retrieving Peeta from the Capitol's grip, all along constantly fighting for her life- this time, without any cameras or sponsors.
5) The Amazing Spider Man 2- Starring some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including real-life and on-screen couple Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone, the sequel to "The Amazing Spider Man" is set to please millions of anxious fans. Expected to be released in May, the trailer alone has scooped up over 25 million views!
6) The Expendables 3- With an all-star cast and 2 previous huge successes, the third film in "The Expendables" is not expected to disappoint! The trailer has managed to rank up nearly 5 million YouTube views, and fans are as ready as ever for its much-anticipated August release!
7) How To Train Your Dragon 2- Ever since the first movie's release in 2010, the family-friendly film has made over half a billion dollars and has led to the release of related video games and a TV show! The second installment is set to be released this summer, and you can view the complete trailer HERE!
8) The Maze Runner- This Sci-Fi upcoming film full of thrills and mystery is set to be released this September. Based on the novel by James Dashner, the story is set in a post-apocalyptic world in which the main character, Thomas, lacks any memory of his past or the outside world. He ends up in a place known as "the Glade", surrounded by other boys who call themselves "Gladers". The rest is a journey full of the unknown, and it is one of the highest anticipated films of the year without a doubt!
9) Night At The Museum 3- Back in 2006, "Night At The Museum" was one of the most successful films of the year. The second film followed in those footsteps and became a hit at the box office. The third one is destined to be just as successful! Starring some of Hollywood's A-listers including Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Robin Williams, and Rebel Wilson, the film will once again consist of the museum's exhibits coming to life in the night; not to mention it is a movie the whole family can enjoy. The 8 years since the first film was released seem to have flown by, haven't they? But I, for one, never stopped hoping for another "Night At The Museum"!

Ben Stiller in the first "Night At The Museum" film

10) Noah- Based on the Biblical "Noah's Ark", mega-popular actors such as Emma Watson, Logan Lerman, Russell Crowe, and Anthony Hopkins will star in this film adaptation. Noah takes extreme action in order to protect those closest to him from the upcoming flood.  It is set to be released in late November. See the trailer.

10 Musicians To Watch in 2014

There's nothing more exciting than watching someone's dreams blossom. There are several music stars out there who have been around for what it seems like has been forever. I'm not saying that's a bad thing; In fact, I think it's amazing how some can manage to climb to the top and stay there for so long! I'm just saying that I think this just may be the perfect year for some fresh faces in the music industry. In the world of rising starts, these 10 performers just might have what it takes to conquer the wonderful world of music!
1) Lea Michele- From performing on Broadway as a child, to landing the lead role in the major television show "Glee", there is no doubt Lea Michele is bursting at the seems with pure talent. Her album "Louder" is set to be released in March. With over 2 million Facebook likes and 4 million followers on Twitter, her dedicated fans are sure to get this highly-anticipated album to the top of the charts! Watch her latest music video HERE!

2) Tori Kelly- After being sent home by Simon Cowell after making it to the bootcamp round of "American Idol", Tori took it upon herself to keep producing her original music and to get her name out there. After scoring millions of views on YouTube and thousands of adoring fans, her album "Foreword (EP)" has recently been released. Her cover of Justin Timberlake's "Suit & Tie" has snatched up over 8 million YouTube views! Her unique and beautiful voice is one we have never heard before. As far as I'm concerned, there is nothing but a lifetime full of signing autographs, countless interviews, several albums, and overall success in this young lady's future! Take THAT, Simon Cowell!

3) Imagine Dragons- Though they aren't completely new to the music industry, this band is destined to have nothing but continued success in the year coming! Over the past year, their most popular hits "Radioactive", "It's Time", and "Demons", have taken the charts and the radio by storm! They show nothing but promise for another year full of more catchy and inspiring hits!

4) Lucy Hale- Most commonly known as "Aria" on the hit TV series "Pretty Little Liars", Lucy Hale is slowly but surely getting ready to take over country music. Her single "You Sound Good To Me" has recently been released and the music video has already scored over 2 million views in just 3 weeks!

5) American Authors- Their incredibly catchy and addicting hit "Best Day of My Life" has conquered radio stations within the blink of an eye. You may also recognize it from the popular Lowe's commercial in which the song is played. It's just one of those songs that you can't help but sing along to!

6) Avicii- Born and raised in Sweden, DJ Tim Bergling (better known by his stage name, Avicii), is best known for his current hit "Wake Me Up". He became a household name seemingly over night with this mega popular chart-topper, and is expected to release new music throughout the next year.

7) Lorde- After recently winning 2 Grammy awards for her popular hit "Royals", Lorde does not seem to be going anywhere any time soon. She has managed to win over thousands of fans and the music industry seems to just love her already! She's very different from any artist we've seen before and this seems to be the perfect time for change.

Lorde with her 2 Grammys on Jan. 26th

8) Danielle Bradbery- As the youngest contestant ever to win "The Voice" (at just 16 years old), Danielle Bradbery has stolen America's hearts with her smooth vocal ability. Never singing a note out of tune, it is clear that she shows incredible promise and the odds are in her favor, for the country music industry has been long awaiting a fresh face with an unbeatable voice! Take a listen! 

9) Becky G- On the other side of the music spectrum, another 16 year old is making her way into the industry. Becky G has performed along side artists such as Cher Lloyd (in the song "Oath"), Cody Simpson (in "Wish U Were Here"), as well as Ke$ha (in a remix of her hit "Die Young"). She is best known for her rapping, dancing, and song-writing abilities. There is no doubt she is going to make it big this year!

10) Austin Mahone- Perhaps best known for his intense *NSync-like pop smash "What About Love", Austin Mahone is already rising to stardom. With millions of YouTube views and adoring fans, there is nothing stopping this 17 year old from climbing all the way to the top! 

The 15 Greatest GaGa Covers

Lady GaGa- Currently one of the biggest names in pop culture. Millions of musicians around the world have paid tribute to her and her music. From those who are more well-known to small-town musicians, these covers are sure to do GaGa proud! Which is your favorite?

1) It's no secret that Glee is one of the most popular shows on television. There are some people who just have no interest in their covers, and there are some who are constantly using up all their iTunes money on them (guilty as charged!). But whether you are a Gleek or not, this cover is sure to make you want to get up and dance! Glee Cast- "Born This Way"
2) With over 50 million views, this cover of "Paparazzi" threw Greyson Chance into the spotlight. Since then, he's made several appearances on talk shows such as "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and even scored his own record deal! Greyson Chance- Paparazzi
3) Talk about being born with raw, natural talent! Maria Aragon was just 10 years old when her cover of "Born This Way" went viral! Who would have thought that within just a few months, she would be singing this on stage with Lady G herself?!  Maria Aragon- "Born This Way"
4) In my opinion, this one just may be one of the most under-rated covers of all time. How would a Japanese-style version of Lady GaGa and Beyonce's smash hit "Telephone" sound? Incredible! Listen for yourself! TEAM KOZAN- "Telephone"
5) For all you rock fans out there- Check out this amazing instrumental rock version of "Poker Face"! "Poker Face" (Rock Version)
6) Full of incredible vocal runs and free from any editing/auto-tune, just sit back, relax, and enjoy this impressive stripped down acoustic cover of "Poker Face"! "P-P-P-Poker Face" Cover
7) With over 5 million views, this cover of "Paparazzi" is sung and played beautifully. I've had it on replay all day! Lynzie Kent & Rich G- "Paparazzi"
8) An interesting new twist on GaGa- These 2 talented girls uploaded an acapella cover of "Bad Romance" including beatboxing!  "Bad Romance" Beatboxing & Acapella Cover
9) As a formal "American Idol" contestant and the lead singer of his self-titled rock band, Chris Daughtry is seeping with talent. He surprised fans with his smooth rendition of this Lady GaGa hit. Chris Daughtry covers "Poker Face"
10) Ariana Grande has taken the world by storm. From starring on Broadway to the hit Nickelodeon show "Victorious" to recently releasing her own album "Yours Truly", she's managed to gain over 27 million Twitter follows and Facebook likes combined! Check out her inspiring mash-up of GaGa's "Born This Way" with Madonna's "Express Yourself"! Ariana Grande- Born This Way/Express Yourself
11) The Pentatonix are a remarkably talented group known for their acapella performances. They always know just how to impress, as they did with their unique take on "Edge Of Glory". Pentatonix- "Edge Of Glory"
12) Here's another successful "Edge Of Glory" cover worthy of hearing- once again from the cast of "Glee"! From the acapella parts to the pop beat in the background, it's nearly impossible not to start singing along! Glee cast- "Edge Of Glory"
13) Wow! That's the only word that came to my mind after hearing this beyond remarkable cover of one of GaGa's current singles "Applause". May I just say that this cover deserves waaay more views?! Jona Selle- "Applause"
14) In 2011, girl group Little Mix became the first group to win The X Factor (UK). Here's a little flashback of their performance of "Telephone" from back in their early days! Little Mix- "Telephone"
15) Last but not least, we have one final GaGa from "Glee"! Broadway alumnus Matthew Morrison and Idina Menzel belt out this gracious mash-up of Lady G's "You And I" and the 1982 hit by Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle that just happens to have the same name. Glee- You And I/You And I