YouTube Stars!

Summer is finally here! School is out; time to sleep late, hang out with friends and watch a lot of videos! Here are two very popular music videos for songs you are hearing on the radio, along with covers from members of the YouTube community.

Thanks to everyone who emailed Kenny about the YouTubeStars Guest Blogger openings! We found a few people that we may work with, but we are still looking for others. WE PAY WRITERS to Guest Blog for YouTubeStars! If you are interested in GETTING PAID to write some Guest Blogs about interesting videos and videomakers, please email Kenny and be sure to include a LINK to your YouTube channel in the email.






Today we will watch music videos from Taylor Swift and Katy Perry, as well as cover versions of their songs, made by talented YouTube members.

But first, The News!

This week's Featured Video on our Top 100 and Top 200 Charts is a really well made pop music video of an original song written by a young lady from Utah. Austin Wolfe is just 14 but she writes catchy pop tunes with good lyrics. She also plays keyboards and sings very well! Austin's YouTube channel is utahwolfe and it has videos of Austin on local TV and performing live. Watch the Featured Video of her original song "Goodbye" right here; click on it!

We have a NEW Featured Video every week on our YouTube Top 100 Chart. If you missed any of our Previously Featured Videos, you can still watch them here.

Check out our Top 100 and Top 200 Charts of the Most Subscribed YouTube Channels every week!


Now, enjoy these original hits and covers!


I have to admit, when I first heard the lyrics in Katy Perry's new hit "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" I wondered if she was advocating living a life of utter chaos! Clearly, if you are waking up with strangers in your bed, smelling like a mini-bar, with the chandelier on the floor and your dress ripped; and you have maxed out your credit cards and have warrants out for your arrest - you are headed for disaster!

The other thing that struck me was the vague similarity to that other song about Friday - "Friday" by Rebecca Black. We covered that phenomenon in great detail back in March and April; here, here and here. I also knew that Katy Perry sang part of "Friday" at one or more of her concerts recently. So it was not a huge shock when I saw the preview for "Last Friday Night (T.G.I F.)" with Rebecca Black in the Katy Perry video! Now many people think that "Last Friday Night (T.G.I F.)" is a new song by Katy Perry and may think it is cashing in on "Friday"'s fame. But this is not the case - "Last Friday Night (T.G.I F.)" was track 2 on Katy Perry's CD "Teenage Dream" which was released August 24, 2010. So was ARK inspired to write "Friday" by Katy's tune? We do not know!

Recent news about Rebecca Black, since Ryan Seacrest got her a billboard celebrating her 100 Millionth video view of Friday, had been sparse. We heard she hired a management team, was making a new song, and turned 14 a few days ago on June 21st. The full version of "Last Friday Night (T.G.I F.)" hit YouTube on June 12th and there, in a very major starring role, was Ms. Rebecca Black herself! Quite a birthday present to see her second appearance on video hitting nearly 30 million views.

Meanwhile, over at ARK Music, we hear that there is a legal dispute over the "Friday" video. Also, ARK had planned and announced a singing contest between 18 of their top site members who would be eliminated one each week by member votes, leaving a winner who would be flown to L.A. and given the ARK treatment. However, the announcement has been removed and the contest has not begun. It was supposed to be timed to finish in the last weeks of summer vacation, but the timing would be off now, should it finally get underway. Still, ARK runs a very nice fan site with quite a good amount of people, mostly kids, in their chat room at any given time.

Back to the "Last Friday Night (T.G.I F.)" video. It is said that the idea was to parody the teen movies of the 80s. Teen stars Corey Feldman and Debbie Gibson are in the video, playing the parents of Katy's character - Kathy Beth Terry. But there is texting, social networks, game consoles and other current technology in the 8 minute mini-movie. Rebecca Black has a starring role as herself - a girl who lives next to the Terry family and is hosting a wild party. She gets nerdy Kathy to loosen up - gives her cool clothes and removes her "headgear" braces with pliers!

Now that I have seen the video (and really enjoyed it!), I am still a bit concerned about the message it, and the song, send to fans, especially the younger ones. If you have nerdish tendencies - interests in modeling the solar system and other scientific endeavors - do you really have to drink excessively, dress and look the same as everyone else in order to be accepted? Maybe in the 80s, but these days, people join the Nerd Fighters and other social movements and proudly claim the nerd name. Bill Gates was a nerd and he did just fine for himself! Also, RB Rebecca Black was just 13 when this was filmed. Yes, she is said to be a "good girl" and I think she probably is. But did they corrupt that image with this video? 13 is a little young for some of the things going on at this party, and even in the 80s, they rarely showed characters this young getting this crazy. This video is very different than her "Friday" video. People like Miley Cyrus usually wait until they are 17 or so before they begin to go for that more adult image. Watch the video; what do YOU think?






As I said above, "Last Friday Night (T.G.I F.)" came out last summer. By September, YouTube Star Shane Dawson put out a parody of "Last Friday Night (T.G.I F.)" that he made with several other top YouTube Stars such as OlgaKay and TayZonday. Have a look at this video from Shane's YouTube channel and see if you think that maybe, just maybe, Katy Perry's people watched this and were inspired by it in the making of their own video for "Last Friday Night (T.G.I F.)" Warning: language!






Before I ever heard Taylor Swift's hit song "The Story Of Us" - I saw a cover of it on YouTube! A talented young man originally from Libya named Bahjat is a huge Taylor Swift fan and a musician himself. I had subscribed to his original channel last year so I could hear the interesting covers that he makes by singing and accompanying himself on guitar. I liked his cover of "The Story Of Us" even though I had never heard the original.

Now, Taylor Swift's "The Story Of Us" is on the radio all the time, and I really like it! Last month, we got to see the Official Video for Taylor Swift's hit "The Story Of Us" and it's great! The video is set in a school library and we see the interaction between the man and woman in the song who had a relationship that is turning into a tragedy now. Next Chapter! The End! Have a look at this video and let me know if you notice that the beautiful Taylor Swift looks a little like our own guest blogger, CelestialSam (pic at the top ot this post)!






Late last year, we interviewed YouTube Star Krista Nicole (KristaHeartzuz). One of the people who won a Krista Nicole CD in our contest was YouTube singer Stephanie Bullock from Canada. I checked out her channel during the contest and found some fun videos of cover songs. Stephanie really gets into it and that makes her nice singing even more enjoyable! Watch talented Stephanie sing Taylor Swift's "The Story Of Us" - complete with a cute "Next Chapter" and "The End!"

Labels: anitsirhcmarie, Celestialsam, katy perry, katyperryVEVO, shanedawsontv, StephanieOnline101, Taylor swift

posted by KennyCrane at 6/23/2011 01:29:00 AM 2 Comments

We have had several posts from Guest Vloggers lately! Did you know that being a Guest Vlogger for YouTubeStars is a PAYING GIG! If you are interested in GETTING PAID to write some Guest Blogs about interesting videos and videomakers, please email Kenny and be sure to include a LINK to your YouTube channel in the email.






Today we present four random videos - no theme whatsoever! Just four videos that I think you might like to watch. One is of a cat loving video dating girl. One shows a Dutch magician rapidly performing his illusions. One is of a young lady doing the
popular "Whats in my Purse?" show and tell. The last is a rap cover done in a unique way!

But first, The News!

This week's Featured Video on our Top 100 and Top 200 Charts is a fabulous singing video entry for Cree Ingles Tube Idol Season 10. This wonderful cover of the American classic "Lullabye of Birdland" is sung by talented pop and jazz singer Steffi Ledbetter. Watch the video right here; click on it!

We have a NEW Featured Video every week on our YouTube Top 100 Chart. If you missed any of our Previously Featured Videos, you can still watch them here.

Check out our Top 100 and Top 200 Charts of the Most Subscribed YouTube Channels every week!


Now, here are four Random Videos for your viewing pleasure!


Here's a trending video. YouTube put it on its Home page in the right column where it shows videos that are going viral. Cara plays the part of Debbie, a recent graduate who is making a video for a dating site. The problem is, she can't overcome her emotions when she thinks about her one true love - cats! She wants tons of cats; cats in baskets, cats with bowties, cats on rainbows! Six Million views in the first week, see why this is going viral!






I don't know who started it, but there is a "tag" going around where females show us what is in their purse. At first, the ladies would be urged to do a video like this if one of their friends tagged them in their videos. Now, so many girls, especially those who are beauty gurus, add a "What's in my Purse" videoblog whether they get tagged or not. And why not! It's a good way for their viewers to learn something about them.

Here's Ashley (YouTube, blog), a girl who has a few fun makeup videos uploaded. She has a fairly big bag and it's filled with stuff! Sunglasses, lip gloss, electronic gadgets - its so random! What will she pull out of there next? Ashley made this video after watching "What's In My Purse?" videos by our guest blogger Christina (video here) who usually sings in her videos but also has a beauty channel, and by another beauty guru, LinDJewel (video here).






Do your friends email you links to videos they saw on YouTube, or videos that they got from other people on their email list? I got this spectacular video of a magician appearing on a Dutch TV show a few days ago. I thought it was pretty cool to watch how many times he made people appear and dissapear in such rapid order.

If you want to see other videos and email jokes and stories that have been circulating via email, please have a look at the Email Gems website. If you find something interesting or funny there, click the Share Button and let your friends know about it!






This video is also amazing, in that the musician uses the break on a pool table for percussive effect. Pat Noonan's rapid rap takes about a minute to unfold, and you'll see how he made the sounds that you'll hear. Besides the cue ball smashing into 15 colored balls, you'll also see him pound a bass drum by hand and play a psychedelic violin lick. It all goes by quickly - see if you can keep up with the pace!

Labels: anitsirhcmarie, Celestialsam, hartmanncara, magic, magician, makeupbyasb, patdannoonan, random, singingfool14

posted by KennyCrane at 6/14/2011 03:28:00 AM 2 Comments

Our dear friend and popular guest blogger, the lovely CelestialSam (picture above) has written an article about Love for YouTubeStars! Sam writes about what priest Anthony de Mello has said on the subject of Love, and adds her own wonderful thoughts on the affairs of the heart.

Below, we present Sam's thoughts about priest Anthony de Mello's ideas on Love, along with a the first of a 4-part video series...

But first, The News!

This week's Featured Video on our Top 100 and Top 200 Charts is a beautiful music video for an excellent cover of "Mean" by Taylor Swift! Alex G (AlexGMusic7) sang this song which was created by musician Adam Stanton. Its a very nice version of this hit by Taylor Swift. Watch the video right here; click on it!

We have a NEW Featured Video every week on our YouTube Top 100 Chart. If you missed any of our Previously Featured Videos, you can still watch them here.

Check out our Top 100 and Top 200 Charts of the Most Subscribed YouTube Channels every week!


Now, here is CelestialSam's article about Love!


"Falling in love is the exact opposite of love, and it's canonized everywhere! It's a disease!" said the late Anthony DeMello, a renowned Jesuit priest and psychotherapist, in this four part video series on How to Love.

(Watch Part One:)



DeMello discusses how we've been essentially brainwashed, or if you don't like that word-conditioned, societally programmed and drugged by things that are illusory; success, failure, criticism, and the good opinion of others.

He makes several analogies, the first about a group of slaves in the desert who lack sufficient pegs to tie their twenty camels to. When the slaves go to their master and report the deficiency, he says to them, "These camels are stupid creatures. Just go through the motions of driving a peg in the ground and tying this last camel to it, and it will stay put for the whole night," which is exactly what happened. When morning came, the slaves decided to set off, but found the last camel would not budge. The master addresses their quandary: "You probably forgot to go through the motions of untying him!"

How much like those stupid camels are we?

In nature, there is no border between countries, De Mello says: "Being an American is only in your head. There are no American trees or American mountains. This is a convention that people are ready to die for, that's how real it looks to them!" We react merely to words, to ideas in our heads.

And so he begins by discussing what love is not; attraction, possessiveness, fear of loss, jealousy, desire, dependency and the assuaging of our loneliness.

"God is Love," he says, and "love is Divine. But what generally goes under the name of love has nothing to do with love at all."

Love is not blind, and there is nothing so clear-sighted as love!

Yet, most people, when talking about love, refer to niceties reciprocated, like money in exchange for goods. Society programs us to unhappiness and no love by filling us with desires to secure our happiness. And the real evil is depending upon another human being for your happiness. According to DeMello, if you ever give someone the power to determine your happiness, you will inevitably be fearful, manipulative and possessive, unable to let the person free because your happiness depends upon them. That is not love.

Love is clarity of perception and accuracy of response, while passion, which is rooted in the ardent desire of a person or thing, is a strong, but fleeting feeling comparable to and, in some instances, likened to concupiscence. How can one love what one cannot see? Generally, when people see each other, they're not really seeing each other at all, but an image of a person formed in their minds based upon past experiences or preconceived notions; it is as though they are looking through a transparency that has been superimposed on their oculi. Instead of reacting on the basis of a person at a present moment, they react to the illusory transparency they're looking through, while all the while believing that what they're seeing is not essentially a mirage conjured in their minds; thus they lack the clarity of perception necessary for love to exist. How can we love that which we cannot see?

Where there is fear, there is no love, because we always hate what we fear. Perfect love casts out fear.

Paul, in the New Testament of the Bible, says that love keeps no record of wrongs. Love keeps no record of rights either. We should not react to memories, good or bad. He's not saying we should forget everything, but drain our memories of emotion, which is essentially the purification of memory.

Most people do the opposite of this, and do not know what love is.

Love is like listening to a symphony. To love is to be sensitive to the whole of the symphony; to everyone and to everything. Listening to a symphony and only hearing the drums or fixating on a single instrument is like falling in love, having an obsession, addiction or infatuation. Other people are drowned out. Love is not a relationship. It is a state of being.

When the eye is unobstructed, the result is sight. When the heart is unobstructed, the result is love.


CelestialSam has made many artful and entertaining videos over the years, including "Darkness on Her Cell Wall" and "Je ne veux pas travailler...". Also enjoy Sam's Blog and Flickr Pics"

Labels: Bible, Celestialsam, heart, how to love, love

posted by KennyCrane at 6/01/2011 04:19:00 AM 3 Comments

Our dear friend and popular guest blogger, the lovely CelestialSam (picture above) has written another article for YouTubeStars! This time, Sam writes about Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, a delightful band that she says will bring a smile to your face.

Below, we present Sam's thoughts about Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, along with a Live performance video...

But first, The News!

This week's Featured Video on our Top 100 and Top 200 Charts is a slideshow music video for a really nice song that is inspired by Taylor Swift! Melanie Tang (MelLovesTibby) sang this song which was written by her friend Izzie Wong, who also played the guitar on it and also contributed vocals. Its a very sweet song and you should watch the slideshow video with just two pics so you can concentrate on the music! The video is to the left, click on it!

We love Melanie's singing voice! She has uploaded 15 videos so far and has song covers of songs by The Killers, Dixie Chicks, Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, Linkin Park, Ke$ha and more. You will enjoy hearing Melanie sing; check out some of her other videos!

We have a NEW Featured Video every week on our YouTube Top 100 Chart. If you missed any of our Previously Featured Videos, you can still watch them here.

Check out our Top 100 and Top 200 Charts of the Most Subscribed YouTube Channels every week!


Congratulations to Michelle Waugh - she was recently on TV on the "Good Day Sacramento" show! We love Michelle's singing and guitar skills - we wrote about her twice before. It's great to see Michelle getting this kind of exposure. We expect more great things in her future!

Michelle has 96 videos on her channel and you will enjoy listening to her covers and her nice originals, which she has uploaded over the last two years. Check out her videos!


Now, here is CelestialSam's article about Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros!

After watching, "Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros - Home (live @ kcrw),"



I defy you not to dance or crack a smile!

Live music never sounded so good. "Home" is a solid love song by Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros. Alex Ebert and Jade Castrinos--the vocals--bring such positive energy, youthful innocence and playful childishness to their soulful folk rock. Their rapturous elation is beautiful and refreshing, the perfect complement to a warm summer's day.

In keeping with the contagious childlike mindset, Alex once said, "It's not about posturing or performing or posing or manicuring my performance," in an interview with Candace Achenbach of MF Magazine. He also cites, as an inspiration, the unforgettable "Sasquatch man" who famously started a dance party back in 2009, proving himself unstoppable by gyrating, shaking and capering alone on a vacant hillside plot of grass until a trickle of followers turned into a flood!

"Sasquatch music festival 2009 - Guy starts dance party"



As you can see, the Sasquatch man knows the power of no inhibition, a freedom from self-censorship and its impact on others.

This summer, I challenge you to aim for a star and land on the moon. Love without fear. Act and speak with conviction and sincerity. And if you find yourself dancing alone, keep dancing. Chances are they're watching, and waiting to be freed too.



CelestialSam has made many artful and entertaining videos over the years, including "Darkness on Her Cell Wall" and "Je ne veux pas travailler...". Recently, Sam has been vlogging. Enjoy "How I broke my clavicle..."

Labels: "Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros", "Sasquatch Music Festival", Celestialsam, MichelleWMusic

posted by KennyCrane at 5/18/2011 02:26:00 AM 0 Comments

Our dear friend and popular guest blogger, the lovely CelestialSam (picture above)
is back with another interesting and insightful article! This time, Sam writes about Jetty Rae, a talented musician that she says brings to mind Regina Spektor.

Sam recently saw Jetty Rae live, along with musician A. Micah Adams. Here is a video Sam just made, about that show.



Below, we present Sam's thoughts about Jetty Rae, along with 2 very cool videos by Jetty Rae.

But first, The News!

This week's Featured Video on our Top 100 and Top 200 Charts is a music video that the entire family can enjoy! Steffi Ledbetter made this to show Berklee School of Music what she can do. It is an uptempo scat singing jazz rendition of the classic "I Got Rhythm" - a song composed by George Gershwin with lyrics by Ira Gershwin, published in 1930. Watch and hear a fun and different kind of music! Check out our Top 100 and Top 200 Charts of the Most Subscribed YouTube Channels every week!


Now, here is CelestialSam's article about Jetty Rae!

I met "Jetty Rae" at a quaint café in Monroe, Michigan last weekend beneath the most colossal full moon in nearly twenty years. A friend of mine, A. Micah Adams had invited me to his show, and I am ever-so-glad he did!

I'll admit to being absolutely thunderstruck by the power in this young lady's sweet, unadulterated and soulful voice as she, with unflagging intensity, sang to a café of predominantly empty tables. My heart sank as I thought about how rough and utterly discouraging it must be to stand up on that stage in relative stony silence before a handful of mostly indifferent strangers.

I watched as her faithful husband, Jason devotedly documented his wife's stellar performance from a front row seat with his camera off to the side, so as not to obscure anyone else's view of his beautiful wife.

Being that the café was so scarcely populated, I had little difficulty in approaching her after the show, and was afforded the great privilege of speaking to this gifted gal, that is of course, after she finished chatting with a little 8-year-old fan who had been listening attentively as she played.

In our brief, but amiable discourse, I lauded her lovely voice and confessed how she reminded me of Regina Spektor, the Russian-American Baroque pop artist. And when I expressed my dismay at the poor turnout, "Jetty Rae," beaming a mega-watt smile, responded with grace, and seemed genuinely grateful for such an "attentive audience" and the opportunity to perform without being cancelled last minute, as she had been some time ago when booked at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor.

As she and her husband packed up, they gave me a free CD, which I accepted reluctantly, having no money with which to proffer my support. And with that, we exchanged a warm embrace and many well-wishes before departing, with the hopes of crossing paths once more on this terrestrial ball.

As I walked back to my car, I took a moment to glance down at the CD cover, and could not help but to smile at the matryoshka doll rendered there. It occurred to me that "Jetty Rae," like the Russian nesting doll, was just as beautiful on the inside as she appeared to be on the surface.

PS Jetty Rae has also entered the 2011 Fogers Jingle Contest with Dan Henig! Voting begins March 31st, and if you like what you hear, I encourage you to lend your support!



Here is another excellent video from Jetty Rae which has cultured cinematography and a metaphorically complex message. This is "Bad Apples Music Video by Jetty Rae."



CelestialSam has made many artful and entertaining videos over the years, including "Darkness on Her Cell Wall" and "Je ne veux pas travailler...". Recently, Sam has been vlogging. Enjoy "How I broke my clavicle..."

Labels: Celestialsam, heelfliphero, jazzysteffi, JettyRae

posted by KennyCrane at 3/22/2011 03:47:00 PM 1 Comments

Our favorite YouTube lip-synch sensation who has developed into an actor extraordinaire, Miss CelestialSam has provided this post to tell you all about Aaron Weiss, a musician and freegan. What's a freegan? Read on! Along with her aforementioned qualities, Sam is also a talented writer, and we're always happy to receive posts from her!

Be sure to watch Sam in her latest video, Clairiam (An original poem recitation). I love it; you will too!

 
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How to Change the World

Aaron Weiss, lead singer of the little-known band, mewithoutYou was asked about the changes he'd like to see made in the world. He sincerely and humbly responds with a parable about contentment and how we can never really know what's good or what's bad. He also brings the abstract idea of world peace into perspective and asks, "What about the guy next to you? Do you have love for him?"




The Veggie Bus

Aaron Weiss runs his tour bus on 15-20 cents per gallon. How does he do this, you ask? Vegetable oil. When touring, he and his band, mewithoutYou, take restaurant's refuse vegetable oil for free. Aaron explains how his Veggie Bus burns cleaner on this renewable resource and limits dependence on foreign oil.




Freegan

Aaron Weiss is a freegan, who practices what he preaches, eating discarded food and running his tour bus on waste vegetable oil. Freegans are, in a sense, anti-consumerists living alternative lifestyles that don't promote greed or fuel power hungry corporations. Aaron believes that in order to change the world, one must improve oneself first by setting an example to influence others.




After seeing Aaron in person in Detroit on July 4th, I knew my respect and admiration for this virtuoso was not misplaced. In a world of hypocrisy, Weiss is a shining paradigm of virtue and selflessness. A glass can only spill what it contains; and from Aaron, pours an unparalleled zeal to serve God by glorifying Him with beautifully metaphorical lyrics that he shares with a world in dire need of lessons of morality and brotherly love.

The Fox, the Crow and the Cookie is one of mewithoutYou's such songs on the pitfalls of pride. View it exclusively here:

http://music-mix.ew.com/2009/06/mewithoutyou-the-fox-the-crow-and-the-cookie-exclusive.html

Labels: aaron, Celestialsam, freegan, guest, weiss

posted by KennyCrane at 7/11/2009 12:47:00 AM 0 Comments

I hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving with your family and friends. Now it's time to Shop! The 2008 Holiday Season has begun. Don't get trampled by the crowds, shop online! Watch these four music videos from four excellent singers, then click on this ad for Amazon.com and do your Holiday Shopping from the comfort of your own home. You'll save money too; Amazon has excellent deals. Happy Holidays!



First, the News! Things are changing at YouTube. I'm sure you've noticed the new wider video box. Some YouTube videos are now being shown in HD, producing a much clearer picture. There are also more ads than ever on YouTube, but that's understandable - they have to find a way to pay the huge bills for storage and bandwidth.

There's also a shift in what content is allowed and what content is promoted. YouTube is in the process of an image makeover by promoting their new YouTube Symphony and by making it harder to find sexually oriented material. At YouTube's Symphony Orchestra page, we read, "We invite musicians from around the world to audition for the YouTube Symphony Orchestra. Your video entries will be combined into the first ever collaborative virtual performance, and the world will select the best of you to perform at New York City's Carnegie Hall in April 2009." Get out your Cellos and Violins and make your entry video!

In a follow-up to my very popular article, "Sex on YouTube," I would like to report that YouTube is changing its policy on sexually suggestive content, effective immediately. Content flagged by viewers and reviewed by staff deemed to have sexually explicit content are age restricted and will no longer be promoted on Most Viewed lists and Honor pages. No one who has given a date of birth when they made their account which would indicate that they are under 18 will be able to watch these videos, and they should now be harder to find for everyone.

What is considered sexually suggestive? Here's part of the answer, from YouTube's Help page on Age-Restricted videos:

"Videos featuring sexually explicit content like real sex acts are not allowed. Other content like nudity and dramatized or implied sexual conduct may be considered sexually suggestive depending on whether or not it is intended or designed to arouse viewers.

Nudity includes exposed or partially covered genitalia, buttocks, or breasts, as well as sheer clothing. Videos featuring individuals in minimal or revealing clothing may also be age-restricted if they're intended to elicit a sexual response."

Please read YouTube's Help page for more on this.

And Now, On With The Show!!!


Here's a young and talented singer named Rachel Farley, singing her excellent cover version of Taylor Swift's hit, "Love Story." I'm not even going to tell you how old this young lady is, you wouldn't believe it anyway! Rachel sounds like she's been singing for a very long time. She has a great voice and is also quite a good guitar player. Rachel has many live shows coming up in both Tennessee and Georgia. Visit her MySpace page to hear 6 great country songs and to see a list of her Upcoming Shows. I predict that we'll all be hearing a lot more from Rachel in the coming years!




Here's Celeste with a fun cover of Shania Twain's song, "That Don't Impress Me Much." Celeste substitutes Jonas Brothers for Shania's references to Elvis and Rocket Scientists in this music video guaranteed to make you smile. Celeste is quite a good singer and has already had success with Radio Disney. Her MySpace page says, "Throughout 2006-2007 Celeste opened for Raven in Concert, The Jonas Brothers and performed at The Kelly Clarkson -Addicted to Love Tour- and the Cheetah Girls/Hannah Montana Concerts." Very impressive!




The fun continues with this lipsynch from one of my favorite YouTubers, the lovely and talented CelestialSam. Wikipedia says, "'Anything You Can Do' is a song composed by Irving Berlin for the 1946 Broadway musical, Annie Get Your Gun. The song is a spirited duet, with one male singer and one female singer attempting to out-do each other in increasingly complex tasks." Sam collabs with Aaron of APriceProduction in this charming vid. Watch; it's great!




Yes, it is officially the Holiday Season. Let me be the first to wish you a Merry Christmas! If you don't celebrate Christmas, have a happy holiday or a wonderful winter solstice! Regardless of which way you lean in holiday preferences, I'm sure you'll enjoy this beautiful performance of a holiday classic by MeRubyCollins. Ruby has 75 videos up on YouTube for your listening pleasure, go check them out! You can also buy her three CDs at CDBaby.

Labels: celestemusic5, Celestialsam, merubycollins, rachelfarleymusic

posted by KennyCrane at 12/05/2008 10:27:00 PM 0 Comments

Here are a bunch of new videos from people we have written about before. We'll start off with a video from Renetto about the new video sharing community for vloggers - VloggerHeads.com. For more information on VloggerHeads, see out VloggerHeads blog.




OlgaKay made a fun collab with a few other YT ladies on Internet Crushes. They discuss guys they like. Watch and enjoy as they interact!




CelestialSam is an up-and-coming actress who is making increasingly intricate videos as she practices her craft. Here's a recent one on the topic of "madness" and "murder" !!!




Livingpassion recently uploaded a video in which she recited an enjoyable original poem, as she has often done before. This time, PeriUrban decided to set the words to music! Livingpassion responds to his value-added video by covering Peri's song. She sings her lyrics to his tune, pretty cool!




UndiscoveredJulie is back with a skit featuring her character "Totally Claire." Claire will teach you how to be confident! Very funny and creative, watch and enjoy!




Artemisbell has made hundreds of cool dance videos. She plays a popular song and then films herself dancing with high energy to the beat. Always graceful and stylish, here is a recent dance from artemisbell. Be sure to also watch the animated tribute response video!




Juststircrazy is one of the great new vloggers on YouTube. But her vids are more than vlogs, they are creative mini-movies; well written, acted, filmed and edited. Don't get the idea that Juststircrazy is an actor, she is very real. Check out this video about what Dance is, in her opinion.

Labels: Artemisbell, Celestialsam, juststircrazy, livingpassion, olgakay, PeriUrban, renetto, UndiscoveredJulie

posted by KennyCrane at 8/18/2008 02:02:00 AM 0 Comments

CelestialSam has submitted another guest post for YouTubeStars. She presents four videos from Piemcgee. Watch his videos and see if you agree that Piemcgee is a YouTubeStar!

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Do you like Johnny Cash? What about Josh Groban? Can you imagine the voices of those two talented gentleman combined into a powerful, well-tuned, enchantingly magnetic one? Well, look no further! No further that is, than piemcgee's YouTube channel. His covers and originals blew me away. I'm sure they'll leave you begging-if not crying-for more!


Check out his "Johnny Cash Folsom Prison Blues" cover. Make sure you're sitting down when you view this video. Andrew's voice will stupefy you!




Do you remember that one song from Donnie Darko? Yes, that song! You know the one: "...and I find it kind of funny; I find it kind of sad; the dreams in which I'm dying are the best I've ever had.." Lucky for you, Andrew covers this song-with a twist! He sings in an octave lower in his "Mad World an Octave Lower Acoustic Cover".




Piemcgee's "In My Life - Acoustic Cover @ Vanguard University" hooked me on his channel instantaneously. Andrew's outstanding voice is accompanied by Nehemiah Rogers on violin. Think sweet, smooth and oh-so-deep.




The ultimate testimony of a great musician is the emotional intensity of his own original songs. "My Father-Original" is evidence of a greatness ready to bloom.




If you like what you hear, be sure to support him by buying his CD. Do so by visiting his music Myspace page .

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Please read Sam's previous guest posts:

Celestialsam Writes
Celestialsam Writes, again
Celestialsam Writes, Part3
Celestialsam Writes, Part4


Please click HERE for a list of YouTubeStars posts about CelestialSam.

Labels: Celestialsam, guest, piemcgee

posted by KennyCrane at 11/02/2007 02:33:00 AM 0 Comments

Sam sent in commentary about three more videos this week. Before we get to them, I want you to become familiar with the author of these reviews. Sam recently shared two excellent uploads with us - a skit and an art video. Have a look at them, please! If you like these videos, please subscribe to celestialsam's channel!

Math Magician


Agnus Dei


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- Precious Jesus - (Original)

The beautiful Brienna Lauryn has been a favorite of mine for quite some time. Unlike most YouTubers, Brienna joined to honor and glorify God with her perfectly pitched voice, which makes each one of her singing videos a delight to watch. The second song she ever wrote, "-Precious Jesus- (Original)" not only reveals a strong Christian testimony, but a powerful message as well.

If you can't see the video above, watch it on YouTube.


YouTube Does ValsArtDiary - 20,000 Subs!

ValsArtDiaryFans has recently created an outstanding tribute to Val, a lovely young artist with an amazing talent for painting masterpieces on canvas. The tribute video features a vast array of great music and myriad mini-dedications from her fans. This video is truly a masterpiece in and of itself. I feel fortunate to have had the great pleasure of participating in the final project!

If you can't see the video above, watch it on YouTube.


Meet Your Meat *WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT*

When I first watched "Meet Your Meat *WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT*", my heart sank and my stomach churned. Animal cruelty is , sadly, a very harsh and gruesome reality. This video is an eye-opener into what goes on behind our backs to create some of the food we consume every day. If you have a delicate stomach, do not watch this video from the ScribzProductions channel.

If you can't see the video above, watch it on YouTube.

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Please read Sam's previous guest posts:

Celestialsam Writes
Celestialsam Writes, again
Celestialsam Writes, Part3


Please click HERE for a list of YouTubeStars posts about CelestialSam.

Labels: briennalauryn, Celestialsam, ScribzProductions, valsartdiary, ValsArtDiaryFans

posted by KennyCrane at 10/13/2007 02:16:00 AM 0 Comments

Hello readers! Here's another guest post from the lovely and talented Celestialsam. If you haven't watched yet, be sure to see her hilarious Britney lipsync and her wonderful tribute to Kris Shred.

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Ysabellabrave has gone done it again! That's right, our beloved MaryAnne has created another masterpiece, which she entitles "Baby One." All effects seen in the video are her own. It is not only a visually stunning representation of her creative talents, but a brain child of her alluring voice and countless hours of dedication. Lose yourself in her ethreal voice and; above all, don't be afraid to get up and dance!





Can't get enough of ysabellabrave? Then be sure to watch "Ysabella Brave's 100th Video!!!" It will make you laugh; it will make you cry; it will make you get on your knees and beg for more! Join MaryAnne for a trip down memory lane. Don't hesitate. Celebrate!





Back in July, TomsterMusic created one of the most heartbreaking videos I have ever seen. In his video "'FERAL CHILD' VIDEO PREMIERE (PLEASE read description)", he sings of a true story concerning a girl who was trapped in isolation and strapped to a potty-chair for approximately 13 years. When finally discovered, she could not speak and could scarcely walk. Indeeed, you will wonder "How could anyone do this?"





A talent I've recently happened upon is that of jennywillemstijn777. Jenny belts out notes so fine in her video "Me singing Crazy (Gnarles Barkley)", that she leaves Barkley in the dust! With such a powerful voice and beautiful features, one wonders if she could be YouTube's next greatest sensation!





Are you tired of today's mainstream music? Are you sick of women selling their bodies in music videos? Have you had enough of the same regurgitated lyrics that pop and rap have been degenerated to? If you can relate, watch Kaliazzura's latest video "Umbrella/Best Sella (Rihanna/Leesha Harvey) Kali Azzura". Don't forget to see the original video by LeeshaHarvey "Parody of "Umbrella" by Rihanna (aka "Best Sella").

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Please read Celestialsam's second guest post, here.

Please read Celestialsam's first guest post, here.

Labels: Celestialsam, jennywillemstijn777, Kaliazzura, TomsterMusic, Ysabellabrave

posted by KennyCrane at 9/10/2007 02:39:00 AM 1 Comments

We get Emails and YouTube Messages all the time with recommendations of videomakers to write about, here on YouTubeStars. In this post, I'll show videos by some people that we have recently received messages about. If you know anyone who you think we should write about, email Kenny (KennyCrane AT bellsouth DOT net) or comment on this post.

But first, The News! Tomorrow, Monday the 23rd of July, YouTube joins with CNN to host the first of two presidential debates. This one is for the Democrat candidates (Republicans debate on 9/17) and will be held in Charleston, S.C. and moderated by Anderson Cooper. It will be shown on CNN at 7 PM Eastern time. CNN will chose the questions for the debate from nearly 3000 videoclips submitted to YouTube over the last several weeks. Read more at YouTube, the LA Times, the Hollywood Reporter, and USA Today.

Here's a few comments on this week's YouTube Top 100 Chart. ArtieTSMITW moved up one position this week, adding 457 new subscribers. By now, you may have seen him in the new Geico commercial playing on Fox News and elsewhere. (He talks about the commercial in this video.) Congrats on that, Brandon! Vlogolution is up 16 spots and rockongoodpeople is up 9. Read more about rockongoodpeople, here. The Top Ten is usually fairly stable, but this week saw a lot of movement. Esmeedenters moved into the top 4, and HappySlip and LisaNova both moved up two spots. Check out the entire chart here.


Everybody Loves Kris

Here's a great video that I heard about in a message from CelestialSam. It's a tribute video to KrisShred in honor of his 1000th subscriber and one year anniversary of YouTube membership. Sam starts off with a great introduction, then there are clips from many other YouTubers. Check it out!


If you can't see the video above, watch it on YouTube.


Through The Fire And Flames - AGAIN!

I recently received an email from Jackie DiMarzo who asked if I would like to see an "excellent guitarist." The guitarist mentioned was longestsoloever, also known as Dean DiMarzo (visit his myspace). I checked him out and he IS an excellent guitarist! Watch this video where he plays two tracks from Dragonforce's "Through the Fire and Flames." This is a remake of his earlier very successful video of the same song. Rock on, Dean!


If you can't see the video above, watch it on YouTube.


TheHill88 Song

A recent email from Dave complemented us on this blog and asked us to have a look at suicidefriendly. Dave was musician behind MGM's "Playing with Myself" video, a version of which appears on the SuicideFriendly channel. He also did a Theme song for DigitalSoul and this tribute song to Caitlin, theHill88. Check out this nice tribute to a cool YouTubeStar!


If you can't see the video above, watch it on YouTube.


Bohemian Rhapsody - Ukulele Bartt

Another recent email came from UkuleleBart. He also liked this blog but said that he had not seen any ukulele players mentioned here. He went on to say that there are "lots of pretty interesting ukers on YouTube." I checked out Bart's profile and found his songs to be interesting! Here's a cover of Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody" for your viewing and listening pleasure.


If you can't see the video above, watch it on YouTube.



Letting Go (original)

Back in May, I got an email from Esko about a 17 year old German girl who sings in a second language - English. The email linked to this video. The girl who sings, plays and wrote the song is Alex; she goes by the YouTube name of xyly. Alex has 4 other videos on YouTube but this is the only original. Enjoy it; I did!


If you can't see the video above, watch it on YouTube.

Labels: ArtieTSMITW, Celestialsam, KrisShred, longestsoloever, suicidefriendly, TheHill88, UkuleleBart, xyly

posted by KennyCrane at 7/23/2007 01:06:00 AM 0 Comments

I think it's fair to say that CelestialSam is one of the nicest young ladies on YouTube. She always has nice things to say in her comments on other people's videos and she makes classy, enthusiastic and positive videos that are entertaining and fun to watch.

Here's a few items of Sam trivia from one of her websites:
"I aspire to become an professional actress. I am a serious firearm enthusiast. I eat healthy organic food. Main staples: palak paneer, pad thai, baba ghannouj, and spinach fattoush." Mmmmmmm, sounds delicious!

Sam likes to help to promote other videomakers by sending out bulletins and featuring singers' songs in her videos (like KrisShred and YsabellaBrave). She also promotes others by writing about them. This is the second time she has been a guest poster here at YouTubeStars. After you read this, please check out her first guest post. Thanks!


Daddy (Original)

Gijs a.k.a. TheTroubadourJacobs is an exceptionally talented one-man-band. His lyrics will have you tapping your toes and laughing out loud. His smooth voice and unique sound will have you begging for more. In one of his more recent videos, "Daddy," Gijs jokingly sings about his less-than-admirable father figure: "He's a beercan artist, stacks them up from the floor; every week a diffrent shape, he's got a bilion or more." Be sure not to miss any of his whimsical performances!


If you can't see the video above, watch it on YouTube.


A Question To My Gentelmen

sistaspooky1013 recently posted a poem of her own composition which she reads in a recent video titled "A Question To My Gentleman." Sit back, close your eyes and listen to her beautiful, soft and sultry voice enchant, intrigue and inform you of "how to take a woman far."


If you can't see the video above, watch it on YouTube.


James (new original song!)

MaryAnne a.k.a. ysabellabrave has released her first actual self-edited and original music video entitled "James." Listen to and savor her angelic voice and indulge in her ethereal beauty. Let her video transport you to a place of solace.


If you can't see the video above, watch it on YouTube.


Greg's HOT Sister.

Enjoy Kate's a.k.a. Katers17's video "Greg's HOT Sister." In it, Kate is put to the task of watching after Greg's sister after a kitchen ladle incident. When she arrives, Kate realizes she's Greg's hot sister isn't quite what she had envisioned. Whatever will she do? Watch to find out!


If you can't see the video above, watch it on YouTube.

Labels: Celestialsam, katers17, sistaspooky1013, TheTroubadourJacobs, Ysabellabrave

posted by KennyCrane at 7/14/2007 12:50:00 AM 0 Comments

If this is your first time here, welcome to YouTubeStars -- one of the best and longest running blogs about YouTube videos and videomakers. Usually KennyWrites the posts here, but one time Urgelt wrote a guest post. Today, Celestialsam writes about three videos she has enjoyed.

But first, the news. VenetianPrincess has started an interactive period-style murder mystery video series. She sets up the story in her video and wants other videomakers to get involved. I think this sounds like a lot of fun! Check out the first video and see what YOU can do to continue the story.

The Zimmers, that geriatric singing group from the UK that includes Geriatric1927, is releasing its first song on Monday May 28th. As you may know by now, the song is The Who's anthem, "My Generation". You can see the video for the song on our YouTube Top 100 Weekly Chart.

Following this introductory text and video is the post by guest writer, Celestialsam. Sam is YouTube's queen of lipsync videos. She delights her fans regularly with her charming performances of an eclectic range of musical numbers. But Sam is a talented writer too. Have a look at poetry she recently posted on one of her websites; it's quite good! Here is one of Sam's most recent lipsync masterpieces:

Oh, Bunny


If you can't see the video above, watch it on YouTube.

Okay, let's see a few of Sam's recent video picks!



Star in our Eyes

Andreas a.k.a. AericWinter of Germany has just recently released a new tribute to his lovely girlfriend, Liv. His video "Star in our Eyes" is jam-packed with exquisite photos of Liv herself and a behind the scenes look at how each graceful pose was captured. Move over Gwyneth Paltrow, indeed! Liv's classic elegance is sweet eye-candy.


If you can't see the video above, watch it on YouTube.


Yellow Coldplay Cover

patman2112 has done a remarkably tantalizing cover of Coldplay's "Yellow." Nichole's enticing gesticulations and soulful voice combined with Patrick's flawless strumming will hypnotize and mystify you. Be sure not to miss their video "Yellow Coldplay Cover".


If you can't see the video above, watch it on YouTube.


Lean On Me (Bill Withers Cover) feat. Aleisha & Lauri :-)

For the very first time, Kris Shred, Aleisha Russel, and her daughter, Lauri come together in Heidelberg, Germany and unite to perform a delightful cover of Bill Withers' "Lean on Me" that's sure to bring a smile to your face. Stay tuned to the very end for Lauri's special surprise ending of "Lean on Me (Bill Withers Cover) feat. Aleisha & Lauri :-)".


If you can't see the video above, watch it on YouTube.

Labels: AericWinter, Celestialsam, Geriatric1927, KrisShred, Patman2112, VenetianPrincess, Zimmers

posted by KennyCrane at 5/28/2007 03:11:00 AM 1 Comments