Adele Will Perform Live for the First Time Since Undergoing Vocal Cord Surgery Last Fall

“I’m immensely proud to have been asked to perform at this year’s GRAMMY Awards,” said Adele. “It’s an absolute honor to be included in such a night, and for it to be my first performance in months is very exciting and of course nerve-racking, but what a way to get back into it all.”

Two-time GRAMMY winner Adele has six nominations: Record Of The Year, Song Of The Year and Best Short Form Music Video for “Rolling In The Deep”; Album Of The Year and Best Pop Vocal Album for 21; and Best Pop Solo Performance for “Someone Like You.”

Previously announced performers for the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards include Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson ; Glen Campbell with The Band Perry and Blake Shelton ; Coldplay and Rihanna; Foo Fighters; Bruno Mars ; Paul McCartney ; Nicki Minaj; and Taylor Swift . Aldean, The Band Perry, Minaj, and Shelton will perform on the GRAMMY telecast for the first time, while Adele, Campbell, Clarkson, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Mars, McCartney, Rihanna, and Swift are returning to the GRAMMY stage. LL COOL J has hosted “The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown To Music’s Biggest Night” since its inception in December 2008, and this is his first time hosting the annual GRAMMY Awards telecast.

The 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by John Cossette Productions and AEG Ehrlich Ventures for The Recording Academy®. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, and David Wild and Ken Ehrlich are the writers.

Congratulations to Erin @emagee88, our lucky winner!  Stay tuned for  another contest we are working on!  Erin, please email your shipping info to contact.cloutandabouATgmail.com.  Thanks to all who played along!  You are some of the most loyal fans I’ve seen and Alexz is lucky to have you!

Skipping Stone EP Available for Download on January 24

Canadian born Alexz Johnson is one one the nicest  artists we have had the pleasure of interviewing.  Her music is part of our favorite playlist and the talented singer continues to create and amaze fans (like us) with her sensual and powerful voice.   We featured this talented musician in April of last year as she was about to releases her Reloaded CD and caught up with her again recently for a short chat by phone.  At the time of our interview, Alexz was in New York and had just come back from her workout.

What has she been up to lately? A whole lot, it seems.  We definitely look forward to hearing  and hopefully seeing a lot of this hard working artist in 2012.

Alexz Johnson as Photographed by Jessica Earnshaw

C&A:   Looking back at 2011, how has it been? What has kept you busy?

AJ: It was a real growth year for me, both musically and personally.  I experienced a lot of love, fear and transitioning.  I came to NY to get my visa so I could perform and work in the states.  I’ve spent a lot of the year writing for myself and also taking a stab at it with other artists.  After sitting with some of my new material, I thought it was a good time to put out an EP and try to find a way to get on tour.  These thoughts kind of revealed themselves organically. 

C&A: Tell me about the Basement Recordings on iTunes

AJ:  The Basement Recordings was an idea that my brother Brendan came up with.  We have so many demo songs that were written to potentially be on the Capitol or Epic albums, that we figured why not get them out to the fans?  We were just sitting on them.  We’re releasing The Basement Recordings Part 2 this year. 

C&A:  What inspires you these days?

AJ:   The strength in struggle, authenticity and realness. I also get super inspired from my fans.

C&A:  Do you write your own music

AJ:   I’ve been writing my own music since I was about 15.  I got used to collaborating since a young age with my brother Brendan, and enjoy working with other talented writer/producers. The end sound I often strive for is bigger than me, I find.

C&A:  What do you do to relax?

AJ:  I love doing yoga, I love hanging out with close friends and family and watching movies.  Working out for me is definitely meditation.

C&A Do you have a message for your fans?  We did notice you had a huge following in South America.

AJ: I think it’s because the show Instant Star airs there.  I also  think it’s a good year for good  pop songs there.  It’s an honor, really, and I appreciate my fans a lot.  I would love to play there some day.

I want everyone  to know how excited I am about these new songs.  My  new song  Skipping Stone has been the driving force for this next batch of songs.  I also to thank everyone  for their patience and for staying with me and that I’ll never stop doing and making music.  My fans  allow me to keep doing this.

C&A:  What does the New Year have in store for you and what can your fans look forward to?  

AJ:  I’m releasing my new Skipping Stone EP January 24th and launching my Kickstarter campaign in hopes to tour!

"It was a real growth year for me, both musically and personally" Image by Jessica Earnshaw

To celebrate the launch of this new campaign, we have a giveaway in store for Alexz’ fans right here on our blog.  A personalized and autographed POSTER from Alex Johnson will go to one lucky fan. We will also include a signed/autographed copy of Reloaded  / Voodoo Remix Collection.

Entering the giveaway is simple.

1.  Follow Us On Twitter:  Tweet the following “I hope to win @CloutandAbout’s giveaway of a personalized and signed poster from @AlexzJohnson”.  Share the link to your tweet on the comment section of this post.

2.  LIKE us on Facebook and comment on our Facebook post, tell us which of Alexz’ song is your favorite

3.  Comment on this post and tell us why you would love to win this Poster and CD giveaway.

We will draw the winner on Sunday, January 23rd, the day before Skipping Store will be available for download.

Best of luck and spread the love for the music of this exceptional and gifted artist.