BWU AWARDS 2012: Rihanna, Gotye, Frank Ocean, and One Direction Lead Nominations!

After a one year hiatus, the 2012 BWU Awards are back!

Voting goes until December 30th, but don't let that stop you from choosing your favorite music from the past year now!

Pop queen Rihanna scored seven nominations, the most this year, for her latest album Unapologetic and "Take Care", her duet with Drake. Australian indie artist Gotye ties her with seven nods, all spawned from his monster hit "Somebody That I Used To Know".

This year's breakout Frank Ocean scored six nominations, including Artist of the Year, for his landmark debut album (and future Grammy nominee) channel ORANGE.

British boy band behemoth One Direction also scored six nominations for their debut album Up All Night. Also claiming six nominations is Adele, thanks to her James Bond soundtrack smash "Skyfall".

On the international front, British girl group Girls Aloud score four nominations for "Something New".

In order to vote, just used the embedded form below (keep scrolling until you reach the submit button), or click this link: http://bit.ly/WLqJAH

Thanks so much for continuing to support BWU!

Facebook Exclusive! Download "Top 25 Singles of 2010" Mixtape on New Years Day!

I have a special treat for those who are fans of my blog's Facebook page!

Starting at 12AM tonight, you will be able to download a special mixtape I created with all of the songs from my "Top 25 Singles of 2010" list I made. The mixtape includes songs by Usher, Kylie Minogue, Rihanna, Eminem, and more. As an added bonus, I've included five extra songs that should have been on the list had I extra space, and then a song that's just one of my favorites.

In order to download it (for free), all you have to do is like my Facebook page, and the link will be there! You can either like the page in this blog's sidebar, or you can go to the page itself, at http://www.facebook.com/bwublog. The mixtape will only be up for New Year's Day, so don't miss out!

Don't forget that tonight at 12:15 AM will also be the unveiling of the 2010 BWU Award winners on the Facebook page, so don't miss out!

Have a wonderful New Year's Eve, and I hope you will be celebrating with me on Facebook!

BWU's Coming to Facebook!

Blame my Server-Side Web Programming class, blame my desire to reinvigorate my blog, blame it on the alcohol (not really).

Whatever you choose to blame, it is the reason why I have decided to bring my blog to Facebook!

BWU now has a Facebook page, so you can always keep up with what's going in with the blog, even when you don't visit it! The page will be updated with all of the blog's posts, and will have some exclusive content as well (meaning you have to join the page to see what's happening there. Trust me, it's worth it).

If you have enjoyed the blog so far, then please hop over to Facebook and join up! Heck, as a plus, you even get to know me a bit better!

The Facebook support is only the first step to taking my blog into a new and even more successful year!

The Facebook badge is on the sidebar of the blog, so just click the Like button and you're all set!

Thanks again for all of your support as I enter the third year of BWU!

- Brandon Lewis

I'm On Tumblr!

To change things up a bit, I have decided to join Tumblr!

No, I'm not quitting BWU at all. In fact, I'm hoping Tumblr will enhance the experience. For those who want to know a little bit more about my life, then you can head over to my Tumblr blog lifeofbl.tumblr.com

Some of my BWU posts will be up there, but it's mostly what's happening in my own life.

If you're so inclined, take a look, even follow me. If you have one, I'll follow you back. I'm still working on it, so don't be surprised if it a mess.

To all my readers, thanks so much for sticking with me as long as you have. Trust me, it's nowhere near over :)

I'm Back....

After a pretty long, self-imposed hiatus, I can surely say that I am back to writing on Best, Worst, and UNbelievable!


I decided to take a break to get re-adjusted to life at college, but I found myself full of stuff I wanted to write (a lot happened since the end of January). Plus, this month marks the blog's two year anniversary, so it's a better time than never to begin writing again.

As a reminder, the blog's fancy new URL is www.brandonsbestworst.com. If you haven't updated your bookmarks, you definitely should. If you have any questions, opinions about my posts, suggestions, or anything you would like to know, feel free to email me at brandon@brandonsbestworst.com. I always look forward to hearing any kind of feedback.

To my readers who have kept with the blog, thank you SO much for your support, and it is truly great to be back!

Brandon Lewis

UPDATE YOUR BOOKMARKS/LINKS TO WWW.BRANDONSBESTWORST.COM!

It took me nearly two years, but I FINALLY have my own custom domain!

No more having to enter the ridiculously long name!

The new web address is http://brandonsbestworst.com!

It's the beginning of some MAJOR changes at BWU!

Follow Me On Twitter!

As you may have noticed, the amount of posts I have written has significantly decreased in the last few months. Honestly, I haven't been able to find much time to do so.

I have found a solution, though.

I have revived my Twitter account, where I will be doing mini-blog posts, in real-time, about major events.

I will still be blogging regularly, including my Download of the Day and my recent "Jackomania" posts. But, my instant thoughts on the small events will be on Twitter.

You can find updates on the top of the blog, under "Twitter Updates". Or, you can visit my Twitter at www.twitter.com/blewis1103

If you have your own Twitter and want to respond, please do so and I will reply back as soon as possible.

Thanks to all of those who have continued following me in the last year.

I'm Back... Again

Its been a very quiet week at BWU, but for good reason.

My laptop crashed on Tuesday, which was a huge buzzkill. It also made catching up on the work I had to do incredibly difficult. So, I decided to take a break from the blog.

My usual post patterns will return in February, but I will still be around, writing about the REALLY big stuff (especially Obama's inauguration come Tuesday).

Drop me a line at brandonbwu@gmail.com.

That's a lot for your continued support!

Brandon

Blog and Website Revamp Plans for 2009!

I hope all of my readers had a great holiday!

If you're wondering where I have been, I am currently planning a MASSIVE changing of both the blog and the website. February 28th will be one-yea blog anniversary, so I want to celebrate it accordingly.

The first major change will be arriving this coming week. I have officially moved the BWU Website to Google Sites. Everything, including the BWU Chart (formerly the BWU Hot 40), will be moved to the new website, with a tentative debut date of tomorrow (the date of the BWU Awards announcements).

All though its not complete, if you want to take a preview, visit this website (don't forget to bookmark/favorite it: it's an unattractive URL): http://sites.google.com/site/thebestworstandunbelievable/

The blog won't be moving, but it will see some big changes, layout-wise. I'm also planning a few blog specials too, so definitely keep a look out.

I would like to thank everyone for reading and enjoying my stuff this year. It's been a lot of fun.

Looking forward to '09!

BWU Hot 40: Lady GaGa's #1!

On this week's BWU Hot 40, Lady GaGa becomes the second artist in chart history to debut at #1, with "Just Dance". She dethrones Whitney Houston, whose buzz single "Like I Never Left" falls to #2. Danity Kane's "Bad Girl" moves up to #4 this week after debuting at #10 last week.

"A Little Bit Longer", the Jonas Brothers song about Nick's diabetes, moves up 14 spots to #6, with the release of the single. Their highest charting single, "Burnin' Up", falls to #11. They also see another song debut, 3rd single "Tonight" at #33.

The second highest debut of the week is Secondhand Serenade's "Fall For You" which enters at #12. Other debuts this week include Duffy's 4th UK single "Stepping Stone" and Seal of Approval song "All Summer Long" by Kid Rock.

To see the full chart, visit the BWU Website at http://www.freewebs.com/brandonbestworst

The BWU Awards Process Begins!

I have always wanted to create my own awards, and now with my own blog and website, I finally can!

The BWU Awards honor the Best, the Worst, and the UNbelievable (get it, lol) of music, movies, and other aspects of pop culture.

Although the awards won't take place until later this year, I have begun putting together the categories and even the shortlist for the music awards. The website now includes a page dedicate to the BWU Awards!

The first major aspect is the music. By the end of the year, I should have a ton of songs that have charted on the Hot 40, and many of those songs (plus songs from earlier in the year when the list didn't exist) will be up for many of the awards, including the big one, Single of the Year.

You can check out the list by going to the website and checking out the awards page, click here. If you have potential nominees for any of the awards, just email me at brandonbwu@gmail.com!

BWU Hot 25 Becomes Hot 40!

I have decided to extend the BWU Hot 25 to 40, to match how many songs are in my "Flavor of the Moment" playlist on iTunes.

For now, the certification rules remain the same.

Remember, the Hot 40 is still at the BWU Website, http://www.freewebs.com/brandonbestworst.

A BIG Thank You!

This month, my blog hit 7,000 visits from 100 countries!

I want to, again, thank EVERYONE who has visited and continues to visit. It really means a lot!

Thank again for all of your support!

Brandon Lewis

A New BWU Website!

Just wanted to let everyone know that I have relaunched the Best, Worst, UNbelievable website on a server!

Unfortunately, Googlepages hasn't been working weel, so I have decided to move the website to Freewebs!

The new website address is http://www.freewebs.com/brandonbestworst

This new website will include new features, such as the BWU Investigations page. The BWU Hot 25 will also be posted there.

Don't forget to check it out!

BWU Hot 25: Rihanna Remains On Top; Katy Perry Soars

I have just update my new chart, BWU Hot 25, and there are some BIG moves.

Rihanna remains on top of the chart with "Disturbia", although my interest in the song is waning. I wouldn't expect another week at #1 for the Bajan pop star.

Interest did help Katy Perry, whose hit single "I Kissed A Girl" flew up 10 spots to #6. An appearance on CW11's 11 o'clock news and her Top 5 placement on the Hot 100 helped really pique my interest in the song. Its gaining more plays on my iPod, so it will continue moving up next week.

Another big jump is also responsible to interest; Lil' Wayne's "Lollipop". I originally despised the song, but thanks to my iPod Radio Remote and Miss Jones on Hot 97, I have begun to kinda sorta like it. Also, news that Wayne's new album Tha Carter III may sell over 900,000 copies this week has really got me re-examining my disinterest in the "greatest rapper alive".

Following Rihanna at #2 is Coldplay's "Viva La Vida", which is becoming a must-play for me. Plus, I have heard parts of their upcoming album, and its looking to be VERY good.

The highest debut is Solange's "I Decided" at #4. She was chosen as "Download of the Day" this week, and her song (and video) are one of my favorites so far this month.

Wanna see the whole chart (like who had the biggest drop)?

Visit the BWU Hot 25 page on my website (the link is on the top and left side of the blog)

If you have any ideas on how to improve the Hot 25, email me at brandonbwu@gmail.com.

I'm Back (For Real)!

Well, the break is over!

I, Brandon Lewis, am returning to blogging. I still have a lot of stuff on my plate, but I missed blogging WAY too much.

I will definitely try to make up for lost time.

I'm Back! Sort of.....

I couldn't stay away for too long, huh?

My self-imposed hiatus isn't exactly what I had planned. It turns out that I missed blogging terribly, and I ended up writing at least 10 posts in my head yesterday.

I am still not completely able to come back, but I will be making a post here and there. Ryan will still be my full replacement until at least June 20th.

While I had my day off yesterday, I put together the beginning of the BWU Website (now linked on the left). I haven't decided exactly what I will use it for, but it will definitely be used.

One new feature the website will house is the BWU HOT 25 Music Chart. Consider it a Hot 100, except by me.Every Thursday, I will update the chart and make a post about it. That is one of the guaranteed posts I will make. The link is also on the left side of the blog.

For those missing my Download of the Day posts, you can always go back to them through the "DOTD" label. If it's requested (either through commenting on this post or emailing brandonbwu@gmail.com), I will try and make one.

Thanks again for all of the support, and I hope you enjoy what my friend Ryan has to offer this blog for the next few weeks.

BTW: If you have a blog and you are interested in guest-posting on another blog, go on over to Ryan's blog and joing the Blog Carnival '08, starting up in July!

From,

Brandon Lewis

New Change of Hands...

So, while Brandon is out taking a little break, he has left his beloved blog to me. My name is Ryan and I run the blog "A Collision of Thoughts" and I'm one of Brandon's best friends. Now, I'm not per se into the whole media and celebrity scene, but I will do my best to keep you guys interested and coming back for more.

Anyways, I'm now taking suggestions: What would you guys like to see here? Leave me a comment and I'll see what I can do for you lot. In the event that I don't get any suggestions, you all well get a taste of the shows and movies that I enjoy. Brandon feels that you guys should get exposed to different ideas and content and trust me, it shall be quite the adventure.

I look forward to seeing where all of this goes.

To My Readers...

Thank you all for your support!

A lot of things have come in my life as the school year draws to a close. A lot of issues in my life need serious attention. For that reason, I will be taking a break from blogging for an unknown period of time.

If you need to contact me, send me a email at blewis1103@gmail.com.

Thanks again for the 4,000+ readers I have had from over 90 countries around the world!

New Blog Features!

As I get more acquainted with blogging (I'm doing pretty good for a high schooler, huh?), I'll be adding a lot more features to the site.

The latest in my "Music of the Moment", where people can stream my current favorite songs. Unless I go nuts, it will always be at the top of the page.

For the first run, I chose "I Stay In Love" off of Mariah's latest album and "Run", a Snow Patrol cover done by Leona for Radio One Live Lounge!

Enjoy

(Any comments, questions should be directed to brandonsbestworst@blogspot.com!)