Sultry singer-songwriter Melody Gardot has had an extraordinary journey over the last few years. When Gardot was 19 years old, she was riding her bike through an intersection and was hit by a car that ran through a red light. The accident fractured her pelvis, damaged her spine, and left her hypersensitive to light and sound. During her recovery, she discovered music as a form of therapy, even recording and releasing tracks while still in the hospital. Gardot says that being on stage is the only time when she does not feel any pain. "It was addictive," she recalls about her first few performances.

Now 25 and a global phenomenon, her upcoming album The Absence reflects her time spent travelling the globe in support of her two previous releases, Worrisome Heart and My One and Only Thrill. After exploring the deserts of Morocco, the tango bars of Buenos Aires, the beaches of Brazil, and the streets of Lisbon, the Philadelphia-based artist captured the essence of these exotic locales in her new music.

The Absence, due May 29th on Jazz label Verve Records, was recorded with Heitor Pereira, best known for his work as a film composer (Despicable Me, It's Complicated) and as a world-class session guitarist for artists like Sting, Seal, and Caetano Veloso. Gardot recently unveiled beautiful teaser clips for both the album and the lead single, "Mira."

For more on Melody Gardot and her inspirational story, visit her official site at melodygardot.com. The Absence is available for pre-order now on Amazon.

Scotty McCreery made his triumphant return to the American Idol stage last night with a performance of his brand new single, "Water Tower Town." Afterwards, the season 10 winner was presented with a Platinum plaque from Interscope Geffen A&M Records Chairman, Jimmy Iovine, commemorating 1 million in sales for his debut album,Clear As Day.

Scotty can also be heard on this season of Idol as the voice of the official 'Goodbye Song' with his cover of Tim McGraw's "Please Remember Me" (available now on iTunes). The track can be heard during the video that plays at the end of each elimination episode, and is streaming now on Soundcloud.

Fans can vote for Scotty as the ACM New Artist of the Year by heading over to www.VoteACM.com until Sunday, April 1st, when the award show will broadcast live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas at 8:00pm EST/PST on CBS. For more of the latest news, visit his official site at scottymccreery-official.com. Clear As Day is available now on iTunes.

American Idol's Lauren Alaina stopped by The Today Show on NBC this week to perform her hit single, "Georgia Peaches." The rising Country star has been busy promoting her debut album,Wildflower, which debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200 and peaked at #2 on the Country Album charts. She also appeared on Fox & Friends Sunday and ABC News Now for exclusive interviews about her buzzing career.

The busy singer has just wrapped up the 'My Kinda Party' Arena Tour with Jason Aldean, and will be one of two opening acts for select cities on the highly anticipated 'In The Hands Of The Fans' Tour with Sugarland in May. For a complete list of dates and ticket details, visit Lauren's official site at laurenalainaofficial.com.

It would be an understatement to say that British duo Graffiti6 have started 2012 with a bang. After releasing their US debut album Colours in January, Graffiti6 already have a tour under their belt, a single in the Top 10 at AAA radio and a new title of Vh1's "You Oughta Know" artist. There is no slowing down in sight for lead singer Jamie Scott and producer Tommy D as they have just announced a 22-city tour this spring with Eric Hutchinson.

Get to know what all the buzz is about by watching the band's recent performance for You Oughta Know Live. The guys treated fans to an intimate performance of their single, "Free," plus standout track "Stare Into The Sun." Jamie even sat down behind the piano and showcased his silky vocals on "Over You."

For more information visit www.graffiti6.com and Vh1's 5 Reasons To Get To Know Graffiti6.

Fresh off the heels of announcing both a headlining tour and a set of opening dates for Marilyn Manson, The Pretty Reckless have just unveiled the brand new, 5 track Hit Me Like a Man EP. The EP will feature three new songs including "Under The Water," "Cold Blooded" and the title track, "Hit Me Like a Man," as well as live renditions of "Make Me Wanna Die" and "Since You're Gone" (recorded at London's Hammersmith Apollo in November of last year).

Hit Me Like a Man EP will be available today through iTunes, and will be sold in stores and on the road beginning April 3rd (full tour schedule below). The Taylor Momsen fronted band also recently unveiled a new video for "You," the vulnerable closing track from their debut album, Light Me Up.

For more on the The Pretty Reckless, including ticket information for all shows, visit their official site at theprettyreckless.com.

Electronic dance music veteran Paul van Dyk recently premiered the official music video for his new song, "Verano." The video combines futuristic, animated visuals with shots of a spaceman trekking across the desert. "Verano" features Miami DJ/producer Austin Leeds, and will appear on Van Dyk's sixth studio album, EVOLUTION, due March 20th on Vandit.

Paul just wrapped a short US tour, and will be appearing at the Ice Palace in Miami for the upcoming Winter Music Conference on March 24th. "Verano" is available for free download using the widget below. For more on Paul Van Dyk, visit his official site, Facebook, and Twitter.

will.i.am is going hard with a brand new, club ready remix of his hit single "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)." The track comes courtesy of LA based DJ/producer Z-Trip, who has provided official remixes for Far East Movement, Beastie Boys, and Daft Punk. "I was really stoked when asked to do this remix." said Z-Trip. "It's will.I.am & Mick Jagger & Wolfgang Gartner & Z-Trip! Sounds like a new supergroup to me."

"T​.​H​.​E. (Z​-​Trip Remix)" (which works off of Wolfgang Gartner's remix, "Go Home") is available for streaming at the DJ's official Bandcamp, and the original track is available on iTunes. will.i.am's forthcoming album, #WILLPOWER, is due this Spring. For more, visit will.i.am's official website at dipdive.com.

Acoustic pop duo Brandon Jenner and Leah Felder have been making music together since high school in their hometown of Malibu, CA. The pair capture a summertime spirit in their music that's influenced by life in the coastal surf town: "We never went to clubs," says Leah. "We just went to the beach to have fun, and that's what we wanted our music to reflect."

Brandon & Leah's self-produced debut album (due later this year) showcases the duo's bright sound, filled with ukulele and acoustic guitar, Caribbean-flavored beats, and Leah's honeyed lead vocals. MTV.com's Buzzworthy Blog recently premiered the official video for "Life Happens," the first offering from the album. Produced by Funk Factory Films (Aloe Blacc, Gogol Bordello) and filmed in the mountains and beaches of Southern California, the clip makes for a perfect companion to the sun-filled track.

"Life Happens" is available now on iTunes. For more information on Brandon & Leah, visit their official site at brandonandleah.com and find them on Facebook for the latest updates.

JoJo has just unveiled a brand new remix of her single "Disaster," accompanied by a revamped, extended version of the original video for the song. The track was remixed by DJ Kue, who's offered up official remixes for the likes of Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, and Rihanna.

"I'm excited to present to you the DJ Kue version of my 'Disaster' video," says JoJo. "I love this remix and hope you will enjoy it too." The song is one of 5 remixes that will be featured on a new EP due out on March 6th. JoJo's new album,Jumping Trains, is due this Spring.

For more on JoJo, visit her official site at www.jojoonline.com.

Shane Harper is celebrating both Valentine's Day and his 19th Birthday today with the official release of his self-titled debut album. The young star recently unveiled the music video for his latest single, "Rocketship," which is featured on the new album along with "One Step Closer" and 10 other tracks.

Harper's debut, which is streaming in full at the exclusive Pop Crush listening party, is out now on Deep Well Records (launched by Glee & Rock of Ages Executive Music Producer, Adam Anders) and is available only at any Target.

For more on Shane and his new album, visit his official site at www.shaneharper.com, as well as his Facebook and Twitter.