Nickelodeon Boyband "Big Time Rush" Hoping To Visit The UK And Germany Again During Summer 2012

Nickelodeon and "Big Time Rush" star Carlos Pena, Jr (Carlos Garcia) has announced in this "Big Time Rush" interview with iVillage UK that the Nickelodeon boyband "Big Time Rush" have plans to and are hoping to visit the UK and Germany again during Summer 2012 to perform a few big shows for UK Rushers (UK fans of "Big Time Rush") and German Rushers (German "Big Time Rush" fans):

How are you feeling about 2012?

James Maslow: this is our year, I really think so. This is when were really going out there trot play our first headline tours, we’re going to film the third series of Big Time Rush, the movie’s coming out, we’re working on Beatles stuff. I really believe that the past three years of work have led up to this year.

Carlos Pena, Jr: ...And we’re hopefully going to come out here and Germany this summer and do some big shows.

You can ready iVillage UK's exclusive interview with the "Big Time Rush" band members James Maslow (James Diamond) and Carlos Pena, Jr in full here on the official iVillage UK website, iVillage.co.uk.

Nickelodeon Boyband "Big Time Rush" Talks To 'iVillage UK' About BTR, "Big Time Movie", One Direction, The Beatles And Breaking Reality

From iVillage UK:

Big Time Rush talk One Direction, The Beatles and breaking reality

You might not be familiar with Big Time Rush, but tweens can't get enough of them. The US boy band's eponymous TV show is one of Nickelodeon's highest ranking, and the four boys who were cast as on-screen bandmates have outgrown their mould, becoming a bonafide hit-making pop group with a gold debut album under their belts... not to mention a collaboration with Snoop Dogg (yes, true), writing credits with OneRepublic and millions of fans worldwide...

I met one half of the band - Carlos (far left) and James (far right) - in a quiet bar at the Mayfair hotel, where they were flicking through a magazine and chatting about Cher Lloyd's 'interesting look'. Between discussing the inevitable Jonas Brothers comparison and second-hand Adele anecdotes, the boys share their excitement for 2012 - the year that sees them release a coming-of-age second album and feature-length film, and embark on a US headline tour with support from the UK's boyband du jour - One Direction...

Because of the TV boyband link, Big Time Rush have been compared to the Jonas Brothers, how do you feel about that?

Carlos Pena, Jr: We’re not trying to be like any other boy band, we’re paving our own way and trying to become something special and unique but if we could have half as much success as the Jo bros had, I’d be happy!

James Maslow: Not to mention they’re the nicest guys. We’ve had extensive conversations with them and I’ve never heard anything negative come out of their mouths.

Carlos Pena, Jr: I truly admire Nick [Jonas] because he’s basically doing what I want to do – he did Jo bros, he did Broadway, he came here and did the West End. Seeing someone play a stadium full of people then do Les Mis [Les Misérables/The Miserable Ones] in the West End – for me that’s some true art.

So how does it work if, like the Jonas Brothers, you want to pursue individual endeavours?

James Maslow: Right now all of our focus is on Big Time Rush - there’s no time to do individual projects, even if we wanted to . In the future, maybe when we get some time off from the TV show, we will do other stuff. We all started as individual artists, we were all actors and singers in our own rights. But as long as our fans want us around we’ll continue to play shows.

We're seeing a lot of older bands like Backstreet Boys and NKOTB make a return. Do you think it's a good time for boy bands?

Carlos Pena, Jr: What I’m finding special is there’s always a time for different types of music, [in the '90s] boy bands were huge - and Spice Girls had the girl groups. And I feel like the past 10/15 years have been about solo artists. I’m excited to see - in the next few years - who is the next Backstreet or ‘N Sync - it’s getting to that point again.

You filmed Big Time Movie at the end of last year, some of it is set in London, did you film over here?

James Maslow: We were supposed to film over here but - I think for budgetary reasons – they kept us in Vancouver.

Carlos Pena, Jr: I love Canada but six weeks in London would have been awesome!

James Maslow: We had sets - like Victoria. You tell me when you see the movie but i think it looks like London.

You covered Beatles songs for the film, were you already fans?

James Maslow: We all were fans before we covered their songs and once we covered them and realised the intricacy of what they did we had so much more respect.

Carlos Pena, Jr: The only person I know that has recently done live tracking and sung in one take, like The Beatles, was Adele. We did a song with [OneRepublic's] Ryan Tedder who also wrote Rumour Has It – which she did in one take and was like ‘ok, sounds good, I’m done, let’s put it on the record.’

James Maslow: That’s unfair Adele, let me put that out there: you sing too well.

You’re touring the US with One direction at the end of the year, are you familiar with them?

James Maslow: We just met them, in Germany, before we came over here. They’re cool guys.

Carlos Pena, Jr: I really feel like being 21 and 22 in the States is the same as 17 to 19 over here. We weren’t sure how it was going to be because they’re younger than us, but they’re just like us, we’ve all had the same experiences. So it’s going to be a fun tour, I’m excited.

James Maslow: I think all of our fans will be fans of theirs, and if they aren’t I think they will become so. I’d like to think maybe we can do something with them at some point over here in the UK.

What makes Big Time Rush successful?

James Maslow: I think that a lot of it is to do with the chemistry we have. It took two years to cast, it ended up with us four and I’m not sure that it really would have worked with another combination.

Carlos Pena, Jr: We could have just been four boys on a TV show who get given music, record it, throw out some albums, perform here and there and call it a day. But instead we sat down and were like let’s make this a real band. This next album is us being Big Time Rush, we wrote almost every song on the album - which nobody expected the four boys they cast to ever do.

How are you feeling about 2012?

James Maslow: this is our year, I really think so. This is when were really going out there trot play our first headline tours, we’re going to film the third series of Big Time Rush, the movie’s coming out, we’re working on Beatles stuff. I really believe that the past three years of work have led up to this year.

Carlos Pena, Jr: ...And we’re hopefully going to come out here and Germany this summer and do some big shows.

Big Time Rush's second studio album, Elevate, was release in the UK 6th Feb 2012. Watch Big Time Rush, Saturdays at 5.30pm on Nickelodeon - nick.co.uk/bigtimerush.

Also, posted by Nickelodeon UK and Ireland's Press Office on their official Twitter profile page (@NickelodeonUKPR):

It's definitely #BigTimeRush fever in the UK atm [at the moment], check out their juicy interview on iVillage! http://www.ivillage.co.uk/big-time-rush-talk-one-direction-the-beatles-and-breaking-reality/144513

Nickelodeon Boyband "Big Time Rush" Complete Their Winter 2012 European Tour; BTR Head Back To The USA

According to band members of Big Time Rush and Nickelodeon UK and Ireland on their official Twitter profile feeds, after Big Time Rush's short Winter 2012 European tour, where they visited Germany and Britain to meet German Rushers (German "Big Time Rush" fans) and UK Rushers (UK fans of "Big Time Rush") between the end of January 2012 and Tuesday 7th February 2012, the Nickelodeon stars and cast & band members of the hit Nickelodeon show and boyband "Big Time Rush" have had to say goodbye to Europe again and are now flying back to Los Angeles, California, USA:

Posted by Nickelodeon UK and Ireland on their official Twitter profile page (@NickelodeonUK):

@bigtimerush are jetting bk home:( Come bk soon boys! To cheer u up heres a pic of them hanging out with @onedirection http://twitter.com/NickelodeonUK/status/166919815649431552/photo/1 - 4.22pm Tuesday 7th February 2012

Awesome pic! - 5.37pm Tuesday 7th February 2012

THANKS! Super UK & US boybands together - aah! - 5.37pm Tuesday 7th February 2012

Also, posted by "Big Time Rush" star and band member James Maslow (James Diamond) on his official Twitter profile page (@jamesmaslow):

Last day in the UK. Hitting up some radio then hopping back across the pond! It's been a good trip but it's always nice to go home, xoxo, JM - 8.25am Tuesday 7th February 2012

Flight to the US means nap time for me. Its 2:30 in the afternoon...is "goodnight" still an appropriate expression? Eh, good afternoon. ;) - 2.27pm Tuesday 7th February 2012

Also, posted by "Big Time Rush" star and band member Logan Henderson (Logan Mitchell) on his official Twitter profile page (@1LoganHenderson):

Had a great time in Europe but it's time to get back to L.A.! Better With You Tour coming sooooon! - 1.53pm - Tuesday 7th February 2012

@NickelodeonUK - We miss you already! - 4.19pm Tuesday 7th February 2012.

Nickelodeon Israel Launches Nick Jr. Channel Israel

According to this Nickelodeon News article C21Media, Nickelodeon's Israeli channel, Nickelodeon Israel, today (Tuesday 7th February 2012) launched a Israeli Nick Jr. channel, Nick Jr. Channel Israel, which will broadcast 24 hours a day with Hebrew-language programming and carry series such popular Nickelodeon Preschool shows as "Dora the Explorer" and "Go, Diego, Go!":

Nick Jr heads for Israel

Preschool channel Nick Jr launched in Israel today, after a joint-venture deal secured by its owner Viacom International Media Networks [VIMN].

The channel will air 24 hours a day with Hebrew-language programming and carry series such as Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go!

The channel will be carried by cable operator Hot to 900,000 Israeli households targeting under-fives. It is a joint-venture between Viacom and its partner in the region, Ananey Communications.

Viacom launched the main Nickelodeon channel in Israel in 2003 and it has since become the top children’s channel in the territory, according to Viacom.

Clive Whittingham
07-02-2012
©C21Media

Also, from Kidscreen:

Viacom launches Nick Jr. in Israel

Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN), with its local partner Ananey Communications, launched 24-hour preschool kidsnet Nick Jr. yesterday in Israel via cable operator HOT and will be seen in 900,000 Israeli households.

Series in the programming lineup include Dora the Explorer, Blue's Clues, Go! Diego, Go!, Bubble Guppies, The WonderPets! and Team Umizoomi.

Nickelodeon debuted in Israel in 2003 and is now the number-one children’s channel in the country. The Nick Jr. launch further adds to VIMN’s channel brands in Israel which also includes youth and comedy entertainment brands MTV and Comedy Central.

Tags: Ananey Communications, Israel, Nick Jr., Viacom International Media Networks

UK-Irish Boyband "One Direction" Tipped For "Massive Success" In The USA By Nickelodeon Boyband "Big Time Rush‎"

From Digital Spy:

Exclusive: Big Time Rush: 'One Direction will be massive in America'

Big Time Rush have said that One Direction will be "massive" in America.

The group, who were put together for Nickelodeon show Big Time Rush, praised One Direction's "incredible" talent and claimed that they will find success in the States.

James Maslow told Digital Spy: "We met them the day that we flew over here. They're just like us, which was so cool. They know how to be charming and fun - they definitely have their fun side."

He added: "Zayne was like, 'We work hard, play hard'. That's definitely what we're about too."

Asked whether they think the band will find success in the US, Carlos Pena said: "I think that boybands as a whole are really coming back. We started four years ago with Big Time Rush and there were no boybands out at that time. We were very lucky, but these new bands are coming in at an ideal time."

Maslow continued: "They're incredibly talented, and I think they're going to have massive success in the US. It doesn't work for everyone, but I think it will for them.

"Our fans are also One Direction fans, which is a great sign for them. Hopefully we can help each other out in our own countries."

One Direction recently admitted that it will be hard to break America, adding: "A lot of people have tried and failed but we want to break the mould and see what we can do. We'll definitely give it a go."

Big Time Rush's debut record B.T.R peaked at number three in the US and number 14 in the UK last year. Their new album Elevate is out now.

> One Direction bring forward US release of Up All Night

Watch the music video for Big Time Rush's new single 'Superstar' below:

Also, from PopDash:

PHOTO [see above]: One Direction Meet US Tour Buddies Big Time Rush

Jaunt kicks off later this month

One Direction have met Big Time Rush, the American boyband they will be supporting on their forthcoming tour.

The Nickelodeon-endorsed quartet have enlisted the 'What Makes You Beautiful' heart-throbs as the support act for their US jaunt, which begins in Chicago on February 24.

Big Time Rusher James said: "We couldn't believe how well we got on with them, touring is going to be so much fun."

The band's single 'Better With U' is available to download now in the UK, and One Direction's new tune 'One Thing' is out later this month.

Their debut album Up All Night has spent nearly three months in the Top 20.

Also, from STV.tv, the official website of Central Scotland's ITV franchise, STV:

One Direction tipped for “massive success” in USA by Big Time Rush

The UK boyband have gone down a storm in America since arriving last week.

One Direction are being tipped to become “massive” in America, after the group arrived in the States on tour last week.

The boys are supporting Nickelodeon stars and fellow pop band Big Time Rush on their current tour, and have been praised by the group for their “incredible talent”.

Speaking to Digital Spy, Carlos Pena from BTR said: "I think that boybands as a whole are really coming back. We started four years ago with Big Time Rush and there were no boybands out at that time. We were very lucky, but these new bands are coming in at an ideal time."

The singer continued: "They're incredibly talented, and I think they're going to have massive success in the US. It doesn't work for everyone, but I think it will for them."

Carlos added: "Our fans are also One Direction fans, which is a great sign for them. Hopefully we can help each other out in our own countries."

One Direction are already huge in the UK, despite the fact they’ve only been on the scene just over a year, and it looks like they’re about to become even bigger Stateside, judging by the reaction they’ve received.

Please just don’t forget about us back home in Britain boys!

And it’s not just the band’s music that’s helping them to get noticed; newly single Harry Styles has already attracted the attention of one very eligible suitor – 22-year-old Katherine Schwarzenegger, who is the daughter of movie star Arnold.

The student and author first Tweeted her approval of 18-year-old Styles, writing: Just watched my first One Direction video w my cousin and @Harry_Styles is a cutie indeed [sic]!”

She then managed to wrangle her way onto the Nickelodeon set while One Direction were filming scenes for the sitcom iCarly, where she managed to grab a peek of Harry and the boys up close.

But it seems that poor Harry is a little scared of what the Terminator star might think of him dating his beloved daughter.

He told The Sun: "Katherine's been in the studio watching us. Imagine having Arnie as your dad-in-law."

Not to worry Harry – we’re sure there are plenty more fish in the sea for you yet!

Also, from Capital FM:

Big Time Rush: "Touring With One Direction Will Be So Much Fun"

The boy band claim they got on really well with the 'One Thing' stars when they met up recently.

Big Time Rush have confessed that touring with One Direction is going to be a lot of "fun" after a recent meeting with the boy band.

The 'What Makes Your Beautiful' stars will head out on the road with the US group later this month as the support act on their 'Better With U' tour.

Singer James Maslow confessed: "We couldn't believe how well we got on with them, touring is going to be so much fun."

The two acts met during the former X Factor singers' recent trip to across the pond to film scenes for an appearance on the Nickelodeon show iCarly.

Meanwhile, the band who returned back to the UK recently, performed two of their hit singles on the ITV show Dancing On Ice this past weekend.

You can view a picture of the two bands hanging out together [above]: