Must Have List – December 2011

This month, 'The Voice' runner-up Dia Frampton will finally make her post-television impression on the music world with a debut album called 'Red.' But she's not coming alone. Frampton has found friends in fellow music notables Kid Cudi and Foster the People, both of whom will be featured on her record in some form, among plenty of other famous names! 'Red' has even birthed its first single with Cudi, 'Don’t Kick the Chair.' The record is available in full on Dec. 6, two months before 'The Voice' picks up for Season 2.

Hip-hop moguls Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa make it easy to get high in December ... Or re-live the high school experience, anyway. In promotion for their new film, ‘Mac + Devin Go to High School,' the pair will hit the road on the High School Tour, hitting six scattered cities in the early part of the month. Additionally, Wiz and Snoop will release the soundtrack for the movie on Dec. 6, which features their Bruno Mars-assisted first single, ‘Young, Wild & Free.’ The tour will kick off on Dec. 5 in New York City and wrap up across the continent in Los Angeles on Dec. 13. Short and sweet, just like we like it.

Amy Winehouse will return from the dead, so to speak, this holiday-filled month to release a 'new' album, and we think that's as good of a reason as any to include her in our Must Have List for December 2011. The record will include mostly unreleased tunes and alternate version of some of her past hits, and some of the proceeds will go to the Amy Winehouse Foundation, which benefits those who struggle with substance abuse. Given that it's the season of giving, and Amy passed away from overconsumption of alcohol, we can't think of a better stocking stuffer than this album. 'Amy Winehouse Lioness: Hidden Treasures' hits shelves on Dec. 5.

You may not be into politics, but you'll want to tune your attention to the nation's capital when pop's biggest stars hit the stage for the 'Christmas for Washington.' National treasure Justin Bieber will sing his heart out, as will Cee Lo Green, Jennifer Hudson and Victoria Justice. All are in line to perform for us, and President Obama and the First Lady will be in the audience watching -- likely with their kiddos -- when the TNT Christmas concert is taped. Additionally, country sibling trio the Band Perry are on the roster, so perhaps they will duet live with Bieber on their joint holiday tune, 'Home This Christmas.' The 'Christmas for Washington' concert will be filmed on Dec. 11, but you can catch it from the comfort of your own home when it airs on TNT on Dec. 16 at 8PM EST.

Are you ready to see all of the different sides of T-Pain? Betcha didn't know he had more than one! The Auto-Tune king will make his multiple-personality disorder public (we kid) on Dec. 6 when his new 'rEVOLVEr' album officially hits the shelves. The record, which is currently pending publishing on iTunes, will be touched by the hand of Drake and also has collabs with Lily Allen and Wiz Khalifa. It's obvious by the album title that the new release is meant to show the singer's evolution as an artist, and we couldn't be more excited to see what T-Pain has in store. We love that guy!

No plans to ring in the New Year? Don't have a special someone to lock lips with when the ball drops? No worries, the Coldplay boys provide great company. The band, who released their long awaited 'Mylo Xyloto' album in October, are scheduled for a 90-minute appearance on 'Austin City Limits' starting at 11PM EST on Dec. 31. That means, if you're on the East Coast, you'll get to celebrate the newborn baby 2012 with Chris Martin and the gang! Rumor has it that there will even be a mock ball drop. We have to say, it sure beats getting dressed up for a party, right? Pass the champagne!

Have you ever wanted to get a behind-the-scenes sneak peek into the trials and tribulations of a rapper's life? Well, now's your chance... Sort of. T.I. and his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, are inviting fans into their home as they attempt to raise six kids, and meanwhile, the singer attempts to get his career back on the tracks following a lengthy prison stint. Additionally, we'll watch as Tiny manages the up-and-coming female teen group OMG Girlz. We're not psychic, but we're expecting this new VH1 reality show to be filled to the brim with drama -- and a heap of family values. But don't take our word for it. “Tameka and I have a strong, loving family,” T.I. said of the show. “In this family documentary, you will see the challenges of raising children while balancing a career. It’s like a lot of families, only our home is in the spotlight.” Catch the premiere of ‘T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle’ on Dec. 5 at 9PM EST.

Deck the halls with bows of 'Glee'-lly! No? How about 'Glee'-ngle bells, Glee'-ngle bells, 'Glee'-ngle all the way? If you haven't guessed, we're uber stoked for this year's Christmas-centric episode of 'Glee.' Directed by Mr. Schue, known to real world folks as Matt Morrison, 'Extraordinary Merry Christmas' will air in its regular Tuesday night time slot and will feature at least a stocking's worth of Christmas tunes. Rumor has it that Mercedes will sing 'All I Want for Christmas Is You,' and we'll also get glee club copies of 'Little Drummer Boy' and 'Let It Snow,' as well as a FOX original or two. Even if you've been naughty this year, Santa can't stop you from tuning into this sleigh ride, so catch the Christmas episode of 'Glee' when it hits your TV screen on Dec. 13 at 8PM ET.

So, let's be honest, 'Saturday Night Live' is just not as good as it used to be. But the producers are doing their very best to bring it back into relevancy, and we have to give them an 'A' for effort -- they've brought in pop icon Katy Perry to actually host the Saturday night comedy show in December. We think the 'Last Friday Night' singer is a perfect choice, given her obvious acting ability (think Kathy Beth Terry) and comedic timing, and while we're not clear on whether she'll be performing as well, this is one boring-late-night-at-the-bar-as-usual that we're happy to pass up in her name. Perry's 'SNL' hosting debut will air on your NBC affiliate on Saturday, Dec. 10 at 11:30 PM EST.

‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve' is a staple during the holiday season, and that's why it tops our list of December 2011 must haves. This year's special is expected to be the biggest yet, with performances from Lady Gaga, OneRepublic, Pitbull and the ever-popular teen heartthrob Justin Bieber. New Year's Eve 2012 marks the show's 40th running, though we're not totally convinced they'll be able to top this year's line-up, unless maybe Jesus himself were to perform ... To catch your favorite performers on 'New Year's Rockin' Eve,' tune into ABC on New Year's Eve, duh!