June 2014: The Hottest Global Magazine Covers!

The grand return of The Smoking Nun's take on the hottest, most beautiful and alluring magazine covers from around the world for June 2014. Best of the Best: "Out" mag's cover of Matt Bomer. Wowsah! Starting with those blue eyes...

And then some... Hugh Jackman on three global covers of Men's Health...

And then some more... The best of the rest...

And the dubious WORST magazine covers of the month...

Emin Releases New Sunny-Side-Up Single 'In Another Life'

The talented and wickedly handsome Emin is working it with new sunny-side-up dance single "In Another Life" from upcoming album "Amor." All proceeds from the song's sale will benefit Philippines Disaster Relief.

Check out the music video, which features 12 finalists from the Miss Universe Pageant, along with... uh... a much less attractive Donald Trump. Emin performed live at the contest November 11, 2013.

The Smoking Nun introduced Emin to readers in September 2012, when I had the opportunity to meet with him in New York  and write up an interview. Nice, humble man... and so suave. Ooh, la, la, "Amor," indeed! *

Around The World: Best Men's Mags For October/November 2013

Joe Manganiello Releases Porn, Uh, Exercise Manual 'Evolution' December 3

Longtime Smoking Nun fave Joe Manganiello is finally cashing in on that hot bod. The 36-year-old actor’s new book Evolution: The Cutting Edge Guide to Breaking Down Mental Walls and Building the Body You’ve Always Wanted (subtitle: I'm So Damn Hot!) will smack shelves December 3. Merry Christmas, indeed!

Meet North America's Next Should-Be Superstar: EMIN

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure via longtime uber-publicist pal Rob Goldstone for a one-on-one meet with singer/songwriter Emin at Manhattan's Dream Hotel. Already an acclaimed hit artist in his home countries of Azerbaijan and Russia, and on the way up in the U.K., the (extremely) handsome artist recently released album After The Thunder, previewed by luscious pure pop uptempo single "Baby Get Higher."

That song is written in part by David Sneddon, whose sweeping ballad "Don't Let Go" was my No. 8 song for 2007 and "Time To Fall Down" No. 28. Any fan of Westlife, 98 Degrees, BBMak, Backstreet Boys, Five or the rest of the boy band pack will eat this stuff for three meals a day—although Emin perhaps brings a maturity to his vocals that supersedes them.

And believe me, "Baby Get Higher" is only the beginning. Thunder is packed with hitworthy singles, including dramatic midtempo anthem "Never Enough," ode to optimism "Walk Through Walls" and stunningly affecting lost love ballad "Dead Roses" (which Emin co-wrote with Mark Read and Patrick Mascall).

After releasing four indie LPs between 2006 and 2009, which Emin wrote, arranged & produced, he aligned in 2011 with A-list producer Brian Rawling for previous album Wonder. That move propelled him to the world stage.

Emin was born in Baku, Azerbaijan, and relocated with his family to Moscow at age 3. He moved to Europe to pursue his education as a teen and then studied in New Jersey, where he launched an eBay business that reaped $30,000 a month(!). But music kept calling.

His 2006 debut album Still was an immediate sensation in Russia, followed by three more indie releases: Incredible, Obsession and Devotion. By this point, Emin was entertaining at arena-size venues throughout Russia. And his biggest performance: Last year, he was a featured singer at Eurovision, hosted in his home nation of Azerbaijan before 300 million worldwide viewers.

Recognizing that in order to conquer Europe and North America he had to amp the stakes, Emin worked his charms and was brought into the stable of London-based producer Brian Rawling and his team of world-class songwriters at Metrophonic studios, including Paul Barry (Enrique Iglesias' "Hero") and Wayne Hector (Westlife, James Morrison). That resulted in a contract with EMI.

Emin told me, "He had me singing in a range that I had never attempted before, and I fought him on it, asking him to bring down the key. But he encouraged me to record the songs as they were written and in the end, he said, 'Now, you've found the real you.' He was right. I found a voice with highs I didn't know I had, keeping the lower register I was accustomed to."

As a result, Wonder scored two radio singles in the U.K.: "Obvious" and "Any Time You Fall," a rarity for a newcomer in the nation.

For After The Thunder, he is again working with Rawling and the team, and now has high hopes for North American domination. First single "Baby Get Higher"—already another hit in the U.K.—certainly possesses the goods to foster attention from radio's A-list PDs.

Of course, we know how U.S. radio works: It takes a mountain of money and a major label before programmers will dare bite. Given his talent, I simply can't image that there isn't a record company with backing ready in the waiting once they hear this guy.

Emin says, "I've been fortunate to have success not only in my home base in Russia, but in Europe. Of course I'd like to break in the States. If it happens, it's really the ultimate. America has found an appreciation for pop melodies again so if there were ever a time, I really believe this is it." *

Stuart Reardon: Bar None, The Most Beautiful Man Of 2012

Stupefied is the best reaction I can muster when I first saw pics of professional rugby athlete (and model) Stuart Reardon. The "straight mate" has just taken the title of The Smoking Nun's Sexiest Man Alive for the first three months of 2012. Mercy! At 6'1, 30-year-old Stu hails from Bradford, Yorkshire, England, and currently plays rugby for AS Carcassonne in the French Elite One Championship (South of France). Reardon has been modeling professionally for a few years, and has gained fame on the cover of the U.K. version of DNA (above)—and the Aussie DNA. In our book, he could certainly be cast as Hercules, right? Book that baby! *

Labor Day Weekend At Fire Island... Ahoy!

One final hurrah for the glorious summer of 2011, as I head to Fire Island for Labor Day weekend—where rain and thunderstorms are forecast every day. It just wouldn't be the same without it... I can't think of a single trip to FI where I haven't been drenched.

Ayhan and I are staying with ole pals Gene & Steve. Stand by for lovely photos of the bounty of natural beauty (that's code for hot men, you know).

First Look: Henry Cavill As 'Superman: Man Of Steel'

At last! Superman is actually built like a man! Here's a first look at Henry Cavill in the upcoming Superman: Man Of Steel. Webbies are going gaga over Clark's super-bulge (and the fact that he no longer has his red undies). No complaints here. You may recall that Brandon Routh was pretty much neutered in the previous Superman Returns.

EXCLUSIVE: William Levy Images Inside 'People En Espanol' Oct. Cover

Following our cover image of William Levy in People En Espanol's 15th anniversary special edition for October 2011, here are the delectable images inside.
Click below to see the full article, words included...