Webmaster: Sam About Me: Urban Pop Culture Enthusiast From: London, United Kingdom Site Since: February 2007 Current Version: 5.1 Email:sam@thatgrapejuice.net Additional:
That Grape Juice aims to be a reliable source for all that is Urban Pop Culture. False information will never deliberately be posted on this site. By posting news, rumors etc, we are in no way stating that they are 100% accurate. Much of what is written will be from my own perspective, which I am damn well entitled to have! I do not own the rights to any of the pictures posted on here; if there are any problems with me using them, please do get in contact.
As many of you know, That Grape Juice will be moving over to the following address TOMORROW (Tuesday September 15th) for approximately 1 week, while the 'new' site is installed at this address (www.thatgrapejuice.net). I must stress this is for approximately one week only. In order to make you feel right at home, the 'temporary' site looks exactly the same as the one I'm typing on right now. The fun moves over to the following address TOMORROW (please be sure to bookmark the address):
Following her electrifying tribute performance at the VMA's, Janet Jackson gave her fans a 'special gift' on her official website in the form of a new song called 'Make Me'. Little officially is known about the cut, though it's assumed it was produced by longtime collaborators Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and that (for a fact) it isn't her new single - although it may feature on her new album.
Wow! This is Janet overload these last 48 hours! About the song, it's classic Janet served up with a helping of Funk and a helping of a contemporary Electro-Pop undertone. After years of hearing her singing (and whispering) over harder beats (See: 'Feedback', 'So Excited'), it's surprisingly weird hearing her sing (and she is singing here) on more light-hearted production on this - which IMO gives a nod to the Janet of 'All For You'. A little repetitive lyrically, but I'm liking this one.
The next few months should be uber interesting as we find out how Janet intends to proceed with this project of hers i.e. label, release window etc. Anyway, enough of my rambling...{Thanks Oggie!}...
UK'ers not living under a rock will be aware with the recent drama surrounding the country's top girl group, the Sugababes. With newest member Amelle Berrabah now at the center of the latest happenings, original 'Babe Keisha Buchanan has gone on record to say she thinks Berrabah wants to leave the group, insisting she is not the cause - as the media so ruthlessly seem intent on presenting as fact. Check out Keisha's interview with the News of The World yesterday:
KEISHA BUCHANAN last night sobbed as she told me how missing SUGABABE AMELLE BERRABAH ducked out of last week's gigs by claiming a pal had been in a CAR CRASH.
Giving an eXSclusive interview in her LA hotel room, Keisha broke down and wept: "We thought she was broken up about the accident and were really worried. We did two shows without her, genuinely thinking her friend's been in a really bad car accident.
"I said to our management can we please get the police around there because I'm really, really worried about her.
"That request didn't come from her family or (bandmate) HEIDI, it came from me. The police went round and checked on her. They said she's fine and had been home all week."
Yesterday Amelle, who vanished for four days, said she'd spoken to her bandmates but Keisha insisted: "She hasn't spoken to anyone."
Keisha, who is being comforted by close friend LEONA LEWIS in Los Angeles, says she will try and sort things out with Amelle IF she travels there to film the video for their new single this week.
"I'm not going to lie to you and say everything will be fine because I don't know. But as far as I'm concerned, we're the Sugababes; me, Heidi and Amelle.
"The reason why I'm panicking and the reason why I'm crying is because maybe Amelle wants to do things on her own for good." Keisha is distraught at claims she's jealous of Amelle's No 1 single with TINCHY STRYDER - ironically titled Never Leave You.
And she said ex-bandmate MUTYA BUENA, who Amelle replaced, is more talented.
She said: "What exactly is there to be jealous of? I've been doing things on the underground for God knows how long. Heidi's talented too. Amelle's really talented but the most talented person I've ever been around in my life was Mutya."
Keisha says Amelle, who recently dumped gypsy boyfriend Freddie Fuller, regularly went AWOL.
"Every couple of months it will happen. At certain times there are people thinking they're bigger than the band.
"She'd blame it on Freddie, she'd blame it on her family on all sorts of things. But what's the excuse this time?
"Maybe she doesn't have the balls to say she wants to go." Keisha also hit back at claims that she's bullying Amelle out of the band: "I say what's on our mind. But that's not bullying.
"It's a huge accusation to make and I'm not going to let it lie. I was f***ing bullied myself at primary school.
"She's thinking about leaving but I'm not going to be used as the scapegoat. These things make me stronger. I'm going to use this and write a killer song and I'm going to be fine."
Not a good look with a new single and album around the corner. That said, if they weather this, I'm sure it will play out as 'any publicity is good publicity'.
The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards took place tonight in New York's Radio City Music Hall. Peep That Grape Juice's performance review at the end of the post, in the meanwhile, enjoy the performances below!:
Janet Jackson - Michael Jackson Tribute
Kanye West / Taylor Swift Incident
Lady GaGa - Paparazzi
Beyonce - Sweet Dreams / Single Ladies
Pink - Sober
Beyonce Gives Taylor Swift Acceptance Speech Time
Jay-Z & Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind
The dust has settled and the many stories that emanated from last night's MTV Video Music Awards 2009 are making the rounds. Prior to giving my 2 Pence on last night's happenings, I must give MTV kudos for delivering their best show since 2003. From the outlandish outfits (GaGa had me rolling with her final ensemble) to the shocking unscripted moments and of course the great performances, MTV did the damn thing last night and deserve a lot of credit for it.
As expected Janet Jackson stole the show with her electrifying tribute to her late brother, the King of Pop Michael Jackson. The performance, which saw a fantastic introduction from Madonna, lived up to my expectations, yet wasn't what I expected (if that makes any sense?). Since news broke of Janet's performance, I envisioned she'd be dancing like Michael, be dressed like him etc. Instead we get the fierceness that is Janet still do 'her' during 'Scream', whilst giving a nod to her brother. Ms. Jackson (if you're nasty!) tore down the house (snatching wigs off many of today's 'stars' in the process!). As we collectively say goodbye to MJ, we should be saying hello again to Ms. Janet, as she is officially back! Not being insensitive about the situation, but after last night, I'd imagine many a label will come a knocking - and rightfully so. She is still beast of a performer on stage. Loved it!
The night's other show-stealers were IMO Beyonce, Pink and Lady GaGa to a lesser extent. After thinking we were in for another, (albeit great...but another)...standard 'Single Ladies' performance, Bouncy proved once again why she is the very best at the moment. As ever, killer vocals and incomparable energy, Ms. Knowles-Carter gave visual spectacle with her mass routine, a showing that encapsulated everything that should be a great award show performance. Say what you want about her, but she is the business!
Can't say much more than I love Pink! While many in our Urban domain still harp on about her ditching R&B, as a MUSIC lover myself, I feel she has been creatively consistent and continually bettering her artistry with every album and with her stage show. Original, daring, and awesomely executed, her performance of 'Sober' ensured she continues to earn my respect. More power to her.
Is it me or was GaGa's pretty cool performance, hampered by some questionable vocals? I mean close your eyes and listen to it and see if you don't screw your face up at some parts. Perhaps it's may be because 'Paparazzi is my least favourite song of hers' . Still, I guess much of her appeal is her eccentricity and stage theatrics, which were served up plentifully last night.
I probably am the only one, but Jay-Z's 'Empire State of Mind' doesn't really rock my world, hence neither did his and Alicia's performance. By no means bad, just not as great as folk seem to be hyping it up to be...IMO. Lil' Mama, love, what were you doing?! No, but really. I nearly peed myself when neither Jay or Alica even acknowledged her. How embarrassing.
KANYE...Kanye, Kanye, Kanye. If ever there was a hot ass mess embodied, it would just have to be Kanye West. His behaviour towards Taylor Swift was the epitome of uncalled for, and has IMO done some irreparable damage to his career. Does he think industry folk are gonna be flocking to work with him? Fans rushing to support his singles anytime soon? I mean stranger things have happened, but as powerful as he may be in today's industry, the media machine that powers this all, is much more powerful - and they aren't gonna let this one go for a while. I mean, aside from the fact he made himself look like a buffoon, as he wasn't even nominated in the category he was whining about, he couldn't have picked a worse 'victim'. Taylor Swift: Caucasian, young, blonde, pure and innocent seeming. And before you think it, 'Yes I went there!' Really not wanting to play the race card, but Kanye really didn't represent my people in a good light at all. No he's not an embodiment of every black person, but the way the media can and probably spin it, such generalised undertones will be present. Such a shame. Such a shame.
Anyway, with any good award show being about memorable moments, Beyonce earned new level of respect from me when she graciously called Taylor back on stage to have her 'moment'. While some will argue it was contrived and she did it for strategic reasons, I feel otherwise. She deserves kudos for that...major props. I can't say I care too much for Taylor just because of what happened, but how cute was her acceptance speech? Great stuff.
After a series of disappointments in recent years, MTV really came through with the quality of last night's show; it was well-produced, had great cast of performers and presenters and above all kept me on the edge of my seat. This is how an award show should be done!
Randomness:
* It's kinda ironic that Janet stole the show this year, as part of the reason the VMA's have been so rubbish in recent years was because of the repercussions they suffered after the Superbowl. As producers of the infamous half-time Superbowl event in 2004, they received heavy fines and subsequently their live programming steered away from any 'risqué' content, which was dry as that is exactly what makes great television! Thank goodness they got it right this year!
* Did anyone else notice Jennifer Lopez wildly cheering on Janet's performance, which prominently featured her ex husband, dancer Chris Judd - while standing with new hubby Marc Anthony. No, I'm not being messy, just an interesting observation (the connections in the room).
* During Janet's performance did anyone else spot the dancer almost fall over during the 'lean' in 'Smooth Criminal'? I was like "don't mess up my Michael's ish!!!"
* Beyonce's bodyguard Julius got the side-eye from Bouncy if there ever was one when he was being abrasive and rude during the pre-show. Not professional on his part at all.
* I have had approximately 2 hours sleep, as the show ended London time 5.00am. It was worth it though. Shout-out to those who kept me entertained and were hopefully entertained by our live commentary on Twitter!
With the eagerly anticipated 2009 MTV Video Music Awards about to get underway live from the Radio City Music Hall in New York, That Grape Juice's 'VMA 2009: Your Shout!' area goes live right now! Tonight's show boasts performances from Beyonce, Lady GaGa, Pink, Jay-Z & Alicia Keys, and of course Janet Jackson - who the world's eyes will be on in her much hyped tribute performance to her brother Michael Jackson. Something tells me this VMA's will be one for the history books.
Here you can post your views on anything and everything regarding the show. Pre-show rumors...Who you're looking forward to seeing... Who you feel rocked the red carpet, who should have skipped it altogether LOL...Who deserved to win what...performances...and all that good stuff while the show is going on and after.
The fourth week of X Factor 2009 audition stage aired last night here in the UK. Check out my 2 Pence below:
{For those unfamiliar with the show; The X Factor is the UK's version of American Idol - with a twist in that groups and over 25's are eligible to enter. The show also birthed the career of a certain Leona Lewis, as well as Alexandra Burke}
I'm still awaiting that 'WOW' moment with this year's auditions, yet can't help but feel that it may not actually be coming. That said, from last night's episode, Lononder Shanna Goodhead really stood out. When watching shows like this I tend to look at whose prospects are best in terms of a viable music career, and thus far Shanna joins a small amount of auditions on that list. Her voice wasn't outstanding, but, as Cheryl said, she has a raw talent. Check it out:
Check out these promotional shots for Alexandra Burke's new single 'Bad Boys'. The weave does looks a little Bargain Bucket, but she looks great all-in-all.
Diva Mariah Carey gave a special intimate concert in Las Vegas last night. During her set, the 39 year old performed new song 'Up Out My Face' from forthcoming LP 'Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel'. Though so heavily backed by the backing track that her live vocals often got lost in the mix, Ms. Carey-Cannon did a great job. I am loving this song and feel it definitely needs to be a single. Good stuff. You can listen to the audio of the performance below (no vids available yet) {Thanks Trent!}:
With Michael Jackson's eagerly anticipated 'This Is it' movie trailer set to air during tomorrow night's MTV Video Music Awards, a brief snippet of what to expect was aired during the network's News piece last night. Check it out above!
This is does seem like it'll silence those who said he (physically) wasn't up to the task of doing the shows at the time of his death. I'm seeing it more as a case of his own inner-problems as well as the idiots who facilitated it as being the reason why he's not here today. Anyway, without drifting off-topic, only MJ could have folks this hyped over a preview of a trailer lol. Long live the King...
Beyonce was among the many artists in the house last night at husband Jay-Z's 'Answer The Call' 9/11 charity concert in New York. The 28 year old superstar surprised viewers with a performance of 'Diva'. Put simply, Ms. Knowles-Carter did the damn thing; she actually killed it. Watching this kinda had me a little irritated at the fact she hasn't performed this live anywhere other than on tour. As not the biggest fan of the song, Bouncy, as usual in such cases, manages to sell it like her life depended on it, with her stellar live performances. Hate it or love it, she really is the 'baddest chick in the game'...
Jay-Z's much-hyped 'Answer The Call' 9/11 charity concert took place in New York's Madison Square Garden last night (and aired on FUSE). A host of fellow artists joined the rapper, whose Blueprint 3 LP aptly dropped this week, including Rihanna, Kanye West, Kid Kudi and John Mayer. Check out the performances below:
Run This Town / Can't Tell Me Nothing (w/ Rihanna & Kanye)
Already Home, Heart of the City, D.O.A (w/ Kid Kudi & John Mayer)
I really enjoyed all the performances, though I must say Ms. Fenty did remind me why she doesn't get my support with her live performing (no stage presence+annoying yoodling+no believe'ablity=not hot).
The lead single from Toni Braxton's Atlantic Records debut ('Pulse'), premiered today. Produced by DJ Frank E, 'Yesterday' is an epic ballad, which effectively manages to stay true to Toni's appeal (i.e. a vocalist rather than one trying to compete with the R&B chicks of today), while also encapsulating enough contemporary R&B/Pop elements to make this chartable in this day and age. I can't say this is rocking my world, but a solid effort nonetheless. It will be interesting to see what Ms. Braxton serves up with the rest of her new album, which is set to hit stores February 2010.
The rumours are apparently true; according to US Magazine, Christina Milian and The-Dream are OFFICIALLY married - and expecting their first child:
Christina Milian is pregnant with her first child, Usmagazine.com has confirmed.
The singer, 27, wed music producer The-Dream, 27, on Sept. 4 at the Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. Us first reported their engagement two months ago.
"The pregnancy was a surprise, but they were getting married regardless," a source tells Us.
Milian has already been talking about children.
"Of course, I would love to have kids," she told Us earlier this summer at the premiere of Bring It On: Fight to the Finish in NYC. "I think that's some of the reasons why I do movies like this."
Even The-Dream (real name: Terius Hagert Youngdell Nash) -- who proposed to Milian with a six-carat sparkler from Ivanka Trump's jewelry line -- has been talking about a family.
"I love kids, and [Christina] loves kids probably more than I do," he told Us in July. "She'll make that time [to have a baby]. In the next couple of years, there'll be something around."
Wow. Not sure what to think of this. Errr....congratulations?
Randomness: The-Dream already has 3 kids with R&B singer Nivea - his ex-wife.
After being dropped off the CW schedule earlier this year, despite a petition signed by a million, popular US comedy-drama The Game has been picked up by BET, as confirmed by one of the show's producers Matthew Cherry on Twitter:
@Director_Cherry CBS Paramount and BET have reached a deal with the canceled CW Series The Game.
less than a minute ago from web
@Director_Cherry The first hurdle has been crossed for new epsiodes of the show to be produced for BET. Now actor and producer contracts must be worked out.
half a minute ago from web
# There are still a lot of particulars that need to be worked out but CBS Paramount has agreed to license the show to BET.
# If everything continues to work out then new episodes of The Game will likely air in the fall of 2010 on BET.6 minutes ago from web {Source}
Believe it or not, I have never seen an episode of this show, despite its worldwide popularity - thanks to Youtube. It's quite rare a cancelled show is recommisioned for new epsiodes on another network, so it's definitely a great development for the fans of the show.
As Kelly Rowland continues to work hard away at her 3rd solo LP, we can exclusively reveal that hitmaker Jermaine Dupri can be added to list of producers working on the as-yet-untitled project. Dupri joins Jim Jonsin ('Sweet Dreams'), Adonis ('My Boo', 'I Stay In Love', 'Too Grown For That'), David Guetta, Brian Kennedy ('Disturbia') and The Stereotypes ('Damaged') as a fellow contributor on the record. Late 2009, early 2010 is the reported release window for the album. You know where to get your Kelly fix!
Kelly really is spreading her wings and I'm loving it! JD is quite versatile as a producer, so I'm eager to see what he serves up for Kelly. With her desire for this record to be a Dance-meets-R&B uptempo affair, I'm hoping we get something in the vein of Janet's 'So Excited' or more plausibly 'Rock With U' from the pair's creative union. Exciting stuff.
As with last year's show, That Grape Juice will be providing live on-the-minute coverage of the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards which take place this Sunday (September 13th) live from the Radio City Music Hall in New York. News, commentary and of course performances, That Grape Juice will be the spot for them all!
Things have been, somewhat, streamlined from previous years and will consist of two main post areas:
* 'Your Shout!': Here you'll be able to express your thoughts on everything VMA related i.e. pre-show ish, rumours, spoliers and of course the actual show as it's taking place. Anything and everything goes; randomness, observations, views etc. I'll be dipping in and out of this one myself, as I too will be watching live (UK and non-US folks will have to hit up That Grape Juice on the day for the online link lol)
* Performances: All the show's performances minutes (it's hoped lol) after they've aired. Visitors around the time of last year's show will know what I mean :)
So for 'net's most thorough live coverage of one of music's biggest dates on the calender, do be sure to keep it locked on ThatGrapeJuice.net!
Many thanks to you guys for baring with us with the recent slower pace of things here at your favourite site and mine!
We've been very busy behind the scenes over the last few weeks putting the final touches to our new Wordpress based site. Don't fret, all of our posts, your comments and all that good stuff will be making the move with us from this current Blogger incarnation of That Grape Juice. Above all, the site will still remain www.thatgrapejuice.net.
However next Tuesday, September 15th (please do make note of the date), we'll be moving to a temporary site for approximately 1 week, while the 'new site' is installed on this address (www.thatgrapejuice.net). So, from September 15th, the fun moves over to:
Please bookmark this temporary address, which officially goes live September 15th (next Tuesday)! You can click it now to have a look-see at the site, which looks exactly like this one - so you'll feel right at home!
See you there next Tuesday!
Tidbit: Those who have been shortlisted to be new bloggers here at That Grape Juice should be hearing from me very soon.
As we reported EXCLUSIVELY last week, Whitney Houston's video for new single 'I Look To You' premiered as planned today. Said to be directed by Melina, the simple, concept-based clip really captures the essence of the message at the heart of the song. I would be lying, however, if I said I wasn't just a tad bored...as ol' Nippy is...erm...pretty much doing the same thing throughout the video.
That said, I guess no harm is done. With her comeback campaign off to a great start (album debuting at #1 with sales in excess of 300, 000), I can see this, along with the forthcoming 'Million Dollar Bill' video (16th September) and her much hyped Oprah interview, only adding to what is looking to be one of the most spectacular comebacks in recent music history. Go Nippy!
The video for Keri Hilson's latest single 'Slow Dance' premiered today. Directed by Chris Robinson, the clip features many a recognisable face, including Chris Brown, Monica, Melody from the Pussycat Dolls, and producer Polow Da Don.
I must say I'm really liking this one; the vid has a very 90's throwback feel to it (an era I view as R&B's golden-age), which the song is very befitting to. No, nothing spectacular, yet something that should hopefully allow the success this talented singer-songwriter is currently having to continue.
Tidbit: While Keri looked hot, I couldn't help but crack up at her playing with the tail of that (how do I put it nicely) 'interesting' weave. LMAO.
You can now preview the whole of Mariah Carey's 'Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel' LP courtesy of Amazon Germany.
Gasp...I'm actually liking the sound of this. Why she opted to release 'Obsessed', when the album itself seems packed full of quality sounding tracks, is so far beyond me it's a joke. That said, I'm looking forward to this one...
Pop superstar Janet Jackson appears in the latest issue of Harpers Bazaar magazine, giving her first interview since the death of her brother the King of Pop Michael Jackson.
As well as the awesome shoot,click here to read the full interview.
A great shoot and an even better interview. Janet is the last of the Jackson's to carry on their great musical legacy. I have every faith that she will continue to add many a great chapter to their inspiring story.
Tidbit: I must say I am overly shocked at the fact she confirms her and JD are no longer together. 7 years....damn.
With the new season of The Tyra Banks Show premiered this week, hence the supermodel-tuned-talk show host has been doing the media rounds to promote it. Peep this very interesting interview she done with ABC's Nightline, which got a little heated in parts. A great watch.
Things are very busy on the 'behind-the-scenes' front at present. So hold tight, announcement coming later today. In the meanwhile, check out Diddy and Dirty Money's video for 'Angels' which premiered last night.
The official promotional poster for Michael Jackson's 'This Is It' movie surfaced today, as has new information about the much anticipated docu-film. Speaking on the project, the reliable source, who is close to the project, said:
1) Trailers are mostly done, and we're waiting partly on the footage from the funeral which is being added in now. Expect to see the first ad premiere next weekend. I tried to press him on more info regarding the VMA's but couldn't get a confirmation.
2) The movie is not a 2 hour concert like many fans thought. In fact the movie is simply a documentary based around the This Is It tour, it shows Jackson in his final days and includes his death, aftermath, and reaction. Clips from the memorial and funeral will be used.
3) There will be some footage of MJ performing, much longer then the 3-4 minute snippet released at the end of June by AEG. You will see MJ in his dressing room, mingling and directing, plus one scene where he talks to the camera. Basically, it will show Jackson in his final months alive.
4) The movie is between 100 and 130 minutes in length.
5) The plan for the DVD is to have it out in late November by Thanksgiving or early December at the latest, although my source revealed this maybe a long shot if they extend the 2 week showing to 3 or 4 weeks (which is possible).
6) The DVD will contain the theatrical version in its whole plus over 2 hours of Jackson performing, warming up his vocals, singing, and in full costume. The most spectacular footage is by far from the Staples Center in LA which I'm told will "blow fans away". This extra footage will be a special feature on the DVD along with many other treats that fans will love.
7) Finally, the CD soundtrack I'm told will be released after the movie, most likely sometime in November to coincide with the DVD launch and WILL include a new song Jackson recorded in his last 2 years alive. Apparently the song is "off the hook" and is currently being worked on by producers who are putting the finishing touches on it and is being considered to be issued as a single all around the world.
While this all sounds awesome, I can't help but feel a little torn about the monetising of the project. The business-savvy side of me understands that it is in the best interest of Michael's estate, and pardon my bluntness, to 'milk' the movie for as much as it possibly can. However, the fan and generally more objective side of me wonders why the DVD - at this point - is looking more enticing than the actual movie-going experience. It's as if the 'really' good stuff is looking to be on the DVD. That said, this hasn't deterred me from going to see it come October 28th; just an observation...
Famous choreographer Wade Robson posted the following message on his MySpace bulletin yesterday, which read:
WADE ROBSON, MIA MICHAELS, BRIAN FRIEDMAN, CRIS JUDD, TRAVIS PAYNE, TINA LANDON, DAVE SCOTT, TYCE DIORIO, JERRY SLAUGHTER, LAURIE ANN GIBSON & GIL DULDULAO ARE PERFORMING WITH JANET JACKSON ON THE MTV VMA AWARDS ON SEPTEMBER 13TH IN TRIBUTE TO MICHAEL JACKSON. {Source}
To say I'm excited would be the biggest of understatements! Finally a real reason to tune in to the show, other than watching for watching sake. The sheer amount of talent in the list above lets me know this is gonna be unmissable.
While I appreciate BET only had a short amount of time to re-work their show (which still turned out to be a dud), my gut tells me MTV is the grander, more fitting stage to give a proper tribute to the King of Pop. Roll on Sunday...
Tidbit: Janet stans - ain't it interesting to see Tina Landon - her former collaborator - on the list?
It seems being dropped from Atlantic hasn't deterred Pretty Ricky from launching another assault on the charts. The oh-so-talented collective premiered the video for their new single 'Tipsy' today. Put simply,
R&B star Brandy took to Twitter last night to reveal her new short hair-do. As usual, I'm finding it quite funny seeing some of our fellow blogger friends with headlines to the tune of 'Brandy Chops Off Her Hair!!' It's her hair alright...hair she clearly has a receipt for! Obviously weave folks. This will be the Ciara 'long-then short-then long again' episode from a couple of months back.
Seemingly out of nowhere the debut solo single from Girls Aloud's Cheryl Cole, 'Fight For This Love' premiered on BBC Radio 1 this morning. Then again, with Cole apparently holding the title of the nation's 'sweetheart' and her soaring popularity on the X-Factor, now more than ever is the best time to launch her solo. Is the single actually any good then?
The R&B-tinged Pop cut isn't the car-crash I was admittedly expecting. Cliche lyrics? Tick. Heavily processed vocals for her Cheryls waifer-thin voice? Tick. Dated sounding; would have been fresh 5 years ago? Tick. All that aside, the track is very catchy, with many a hook to make it a staple in one's head - whether they opt for it to or not (which I guess is the desired effect). What's more, the song seems to give a nod to Mary's 'Just Fine' ("Fight, fight fight fight for this love"), KC & JoJo's 'All My Life' and Kandi's 'Don't Think I'm Not' (the jingle sound).
Tidbit: Interestingly enough, Cheryl's as-yet-untitled album is set to hit shops the very same day as X Factor winner Alexandra Burke's debut LP (October 26), who she continues to mentor today. While I'm sure some sort of chart battle to maximise both of their sales is the objective here, I can't see how this will help Cheryl - as it's pretty much a cert she will come up short, with the X Factor promo machine that will inevitably propel Alex.
Beyonce celebrated her 28th birthday this past Friday. To celebrate Bey's big day, her team put together this awesome video of friends, family and fellow celebrities including Michelle Williams, Kelly Rowland, Diddy, John Legend and Tyra Banks, wishing ol' Bouncy a Happy Birthday.
Randomness: Say what you want about her, but IMO Ms. Knowles-Carter has cemented her place in music history. Am I alone in thinking so or...
The follow-up to the Sugababes smash 'Get Sexy', the Red One produced 'About A Girl', premiered moments ago on BBC Radio 1 Chart Show. Expectantly an uptempo, the song is an Electro-Pop fusion that seems destined for the clubs. Though lacking kinda lacking lyrically (the Independent Woman cliches are a bit OTT), the song still manages to go hard and is incredibly catchy. With a killer video (perhaps even without), I envision this being B-I-G over here.
'Sweet 7', the ladies aptly titled 7th studio album hits stores November 23rd.
The third week of X Factor 2009 audition stage aired last night here in the UK. Check out my 2 Pence below:
{For those unfamiliar with the show; The X Factor is the UK's version of American Idol - with a twist in that groups and over 25's are eligible to enter. The show also birthed the career of a certain Leona Lewis, as well as Alexandra Burke}
I've still yet to see that one contestant that knocks it out of the park ala Leona or Alexandra's audtions, however Jade, for That Grape Juice, was the one to watch last night - despite her atrocious weave (off-topic, I know but still....you're on TV love lol). Peep her performance of Jennifer Hudson's 'And I Am Telling You' (thank goodness folk are singing a diverse array of songs this go round, and not the uber obvious 'bait' choices aka Whitney, Mariah etc):
Jade
Not the best rendition I've heard of the song and her voice does need to mature more, but still a great effort - especially for a 17 year old.
Tidbit: Word has it Whitney's rendition of 'I Didn't Know My Own Strength' was tore the house down, as did her live showing of 'I Love The Lord'. I guess we'll find out come next Monday/Tuesday.
In other Whitney news, her comeback LP 'I Look To You' is a lock for the #1 position according to Hits Daily Double and will debut with first week numbers in excess of 300,000. Go Nippy!
Kelly Rowland and David Guetta took to the stage at Europe's biggest music festival The Dome in Cologne, Germany yesterday to perform their smash 'When Love Takes Over'. Hands-down this was Kelly best live rendition of the song. Killer vocals (for the most part) and an awesome stage presence, Ms. Kelly did the damn thing. Was literally saying 'Kelendria Trene Rowland, you better walk!!!' at 1.34 onwards lol. Great performance.
'Happy', the lead single from singing sensation Leona Lewis' sophomore effort 'Echo' (due November), officially premiered today. Produced by Ryan Tedder, the power ballad plays to the star's biggest asset - her undeniably remarkable voice, with Lewis turning in a stellar vocal performance. That said, I can't say this one is exciting me much at all. I'm still hopeful the album serves up the good good, but this seems like at best 'a grower'. Still, with the major promotional machine her success-to-date grants her, I'm sure this one will be a hit. Whether it genuinely deserves to be is definitely up for debate.
This week's From The Vault pick, Gabrielle's 1993 smash 'Dreams', will no doubt resonate with our UK visitors that bit more. The British songstress delivered a classic with this one if there ever was one. I was 5 when this came out and to think it still goes hard today. Love it. Check it:
Apologies about the slow-go over the last 24 hours. Have been working quite rigorously on That Grape Juice's move over to Wordpress and getting the new design in place, which I'm sure you'll love.
Anyway, according to reputable Mariah Carey fansite Mariah Daily, the following is the official tracklist from the diva's 'Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel' LP (due September 25th):
1. “Betcha Gon’ Know (the prologue)” 2. “Obsessed” 3. “H.A.T.E.U.” 4. “Candy Bling” 5. “Ribbon” 6. “Inseparable” 7. “Standing O” 8. “It’s a Wrap” 9. “Up Out My Face” 10. “Up Out My Face (the reprise)” 11. “More Than Just Friends” 12. “The Impossible” 13. “The Impossible (the reprise)” 14. “Angel (the prelude)” 15. “Angels Cry” 16. “Languishing (the interlude)” 17. “I Want to Know What Love Is”
Despite my criticism of ol' Mimi, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't anticipating this one. Not for the same reason as the lambs (who I have a soft spot for LOL), who essentially eat up anything she serves up. Rather, I'm keen to see whether she can redeem herself creatively after the last dud of an album. Though I still shudder at the thought of 'Obsessed', which for some strange reason consistently manages to remind me of the equally atrocious 'Touch My Body', 'I Want To Know What Love Is' is growing on me daily. Definitely not what it's supposed to be as a 'Mariah Ballad', but is still kinda solid. Saying that, I'm a little bit more optimistic about the LP, especially after hearing the demo of 'Up Out My Face' - fast food music, yet pretty good sounding fast food music.
Tidbit: The album is almost entirely the work of Mariah, The-Dream and Tricky Stewart. Yes, after a largely successful run together, it appears Mariah has ditched Jermaine Dupri. Ouch.
R&B crooner R. Kelly stopped by Jimmy Kimmel Live this week to perform current single 'Number One' along with Keri Hilson. An enjoyable performance, yet something about it was just a tad off - though I can't put my finger on what it was (a little help people)?
Michael Jackson's formal funeral service was held in private last night at the Forest Lawn Cemetary in California. Check out the video report above, write-up below, as well as pics from the event below:
Seventy days after the death of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop was finally laid to rest last night, September 3rd, with a private ceremony Glendale, California’s Forest Lawn Cemetery. About 200 close friends and family members attended the evening funeral, which concluded with Jackson being entombed in Forest Lawn’s Great Mausoleum, the final resting place of Walt Disney, Clark Gable and other legendary talents.
Elizabeth Taylor, Berry Gordy, Quincy Jones, Jackson’s ex-wife Lisa Marie Presley and Macaulay Culkin attended the ceremony, along with Mila Kunis, This Is It director Kenny Ortega, Teddy Riley, Chris Tucker, Corey Feldman and Miko Brando. According to a statement from the Jackson family, Michael’s five brothers Tito, Jermaine, Randy, Marlon and Jackie all served as pallbearers.
Look back at Michael Jackson’s life, in photos.
Michael’s three children Prince Michael, Paris Michael and Prince Michael II placed a crown atop Jackson’s casket to signify his status as the King of Pop. The Jackson family had provided a live video feed to media prior to the ceremony when guests began arriving at the cemetery, however the feed ceased transmission the moment the Jackson brothers went to take Michael’s gold-plated casket out of the hearse.
Photos from Jackson’s star-studded L.A. memorial.
After Pastor Lucius Smith read the opening prayer and a portion of Ecclesiastes 3:7, Gladys Knight sang the gospel hymn “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” Songwriter Clifton Davis next sang the Jackson 5 tune he wrote for the group, “Never Can Say Goodbye.” Speakers then began to take the podium to pay tribute to the singer, including the Rev. Al Sharpton, Michael’s father Joe Jackson and other close friends and family members.
According to the New York Times, the media that congregated outside Forest Lawn outnumbered the number of fans, though one group of fans held a large white banner that read “Gone too soon.” Following the ceremony, according to the ceremony’s nine-page engraved invitation, family and friends of Jackson were encouraged to drive to an Italian restaurant in Pasadena, California, for “a time of celebration.”
The first page of the invitation also featured a quote from Michael’s 1992 book of essays and poems Dancing the Dream, “If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.” {Source}
Gone in body, but not in spirit. R.I.P Michael Jackson. I
t's somewhat comforting to know that he is now at peace, a peace he unfortunately was never able to enjoy while on this earth. Long live the King...
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Pop superstar Janet Jackson appears in the latest issue of Harpers Bazaar magazine, giving her first interview since the death of her brother the King of Pop Michael Jackson. 
