Here are those performances by Jennifer Hudson mentioned during her latest Good Morning America appearance, which was featured in my last post. Jennifer performed her first single "Spotlight" (after a short interview) & signature "Dreamgirls" song "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" in Washington DC for the show recently. J-Hud's self-titled debut album is available now, so go get it!
In order to help promote the October 6th release of her new single "Us Against The World" on MySpace, Christina Milian has released another promotional photo. The singer, who has an album dropping in the spring of next year, is absolutely gorgeous in both the shot & reality.
The dreams of this girl have come true, as Jennifer Hudson's self-titled debut album is in stores now! I would definitely have to recommend the CD, which features the single "Spotlight." As of last week, at least 22% of you wanted to purchase this, but I'm sure that's increased now thanks to my glowing review. :) Feel free to purchase your copy via the Amazon widget to your right by clicking on the album's cover.Check out the video premiere of "Another Way To Die," the collaboration between Alicia Keys & Jack White that will serve as the theme song for the upcoming Bond flick "Quantum Of Solace." I was never really sold on the song & the video doesn't particularly help. While Alicia looks (& actually sounds) fine, Jack White is so not even close to my cup of tea.
Considering what I said earlier today about recognizing talent, here is another example. I'm not quite sure how new this video is, but I thought I would share the latest single "Real" from the Goo Goo Dolls, which was recorded for the Olympics. The video is simple, but the song is excellent.
Britney Spears surprised New York radio station Z100 this morning with a quick interview to promote her first single "Womanizer" off upcoming album Circus (December 2nd). You can watch the interview, during which Britney discusses "Womanizer," the VMAs, & a world tour next year, above. It's so awesome to see her again! I can't wait to see what she might cook up for a tour.
"Spotlight"
Interview
Jennifer Hudson continued down the promotion trail for her self-titled debut album, which drops tomorrow(!), with an appearance & performance of first single "Spotlight" on The View. The interview was cool, which had Jennifer sitting alongside Whoopi Goldberg, one of the other only four black women who have ever won an Oscar. It goes without saying that Jennifer is one of the few artists who is typically even better live than in the studio, so I could watch her perform "Spotlight" all day long!
One of my favorite singers, Toni Braxton, has signed a new record deal with Atlantic Records. While competing on Dancing With The Stars, Toni will begin recording her debut for the label, which is set to drop in early 2009. This will follow her brilliant, yet underrated 2005 effort Libra as well as her recent Vegas show "Toni Braxton: Revealed." I'm ecstatic about this news! This would explain why Toni's planned release for this year didn't end up happening, but I'm totally cool with that now that she has a major label behind her. Here's to Toni dominating once again!
I'm not much of a rock person at all, but I recognize talent when I see it. Today, on their official site, Nickelback is offering a FREE download of their first single "Gotta Be Somebody" from upcoming album Dark Horse (November 18th). I am really digging this song!"Broken" is the new single from American Idol season 6 top 12 finalist Brandon Rogers that is available now for download on iTunes HERE. Brandon was one of my (many) favorites from that season, so it's cool to see him doing his thing. I like the song as it displays his voice nicely. Not sure about the video, but I'll take what I can get.
It's still hard to believe the whirlwind success Jennifer Hudson has had the last couple of years, so I'm pleasantly surprised that her debut album is finally here. Jennifer has long been one of my favorite previous American Idol contestants, so to see her overcome the magical disappearing act many of them do is simply wonderful. Following her Oscar-winning role in "Dreamgirls," I was terribly thirsty for more J-Hud. Her self-titled debut album easily quenches that thirst & then some.
"Spotlight"
Interview
Jennifer Hudson began promotion for her self-titled debut album, which hits stores next week, by appearing & performing her first single "Spotlight" on the Tonight Show With Jay Leno on Friday. The interview, during which she discussed her recent engagement & new movie "The Secret Life Of Bees," was cool. The performance was great & it's so nice to hear her amazing talent once again.
Vonzell Solomon was the third place finisher on the fourth season of American Idol. More importantly, she is my favorite contestant ever! She has yet to release an album following her stint on the show, however she recently previewed her long awaited first single "Classy" via the above video. I can't wait for the whole thing! And fear not because I will keep you all updated on anything & everything Vonzell!
Here, we have the last performance from Kelly Clarkson at this live session. Kelly performs "Because Of You," the fourth single off her sophomore album Breakaway, in this clip. I was never huge on the song, but she won me over with this performance.
"Many Moons" is the first single taken from Janelle Monae's major label debut Metropolis: The Chase Suite (available now). I discovered Janelle not too long ago & found her very interesting. I really like her song "Sincerely Jane." Now, I just watched this video & I've no clue what happened lol. It's interesting to see what appears to be a high budget video come from a Bad Boy artist.
Here is Jazmine Sullivan's performance of her first single "Need U Bad" off (highly recommended) debut album Fearless, out now, on her recent half-hour BET special "Jazmine Sullivan: Fearless." Jazmine killed it once again. I managed to catch a rerun of the special with my DVR, though I have yet to watch it, but I'm sure it will be amazing.
UPDATE: Well, I was right. If you would like to view the entire special, which also includes performances of "Bust Your Windows," "In Love With Another Man," "One Night Stand," & "Lions, Tigers & Bears," click HERE!
Check out Vanessa Carlton doing a short interview & performing her song "Who's To Say" on Notes From The Road. What a talent. I really like that song.
"Running Back," featuring Flo Rida, is the first single from Australia's Jessica Mauboy. I had never heard of this former Australian Idol contestant before, but I decided to give her a shot & was impressed, so here's your opportunity to check her out. I'm not sure if much will come of this for those of us who live outside of Australia, but just in case, here's her video.
"When It Hurts" is the first single taken from Avant's upcoming self-titled album (October 28th). I like the video & it had me appreciating the song in a whole new light. I'm getting more & more interested in what Avant will have to offer this time around.
"Disturbia"
Interview
Rihanna is still promoting her single "Disturbia" in the UK, & did so by performing it & doing an interview on This Morning. The interview was cool. I think I figured out what it is with these performances that I don't like though. For me, "Disturbia" works better on a larger scale [see: VMAs ... Hey! I liked it.], so with just Rihanna & a couple backup singers, me no likey. Still, I've decided I should be nicer to RiRi. That is, unless she releases another ballad.
So, I have a new obsession: watching Jazmine Sullivan perform. Here, she sings the gorgeous "In Love With Another Man" from her debut album Fearless, which hit stores this week, for Imeem. This has got to be the best vocal performance I've ever heard. Jazmine, if you can hear me, I LOVE YOU!!!
"Need U Bad"
Interview
Yahoo! is really proving they know how to pick 'em lately. Like Keri Hilson before her, the wonderful Jazmine Sullivan is now being featured on Who's Next?, where she performed her first single "Need U Bad" off her incredible debut album Fearless (out now!!) & did a candid interview. Jazmine gave an amazing performance of "Need U Bad" that had me seeing (or hearing, rather) the song in a whole new light & gave me a whole new love for it as well.
The late Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes' second solo album will finally be released six years after her death. Eye Legacy, due November 11th [cover art to the left], will be a 12-track set featuring unreleased recordings from the TLC rapper alongside the likes of Lil' Mama, Missy Elliott (on first single "Let's Just Do It"), Chamillionaire, Tupac Shakur (on the song "Legendary"), & Bobby Valentino. Material from Lopes' first solo album Supernova will also be included, as the effort remains unreleased in the US. A portion of the proceeds from the album will go to the Lisa Lopes Foundation & her orphanage in Honduras. Read what the Lopes family had to say about this release:"We hope people understand the message in Lisa's music & appreciate her as not just a member of TLC, but as a solo artist as well. This album is Left Eye's musical gift to her fans & adds to the beauty of her legacy."
Another Celine Dion hits collection is set to be released on October 28th. The regular edition, entitled My Love: Essential Collection [cover art to the left], will include 15 of the singer's biggest hits as well as a live version of her song "My Love" & the previously unreleased track "There Comes A Time." An 'ultimate' edition will be a 2-disc set with nine additional tracks including the rarities "Dance With My Father," "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman," & "I Knew I Loved You." To view tracklistings for both versions as well as the slightly different cover art for the 'ultimate' edition, click HERE. While I basically find this latest compilation pointless, I'm sure they will make plenty of money off of it this holiday season.
Snippets of each track off Jennifer Hudson's forthcoming self-titled debut album, which drops next week, can now be heard HERE. It's only just occurring to me that J-Hud's album is almost here! The album sounds really good & I can't wait to hear it in full. I really think Jennifer will please her fans with this one.
"Sober"
"Please Don't Leave Me"
"So What"
"Who Knew"
"Trouble"
Interview (Pt. 1)
Interview (Pt. 2)
Interview (Pt. 3)
Pink actually made me jealous, if only for a moment, of Canada by performing a whopping FIVE songs & doing a lengthy interview on Live@Much for Canadian TV's MuchMusic channel. Pink not only performed her #1 hit "So What," but also two new songs "Sober" & "Please Don't Leave Me" off her upcoming album Funhouse (October 28th). They all sounded amazing & it sounds like Pink will be getting a little more personal this time around. She also performed "Who Knew," one of my favorite cuts from her last album I'm Not Dead, & "Trouble" from her underrated album-before-last Try This. During the interview, Pink did discuss her recent separation from her husband, but she was extremely entertaining. This show is a definite must-see!
So, goodness me, I don't know how this show works. It appears that the first week involved two sets of performances & eliminations, so here is the second part of Toni Braxton's debut on Dancing With The Stars. After dodging the elimination bullet, Toni danced again & scored even higher than the night before! She is safe again, so I wish her all the luck in the world for however long she sticks around. Toni FTW!
It's been quite a while since I last posted something for this section. So, when the opportunity arose, I had to take it. Even though it's still quite far into the future, the release of Disney/Pixar's "Cars 2" won't take quite as long to arrive as initially expected. The sequel is now set to be released in theaters in the summer of 2011 instead of 2012. It may be a while from now, but I felt the need to give an update on my previous news item regarding the subject. What might this mean, then, for the previously scheduled summer '11 release for "Newt?" My guess: they will probably just switch the two.Disney Channel will air the shorts all day on Saturday, November 1st, while ABC Family will present them starting December 23rd as a part of their "25 Days Of Christmas" event. This sounds exciting!
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A tribute album to Michael Jackson is currently in the works by the producer of Jackson's historic Thriller & Bad albums, Quincy Jones. Apparently over two dozen R&B/hip-hop artists have been called upon for the project, though only the participation of Usher & John Mayer via a collaboration has been announced. Mariah Carey is also in talks to get involved. Unfortunately, it should be noted that Michael Jackson himself has no plans to contribute to the album at this time. The project is set to be released next spring. It sounds really cool, although there being nothing new from MJ on the album is a bummer.
Coolest. Guy. EVER. Check out the cover art for David Archuleta's self-titled debut album, which is due out on November 11th. Archie & Brandy all in one day? What are they trying to do to me?! In related news, it has been revealed that David Archuleta plans to record his both first single "Crush" & Idol hit "Angels" in Spanish, though it isn't confirmed if the Spanish versions will make it onto the album. Again with the coolness."When I Grow Up"
Interview
Sure enough, The Pussycat Dolls returned to the US just in time to promote their new album Doll Domination, which is finally out(!), by performing "When I Grow Up" on The Ellen DeGeneres Show & shortly discussing the song afterwards. Of course, PCD couldn't go without their signature ladder thing for the performance; I've no clue what was going on with the leg girl's hair though. The interview, though short, was HILARIOUS! Ellen & Nicole discuss the 'groupies/boobies' lyric...
Last season, we followed Mario very far into the competition. This season, we get the privilege of watching Toni Braxton on Dancing With The Stars. During her first showing, Toni danced extremely well & impressed the judges! She also looks fantastic, so congrats to her for that. She didn't get eliminated this week(!), so Toni FTW!
Brandy has added the talented Keri Hilson (as a writer) to the roster of contributing players for Human, due November 11th. Also, the second single off Brandy's upcoming fifth studio album, "Long Distance," is a piano-driven ballad produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. In addition to the work Brandy has done on her first album in over four years, she has recorded a duet with John Legend called "Quickly" to be featured on his new album Evolver (October 28th). So much new Brandy, so little time! I love it!
A few details have surfaced regarding Keyshia Cole's upcoming third studio album. The project, supposedly titled Love, is currently being crafted with the help of Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins & Sean Garrett. Love is due by the end of the year. Well, I 'love' Keyshia, so that works for me!
Busta Rhymes has already gotten the ball rolling on his latest album with new label Universal Motown. He has titled the album B.O.M.B. (Back On My Bull****) & it appears that the first single will be "Arab Money," which recently leaked. B.O.M.B. is set to be released on December 9th (the same day as 50 Cent's Before I Self Destruct). Sorry, but I think the stuff he had planned before getting dropped sounded better.The threesome make it a three-peat, as Ashanti, Nelly, & Akon performed "Body On Me" yet again on Jimmy Kimmel Live! A slightly larger audience, but otherwise nothing new. Nelly is really looking to sell a copy or two of Brass Knuckles.
Rihanna is looking to join the ranks of over-promoter by performing her hit single "Disturbia" from Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded again on GMTV in the UK. The performance actually followed a short interview--WTH?! Rihanna does those? I was surprised to discover that she is infact human. Unfortunately, the performance was probably her worst so far for "Disturbia." It sounded bad & I'm not sure what she was thinking doing those psycho moves while using a microphone stand. Also, why the glasses?
I can't describe with words how overwhelming it was the first time I heard Jazmine Sullivan sing. Her incredibly strong vocals were so natural for such a young person. From that moment on, I fell in love with this breath of fresh air who has become the industry's brightest new star. Evidently, I'm not the only one who has discovered this unique artist, as her first single "Need U Bad" has topped the R&B charts for quite some time now. Don't be fooled, though: Jazmine's lead single from Fearless is only the slightest of tastes of what she has to offer with her debut album.
Janet Jackson requested & was granted release from her label Island Records, confirming rumors. I definitely think Janet made the right decision, considering the downright awful way they handled her latest album Discipline. "Luv" would have been a huge hit & tracks like "Rollercoaster" & "2nite" would have made great follow-ups. However, there's no sense in living in the past, especially when Ms. Jackson is out there touring without a label's support & KILLING it. There's nothing like a Janet show & as much as I would love to go, I suppose I'll have to settle for these 'good/evil' clips from the tour:
Britney Spears' first single "Womanizer" off her upcoming album Circus (December 2nd), which was set to be released to radio today, will now be released to radio later in the week. "Womanizer" will apparently be digitally released, however, on October 7th. Dang. I was really looking forward to hearing that song today. It'll probably be worth the wait though.Rihanna continued her promotion overseas by performing latest single "Disturbia" off Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded on For One Night Only. I've gotta applaud everyone, both on- & off-stage, for a wonderful performance ... well, everyone but Rihanna. I guess she did try, but maybe it would be best if she stuck to not.
When The Pussycat Dolls first came onto the scene, I didn't pay much attention. Not until they had a couple pretty big hits did I think twice. I, like many others, thought it was a silly concept to basically have one singer & several backup dancers. As it turns out, Nicole is no more than the Beyonce to their Destiny's Child & their act works out well for them. Visually, PCD always impresses, while their first album was a pleasant surprise musically, thanks, in no small part, to Nicole. When their first single "When I Grow Up" hit the scene, I was blown away. It appeared PCD had really stepped up their game--& step up they did.I assure you that it's not deja vu. The Pussycat Dolls did indeed perform "When I Grow Up," the first single off their forthcoming sophomore album Doll Domination, which is due Tuesday, yet again at the Vodafone Live Music Awards. While it may have been on a slightly grander scale, the performance was no different than what we've seen time & time again already. I understand that they need to promote the song people know around the time the album is dropping, but since they've already done that numerous times, it would have been nice to see them perform their second single "Whatcha Think About That" since this was a slightly bigger deal than the morning shows & such. Oh well.
Check out the sizzlin' cover for Christina Aguilera's upcoming greatest hits collection Keeps Gettin' Better: A Decade Of Hits (November 11th) above. Christina looks so freaking amazing. I don't quite get the photo as a whole--is that an astronaut suit?--but it's still awesome."When I Grow Up"
Interview
The Pussycat Dolls appeared & performed "When I Grow Up" from their upcoming album Doll Domination (Tuesday!) on Sound overseas recently. Poor PCD had to perform their usual routine in an odd little corner. I have a feeling we will be seeing them do it many times this coming week back in the US to promote Doll Domination during its release week anyway, so it's whatever. The interview was pretty entertaining. Nicole's a really good winker! lol. Be on the lookout for my (VERY positive) review of Doll Domination soon.
Watch Kelly Clarkson flawlessly perform her third single & one of my favorite tracks off her sophomore album Breakaway, "Behind These Hazel Eyes."
Check out, above & to the left, a couple new promotional photos of Christina Milian being used to promote her new single "Us Against The World," which will now be available via MySpace on October 6th, & her new album, due next spring. More producers have been revealed for the album & they include Danja, T-Pain, Toby Gad, & Jim Jonsin. Some other songs that will be featured on the album are "Diamond," "Stay," & "Tug Of War." Christina is looking wicked hot in these new pics & I'm quite excited to hear what she'll be serving up this time around."T-Shirt" is the first single off Shontelle's upcoming debut album Shontelligence (November 18th). Shontelle is a Barbados native, which explains her resemblance to Rihanna. While the song isn't groundbreaking, it's an enjoyable enough debut from this promising new artist. She is, at least, the more talented Bajan.
Disturbia
Don't Stop The Music
Rihanna is currently doing some overseas promotion, as she performed her singles "Disturbia" & "Don't Stop The Music" from her recently re-released album Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded on Star Academy. While "Don't Stop The Music" was blah as expected, I think "Disturbia" is a good song for Rihanna live (finally) because all she really has to do is what she did in the video & what she does best--stand there & act awkward--& it comes off great for the song.
Click HERE To ListenCheck out this MQ approx. 45-second snippet of Britney Spears' first single "Womanizer" off her upcoming album Circus (December 2nd). It sure makes me thirsty for more!
An album entitled The Vault, which features 12 never-before-heard recordings from Ashanti circa 2001, will be released on October 14th via AJM Records. These songs come from when Ashanti was signed to AJM before heading to Murder Inc. the following year. The album's first single, "Let's Do Something Crazy," which features Flo Rida, was produced by 15-year-old Miguel "Migs" Baeza, while AJM's own Kidd Kold produced second single "Imagine." Other producers include Nocko, Steven White, & Kenny Flav (whoever they are). This release comes only four months after Ashanti released her latest album The Declaration. I'm not sure how I feel about this & I wonder what Ashanti thinks about it as well."Body On Me"
Interview
Ashanti, Nelly, & Akon appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show to perform their single "Body On Me" & give a quick interview. The performance was the same as the other day except that Akon danced with Ellen lol. The interview was pretty funny cause Ellen tried to get Nelly & Ashanti to admit their relationship, but they kept quiet. Good stuff.
I apologize if this is no longer news, but as it turns out, I am digging John Legend this time around. Therefore, check out the cover for his upcoming third album Evolver (October 28th) above.
Well, in a perfect world, this would not be the official album cover for Keri Hilson's forthcoming debut album In A Perfect World... (November 4th), but since Yahoo! used it, I suppose it is. Love ya Keri, but no. It's not that I hate it, but it looks pretty cheap & Keri isn't even in color. Whatever--it's the music that counts, right? 
Brandy looks outstanding in the latest set of promotional photos for her upcoming album Human (November 11th). I think I can safely say that, in what looks to be a very promising fall for releases, Human ranks as my most anticipated. Go B-Rocka!
"Energy"
Interview
Keri Hilson is the latest artist to be featured on Yahoo's Who's Next?, which showcases "tomorrow's music today." She performed her first single "Energy" off her forthcoming debut album In A Perfect World... (November 4th) & did an interview as well. The interview was nice, while the performance was great! Keri sounded really good. Correct me if I'm wrong, but is Keri's backup singer not Leah LaBelle, the former American Idol contestant who recently covered "Energy" on YouTube?
Check out these new promotional photos of Pink for her upcoming album Funhouse (October 28th). I think she's awesome ... & apparently so does the rest of the country! 
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Fantasia performed "Lady Marmalade" & Jennifer Hudson sang "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" during a tribute to Patti LaBelle at "An Evening Of Stars." Clips of both performances can be viewed above, while the annual special will air at the top of next year. Sounds like both ladies did their thing. Both J-Hud & Fantasia can be heard on the song "I'm His Only Woman," which will be featured on the former's upcoming debut album. Congrats also goes out to Jennifer for her recent engagement!
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