Jennifer Lopez put her recent drama aside as host & musical guest on last night's Saturday Night Live. She performed two never-before-heard songs lifted from her upcoming album Love?, which will still be hitting stores this summer, likely on Island Def Jam. Man, it's rough when you premiere songs live. I think "Pieces" has potential. It's also likely that "Starting Over" will be more uptempo, as it is produced by Danja. Overall, I'd say J.Lo did a good job. For the heck of it, I've included the promos Jennifer shot for her episode below:
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Jennifer Lopez On SNL + Promos
Jennifer Lopez put her recent drama aside as host & musical guest on last night's Saturday Night Live. She performed two never-before-heard songs lifted from her upcoming album Love?, which will still be hitting stores this summer, likely on Island Def Jam. Man, it's rough when you premiere songs live. I think "Pieces" has potential. It's also likely that "Starting Over" will be more uptempo, as it is produced by Danja. Overall, I'd say J.Lo did a good job. For the heck of it, I've included the promos Jennifer shot for her episode below:
David Archuleta "Chords Of Strength" Book Cover

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Mary J. Blige ft. Tiziano Ferro "Each Tear" Video Premiere + More
"Each Tear," featuring Tiziano Ferro, is Mary J. Blige's new single from the upcoming UK release of her latest album Stronger With Each Tear. Thankfully though, we aren't missing out on anything because as much as the video sucks, the song is worse. Why'd they go & murder an innocent song like that?!
In related news, Mary won 2 trophies at Friday night's 2010 NAACP Image Awards. She nabbed the awards for Outstanding Female Artist & Outstanding Album (Stronger With Each Tear). Other winners include Keri Hilson for Outstanding New Artist, The Black-Eyed Peas for Outstanding Duo, Group, Or Collaboration, & Whitney Houston for Outstanding Music Video ("I Look To You"). In addition, the movie "Precious," which features Mariah Carey, won Outstanding Motion Picture & Outstanding Independent Motion Picture, while cast & crew of the film picked up four more awards!
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Alicia Keys "The Freedom Tour" Behind-The-Scenes
Alicia Keys wants you to know that she's put in work to make her latest tour in support of The Element Of Freedom a spectacle. I couldn't care less personally, but enjoy!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Rihanna Performs "Rude Boy" On GMTV
Rihanna performed her new single "Rude Boy" on GMTV as well on her very own UK promo tour. It's from her fourth album Rated R, which, despite being critically acclaimed & certified platinum already, is rumored to have underperformed in the eyes of her label. What, did you really expect her to start every album off with a massive #1 hit like "Umbrella?" (I mean, you put out "Russian Roulette"..?) Seriously, just cause the singles ONLY go top 10 doesn't mean she's failed. Geez, it's like if an artist actually shows the slightest amount of creativity, you don't know what to do! Ugh.
Leona Lewis On The Alan Titchmarsh Show
"I Got You"
Interview
Leona Lewis continued her current UK promo tour with a stop at The Alan Titchmarsh Show, where she performed "I Got You" again & sat down for a run-of-the-mill interview. I've never heard of this Alan fellow, but he's a bit dorky. ;) Leona's sophomore album Echo is out now.
Rihanna Performs "Rude Boy" On Alan Carr: Chatty Man
Rihanna performed her new single "Rude Boy," which was #4 on iTunes last I checked, lifted from Rated R in the UK recently on Alan Carr: Chatty Man. Ah, RiRi, gettin' that choreography in @ mark 0:43, I see! (lol) Nah... I really am digging her this era.
Leona Lewis On GMTV
"I Got You"
Interview
Earlier this week, Leona Lewis stopped by GMTV to give a performance of her latest single off Echo & sit down for a quick interview. I realize that this wonderful song is going nowhere fast, but "I Got You" is truly deserving of success. It's embarassing, actually, that this is going unnoticed when you look at the top 10 on the Hot 100. However, for the few of us that can appreciate good music, listen to Leona's "I Got You" b-side "Heartbeat" below. I don't know who produced it, but it sounds like what she & Ryan Tedder should've come up with this time around (rather than "Happy"):
Heartbeat
Thursday, February 25, 2010
*UPDATED* Idol Review: Top 24
The live shows of season nine are finally upon us... but they sucked, so you're getting Kris Allen's cover of The Beatles' "Let It Be" from tonight's results show. His rendition, which was about 100x better than anything any one of this year's contestants had to offer this week, is supposed to be available for purchase to benefit Haiti, but it has yet to show up on iTunes, so I'll update this post with a link when/if it does.
As for the contestants, let's start with the girls. The only ones I'm interested in at all are Paige Miles & Michelle Delamor, the latter of which actually had the week's best performance, even though it was only mediocre. I would've said Ashley Rodriguez & Janell Wheeler have potential (Janell being the one that actually impressed me once with her rendition of "American Boy" in Hollywood)--& they were in the better half of the group of girls--but.. ya. I think Crystal Bowersox, Lilly Scott, Haeley Vaughn, & Siobhan Magnus are jokes; I just don't care for Katelyn Epperly; Lacey Brown doesn't know who she is (nor is she really talented); Didi Benami wasn't awful in Hollywood, but she's already gotten old; & Katie Stevens wouldn't make a sound if you plugged her nose.
Now, my favorite guy (& possibly contestant, should he do what he's capable of) is Todrick Hall & I don't think he got enough credit for his performance this week, but it still wasn't a very good vocal showcase. I also think Jermaine Sellers is talented, but he hasn't a clue how to use his voice & he may not have enough time to learn. As for Andrew Garcia, I'm on the fence because I like his voice, but his acoustic versions of every song ever are gonna get really old, really fast if he doesn't come harder. That's it though... Aaron Kelly & Casey James are just not for me, Tim Urban's not even worth my energy (although he seems like a nice person), Lee Dewyze & John Park are awful, Michael Lynche is frustratingly bad (Maroon 5? Really?!), & Alex Lambert leaves me at a loss for words. I'm glad Tyler Grady is gone & although Joe Munoz wasn't the worst of the bunch (+ I feel sorry for him since he only left because of his lack of screen time), he wasn't anything special.
Since I haven't done one of these in a while, I feel kinda bad about being so negative towards all these people, but I'm only being honest & American Idol holds a special place in my heart, so to see such a lousy crop of contestants is discouraging, to say the least. I know many people say that the contestants will grow & get better over time, & I'm sure they probably will, but looking back on the last couple of seasons, no first semifinal round was this pathetic.
To round things out, I'm going to be leaving you with the latest episode of The BabyV Show every week. Starring the fourth season of Idol's third-place finisher (& best contestant ever) Vonzell Solomon, The BabyV Show provides some insight into each corresponding week of Idol as well as *drumroll* Boonquisha! Take a look:
UPDATE: You can buy Kris Allen's live version of "Let It Be" to benefit Haiti now HERE.Katharine McPhee On The Bonnie Hunt Show
"Terrified"
Interview
Katharine McPhee performed the song "Terrified" off her new album Unbroken on The Bonnie Hunt Show & I'm glad they talked about Didi Benami singing "Terrified," which has been sitting pretty in the top 200 songs on iTunes ever since, during Hollywood week on American Idol because it's been a great boost for Kat! I think it's great that they're pushing the gorgeous song now.
*UPDATED* Elliott Yamin Performs "Rock Around The Clock" In Chile
Elliott Yamin sang "Rock Around The Clock" at the Competencia Internacional in Chile recently. I'm not really sure why, but you can't say he didn't sound great! He timed this well, as it makes me think of a semifinal Idol performance--& a better one than any offered this week by far! I feel the need to remind you that Elliott's terribly underrated sophomore album Fight For Love is out now.
UPDATE: So, you know how there was that big earthquake last night in Chile? Well, Elliott was still there! He was live-tweeting (@elliottyamin) the whole time & I was actually up, so I caught his tweets & got really worried for him, but thankfully, he's alright. Here he is talking to the Today show this morning on the phone about the incident:
Billboard Update
*UPDATED* Estelle ft. Kardinal Offishall "Freak" Behind-The-Scenes
This Friday, the sure-to-be-stylish, as can be seen in this making-of footage, video for Estelle's Kardinal Offishall-assisted first single "Freak" off her upcoming album All Of Me is set to premiere. Estelle's back! This looks like it'll be a killer video & I'm liking the sound of the song, even if it's that bloody dance stuff again. (Kardinal could've had a better attitude!)
UPDATE: Turns out, the video didn't premiere today, but the song did, so you can listen to the David Guetta production below. It's OK... I'll probably like it more with the video:
Freak (ft. Kardinal Offishall)
Rihanna On AOL Sessions
"Take A Bow"/"Disturbia"/"Russian Roulette"/"Hard"/"Rude Boy"
Q&A
*UPDATED* Britney Spears Album Update

UPDATE: Well, MTV lied. No Britney album this June. Now, I wouldn't necessarily say that they were off base with the producer list, as I've heard some of those names from other sources before, but we'll just have to wait longer to hear what they've come up with.
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Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Monica "Everything To Me" Video Premiere
"Everything To Me" is the first single off Monica's forthcoming album Still Standing (March 23rd). This Benny Boom-directed video features wardrobe by the late Alexander McQueen, to whom the clip is dedicated. Mo gets all up in a chick's face whose trying to get at her family & she ain't havin' it! I love it & Monica looks fantastic. One month to go!
Teyana Taylor "From A Planet Called Harlem" Update

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Imogen Heap Improvises Song For Charity

Why? Because it's a local London charity & because when I was one, they diagnosed me with Osteomyelitis. A brilliant surgeon then operated swiftly & saved my little leg.
Imogen hopes to make this a regular thing, with the audiences at her shows giving her what to run with & the outcome becoming available to download in support of a local charity. "The Shepherdess" features Imogen's signature vocal & electronic adlibs, & I think it turned out incredibly well. What a great idea! Meanwhile, Immi's phenomenal new album Ellipse is out now.
Kanye West "Coldest Winter" Video Premiere
"Coldest Winter" is the seventh track to be lifted from Kanye West's rather brilliant fourth album 808s & Heartbreak (eighth if you count "See You In My Nightmares"--see: "We Were Once A Fairytale"). It's been a minute since Kanye released a video from this album, not that anyone was really expecting him to drop any more from the 2008 set, but I'm glad he did. While Kanye doesn't actually appear in this video, the Harry Potter-esque clip is a cool visualization of the outstanding song. I don't know for sure what Kanye is planning for his next album, but I think it'll be more along the lines of rap again, which saddens me because more of this style would be just wonderful! I would say that maybe he should leave it alone anyway because he might mess it up, but it's Kanye, for crying out loud!
Monday, February 22, 2010
*UPDATED* Jennifer Lopez Splits With Epic

UPDATE: In a new statement to set the record straight, Jennifer Lopez assures fans that her new album Love? will indeed come out this summer:
"I am making this statement to put an end to any confusion in regards to my next album titled Love. I have belonged to the Sony family since the beginning of my career as a singer & together we've had great success. I have fulfilled my contractual responsibilities with Sony/Epic up to this point & we have both reached friendly terms about my departure from the label. I'm also happy to say that we've found a new home for my album Love & that it is slated for release in the summer of 2010."
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Monica "Still Standing" Tracklisting

1. Still Standing (ft. Ludacris)
2. Stay Or Go
3. Everything To Me
4. One In A Lifetime
5. Mirror
6. If You Were My Man
7. Here I Am
8. Love All Over Me
9. Superman
10. Believing In Me
I see she didn't get that psychotic 10-song cap lifted... so, tracks 1, 2 (just a snippet), 3 (the single), 4, & 6 ("Betcha") have leaked & we've heard the rest of the album on her show besides "Mirror" & "Believing In Me." Hey, if you guys were just gonna use songs that were featured on the show, why not include "Infinity" (& even "Let Me Know," which was mentioned, untagged)? Needless to say, I was just hoping for a little more material we don't already know, but we haven't heard the final versions of some of these songs (not to mention that what we have heard sounded great!), so that's something to look forward to. At the end of the day, 2010 has been a big, fat R&B drought thus far, so a solid release from Monica is very welcome.
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2010 Kids' Choice Award Nominees Announced

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Saturday, February 20, 2010
Mariah Carey "100%" Video Premiere
"100%" is Mariah Carey's song for the Olympics that is featured on the AT&T Team USA soundtrack. The video is a mix of live footage recorded at the Toronto stop of her "Angels Advocate" tour & footage of Olympians. I like the video & I absolutely adore the song! I've also been enjoying the Olympics, which I'd never really watched this much of before. Anyway, if you'd like to buy "100%" & support Team USA, click HERE. Also, Mariah's remix album Angels Advocate arrives in Target stores on March 30th.
Mary J. Blige Performs "Each Tear" In Italy
Mary J. Blige performed the song "Each Tear" off her similarly-titled new album Stronger With Each Tear at the same music festival in Sanremo, Italy that Jennifer Lopez stopped by. Mary was a little off, but still did a nice job.
AJ McLean "Teenage Wildlife" Video Premiere
"Teenage Wildlife" is the first single off Backstreet Boys AJ McLean's upcoming solo debut Have It All. Now, I like the song &, uh, that he went for something different with the Wade Robson-directed clip... but this is weird. I do like the dance break though!
Friday, February 19, 2010
Jennifer Lopez Performs In Italy + More
What Is Love
Jenny From The Block/Waiting For Tonight/Love Don't Cost A Thing/Get Right/Let's Get Loud
Jennifer Lopez recently took the stage at the 60th Sanremo Song Festival in Italy, where she performed her new song "What Is Love" for the first time as well as a medley of her hits. I really like the new, Wynter Gordon-penned track (on which I can totally hear her ... I wish the demo would leak!), the performance of which was lipped, so you can hear what it actually sounds like. That's keeping me optimistic about J.Lo's forthcoming album Love?, which drops in April. In related news, Jennifer will be pulling double duty as host & musical guest on the February 27th (that's next weekend!) episode of Saturday Night Live. Be sure to tune in!
"Come Together Now" Video Premiere
"Come Together Now" is the Michael W. Smith-led Haiti charity single featuring American Idol alumni Melinda Doolittle & Mandisa, among many others. It doesn't appear that Mandisa was given any solo parts, which is a shame, but Melinda was featured nicely & did a fine job. If you would like to support Haiti relief by purchasing this cool track, click HERE.
Billboard Update
Jennifer Hudson "Got Milk?" Ads
Jennifer Hudson shows us how it's done with this new pair of ads for Got Milk? Apparently, her sophomore album is due in May!
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Alicia Keys "Gotham" Magazine Cover

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Melinda Doolittle To Release Book

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Thursday, February 18, 2010
Avril Lavigne "Alice" Video Premiere
Avril Lavigne has released the video for "Alice," her contribution to the film "Alice In Wonderland," which opens on March 5th. At least it's an improvement over most videos from soundtracks, though I think I've finally decided that I can't handle the song.
New Janet Jackson "Why Did I Get Married Too?" Poster

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Mary J. Blige On Letterman
"I Am"
Interview
Mary J. Blige was guest on the Late Show with David Letterman recently, where she performed "I Am" off Stronger With Each Tear & sat down for a quick interview, but this was no ordinary visit. MJB also performed an online mini-concert after the show, which is featured below. For the first half, Mary took it back to the '90s before getting into (& I mean INTO) some of her newer material. Truth be told, her vocals suffered from getting sooo into the performance, but you gotta respect her for putting on quite a show. I would like to see her perform more new songs though... & that doesn't count "I Am" (which she performed TWICE here, you'll notice). I'm really starting to loathe that song. Anyway, as you can see, I've included the setlist for the concert as well:
Love Is All We Need
I'm The Only Woman
Be Happy
You Bring Me Joy
Real Love
Love No Limit
Mary Jane (All Night Long)
I Am
Good Love
Just Fine
Family Affair
New Britney Spears "Candie's" Ads

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Wednesday, February 17, 2010
The 2010 BRIT Awards Recap
Alicia Keys joined Jay-Z on stage at the 2010 BRIT Awards to perform *shocker* their hit single "Empire State Of Mind" in what has become a boring & redundant showing. Lucking out on the actual awards side of things was Lily Allen, who walked away with the Best British Female trophy. See all the winners HERE.
Mariah Carey "Angels Advocate" Update

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Robin Thicke ft. Estelle "Rollacoasta" Behind-The-Scenes
The Black-Eyed Peas "Imma Be Rocking That Body" Video Premiere
"Imma Be Rocking That Body" is The Black-Eyed Peas' epic dual video release for their songs "Imma Be" & "Rock That Body" off The E.N.D. This Rich Lee-directed mini-movie is phenomenal! "Transformers" meets "District 9" ... yes!! I'm really glad that all that "I Gotta Feeling" dough contributed to something good, especially for two of my favorite cuts from the album (finally!).
Mary J. Blige On Walmart Soundcheck
"The One"/"I Am"/"Family Affair"/"Be Without You"/"Just Fine"
Interview
Mary J. Blige performed the singles that have been lifted so far from her new album Stronger With Each Tear before jumping into her back catalog of hits for her Walmart Soundcheck set. While I would've liked for her to perform more new material, MJB was on fire doing her classics, especially with those adlibs!
Rihanna Performs "Rude Boy" On Ellen
In a pre-taped segment from when she recently stopped by The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Rihanna performed "Rude Boy," the latest single off her album Rated R, for what I believe is the first time we've seen her do so in its entirety. Call me crazy, but I think this may actually be a good song for her live! Good on her.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Usher & Alicia Keys Perform On 2010 NBA All-Star Game
Usher - Medley
Alicia Keys - Medley
Usher took to the stage to perform "More," a portion of new song "Want Her Body" (no YouTube link, but it has leaked), & "Yeah!" ... then a little bit 'more' at the 2010 NBA All-Star Game. He gave an energetic & entertaining performance, though I'm not sure what his mouth was doing (you'll know what I mean). Later, Alicia Keys sang "Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart," "Empire State Of Mind (Part II) Broken Down" NBA-style, & "No One" at halftime. Despite being a little hoarse, she was pretty much typical Alicia.
Craig David "Signed Sealed Delivered" Revised Cover & Sampler

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Nivea & Rasheeda "Say Something (Remix)" Video Premiere
Nivea & Rasheeda have remixed Timbaland & Drake's "Say Something" for the latter lady's upcoming mixtape Boss B**** Music. Nivea must be taking this return-to-music thing seriously... & she looks pretty good too! Very nice.
Katharine McPhee On The View
"Say Goodbye"
Interview
Katharine McPhee sang my favorite track off her new album Unbroken, "Say Goodbye," & sat down for an interview on The View recently. Gorgeous performance, Kat! And seriously, View ladies, her hair's been blonde for like a year.
New Craig David Promo Pics

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Monday, February 15, 2010
Vonzell Solomon Wishes You Happy Valentine's Day

Teedra Moses "Royal Patience Compilation ... A Love Journey" Mixtape

Nivea "Love Hurts" Song Premiere
Since releasing her last album, Nivea became The-Dream's ex & Lil' Wayne's baby mama, but thankfully she's turned her sights back to music. Nivea released a new single called "Love Hurts" on Valentine's Day for everybody who isn't so into the holiday. For someone who, these days, is the very definition of an independent artist, I was pleasantly surprised, so if you are too & you want "Love Hurts," click HERE.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Download Angels & Airwaves' "Love" Album For FREE!
Angels & Airwaves is the only band I like & there's a very good reason for that: They're incredible! I honestly believe that no matter what genre you're into, you can appreciate the music of Angels & Airwaves. In an unprecedented move, the band is offering a FREE, no-strings-attached, & legal(!) download of their entire third album Love. What I would suggest is that there's no harm in trying it & I know you'll love it! Simply click the link below:
Melanie Fiona "You Stop My Heart (Valentine's Day Version)" Video Premiere
Melanie Fiona (or a couple of her) would like to offer you this Valentine's Day greeting in the form of a special video for her song "You Stop My Heart" off The Bridge. I'm thinking this is probably just a portion of a full video that'll serve as her next single, but nevertheless, enjoy what we have! I did. :)
Dondria Performs National Anthem At NBA All-Star Weekend
As a part of the NBA All-Star Weekend festivities in her hometown of Dallas, Dondria performed "The Star-Spangled Banner" at the T-Mobile Rookie Challenge game. She did a fantastic job! Obviously, this is one to look out for!! You can do just that by downloading her awesome single "You're The One" now!
Melanie Fiona Visits Billboard
"It Kills Me"
Interview
Saturday, February 13, 2010
"We Are The World 25 For Haiti" Video Premiere
As you may have heard, Quincy Jones & Lionel Richie gathered 81 acts on February 1st to remake "We Are The World" for Haiti in the same studio where the original was recorded 25 years ago. With the help of producers Wyclef Jean, Rickey Minor, & RedOne, artists such as Janet Jackson, Jennifer Hudson, Nicole Scherzinger, India.Arie, Melanie Fiona, Mya, Keri Hilson, Brandy, Pink, Jordin Sparks, Celine Dion, Katharine McPhee, Usher, Kanye West, Fergie, Mary J. Blige, & Toni Braxton took part in this piece of history. It even features Michael Jackson! The final result can be viewed above & I think it came out pretty well. Could've given some solos to Brandy & Jordin Sparks instead of Justin Bieber & She-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, but you can't always win. Just gotta remember it's all for a good cause! Speaking of which, you can download "We Are The World 25 For Haiti" HERE from iTunes, proceeds from which will benefit Haiti.
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Leona Lewis "I Got You" Video Premiere
"I Got You" is the second single off Leona Lewis' sophomore album Echo. Have no fear: It's nothing like "Happy!" Now, I must admit, I don't love the video, but the visual is perfect for the song & really helps it shine. This song is IT, folks! You know you wanna download it HERE ... unless of course you'd rather do the smarter thing & pick up the whole album!
Friday, February 12, 2010
Adam Lambert On AOL Sessions
"Soaked"
"Fever"
"If I Had You"
"Strut"
"Whataya Want From Me"
Q&A
Brandy's Interview With TrueExclusives
Part 1
Part 2
Brandy did a phone interview on her birthday yesterday (Happy 31st, Bran!) with the lucky dawgs over at TrueExclusives. She revealed that she has worked with Timbaland & will.i.am so far on her sixth studio album, & plans on hooking up with Akon for it soon. Brandy also discussed being a part of the new "We Are The World," her upcoming reality show, & her rumored relationship with Flo Rida. It's always great to hear from Brandy! (Spotted @ WeLoveBrandyNorwood)
Celine Dion Returning To Vegas

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The Caffeine Patch: New Toy Story 3 Trailer
Jennifer Hudson Performs At The White House
Someday We'll All Be Free
People Get Ready (w/ Smokey Robinson)
Billboard Update
- The Black-Eyed Peas The E.N.D. (10-6 / 70,000 / +76%)
- Beyonce I Am... Sasha Fierce (35-14 / 32,000 / +101%)
- Pink Funhouse (61-15 / 31,000 / +234%)
Ke$ha's "Tik Tik" also spends another week on top of the Hot 100 singles chart, where The Black-Eyed Peas also get a Grammy performance boost for "Imma Be," which jumps 4-2 after selling 236,000 copies (+33%). Another artist *slightly* benefitting from the Grammys, Pink, lands the week's Hot Shot Debut at #18 with "Glitter In The Air," selling 114,000 copies (+1,143%), which marks her fifth entry on the chart from Funhouse, a personal best for an album of hers. One last Grammy-related debut: Mary J. Blige & Andrea Bocelli's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" comes in at #75.
See full charts HERE
The Caffeine Patch: New How To Train Your Dragon Poster

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Toni Braxton On Wendy Williams
"Make My Heart"
Interview
Toni Braxton performed her new single "Make My Heart" for the first time on The Wendy Williams Show, where she also sat down for a chat with her friend. Granted, she did lipsync & her hair looks a bit of a mess (I prefer long hair on her personally... why is everybody ditching their locks lately?), but Toni commanded that stage & I love her for it! Oh, & will you look at that: "Make My Heart" is available now to download!! The interview was an interesting one, as Ms. Braxton brought out her Wendy-fan mother & outspoken sister (just a taste of what's to come!), discussed her recent separation, & mentioned that she is in good health! Yay!! Toni's sure-to-be-blazin' next album Pulse is due May 4th.