"Not Myself Tonight" is the first single off Christina Aguilera's upcoming fourth studio album Bionic (June 8th). X-Tina has returned for the start of a new decade! There is a new look every, like, second in this Hype Williams-directed video, but that just gives me an excuse to put it on repeat! It even makes the song better!
Leona Lewis is featured on the cover of the June issue of InStyle in the UK. They're really on the ball rolling out issues over there! Leona looks really good though. Her underrated second album Echo is out now.
"Eenie Meenie", featuring Justin Bieber, is the first single lifted from Sean Kingston's forthcoming third album. (It's also available now on Justin's album My World 2.0.) Average video, but--& I'm sure I just need some sleep--the song actually sounded slightly better than the last time (which was also the first time) I listened to it.
Adam Lambert performed "Whataya Want From Me" off For Your Entertainment on Morgenmagazin in Germany. Pretty sure I hate this song now. Just wondering though: Are you required to wear nail polish to be in Adam's band? lol
Rihanna switches it up ever-so-slightly for the cover of Rated R: Remixed (May 25th). I hope this is good & that it does well, so that Mariah Carey Vs. Jump Smokers gets a release date!"Love Dealer", featuring Justin Timberlake, is the new US single from Esmee Denters' upcoming debut album Outta Here. Cool song.
Christina Aguilera has offered up this tease of her new music video for "Not Myself Tonight", the first single off her upcoming album Bionic (June 8th). Oo, raunchy! I don't think I can wait 'til Friday!!
UPDATE: Another!
UPDATE #2: And another!
Nicole Scherzinger ruled the competition once again after dancing the Samba during her sixth week on Dancing With The Stars. I read that Len was in a cranky mood with everybody... my favorite judge is Bruno anyway! Nicole FTW!!
Jordin Sparks joined Natalie Grant to perform "Human", a song lifted from the latter's upcoming album Love Revolution, at the 2010 Dove Awards. Apparently Jordin wrote the song, which is a bit of a shame because it doesn't do anything for me, nor does Natalie, so let's just say that Jordin might just be a little better at the whole singing thing! Speaking of which, her terrific sophomore album Battlefield is out now.
For some ... reason, Sean Kingston has done his own horrible version of Waka Flocka Flame's horrible song "O Let's Do It" with two of (I'm assuming) his artists, whom I don't care enough about to remember the names of. This is so horrible, I have no clue why I posted it. I apologize.
Usher covers the latest issue of 944 magazine. His new album Raymond Vs. Raymond is in stores now.So, I take it, being that Brian McKnight's radio show takes place in LA, he recorded "I Love LA" with The Frat, which I think is made up of his sons & their friends, for the local CBS affiliate to promote the Lakers... because he hasn't an ounce of dignity left? Umm... his, uh, latest album Evolution Of A Man (which does NOT feature this song) is, uh, out now.
We Are The Fallen's debut album Tear The World Down will be released on May 11th, but you don't have to wait until then to wet your appetite. Click HERE to listen to snippets of the album. I like what I'm hearing. 2010 is the year of the return of the voice! Note: "Like A Prayer" (a Madonna cover, I believe) will no longer be included on the album. Wonder why.
Recently, Dondria helped out her So So Def labelmate Johnta Austin by adding a lady's touch to his song "15 Minutes". The lyrics are absolutely repulsive, as is the testosterone-driven conversation that takes place mid-way through the clip, but Dondria sounds great! Her debut album Dondria Vs. Phatfffat finally comes out June 22nd.
LeToya is the latest in a long line of celebs who have participated in photographer Derek Blanks' alter-ego photoshoot series. She actually has quite a bit going on: Her sophomore album Lady Love is available now, her movie "Preacher's Kid" arrives on DVD May 4th, & she apparently has a role in the Katherine Heigl/Ashton Kutcher comedy "Killers", which opens in theaters on June 4th.
The release of Janelle Monae's debut album The ArchAndroid on May 18th will soon be upon us. The set's tracklisting has now been revealed, so you can check it out below:
"Ride", featuring Ludacris, is the first single off Ciara's upcoming fourth album Basic Instinct. This video is my hero. Four minutes and 39 seconds of bliss. She's so fiiine! CiCi, please marry me.
None other than Adam Lambert was on hand at the 2010 GLAAD Media Awards to perform his Lady Gaga-penned For Your Entertainment track "Fever". Fiiierce! (At least it wasn't "Whataya Want From Me"...)
UPDATE: Glambert was also going full force during his performance of "Music Again" at the ceremony:
Janelle Monae is featured on "The Kids", a new song from B.o.B, who just hit the top of the Billboard singles chart. "The Kids" will be featured on his forthcoming debut album The Adventures Of Bobby Ray (April 27th). Take a listen:Check out this 30-second sneak peek at Esmee Denters' video with Justin Timberlake for "Love Dealer", the new single off her upcoming album Outta Here. The full video will premiere on April 28th.
Nicole Scherzinger topped the night after dancing the Tango during the fifth week of Dancing With The Stars. I never thought I'd say this, but DWTS is actually more entertaining than Idol this year--& I'm only watching Nicole! She was so awesome!! Nicole FTW!
I Am Only One
Bury Me Alive
We Are The Fallen performed a short acoustic set for Chicago radio station Q101 recently to promote their upcoming debut album Tear The World Down (May 11th). This is the first time I am/we are hearing "I Am Only One" & it seems nice! It'll be interesting to hear the studio version. You show 'em how it's done, Carly!
Teairra Mari offers up a first look at her video for "Automatic", the latest single lifted from her forthcoming sophomore album At That Point (June 29th). I'm a Teairra fan & everything, but all I'm sayin' is that she better have Nicki up in that video!
Jennifer Hudson may not be reprising her role from the first film in "Sex & The City 2", but that isn't stopping her from being a part of the sequel. She has recorded a duet with labelmate Leona Lewis entitled "Love Is Your Color" for the movie's soundtrack. These two powerhouses on one track?! I don't think I can take it! (But I'll sure try!!) The soundtrack to "Sex & The City 2" will be released on May 25th, two days before the film hits theaters.Entertainment Tonight visited Esmee Denters & Justin Timberlake on the set of their video for "Love Dealer", the new US single from her upcoming debut album Outta Here. In addition to footage of them shooting & discussing the video, there are some sneak peeks of the final cut throughout the clip. It looks like they're pulling a Ciara out all the stops so that Esmee can get the success here that she deserves!
Here, we have Ciara's viral video for "Basic Instinct (U Got Me)", a buzz track for her upcoming fourth album Basic Instinct. CiCi heads back to the hood for this one & even gets her rap on... which I could do without personally. I also feel the need to mention that I'm not really buying that Ciara is really THIS ghetto, but she doesn't care what I think anyway! Ya know, Ciara, not all bloggers post about you to hate on you--some of us genuinely like your music & just want to support you, so don't hate on us..! Anyway, I do think this is kinda cool & I'm ready for CiCi to shut it down! We'll see what else she has in store for us when the video for her first official single "Ride" premieres ..later today!
The fliest of them all AKA Janelle Monae graces the cover of her full-length debut The ArchAndroid, which arrives May 18th. You keep doin' you, girl!"Everything To Me"
Interview
As a guest on The Wendy Williams Show, Monica KILLED another performance of her #1 single "Everything To Me". Love that ending! She also sat down for another one of her charming interviews. Monica's soulful new album Still Standing is out now.
Nicki Minaj starred in her very own half-hour special during BET's Spring Bling called "I Am Nicki". (According to her, it was the highest-rated telecast in Spring Bling history!) She takes us along for the ride as she gets ready for her first-ever Spring Bling performance, which takes place at the end & is a medley of "My Chick Bad" (following a bit of it earlier), "I Get Crazy", "Roger That", "5 Star Chick", & "Lil' Freak" (her verses where applicable of course). I love Nicki. She's flier than an eagle that's balding!
Christina Aguilera is lookin' her gawgeous self in this new set of promotional photos for her upcoming fourth album Bionic (June 8th). I'm so excited that she's baaack!!
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Mo'Nique recently had Dondria on her show, where they chatted a bit before the up-&-comer was given the opportunity to perform her single "You're The One" for the first time on TV. And, uh, she killed it! Those vocals were on-point!! Dondria's debut album Dondria Vs. Phatfffat drops on June 22nd. Errbody cop dat! ;)
Carly Smithson & co. AKA We Are The Fallen are prepping for the release of their debut album Tear The World Down on May 11th. The tracklisting for the disc has been revealed:Check out this professional footage of Beyonce joining Jay-Z on stage at the annual Coachella music festival to take over the Mr Hudson part during Jay's performance of his Blueprint 3 song "Young Forever". Besides to make a special guest appearance, Beyonce was just there to support her hubby, who was the headliner, & I must say... relaxation looks good on her! That's not to say I personally want her to take much time off, but she definitely deserves it.
Jennifer Lopez is currently on the cover of Spanish magazine Vanidades. If these clothes look familiar, that's because this is the same shoot (different shots though) as the one featured in the Ukraine edition of Marie Claire that Jennifer is also on the cover of. Regardless though, she looks great. I'm excited to see "The Back-Up Plan" when it opens this weekend!
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Here's the final poster for "Shrek 
Kelly Rowland has recorded the 2010 FIFA World Cup theme song for South Africa "Everywhere You Go" with local artists 2Face, Awadi, Chameleone, Crotale, Jozi, Kwesta, Rola, Samini, Slikour, & Zuluboy. Take a listen to the track below:
Adam Lambert is apparently America's biggest little import in Japan, as he's currently being featured with a cover spread in their Rolling Stone. Looks like Adam had fun with the shoot & I don't blame him! At least he's never boring. ;) Adam's debut album For Your Entertainment is out now.
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Check out the trailer for Janelle Monae's upcoming debut album The ArchAndroid (May 18th). I don't really know what to say about this, but I can say that I totally dig someone who is genuinely original!
On May 25th, Rihanna will be releasing Rated R: Remixed, a remix album made up of reworkings of the first 10 tracks off the singer's fourth album. Check out the set's tracklisting below:The lovely Nicole Scherzinger gracefully danced the Rumba for her fourth performance on Dancing With The Stars. Don't be nervous, Nicole! You're great!! Nicole FTW!
"Make My Heart" is the uptempo of Toni Braxton's new dual singles off her upcoming album Pulse (May 4th). First of all, this song is ridiculously hot--as much so as it was the day it leaked as well. Similarly, Toni is on fire in the Bille Woodruff-directed video. And, while I must admit that I'm a bigger fan of her long hair, not even her peers that are half her age are dancing like that in their videos! You mad?
"Ay Yo" is the third US single lifted from Melanie Fiona's debut album The Bridge. I've always found this track catchy & the video is very cool! Alright now, Melanie.
Shontelle recently chatted with Rap-Up TV about her upcoming sophomore album No Gravity. She revealed some of the producers featured on the project, including Mr Hudson, The Jackie Boyz (Sean Kingston, Wynter Gordon), Tony Kanal of No Doubt, Jimmy Harry (Pink, David Archuleta), & Bruno Mars, among others. Hey, as far as I'm considered, I like "Impossible", so we'll see!
Teairra Mari plays Usher's woman in the viral video for her cover of his song "Hey Daddy (Daddy's Home)". Whatever gets the album out, right Teairra? SMH... her sophomore album At That Point is due in June.
As we await the release of the Memoirs dance remix album, Mariah Carey has wasted no time in getting started on her next project. She recently hit the studio with her "We Belong Together" collaborator Jermaine Dupri & Bryan-Michael Cox to kick off the album. There are so many things to say...Following in the footsteps of Jazmine Sullivan is Leona Lewis, who has also joined the latest Cotton ad campaign by recording her own version of "Fabric Of My Life." She looks lovely in the commercial. Leona's sophomore album Echo is out now.
If you've been reading my blog for a while now, you've no doubt seen James Fauntleroy's name pop up a few times. To catch the rest of you up, James Fauntleroy is my favorite songwriter. He's scored his biggest hit thus far in Jordin Sparks' "No Air," but he has also written incredible songs for Rihanna ("Fire Bomb") & David Archuleta ("Running") as well as most of Brandy's best material as of late ("Home," "Drum Life," & "Stand Back," just to name a few), etc., etc. What's cool about him is he seems to write for his own voice, so he sounds great on his demos (as does any talented singer he gives a song to)--which is REALLY cool because there is a plethora (& I mean PLETHORA) of his songs floating around! For example, his (excellent) demos for all of the aforementioned songs (with the exception of "Fire Bomb," sadly) are available online for your listening pleasure. What I've compiled here in Leading By Example, however, does not include songs you're probably familiar with, but rather the best of his material that has not been recorded by someone else. (That is, unless you're a Chris Cornell fan, as he did record the mixtape's first track, but seeing as this is an R&B/pop blog, I'm assuming you aren't... but either way, J-Faunt's version is awesome!) Naturally, James connects to his music remarkably well & you'll likely find yourself feeling the same way about it after listening to Leading By Example, which just so happens to be one of the most-played albums in my iTunes library. As before, click the play button above, check out the tracklisting below, & enjoy yourself!
1. Stop Me
2. Stingy
3. Between Me & You
4. Last Mistake Ever
5. Example
6. Fertilizer
7. Know You
8. Heart Dead
9. Make Your Body Talk To Me
10. Dizzy
11. Overhead
12. On Tour
13. Love Isn't Free
14. Stadium Love
P.S. Fun tidbit: James once informed me on Twitter when "Last Mistake Ever" leaked that when he wrote the song, he never named it, so he has no idea where the song's random title came from. He did, however, jokingly tell me that he would have called it "Act Like I'm Not All In Love With You." My recommedation? "All In Love With You." ;)
Brandy & her brother Ray J are featured on the cover of the latest issue of Jet. Lookin' good there, Norwoods! Check out their show Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business, which premieres this Sunday @ 9/8c on VH1.
Move over, Rihanna: The real rockstar has entered the building! Nicole Scherzinger belts alongside Alice Cooper, Steve Adler, & Flea on "Baby Can't Drive," a bonus track from Slash's new self-titled album:OneRepublic performed the only single from their sophomore album Waking Up that they care to promote on the Today show...
Just cause she's busy dominating the world with the Peas doesn't mean Fergie hasn't found time to do a little solo work on the side! For one, she's featured on a pair of tracks on Slash's new self-titled solo album. The first is called "Beautiful Dangerous":I think it's cool. Ferg's also featured on David Guetta's new single "Gettin' Over You," which includes LMFAO & the One Love album version's featured artist Chris Willis as well:
Yup. Sounds like Guetta to me! She was probably just returning the favor following the success of "I Gotta Feeling" anyway.
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Nicole Scherzinger glams it up in her cover shoot for the latest issue of Hong Kong's Prestige. She looks simply stunning! I love my Scherzy. *crosses fingers for her solo album to finally be released this year*
