Brandy "Drop Dead Diva" Sneak Peek

Above is a sneak peek of Brandy's guest-starring role on Lifetime's Drop Dead Diva, which will see her begin a multi-episode arc on Sunday, September 4th @ 9/8c. A new record deal, a return to acting... Brandy is BACK, baby!

New Jennifer Lopez "Kohl's" Commercials

Check out these funny new adverts Jennifer Lopez has done to promote her new line at Kohl's! Her latest album Love? is out now.

Nicki Minaj ft. Rihanna "Fly" Video Premiere

"Fly", featuring Rihanna, is the latest single off Nicki Minaj's debut album Pink Friday. Shot at Universal Studios in Hollywood, this video provides a pretty stunning visual to a song... that's growing on me. Dangit.

The 2011 MTV Video Music Awards Recap

Beyonce "Love On Top"



Britney Spears Tribute
A pregnant Beyonce showed off her baby bump following a fantastic performance of a 4 fan-favorite after Britney Spears' awkward acceptance speech for the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award (her pathetic tribute, which deserved for MUCH more effort to be put into it than MTV, not the little girls--who were too young to have been aware of any of what they were performing when it actually happened--did, is also above) turned into an intro for King B. Speaking of Britney, she also picked up the Best Pop Video moonman for "Till The World Ends", while Nicki Minaj won Best Hip-Hop Video for "Super Bass". As for the awards that weren't given out on the air, Beyonce has more cause to celebrate because her "Run The World (Girls)" video earned the Best Choreography moonman! To see the other winners, click HERE. Overall, Beyonce's moment saved the show from otherwise being a total bust (aside, I suppose, from Nicki's win).

Mario Album Update

For his fifth studio album, Mario is aiming for "classic" R&B! Good to hear, considering what his buzz single "My Bed" suggested. Whether or not that will make the final cut is unknown (though unlikely... eh, no big loss), but his first official single is titled "The Walls", features Fabolous, was written by Rico Love, & is set to be released in the next two weeks. Also set for inclusion on the upcoming album, which is almost finished & should be released in November (...) or January, is production from The Underdogs as well as a club banger entitled "Roosevelt (Drop A Dime)". I'm so glad to be hearing about another Mario album, especially with names like Rico Love & The Underdogs attached to it! He's really talented & hopefully he'll find success with this project.

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Billboard Update

^#1 Album #1 Single^

Watch The Throne from Jay-Z & Kanye West & Katy Perry's "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" remain atop the Billboard 200 album chart & Hot 100 singles chart this week, respectively, while Christina Aguilera & Maroon 5 receive the Airplay Gainer title for "Moves Like Jagger" (3-4) & Nicole Scherzinger's "Don't Hold Your Breath" debuts @ #86 on the latter.

See full charts HERE

Teairra Mari ft. Rico Love "That's All Me" Video Premiere

"That's All Me", featuring Rico Love, is Teairra Mari's new single & the one that will finally bring her the success she deserves *fingers crossed*. The video's not groundbreaking or even much of an improvement over her last few several mixtape videos, but I can only hope that the "other" girl dancing around in next-to-nothing is Teairra's way of saying that she's serious now & that she's leaving 'that' to other chicks. Really though, the song's hot, even Rico's verse!

Leona Lewis "Collide" Video Premiere

"Collide" is the first single off Leona Lewis' upcoming third album Glass Heart. Lemme tell ya: What a difference a video makes! Not only does she look gorgeous, but it shoved me right off the fence onto the side where the grass is greener because I am digging this song!

Aaliyah "One In A Million"

BET aired "Aaliyah: One In A Million" last night & it's both a pleasant (to watch several of her videos again, six to be exact) & emotional watch. Check it out in its entirety in case you missed it above.

Rihanna "Cheers (Drink To That)" Video Premiere

"Cheers (Drink To That)" is the sixth single lifted from Rihanna's latest album Loud. Am I disappointed that this is one of those shot-on-tour videos because I've been imagining what the video for this song could've been for almost a year? Sure. Is it an absolutely terrible song to go along with this type of visual? Nah (nah nah). Best part? Avril Lavigne's cameo! Oh ya, look out for Kanye West, Jay-Z, & Cee Lo Green too.

Beyonce "1+1" Video Premiere

"1+1", the way it appears to me, is less Beyonce's third single off 4 & more her third installment in an anthology a la B'Day! That might explain why a ton of money wasn't spent on the video--or 'art' could be the reasoning behind the visuals, which are best during the electric guitar solo at the end if you ask me.

Nicole Scherzinger "The Hollywood Reporter" Magazine Cover

Two X Factor posts in a row--think Simon is trying to tell us something lol? Regardless, I have no problem posting about the lovely Nicole Scherzinger & co. on the cover of the latest Hollywood Reporter or Mariah, let alone watching them! Also on Nicole's plate of course is the November 15th release of her debut album Killer Love.

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Mariah Carey Joining The X Factor

It's now official that Mariah Carey will be showing off her fabulous post-baby body, the best look at which we've received so far is to the left, when she takes part in The X Factor this fall! Rumors have been confirmed that Mariah will help Simon as he mentors his contestants during the judges' homes portion of the competition. I don't think it's possible at this point for me to be any more excited about watching when the show premieres on Wednesday, September 21st!

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Pia Toscano Performs "This Time" On Good Day New York

With the Idol tour currently in her hometown, Pia Toscano dropped by Good Day New York to perform her single "This Time" & chat a bit about her debut album, which is scheduled for a November release.

New Janet Jackson "Blackglama" Ad

Janet Jackson fiercely dons a mink in this new ad for luxury brand Blackglama. The woman ages backwards, I swear.

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Cocaine 80s "The Pursuit" EP

I'm kinda late with posting this, as I've been listening to it for a little while & only just thought to put it on the blog, but regardless, if you haven't joined the Cocaine 80s movement yet, get on it! With vocals provided by James Fauntleroy, this collaborative project is an ear-opening experience from beginning to end (sans track 2, which instead features a rap from Common, who doesn't do it for me) & is FREE! There will be more to come, but for now, click HERE to "pay with a tweet" to get your digital copy of The Pursuit EP--& be sure to snatch that bonus track too! (Note: I have yet to be enlightened with regards to the origin of the name, but just know that there is nothing illegal/drug-related about this whatsoever--it's just good music!)

1. Nameless
2. Summer Madness
3. To Tell You The Truth
4. Get You Some
5. Not No More
6. Nothing
7. Anywhere But Here

Angels & Airwaves "Anxiety" Video Premiere

"Anxiety" is the first taste of what's to come from the second part of Angels & Airwaves' Love album, which will finally be released physically in all of its deluxe glory alongside the movie of the same name on November 11th. Some of you may have already seen this, as I did, on the big screen at AVA's Love Fathom event, where they also screened the "Love" movie. As for that, I'm sorry, but I did not care for it. I was expecting better/something involving more of their music, but instead received something with no storyline that didn't need 90 minutes to prove its point & didn't even pay off in the end. That said however, I've seen movies with MUCH bigger budgets that didn't look as nice & crisp, & I did find the Q&A interesting. I LOVE the new song though & am still very excited for the new album!

Brandy Signs With RCA/Chameleon Records

Brandy has signed a new record deal(!), a joint venture between the newly restructured RCA & Breyon Prescott's Chameleon Records. At RCA, Brandy will be joining a roster that includes the likes of Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, & Alicia Keys, formerly of J Records (like Breyon Prescott, so Chris, you were right! lol). Hawk-eyed Brandy fans may recognize Breyon Prescott's name from the recently released sneak peek of Bran's upcoming documentary (hence the above parenthetical inside joke). Brandy, who is currently in the studio recording her sixth album for an early 2012 release, released this statement:

"This is truly a blessing. Breyon Prescott, Peter Edge (RCA's CEO), & Tom Corson (RCA's COO) believe in me & have introduced me to a home that also believes & knows exactly what to do with the type of music I'm doing. Breyon & the team at RCA/Chameleon are creative & forward-thinking & I am thrilled to be working with them."

YES!!! Lawd hammercy, I'll be sleepin' like a baby tonight! A new Brandy album IS on its way!!

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Jennifer Hudson, Others Collaborate With David Guetta

David Guetta is prepping for the August 30th release of his new album Nothing But The Beat, which includes a brilliant collaboration with Jennifer Hudson entitled "Night Of Your Life":



Usher is also featured on a track called "Without You":

Lastly, in addition to "Where Them Girls At", Nicki Minaj collaborates in mostly a singing capacity on "Turn Me On":

Usher's track is pretty good & Nicki's is too, though rapping is really her forte. Oh, & before you say anything, "Night Of Your Life" >>> "Only Girl (In The World)". ;)

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Katharine McPhee "Shark Night 3D" Trailer

Katharine McPhee pops up in the trailer for her future Oscar-winning new movie "Shark Night 3D", which comes out on September 2nd. Psshhh, I am sooo not seeing this! And, um, if you know where I live & you happen to walk into a showing of this to find someone wearing a dark coat & hat... sooo not me!

New Kelly Rowland "The X Factor UK" Promo Pic

Yet another promotional photo has surfaced of Kelly Rowland & her fellow judges on The X Factor, which recently premiered in the UK. I've watched a few clips & from what I can tell so far, the revamped panel & Kelly herself seem to be doing a fine job. Of course, if anyone knew a way that I could watch full episodes in the US, I would be most grateful. :) For now though, Kelly's new album Here I Am continues to entertain me to the fullest!

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Aaliyah To Receive Tribute On BET

On Thursday, August 25th, the 10th anniversary of Aaliyah's death, BET will be airing "Aaliyah: One In A Million" at 8/7c. The one-hour special will include never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage & new interviews with Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Ginuwine, Damon Dash, Swizz Beatz, Lala Anthony, & Patti LaBelle. I am really glad this anniversary is being marked & will certainly be tuning in.

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The Caffeine Patch: Pixar Update

It has been announced that the second Toy Story Toon & follow-up to "Hawaiian Vacation" is entitled "Small Fry" & will accompany "The Muppets" in theaters on November 23rd! Also, check out short descriptions for two upcoming Pixar movies:

What if that life-changing asteroid missed Earth? Director Bob Peterson's hilarious tale depicts a world where dinosaurs never went extinct.

From director Pete Docter comes an inventive new film that explores a world that everyone knows, but no one has seen: inside the human mind.

Release dates of November 27, 2013 & May 30, 2014 have already been set for Pixar films, likely these. They will follow next summer's "Brave" & June 21, 2013's "Monsters, Inc." prequel...

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Bridget Kelly Performs Acoustic Version Of "Thinking About Forever"

You may have heard Bridget Kelly sing "Empire State Of Mind" on tour with Jay-Z in place of Alicia Keys, but let me introduce you to the talented Roc Nation songstress properly. And what better way than for her to sing a breathtaking acoustic rendition of her Frank Ocean-penned first single "Thinking About Forever" off her upcoming EP!

The Caffeine Patch: Puss In Boots' Viral Pants Commercial

Puss In Boots is selling pants, or rather the lack of, in this silly new viral commercial to promote his upcoming movie of the same name, out November 4th!

Christina Aguilera "C&A" Promo Pics

Christina Aguilera has released a clothing line aimed at the Latin community in the C&A department store chain she's been promoting for a while & here are a few examples of what she has come up with.

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Jennifer Hudson "Self" Magazine Cover

A fantastic-looking Jennifer Hudson covers the latest issue of Self. Her latest album I Remember Me is available now.

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*UPDATED* Teairra Mari Arrested For Drunk Driving, Assaulting Police Officer

Teairra Mari was arrested for drunk driving in Beverly Hills Friday at 3:30 in the morning after rear-ending the car in front of her. She was also charged with assaulting a police officer after resisting arrest. Teairra had been held on $50,000 bail before being released from custody this afternoon. Oh, Mari. What are you trying to do to me?!

UPDATE: Teairra has released the following statement:

Let me start by saying that this is a very embarrassing moment for me, I know that I've disappointed so many people including myself. I take full responsibility for my actions, but I absolutely did NOT "attack" a Beverly Hills police officer & I'm very confused by those allegations. I did have drinks & I misjudged the situation by driving myself home. I want to apologize to those that I endangered that night & also to the people that I've let down. I hope that this situation can save someone from making the dumb decision to drink & drive!

Teairra Mari

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OneRepublic & B.o.B Perform "Good Life" On 2011 Do Something! Awards

OneRepublic was joined by B.o.B at the 2011 Do Something! Awards to perform the remix to "Good Life" off the former's album Waking Up on VH1.

Billboard Update

^#1 Album #1 Single^

Jay-Z & Kanye West land the top spot on the Billboard 200 album chart this week with their collaborative album Watch The Throne, while Katy Perry finally notches her record-breaking fifth Teenage Dream #1 atop the Hot 100 singles chart with "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)". Missy Elliott did her part in helping Perry become the first female (& second overall, Michael Jackson having done so with Bad) to score five #1 hits off one album with the song's remix, which accounted for 25% of the 156,000 downloads the song sold last week. Meanwhile, Christina Aguilera & Maroon 5 jump 8-3 with "Moves Like Jagger", earning both the Digital & Airplay Gainer titles in the process.

See full charts HERE

Beyonce "Pulse" Commercial

Beyonce has unveiled the TV spot for her third fragrance Pulse. This is hot, as far as perfume commercials go anyway. Beyonce's latest album 4 is out now.

Nicole Scherzinger On Regis & Kelly

"Don't Hold Your Breath"



Interview
Nicole Scherzinger performed "Don't Hold Your Breath", now the official US second single off her upcoming debut album Killer Love (November 15th), & sat down for a quick chat on Live With Regis & Kelly. Considering it was already above "Right There" (which is actually a better song, but...) on iTunes before this performance, I suppose I'm pleased with the single choice!

Beyonce ft. Shawty Putt "Best Thing I Never Had (Lil' Jon & DJ Kontrol Remix)" Song Premiere

Lil' Jon, DJ Kontrol, & whoever Shawty Putt is have remixed Beyonce's "Best Thing I Never Had", her latest single off 4. I would probably like this more if I hadn't already gotten attached to the "original" (not album) version of the song.

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Elliott Yamin 'Just Texted To Say I Love You'

Elliott Yamin has joined forces with Modern Family's Sarah Hyland to cover Stevie Wonder's "I Just Called To Say I Love You" for a new generation. Tongue-->cheek, you know... hopefully this won't appear on his third album Gather 'Round when he finally gets 'round to releasing it here.

Kelly Clarkson Album Update

Kelly Clarkson will be releasing her fifth album Stronger on October 25th. The first single is "Mr. Know It All", which comes out on September 5th. (It is rumored to have been written & produced by Ester Dean, Brett James, & Brian Kennedy, the team behind Pia Toscano's "This Time".) I'm definitely excited to have this voice back in my life & if the rumors are true, then I have reason to be excited about her material too!

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Beyonce "InStyle" Magazine Cover

Queen Beyonce reigns over the September cover of InStyle. Her new album 4 is available now.

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Pia Toscano Performs "This Time" On Regis & Kelly

Pia Toscano belted her new single again, "This Time" on Live With Regis & Kelly. Don't take this the wrong way, but... so THAT's where Jessica Simpson's voice went!

New Kelly Rowland "The X Factor UK" Promo Pics

More promotional shots of Kelly Rowland as a judge on the UK's X Factor have emerged. Here I Am, indeed!

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Teairra Mari Signs With Rico Love's Division1

On the set of their "That's All Me" video, Teairra Mari & Rico Love announced that she has signed with his Division1 label. The former Warner Bros. artist is now in association, as a quick Google search will suggest, with Universal Motown... which isn't aaas bad as its pre-Kelly Rowland days. I do however believe that this is an excellent move for Teairra--& me, as these two really do create magic together!

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Billboard Update

^#1 Album #1 Single^

While Adele's 21 was busy notching the most weeks atop the Billboard 200 album chart (12) in almost as many years (11) & LMFAO continued to keep Katy Perry from landing another #1 on the Hot 100 singles chart with "Party Rock Anthem", Christina Aguilera & Maroon 5 earned the Digital Gainer title with "Moves Like Jagger", which shot back to its peak (25-8), & Britney Spears' "I Wanna Go" jumped 9-7 for a new peak.

See full charts HERE

Chromeo ft. Solange "When The Night Falls" Video Premiere

"When The Night Falls", featuring Solange, is the latest single lifted from Chromeo's third album Business Casual. Although featured on the (awful) song's chorus, Solange basically only makes a cameo in the silly stupid video...

Britney Spears 2011 MTV VMA Promo

Check out this cool new promo for the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards featuring Britney Spears, who will be tributed at this year's show! Her latest album Femme Fatale (the tour for which is getting a DVD release) is available now.

New Jordin Sparks Promo Pic

Jordin Sparks is her fine self in this new promotional photo. Woman, now that we've established that fact, can you please get the ball rolling on that new album? kthanx.

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New Pia Toscano Promo Pic

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Estelle On Cee Lo Green Talking To Strangers

"Pretty Please (Love Me)" collaborators Estelle & Cee Lo Green visited on the latter's talk show Talking To Strangers, while the former also performed her hit "American Boy" in addition to giving her first performance of "Break My Heart" off the upcoming album All Of Me. I do did like "American Boy", but "Break My Heart" is such a better song & really deserves to be recognized.

Christina Aguilera, Others Set For Michael Jackson Tribute Concert

Christina Aguilera, Leona Lewis, & Craig David are amongst those who have signed on to perform in "Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert", which is set to take place on October 8th in Wales. Cee Lo Green, Smokey Robinson, JLS, Alien Ant Farm, & 3T (a trio of Michael Jackson's nephews) are also scheduled to take part in the event, which is being broadcast worldwide in 2D & 3D. "Michael Forever" will benefit charities such as The AIDS Project LA & The Prince's Trust. I heard about this when most of his family announced it a little while ago, but wasn't sure what to make of it until now. Sounds promising!

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Mary J. Blige "The Living Proof" Video Premiere

"The Living Proof" is Mary J. Blige's single from the new movie "The Help", which you can basically see if you watch the video above lol. Nah, the movie looks good & the video is actually quite effective. Harvey Mason Jr. is my hero.

Pia Toscano "This Time" Video Premiere

"This Time" is Pia Toscano's first single off her as-yet-untitled debut album. I love this song more everytime I hear it! Pia definitely did her thing.

The 2011 Teen Choice Awards Recap

Ryan Tedder brought his tired voice from the road to the 2011 Teen Choice Awards, where he joined his band OneRepublic onstage for a performance of their hit single "Good Life". Jennifer Lopez won Choice TV Personality for her role on American Idol, which picked up the Choice TV Reality Competition Show surfboard. Meanwhile, The Voice won Choice TV Breakout Show & Beyonce's "Run The World (Girls)" snagged Choice Music R&B/Hip-Hop Track! Full list of winners HERE.

Beyonce Collaborates With Jay-Z & Kanye West

It may come as a shock to you, but Beyonce is featured on a track on Jay-Z & Kanye West's new album Watch The Throne. It's called "Lift Off":

I really love the way they ride the beat! Yaaaooh!

Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera "Moves Like Jagger" Video Premiere

Christina Aguilera is featured in the video for Maroon 5's new single "Moves Like Jagger". I'm not much of a Mick Jagger, um, person myself, but it was a fun video & Christina looks hot! Oh, & this is my 5,000th post! I decided to go full circle with it since my very first post was Xtina-related as well. :)

Missy Elliott Collaborates With Katy Perry

Missy Elliott is gonna help Katy Perry's Teenage Dream join Michael Jackson's Bad as the only albums to ever notch five #1 singles by assisting on the remix to Katy's "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)", which currently sits at #2. TBH, I already loved this cheesy song (& her other chart-toppers off that album sans "Firework"), so the addition of Missy is just the cherry (if I liked those lol) on top!

Jordin Sparks On Funny Or Die's Let's Be Honest

Jordin Sparks did a skit for Funny Or Die on their "talk show" Let's Be Honest. This is strange.

Teairra Mari ft. Rico Love "That's All Me" Song Premiere

Initially presented as Teairra Mari's new single, apparently the Rico Love-penned/-assisted "That's All Me", which samples Diddy's classic "It's All About The Benjamins", will now be included on Not Your Average DJ, the upcoming album from Division1/BMajor DJ T. Neal (whoever that is). Regardless, I had to share it because I love it:


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Kelly Rowland "The X Factor UK" Promo + More

Check out this promotional garb for the new season of The X Factor in the UK, which will feature Kelly Rowland as a judge. On this side of the Atlantic, her fantastic new album Here I Am is out now!

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*UPDATED* Nicole Scherzinger "The X Factor" Poster

Nicole Scherzinger joins her fellow judges Simon, Paula, & L.A. as well as host Steve Jones in this promotional poster for The X Factor, premiering Wednesday, September 21st, @ 8/7c on FOX. #excited

UPDATE: New promo pics!

Nicki Minaj On GMA

"Till The World Ends (Remix)", Short Interview, & "Where Them Girls At"



"Super Bass"



"Moment 4 Life"



Interview



Backstage Pass
Nicki Minaj set the Good Morning America Summer Concert Series ablaze this week with her enthusiastic performances of her collaborations & hits off Pink Friday. Turkey Leg FTW!!!

Billboard Updates

^#1 Album #1 Single^

After Adele scored another week @ #1 with 21, Eric Church's Chief leads the Billboard 200 album chart, where Kelly Rowland debuts @ #3 with Here I Am, her highest-charting album yet, with 77,000 copies sold. LMFAO extended their time atop the Hot 100 singles chart with "Party Rock Anthem" by a couple of weeks, while Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" jumps 4-3 after moving 5-4 last week. Meanwhile, Britney Spears scores her third top 10 single from Femme Fatale, a first for her, with "I Wanna Go" (11-9). Debuting this week are Rihanna's "Cheers (Drink To That)" @ #91 & The Black-Eyed Peas @ #93 with "Don't Stop The Party".

See full charts HERE

(Photo Credit: Wikipedia)

Nicole Scherzinger Performs "Right There" On Lopez Tonight

X Factor judge Nicole Scherzinger did a little promo on Lopez Tonight Thursday, performing "Right There" off her upcoming debut album Killer Love (November 15th). As if the performance wasn't hot enough, that interview was the best ever!

Nicki Minaj Joins Voice Cast Of "Ice Age: Continental Drift"

Nicki Minaj has now joined Jennifer Lopez in sharing her voice talents in "Ice Age: Continental Drift", the fourth installment in the film series. Due in theaters July 13, 2012, the likes of Drake & Keke Palmer have also since signed on. I can't imagine a better voice actress!

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Pia Toscano Performs "This Time" On So You Think You Can Dance

Pia Toscano gave her first televised performance of her first single "This Time" on So You Think You Can Dance & it was fantastic! Even better than the recording, trust.

Pia Toscano "This Time" Video Preview

Check out this short teaser for Pia Toscano's "This Time" video, which is premiering on Tuesday, August 9th. Letmeonesecond: Eeee!!!

Beyonce Does Harper's Bazaar UK Magazine

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Nicole Scherzinger "Wet" Video Premiere

"Wet" is the fourth UK single off Nicole Scherzinger's debut album Killer Love, which is due to hit US shores in November. I hope Interscope plans on kicking things up a notch here once The X Factor starts up because "Right There" is actually doing pretty well right now. That said, hot video!

Jennifer Lopez "Vanity Fair" Magazine Cover

As you can see, Jennifer Lopez has given her first post-split interview to Vanity Fair, the latest issue of which she covers. The world's most beautiful indeed! J.Lo's latest album Love? is out now.

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New Beyonce "L'Oreal" Commercial

Beyonce looks flawless, as would be expected, in a new commercial for L'Oreal currently airing in Israel. She recently shot videos for both "Party" & "Countdown" from her platinum album 4.

Swizz Beatz ft. Alicia Keys "International Party" Video Premiere

Alicia Keys assists her husband Swizz Beatz in "International Party", a video for Reebok. The clip was directed by Chris Robinson & apparently cost waaay more than it looks like it did. As for the song, let's just say that Swizzy should stick to beats & stay FAR away from writing lyrics from now on.

Fantasia Pregnant With Second Child

The headline pretty much says it all... or all that I'm going to say anyway.

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