Whitney Houston "thank[s] God for never letting [her] go" in the latest issue of Ebony magazine. Now THAT sounds like a good read! In related news, check out a new interview with Whitney below & don't forget that her new album I Look To You is in stores now!
Alicia Keys doesn't do a huge amount of features, but for Jay-Z's forthcoming The Blueprint 3 (September 11th), she made an exception. The track she is featured on is called "Empire State Of Mind" & you can listen to it HERE. She kinda killed it, huh? While I've always admired her voice, I've never been just a huge fan of Alicia's music, but she's sure doing her thing on this one.
Gwen Stefani mixes modeling with ... the grocery store (?) in the October issue of Glamour. Tell me why I love this shoot so much. You can't tell me anybody could make a shopping cart look fiercer!
Freakum Dress
Smash Into You
Get Me Bodied
Broken-Hearted Girl
Crazy In Love
Beyonce helped open Donbass Arena in Ukraine & a few of the performances from her set were broadcast on TV. We haven't seen her perform any of these this tour in HQ before except "Crazy In Love." I'm sad we didn't get to see any Sasha Fierce songs (though I have a feeling that was done on purpose), but the ballads were gorgeous! I also love me some B'Day, so I'm glad she is still doing some of those bangers, particularly "Freakum Dress," which *may* be my favorite song on that album (after all, she does shout out the blog at the beginning of it! lol). I can't wait to get my hands on her DVD of this! Until then, I Am... Sasha Fierce is out now.
^Click To Purchase^
Carrie Underwood has decided to title her third album Play On & has also unveiled its cover. Very nice! I like it. For the November 3rd project, I'm hoping the track Carrie did with Max Martin makes the final cut because, while the producer she worked with on Carnival Ride that (otherwise) produced this whole album as well is great with her, I'm not a country fan, so it'd be cool to hear what she cooked up with someone else."Up/Down" is the fifth single taken from Jessica Mauboy's recently re-released album Been Waiting. I like both the video & song, & she is sure lookin' nice in this clip! Call me crazy, but I'm pretty sure this might work as a crossover single into the US market. Either way, five singles? Is she, like, huge in Australia?!
Kelly Clarkson recently sang "God Bless America" at a special charity Boston Red Sox baseball game. Incredible as usual! Kelly's awesome All I Ever Wanted album is available now.
Here are Mya's promotional photos for the new season of Dancing With The Stars in which she is a contestant. Dang, she looks good! Watch Mya kick butt starting September 21st & look for her mixtape Beauty & The Streets: Vol. 1 on September 29th.
Imogen Heap made her long-awaited appearance on the Late Show With David Letterman last night, where she performed the first single "First Train Home" off her new album Ellipse. Immi is such an amazing sight to see during performances! Needless to say, she did a wonderful job.
Jazmine Sullivan has teamed up with Wale in her most recent effort to gain more recognition. Their song is called "World Tour," can be heard HERE, & will be featured on Wale's forthcoming debut album Attention: Deficit (October 20th). Wale is simply not for me, but Jazmine sounds excellent during her parts!Solange lets the youth know how important getting an education is in this new public service announcement for Get Schooled. I concur! Three days ago was the one-year anniversary of the release of Solange's latest album SoL-AngeL & The Hadley St. Dreams.
Teairra Mari shines in this new set of promotional photos for her sophomore album At That Point (October 20th). While I really do hope we get the album that day & I'm pretty sure they are prepping for the release of a third single, the lack of buzz does scare me quite a bit. It annoys me to no end that talented artists like this get slept on so badly & that if an album from an artist like Teairra finally does get released, the label basically abandons it the day release week ends.
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Ciara helps Gap celebrate their 40th anniversary in this new ad & thank goodness her hair is back! Now, whether we'll get to see it or not in the coming months, I don't know. I haven't a clue why Jive hasn't released a new single from Fantasy Ride in the US yet, but I'm not holding my breath for them to. I actually think, because the record is hot enough & I don't wanna wait another two or three years for CiCi to return again, that a re-release led by a song that isn't a year old would be perfect!Half Life
First Train Home
I know these are just audio, but I wasn't about to let them pass by without a post. Imogen Heap sang a pair of songs from her new album Ellipse on WNYC FM recently & she sounded indescribably beautiful. My suggestion to you is to find a quiet place, close your eyes if you can, & listen. You won't regret it.
"The One," featuring Drake, is the first single off Mary J. Blige's upcoming album Stronger (November 24th). I've loved this song for a bit now & I'm feeling the same about its video. MJB is doin' it big right now! This is her third video out at the moment, as she has released one for the album's title track as well as one for the theme of her new movie "I Can Do Bad All By Myself," which opens in two weeks.
The cover of Mario's fourth album D.N.A. (October 13th) has been revealed. I can dig it. I'm just so stoked about this new album! Mario is one of those few talents still out there that makes great music, so I know D.N.A. is gonna be awesome.
The first official single off Mariah Carey's upcoming album Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel (September 29th) is titled "I Want To Know What Love Is." Mariah really does her thing on the Foreigner cover. What's not to love? I really hope people get this on the radio instead of everything that currently is because we all know Mariah is better. Trick, please.
LeToya gave her first televised performance of "Regret" following a short sit-down interview on Good Day New York. As is rumored to be the thought of the singer herself, "Regret" should've been the first single off LeToya's new album Lady Love. This performance would've been much better though if they had taken the mics away from those twins. Gives ya some insight into why they don't let anyone in PCD have a mic (that's turned on anyway...) other than Nicole, huh? I'm seriously considering buying Lady Love as soon as I find my way into some money. That's some good R&B right there, folks!
The cover for the Backstreet Boys' new album This Is Us (October 6th) has surfaced. Howie & Brian are checking out something interesting, though I'm not sure where on it Brian is looking, while Nick is checking out ... Brian & A.J. could care less. In other words, I love it! LOL Anyway, here's the album's tracklisting:
Beyonce looks fabulous in this new ad for L'Oreal. Her third solo album I Am... Sasha Fierce is out now, though I'm shocked we have yet to see a re-release of the actual album over here. However, since Above & Beyonce was released, there'd better be some newly recorded tracks or an anthology video album attached to it or else..! In related news, Beyonce has been confirmed as a performer at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. We also know that she is set to perform "Sweet Dreams." I'm all for that because she needs to promote the song some if she wants it to succeed, although I am more interested in watching her perform some of Sasha's other songs when her DVD(s) drop(s) (hopefully) towards the end of this year.
"Straight Through My Heart" is the first single taken from the Backstreet Boys' next album This Is Us (October 6th). Ok, so the video arrived a little early! I like it. I think the style of it fits the song well & it's more interesting than their videos from the last few years. I'm also really feeling the song now, so I hope BSB finds some success with this one!
Katharine McPhee channels classic Hollywood glam on the cover of her sophomore album Unbroken, due October 6th. Dare I say that I think she looks good here?!Jordin Sparks was accompanied by the Jonas Brothers (I threw up a little in my mouth just then) during a performance of "Battlefield," the title track off her sophomore album, on their (I believe) session of Stripped. Oh, Jordin. What has Jive done to you? Honey child, this is not an improvement. Lest we forget: SHE's opening for THEM. ... Please, Ashton Kutcher, be at my front door because this had best be some sick (the not-good one) episode of Punk'd.
As was the case last year, Britney Spears appears in a TV spot for the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. As was also the case last year, host Russell Brand appears with her. Pretty sure this one's better than last year's though. The 2009 MTV VMAs air Sunday, September 13th, @ 9/8c & Britney's Circus album is out now.
Kelly Rowland joined David Guetta on stage at Miss Universe 2009 to perform their hit single "When Love Takes Over," which is taken from his new album One Love. My goodness, David's a goofball. So, Kelly, how 'bout lettin' us know about that new label of yours?!
Here is Kris Allen's iPhone commercial--I mean--new interview from his iTunes Pass. I love that this is being released now, but was recorded at the beginning of the tour. In important news, Kris' debut album is set to be released on November 17th.
Check out this sneak PEEK at the Backstreet Boys' new video for "Straight Through My Heart," the first single off their upcoming album This Is Us (October 6th). Ooo, look! Dancing! Be sure to stop by here tomorrow for the premiere.
I fail at life. This video is a month old & it only occurred to me now that Adam might have a clip out there like this similar to those for Kris Allen. It's a great remedy for Glambert withdrawal, though I do wish we could hear him singing around the 3-minute mark. Anyway, Adam has a message he would like to share with us. If you look up awesome in the dictionary, you will see his picture:
Katharine McPhee recently shot a video for "Had It All," the first single from her upcoming sophomore album Unbroken (October 6th). Making-of footage can be seen above as well as an interview with Kat. The blonde look is growing on me, as I'm trying to be open-minded about it, but I wasn't really digging the way she looked when she was answering the questions. I also think I'm gonna have to let "Had It All" grow on me because I was having mixed feelings about it at first, though I already like it more than I did earlier today. It went on sale at iTunes today, so you can listen to it HERE to see if you like it & click below to purchase it:
^Click To Purchase^
After waiting for what seems like forever for the coroner's report on Michael Jackson, it has been revealed that the coroner has ruled Michael's death a homicide. This makes it more likely that criminal charges will be filed against Jackson's personal physician, Dr. Conrad Murray. Although details have yet to be publicly released, the coroner found that a fatal combination of drugs, including the powerful anesthetic propofol, was given to Michael prior to his death. Sadly, this is what I have assumed for some time now & I'm sure I wasn't alone. When I heard that the LA police were investigating a manslaughter charge against Dr. Murray, not only was I not surprised, but based on what we know at this point, I agreed. It looks to be even more serious than that though.
Whitney Houston's official site is streaming her entire new album I Look To You (August 31st) right now! It's not too shabby, but I don't love it either. In any case, you can click HERE & decide for yourself.
Whitney Houston looks the best she has so far this era in a new promotional photo being used to promote her upcoming album I Look To You (August 31st).
It has been announced that Leona Lewis will release her sophomore album, titled Echo, on November 17th. Leona decided to name her new album that because "an echo describes a big, organic sound." Mk. The article also mentions that Leona has been working with Ne-Yo & suggests that the recently leaked "Don't Let Me Down," which Leona did with Justin Timberlake, might be included on the disc. Rumors put the track as a possible lead single choice (which is less likely now that it has leaked), but I definitely have higher hopes for the album than that song, so hopefully that isn't the case. Then again, should we even expect something better than "Bleeding Love" or just lower our expectations? Things that make you go hmm.
Before all this recent talk of Imogen Heap being the first "download diva," I accidentally discovered her & decided to buy her second solo album Speak For Yourself. Being that I basically consider myself an R&B fan, I'm really not into any other electronic music (if you can even label Imogen as that), but it didn't take long for me to realize that her work has many elements that I love in music, no matter the genre: the heartfelt delivery of lyrics, creative background music, layered vocals. After recognizing the potential of Imogen's music from following her video blogs that chronicled the making of her new album Ellipse, I knew I hadn't heard anything yet & couldn't wait to treat myself to more. Low & behold, you should know this: Imogen Heap does not disappoint.
An HQ image of Mariah Carey's ad for one of her new perfumes "Ultra Pink" has finally surfaced. The "Luscious Pink" snipoff (for lack of a better word) is only available at Walmart. I took a picture of the display at my local store & made it my cell phone background... Mariah's upcoming album Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel drops September 29th.
Vonzell Solomon has unceremoniously premiered the full versions of two of the four songs she previewed fairly recently. One, "Bad Chick," is her new single & the other is "Gotta Boss." Listen to them HERE. I love them both & can't wait to hear the other two as well as her debut album! For those wondering when "Bad Chick" will be released, Vonzell replied to my tweet on the subject, saying it would be "ASAP," so hopefully that means soon!
The news has been going around of Syesha Mercado landing the lead role of Deena Jones in the national tour of "Dreamgirls." Here are some promotional photos of her in character along with her fellow Dreams. I'm so excited for her! I just wish I were (once again) within a zillion miles of anywhere they are stopping. *sigh* Anyway, on the tour's official site, you can watch Syesha perform "Listen" with all-new lyrics, as it has been reworked into a duet between Deena & Effie, hear her sing the song "Dreamgirls" alongside her castmates, & more. Check it out!
Mya is getting ready to release a new mixtape, Beauty & The Streets: Vol. 1, on September 29th. The buzz-creating project, led by the Bun B-assisted "Show Me Somethin'" (see: below), will go hand-in-hand with Mya's upcoming stint on Dancing With The Stars as the singer's return to the US spotlight. Check out the tracklisting for Beauty & The Streets: Vol. 1:LeToya kick starts her album release promotion for her sophomore effort Lady Love (August 25th) with this debut performance of "She Ain't Got..." on KTLA. I gotta give Toya props for singing live up against both a backing track & iffy-sounding background singers, & while throwing in some pretty cool dance moves throughout. I'm also feeling the need to show her a little more, well, 'lady love' because her new album is hot! It's a very nice R&B record (finally!)
Karina has released this cover of Beyonce's "Ave Maria." She sounds gorgeous. I hope some of these performance clips from her are creating enough buzz that her label can start taking the necessary steps to get her sophomore album out cause I need it in my life.. now.
So, the new Britney Spears perfume "Circus Fantasy" is real (I thought it was a joke when she mentioned it on Letterman...) & an ad for it featuring an old Circus outtake has been revealed. What is this, like, the 18th fragrance from her? SMH
After a string of MySpace blogs expressing her frustrations with her label & the stress they have been causing her, JoJo has decided to file a lawsuit against her record label. The singer "claims her record company shoved her into a musical 'limbo' because they won't let her out of her contract--& they won't let her record a new album either!" She is hoping a judge will force her label, Da Family Entertainment, to let her go & grant her a minimum of $500,000 compensation. Finally! JoJo has been waiting to release her third album All I Want Is Everything for a minute now & if her label was uninterested in releasing it, they should've just dropped her. I completely agree that she should also be given money for "damages," as they always call it, because she has done everything on her part to have a new album out right now, but her label is depriving her of those possible royalties. I sure as heck hope that JoJo gets what she deserves out of this.
Mariah Carey's ad for her new perfume "Forever" has been unveiled. I like the name! Mariah looks great in the shot, but her eyes are kinda weirdin' me out. Ah well. I'm dying for MC's new album Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel (September 29th)!"Stronger" is Mary J. Blige's single from the "More Than A Game" soundtrack & the title track off her upcoming album Stronger (November 24th). I like the song (even though I still can't get past the Chris Beatdown background vocals) & Mary looks good in the video. This gives MJB a great excuse to have both an uptempo song & a ballad out at the same time, & I can't wait for the video for "The One!"
I normally don't post random photoshoots, but Adam Lambert is forcing me to make an exception with these awesome pics! There's really no need to explain though: this shoot, rumored to be for his debut album, speaks for itself.
