Beyoncé slammed for controversial photo-shoot
Feb 24th
Beyoncé has sparked controversy for darkening her face in a photoshoot for French fashion magazine, L’Officiel’s 90th anniversary issue. The Single Ladies hitmaker donned African-style clothing and black face make-up magazine’s snaps, paying tribute to African musician, Fela Kuti – bad call I guess! Although many people defending the photos arguing it showed the African influence on this season’s fashion many have turned against Beyoncé “I’m not quite sure as to why she would agree to do a photoshoot that associates her with one of the most deeply rooted racist images in American history.”. Beyoncé’s management are yet to comment on the issue. Read the rest of this entry »
Beyonce will headline Glastonbury Festival
Feb 11th
After much speculation, it has been confirmed that Beyonce will indeed be performing at this year’s Glastonbury Festival. The Grammy award winning superstar released a statement today announcing that she will be headlining the last day of the world renown British festival, which takes place between June 22nd-26th. Speaking on her 90 minute set, the 29 year old said Read the rest of this entry »
Grammy rehearsals go underway….
Feb 11th
The Grammys are getting a shot of girl power. Last night, Jennifer Hudson joined Christina Aguilera, Florence + the Machine’s Florence Welch, Martina McBride, and Yolanda Adams during a rehearsal for their tribute performance to Aretha Franklin, opening Sunday’s broadcast.
The quintet practiced a medley of some of the Queen of Soul’s biggest hits, banding together for “Natural Woman” and singing solo. Aguilera belted “Ain’t No Way,” while McBride took on “Until You Come Back to Me,” and Welch tackled “Think.” Hudson sassed up Staples Center with “Respect,” while Adams nailed “Spirit in the Dark.” The women rounded out the rehearsal with “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves.” Read the rest of this entry »
Beyonce snapped in NYC
Jan 29th
Beyonce was snapped at NYC on the way to a studio in town. Beyonce called upon the M.I.A hit producer to giver her a hand with her studio album, schedules for release later this year. Diplo has put his stamp on tracks for M.I.A. and Santigold, but he’s setting his sights on even bigger pop stars. The Philly-based musician revealed that he’s been in the studio with U.K. producer Switch and Sleigh Bells’ Derek E. Miller for Beyonce’s fourth album. Read the rest of this entry »
Chris Brown’s album finally gets a release date
Jan 28th
Chris Brown has finally revealed the official release date of his new album! Preceded by the worldwide hit “Yeah 3x“, “F.A.M.E“ features appearances from Benny Benassi, Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars and will be available in both a standard single disc format and a deluxe double disc edition. SME told us that “F.A.M.E” is expected to be released on March 22nd. Read the rest of this entry »
Leona Lewis shops with new found “friend” Angela Simmons
Nov 30th
As odd as it may seem, yes they are friends. So Leona Lewis and Angela Simmons we spotted doing some Christmas shopping in LA this week – and I’m sure we are all thinking where has Leona Lewis been? (right?). After her flop of an album “Echo” and her short tour you’d think she is working on a new album.
Well maybe Leona Lewis wants to get close to Miss Simmons to maybe leave Sony Music and join the ever growing Island Def Jam, and I mean this is of course supported by the fact that she revealed that she will not appear as a guest performer on this year’s X Factor.
Leona told fans the news during a live webchat via UStream yesterday evening. Leona said that she will not appear on the show this year so she can “fully concentrate” on her third studio album, which is slated for release in summer 2011. – Which may I remind you, there is no confirmation about who is managing this project! (Could this mean issues with her management?)
The star further confirmed that she has not been booked to appear on any “major shows” in the near future. (ouch!) Read the rest of this entry »
Polydor will not back Cheryl Cole
Oct 6th
With dark clouds forming around Cheryl Cole, over her X-Factor career, her label Polydor only just added to those clouds and brewed a storm! Yes Polydor indeed are now no longer supporting Cheryl Cole‘s decision on final contestants to enter the live round of X-Factor, we were told by a Universal insider.
“At this moment we cannot offer Cheryl any support, this can only be dealt with her contact holders of X Factor who are Sony Music Entertainment UK” they then went on to say “We are not associated with the X-Factor, Cheryl was aware of the draw backs of the show and we wish her all the best with her battle with the press”. Cheryl was photographed this afternoon leaving the Universal Offices, there is now no doubt that Cheryl‘s decision on the X Factor could ruin her new album’s release.
Antics like this could decrease her fan base, and with Cheryl approaching the end of two album contract with Universal Polydor, I’m sure they’ll be happy to see the end of her…right? Well one person who would most likely agree is Anastasia Baker. Ms Baker has (likely for a sum of money) gone to the press with her story of unfair treatment and favouritism.
She picks up on the points The show seems fixed, with Cheryl having already earmaked who she wanted to put through. Cher Lloyd faked illness during her final audition, after partying with two guys the night before and Katie Waissel was already friends with key members of the X-Factor team Read the rest of this entry »
Mariah readies retro “Oh Santa” video
Oct 6th
Mariah Carey fans are enjoying an early Christmas with the festive songbird’s single “Oh Santa!” Ahead of the release of her second holiday album Merry Christmas II You, MC will deliver yet another gift to lambs with the accompanying visuals.
According to a casting call handed to us via our undercover sourses in LA, the video will be filmed this week in Los Angeles. Despite previous reports, her husband Nick Cannon will not direct. “I am NOT directing,” tweeted Nick. “Ur Welcome LAMBS LOL.”
The vid is said to have a “slight OutKast ‘Hey Ya!’ ‘American Bandstand’ approach, perfectly blending retro and modern vibes.” The casting ad called for a host that resembles Ed Sullivan or Dick Clark, who will introduce Mariah and her performance.
“Oh Santa!” will be included on the sequel to her 1994 Merry Christmas album, featuring four original songs composed by Mariah, along with classics such as “The First Noel,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “O Little Town of Bethlehem,” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.”
With Mariah Carey‘s untitled 22nd studio album is due to next year, we all still have Mariah’s 2nd edition to her “#1s” album being released by Sony Music during December…oh boy! Read the rest of this entry »
Jennifer Lopez “rejected” from Idol judging panel
Aug 13th
Jennifer Lopez had been lined up to fill one of the empty seats on the ‘American Idol’ judging panel but those plans have been scrapped. It is being reported that former force on the music charts had too many “out of hand” demands and the Fox network simply “had enough”. This news comes on the heels of rumours that a diva with actual vocal talent, Mariah Carey, has her eye on one of the judging spots.
Clearly Lopez didn’t get the memo that her career is only two drips away from being flushed down the toilet. With her music failing to make a dent on the charts and a movie career that has become more stagnant than ever, Lopez needs capitalise on every available avenue if she wishes to remain relevant. In other words, stop acting like a diva and just be happy that you’re even invited to watch the show. I’m just so glad something finally hit Jennifer Lopez in the face!
I mean, it’s one thing to be dropped by your label, then to be stripped from all your endorsement deals and now to be rejected as a judge from a vanishing talent contest! – Girl! Who you fooling? It’s clear that Jennifer Lopez‘s efforts are much needed in her acting career. I mean we all love some “Jenny from the black”, but Jenny packed her bags and moved out along time ago.
Jennifer Lopez is currently working on a new project with new label Island Def Jam (do not ask me why, they took her on! – epic fail right there, but then L.A.Reid is on his way out so who cares! right?) which is set for release later this year.
But just a thought, why is Jennifer Lopez not grabbing the attention of all her fans? – Where did all her fans go in the past 4 years? I mean when she released her new records, there wasn’t much love from her fans…Jennifer Lopez! no fans! “Louboutins” was an okay track and when the track failed with Jennifer Lopez it was handed to Brandy which climbed to mid 50s in the chart? – Just trying to figure out how J-Lo has managed to stir her career right to the ground…
Alicia Keys parts with manager?
Jul 17th
After over a decade, Alicia Keys has ended her business relationship with longtime manager Jeff Robinson. Keys and Robinson released a joint statement on Friday (July 16) announcing their split. “Jeff Robinson, CEO of MBK Entertainment Inc., and 12-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys have decided to change the structure of their business relationship,” read the statement. “Robinson and Keys will continue to collaborate and produce future albums together through MBK/J Records while Alicia will now oversee all aspects of her own personal career.”
The decision was “mutually agreed upon and amicable.” Moving forward, Keys’ own company AK Worldwide will oversee ventures including touring and licensing to film, television, and new business development. “This decision will allow Alicia more control over all aspects of her career from singing and songwriting, to leading many business ventures and social causes,” continued the statement.
Robinson had been Keys trusted friend and manager since she was 14 years old. He is credited as executive producer on her last four studio albums. “I have known Alicia since she was 14. She has matured as an artist, going from a ‘wide-eyed and curious-about-the-world girl’ to a ‘wide-eyed and curious-about-the-universe woman,” Robinson told us magazine in 2007. “She continues to absorb knowledge like a sponge and I feel like a proud father watching his daughter grow into a take-charge woman.” Robinson’s company MBK Entertainment Inc. will focus on developing other acts including LeToya Luckett, Jermaine Paul, and Elle Varner. Read the rest of this entry »