The new-look Sugababes took to the stage at the BBC’s annual Children In Need special which aired last night. Amelle, Heidi and Jade gave their first live rendition of the Keisha-heavy ‘Get Sexy’, which to put it politely was passable at best. The vocals were a hot steaming mess – this coming from one who knows they can all sing. Their ‘About A Girl’ performance, which you can watch below, was marginally better, but still nothing to scream about. After watching this, it’s vividly clear that they need more time to gel as a group, because this was not the business.

What do you think of the performances?

Filed Under: Sugababes

Former Sugababe Keisha Buchanan has quashed rumours that the original line-up of the controversial brand band are set to reform. Consistent of Buchanan, Mutya Buena and Siobhán Donaghy, the trio burst on the scene in 2000 with the smash ‘Overload’.

Speaking of the rumours on her Twitter page literally moments ago, the 25 year old singer said:

“I’m not re-forming the sugababes. We’ve spoken & I’m pleased they’ve lent me their support & vice versa. But we’re 100% NOT reforming xxx”

Though a supporter of what the band used to stand for (Pop music that you were ‘allowed’ to like LOL), I’m definitely more eager to see what Ms. Buchanan serves up on her own. Her solo album, which she is recording as I type, drops next year via Island Records.

Your thoughts?

Filed Under: Keisha Buchanan, Sugababes

Continuing along the promotional trail for their latest single ‘About A Girl’, the Sugababes stopped by GMTV this morning to perform the song. Unlike the stripped back version they performed on Radio 1 yesterday, this live showing saw the ladies move a lot more.
As mentioned yesterday, the Keisha scenario was the final ‘no-no’ as to taking the group that seriously, however with each performance of this song, it’s hard to deny they are actually doing a great job. I mean, yes the choreography was minimalist; but with it being the Sugababes that was kinda-sorta expected (though judging by this Jade really is the best dancer). Vocally, they were very solid. Great performance.

Tidbit: Jade was getting that choreography (though it wasn’t demanding). Watch her legs compared to the other two and you’ll see what I mean.

What do you think of the performance?

Filed Under: Sugababes

Controversial Pop trio the Sugababes performed their new single ‘About A Girl’ for the first time with the new line-up on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge earlier today. Putting all the drama to one side, they actually did the damn thing with this rendition. Their individual vocals, as well their collective harmonies were oh-so-on-point. I’m not sure I’d ever be sold on them as a group any more (still finding it hard to forget Keisha-gate), however I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t slightly warming to what they have on offer after watching this. Good stuff.

What do you think of the performance?

Filed Under: Sugababes

The Sugababes premiered their brand new single ‘Wear My Kiss’ on BBC Radio 1 last night. Set to be the 3rd single to be lifted from their serially delayed LP ‘Sweet 7′, a Keisha-featured version of the song has been been floating around for some time. Yet this version features all new vocals from new member Jade.

Is the Fernando Garibay produced cut any good? In short, ‘yes’. However, I can’t help but feel the girl’s and their team are doing themselves a serious injustice by throwing out yet another Amelle-heavy single. Surely with Jade a) being the better vocalist and b) needing to be ’sold’ to the understandably cynical public, a more Jade-centred release would do more them more good.

Hit or Miss?

Filed Under: Sugababes

In a recent interview with BBC Radio 1, Sugababe Heidi Range hit back at those doubtful of the group’s chances of success following the ousting of orginal member Keisha Buchanan back in September. Range, 26, said:

“I don’t want to sound like I’m being bigheaded but the Sugababes had one album which didn’t sell and they were dropped,” she says, sounding not so much bigheaded as just plain mean. “I joined eight years ago and we were signed together by Island Records. I’ve been there since our first number one Freak Like Me and been part of the history of the band ever since. Amelle has been in the group for over four years and she’s been part of our biggest album as a group. I think it’s unfair. That’s not disrespecting what previous members have brought to the group, but we were signed as Sugababes to Island Records and I’m still signed to Island Records as Sugababes.” {Source}

Poor Heidi. She seems genuinely quite a sweet girl, something I can vouch for after interviewing the group back in August. However, it’s quite surprising why she’s failing to understand folk’s reasoning for being salty toward what’s left of the group. It comes down to principle; neither she or Amelle were there at the group’s inception, hence Keisha was the group’s sole shred of credibility. Ousting her left them with none. Ms. Heidi may have been there at the group’s most successful point, yet there would have been no group in the first place had it not been for Keisha et al.

The ‘Babes new LP ‘Sweet 7′ is now set for release March 8th. SMH…

Your thoughts?

Filed Under: Sugababes

Things seem to be going from bad to worse for controversial UK girl group, the Sugababes. Following the mass outcry from both fans and the industry about the ousting of original member Keisha Buchanan, it has now been announced that their new LP ‘Sweet 7′ has been pushed back to February 22nd 2010. The album was originally scheduled for release November 23rd as a joint venture between Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and Island Records. While current single ‘About A Girl’ will still be released on November 9th, a third single in the form of ‘Wear My Kiss’ (which you can listen to by clicking here – it’s the Keisha version BTW) will be released February 8th. {Source}

How to say this politely? Hmm. If this isn’t a hot a** mess, I really don’t know what is. How embarrassing  must it be the ladies and their management to see their ill-advised decision blowing up in their faces for all to see. From a business standpoint, I can’t help but believe a December release would have made more sense (see: Christmas sales). But February? Surely it’d make sense to strike while the iron is hot and public interest is still there. With the whole Keisha drama simmering down now, and the fact that ‘About A Girl’ is looking to b a moderate hit at best, I can’t see how a February release will benefit them. Oh well, I guess we’ll have to wait to see how things pan out. In the meanwhile…

Your thoughts?

Filed Under: Sugababes

Heidi and Jade, two thirds of controversial trio, the Sugababes, recently sat down with In4merz to discuss pretty much everything (Amelle is resting off her ‘exhaustion’). Hence, posed to the ladies were questions about the group’s future, the fate of Jade’s solo material, their ironically titled ‘Sweet 7′ project and a whole lot more.

An interesting watch, yet a somewhat sad one, as the reality of what the group has become sunk in with every minute that passed during this interview (see: Jade’s talk of needing to ‘do her homework’ etc). Still, I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious to see how things unfold with their ‘Sweet 7′ album.

Your thoughts?

Filed Under: Sugababes

Heidi, Amelle and Jade Ewen, known to some as the Sugababes, are pressing ahead with the release of the ‘brand’s’ 7th studio album, the ironically titled ‘Sweet 7′ (due November 23rd). Peep the official album cover above.

If you’re wondering why we’ve yet to see the girl’s doing any promo, their focal member Amelle Berrabah, is suffering from nervous exhaustion and is on a break until early November, when the group kick off their promo campaign. Word has it they are also recording many a new song for the album, so as to rid the record of much of ousted member Keisha Buchanan’s presence.

Your thoughts?