Sunday, August 30th 2009

X Factor 2009: Auditions – Week 2 – TGJ ’2 Pence’

The second week of X Factor 2009 audition stage aired tonight here in the UK. Check out my 2 Pence below:

{For those unfamiliar with the show; The X Factor is the UK’s version of American Idol – with a twist in that groups and over 25′s are eligible to enter. The show also birthed the career of a certain Leona Lewis, as well as Alexandra Burke}

I can’t help but feel that last night’s show was a little dry. That said, Trinidadian Rozelle rendition of Jennifer Hudson’s ‘One Night Only’, as well as the group Miss Fitz take on Britney’s ‘Toxic’ were particular highlights:

Rozelle Phillip

Miss Fitz

Your thoughts?

Posted By: Sam

1 Comments

Saturday, August 22nd 2009

X Factor 2009: Auditions – Week 1 – TGJ ’2 Pence’

The first week of X Factor 2009 audition stage aired tonight here in the UK. Check out my 2 Pence below:

With it seeming like just yesterday that Alexandra Burke was crowned X Factor winner, it feels kinda weird that we’re already into the next season of the ever-popular show. Starting our coverage earlier this year (at the audition stage, as opposed to the live shows), each week I will give my favourite picks from the auditions (and later the live shows, and so forth)

This week, former contestant Duane Lamonte made a return, in a bid to last the distance this go round. A somewhat comical (‘Happy Birthday’ LMAO), yet warming audition. Soulful singer Danyl also left a lasting impression. Check out their auditions below:

Duane Lamonte

Danyl

Your thoughts?

Posted By: Sam

Girlicious Axes Tiffanie; Now A Three

To say things have not been smooth since the start with Girlcious would be an understatement; no release in their native US, singles which fail to chart etc. Well now the foursome are down to three, after member Tiffanie (the darker skinned member…second from left) was thrown out.

While the details, as at present, are sketchy, all photos of her have been removed from the group’s MySpace page, with Tiffanie’s most recent Twitter status reading:

“Just got off the phone with my lawyer and feeling hell of betrayed now”.

As blunt as it may sound, this may actually be a blessing for her. The group aren’t really doing much of anything (and haven’t before). What’s more, I maintain will find it harder to be taken seriously in the industry with such a name and sound. It’ll be interesting to see how this one all pans out…

Your thoughts?

Posted By: Sam

1 Comments

Monday, February 9th 2009

Kelly Rowland To Be New X-Factor Judge?

It seems things really do seem to be on the up for Kelly Rowland. After redeeming herself in the public eye following her split from Mathew Knowles, the singer is reportedly the front-runner in the search for a new judge on Simon Cowell’s X-Factor to replace Danni Minogue:

The race to replace judge DANNII MINOGUE is also hotting up, with KELLY ROWLAND, now the main contender if the Aussie is axed as expected.

Simon is keen for an American to sit next to him, Louis and CHERYL COLE — and the former DESTINY’S CHILD singer fits the bill.

The source added: “Simon wants his winners to break the States like LEONA LEWIS did, so having an American judge would help that.” {Source}

This would really be a good look for Kelly – most especially in terms of expanding her profile here in the UK. Onwards and upwards, ey…

Your thoughts?

Posted By: Sam

24 Comments

Sunday, December 14th 2008

New Song: Alexandra Burke – ‘Hallelujah’

Following her triumphant victory on last night’s nail-biting X-Factor finale, Alexandra Burke’s debut single ‘Hallelujah’ hit the net (legally of course). You can listen to the 20 year old’s emotive version of the Leonard Cohen classic, which is tipped to hit #1 next week (and possibly sell a million copies first week), below:

Flawless vocal. A winner if there ever was one.

You can check out new promo pics of Alex below, as well as above:

alex 13482nr12 v2 medium New Song: Alexandra Burke Hallelujah

alex 13493nr12 medium New Song: Alexandra Burke Hallelujah

There’s more LOL. Check out Alex’s press session following her victory, with show judge and mentor Cheryl Cole. She talks about her reaction to winning, the Leona comparisons, dueting with Beyonce and a whole lot more:

Your thoughts?

Posted By: Sam

18 Comments

Saturday, December 13th 2008

X Factor 2008: Live Shows – The Final – TGJ ’2 Pence’

The final of X Factor 2008 live shows aired tonight here in the UK. Check out my 2 Pence on the show below:

I must begin by congratulating my girl Alexandra for winning tonight! It definitely makes me proud to live in a country that has been able to produce such a talent. A talent I believe is very much a world class act. Week in and week out, Alexandra has delivered the goods and then some. Very proud of her. Very.

My phone has been going off non-stop about Alex’s show stopping performance of ‘Listen’ with none other than Beyonce (special ‘hey’ to Sean, Kwame, Jonelle, Sandra, Nathan, Jamell ‘Mr Damaje’, Leon and co!). You can also check out Alex’s performances of ‘Silent Night’ below (the other performances will be added as they become available):

Alexandra & Beyonce – Listen

Alexandra – Silent Night

Alexandra – Hallelujah (Winner’s Song – 1st Performance)

Winning Moment

Winner’s Performance

Beyonce – If I Were Boy

That Beyonce and Alexandra performance was TV gold. Amazing stuff. So so glad Alex won – I even did a victory lap in my street (don’t watch that LOL). I really think there is something in the stars this year – Obama, Vogue’s Black Issue, Lewis Hamilton and now Alexandra. So proud right now. Here’s to a great career.

Randomness: I must say it’s somewhat satisfying to note that we here at That Grape Juice have been rooting for Alex since day 1. Day 1. LOL.

Your thoughts?

Posted By: Sam

36 Comments

Tuesday, December 9th 2008

That Grape Juice: End Of Year Awards 2008

As this year draws nearer to its close, we will be acknowledging the releases, events, surprising moments etc that have made the last 12 months as memorable as they have been with our 2nd annual That Grape Juice: End of Year Awards 2008.

Shaking things up a bit from last year, we will be giving you the chance to decide who will be shortlisted for nomination in each of the categories – something you can do via the comments section below. There are no limits on the number of recommendations you can make per category.

Nominee suggestions must be in by December 15th. The final list of nominee will be announced on December 16th, also the day in which voting starts. Winners will be announced on December 23rd.

Please see the category list below. You can make any suggestions for additions etc in the comments section:

TGJ End Of Year Awards 2008 Categories

Album of the Year

Single of the Year

Best Video:

Best Collaboration

Best New Artist

Best Female Artist

Best Male Artist

The Kelly Rowland Underrated Artist Of The Year Award

The Please Go Sit Down Somewhere Award

Worst Single Of The Year

Worst Album Of The Year

(You) Slippin’ / Step Your Game Up Award

Best Reality TV Show

Most Shocking Event of 2008

Your nominations?

Posted By: Sam

205 Comments

Monday, December 8th 2008

Keyshia Cole Sings The Star Spangled Banner

This clip of R&B songstress Keyshia Cole singing the US national anthem – The Star Spangled Banner – at the Oscar De La Hoya boxing match over the weekend has been making the rounds on the ‘net. Quite understandably too; Keyshia’s choice of outfit and ‘that’ hair has me thinking she got dressed in the dark. That said, even the vocals make for interesting convo. IMO she was good for the most part, yet the over the top adlibs and runs kinda messed it up a bit.

Your thoughts?

Posted By: Sam

20 Comments

Sunday, December 7th 2008

X Factor 2008: Live Shows – Week 9 – TGJ ’2 Pence’

The ninth week of X Factor 2008 live shows aired last night here in the UK. Check out my 2 Pence on the semi-final episode below:

This year’s X Factor is hotting up, with surprises never amiss – more specifically the ousting of former firm favourite Diana Vickers last night. The evening, which saw the contestants perform 2 songs – one of their choice and one of their judges choosing, was all about Alexandra IMO. Check out her performances of Rihanna’s ‘Don’t Stop The Music’ & ‘Unbreak My Heart’ below:

Alexandra – Don’t Stop The Music

Alexandra – Unbreak My Heart

Alex did great, although I wasn’t so sure about the ‘Don’t Stop The Music’ performance. ‘Unbreak My Heart’ was awesome. This girl really must win. Roll on next week.

Your thoughts?