When Disney acquired Marvel back in 2009, the animosity from the latter’s fans towards the deal was undeniable, perhaps in fear the brand they loved would be compromised to suit its new owner.

However, as the commercial and critical successes of ‘Captain America’ and ‘X-Men:First Class’, it was clear the deal worked best for all parties- Marvel retaining full creative control and Disney reaping the rewards at the Box Office.

Now it seems, this deal got that much sweeter.

For, after just 19 days, their action flick ‘The Avengers‘ has raked in $1 billion worldwide.

With $1.032 million pulled in over the weekend, it sits atop the US box office raising its domestic figure to $373.2 million and so reached the billion mark with the aid of $628.9 million pulled in overseas.

Fans will also be pleased to know it’s sequel is currently in development, set for release circa 2014.

Peep a featurette from the flick above.

Your thoughts?

The search for ‘The Voice UK’ is finally underway!

Tonight saw the third set of eliminations from the live shows.

Up on the chopping block, after polling lowest in the public vote, were Adam, Issac, Matt Sueleen, and Leanne Mitchell (from Tom Jones‘ “team”), while  Joelle Moses, Tyler James and Frances Wood from will.i.am’s fold also ran risk of going home.

Tasked with sending two of their “own” home, Tom Jones sent Adam and Matt-Sueleen packing, while will.i.am waved goodbye to Joelle Moses and Frances Wood.

Peep highlights from tonight’s episode below…

Your thoughts?

Despite his last album, aptly titled ‘Future History’, only being certified triple styrofoam by the RIAA, Haitian hitmaker Jason Derulo is pressing forward with work on a new release.

Titled ‘Undefeated’, while still restricted to the confines of a neck brace due to an injury sustained earlier in the year, the singer has kept busy recording new material, judging an Australian talent show, and readying for his American Idol finale performance (May 23).

Recently spotted chatting with our friends over at Vibe, see what else Jordin Sparks‘ boo has been up to and what listeners can expect from the next project:

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Look like ‘Strip’ singer Chris Brown is following his own suggestions.

The ‘Take You Down’ divo took to the set of his forthcoming single ‘Til I Die’ to break a few hearts by showing off a few assets.  Assets, undoubtedly, the stageblazer is hoping will help shift some copies of his July due album ‘Fortune’ from shelves.

Until then, see more pics from the set (courtesy of ChrisBrownOnline):

As ‘Die’ is set to be the first rap single lifted from the album, we are also anxious to see what Brown is cooking up for the ‘Sweet Love’ visual.

Your thoughts?

Adhering to the age old adage that family comes first, Pop stars Rihanna and Kelly Rowland celebrated Mother’s Day with their stunning moms today.

Both took to Twitter to share snaps with their respective fans; Rihanna was first, writing:

#Mama….u my ride or die bitch for life!!! And yes I know a bitch slap is on the way for my language! But u get it!!!!! I love you

Peep Rowland and her mother after the jump…

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The Voice UK continued in spectacular fashion tonight, with the results from the latest Live Shows.

Check out highlights from the hotly anticipated show on our sister site – That Grape Juice TV.

Click here to watch The Voice UK!

Whether you like it or not, Rita Ora is here to stay.

Indeed, for one reason or the other, there are some who wrote the starlet off as a 1 hit wonder, following her success with the dubstep smash ‘Hot Right Now’.

Well, today will see many a word swallowed, now that she’s scored her second UK #1 single- breaking an enormous record in the process.

Details below…

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Pop belter Jessie J shines bright and shines loud on the cover of Company magazine’s June 2012 issue.

The 24 year old is currently enjoyed renewed success with her debut LP ‘Who You Are’ – which saw it’s 6th single ‘LaserLight’ break records in the UK. She’s also gaining heightened favour with her role as “coach” on The Voice UK.

Tidbit: Ms. J also has great taste in websites. See what we mean after the jump!

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Ciara is back! Well, almost…

This week saw dance auditions and rehearsals commence for her hotly anticipated comeback video. A fact which serves as an emphatic response to any doubt surrounding how supportive her new label Epic are of the single and the project moreover. Indeed, common-practice sees labels throw out singles, gauge a response, and then proceed with videos. However, LA Reid and co are powering ahead full-steam.

Add to this the wholly positive feedback That Grape Juice has heard about the album from highly placed sources (word is, it’s essentially finished), and the climate for a plausible Ciara comeback couldn’t be better. Or could it?

As her weekly trending topics on Twitter highlight, there remain a sizeable sect of folk keen to see her “win”. Yet, there too exists those who can’t wash-out the taste of 2010’s ‘Basic Instinct’ or 2009’s ‘Fantasy Ride’ – the latter of which is criminally underrated. Alas, we digress…

Ever keen to pierce through the smoke and mirrors, That Grape Juice wants to know, then…

Are YOU anticipating Ciara’s comeback?

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Peep Madonna, on her way to a Kabbalah centre in Mahanttan, New York.

Joined by famed photographer Steven Klein, responsible for Lady GaGa‘s ‘Alejandro‘ visual, the icon and her children took the centre yesterday afternoon, seemingly unfazed by onlooking paparazzi.

More from Team Madge below…

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With many of our International visitors celebrating Mothers Day today, Pop megastar Beyonce delivered many a touching word to her own mum, Tina Knowles.

Check out what the ‘Irreplaceable’ singer had to say after the jump…

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After the mammoth hit that was her classic collaboration with Brandy ‘The Boy Is Mine’, all eyes were on Monca (pun intended) to see if she could deliver a smash of a follow-up.

Yet it was Mission Accomplished with ‘The First Night’, the second single lifted from her 1998 sophomore album, also titled ‘The Boy Is Mine’. Penned and produced by Jermaine Dupri, the track charted at #1 in the US Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop charts, and peaked inside the Top 10 of the Canadian and British charts. It was Monica sixth US Top 10 single and serves as one of her signature songs

The song is built around a sample of Diana Ross disco classic ‘Love Hangover’ and the now-Mrs. Brown pulls out yet another flawless vocal performance.
Lyrically, ‘Night’ boasts a very similar theme to Janet Jackson‘s 87 hit ballad ‘Let’s Wait Awhile’ -albeit much more sassier- with its central narrative being hooked on new boyfriend but insisting on furthering their like of each other before they take the next step in their relationship. Or as Mo’ would say it, before they “get down”.

Through the years, Monica has managed to stay a R&B force to be reckoned with and, contrary to numerous artists, has never turned her back on the music that made her a household name. Over the couse of her 15 years career, we’ve seen the diva evolve from a young vocal acrobat to a seasoned songstress; continues to surprise us with the quality each release and every live performance.

Ms. Monica we salute you.

Your thoughts?