The seventh week of X Factor 2008 live shows aired last night here in the UK. Check out my 2 Pence on the Take That themed week 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}

With the final rapidly approaching, the competition is becoming pretty intense, with there sure to be some surprising departures over the next few weeks. I wasn’t too keen on the theme this week and the performances on a whole kinda left me underwhelmed. That said, Alexandra (who had vocal issues during the week), turned in a good performance considering, with Rachel also doing an awesome job on her bottom-2 performance. Check out their showings below:

Alexandra Burke – Relight My Fire

Rachel Hylton – And I Am Telling You

It’s a shame Rachel ended up leaving, as this was hands down her best performance yet – a little rough around the edges but still an awesome job all the same.

Though Alexandra wasn’t as great as usual, the judges were right in saying she needs to be in the final. Hell, she needs to win the whole thing! There are many a void I can see her filling. With such a great talent, she has a bright future ahead of her thanks to the show.

Your thoughts?

The video for the Sugababes latest single ‘No Can Do’ premiered this week. Put simply, the Motown inspired song is head and shoulders above the mediocrity that was their last single ‘Girls’; the video isn’t bad either – although it wasn’t exactly what I was expecting. Here’s hoping the song reignites interest in their ‘Catfights & Spotlights’ LP, which hasn’t fared that great on the charts.

What do you think of the song / video?

Keri Hilson’s brand new video for ‘Turnin’ Me On (ft. Lil’ Wayne)’ premiered moments ago. The Erik White directed clip joins an impressive collection of vids Ms. Hilton has shot to promote her ‘In A Perfect World’ LP. I’m really hoping this one catches on, as Keri is very deserving of success IMO. Tidbit: Plies and Polow Da Don make cameos.

Randomness: Is it me or is Keri really underrated in the looks department? She looks stunning here.

What do you think of the video?

Despite all the drama which surrounded the US leg of Janet Jackson’s critically acclaimed ‘Rock Witchu’ tour, it has been announced that the 42 year old superstar will be taking to tour to Japan next year.

Though things remain up in the air about possible extra US dates, it’s great to see Janet catering to her International audience. Here’s hoping her next stop is good ol’ sunny England LOL…

Your thoughts?

Peep Rihanna’s new commercial for Gucci’s GUCCI Tattoo Heart Collection to Benefit UNICEF. She looks great.

This got me thinking though…Isn’t this the idealist of scenarios? Being able to watch Ms. Fenty without all that jarring pig squealing she does.

Your thoughts?

Solange really is rolling out the videos from her critically acclaimed ‘Sol-Angel & The Hadley Street Dreams’ – the latest being for ‘T.O.N.Y’. Put simply, the video is great. There’s an interesting twist at the end, which will explain a lot to those who don’t understand the lyrics right off the bat. Fantastic video.

What do you think of the video?

Review in a bit…

In the meanwhile…

What do you think of the video?

Former Danity Kane vixen Aubrey O’Day was interviewed at some random club opening in Miami recently. When asked about her post-Diddy/DK career, O’Day gushed about a number of projects she has in the pipeline – including her debut solo album.

I’m left scratching my head for a number of reasons. Not least because I’ve heard nothing of a new record label/deal Aubrey has signed (to). Will the album drop via Bad Boy? What’s more there have been whispers as of late that Aubrey was spotted laughing with none other than Diddy at a Los Angeles clothing store recently. A TV stunt, perhaps? Who knows. I’m just thinking the best outcome for all involved would be for Danity Kane to come back together as a five-piece. IMO, solo efforts, at this junction, is a no no. Too much drama surrounding the group for anyone of them to breakout solo. Never say never though…

Your thoughts?

It’s undeniably Beyonce Week this week, the week in which her ‘I Am…Sasha Fierce’ LP arrived in stores across the globe. BET’s 106 & Park set aside the entire hour show for Bouncy, who was both interviewed and performed (‘If I Were A Boy & ‘Single Ladies’). You can check the performances by clicking here. Part 1 of the interview is above, with Parts 2 & 3 below:

Part 2

Part 3

As is becoming the norm these days, she came across very well.

Your thoughts?