Following a lengthy wait (one so long I almost forgot it was even being released), Christina Aguilera’s brand new video ‘Keeps Gettin’ Better’ premiered on iLike.com moments ago. At the risk of sounding kinda blunt, Christina could have kept the Peter Berg directed clip. It’s rubbish.
Ironically, it’s the special effects in the special effects laden vid that let this down. It just looks cheap and dated. What’s more Xtina looks bored. Here’s hoping she bucks up her ideas for her forthcoming full-length album (due early next year). In the meanwhile, you can pick up Christina’s greatest hits effort ‘Keep Gettin’ Better’ on November 11th.
After the mass hysteria that ensued following the axing of Aubrey O’Day and D. Woods from Danity Kane, it is being reported that remaining member Shannon Bex has quit the Platinum selling group. According to Z100 Elvis Duran, Bex has left the once-five piece as a direct result of the drama and uncertainty surrounding the group’s future.
Despite all these supposed line-up changes, I still haven’t swallowed the idea of the ladies being no more. I smell a ‘reconciliation’ by the next season of Making The Band.
*Our D. Woods interview will be taking place this week*
During a recent show in Washington, DC, soul legend Aretha Franklin put her own spin on Mariah Carey’s hit ‘Touch My Body’. I know what you’re thinking…and yes it is as funny as it sounds LOL. Enjoy.
The video for Kelly Rowland’s duet with French singer Nadiya ‘No Future In The Past’ made its debut today on NRJ. If I’m to be honest, the song leaves a lot to be desired (put simply, it’s not that good), yet the video is visually engaging. Tidbit: Kelly does look near-flawless in the clip. Definitely a fan of this look.
Randomness: I’m still anxious to hear what Kelly will be serving up on her next solo outing (said to be pencilled in for an April 2009 release). Though there have been murmurings about a more European-targeted LP, I’m hoping for more R&B/Pop from the 28 year old star. Perhaps it’s just me, but I’ve always wanted to hear Kelly ride a ‘Lose My Breath’-esque track solo. That would be a good look IMO. Anyway, as you can see, my random rambling is more than what post’s actual topic LOL. I’ll call it a post by leaving you with Kelly’s MTV Japan performance of the original first single from ‘Ms. Kelly’ ‘Gotsta Go’:
Authorities say they’ve found the body of a young black boy in an SUV in the city’s West Side, but there is no confirmation that the development is related to the search for Jennifer Hudson’s missing nephew.
MyFOXChicago is reporting that police located the SUV, which is believed to be the getaway vehicle driven by William Balfour, a suspect in the murders of the family members of Oscar-winning actress and singer Hudson.
While Chicago police have not yet confirmed whether the vehicle is in fact the white Chevy Suburban that police have been searching for, MyFOXChicago is reporting that the license plates match the Amber Alert issued after Hudson’s 7-year-old nephew Julian King was reported missing after the murders Friday.
The vehicle was reportedly located 13 miles northwest of the Hudson home and was removed by a tow truck from the street Monday morning.
Balfour was named in as a potential suspect Friday in the shooting deaths of Hudson’s mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, and older brother Jason Hudson, 29. The FBI is working on the case with local authorities.
Balfour was married to Hudson’s sister, Julia, for several years but they were separated, his mother, Michele Balfour said. She said Donerson had ordered him to move out of the family’s home last winter.
On Sunday, Hudson, whose single “Spotlight” is number one on the Billboard R&B charts, offered a $100,000 reward for the safe return of King.
As many of you know, tragedy struck the home of Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson this past Friday, when her mother and brother were killed in a double homicide in Englewood, Chicago. Even more heart wrenching is the fact that Hudson’s 7 year old nephew- Julian King, who lived with the deceased, has been reported missing. See an update on these terrible events, including Jennifer’s $100,000 reward for the safe return of Julian, , below via ABC7 news:
Our thoughts and prayers remain with the entire Hudson family at this terrible time.
Since the international success of ‘American Boy’, Estelle has been churning out great single after great single – the latest being ‘Come Over’ featuring Sean Paul. The video for the release premiered here in the UK today. Put simply, its pretty good.
The second week of X Factor 2008 live shows aired last night here in the UK. Check out my 2 Pence on the Big Band 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}
I’m not really a fan of the Big Band theme, however, as usual, certain acts stood out. Check out my favourite performances by Alexandra and Rachel below, as well as the ensemble performance of ‘Hero’:
Alexandra Burke – Candyman
Rachel Hyton – Feeling Good
Final 12 – Hero
Great to see Rachel giving the performance we all knew she was capable of. I must say, Alexandra did an awesome job. I’m really hoping she wins it.
New Beyonce news has seemingly become a staple feature as the release of her eagerly anticipated 3rd solo outing ‘I Am…Sasha Fierce’ draws nearer its November 18th release (November 17th in the UK). Tidbit: To clarify, the album (as a whole) will be titled ‘I Am…Sasha Fierce’, serving to introduce her alter ego Sasha Fierce as well as showcase the more ballad-esque tracks on the ‘I Am…’ part of the album. Still confused? LOL.
Check out the new promotional shots for the album above and below. It appears Ms. Knowles is pressing ahead with this black and white theme. I like.
In other Bouncy news, that will no doubt please her UK fans, the 27 year old is set to make high profile appearances on both X-Factor and Strictly Come Dancing this November and December. While great news for fans, the rivalling shows are less than pleased about her doing the ‘other’ show:
X Factor chiefs are reportedly furious that Beyoncé has also agreed to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.
The singer, who is promoting her new LP I Am… Sasha Fierce, has already agreed to appear on the ITV singing contest in December.
However, The Mirror reports that Strictly has nabbed the star to make an earlier appearance at the end of November.
“As far as we are concerned we are the No1 show on Saturday. If X Factor wants Beyoncé, they’ll have to wait. She has signed and we’ve also got Take That confirmed for the coming weeks,” a BBC source said.
Meanwhile, an insider at The X Factor said they also have Mariah Carey and Britney Spears lined up. “We aren’t happy Beyoncé is doing Strictly, but she is just one of a number of huge names we’re getting,” the source said. {Source}
It’s a win/win IMO. Word has it she’ll be performing ‘If I Were A Boy’ on X-Factor, while (possibly) offering the first live rendition of ‘Single Ladies’ on Strictly Come Dancing. I guess time will tell.
Anyway, you can now watch the trailer for Bey’s forthcoming movie, Cadillac Records (due in theatres in December) below:
In saddens us to report that tragedy has struck the household of Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson. According to an increasing number of news outlets, the singer’s mother and brother were killed in Chicago this afternoon. Hudson’s 7 year old nephew is also missing. See the report via Fox News below:
Actress and singer Jennifer Hudson’s mother and brother were found shot to death Friday at Hudson’s Chicago home, and police have issued an Amber Alert for Hudson’s 7-year-old nephew.
Chicago Police Department spokeswoman Monique Bond says the deaths appear to be the result of domestic abuse.
Authorities think Julian King was taken from the home by William Balfour, a suspect in the double killing, and they think Balfour fled in a 1994 white Chevrolet Suburban.
Sources tell FOXNews.com Hudson is on her way to Chicago.
Deputy Chief Joseph Patterson said a family member entered the home around 3 p.m. Friday, found a woman fatally shot on the living room floor and left to notify authorities. Responding officers found a man fatally shot in the bedroom, Patterson said. There was no sign of forced entry.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office says officials were dispatched Friday afternoon to the house. Sources on the scene tell FOXNews.com police haven’t released to the bodies.
Police tape blocked access to the large, white house, where a crowd had gathered outside.
Hudson grew up in Chicago, and public listings show the address registered to her and her mother, Darnell Donerson. Hudson’s brother is Jason Hudson.
Calls to Hudson’s representative and attorney were not immediately returned.
Our sincerest condolences go out to Jennifer and her entire family. We pray for the safe return of her nephew.
UPDATE 1: Police are looking for William Balfour (bottom left), who they claim could be with the missing 7-year-old. According to records, Balfour listed Hudson’s mother’s address as a place of residence within the last year. According to the Illinois Department of Corrections website, Balfour is currently on parole after serving jail time for attempted murder.
UPDATE 2: Lost in all this is Jennifer’s sister Julia, mother of the missing 7-year-old. We’re told she works as a bus driver in Chicago. Her employer told us she worked her shift today. She hasn’t been seen since.
It’s Friday, it’s been a slow news day thus far, so I’ll throw it back to you guys to express yourselves as you wish. Always an entertaining read, I must say…
As per the title of this post, feel free to drop anything and ‘errrrrthing’ in the comments section.
So, anything from your thoughts on the site, to random ramblings, particular views on any story (music, politcs, sports etc), share a story/new song, shameless promotion of your own site/material lol…not to be limited to music alone…a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g!
The King of Pop Michael Jackson caused a media frenzy when he made a rare appearance during a shopping trip in West Hollywood, California yesterday. A much happier and healthier Jackson, 50, is said to have made a number of purchases at an antiques store which ironically is called ‘Off The Wall’ – the same name as his 1980 breakthrough solo effort.
It is believed that Michael currently resides in neighbouring Las Vegas, where he continues to work on a number of projects, including his eagerly awaited ‘comeback’ album.
New Beyonce news has seemingly become a staple feature as the release of her eagerly anticipated 3rd solo outing ‘I Am…Sasha Fierce’ draws nearer its November 18th release (November 17th in the UK). 
