Grammy and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson took to the stage at the White House Celebration of Music From The Civil Rights Movement, giving a live rendition ‘Someday We’ll All Be Free’. As ever, Jenny did a great job.

What do you think of the performance?

Leona Lewis premiered the music video for her new single ‘I Got You’ moments ago. The song, which has thus far peaked at #29 on the UK R&B chart, serves as the 2nd single off of the vocal mistress’ sophomore album, ‘Echo’, in that territory. The LP has thus far been certified double platinum in the UK, despite barely selling over 100k in the US.

A video that tells a good story. This song should have been the 1st single from Lewis’ album instead of the dreadfully boring ‘Happy’. However, given that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, I am certain that it will get the push it needs to climb the charts. Whether or not another single will be released in the US remains to be seen, although I highly doubt that most people in that country are eager to here more from ‘Echo’ given its album sales.

Thoughts?

Alexandra Burke was spotted in Haiti recently. The UK singer is said to be working with Save The Children to help the impoverished youth of the nation. Burke also contributed her voice to the remake of REM’s ‘Everybody Hurts’ alongside fellow ‘X Factor’ alum Leona Lewis, and others, to help raise funds for Haitian relief. The song sold over 205k units in its first 2 days of release, outselling all of the other top 20 singles release that week, combined. {Source}

What do you think of the pic?

R&B star Ashanti sparkled in a gold Lloyd Klein ensemble at the launch of Delphine – an upmarket French restaurant – at the W Hollywood Hotel & Residences last night (February 11th). The ‘Only U’ singer performed an assortment of her hits to an audience of over one thousand. More power to her. Check out more pics (via Rap-Up) after the below…

Your thoughts?

‘Hollerback Girl’ singer Gwen Stefani poses it up with models rocking her L.A.M.B clothing line at the Fall 2010 Fashion Presentation in New York last night (February 11th), which forms part of  Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Remember when Gwen’s hiatus from No Doubt saw her become one of the industry’s biggest stars a few years back? Pop, Urban, you name it, she had it on lock. Indeed, Ms. Stefani was the Fergie before Fergie, and most certainly opened doors commercially for the likes of Lady GaGa… and Ke$ha (although that particular door should have stayed shut if you ask me!). Now back in the studio with No Doubt, the 40 year old (yes, 40!) will be returning to the charts later this year.

Check out more pics after the jump…

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Monica was spotted on the set of the music video for her new single ‘Everything to Me’. The clip is being directed by Benny Boom in Los Angeles. Monica’s new album, ‘Still Standing’, hits stores on March 23rd. Peep below for more shots:

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Trey Songz hit the stage on BET’s ‘106 & Park’ today. The singer performed a medley of new songs including ‘Neighbours Know My Name’, ‘I Invented Sex’ and ‘Say Aah’ from his ‘Ready’ LP. Since it’s release on August 31st, 2009, ‘Ready’ has sold over 503k copies.

Songz delivered a very good performance. However, I find it rather baffling that people consider him to R&B’s current leading man. As a performer who primarily sings about sex, to compare him to the likes of R. Kelly or even Usher is quite laughable. He is yet to come close to the successes of those two, either commercially or musically.

Thoughts?

Toni Braxton made a guest appearance on ‘The Wendy Williams Show’ today. The diva performed the official 2nd single from her upcoming ‘Pulse’ album, ‘Make My Heart’. ‘Pulse’ hits stores on May 4th.

Although she was clearly lip-syncing, Braxton worked the life out of that stage. She oozed sex appeal and got into the choreography without looking forced or awkward in the least. ‘Make My Heart’ has grown on me a lot since I first heard it and I can definitely see it doing big things on the charts if given the right music video and promotion. Great stuff!

Check out the interview Braxton had with Wendy below where she discussed her marriage and upcoming reality show, among other things, below:

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Janet Jackson has being remaining under the radar while recording her next studio album. However, that’s not the only project that the icon has in the works. Jackson and her former boyfriend, Jermaine Dupri, have recorded the theme song for her new film, ‘Why Did I Get Married Too?’. Dupri confirms that the track, entitled ‘Nothing’, was co-produced by Bryan-Michael Cox. ‘Why Did I Get Married Too?’ hits the big screen on April 2nd. {Source}

Jackson seems to be gearing up to take 2010 by storm. With a new album, movie and theme song, all this activity is reminiscent of the impact she had with the ‘All For You’ LP and the ‘Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps’ film. Coincidentally, after hearing the direction she plans to take with this record, I expect the new album to sound a lot ‘All For You’ which was packed with several up-tempo, ‘fun’ tracks. It’s exciting to see how this will all turn out!

Thoughts?

Ke$ha has just made history on the Billboard Hot 100. The Pop sensation’s first single, ‘Tik Tok’, has spent 8 weeks at the top of the chart, the longest stay at the top for a female artist’s debut single since 1977. Debbie Boone’s ‘You Light Up My Life’ set the record 33 years ago by holding the #1 position for 10 weeks. {Source}

Seriously? I take it that people in the US just want to party and have a good time given the gloomy weather. Still, the only thing I can say is: seriously?

Thoughts?

Grammy nominee and Young Money star, Drake, features in Sprite’s new ‘Unleashed’ commercial – the first for their new  ‘Spark’ campaign. Check out the pretty cool TV spot above…

‘Spark’ is the drinks giant’s new global initiative to inspire and enable teens to spark fresh thinking and display their originality. Sprite’s online mixing tool, which will allow users to upload, remix, rate, original music, is set to launch in March. Click here to read more.

Your thoughts?

The video for LeToya‘s latest single ‘Good To Me’ premièred a few moments ago. Check out the AJ Crimson directed clip above. Keston Karter stars…

As much as we’re feeling LeToya as well as the song, it’s imperative to keep it real; the video – though not bad – left a lot to be desired (visually, concept-wise, budget and all that jazz). However, I must give the Destiny’s Child alumni props where props are due. With her label Capitol offering nothing more than to release the song (i.e. formally service it to radio and nothing else in terms of finance or promotion), Ms. Luckett deserves kudos for pressing on and keeping her face out there. Here’s hoping things work out for her in the long run.

Tidbit: LeToya looked stunning!

What do you think of the video?