Ariana Grande‘s done it again!

After ringing in the new year atop the Hot 100 with the inaugural chart-topping single of her career, ‘thank u, next,’ the 25-year-old songstress barely gave fans time to say such before she released two singles to follow.  The non-performance of follow-up tune, ‘Imagine,’ came as no deterrence as this week brought with it news ‘7 Rings’ – the third single from her fifth album (also titled ‘thank u, next’) – debuted at #1 on the Hot 100 (click here for the full report).

As if being in Billboard history books for being the first and only artist to see the lead single from her first 5 albums debut in the top 10, now – with ‘7 Rings’ impressive premiere – Grande’s become the first artist in history to see her first two chart-toppers debut at #1.  In addition, she’s only the third female artist in history to see two singles debut at #1 on the tally (Mariah Carey – 3, Britney Spears – 2).

Congratz are due to Ari!  See who joins her in the top 25 this week on TGJ’s weekly ‘Chart Check: Hot 100’ edition:

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Much like Kevin Hart (whose career was rocked by headlines around resurfaced homophobic tweets just a week ahead of the premiere of his latest film, ‘The Upside’), Taraji P. Henson and Erykah Badu – stars of the new film ‘What Men Want’ (in theaters February 8) – have been bombarded with negative press surrounding their perceived support of embattled R&B legend R. Kelly.

Kelly, whose 2019 has been dominated by heightened press after the Lifetime documentary ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ ignited public damning and legal investigations, has become such a hot topic that even stars who suggest supporting him get burned.

Case in point?  Last week Badu and Henson (as we reported here and here respectively) were dragged on Twitter for the mere implication the ‘Bump N’ Grind’ star deserved less unfavorable attention.  Now, as they are in full swing of a promo blitz of the soon-to-be-released flick, the two have been quizzed on their thoughts about the backlash that ensued after their respective statements.

See what they said inside:

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Ciara‘s hit her faithful fans, affectionately called the #CSquad, with yet another dose of fierceness courtesy of her very first ‘Vogue’ cover.

Announced via her official Instagram, Ci – donning a Saint Laurent dress and Alexandre Vauthier hat – took to the deserts of Dubai for ‘Vogue Arabia’ to pose it up with the magnificent stallions belonging to UAE royal HH Sheikha Fatima Rashed Al Maktoum.

And, if the sizzling snaps curated by famed fashion photographer Mariano Vivanco aren’t enough to gawk at, the 33-year-old dropped some equally hot tidbits on her long-awaited 7th LP (due later this year).  Get into the action below:

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Nicki Minaj and Cardi B may not share an appreciation for one another, but the pair will be sharing the bill at the upcoming BET Experience.

Details below…

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Janet Jackson, Shonda Rimes, Viola Davis, Kerry Washington, and T.I. are just a few of many big names who have poured out support for actor/singer Jussie Smollett after That Grape Juice exclusively broke news he was physically attacked early Tuesday morning (January 29) by racist and homophobic assailants.

Taking to social media to not only lend their well-wishes but also raise awareness about hate crimes, Smollett’s fans, friends, and admirers made their stances known and voices heard as they respectively called for justice for Jussie.

More inside:

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Kamala Harris‘ quest to become the President of the United States has already seen her forced to combat claims that she engaged in the political behaviour she now says she is keen to dismantle should she win.

Hm just did some reading about Kamala Harris. The things she has done that negatively impact Black people and other POC disproportionately… yuck.

— كاثي (@PureJoyfulSong) January 21, 2019

Fortunately, she successfully eased the fears of many concerned minds by explaining her political record with the electorate during a Town Hall meeting in Des Moines, Iowa.

Watch below….

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With the 2019 Super Bowl being just days away, the NFL looked set to host a press conference with the Halftime headliners – Maroon 5. A practice that has, over many years, become customary.

However, amidst volumized backlash, the sports giant has pulled the plug on this year’s pre-game event.

Details below…

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J. Cole is back and wasting no time making his presence felt.

The Hip-Hop titan just dropped new single ‘Middle Child’ and will be taking to the stage at NBA’s All-Star Game to perform the track. For, he’s been unveiled as the Halftime headliner.

Details below…

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Normani is fast-becoming one of the world’s fastest-rising Pop stars thanks to the string of critically acclaimed smash hits she has released since Fifth Harmony disbanded.

This week, her star glides to even higher ground as her new Sam Smith-backed tune ‘Dancing with a Stranger’ dominates British radio.

Fantastic news below…

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Janet Jackson is taking a worldwide approach ahead of the release of her hotly anticipated new album.

Last year saw the superstar singer rock US audiences on her ‘State of The World Tour’ as well as a number of notable festivals.

Now, she’s set to slay the stage at one of the most globally revered spectacles – Glastonbury in the UK.

Full story below…

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Just like that one tweet set the Internet ablaze with reports of a leaked list of purported 2019 Grammy winners.

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Few stars can say they’ve survived an industry black-balling and landed on their feet the way funnywoman Mo’Nique has.

Despite earning quite the reputation for her outspoken nature, being cast as “difficult” and “demanding” by the likes of entertainment industry leaders Tyler Perry, Oprah Winfrey, Lee Daniels, Whoopi Goldberg, and more, and becoming the source of ridicule for her highly publicized battle with Netflix, the 51-year-old is celebrating a major comeback courtesy of a recently announced stint in Sin City.

Making history as the first Black comedienne to have her own Vegas residency, Mo took to our friends at Essence to not only dish on the major accomplishment but also reflect on the recent downfalls that have gotten her to this point (i.e. backlash received for supporting Roseanne, Netflix drama, and more).

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