An outpour of sympathy has flooded social media and news outlets since the announcement of R&B pioneer Etta James‘ passing earlier today.  And, while news of the ‘At Last’ singer’s death is still sending shockwaves through the industry, stars who have imparted covers of some of her most cherished hits are sharing their thoughts on the matter.

A songstress who has repeatedly praised James throughout her own career is Christina Aguilera.  Making her soulful cover of Etta’s most memorable hit a staple in her own live showings, Aguilera took to her official website to say:

“Etta James was a force to be reckoned with. A true gift to music and a woman of great spirit and courage.

Her raw tone and the passion she put forth on a record spoke to me at a very young age and has continued to influence and inspire me throughout my career. She will NEVER be forgotten, her voice will forever live on and she will inspire talent for generations to come.”

Like fellow belter Beyonce, Xtina too was afforded a chance to spend time with the legendary songstress – one whom she has long touted to be an idol of hers.  Take a look at the two’s photoshoot from years past after the jump:

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It’s been a good week for ‘Roc Me Out‘ beauty Rihanna.

From scoring another week atop the US singles chart with ‘We Found Love’, to and enjoying the sights, seas and sands of Hawaii, the last seven days have been seemingly bliss for the singer.

Now, she has even more cause to celebrate.

She is to perform at the 2012 Grammys.

Full story below…

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Congratulations are most certainly in order.

Well- at least if you consider yourself to be a Rihanna fan.  Because, following the untimely demise of her single ‘You Da One’ on the Billboard Hot 100, it’s predecessor-‘We Found Love‘ is #1 on the chart.

For the tenth time.

Full story below…

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We asked and boy, did you answer.  With a whopping total of over 21,000 votes, the faithful fans of Aretha, Celine, Cher, Diana, Janet, Madonna, Mariah, Patti, Tina, and Whitney replied in groves to support their favorites in this showdown.  One of our best yet, we asked ‘Who is the ultimate diva’?  In arenas of fashion, influence, and more, you voiced your opinion on which of the aforementioned divas reigned supreme.

‘Control’ diva Janet Jackson was undoubtedly in control of this panel, sweeping most of the categories.  But does she come out on top?

Without further adieu, the results of the tight race to choose the ultimate diva await:

*All polls represent data calculated by 12a.m., January 16th*

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Looks like ‘Lucky Star’ singer Madonna‘s 2012 is already starting off on the right note. Despite mixed reviews for her directorial effort ‘W.E.’, Madge’s musical contribution to the film, ‘Masterpiece’, nabbed ‘Best Original Song’ at tonight’s Golden Globe ceremony (but the film later lost ‘Best Original Score’). Going head to head with fellow music monarch Mary J. Blige, for ‘The Living Proof’ from ‘The Help’, the win marks Madonna’s second Golden Globe  – the first being for ‘Best Actress in a Comedy/Musical’ in the 1996 musical ‘Evita’.

Reportedly putting the finishing touches on her forthcoming album ‘MDNA’, this victory certainly highlights a week that has seen her Madgesty in headlines for less flattering circumstances (see: digs at Lady Gaga, Janet Jackson).  Fans of the diva will next see her on ‘The Tonight Show’ with Jay Leno continuing her promo rounds for the movie and upcoming album.

Until then get into this video of her acceptance speech and red carpet pics:

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‘Like A Prayer’ performer Madonna is apparently looking to answer the prayers of many-a-fan who have long awaited the follow-up to her 2008 #1 album ‘Hard Candy’.  In conjunction with keeping herself atop headlines for temporarily trading in her ‘diva’ title for ‘director’ billing in ‘W.E.’, the singer is readying a comeback to Billboard with ‘MDNA’ – her 12th.  Premiering its lead single via live performance at this year’s SuperBowl, the ‘Hung Up’ hitmaker enlisted rap eccentric Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. for backing on the album’s first single ‘Give Me All Your Love’.

While fans anxiously await the song’s official unveiling, Madge is oiling up her promo machine and it begins with an interview on ABC’s ‘NightLine’.  Set to air tomorrow night, Miss Ciccone has already alluded to thoughts on pop predecessor Lady Gaga, but see what she had to say about other heir to throne Britney Spears in this alternate preview of the forthcoming interview:

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With the countdown to Madonna‘s musical return in full swing, the Pop royal is clawing her way back into the spotlight.

Having today revealed that her forthcoming album is titled ‘M.D.N.A’, the singer stepped out for the London premiere of ‘W.E’ – her latest effort as a movie director.

For many, though, tonight’s showing is little more than a cleverly orchestrated means of relaunching her media presence. Indeed, ‘W.E’ already received a London premiere last October at the BFI London Film Festival; while it’s no coincidence that the release of her new single ‘Gimmie Your Luvin’ and high-profile Superbowl performance are merely weeks away.

Got to love how the “premium” acts have their strategy on point!

Your thoughts?

In love with Pop Icon Madonna?

If so, then you might just be pleased to know that the title of her long awaited new album was revealed today.

Find out what it is below…

*UPDATED*

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Say what you will about Pop sensation Rihanna, but when it comes to her ability to move singles, there is really is no denying or matching what really has become a commendable skill.

Because today,in what will be sure to have her fans feeling all kinds of proud, she has been named the highest selling digital artist in US chart history, beating the likes of Beyonce, Katy Perry and Lady GaGa to the top spot.

Details below…

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Amidst building a career of blessing fan favorites Rihanna, Beyonce, and more with a bevy of club bangers, Hip Hop hitmaker The Dream looks to ring 2012 in with a bang of his own.   Using his summer 2011, digital only release ‘1977’ to tide fans over between his third and fourth studio albums, it seems the Atlanta native  is ready to serve his fourth round’s appetizer with ‘Roc’ – the lead single from his fourth album ‘The Love, IV: Diary of a Madman’.

Reportedly boasting some of his ‘most personal material to date’, is ‘Roc’ what the rapper/singer needs to roll him back to the top of the charts?  You be the judge after the jump:

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The-Dream‘s recent interview Tim Westwood seems to be the gift that keeps giving.

For, after revealing in part one how much he made for penning Rihanna’s ‘Umbrella’, part two seems the singer-songwriter open up about why he can no longer work with R&B star Ciara, as well as his thoughts on his own success as an artist.

Check out his comments after the jump…

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In case you didn’t know, songwriting is a very lucrative business.

So lucrative, that while recent years have seen many acts have fall prey to bankruptcy and other financial woes, the writers they enlist to pen their material have gone on to become- in many instances- even more financially secure than some of the industry’s highest paid executives.

Take serial chart topper ‘The Dream’ for instance.

Responsible for Beyonce‘s ‘Single Ladies’, Justin Bieber’s ‘Baby‘ two name just two, the singer-songwriter has risen to become the go to man for any in need of a hit.

Now, he has revealed just how much he earned for penning Rihanna‘s 2007 hit ‘Umbrella‘ and air out his thoughts on ex wife Christina Milian, all during a recent appearance on ‘The Tim Westwood Show‘.

Watch below…

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