Despite a holdup that kept fans of NBC’s ‘The Carmichael Show’ (Loretta Devine, David Alan Grier) on edge about its fate, this weekend brought with it official news the show will be bringing the laughs for at least one more season.

Get the details inside:

(more…)

She may have taken a tumble while in hot promotion of her sophomore album,  ‘Thank You,’ but now it appears Meghan Trainor has the fans to thank for ensuring the album didn’t take a similar tumble on charts.

Indeed, after a week of Apple exclusivity, the singer/songwriter’s set – which became widely available on May 13 – is on track for a moderate debut sales week due to stiff competition from the likes of chart titans Beyonce, Drake, and more.  But, with the assistance of hits ‘Me Too’ & ‘No,’ Trainor may be well on her way to leaving the two in her rearview to nab her second occupancy of the Billboard 200’s top spot.

How is ‘Thank You’ expected to fare in comparison to her ‘All About That Bass’-led debut album ‘Title’ and its 238,000 first week sales?  Find out below:

(more…)

Though it is now a feat most closely associated with Rihanna, Mariah Carey was the master of snatching #1 records left and right in the 90’s.

Today’s From The Vault pick focuses on a memorably live showing of her 14th chart-topper, 1999’s ‘Heartbreaker.’

Written and produced by Carey alongside DJ Clue and featuring a rap verse by Jay-Z, ‘Heartbreaker’ was the debut single from the diva’s seventh album ‘Rainbow’.

Likened to previous smash ‘Fantasy’ because of their similar hooks, the cut also received a re-work courtesy of Missy Elliott and Da Brat which was sent to radio and included on the album.

Its music video – directed by longtime friend and collaborator Brett Ratner – saw Mimi go head to head with her arch nemesis Bianca.

Reaching the top of the US chart, it was also a Top 5 single in the UK as well as France.

The performance we salute here was held at Mimi’s high-school making it a literal homecoming. Opting for a cheerleader’s theme, the occasion saw pompoms and leather jackets were out in full force. Jay Z and Da Brat even made appearances sending the audience into a frenzy.

So why this showing? We love seeing Mariah take advantage of her scenography and not being static in the middle of the stage with only hand gestures as “choreography”. Though she’s not exactly dropping it like it’s hot, she makes for a compelling moment by just… performing. Clearly we’re not the only ones who feel as such, indeed her ‘Sweet Sweet Fantasy Tour’ saw the mother-of-two employ a similar strategy delivering her most entertaining performances in years.

With a new team on deck, a successful Vegas stint, as well as a critically-acclaimed European jaunt, the future is looking brighter than it has for a long time for the songstress. We say it’s a good thing as it seems like she’s not going anywhere, and frankly we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Ready when you are, MC!

Your thoughts?

Beyonce‘s politically-charged ‘Lemonade‘ era continues to ride on a brilliant commercial wave.

Find out how her ‘IVY Park’ sportswear has worked wonders for European fashion retailers below…

(more…)

Mariah Carey was honored at the GLAAD Media Awards last night at New York’s Waldorf Astoria.

The seasoned diva received the Ally Award, which recognizes “a media figure who has consistently used their platform to support and advance LGBT equality and acceptance.”

Mimi was introduced by filmmaker friend Lee Daniels, who she thanked profusely during her tongue-in-cheek acceptance speech.

Watch the moment below, where additional snaps from the night – featuring Laverne Cox, Caitlyn Jenner, and Mariah’s billionaire fiancé James Packer, also await…

(more…)

Ariana Grande re-teams with Nicki Minaj on new number ‘Side To Side.’

The ‘Bang Bang’ collaborators dabble in Dancehall on the infectious cut, which is lifted from ‘Dangerous Woman’ – Grande’s forthcoming studio album.

Unveiled as part of a unique “one song a day” countdown on Apple Music, the track awaits below…

(more…)

Ariana Grande is taking an unorthodox approach to introducing her ‘Dangerous Woman’ album to the masses.

Set to hit retail on Friday (May 20th), the pint-sized powerhouse is debuting a cluster of tracks exclusively on Apple Music in the run-up the LP’s release.

One such cut is the funkified ‘Greedy,’ which awaits below…

(more…)

Justin Timberlake took to the stage at the Eurovision Song Contest last night to offer the first performance of smash hit single ‘Can’t Stop The Feeling’ – from DreamWorks’ ‘Trolls’ soundtrack.

The pin-up turned mature megastar also served up a rousing rendition of 2002 hit ‘Rock Your Body.’

Watch the 35-year-old tackle both tracks after the jump…

(more…)

Usher has been out of the spotlight musically for more than two years, however it appears that is all set to change imminently.

During an impromptu stop at the Angie Martinez Show this week, the R&B crooner dished on the follow-up to 2012’s ‘Looking 4 Myself,’ revealing that he’ll have “something” on the airwaves this Summer.

The 38-year-old also opened up about his lead role in the new Sugar Ray Leonard biopic as well as his now infamous covered-but-not-covered naked Snapchat pic.

Peep the fun-filled chat after the jump…

(more…)

Drake fans still devastated by the rapper’s decision to shave his beard may feel a little better after seeing him shut down ‘SNL’ tonight with a rocking performance of his #1 hit ‘One Dance,’ found aboard his latest #1 album ‘Views.’

Taking to the variety show to serve double duty once again (as host and featured musical act), the 29-year-old hit maker’s visit to SNL marks his third appearance as its musical guest.

And, in what’s become standard fare, he did not disappoint.  See the action below:

(more…)

The creative couple that is Big Sean & Jhene Aiko enjoyed the company of  A$AP Rocky and Pharrell Williams in West Hollywood last night.

Where? Adidas Originals’ Pink Beach party following the release of their collaborative album ‘Twenty 88.’

There, they partied with ‘Underground‘s Aldis Hodge, JoJo, Dj Khaled and Utkarsh Ambudkar.

Snaps below…

(more…)

Laverne Cox has scored a leading role in the new CBS series ‘Doubt.’

Good news for the ‘Orange is the New Black’ star blow..

(more…)