This week, From The Vault journeys back to 1998 when Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey joined forces on inspirational track ‘When You Believe’.

After the media had portrayed them as arch-enemies for the most part of the 90’s, it came as a monumental surprise when news arose of a possible collaboration between the two larger-than-life songstresses. Indeed, what many Pop-enthusiasts had wished for – and others secretly dreaded – was happening: the vocal wonders were putting their alleged rivalry aside for one special song.

Masterminded by Babyface and Stephen Schwartz, ‘Believe’ was included on the OST for Dreamworks animated movie ‘The Prince Of Egypt’. It was also the first single off Houston’s comeback album ‘My Love Is Your Love’ and was featured on Carey’s compilation album ‘#1’. It peaked at #15 in the US and was a Top 10 smash in numerous European countries such as France (#5), Germany (#8) and the UK (#4).

The video, lensed by Phil Joanou, presented the two stunners in leather black dresses singing the track on a stage to a roaring audience intercut with footage of the two ladies interacting on set as well as projections of powerful scenes of the movie such as Moses’ opening of the Red Sea.

Two of TGJ-favorites, Mimi and Nippy delivered with this offering a statement about the importance of spirituality; they also silenced the critics through a blossoming friendship.

Whether based on solid theories or not, it is a common trait of Pop-Culture pitting artists against each other, especially women. Though we understand the need for such scenarios, we’d be lying if we ever said we weren’t daydreaming of a few specific parings ourselves. Strong and successful females coming together remains a beautiful thing that isn’t as widespread as it should.

What is your ultimate diva pairing?

Kenya Moore may have struggled to build a likeable brand outside of the Bravo series, but should she need tips on how to do so we’d say she needn’t look any further than her ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta‘ sister NeNe Leakes.

For, after rising to become one of Bravo’s more lucrative characters, securing a recurring role on the hit series ‘Glee‘, working on her magic on the short lived ‘The New Normal’, rocking ‘The Celebrity Apprentice’ and waltzing her way to higher celebrity ground on ‘Dancing with the Stars‘, Leakes is now being considered for the “lead role” on E!’s ‘Fashion Police.’

Details below…

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Jay Z and Beyonce may have wrapped their blockbuster ‘On The Run Tour’, yet the power couple again connected on staged for a worthwhile cause last night in New York.

Jigga was tapped to perform in Central Park at the ‘Global Citizen Festival‘, a charitable concert which seeks to promote the goal of ending world poverty by 2030.

While rocking the stage, the Roc Nation mogul surprised fans by bringing out his wife to perform ‘Holy Grail’ and ‘Forever/Young/Halo’.

Peep the action after the jump…

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Another day, another milestone for budding pop diva Ariana Grande.

After topping Billboard 200 with two albums over the span of a year, Grande is still hot on the promo trail showing off her oft-praised chops via many-an-outlet – most notably the 40th season premiere episode of ‘SNL.’

Rocking the Chris Pratt-hosted affair with a piano laced version of her hit ‘Break Free,’ the pint-sized powerhouse then broke out into an energetic take on the top 10 tune.

Watch it all below:

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Having warmed up the masses with scorching singles ‘2 On’ and ‘Pretend’, R&B newcomer Tinashe is set to introduce her first studio album ‘Aquarius’ to the record-buying public on October 7th.

And with the said date just around the corner, the songstress is giving folk incentive to snap up a copy by unzipping snippets for the set – which features the likes of Future, A$AP Rocky, and School Boy Q.

Take a listen below…

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October 7th 2014.

All roads lead to the date above for R&B singer Keyshia Cole this week, marking the release date for her new studio album ‘Point of No Return.‘

Today, she teases the visual for its latest single ‘Remember (Part 2)‘, one of the  videos shot to accompany each and every cut on the project, some of which star ‘America’s Next Top Model‘ cycle 20 contestant Don Benjamin.

Check it out below…

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Cop a gander of Ciara!

The R&B songbird struck many a fierce pose while en route to another presentation at Paris Fashion Week today.

As a style enthusiast (and a muse for fashion house Givenchy), the ‘Body Party’ belter is wisely getting ample face time in right circles while out in the French capital.

We trust that she’ll serve up just as stunning looks when she returns to the music scene.

Peep more below…

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U2‘s groundbreaking roll-out of their new album ‘Songs Of Innocence’ still has the industry abuzz.

Indeed, commentators are still split on whether the free, direct-to-device iTunes release of the project was envelope-pushing or a negative case of nepotism.

Naturally, the conversation evokes frequent mentions of Beyonce and comparisons too. After all, the diva’s surprise album release last year is still hailed by many as the definitive means of gorilla marketing in the music industry.

With some suggesting the rock group’s approach is an advancement of Bey’s ambitious campaign, the Financial Times sat down with Jim Sabey – head of Marketing at the singer’s Parkwood Entertainment – to discuss her career, the atmosphere prior to her shock release, and whether a similar roll out to U2 would be on the cards for the star in the future.

Peep the interesting soundbites below…

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Out with the old and in with new.

From the outside looking in, the above seems to be the sentiment held by rapper Big Sean this year, after cutting a few ties with Kanye West‘s ‘ ‘GOOD Music’ and heading over to ‘Roc Nation‘ and saying bye bye to fiancee Naya Rivera to start a relationship with Pop princess Ariana Grande.

Thought that was it?Of course not, as the release of four brand new songs from the lyricist lead the way for a brand new album, promoted during his recent visit to ‘On Air with Ryan Seacrest.‘

What he spilled on love, life and business?

Watch below…

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Rihanna may sing like a cat in labor, but there’s no denying that she knows a hitmaker when she needs one.

Case in point Ester Dean.

The songwriter, whose credits include ‘Super Bass’ and Ms. Fenty’s own ‘What’s My Name’, shared a shot of herself in the studio with the the 26-year-old star today.

Given the lengthy delay RiRi’s eighth album has experienced, the pic should provide some comfort to the model’s fans who’ve been starved of her McMusic since 2012. Indeed, RiRi has skilfully been dodging proverbial bullets from artists far bigger than her for almost two years. And with the current quarter boasting major releases from the likes of Nicki Minaj, One Direction, Lil Wayne, and Taylor Swift, we can’t see how there’d be any logic in releasing this year.

Still, it’s a smart move assembling the right creatives such as Dean if she’s trying to put her best foot forward. We just hope she’s at least trying to put her best vocals forward too.

Tidbit: DJ Mustard recently opened up to us about his work on Ri’s new album. Click here to see what he said!

Your thoughts?

Forget Friday’s, it appears all the action takes place Thursday nights on ABC.

For, joining the established hits that are ‘Scandal’ and ‘Greys Anatomy’ is Shonda’s Rhimes’ new freshman series ‘How To Get Away With Murder’.

The legal drama, which stars Viola Davis, follows a group of ambitious law students and their brilliant criminal defence professor; the group become involved in a twisted murder plot that promises to change the course of their lives. 

It all makes for a riveting watch. We’re already hooked!

Peep the preview of episode 2 of season 1 below…

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It’s been a long time coming, but change finally came today for the status of ‘Devious Maids’.

The spicy dramedy, which was created by ‘Desperate Housewives’ maestro Marc Cherry, had been in limbo since its season two climax in July; and with many of its stars taking on other roles, speculation has been rife about the show’s return – or potential lack-there-of.

However, fans of the Lifetime hit can rest easy. For the cable network have officially renewed the series for a third season.

Details below…

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