2012 marked a bittersweet for US album sales, it has emerged today.

Falling by 4.4% despite contributions from Pink, Drake and Miguel, overall sales dipped in the market while sales of digital items enjoyed- making digital outlets responsible for 37.2% of all album sales.

Details below…

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Since blazing onto the scene in the 90’s, Soulful crooner Maxwell has established himself as quite the quiet storm.

Indeed, despite shunning the limelight and only surfacing when releasing a project, all four of the the 39 year old’s album’s have been certified Platinum in the US. A remarkable feat; and one he’ll be looking to extend with his latest effort ‘Summers”.

The second instalment of of his ‘BLACKsummers’night’ trilogy, the set is the follow-up to 2009’s Grammy winning LP, the aptly titled ‘BLACKsummers’night’. 

Due this year, the singer unwrapped a “partial tracklist” for the album on Instagram today. A taster of what he’ll be serving up in 2013 awaits after the jump…

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With the January 16th premiere of American Idol season 12 drawing ever-nearer, the show’s cast are beginning to do the media rounds.

Their latest stop? The cover of ‘The Hollywood Reporter’.

Battling beauties Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj are all-smiles in the shots, which also feature fellow judges Randy Jackson and Keith Urban, as well as long-serving host Ryan Seacrest.

And while it’s clear that the stylists and photoshoppers have done a stellar job with the shoot, it’s the producers who deserve most kudos. For, they’ve willfully and skillfully conjured up ample buzz on the back of Carey and Minaj’s still-raging “feud” – ensuring that this season is a must-see.

We know we’ll be tuning in. Will you?

Your thoughts?

NBC unveils its latest look at crime drama untold in the form of its Meagan Good-led new series ‘Deception’.  Already winning over many-a-critic, Good (Detective Joanna Locasto) is joined by a host of young Hollywood hitmakers like Laz Alonzo, Wes Brown, and more.

Though officially due for debut on January 7, NBC has lifted a full sneak preview via their website.  See the first episode below and weigh in:

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As reported here, fans of NBC’s hit musical series ‘Smash’ have long been adjusted to American Idol alum Katharine Mcphee‘s presence on the show, but now she’ll be making room for another ‘Idol’ graduate – Jennifer Hudson.

Yes, for those who have been asking ‘Where You At’ to Hudson in her absence over the last few months, they can rest assured the songstress will be in full view as she takes on the role of Veronica Moore in season 2 of ‘Smash’…

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Today saw the children of Newton, Connecticut’s Sandy Hook Elementary return to the school for the first time since that life-changing tragedy of late 2012.

As the world continues to mourn for the children who fell victim to the senseless act, ‘The World’s Greatest’ crooner R. Kelly unveils ‘I Know You Are Hurting’ in their honor.

The tune is surely a tear-jerker, but Kelly does not actually contribute his vocals to the tune and instead relies on a children’s choir to sing his lyrics – an addition that makes the song all the more saddening. See what we mean below:

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Destiny’s Child star Michelle Williams continues to make her mark outside of the iconic group which catapulted her to stardom.

For, following a string of critically acclaimed Broadway outings, it has today been revealed that the 31 year will be lending her powerhouse vocals to hit musical ‘FELA’.

Click here for the full story!

Fantasia is not happy.

The American Idol star has been under the media microscope this week following comments she made regarding Gay marriage that she insists were taken out of context.

Unfortunately for the 28 year old, her clarification on the matter has appeased some, but not all; with vocal critics raining a tirade of abuse on her online.

Clearly frustrated with the matter, the singer took to the very platform that sparked the debate, Instagram, to air out her feelings.

Her words after the jump…

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It’s begun.

Hours after ‘getting into it’ on Twitter, the feud between Angel Haze and the ever impressive Azealia Banks reached all new heights minutes ago- with the release of Haze’ diss track ‘On The Edge’.

Shocking claims from Ms. Haze below…

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It seems there’s no love lost between ‘Liquorice‘ MC Azealia Banks and up and coming Rapper  Angel Haze, who engaged in a Twitter spat minutes ago.

Ignited by remarks Banks made about non-New Yorkers claiming to be from the vibrant city, it’s safe to say the ladies won’t be teaming up for a collaboration anytime soon- especially after Haze threatened to ‘cut’ her new found nemesis.

Tweets below…

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Ashanti‘s ‘Braveheart’ has a pulse after all.

A number of well-documented delays have plagued the project, however it appears the singer is gearing up to unleash her latest album next month.

Details after the jump…

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Fantasia is dusting off the controversial and pressing on with promo for new single ‘Lose To Win’. Today saw the 28 year old unveil of the song’s accompanying cover.

Set for digital release on January 8th, ‘Win’ is the lead release from the American Idol star’s fourth studio album – which, according to the singer herself, boasts a “rockier” edge. As at writing, the project is slated for a March release.

With Ms. Barrino’s third effort ‘Back To Me’ still in heavy rotation here at TGJ HQ, it goes without saying that we’re all sorts of amped for its follow-up.

Haven’t heard ‘Lose To Win’ yet? Click here to listen!

Your thoughts? 

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