As previously reported, reality talent show juggernaut ‘American Idol’ recently bid adieu to two of its judges – Steven Tyler & Jennifer Lopez.  Now, reports circulate that the ‘Ain’t It Funny’ songstress’s exit from ‘Idol’ was everything but a laughing matter, as her demands for an increase in pay led to an unceremonious ousting.

Amidst falling ratings and steeper competition (see:  ‘The Voice’, ‘X Factor USA’), the FOX fan favorite is looking to employ a star who probably fits a bit more comfortably into their budget.  And, given some of the names allegedly in talks to take up Lopez’s vacant chair on the judging panel, possibly for once someone who can actually sing may be put in place.

Mary J. Blige, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, and Celine Dion are just a few names at the front of the race.  Additionally, given the boost afforded to Lopez’s career during her stint on the show, it’s safe to say the aforementioned would appreciate the same.  Or, given Britney Spears (X Factor) and Christina Aguilera‘s (The Voice) inclusions on ‘Idol’s’ fiercest competitors, should FOX executives look for someone younger and more current?

You tell us:  Who (among these and more) should replace Steven Tyler & Jennifer Lopez on ‘American Idol’?

Professional poser Cassie lived up to her billing last night in Las Vegas.

The starlet, whose sophomore set ‘King of Hearts’ lacks a palpable pulse, smiled and sashayed as hosted a private gala at LAVO nightclub – embracing her model reality.

For the few hanging on for new material, the Bad Boy beauty is working on a new mixtape tentatively titled ‘Rock-A-Bye Baby’. Another classic, no doubt.

Peep more pics below…

Your thoughts?

It seems that despite efforts to downplay her commercial prowess, Nicki Minaj just keeps on winning.

The proud maestra of the Multi-Platinum LP ‘Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded‘, the last few months have seen the Rapper enjoy the fruits of her well publicized labor, scoring lucrative deals with Pepsi Co, Giuseppe Zanotti and MAC.

Now find out why Minaj has even more to smile about this week, below…

(more…)

As showcased with Drake and Adele’s respective recent LP , performers who front material-centered album campaigns can always expect to reap the rewards commercially.

Now, it is Frank Ocean‘s turn to experience enjoy the aforementioned rewards. For, as a result of Adult Contemporary sound and the success of his 2011 mix tape ‘Nostalgia’, his debut album ‘Channel Orange’ has soared on the UK Album chart.

Details below…

(more…)

Never one to shy away from controversy, Madonna‘s outspoken approach to many a social issue has at times worked both for her and against her.

For, while receiving praise for her visual commentary on interracial relationships in 1989’s ‘Like A Prayer’ , the same clip came under fire from the Vatican who labeled the clip ‘blasphemous’ for its unique take on religious symbolism.

This week, she has landed herself in hot water with the French political group the ‘National Front’, who have threatened to sue her for imagery showcased on her latest tour.

Details below…

(more…)

Responsible for penning Keyshia Cole‘s ‘Enough Of No Love‘, Def Jam’s Elijah Blake is fast becoming one of the label’s more promising acts.

Now, before the release of his Rick Ross assisted debut single, the entertainer has received a glowing endorsement from NERD’s Pharell Williams and ‘Channel Orange’ mastermind Frank Ocean.

An endorsement, immortalized in an exclusive (and ‘interesting’) clip sent to That Grape Juice, awaiting you below…

(more…)

Check out Alexandra Burke!

Fresh from a collaboration with Richard Branson and Virgin Atlantic in Cancun, the ‘Hallelujah’ singer unveiled a striking new hair do last night. Needless to say, looking good!

What’s also a good look is her stunning set on That Grape Juice’s ‘The Splash’. Check it out after the jump…

(more…)

As Leona Lewis continues perfecting her ‘Glassheart’, she isn’t letting the lengthy delay in releasing the LP damper her live game. For following a rousing set at BBC Radio 1’s Hackney Weekend, the X Factor alumni took front stage centre at the BMW Olympic Joy Festival in Beijing, where she served up titillating showings of ‘I Got You’, ‘Bleeding Love’, and ‘Collide’.

Watch the songbird soar after the jump…

(more…)

As the star of ‘In The House’ & ‘South Central’ star, Maia Campbell was shaping up to be the quite force in entertainment.

Unfortunately, in what marked a tragic time in her life, mental illness, addiction and the death of her mother saw the promising star deteriorate in the full gaze of the public eye .

Now, three years after the world first learned of her battles, she has given a rare interview to Kempire Radio. An interview, which sees her bare all like never before.

Her story above…

Your thoughts?

As the UK’s reigning Pop Princess, the pressure is on for Rita Ora to deliver on her debut LP ‘Ora‘.

So, in the hope of securing a third #1 single in the country, the starlet has announced the name of her new single- set for release before her LP’s August 27th launch.

Watch her announcement below…

(more…)

 

‘Miss Independent’ maestro Ne-Yo may have been missing from charts for the last few years, but he is certainly looking to turn that around with his upcoming LP ‘R.E.D.’ (September 18th).  Led by the racy ‘Lazy Love’, the singer is looking to deliver on his promise to debut his ‘bad boy side’ on the next album.

While That Grape Juice was treated to an exclusive listen of some of the record’s offerings, Ne-Yo took to KissFmUK to inform fans of what they can expect from the record, his work with Michael Jackson & Beyonce, and his thoughts on electro-pop and the failing status of R&B.

A great watch indeed. Get into it after the jump:

(more…)

Get into the cover for Madonna‘s latest single ‘Turn Up The Radio‘, pulled from a scene in its long awaited video.

The follow up to the smash hit ‘Girl Gone Wild’, peep behind the scenes footage from the video and lets us know what you think below…

(more…)

**