As previously reported,  ‘Be Without You’ belter Mary J. Blige boasts ‘guest editor’ rights for the June 2012 issue of Essence magazine.  Rockin’ a regal red number for the occasion, the 9-time Grammy winner lists the latest achievement as one of many that will lead her into the release of her forthcoming film ‘Rock Of Ages’ (Tom Cruise, Stephen Baldwin).

You’ve already been teased with the cover, now get into all the behind the scenes action below:

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With the world at large drooling over the The Wanted and One Direction, it is safe to say that boybands are back in style.

Indeed, more than 10 years have passed since the last “boom” courtesy of the Backstreet Boys and NSYNC – who dominated charts globally. One of the latter’s last ever singles, ‘Girlfriend’, is this week’s From The Vault pick.

The track served as the final single from their blockbuster curtain-call ‘Celebrity’ and was a Top 5 hit in the US, the UK, Canada and Australia. Originally produced by multi-talented Wade Robson, the video mix for ‘Girlfriend’ featured rapper Nelly and was helmed by the mighty dynamo duo The Neptunes – who would go on to produce the bulk of Timberlake’s debut.

This more Urban, edgier sound was a departure for the boys, who before that were serving up cheese-flavoured bubble-gum in abundance (not to take away from the classic statuses of ‘Bye, Bye’, and ‘It’s Gonna Be Me’). The tune was also a hit with critics (as was its parent album), and is considered a fan favourite.

Its drag race-themed visual echoed the edgy; and is clearly a visual Team Bieber had on loop before shooting the youngster’s latest vid, ironically titled ‘Boyfriend’. The ressemblance is uncanny.

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We can’t say we are eager for a NSYNC reunion (although another JC solo run is a *must*). Still, we’d amply appreciate if the new breed of boyband stopped wallowing in the cheese, and actually concentrated on giving them young girls (and boys) something to really scream about. Today’s superstar’s should be building on the foundations set by their predecessors…not peeing on it.

Your thoughts?

He may have wowed ‘The Voice UK’ coaches with a unique rendition of Madonna’s ‘Like A Virgin‘, but today- following his stellar set on the show’s 9th episode – he has been labelled a copy cat by users of social networking site Twitter.

Details below…

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As previously reported, ‘Man Down’ mannequin Rihanna was set to bring her mechanical wine to the SNL stage tonight.  Also guesting famed NFL quarterback Eli Manning, see Riri bring live renditions to fan favorites ‘Talk That Talk’ and ‘Birthday Cake’ after the jump:

Update:  ‘Where Have You Been’ also features…

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The search for ‘The Voice UK’ is finally underway!

Already a smash in the US (and its original home of Holland), the show has arrived on British shores by way of the BBC. Coaches this side of the pond are Jessie J, will.i.am, Danny O’ Donoghue, and the legendary Tom Jones.

Billed as the definitive talent-search, many are predicting it to serve as a true contender to The X Factor‘s strong hold.

Judge for yourself below with highlights from tonight’s Live Show episode 9 of series 1 below…

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As fans know, Queen of Hip Hop Soul Mary J. Blige was tapped to perform the U.S. National Anthem today at this year‘s annual showdown at the Kentucky Derby. Beaming in a royal red, the singer undoubtedly hope to disprove the naysayers who graded her last stab at the historic number with great mixed review.

Spectators were glued to the Derby to have one question answered: not what’s in the chicken wraps Could Blige best her NBA All-Star performance?

One of few urban acts to ever grace the Kentucky Derby stage, see Mary unwrap a fresh, soulful spin on the historic number below and you tell us :

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The big screen revival of stage-play ‘Dreamgirls’ took the movie and music arena’s by wig-snatching storm in 2006.

A potent potion of power anthems and stellar acting, the film earned the honor of being both a critical and commercial success;. Success rewarded amply during the 2007 award season – with the movie winning Best Motion Picture Musical at the Golden Globes and Jennifer Hudson historically bagging Best Supporting Actress at the 80th Annual Academy Awards a month later.

The night of the latter saw Hudson, along with fellow “Dreamettes” Beyonce and Anika Noni Rose serve up a three-song extravaganza which, much like the movie, is a classic.

Here’s hoping the similarly-themed ‘Sparkle’ (starring Whitney Houston) delivers such goods when it arrives in theatres this August.

Watch below…

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On a talent tip, their skills couldn’t be any further apart-with one having lots of it and the other renowned for her lack of it.

However, perhaps down to the genius of Beyonce‘s husband Jay Z, Rihanna has become one of the world’s most Popular acts- joining Knowles’ to become the only two ‘black’ singers with unmatched notoriety.

Yes, while she is yet to score a #1 LP or match Knowles’ critical feats, the last four years have seen the pair pitted against each other- their sales scrutinized and compared- the ‘mentor/student’ relationship they were alleged to have had thrown into disrepute.

So now we ask:

Is Rihanna Beyonce’s Biggest Rival?

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The Real Housewives of Atlanta star Sheree Whitfield sent (relative) shockwaves through the reality arena when she announced that she’d be departing the show – effective immediately – last month.

Indeed, while much speculated about, few envisaged there being truth to the whispers.

Breaking their silence on the matter, the show’s housing network Bravo told Wet Paint this week:

“We have enjoyed working with Sheree as part of The Real Housewives of Atlanta. We wish her all the best in the future.”

And there, folks, you have it.

In other Sheree news, her much debated ‘Chateau Sheree’ doesn’t appear to by the sticks and twigs Nene Leakes deemed it. Youtube personality Funky Dineva paid quite the comical visit to the property. What he/she saw awaits below…

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The Voice UK continued in spectacular fashion tonight, with the latest episode of the Live Shows.

Check out highlights from the hotly anticipated show on our sister site – That Grape Juice TV.

Click here to watch The Voice UK!

Destiny’s Child star Michelle Williams was snapped posing it up at the Black American Princess School of Charm ~ Inaugural High Tea recently.

Hosted in Williams’ home state of Chicago, the event (which also saw the singer give a speech) was mounted to benefit young girls on the cusp of womanhood.

Peep more pics below…

Stunning!

Randomness: Are Destiny’s Child the greatest girl group of all-time? Click here to let us know what you think!

Your thoughts?

That Rita reign just won’t let up. Well, somewhat.

Roc Nation’s newest star Rita Ora continues to shine bright, justiying her immesnse buzz with each new performance. Her latest?  A rousing set for MTV UK. 

Watch the 22 year old serve up 4 reasons why she’s better than touted rival Rihanna after the jump…

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