‘Spotlight’ singer Jennifer Hudson shot to fame seemingly overnight with her acclaimed performance in 2006’s ‘Dreamgirls’ as Effie.  The role, the career-defining moment in the American Idol alum’s stint in entertainment, later led her to the Academy Award stage to accept the Oscar for ‘Best Supporting Actress’ in 2007.  Interestingly, as Hudson’s new memoir ‘I Got This:  How I Changed My Ways and Lost What Weighed Me Down’ details, the songstress was almost the center of another acclaimed, Oscar nominated film – 2009’s ‘Precious’.

The role, eventually landed by actress Gabourey Sidibe, may have won its leading lady a nomination for Best Actress at the following year’s Academy Awards, but Hudson says she was unwilling to pack on the pounds for the portrayal.  Speaking on the offer, J.Hud says:

““I had done that with Effie… and as much as I was moved by this film,” she said. “I wanted to try a role that had nothing whatsoever to do with my weight.””

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Despite the missed opportunity, Hudson hasn’t looked back and continued with the other movie and music ventures that shortly followed.  Fans can read more on this and find out what other gems Jennifer sheds light on in her new memoir, due January 10. (source)

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R&B king R. Kelly reigned over many-a-television set with his 2005 musical saga ‘Trapped In the Closet’.  Coined a ‘hip-hopera’ by Kelly himself, it looks as if the ‘Ignition’ singer is looking to reignite interest in the series (already 22 chapters long).

And, though recently making headlines for being on the road to recovery post-throat operation, the 44-year-old is now on the road to revamping the overdone beloved series with more installments…a whopping 32 to be exact!

Watch Kellz chat it up with TMZ below to find out more details:

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Despite already treating fans this week with the visual for ‘Be The One’ – the Trey Songz/Young Jeezy-assisted cut latest to receive the video treatment from his LP ‘King of Hearts’, Lloyd is gifting fans with yet another offering.  Just days before Christmas, the young crooner unveils the clip for ‘She’s All I Want For Christmas’ – the Michael Jackson-esque holiday single presently making its rounds on the net.

Albeit met with mixed reviews, the song’s live rendition was one of 2011’s ‘A Very BET Christmas’ most talked about performances.  See Young Goldie attempt to take that shine to another visual front after the jump:

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‘Rihanna Rihanna, where are thou Rihanna‘

Certainly not in the top ten of the Billboard 200, that’s for sure.

Indeed, much like warm butter atop a greased pole, Rihanna‘s latest album ‘Talk That Talk‘ has continued its descent on the US Album chart less than a month after its release.

Full chart check below…

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Beyonce‘s a fan. Kelly Rowland‘s a fan. And, after watching The Splash with Luke James, you will be too.

The newest edition to Def Jam‘s roster, James has been drumming up an ever-growing buzz. Unsurprising, in that his combination of dashing looks and undeniable talent present quite the compelling package.

Indeed, in an age where the importance of ‘talent’ is undervalued, James brings it back to the forefront – with pin-up appeal.

In this exclusive session, the New Orleans native showcases material from his forthcoming debut ‘Made To Love’ (due 2012), as well as a Kelly Rowland favourite.

You can keep up with Luke on TWITTER, FACEBOOK and his OFFICIAL SITE.

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Peep this snap of Epic Executive LA Reid posing it up with X Factor USA finalist Chris Rene, hours before the latter finds out whether or not  he has been crowned the first winner of the hit series.

Up against Island belter Melanie Amaro and ‘Columbian’  rocker Josh Krajcik, find out just Rene fairs when the X Factor USA finale hits US screens via FOX on Thursday night.

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When ‘Never Say Never‘ belter Brandy was confirmed as the latest edition to BET’s ‘The Game‘, the anticipation surrounding her upcoming album reached all new heights.

So today, in support of her role on the show, the songbird tweeted a snap of herself on location showcasing her cosmetology skills by way of her hairstylist Nikki Wright.

Be sure to keep it locked on That Grape Juice for the upcoming series of ‘The Game‘ set to air in 2012.

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Despite the buzz that is building around her possible appearance on this week’s X Factor USA, Pop diva Mariah Carey seemed anything but nervous as she took a quiet stroll on the streets of Aspen, Colorado last night.

In town for her annual festive trip to the state, the mother of two was snapped outside her own mother’s jewelry store dressed in a stylish ensemble just days after she revealed that American Idol judge Randy Jackson was her new manager.

More snaps from her shopping trip below…

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Last night, party goers at California’s ‘Sur Lounge‘ were in for a treat when Pop belle stopped by to help celebrate the festive season.

Dressed casually and reportedly in the company of a group of close friends, her sighting at the club comes months before her upcoming album is set for release and hours after ex husband ‘The Dream‘ shocked by fans by revealing that he would not  be producing the sixth album of long time collaborator Ciara.

More shots of Ms. Milian below…

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Get into this snap of ‘A Star Is Born‘ actress Beyonce on the hunt for baby clothes, weeks before she is expected to deliver her first child with husband Jay Z.

Reportedly in the baby girl’s aisle of a Vancouver children’s store, the performer’s appearance comes two weeks after she spoke with acclaimed journalist Katie Couric to dish on the pregnancy and what she has in store for fans once she is ready to return to work.

More below…

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To say the very least, the world of music would be a different place without the maestro that is Timbaland.

Despite being responsible for shaping the sounds of many a global sensation and with a career spanning over two decades, very little is known about the producer’s difficult personal life, which includes a battle with weight and the loss of close friend Aaliyah.

Now hear him tell his mind blowing story courtesy of E! below…

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All year long, Adele has been making it rain on any and every chart foe. As such, her recent hiatus to have to throat surgery understandably went unnoticed by many. After all, she hasn’t left her spot at the top.

In any case, the Londoner has bounced back well, tweeting fans the pic above with the following message:

“Back on the grind. Hair and make up did. Merry Christmas! Axx”

Got to love her.

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