The last few tumultuous months haven’t exactly seen Grammy winning soulstress Fantasia deemed a media darling.  But, despite recently welcoming a newborn like fellow R&B belter Beyonce, Fannie’s hustle hiatus is swiftly working its way to grind.  While fans anxiously await the follow-up to 2010’s critically acclaimed collection ‘Back To Me’, Miss Barrino is getting back to business by headlining The 13th annual Super Bowl Gospel Celebration with the NFL gospel choir.

Also boasting gospel heavy hitters Cece Winans and Donnie Mcclurkin, the event is set for taping on February 3rd for conversion to a one-hour telecast premiering on SuperBowl weekend.

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Tidbit:  We’re more than ready for Barrino’s non-musical mayhem to blow over so she can get back to herself and back to charts!  Its LONG overdue!

Your thoughts?

An outpour of sympathy has flooded social media and news outlets since the announcement of R&B pioneer Etta James‘ passing earlier today.  And, while news of the ‘At Last’ singer’s death is still sending shockwaves through the industry, stars who have imparted covers of some of her most cherished hits are sharing their thoughts on the matter.

A songstress who has repeatedly praised James throughout her own career is Christina Aguilera.  Making her soulful cover of Etta’s most memorable hit a staple in her own live showings, Aguilera took to her official website to say:

“Etta James was a force to be reckoned with. A true gift to music and a woman of great spirit and courage.

Her raw tone and the passion she put forth on a record spoke to me at a very young age and has continued to influence and inspire me throughout my career. She will NEVER be forgotten, her voice will forever live on and she will inspire talent for generations to come.”

Like fellow belter Beyonce, Xtina too was afforded a chance to spend time with the legendary songstress – one whom she has long touted to be an idol of hers.  Take a look at the two’s photoshoot from years past after the jump:

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On February 14th, Nicki Minaj‘s sophomore album ‘Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded’ was set to hit stores worldwide.

Now, in an unexpected turn of events, the Rapper has pushed the LP’s release date back, announcing the news online minutes ago.

Full story below…

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‘No More Drama’ diva Mary J. Blige may be no stranger to inspiring awe through her soul stirring performances, but as evidenced by these photos, even some of Hollywood’s heaviest hitters are still star struck by the 9-time Grammy winner.

Rubbing shoulders with some of Hollywood’s elite at the Sundance Film Festival recently, the Queen of Hip Hop soul was one of many in attendance at the star-studded event yesterday.  One particular Grammy-winning starlet was reportedly anxious to have a photo opp with Blige and if this pic is anything to go by, it was written all over her face.

Get into more of this set of MJB and Billboard titan Taylor Swift below (thanks to Rap-Up):

The collection of photos surface days after it was announced Miss Blige is set to play co-host to Kelly Ripa on the (formerly branded) ‘Regis & Kelly’ show Tuesday, January 24th.

Your thoughts?

For those who thought the promo push for ‘Jumping Trains’ had slowed down, think again.  Aside from conducting a number of interviews and performances, Pop belter Jojo is still garnering critic and fan approval for the album’s first single ‘Disaster’.

As the Massachusetts maestra’s quest continues, she’s been found turning up the heat in her photoshoots.  No better set lends proof to such than her recent shoot with VIBE magazine.

See the sexy shoot after the jump:

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It’s finally here!

Five minutes ago, Nicki Minaj premiered the video for ‘Stupid Hoe‘ on Vevo after weeks of excitement surrounding its release.

Get into it below!

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With the world still coming to term with Etta James‘ death, a number of celebrities have taken to Twitter to share their thoughts on her passing.

From Mariah Carey to Jessie J,the out pour of tributes has been astounding to say the least.

Their thoughts below…

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Earlier today, it emerged that ‘At Last‘ legend Etta James had passed away aged 73.

So, in honor of her life, ‘Cadillac Records‘ actress Beyonce has paid a moving tribute to her via her official website.

Her comments below…

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In case you didn’t know, being a Nicki Minaj hater is tough.

From watching her debut LP ‘Pink Friday’ dominate charts across the globe to scoring a number of  nominations at the 2012 Grammy awards, the last year has been anything but a walk in the park for those hell bent on discrediting her cause.

So now, in what will be sure to leave many of these ‘haters’ seething, her David Guetta produced cut ‘Turn Me On‘ is the highest selling single on iTunes.

Full story below…

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If only she sounded as good as she looked.

Check out these snaps of “Unfaithful‘ belle Rihanna catching a tan in Hawaii recently.

The latest pic to emerge from her trip to the State, the snap sees her mounting a surfboard sporting a considerably impressive physique, seemingly unaware of onlooking paparazzo.

More below…

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Congratulations are most certainly in order for Adele.

Because, despite selling over 16 million copies world wide since last year, her album ’21‘ has now sold enough copies to match a record held by the ‘Titanic’ soundtrack.

Indeed, with 16 weeks spent at #1 in the US, it has now matched the soundtrack’s previously unbeaten chart run.

Full story below…

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Etta James, the voice behind the classic number ‘At Last’ has died.

Aged 73, her passing in California comes at the end of a long battle with leukemia, dementia and hepatitis, one week before she was set to celebrate her 74th birthday.

Rising to fame in 1954 as the first lady of Chess Records, her tumultuous life was recently portrayed in the 2008 movie Cadillac Records by Pop star Beyonce.

She is survived by two sons, Donto and Sametto.

More below…

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