As 2011  prepares to call in last orders, a number of publications have began releasing a number of lists expressing who they feel made the most impact in the world this year.

Today was Billboard‘s turn to get in on the action with the surfacing of their ‘20 Best Songs Of 2011‘, compiled by the company’s critics over the course of the last twelve months.

Find out where your favorite act ranked below…

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Here at That Grape Juice, we love the holidays. So, in order to spread the spirit and get you in festive mood, this week’s From The Vault pick is Whitney Houston’s reworking of the Christmas classic, ‘Joy To The World’.

This recording of “Joy” is lifted from the ‘Preacher’s Wife’ soundtrack, which happens to be the biggest selling gospel album of all time. The hit LP, released in 1996, spawned many Whitney classics such as ‘Step By Step’ and ‘I Believe In You And Me’ and was hailed by critics for Ms. Houston’s crystalline voice.

A remake of 40’s film ‘The Bishop’s Wife’, the movie saw Houston star opposite Academy Award winner Denzel Washington, all the while cementing her status as an artist of many talents.

As we have witnessed in the past as well as in recent times, it’s a hard task making a Christmas song sound exciting and authentic again. Well, that’s exactly what Team Whitney managed to do here with one of the most performed Christmas carol ever.

From the angelic intro to the high-octane ending, the Heartbreak Hotel singer’s delivery is simply flawless and the participation of the legendary Georgia Mass Choir elevates the song to a whole new height of ‘inspirational’.

Although many a purist would beg to differ and say that this interpretation is a butchering of a classic tune, we strongly feel that this version of the carol is amongst the very best there is. For, along side the obvious reasons – such as the diva’s unstoppable voice and technique, it too reminds us about why we’re celebrating Christmas to begin with.

So if you’re in need of some festive cheer, this live showing of the tune in 1996,  will have you soul-clapping and stepping like it’s a Sunday all around your Christmas tree.

Happy Holidays!

Your thoughts?

Rihanna‘s albums may struggle to fly off shelves, yet her singles stay perched atop of the Singles tally. The latter being a trend the actress will no doubt hope continues with ‘You Da One’ – the latest offering from her 6th studio album ‘Talk That Talk’.

In a bid to drum up buzz among her trusty Navy (who – despite their apparent strength in numbers – have yet to secure Fenty a #1 album), the 23 year old unveiled the above shot from the Melina directed video.

No word on the exact treatment of the clip. However, based on the shot above, it looks like she’ll be tributing her true status – smoke and illusion.

Your thoughts?

After wowing on a global stage with the video for new single ‘Strip’, Chris Brown electrified Power 106′s Cali Christmas with a live showing of the cut.

The blonde pin-up was invited as a guest of Hip-Hop star Big Sean, sticking around after their joint performance of ‘My Last’, to perform the ‘Fortune’ number.

Peep both performances after the jump…

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1996 is in many ways one of Pop culture’s most pivotal years to date.

For, aside from being the year the Spice Girl’s scored a smash hit with the single ‘Wannabe‘, it is also the year Pop icon Madonna played the role of her life, in the movie ‘Evita‘.

Based on the tragic rags to riches tale of Argentina’s First Lady Eva Peron, the movie remains one of the performer’s finest works to date.

Reportedly auditioning for the part by way of her 1994 ‘Take A Bow’ , her portrayal of Evita scored her the Best Actress in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy at the 1996 Golden Globe Awards.

As well as this, it is also cited as the reason her vocal technique had considerably improved by the time she released the LP ‘Ray Of Light‘ in 1998.

Now check out a pivotal scene from the movie, which sees Madonna’s character seduce her way into the world of fame and politics that ultimately turned her into a star, below…

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There’s no party quite like a White House party.

Check out these performances pulled from this year’s ‘Christmas in Washington’ concert, the event which sees President Obama invite some of the world’s biggest names to serenade his family as part of the festive season.

With appearances from The Obama‘s themselves, Jennifer Hudson and Justin Bieber, the night also saw ‘Forget You’ crooner Cee Lo Green take to the stage to perform his own take on the classic, ‘Silent Night‘

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As one of Pop’s more influential staples, Lady GaGa is oft renowned for her outspoken stance on the issues close to her heart.

From immigration to fame, there are few topics the ‘Judas‘ belle will shy away from and now- during an interview with Steve Toute- the performer has shared her thoughts on everything from her love for The Throne‘s ‘Otis‘, overconfidence and why her fans remain the source of her inspiration.

Watch below…

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Look out America! Cher Lloyd is heading to your turf.

 With Simon Cowell‘s X Factor machine serving as the gift that keeps giving, the music mogul is set to unleash Lloyd on the Stateside audience with help of fellow X Factor USA judge  – LA Reid.

Full story after the jump…

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As earlier reported, Pop force Britney Spears this week became engaged to long-term boyfriend Jason Trawick.

And what better way to celebrate her impending nuptials than to party it up in Las Vegas. Together with her 40 year old fiance, the soon-to-be Mrs Trawick helped him ring in his birthday, making sure to flash her sparkling engagement ring.

Peep more pics after the jump….

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As one of the pioneers of Contemporary R&B, SWV are often cited as the blueprint for the formula that is the urban girl group.

For, with their classics  ‘Weak‘ and ‘I’m So Into You‘ just as loved today as they were when they released, there is little doubt of the impact they have made Pop culture and R&B music alike.

Now, hours after the surfacing of their latest release ‘Cosign‘, the group have shared their thoughts on Destiny’s Child front woman Beyonce, who was just 11 when their hit ‘Right Here’ topped the charts.

Their comments below…

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Enter Rebecca Ferguson.

Having made a name for herself on the British edition of the X Factor last year, the Liverpudlian is being tipped for global success after garnering critical and commercial praise with her debut album ‘Heaven’.

We caught up with the mother of two, who came second on the ITV show; chatting it up about everything from her life prior to the X Factor, juggling family life with her career, music, and much more. An exclusive acapella of her single ‘Nothing’s Real But Love’ also features.

When you’ve checked out the clip above, peep Ms. Ferguson’s video for ‘Love’ below…

Your thoughts?

Soulful crooner Frank Ocean emerged as one the year’s biggest breakout acts, striking quite the chord with critics and fans alike.

Interestingly, the singer-songwriter, who penned Beyonce ‘4’ favourite ‘I Miss You‘, has also caught the attention of the fashion world, posing in the latest issue of Men’s Vogue (L’Uomo Vogue) – who declare him “the best R&B lyricist since Prince”. Hmm.

More pics after the jump…
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