While Kelly Rowland continues to dazzle during the auditions phase of the X Factor UK, ‘real-time’ has seen the Destiny’s Child alumni shooting the Judges Houses segment of the show.

And while speculation had been rife as to who the 30 year old would enlist to assist her, it has today been confirmed that Grammy and Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson is the surprise name.

The ‘Spotlight’ singer shot her scenes, which saw Kelly’s category whittled down for the live shows, at Rowland’s Miami home yesterday. {Source}

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While Ms. Hudson is certainly a coup for the show, it’s a shame that gone (seemingly) are the days when producers would allow judges to bring their own assistance (i.e. Danni-Kylie). For, like many, yours truly anticipated Beyonce or Michelle or someone with a legit connection. Still, ratings are ratings, and based on public response, winning is winning – the latter being what Kelly and this new panel are clearly doing.

Your thoughts?

The X-Factor is back and bigger than ever. Unsurprisingly, with this being the audition phase, the talented and talent-challenged came out in equal measure for a crack at progressing to the next stage. Judging the hopefuls are new additions Kelly Rowland, Tulisa Costastavlos, Gary Barlow and original panelist Louis Walsh.

{For those unfamiliar with The X Factor, the show is the UK’s version of American Idol – with a twist in that groups and over 25’s are eligible to enter. Now in it’s eighth season, the show is responsible for birthing the careers of Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, Cher Lloyd and JLS. Its US incarnation is set to launch next month}.
Best and worst of this week’s auditions below…

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This week’s From The Vault will, yet again, concentrate on an artist who doesn’t get the kudos they deserve: the multi-talented Brandy.

Today’s pick comes in the form of the title track of B-Rocka’s third studio album, ‘Full Moon’. Released almost 10 years ago, the track served as the 2002 LP’s second single.

On the Mike City-helmed groove, Ms. Norwood tells an engaging tale of “love at first sight” that she coos is caused by the state of the moon. A narrative relayed literally, yet effectively in its accompanying video.

As always, the siren’s flawless vocal delivery is the center of affairs, with her trademark harmonies and mesmerizing ad-libs on display. And even though she is clearly demonstrates vocal restraint on the track, it’s ample enough to underscore the age-old saying that ‘sometimes, less is more’.

The singer’s then-pregnancy rendered her unable to properly promote the single, but it still managed to reach the Top 20 in the US and in the UK.

With a newly announced deal with RCA Records and fresh material on the pipeline, the Moesha-star stays among the most exciting vocalists the industry. And, although she has achieved plenty during her 17 year career, it seems Brandy still has much more give. TGJ will be there, front row-center, to witness just how much. Will you?

Your thoughts?

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Never one to shy away from causing a stir, Chart Queen Lady GaGa‘s fashions on and off the stage have never failed to turn heads.Now check out what the ‘The Fame Part 1‘ star was snapped not wearing in New York City  just hours ago.

Carrying a black briefcase and armed with a group of minders, she most certainly embraced her love for lace whilst walking through the city.

More images below courtesy of NeonLimeLight…

Your thoughts?

Peep US chart topper Alicia Keys in the mix of last night’s Fashion Week festivities.

Arriving with ‘Pink Friday‘ producer Swizz Beatz, the ‘Diary‘ singer caught the attention of many a paparazzo as she enjoyed front row seats at the Alexander Wang show.

More images below…

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Undeterred by the lack of radio play of their new single ‘Freedom’, the Sugababes took to the stage at Sainsbury’s Super Saturday yesterday to perform a unique version of the track.

Check out the ladies’ performance after the jump…

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As anticipation for Drake‘s sophomore set (‘Take Care’) continues to build, the Canadian MC has whipped fans into a frenzy with the premiere of not one, but two new cuts.

Take a listen to the strip-club, meets mother, meets T.I. tribute that is ‘Club Paradise’, and the Rick Ross assisted ‘Free Spirit’ below…

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As many of you know, That Grape Juice TV launched recently! And one the platform’s anchoring features is The Business. Fronted by our new host Patrick, the show recaps the hottest stories featured on the site each week.

So hit ‘PLAY’ and get The Business on the latest news!

*Click here to follow That Grape Juice’s Patrick on Twitter*

Fierce Pop collective The Saturdays have been scorching up the charts with their latest effort ‘All Fired Up’. The title is apt for the group’s success more wholly, as the last three years have seen the ladies wrack up an impressive 9 top 10 singles on the Official UK Singles Chart.

With Rochelle and co poised to add to that with their highest ever first week sales this week, That Grape Juice sat down with them to talk many a topic, including: their success to date, lip-syncing, their forthcoming album, the Sugababes drama, and much more. An impromptu acapella concludes the candid chat. Enjoy!

{Interview: Jamell – That Grape Juice TV / That Grape Juice Staff}

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The Saturdays’ new single ‘All Fired Up’ is out now! Click here to buy.

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Your thoughts?

Check out Pop Rapper Nicki Minaj during her appearance at Mercedes Benz Fashion week last night.

Snapped in what can only be described as head turning fashions, the ‘Here I Am’ performer was seen in the company of designer Prabal Gurung and her full time droog Safaree Samuels.

More shots below courtesy of our friends at NecoleBitchie

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The X-Factor is back and bigger than ever. Unsurprisingly, with this being the audition phase, the talented and talent-challenged came out in equal measure for a crack at progressing to the next stage. Judging the hopefuls are new additions Kelly Rowland, Tulisa Costastavlos, Gary Barlow and original panelist Louis Walsh.

{For those unfamiliar with The X Factor, the show is the UK’s version of American Idol – with a twist in that groups and over 25’s are eligible to enter. Now in it’s eighth season, the show is responsible for birthing the careers of Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, Cher Lloyd and JLS. Its US incarnation is set to launch next month}.
Best and worst of this week’s auditions below…

(more…)

When your mom is Whitney Houston and your dad Bobby Brown, naturally expectation is that you follow in their foot-steps. And follow, on her own accord, a young Bobbi-Kristina Brown looks set to do.

Long have we heard word that the 18 year old has been vocally-training (as a prelude to a full-on chart assault) and if her newly released cover of Adele‘s smash ‘Someone Like You’ is anything to go by, her hard work seems to have paid off.

Check out how she fared after the jump…

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