Whether her detractors like it or not, there’s just no stopping the rising force that is Rita Ora.

Using the notoriety afforded to any performer affiliated with moguls Jay Z & Beyonce to carve out her own career, today has seen the Calvin Klein spokeswoman extend her lead as the UK’s leading newbie.

By way of her new single ‘How We Do ( Party)‘, she has broken a number of new chart records.

Full story below…

(more…)

The Queen of Pop Janet Jackson‘s 2008 ‘Rockwitchu Tour’ was a less-than-royal affair: from so-so ticket sales and  sickness triggered cancellations, the whole episode felt a bit like unfinished business and left her legion of fans frustrated.

Despite its shortcomings, the trek still boasted many a jaw-dropping moment. Case, point, Janet’s not so subtle rendition of the title track of her tenth album, ‘Discipline’. This week’s the From The Vault salutes her 2010 Essence Music Festival rendition of the cut – which was lifted from the tour.

Written by R&B divo Ne-Yo, the vivid track took on a life of its own thanks to creative director Gil Duldalao‘s vision and Ms. Jackson’s phenomenal performing skills. Other Pop stars may talk about ‘S&M’, ‘Erotica’ or getting ‘Dirrty’, yet few have gone to such committed lengths to illustrate such prowess. A whips and chains galore, Damita Jo disciplines a lucky with her unique blend of what is be best described as ‘classy filth’. An interesting juxtaposition to the song’s lyrics which demand that her lover do the same to her.

************

With the now 46 year old apparently in the early stages of a new project, we hope she bin her effortless sex-factor, as it is a huge part of her brand. In all fairness, there isn’t justifiable reason she shouldn’t re-explore that angle, given that the Madonna‘s and Tom Jones‘ are playing that card well into their 50’s and 60’s. For, as the video above testifies, Ms. Jackson still oozes sex-appeal in earnest.

Tidbit: Janet was really giving it her all starting at the 5 minutes mark, wasn’t she?

Your thoughts?

While it isn’t always obvious, Jennifer Lopez remains one of the ‘best handled’ stars in the realm of Pop.

For, in what should serve as a lesson for many of her contemporaries, an unsuccessful album does not necessarily equate to an unsuccessful era and can in fact be used as a launching pad for more profitable opportunities.

Case in point?

Despite struggling to sell any more than 500,000 units since its April 2011 release, her latest LP  ‘Love?’ has spawned two Top Ten singles and her very first world tour.

Now, she has given fans even more to celebrate.

Details below…

(more…)

Less than a year after releasing the #1 album ‘Talk That Talk’, Rihanna surprised fans when it emerged she had already enlisted writers to whip up its follow up.

Calling on the likes of Elijah Blake and Swedish House Mafia to help construct its sound, the Vita Coco belle also welcomed creative mastermind Claude Kelly to her writing camp during her stay in London back in June.

Now, he has spoken to our friends over at Kempire Radio about the LP’s anthemic feel- and what fans can expect from it as far as radio goes.

Details below…

(more…)

August 21st is the date that will see ‘Panty Droppa’ divo Trey Songz drop his 5th studio effort, aptly titled ‘Chapter 5′. As ever, to build steam for the project, Songz has taken to Youtube to unveil ‘Countdown To Chapter 5′ – a 5 part series leading fans into the release of the LP.

Stocked full of behind the scenes moments and always interesting experiences by the young crooner, fans highly anticipating the visual’s second chapter can get into it below:

(more…)

[Image Removed]

As reported here,  powerhouse vocalist Jennifer Hudson is hitting the small screen as an addition to the second season of NBC’s hit show ‘Smash’.  Joining fellow ‘American Idol’ alum Katherine McPhee and ‘Will and Grace’ gem Debra Messing, Hudson will be one of many stars guesting the musical mayhem on the show’s second go-round.

Already winning praise from the show’s executive producer Steven Spielberg, cop a gander at the soon-to-be Mrs. Otunga doing her thing on set below (thanks Y.B.F.):

While fans anxiously await news of the premiere date, they can also get set to see the songstress on screen with another ‘Idol’ alum – Jordin Sparks.  Read more on that here…

Your thoughts?

Camera were all over ‘Love All Over Me’ maestra Monica as she and b-baller husband Shannon Brown took to Chicago for his long-promoted WoodStar Music Festival (already in progress this weekend at Chi-Town’s Union Park).

And, while the festival is set to feature some of R&B’s leading acts, a private dinner recently attended by the couple also brought out some of the genre’s most noticeable acts including ‘Bombs’ beauty Dawn Richard, Rico Love, and Destiny’s Child‘s/Illinois native Michelle Williams.  See more shots below (via Y.I.F):

As fans know, Williams got her start in the industry as a backup singer for the ‘Angel of Mine’ maestra over 10 years ago.  Something to note as the ladies seem to look even better with age!

Your thoughts?

Are you ready?  We sure are!

Monday, August 20th is set to see the debut of TV One‘s highly anticipated reality series ‘R&B Divas’ featuring Faith Evans, Syleena Johnson, Nicci Gilbert, Keke Wyatt, and Monifah.

While you’ve already been teased with the trailers, now you can get into the full unveiling of the show’s theme song.  Featuring soaring vocals from each of the show’s starlets, fall in love with ‘Lovin Me’ below:

(more…)

Rita Ora is on a roll!

Tonight, hours before she celebrates her third consecutive UK #1, she took to ‘The Jonathan Ross Show’ to perform the single ‘How We Do (Party)‘.

Joined by a crew of dancers and armed with a clean cut vocal, Riri put on quite the show- delivering a colorful spin to the well loved release.

Enjoy…

(more…)

It’s finally here! Beyonce‘s hotly anticipated video for World Humanitarian Day anthem ‘I Was Here’ premiered literally seconds ago. As ever, we have your first view!

Check out the Sophie Muller directed clip below…

(more…)

The latest season of the X-Factor UK kicked off in spectacular form tonight. 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 Gary Barlow, Tulisa Contostavlos, original panelist Louis Walsh, and newcomer Nicole Scherzinger.

(more…)

This Monday, Ciara‘s ever loyal  C-Squad can expect the launch of the star’s new single ‘Sorry’.

Set to serve as the launching pad for her November 2012 release ‘One Woman Army’, the song whipped up the quite the buzz for her campaign last week with the arrival of this letter.

So, in celebration of the new single and in honor of her creative efforts, That Grape Juice presents ‘The Best Of Ciara’, a tally of performances we feel showcase the groundbreaking nature of Ms. Harris’ work.

Get into it below…

(more…)