The first week sales predictions are in for Mariah Carey’s ‘Merry Christmas II You’. According to chart analysts at Hits Daily Double the record is expected to sell anywhere from 50-60k units judging by retail figures after its first day in stores. A respectable showing for a Christmas album released in November without a single live performance to support it.

‘Merry Christmas II You’ currently sits comfortably in the top 10 of both iTunes and Amazon will most likely debut in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 next week. By comparison, Carey’s first Holiday collection, ‘Merry Christmas’, debuted in 1994 at #30 on the chart with less than 45k sold before experiencing large increases in sales as the season progressed.

Taylor Swift’s ‘Speak Now’ is expected to maintain its position at the top of the Billboard 200 following an initial sales week of 1.044 million units. However, things aren’t looking too good for N.E.R.D. whose ‘Nothing’ album is predicted to debut with 17-20k in sales.

Thoughts?

Chrisette Michele’s ‘Let Freedom Reign’ tracklist has been unveiled. The album, which hits stores on November 30th, is preceded by the single ‘I’m A Star’. Peep the lineup below:

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Diva Christina Aguilera appears on the cover of the December issue of Redbook magazine. The feature joins the ever-growing list of promotional spots for Aguilera, whose new movie ‘Burlesque’ hits theatres on November 24th.

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Ke$ha has yet another reason party. Her  new single, ‘We R Who We R’, has debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track, which is the first to be released from her upcoming ‘Cannibal’ EP, is only the 17th song to achieve this feat.

Michael Jackson ‘You Are Not Alone’ was the first song ever to debut at #1 on the Hot 100 in 1995 while Mariah Carey became the first female artist (second overall) to accomplish the same goal with Fantasy two weeks later. Just a bit of history.

Thoughts?

Katy Perry is featured on the cover of the December issue of Harper’ Bazaar. Check out more images from the shoot below via Punchbowl Blog:

What do you think of the pics?

Mariah Carey’s promotional push for her recently released ‘Merry Christmas II You’ album has officially begun. The diva made a stop at ‘Lopez Tonight’ late last evening to talk about the project and what it was like recording with her mother for the first time.

Of course, Carey also used the opportunity to share her excitement about her pregnancy. Peep the footage below:

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Fantasia keeps the ball rolling with the video new single ‘I’m Doin Me’ – which premièred minutes ago on VEVO. The release is the latest to be lifted from the American Idol star’s 3rd studio album ‘Back to Me’ – which debuted at #2 Billboard 200 back in August.

Peep the video after the jump…

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Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger was drafted in to re-record the iconic James Bond movie theme ‘Goldeneye’ for the re-release of the Nintendo 64′  ‘Goldeneye 007’. The remake of the fanboy smash hit stores around the globe this week, and is available on the Wii and DS.

How, though, did Scherzinger fare with the Tina Turner classic? Find out after the jump…

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Hard at work on her third studio album, Kelly Rowland appears to be making a number of power moves to elevate her status.

Full story after the jump…

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Ahead of the release of Nadine Coyle‘s debut LP ‘Insatiable’ next week, her official Facebook page has made the album available to stream in its entirety.

Check out what the Girls Aloud front-woman will be serving up come November 8th.

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Rihanna and Eminem’s ‘Love The Way You Lie (Part 2)’ has surfaced. The song will be included on the Bajan’s upcoming album, ‘Loud’, amongst 10 other tracks of her elephant calls. Give it a listen below:

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Despite making many a public show of affection, Janet Jackson and billionaire businessman Wissam Al Mana have remained tight-lipped about the nature of their relationship. That us until now.

Middle Eastern Al Mana recently opened up to VMAN magazine about his and Jackson’s status, his business affairs, and more. Certainly an interesting read.

His comments after the jump…

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