Christina Aguilera sent her fans into a frenzy moments ago when she finally announced the official release date of her upcoming studio album. The LP, ‘Bionic’, will hit stores on June 8th and will be preceded by the singer’s new single, ‘Not Myself Tonight’. An exclusive preview of the Polow Da Don/Ester Dean-created track will be available on Aguilera’s official website on March 26th. The official ‘Bionic’ album cover is featured above. {Source}

Aguilera’s team certainly isn’t playing any games this time around. The mystery created by this promotional campaign has definitely created a strong buzz across the web regarding what the singer will do next. Hopefully the final product lives up to the hype and does not resemble the compost heap that was ‘Keeps Gettin’ Better’. Only 75 more days to go!

Thoughts?

With her ‘Telephone’ video continuing to smash records, Lady GaGa is gearing up to shoot the clip for its follow-up ‘Alejandro’.

Speaking recently to Australian radio station Nova 96.9 FM, the 23 year old Pop phenomenon coyly shared a few tidbits on the video, which is said will be directed by Steven Klein:

“I’m so excited about the ‘Alejandro’ video,” she told the station. “Actually, we’re shooting it very soon and I don’t want to say who the director is yet because it’s going to give a lot away.”

When asked if she could reveal anything more, it was evident that she intends on keeping the music video’s concept secret.

“Are you absolutely mad? I would never, ever tell you!” she laughed. “I would be more likely to lie through my teeth to you what the video’s about so that you could all be surprised. But I will tell you it’s not the sequel to the ‘Telephone’ video.” {Source}

It pretty much goes without saying that expectations for the ‘Alejandro’ video are exceptionally high, in light of her previous offerings (particularly the last two – ‘Bad Romance’ and ‘Telephone’). The question on the lips of many, though, will be whether GaGa will be able to keep up the momentum with these ‘way out there’ concepts. I guess time will tell. In any case, though, any time you have the (music) world anticipating your next move to this level, it can can only been seen as a good thing.

Your thoughts?

Peep this short clip of Kelis‘ video for new single ‘Acapella’, which premières in its entirety on March 29th (next Monday). Check out the vid after the jump….

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After the commercial disappointment that was Amerie‘s ‘In Love & War’ LP, the singer has kept a relatively low profile Stateside. Not one to give up, the 30 year old is currently in her mother’s native country of Korea, promoting the project. Check out her performance of ‘Heard Em All’ on M!Countdown from yesterday above…

As ever, she nailed it! Her energy and stage presence really are leaps and bounds ahead of some of her contemporaries who top the charts – a fact which makes her lack of success as of late a little hard to swallow.

That said, in keeping it 100% real, her last album was lacking. The material was just not hitting the spot. I mean, for an artist who is so easily marketable as a talented R&B/Pop act, I was confused as to why she seemed to be going down such a niche/alternate-sounding route. After all, her biggest success to-date has come with such a sound (‘One Thing’). I mean for as much as Def Jam may not have promoted the project, the material (for the most part) didn’t boast much in the way of hit-potential – hence its eventual fate IMO.

On a more positive though, word has it for her next release Amerie will be re-engaging with the Synth-Pop/R&B sound which made 2007’s  ‘Because I Love It’ LP, such a delight. Here’s hoping she’s more successful this go round – too much talent to go to waste.

Your thoughts?

The video for Usher‘s latest single ‘Lil’ Freak (ft. Nicki Minaj)’ premiered a few moments ago. Check out the TAJ-directed clip above…

Certainly a ‘different’ one for the R&B crooner, yet one I’m definitely feeling. Put simply, both the song and video are some of Usher’s most engaging work since ‘Confessions’ (I seem to be among the few who never understood the hype around 08’s ‘Love In This Club’). In any case, Mr Raymond finally appears to be getting his groove back; the timing of which is apt… his new LP ‘Raymond v Raymond’ is days away from release.

What do you think of the video?

Fans awaiting the debut of Kelly Rowland‘s new material will be pleased to hear that the wait is almost over! It has been confirmed that Grammy award winner is set to première the first international single from her hotly anticipated new album  this weekend at the Winter Music Conference in Miami. The track, which was penned by Rico Love and produced by David Guetta, has been confirmed to be titled ‘Commander’.

The Destiny’s Child alumni is set to unveil the track in performance form at the event, and is currently in rehearsals in Los Angeles.

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To say we’re excited about this would be the biggest of understatements! It’s been a almost 3 years since Kelly served up new solo material, hence the level of excitement not only among fans, but casual listeners too (as evidenced by the response to the ‘Smooches’ leak). With great new management, a new label, and a new team who really seem adamant on her success, the remaining piece of the puzzle is the material. Here’s hoping Kelly serves up the hotness – which, judging by the statements of many close to the project – she has and then some.

Tidbit: I’m guessing her label Universal Motown are going with one single for the US and another, ‘Commander’, for international territories.

Your thoughts?

Yesterday, Christina Aguilera revealed the official cover of her soon-to-be-released track ‘Not Myself Tonight’ and promised a surprise for her fans every day this week. The song, which was written and produced by Ester Dean and Polow Da don, will be the first single to be lifted off her upcoming ‘Bionic’ LP which hits stores later this year. So what’s today’s surprise? Check it out below:

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Janet Jackson made a promotional appearance on ‘Jimmy Fallon Live’ last evening. The icon spoke about her new movie, ‘Why Did I Get Married Too?’, her admiration of Drake and Lady GaGa as well as issues relating to weight gain and childhood obesity. Jackson also talked about her new song, ‘Nothing’, which serves as the first single from the ‘Why Did I Get Married Too?’ soundtrack. Check out the interview below:

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Diva Toni Braxton has been hard at work in the lab, working on her upcoming studio release, ‘Pulse’. However, the husky-voiced singer took a break from recording to divulge details about the new LP to Digital Spy and explained why it was delayed several times since 2008. Read what she had to say about the record and the possibility of an Alicia Keys collaboration below:

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Mathew Knowles isn’t the only person with a new baby to show off. Teen sensation Justin Bieber hit the stage on ‘The Late Show with David Letterman’ last evening and performed ‘Baby’ – the lead single from his debut album, ‘My World 2.0’, which hit stores yesterday. The song has thus far peaked at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Check out the performance below:

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After Mathew Knowles‘ lengthy silence on the bombshell allegations that he fathered a child during an 18 month affair with former worker Alexandria Wright, TMZ are reporting that the allegations are indeed true.

Mathew Knowles, Beyonce and Solange’s dad and manager, is the father of the baby Nixon.

Originally ordered to pay temporary child support of $8200 a month, a more permanent agreement is close to being reached by both legal teams, after Knowles’ March 1st DNA test came back positive.

Knowles and wife of 30 years, Tina, filed for divorce late last year, following a period of separation which commenced 11 months prior.

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SMH…

Your thoughts?

The future seems to be growing ever-brighter for newcomer Jason Derulo. Hot on the heels of his two top-10 smashes on the Billboard Hot 100, the 20 year old has confirmed that he is set to begin work on Madonna‘s upcoming new album. Speaking to US Weekly, Deruoo said:

I’m about to work with Madonna, and I’ve been watching her for years. I would love to be a part of another reinvention. She’s been able to reinvent herself time and time again. I’ll probably be part of that.

The ‘In My Head’ singer joins the likes of David Guetta, who has also been tapped to work on the 51 year old’s project. If Deruolo and Guetta are any indication of the sound ol’ Madge is going for this go round, a Dance/Pop record may be in the working for her. That aside, this is perhaps the best look yet for the budding singer/songwriter – who more likely than not will be penning tracks for the album, as opposed to singing on it.

Tidbit: In other Derulo news, he also confirmed he is working on new material for his own sophomore album, which could be out as early as November (his debut hit stores earlier this month). Just as well, as that first LP was just not cutting it…

Your thoughts?