Ciara was spotted here in London recently, shooting her new Adidas Originals campaign. As previously reported, the 24 year old was tapped by the sports giant to front their new global campaign (print, TV, online) for the female ‘Originals’ range. Indeed, the singer can be seen rocking a Dance Sweater from the range in the snaps above and below:

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Peep this video of an early Destiny’s Child performing in the audition which would ultimately change each of their lives; their audition at age 15 for Columbia Records (who they’re still signed to).

Granted the fact this has been floating around for a while, it certainly makes for a compelling watch. For though solid as a collective, it really gives an insight to what each of the girls were working with in their unseasoned/untrained form. I don’t know about you guys, but a certain Ms. Rowland upstaged a certain Ms. Knowles by quite a margin. A point I feel necessary to mention solely due to how the group’s history played out.

Regardless of who sounded better, it’s quite inspiring to see the humble beginnings of what would become one of music’s biggest acts.

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Pop sensation Jason Derulo stopped by the Lopez Tonight show to perform current single ‘In My Head’ (which peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 at an impressive #8). Check out how the 20 year old fared above…

Though the stage spectacle and live vocals were admirable, I can’t say much else was about this performance. For the most part, Jason sounded like he needed oxygen, and I’m still not sold on his choreography. Still, as they say…practice makes perfect, right?

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The midweek sales for the Official UK Album Chart have been released, and it is not at all looking good for the Sugababes. According to the figures, Heidi, Amelle, and Jade look to set to miss the top 10 with their ‘Sweet 7’ LP. As at writing, the record is eyeing a #11-#12 position on the chart.

Ouch. It appears the much publicized drama surrounding the axing of original member Keisha Buchanan was the final for straw for the record-buying public. Early indications of the album’s fate could be seen in the performance of its singles. For despite achieving 3 consecutive top 10 singles from the LP, the songs would drop like a rock the week after release – highlighting a lack of  listener loyalty.

It pretty much goes without saying that this album is make or break for the ladies. With the industry being renown for its cut-throat nature, it’s hard to see how any label will keep them on after such disastrous sales. Sales, which when considering the the amount of money the label have invested in the project, as well as the group’s Roc Nation deal, are much worse than they appear on the surface. If business doesn’t pick up with the quickness, it could be over for the ladies.

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R&B star Usher posed it up with Nicki Minaj on the set of their video for new single ‘Lil’ Freak’, which was shot last week in Los Angeles. The clip was directed by TAJ (also pictured).

With ‘Lil’ Freak’ serving as the track which has, thus far, garnered the most buzz from Usher’s ‘Raymond v Raymond’ LP (due March 30th), it was a pretty smart move on his team’s part to give it the single treatment. With the video no doubt set to drop around the album’s release, it’ll likely give the LP a healthy first week boost.

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An unstoppable force when alive, the legend of  the King of Pop Michael Jackson is living up to its billing, even after the singer’s untimely death. It has today been announced that Jackson’s estate have signed a record-breaking  deal with Sony Music Entertainment, worth $250 Million – a figure which earns the lucrative deal the title of the the biggest record deal in music history!

The terms of the partnership, according to The Wall Street Journal, will see up to 10 Jackson album’s released over a 7 year period. Included will be re-packaged versions of Jackson’s material in compilation form, a DVD of his entire video catalogue, as well as LP’s of entirely new and unreleased material – the first of which is set to be released in November. The ‘This Is It’ CD, which accompanied the theatrical release last year, is included in the deal.

Speaking on the deal, Sony Music chairman Rob Stringer: “We’re dedicated to protecting this icon’s legacy and we’re thrilled that we can continue to bring his music to the world for the foreseeable future”.

For much of his storied career, Jackson’s label home was Sony; a relationship which, despite a few bumps, was a largely fruitful one. It is believed that at the time of his passing, Jackson was prepping the release of his new material via the label (in potential conjunction with tour sponsor AEG).

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Awesome news! It really serves as a testament to level of impact his star had and will continue to have for generations to come.

I’m particularly hopeful that the new material is given the treatment it deserves i.e. great promotion, creative videos, and is aligned with great brands (e.g. movies, commercials etc). What better way to keep his legacy alive. Long live the King!

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Peep this new promotional shot of R&B star Monica. The singer is set to release her sixth studio album ‘Still Standing’ next Tuesday (March 23rd).

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As previously reported, R&B siblings Brandy and Ray J will be starring in their own VH1 reality show ‘Family Business’. The official commercial for the series, which debuts April 11th, has surfaced. Check it out below:

Will you be tuning in?

BET’s annual Rip The Runway fashion extravaganza aired last night. The event, which was hosted by Nicki Minaj, saw performances from the likes of Minaj herself, Estelle, Trina, and Ludacris,.  Check out the performances after the jump…

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Alicia Keys and hitmaker boyfriend Swizz Beats have been renown for shrouding their relationship in secrecy. However, at last night’s Gotham Magazine Annual Gala in new York at Capitale, the couple – for the first time – stepped out together for all to see. Indeed, reports from the event stress that the pair held hands, hugged, and didn’t hold back in showing just how much of a couple they were.

Check out more pics below:

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R&B star LeToya Luckett performed at the Strictly Divas concert last night at The Grove of Anaheim in California. Interestingly, during her set, the former Destiny’s Child member performed a medley of some of the group’s biggest hits. Check out her spin on ‘No, No, No’ and ‘Say My Name’ above…

For a reason I’m still unable to put my finger on, I kinda gave this a mild side-eye initially. This most likely due to the drama surrounding LeToya’s exit from the group, the fact she never sang anything solo, as well as the fact that their biggest success was without her. In any case, Ms. Luckett is very much a part of the Destiny’s Child legacy, hence in reality she does have a right to put her own spin on their hits. That said, it’s still kinda surreal hearing her sing ‘Say My Name’ etc solo.

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UK Pop phenomenons JLS continue to garner endorsement after endorsement from music’s biggest stars ahead of their attempt to crack the US market next month – the latest being Rihanna. In a recent interview with The Sun, the Bajan beauty not only revealed that she’s set to work with the group, but also shared her pearls of artistic wisdom in assessing the boy’s chance of worldwide success:

“Working with JLS is something that will happen this year. Jay will make stars out of them. He has been a great mentor to me. He has been around long enough to spot real talent and he knows who will become worldwide stars. They can sing, they can dance, they look good, actually they look very good. But more importantly they look like a group. It doesn’t look like they have been put together. It looks like they are meant to be together.”

A musical masterpiece in the making, no doubt.

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