With September now upon us, it can only mean one thing – the launch of The X Factor USA!

And judging by the number of billboard’s we saw during our time in LA covering the VMA’s, its home network Fox are banking on the show matching the success of its UK counter-part – and then some – when it premieres on September 21st.

However, we couldn’t help but notice how muted buzz for the show seemed from the most important corner – the audience.

As such, we want to know – are you checking for the Stateside incarnation of The X Factor and the many differences it boasts from similar themed shows such as ‘American Idol’?

Peep the show’s latest promotional video, and make your voice heard in our poll below…

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In addition to serving up our original content, we’re  happy to announce that each week you can now watch BET’s newest reality series ‘Born To Dance’ on our sister site – That Grape Juice TV!

Hosted by Laurieann ‘Boomkack’ Gibson, the show seeks out and give the 20 aspiring young dancers the tools they need to take their careers to the next level; allowing them to battle it out for the number one spot and the ultimate prize of $50,000!

From week to week, they dance their way through a variety of creative challenges including: a music video competition, a commercial, and ultimately the chance to perform live with Lady Gaga in front of a packed arena in The Monster Ball Tour.

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Madonna sent fans into a frenzy last month when she announced she had begun work on her new album, and seemingly did the same at the 68th Venice Film Festival yesterday.

The arguable Queen of Pop sent camera lenses into a flutter in the Italian city, when she arrived to premiere her directorial effort ‘W.E’.

More pics of the 53 year old below…

Your thoughts?

Despite setting sail way back in February, Janet Jackson‘s ‘Number Ones: Up, Close, & Personal Tour’ continues to blaze on.

A box-office hit, the trek’s latest stop was Los Angeles’ Greek Theater last night, where she debuted a new longer locks.

She looks great, so on and so forth, but is anyone else ready for some new music? Call us selfish, as we’ve seen this show already, but at 45 time, the body, and today’s audience wait for no one. As such, there’s only so long talk of a Janet comeback can actually have a chance of happening. I mean, her show was the business, but the one resounding critique was that it felt like an 80’s/90’s revival tour.

What’s more she is capable of hanging in the contemporary arena when she wants to (see: ‘Feedback’, ‘Rock With U’, ‘LUV’). Needless to say, calls to Darkchild, Jimmy Jam, and Terry Lewis are imperative. Stat.

Your thoughts?

Days ago, various reports indicated that Lil Wayne‘s ‘The Carter IV‘  would see first week sales around the 850,00 units figure.

However, fans of the Young Money Rapper will be pleased to know that the LP is now expected to exceed this sales prediction and is now set to  almost double the first week successes  of ‘Watch The Throne’ released by rivals Jay Z and Kanye West.

Find out more below…

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‘SOS’ singer Rihanna may have a new reason to cry for help given the demands of her grueling routine on the set of new movie ‘BattleShip’.  And while the Barbadian beauty may be better known for her war on eardrums with her ‘Loud’ cd (and accompanying tour), she appears to have found a better place to utilize those attack skills.

In a recent interview, Entertainment Tonight caught up with Ms. Fenty to find out more on the movie and her role.  See Rihanna: warrior princess in action after the jump:

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As reported here, ‘So Sick’ singer Ne-Yo joins fellow R&B crooners Chris Brown, Trey Songz, and Lloyd in trading in their signature stylings for a hopefully temporary tread into hip-hop.  Spotted most recently at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards by VIBE magazine, the ‘Miss Independent’ performer mentioned his upcoming mixtape as well as nearing completion of his new album.

Find out what other news Ne-Yo shared after the jump:

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As we reported here, Usher was seen on set of a ‘mystery’ video.  Originally believed to be in support of an upcoming single of his own, footage recently arose proving otherwise.

Despite being in the studio working with Robin Thicke, Miguel, and others on the follow-up to his hotly selling ‘Raymond Vs. Raymond’, most recently the ‘My Way’ singer was seen making his way onto the set of famed Latin singer Romeo Santos‘ “Promise”.

See the two in action behind the scenes after the jump:

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‘The Way You Love Me’ songstress Keri Hilson has been making her way on stages all over on her nationwide trek with Lil’ Wayne.  Billed the ‘I Am Music Tour’, the singer/songwriter took time to catch up with Billboard and play the ‘Q&A’ game.

Touching on topics like her favorite (current) artists and hinting at post-tour plans, see Hilson in action after the jump:

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Mommy-to-be Beyonce may have already turned up the Heat on perfume shelves with her top-selling fragrance, but it appears its followup Pulse is beating on the same path.

We’ve already shown you the visual, now the ‘End of Time’ diva invites fans to take a peek on the other side of the action.

See Bey behind the scenes after the jump:

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British beauties Jessie J and Adele are no strangers to being atop tallies and now they add MOBO nominations to the list.  While the ‘Do It Like a Dude’ darling dominated the competition, racking in five nominations ( Best UK Act, Best Newcomer, Best Video, Best Song and Best Album), ‘Rolling In the Deep’ soulstress racked up four.

The two will compete head to head in the Best Act, Best Song, and Best Album categories.  Other notable mentions Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, Marsha Ambrosius and Rihanna all notched one nod a piece.

See the full list here and vote for your faves here.

Your thoughts?

Queen of Hip-Hop Soul Mary J. Blige is gearing up for the promotional push of her latest album ‘My Life II:  The Journey Continues’.  Shortly after sending fans into a frenzy with the unveiling of her latest single ’25/8′ earlier this week, the ‘Real Love’ singer reveals its artwork (seen above).  The Eric Hudson produced single will be the lead lifted from its parent album, due in stores October 4th.

In the meantime, Mary fans can gear up for her appearance on Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series tomorrow morning (Friday, Sept 2nd).  The singer is said to be performing ’25/8′ as well as other numbers from the new album.

Your thoughts?