American Idol winner Jordin Sparks returned to the show which propelled her to stardom last night to perform ‘Battlefield’, the lead single from her as-yet-untitled sophomore album. 

As one that has never really been big on Jordin, I must say she gave a great performance; she’s definitely matured as a live performer. Good stuff.

Perez Hilton literally just posted these exclusive shots of Whitney Houston on the set of the shoot for the cover her forthcoming album! I actually received word that the shoot would be taking place this week, however, as with most Whitney updates, I took it with a grain of salt. After all we’ve been waiting for an eternity for this ‘comeback’.

I must say, though, that I am pleasantly surprised with the surfacing of these pics. She looks great! Above all, I’m really feeling how the pics are age-appropriate too; I’ve forever felt that Whitney has an advantage over some of the other 40 something divas (Mariah, Janet etc) in that she never sold sex as her appeal, hence nothing drastic as such would be needed to perfect a comeback. By that I mean, Whitney could easily drop something along the lines of her ‘My Love Is Your Love’ album today and still be as relevant and chart-worthy as the younger crop of talent populating music scene at present. Enough of my rambling…welcome back Whitney!

Peep Ciara’s performance of ‘Love Sex Magic’ on the Ellen Degeneres Show yesterday above. As with the Saturday Night Live rendition of the song, Ciara killed it. Awesome performance.

In other Ciara news, the singer’s 3rd studio album ‘Fantasy Ride’ debuts at #3 on the Billboard 200 this week, with sales of 81,000. Christette Michelle claimed the top spot with her new LP ‘The Ephiphany’, which sold 83,000. Hannah Montana’s annoying self sits at #2 LOL. I really think it’s important to note that Christette’s album was retailing for a paltry $3.99, which I guess could explain what is no doubt a chart shocker. 

That said, there is no shying away from the fact that higher numbers for Ciara were expected. Interestingly, our interview with CiCi was supposed to take place last week, however was conducted just before she did Ellen yesterday and we were able to ask her about her thoughts on sales (which were being counted as we were speaking). Look out for the interview later this week!

Word has it, the label have opted for a double release for the follow-up to ‘Love Sex Magic’ and ‘Never Ever’, with ‘Like A Surgeon’ being serviced to the Urban market and ‘Work’ to Pop. IMO they couldn’t have picked two better singles. Great choices.

The ladies of legendary EnVogue performed a medley of their hits on The View this week to promote their forthcoming US tour. As ever, it’s great to see the original line-up still going strong after the awkward years of drama and whatnot. Pretty good performance; ‘Don’t Let Go’ gets me every time.

As The Saturdays prep the video for their new single ‘Work’, the single/radio mix of the cut has surfaced. Though not all that different from the original, the single version of the rousing Pop/R&B/Funk cut was mixed by producer Phil Tan – who has mastered over 19 #1 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 including Mariah’s ‘We Belong Together’ and Rihanna’s ‘Disturbia’. You’re probably wondering ‘well, what the heck does that mean?’ LOL. It means the track sounds a lot slicker, has extra ad-libs and is ready prepped for the US market. Great, great song.

The nominations for the BET Awards 2009 have been announced. Additionally, Beyonce, Ne-Yo and Maxwell are the first confirmed performers for the June 28th show, which is being hosted by Jamie Foxx. You can check out who made this year’s nominee list below:

Best Male R&B Artist
The Dream
Jamie Foxx
Ryan Leslie
Neyo
T-Pain

Best Female R&B Artist
Beyonce
Keyshia Cole
Keri Hilson
Jennifer Hudson
Jazmine Sullivan

Best Group
Day 26
GS Boyz
NERD
The Roots
Three 6 Mafia

Best Collaboration
Jamie Foxx ft T-Pain-Blame It
Keri Hilson ft Lil Wayne- Turnin Me ON
Jim Jones & Ron Browz ft Juelz Santana-Pop Champagne
TI ft Rihanna-Live Your Life
Yung LA ft TI & Young Dro- Aint I

Best Male Hip Hop
Lil Wayne
Rick Ross
TI
Kanye West
Young Jeezy

Best Female Hip Hop
Lil Mama
MIA
Trina

Best New Artist
Keri Hilson
Kid Cudi
Ryan Leslie
MIA
Jazmine Sullivan

Best Gospel Artist
Regina Belle
Shirley Caesar
Mary Mary
Smokie Norful
Trin I Tee 5:7

Video Of The Year
Beyonce-If I Were A Boy
Beyonce- Single Ladies
Jamie Foxx ft T-Pain-Blame It
TI ft Rihanna- Live Your Life
Kanye West-Heartless

Best Actor
Common
Idris Alba
Samuel L Jackson
Will Smith
Jamal Woolard

Best Actress
Angela Bassett
Rosario Dawson
Taraji P Henson
Jennifer Hudson
Beyonce Knowles

Best Male Athlete
Kobe Byrant
LeBron James
Reggie Bush
Dwayne Wade
Tiger Woods

Best Female Athlete
Tamika Catchings
Lisa Leslie
Candace Parker
Serena Williams
Venus Williams

The majority of the list doesn’t really come as a surprise IMO, yet it kinda drives home how lacking the music scene has been in the way of major smashes/videos/undeniable break-out stars etc this past year.

The first single from Amerie’s forthcoming Def Jam debut, ‘In Love & War’, ‘Why R U?’ premiered today. With it’s ‘Old Skool Amerie’ vibe, The Buchanan’s-produced breezy mid-tempo is very much reminiscent of the sound the songstress first hit the scene with with her debut ‘All I Have’.

Perhaps due to loving her Electro/Pop/R&B fusion of  a third album ‘Because I Love It’, this – on first, second, and third listen – kinda pales in comparison. I’m definitely not eyeing this one as first single material. Here’s hoping the rest of her new material lives up to expectations…because this really doesn’t IMO.

Tidbit: Amerie will be shooting the video for this later this week with director Ray Kay – whomost recently directed Christina Milian’s ‘Us Against The World’ clip.

Ciara appears to be everywhere at the moment promoting her new LP ‘Fantasy Ride’, and if you’re in the US, she and rapper Jay-Z, may be coming to an arena near you:

CiCi and Jay sounds like one hell of a show. I must say though, I did always envision Jay being a joint-tour of sorts with Ms. Knowles-Carter if he were to ever embark on such a trek with an R&B singer. That said, it’s still a great billing…

Michael Jackson’s and AEG Live’s PR have sent over the following press release about the preparations for the King of Pop’s comeback shows at London’s 02 this summer. Peep the exclusive new pic of MJ in rehearsal above and the press release below:

MICHAEL JACKSON
KING OF POP

Kenny Ortega Announced As Show Director

(May 12th, 2009) – The streets of Hollywood are buzzing; Michael Jackson mania is in full swing 5,500 miles away from The O2 arena – the home of his historic 50 concerts this summer.

Kenny Ortega, the renowned Director, Producer, Choreographer and creative talent is hard at work collaborating with Michael Jackson in the overall design and direction for the upcoming ‘This Is It’ concert shows. Ortega previously worked on Michael Jackson’s Dangerous and HIStory tours, some of the most spectacular shows ever staged. Last week, thousands of dancers flew in from every corner of the globe including Japan, Australia, South America and Europe to audition for Jackson and Ortega – all of them were chasing their dream of winning a spot to perform on stage with their idol Michael Jackson.

Even after the selection process narrowed the competition from thousands of submissions to over five hundred top international dancers, there was still no dance space large enough in Los Angeles or New York to house the auditions. The producers ended up booking LA’s Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE, part of the site where the Grammy Awards are held each year, to handle the unprecedented numbers of performers who flocked to these auditions.

Ortega, having once been in partnership with Gene Kelly, is most recently known for his work as the Director and Choreographer of Disney’s, High School Musical 1, 2 & 3. Ortega also Produced and Directed the Barbra Streisand’s Millennium concert tour and is a two time Emmy award winner for his work as Director and Choreographer of the 2002 Winter Olympics opening and closing ceremonies in Salt Lake City, Utah.

In receiving the phone call from Michael to lead the team, Ortega said, “My answer without a beat was nothing could keep me away. Collaborating with Michael on the Dangerous and HIStory tours were two of the greatest creative experiences of my life, to be invited to partner with him again is a dream come true. Working with Michael is always a true and full partnership, he is a creative mastermind, he assembles top professionals to lead his team and then inspires each and every one of us to climb to new places, break out of the box and conquer new challenges. He is the most significant artist and entertainer of our generation.”

“This Is It” is a spectacular concert experience incorporating iconic Jackson songs and choreography mixed with original new works. Ortega says, “Our show goals are to create more than a concert but a complete theatrical musical experience with a dynamic balance that features Jackson in both spectacular production and intimate settings. The stage set, choreography, costumes, lighting, effects and overall production will be of the highest standard and pushing the state of the art.” Michael is dedicated to every detail and aspect of the show working closely with his creative and talented production team. He is “tremendously excited” about sharing his stage show with hundreds of thousands of fans this summer in London.

Ortega goes on to say, “It has been over a decade since Michael and I worked on the HIStory tour together. We had been in discussion in the last couple of years about finding a new project to work on. When I got the call to join him for these concerts I was in-between gigs, catching my breath. I had just finished a World Press tour for High School Musical and was about to start a new film. In accepting the invitation I had to move a few mountains to clear my schedule, but I’m thrilled to say I’m fully on board.”

Casting is in final stages for dancers and the band. The dedication, passion and determination of these performers, who are all personally inspired by Michael Jackson brings an unprecedented intensity to the stage. Michael Jackson, The King of Pop, has influenced a generation of performers through his music, dance and stage shows impacting an art form.

This week with rehearsals in full swing the impossible has become possible as details to this complex and dramatic show are being put together. And when moments get intense and exciting in rehearsals an age-old British tradition has been adopted – a tea break!

Ortega adds, “I go to work each day with a huge sense of joy just knowing what is in-store. Michael, the team and I will hash out a creative idea, we’re ready to implement it and Michael will say let’s sleep on it. The next day he is back in studio raising the bar to the next level and pushing us further for greater dynamic results.”

Randy Phillips, President & CEO of AEG Live, commented, “The unprecedented demand for these shows turned a normal public on sale into a cultural phenomenon and pushed the boundaries by which we measure success. Michael and Kenny are creating an escapist adventure that will take the audience on an entertainment experience only imagined in dreams or big budget motion pictures. This is the perfect pairing on unique creative talents with the greatest repertoire in contemporary music.”

Ortega concludes, “I am looking forward to the creative days ahead as we build a Michael Jackson experience like no other, and to ultimately arriving at The O2 – a magnificent venue and a worldly place. I am thrilled to be a part of the team that once again is bringing Michael Jackson, the greatest entertainer of our generation, back to the stage and into the light and love of his devoted fans.”

By the end of the 50 concerts, 1 million fans will have witnessed one of the greatest musical events in history. This will be the last chance to see the King of Pop in London in what will be a historic stage show, and once in a lifetime concert experience – this really is it!

Note To Editors – One of the world’s most popular entertainers, Michael Jackson has sold over 750 million units worldwide and is one of the very few artists to be inducted twice into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records has recognised Michael Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and Thriller as The Biggest Selling Album of All Time. Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards and received the American Music Award’s Artist of the Century Award.

Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” 50 concerts sold out in a matter of hours on March 13th smashing box office records.

I seriously can not wait for the first show to kick off. More over, I can’t wait until August when the show I’ll be attending takes place (where I’ll sitting in the first, center block – A2!). As a fan of MJ since childhood, and having never seen him perform before (although I was in the house at the World Music Awards 2006, but we won’t count that!), to say I’m hyped to see the show is an understatement.

Having already notched up over 1 and half million views on Youtube, this hilarious video of the Top 60 Ghetto Black Names has become an internet sensation in the space of just a few weeks. 

Though no doubt laugh out loud funny, some have raised questions as to whether there are racist undertones…

Hot on the promotional trail for her latest effort ‘Fantasy Ride’, Ciara stopped by The Tonight Show With Jay Leno a few hours ago to perform current single ‘Never Ever’.

While I enjoyed the performance, I must say I’m hungry for another ‘Love Sex Magic’ live showing. However, as the Justin Timberlake assisted cut has already peaked inside the Billboard Hot 100 top 10, I guess more attention is being paid to ‘Never Ever’.

Tidbit: Look out for our interview with Ciara later this week.

Kelly Rowland made a brief stop in the UK this weekend, to perform at BBC Radio 1’s Big Weekend festival in Swindon. The ‘Like This’ singe gave a stunning acoustic rendition of ‘When Love Takes Over’, the cut she features on from David Guetta. It’s really not often that we hear Kelly belt a whole song out full voice; and how great it sounds. Awesome vocals, awesome performance. I’m really hoping we hear Kelly sing like this more on her next record. {Thanks Detron!}