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That Grape Juice were fortunate enough to catch up with Grammy-nominated R&B star Fantasia Barrino recently.  The 25 year old, whose new VH1 reality series ‘Fantasia For Real’ has been a hit with viewers, spoke candidly with That Grape Juice in a 40 minute long conversation about many a topic. Areas discussed include how ‘real’ the show actually is, her new album, the rumours which threatened to destroy her career, her romantic life (yes, we asked about Antwaun Cook!), industry politics and so much more. As ever, we asked the questions you really want answers to…and answer them Fantasia did. A lengthy, yet great read; this is Fantasia for real….Enjoy!

{Transcription by Bisi Kadejoh}

Fantasia Shouts Out That Grape Juice

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According to fresh reports, comeback queen Whitney Houston is already readying the follow-up to 2009’s Platinum seller ‘I Look To You’. Set to embark on a four-month world tour, which kicks off in Seoul, Korea on February 6th, Houston (46) is said to be hitting the studio for recording sessions with hit-maker Bryan Michael Cox. {Source 1} {Source 2}

Granted it’s currently unconfirmed as to whether Nippy’s recent and upcoming recording sessions are indeed for a new album (or a re-release), it’s great to see her keeping things moving. After a tumultuous few years, Whitney seems to be easing herself back into the saddle, with her vocals having improved a hell of a lot compared even to this time last year. Therefore, prepping a new record – which I’d imagine won’t hit stores until late this year, early next – seems like a wise move. It’s all about keeping the momentum moving.

That said, it’d be criminal if  ‘For The Lovers’ doesn’t get a release sometime in ‘I Look To You’s shelf-life! That song epitomises ‘the business’. Don’t believe…take a listen:

Your thoughts?

R&B singer Omarion has vented his frustrations at not being included in this Sunday’s Grammy tribute to the late, great King of Pop, Michael Jackson. The former B2K front-man opened up to VIBE about the matter; peep an extract from the piece below:

The R&B singer tells VIBE that a tribute without himself, however, wouldn’t be the same. “If I’m not a part of that, then that’s not… I’m not gonna say it’s wack,” he says. “But I’m just saying, everyone knows what I do, so if you gon’ have an MJ tribute…”

Still, a lighthearted O, who recently released his solo album Ollusion, acknowledged that since so many artists were influenced by MJ, the options are plenty. “I take that back because Stevie [Wonder] did an MJ tribute. Everyone loved Michael. I’m not gon’ say that,” he says. “I’m just meaning the performance [aspect]. How you gon’ have a Michael tribute without the playboy? [Laughs]. That’s my only thing, and I mean this in the humblest and the most competitive way. I’m competitive — that’s what the game is about.

“Especially after Mike passed away, I feel like the stage, it’s more important now. It’s a responsibility to me when I hit the stage to not play with it,” O continued. “If you walk back and forth that’s cool, too. If that’s how you entertain, that’s cool, but for the performances and for the dances and for the people that look up to Michael in the fashion I look up to Michael? I hope they bring it. Because if they don’t, then I will.”

LMAO!

It goes without saying that Omari is gifted. However, moaning about not being selected just makes the fact he was overlooked that much worse LOL. I mean, for as political as the industry can be, if he was meant to be picked, he would’ve been…and he wasn’t. The end. What’s more, with the tribute song being ‘Earth Song’ and seemingly more a vocal / theatrical affair – with the likes of Jennifer Hudson, Usher, and Celine Dion performing in it – I can’t see how ol’ Omari would have fit the bill. Oh well…

Your thoughts?

Your thoughts?

Kelis was spotted at the First Annual Data Awards at the Hollywood Palladium recently. I have no words…Peep more pics below:

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Pop icon Janet Jackson features on the cover of the latest issue of Wonderland magazine. Noted for their high-fashion shoots and in-depth, Wonderland’s world-exclusive interview with Ms. Jackson will hit news-stands on February 5th. Can’t wait!

What do you think of the cover?

Peep this behind the scenes look at Beyonce‘s new commercial for Entertainment product firm Vizio. Bouncy stays stacking them endorsement deals. More power to her!

Look out for the commercial on February 7th during the Superbowl.

Your thoughts?

Global star Kelly Rowland rocked the stage on the George Lopez Tonight Show with David Guetta a few hours ago. The Destiny’s Child alumni and the French DJ – who is undeniably the hottest producer out at the moment – performed their worldwide smash ‘When Love Takes Over’. Check out the performance above…

It’s so refreshing to see Ms. Kelly doing her thing on her home turf once again. I was really loving the powerful vocals, her confidence, sass, and energy. What’s more, the audience were LOVING it. Great performance!

Tidbit: Kelly and David are nominated for Best Dance Song at this Sunday’s Grammy Awards. Here’s hoping they win!

What do you think of the performance?

R&B songstress Toni Braxton released another song via her newly-relaunched official website yesterday in the form of ‘Hands Tied’. Lifted from her forthcoming LP ‘Pulse’, this stirring ballad blew me away on first listen. Beautifully sung, raw, and emotive, this is how ballads in the modern era are supposed to be done. Awesome track!

Hit or Miss?

In what appears to be a never-ending saga, yet another Pussycat Doll has spoken up against lead singer Nicole Scherzinger and the group’s management. This time it’s Jessica Sutta, who claims she was axed from the group while nursing a fractured rib at home (I didn’t even know she wasn’t there any more).

In an interview with E!, which you can watch below, Sutta levels quite shocking accusations against the group’s management; one of the most potent being that all the other members besides Scherzinger were drug tested regularly. She also highlights her feelings of being a glorified back-up dancer to Nicole – who allegedly lapped up her preferential treatment.  Peep the video below for the ‘juice’:

While this isn’t coming as much of a shock, it still makes for a compelling watch. Yes, there are three sides to every story (Sutta’s side, Nicole/management’s side, and the truth), but I can’t help but feel that where there’s smoke, there’s fire. It goes to show, what folks have been discussing for years (about Nicole being given star’s treatment, while the others were unsatisfied being pushed to the back) had some truth to it. SMH…

Your thoughts?

Peep former Misteeq singer Sabrina Washington working it on the set of the video for her debut solo single ‘OMG’ (click here to listen to the song). She looks fierce! Look out for the clip’s première in the coming weeks.

The high-fashion shoot was styled by noted designer Richard Shoyemi. {Picture credit: Can Sahali}

Your thoughts?

As Toni Braxton continues to ready her Atlantic Records debut ‘Pulse’ for a May release, a new track from the LP titled ‘Make My Heart’ has surfaced on her newly-relaunched official website. Though a snippet of the track had been floating around the net for a short while, the full version had yet to premiere until now.

It really is becoming apparent that Ms. Braxton is ironically better suited to the uptempo’s this go round, as each of the faster paced tracks I’ve heard from the set have been fire, this one being no different. From the horns during the verses, to the sass in her vocal delivery, I’m really feeling this one. What’s more, the song is both contemporary, yet age appropriate for the mother of two.

With the hot material Toni has been serving up as of late, here’s hoping ‘Pulse’ delivers the goods.

Hit or Miss?