R&B star Usher is set to release his sixth studio album ‘Raymond v Raymond’ on March 30th (March 29th in Europe/Australia).

While a number of songs have been rolled out thus far – some billed as ‘traditional singles’ and others ‘buzz’ singles, we have received word from the the singer’s label confirming that ‘OMG’ will serve as ‘Raymond’s…’ first International release. What’s more, the 30 year old echoed the news on Twitter a few hours ago, announcing that he is shooting the video with Black Eyed Peas front-man will.i.am – who produced and features on the song.

Though I’m rooting for Usher this go round, and feel he’s delivered much better material than he’s being given credit for with this record, my sentiments pretty much echo Trent’s review of the song from earlier this year.

In any case, if you’ve yet to hear the song, check it out below:

Hit or Miss?

Mo’Nique won the coveted Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards, which took place at Hollywood’s Kodak Theatre tonight. Check out actress/comedienne’s touching acceptance speech above.

Congratulations!

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The 82nd Annual Academy Awards is moments away from coming on air. Check out who rocked what on the red carpet.

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During the last Australian stop on her ‘Nothing But Love’ tour, Whitney Houston pulled out a lucky fan from the audience for an impromptu duet of ‘I Have Nothing’. Check out the hilarity above! You gotta love Whitney!

{Many thanks to all those who sent this in!}

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As Alexandra Burke continues to ready her debut LP ‘Overcome’ for its US debut, a re-worked track from the recording sessions has surfaced in the form of ‘All Night Long’. Originally featured on the UK version of the Platinum album, the breezy up-tempo – which was written and produced by Rico Love, Jim Jonsin, Sam Watters, and Louis Biancaniello – now features rapper Pitbull, and boasts tweaked vocals from Burke herself.

For those who enjoyed Chris Brown’s ‘Forever’, this will likely be considered a winner. Indeed, its catchy hook and fusion of Pop, Urban, and Dance should ensure its mass appeal, as well as radio success should it receive the single treatment.

That said, I’m still waiting to hear that ‘mind-blowing’ track I just know Ms. Burke has in her to deliver. ‘The Silence’ and ‘Nothing But The Girl’ aside, her material thus far has left much to be desired; with her saving grace being her undeniable vocal prowess and live performances. One can only hope the US version of ‘Overcome’ serves up the hotness…

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Kelly Rowland hit the stage at the Gay & Lesbian Mardis Gras 2010 event in Syndey, Australia yesterday. The singer performed her club anthem ‘When Loves Takes Over’ alongside super DJ David Guetta. Rowland’s new album hits stores later this year. Check out the performance below:

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It appears diva Whitney Houston was saving all her love for Melbourne – the last stop on the Australian leg of her ‘Nothin’ But Love Tour’. The legendary star belted out her renown classics, while also serving up some of the best live renditions of her newer material including ‘I Look To You’, which you can watch below:

It really appears the negative press which plagued the first couple of shows re-lit Nippy’s fire, as she’s singing with much more clarity and less of the hit and miss ‘grit’ which seems to be a prominent feature of her ‘new voice’.

As for this performance, she nailed it! Her belting from the 2.45 mark was ‘trademark Whitney’ and really showed that she’s slowly reclaiming some of the vocal power years of hard-living and health issues shaved off. Great performance!

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With  Kelis‘  putting the finishing touches to her new LP ‘Fleshtones’, the singer has received a glowing endorsement from Black Eyed Peas front-man will.i.am, who signed the 30 year old to his Will.i.Am Music Group imprint over at Interscope. Speaking to VIBE, he said:

“Kelis has always been a best kept secret. The cool people know Kelis. But the majority of people just know ‘Milkshake.’ If Kelis were fashion she would be a girl’s favorite pair of shoes or a coat…high fashion. I would like Kelis to show she’s an international sensation. She can be big. A lot of people think big is being on the radio or that being big is having a show in London, France and sometimes Japan. But that ain’t international…that’s just three countries. The Black Eyed Peas are big; the Black Eyed Peas are international. I think Kelis can be that big. As big as the Peas.

Fergie is huge. When Fergie blew up she was bigger than me! I believe Kelis can do the same.” {Source}

The former Ms Nas’ new single ‘Acapella’ has grown on me considerably since first hearing it. Here’s hoping the rest of the album delivers the goods and garners the success she so deserves.

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The wait is almost over! With anticipation now at fever pitch, it has today been confirmed that Lady GaGa and Beyonce eagerly awaited ‘Telephone’ video will have its world premiere on E! News this coming Thursday (March 11th) at 11.30pm.

Directed by John Akerlund, GaGa herself as described it as ‘a true Pop event’, stressing that it is better than the acclaimed ‘Bad Romance’ clip. Roll on Thursday!

Tidbit: Does anyone else feel the level of anticipation surrounding GaGa’s videos have not been seen since the time of Michael Jackson’s releases? It goes without saying (for a number of reasons) that no one can capture the showmanship and mystique Michael exuded, yet it’s so refreshing to see someone come close – GaGa’s videos are becoming world ‘pop culture events’…which is amazing considering how short a time she’s been ‘active’. Go GaGa! Now let’s just hope the video is indeed the business….LOL.

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Outspoken rapper Bow Wow has announced that he is working on a new album. Omarion’s close friend was interviewed by HipHopWired and revealed details about the LP which will serve as his Cash Money debut release. Peep below for more details:

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The extensive list of artists who participated in the cover of REM’s ‘Everybody Hurts’ have gathered once again to make an alternate version of the video released to support the song last month. This time the black and white clip features Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, Jon Bon Jovi, Kylie Minogue, Rod Stewart, Miley Cyrus, Susan Boyle, Cheryl Cole, and Robbie Williams among others. Check out the video below:

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Maxwell has announced the dates for his US tour. The Grammy Award-winning singer will be joined by fellow R&B powerhouse Jill Scott on a 20-city showcase which begins on May 21st. Check out the full list of shows below:

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