As 2011 inches nearer its final curtain call, annual review lists are pouring in a plenty. However, for many music enthusiasts, Billboard’s Top 25 Tours of the year tally proves the one to watch. Indeed, it clears the smoke and mirrors, giving true insight into who exactly is generating the big bucks and has real claim to the “superstar” status dished out all too generously these days.

So without further adieu, this year’s list awaits after the jump. Let’s just say it may surprise a few…

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Sure to be the envy of many a new mother, Mariah Carey continues to showcase her new slim-line figure; this time here  in London.

The singer, who gave birth to twins Monroe and Moroccan Cannon back in April, flew into the UK for the Noble Gift Gala – which she was honored at tonight. Noted for her outlandish antics, the 41 year old was the recipient of the 2011 Noble Gift Humanitarian Award – in recognition of her efforts in helping disadvantaged children. We love a diva who gives back.

Peep more pics of Ms. Carey-Cannon (including her arriving at the Dorchester Hotel) below…

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Your thoughts?

With the X Factor merely a day away from wrapping, judge Kelly Rowland is getting ready to return to the day job.

First on the agenda, it seems, is the follow-up to this year’s ‘Here I Am’, which Rowland revealed may boast a ‘Motown’ sound.

Details after the jump…

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‘Cue canned screams’

In what can only be described as the stuff teenage girls’ dreams are made of, Brit Pop troupes JLS and One Direction took to the X Factor UK stage this evening to perform a mash up of their respective hits.

Get familiar with the upbeat set below…

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In support of her recently released EP ‘Hurt’,  ‘Better In Time’ belle Leona Lewis took to the X Factor UK stage to perform the project’s title cut this evening.

Predictably understated and indicative of the performer’s growth since her days as a contestant on the series, her performance arrives months before the release of her ‘Glassheart‘ studio album.

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The X Factor 2011 final aired tonight!

{For those unfamiliar with The X Factor, the show is the UK’s version of American Idol – with a twist in that groups and over 28’s are eligible to enter. Now in it’s seventh season, the show is responsible for birthing the careers of Leona Lewis, Alexandra Burke, and JLS. Its US incarnation launched earlier this year on FOX}.

Watch the hotly anticipated performances below…

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Moments ago, X Factor UK judge Kelly Rowland took to the stage with X Factor 2011 contestant Amelia to perform a rousing rendition of ‘River Deep,Mountain High‘ live.

Without further delay, get into the performance below…

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Since debuting six years ago, Island stunner Rihanna has amassed a career made in Pop Tart heaven.

From the lucrative endorsement deals, countless #1 singles and carefully managed media campaigns all used to compensate for her lack of discernible talent, anyone who would argue Ms. Fenty is anything but a success is quite simply- a liar.

However, recent decisions made by her management company Roc Nation have forced many to question if they really have  her best interests at heart.

For, taking into account the knee jerk approach to promoting her music, their inability to secure her a US #1 album, and their plans to release an It Girl with the looks and skill that will ultimately make her Fenty’s biggest threat, is it high time she bid them farewell?

Weigh in below…

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Yesterday, ‘Diary‘ maestra Alicia Keys paid a long awaited visit to BET‘S ‘106 & Park‘ in a bid to promote her Broad Way play ‘Stick Fly‘.

Also taking the time to discuss a number of other topics close to her heart, which include motherhood and new music, the interview also saw her explain her passion for DJing and her thoughts on working with screen veteran Mekhi Phifer.

Interview below…

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After coming under fire for an embarrassingly poor set at Capital FM’s Jingle Bell Ball last week,  Roc star Rihanna took her ‘Loud Tour‘ showing in Budapest to redeem both she and her worth as an entertainer.

Armed with just enough costumes and bright lights to disguise her evidently exhausted body, this show comes days before she pulls the plug on the tour to continue promoting her latest LP ‘Talk That Talk‘.

See how she fared below…

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The Braxton sisters are back with season 2 of their hit WeTv series ‘Braxton Family Values’.

Set to air next Thursday, Episode 5 of this series sees Trina elated that she’s graduating, yet dismayed that her family aren’t set to show up.

Toni and Tamar clash over Vince’s management of Toni’s career.

Peep the previews above and below…

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With Christmas but two weeks away, Lady GaGa ushered in the festive spirit with a special rendition of ‘White Christmas’ during her set at z100’s Jingle Ball last night.

Peep the Paw purveyor making Madison Squared Garden move and sway to the Holiday classic after the jump…

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