UK media darling Cheryl Cole performed at the Children In Need concert, which aired on BBC1 yesterday, offering a ‘live’ rendition of smash single ‘Fight For This Love’.

I oft find myself quite torn with how I feel about Ms. Cole. The critic side of me knows she couldn’t sing her ABC’s in tune if she tried (as evidenced by this performance), yet the consumer side sees the spectacle and media-flooding, which is hard not to fall victim to. Either way, I doubt she cares too much; her album ‘Three Words’, though critically panned, has been certified Platinum here in the UK and her profile seems to be expanding with each passing day (see: X-Factor, L’Oreal).

What do you think of the performance?

After a lengthy hiatus Jennifer Lopez hoping make a dent on the music scene with new single ‘Louboutins’ (lifted from new album ‘Love?’) which premiered moments ago. Unfortunately for Ms. Jenny From The Block, this cut is…well…not cutting it. Repetitive lyrically and showing little in the way of vocal growth (something which IMO was necessary for Jennifer coming out this go round), the Tricky Stewart produced track’s only worthwhile offering is it’s stellar production which screams epic and ‘I’m back’. It such a shame that the rest of the track doesn’t.

Hearing this has me wondering what exactly is going on with her team, as the previously heard ‘Hooked On You’ was the epitome of fire on a track and a sure hit had it been released. In any case, whose to say this won’t be a grower (the ‘hook’, though redundant is quite catchy), particularly after her upcoming performance at the American Music Awards this Sunday.

Hit or Miss?

As many of you may know, we announced several  months back that you can now follow That Grape Juice on Twitter! Adding to the ever-expanding ways to be apart of the That Grape Juice community, our Twitter page allows you to receive up-to-the-minute updates about the latest posts on the site as well as what’s happening in the Urban Pop Culture world more generally.

Click here to follow That Grape Juice on Twitter!

Click here to follow Trent’s Twitter too!

The That Grape Juice Facebook Group launched last year, as I’m sure many of you will know. Work, school, college, home, wherever; I’m sure many of you – like myself – spend a ridiculous amount of time on Facebook. Yes, it’s ‘that’ addictive!

Pop singer Leona Lewis made a special appearance on ‘The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brian’ recently. The singer promoted her new album ‘Echo’ and performed the first single from the record, ‘Happy’. The song has thus far peaked at #50 on the Billboard Hot 100.

It’s good to see that she is still trying to promote the album because as with the projected figures, it’s going to need all the help it can help. However, with a rather boring and generic single like ‘Happy’, I can’t see the LP getting the push that it so desperately needs. Add that to her emotionally vacant performances and generally poor reviews from the critics, I sense that this album has little hope of matching the success of it’s predecessor.

Thoughts?

The 2009 ‘Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show’ took place at The Armory in New York City last evening. The lingerie extravaganza attracted a long list of celebrities including Fergie (seen above) who looked far from fugly while she rocked the stage.

Two of Hip-Hop’s most powerful players, Jay-Z and Dr. Dre, were also at the event.

Keri Hilson made a stop at the show as well. She could easily fit in with the models on the runway if she wanted.

Keri and Jay bumped in to each other at the after-party. What an interesting conversation that must have been.

Finally, we have Fergie once again who this time posed with her illustrious band-mates, the Black Eyed Peas, on the red carpet.

What do you think of their looks?

Do you know which song spent the most weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100? Do you know which song was the first to debut at the top spot? That Grape Juice has you covered! ‘Back In The Beat’ is our brand new feature, which each Friday takes a look back at the songs that topped the Billboard Hot 100 at this exact point in time in years of past.

Covered by me, Trent, it provides the opportunity to not only take a ‘trip down memory lane’, but remember some of the monumental songs that molded the present day sound of the music industry. So get out your pen and paper because class is officially in session!

Thoughts?

Diva Mariah Carey is currently over here in the UK promoting  her new album ‘Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel’, yesterday performing ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ on the Alan Carr Chattyman show.

The few semi-off points really drive home the fact that this was, for the most part, live. So with that in mind, Mariah did a great job. She’s still look likes she’s about to burst a vein trying to hit certain notes, but the output were some really great vocals. Loved the whistle and the belting at the end. Great performance.

What do you think of the performance?

What do you think of the performance?

Iconic diva Mariah Carey launched this year’s Christmas season by turning on the Christmas lights at the Westfield Shopping Centre in London early today. The singer used the occasion to help promote her new fragrance, ‘Forever’, as well as her ‘Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel’ album which will be released on November 23rd in the UK. Mariah will perform her cover of ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ on this Sunday’s ‘The X Factor’. Keep an eye on ThatGrapeJuice for all the octave-warbling footage!

Hot on the promotional trail for her ‘Rated R’ LP, Rihanna called in to the The Bert Show on Q100 radio station in Atlanta to discuss many a topic. The interviewers asked whether she missed ex-Chris Brown, if  rumours of her dating actor Tristan Wilds of (from TV show ‘The Wire’) were true and more. Here’s what the Bajan beauty had to say:

Interviewers: Do you still miss Chris?

Rihanna: Um, sometimes. Actually yes. There are alot of reminders, alot of hotel rooms, alot of places that we’ve been to together, music, different things that come up that are reminders of your ex….I’ve gotten over it, but there’s definitely constant reminders. Alot of it is listening to the radio, songs that come on, that were our favorite songs or his songs.

Interviewers: Is there any truth to the stories that you’re dating Tristan Wilds [The Wire]?

Rihanna: I don’t even have his number…I had a house party, this is funny, you know how a bunch of people come over that you don’t even know. And he came by, which was fun for me, I appreciated the company and he brought a bunch of friends….but I dont even have his number, so I dont know how I can be dating him.

Interviewers: Are you even open to dating right now?

Rihanna: Um, no. I’m a very flirty girl though…

{Source}

Ms. Fenty sure ain’t shying away from talking about the Chris Brown scenario at any chance it’s presented to her, is she? Funny, for, when they were together, they both remained so tight-lipped about it all – despite the countless pictures and whatnot. Yes, ‘the incident’ happened, but considering  she said in her 20/20 interview that the main thing that annoyed her was that relationship shouldn’t be the public’s business, it’s somewhat confusing to see her so open about it. Artists such as ‘she who shall not be named’, have effectively managed to keep her private life private, and, most importantly, keep the focus on her music, so there are workable ways for Ms. Fenty to do the same. That said, when your music lacks substance and leaves a lot to be desired, what other options other are there? I’m just saying…

Your thoughts?

As we’ve been reporting for the last few months, Janet Jackson has been on the brink of inking a new deal with A&M Records – the label she began her career on. Well, according to the New York Daily Post, the deal was finalised with the Interscope-housed label last month.

Interestingly, the label – on which Janet saw the release of 2 of the biggest albums of her career ‘Control’ and ‘Rhythm Nation’ – always had plans to release a Janet greatest hits LP – so say our sources, yet have gone all out in the way of promotion and having Janet herself board, since signing her.

According to the newspaper, A&M/Interscope wants ‘Number Ones’ to remind people how great Janet is. There’s the  hoping it’ll wet the public’s appetite for Janet and pave the way for her new music.

Particularly amped for Janet’s new album is A&M/Interscope executive Jimmy Iovine (who janet was snapped out with last month), who has has enlisted hitmaker Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins to oversee the album.

“Jimmy has given the mandate to make this Janet record a success,” reports the paper. “He believes that he has the right team in place to finally take Janet back to the top of the music charts. It’s a top priority for the label”

As at writing, the album as a pencilled-in release window of 2nd-quarter 2010.{Source}

To say the confirmation of the deal has me uber amped would be the biggest of understatements. Very much a rooter for the underdog, I’ve been waiting the longest for the all the pieces of the jigsaw to re-align for Ms. Jackson (if you’re nasty) and they seem to be doing just that. A team and label who are fully behind her, a super-producer overseeing the project, and all that jazz. Could 2010 be the year Janet re-asserts her place at the top? We sure hope so!

Tidbit: Upon hitting ‘post’, Sam goes into intense prayer and fasting in hope of another ‘Feedback’ from this Janet and Darkchild union!

Your thoughts?

R&B youngster Chris Brown took the stage last night in Los Angeles during his sold-out ‘Fan Appreciation Tour’ and performed a tribute to the King of Pop Michael Jackson. Still think that Omarion did the moon-walk correctly in his ‘Get It In’ video? Show them how it’s done Chris!