Diva Mariah Carey is currently here in Europe promoting her current LP ‘Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel’. Tonight she performed ‘I Want To Know What Love Is’ on Italy’s version of the X-Factor.

Oh Mimi! I legitimately am a supporter of hers, but she’s making it oh-so-hard to defend these performances. While the beginning of the performance started off rather inoffensively, by the middle she sounded like she’d been gargling concrete, yet miraculously she is belting out her trademark notes at the end (see: lip-synching). 2009 Mariah’s inconsistency on the live performance tip is really damaging her legacy IMO. A big statement, yet one I stand by. Yes, the lambs and industry pundits will forever remember the Mariah whose voice soared to sonic levels unachievable by her peers. Yet, to your average listener, she’s only as good as her last performance; and if this is anything to go by….you get my point.

Contrary to popular belief I do believe there is some serious greatness left in Mariah, yet I just wish she’d pace out her releases and performances much more, so as to ensure she delivers the best every time. As hard a pill as it is to swallow for some, at 39 and after such a lengthy career, Mariah cannot keep up (neither should she be expected to) with today’s best vocalists such as Beyonce. Hence, in working with what she’s got left, I think the less is more approach (in terms of performance and album frequency) may just be ol’ Mimi’s best bet.

Your thoughts?

Peep this behind the scenes look at the making of Lady GaGa’s epic video for ‘Bad Romance’. A great watch, I must say.

Hand-down the best video of the year, Lady GaGa really took to another level with this Francis Lawrence directed clip. Many an artist harp on about wanting to be an ‘Icon’. Well, here’s hoping they are taking note, because ‘this’ (aka marching to the beat of your own drum and doing it so well) is how to go about achieving it. Go GaGa!

Your thoughts?

5 octave songbird Mariah Carey was seen leaving her hotel in Milan, Italy recently. The singer will be performing on ‘The X Factor Italy’ later this evening so keep your eyes on ThatGrapeJuice to see all the action!

Rihanna and her close personal friend Melissa were spotted on there way to JFK International Airport, New York yesterday.

The amazingly talented Black Eyed Peas were photoed heading to a ‘Fun Radio’ event in Paris, France last evening. I still have their album on constant repeat.

R&B singer Monica attended the launch party of Jemaine Dupri’s new watch line in Atlanta, Georgia last evening.

Finally, Letoya was seen leaving MTV Studios in New York yesterday. Good to see she’s still hard at work.

In a recent interview with Sister2Sister magazine, R&B singer Omarion refuted claims that he is marrying or involved bisexual stripper, in the process taking a swipe at Kanye West’s bisexual girlfriend Amber Rose and bisexual girls more generally:

The “Ice Box” hitmaker, 24, was rumored to have secretly married a bisexual stripper earlier this year, but he has laughed off the reports and claims he is not even dating. And the idea of romancing a woman like model Rose – who has openly admitted to kissing women – doesn’t appeal to the former B2K singer.

He tells Sister 2 Sister magazine, “No disrespect, but no Amber Rose for me. Everybody has their past – and don’t get me wrong, I’m not judgemental at all – but I do like a certain amount of class.”

And Omarion wants to set the record straight about his relationship status once and for all: “I’m not married. I’m chilling. At this moment I’m not (dating). I have friends that I converse with, and I have that male-female camaraderie, but there’s no girlfriend at the moment.” {Source}

It kinda goes without saying, but I’d imagine a lot of folk will be saying “erm…but Omarion aren’t…”? LOL. Jokes aside, ol’ Omari needs pipe down on the controversial comments and focus on his career, as the last time I checked…yeah.

Your thoughts?

Controversial Pop trio the Sugababes performed their new single ‘About A Girl’ for the first time with the new line-up on BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge earlier today. Putting all the drama to one side, they actually did the damn thing with this rendition. Their individual vocals, as well their collective harmonies were oh-so-on-point. I’m not sure I’d ever be sold on them as a group any more (still finding it hard to forget Keisha-gate), however I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t slightly warming to what they have on offer after watching this. Good stuff.

What do you think of the performance?

That Grape Juice are pleased to announce that we have joined forces with Nokia to give you, the That Grape Juice faithful, the chance to see Rihanna perform live in London!

The ‘Umbrella’ singer has teamed up with the phone giant to launch her hotly anticipated ‘Rated R’ album, right here in London town on November 16th at a secret location. That Grape Juice will be in the house, and now so can you!

While the show will be broadcast live online (click here for more details), we are giving away 5 pairs of tickets to the show (yes you read right!). All you have to do is answer the following question correctly:

Rihanna’s 2007 smash ‘Umbrella’ was #1 in the UK for how many weeks?

a) 2

b) 6

c) 10

Complete the form below to submit your answer.  All entries must be received by 5pm UK time tomorrow – November 11th….

(more…)

It’s back! After being rested on the bench for almost a year, our much-loved Best You Never Heard feature returns this week. For new(er) That Grape Juice readers, The Best You Never Heard is a once weekly feature which showcases great songs which aren’t known (as much as they should be) to the masses. This week’s edition features little known gems by Madonna, Mariah Carey, Leona Lewis and R&B quartet Metro City.

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Madonna – Dance 2night (ft. Justin Timberlake)

Lifted from Madonna’s 2008 effort ‘Hard Candy’, ‘Dance 2night’ is a lush throwback to her Madegesty’s 80’s heydey. The Justin Timberlake produced (and featured) cut boasts a thumping bassline over a funky Electro-Pop groove. Why this wasn’t a single in some capacity really baffles me, as it’s hand-down the album’s best song next to ‘4 Minutes’.

Listen:

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Mariah Carey – For The Record

Though Mariah Carey’s 2008 LP ‘E=MC2’ was argued by many to be a let-down (myself included), it’d be unfair to deny that it features a song or two which can be deemed some of her best work. Indeed, the Brian M Cox produced ‘For The Record’ not only serves as the album’s biggest highlight, it stands as one of my favourite Mariah cuts ever.  A ballad with that ‘knock’, ‘Record’ easily completes the trinity of recent Mimi classic ballads (‘We Belong Together’, ‘Don’t Forget About Us’). From the lyrical content which makes you ‘feel’ what she’s singing, to her outstanding vocal delivery (I’m almost certain this was recorded during the ‘Emancipation’ era), this is – to it bluntly – the business. I’d certainly welcome more tracks in the vein of this for future Mariah releases.

Listen: 

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Leona Lewis – Take A Bow

Singing sensation Leona Lewis has taken the world by storm since hitting the scene back in 2006. While I feel some of her released material has been a bit hit and miss, when the East-Londoner knocks it out of the park she knocks it all the way out! This is perhaps best evidenced on ‘Take A Bow’, which featured on her debut LP ‘Spirit’. An edgier ballad than we’re used to hearing from Ms. Lewis, this one exudes a real epic aura, which is bolstered by her progressively soaring vocals. Awesome track.

Listen: 

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Metro City – Be Without You (Mary J Blige Cover)

Male R&B quartet Metro City, who I’m sure this is the first time you’re hearing of, delivered this stunning rendition of Mary J Blige’s ‘Be Without You’ in 2007. For the life of me, I cannot even remember how I stumbled upon this one, yet for a hot minute I played this more than the original. Unlike your typical cover version, this studio-recorded take on the song features tweaked lyrics, as well great (new) harmonies and arrangements. A winner.

Listen: 

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Hit(s) or Miss(es)?

R&B songstress Alicia Keys graces the cover Uptown Magazine’s Holiday issue. Ms. Keys, who I think you’d agree is serving up the D-I-V-A with this shot, is currently prepping the release of her eagerly awaiting 4th studio album ‘The Element of Freedom’, which hits stores December 15th.

Randomness: After being oh-so-disappointed with the snoozefest that was ‘Doesn’t Mean Anything’, I cannot – on the flipside – stop playing (or poorly singing lol) second single ‘Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart’, which is effectively fire on a track. Go Ms. Keys!

What do you think of the cover?

Saucy Shakira stopped by the Late Show With David Letterman a few hours ago to perform ‘Give It Up To Me’, the 2nd US single to be lifted from her ‘She Wolf’ (awwooooooo lol…ok that was sad, but I’ve always wanted to do it LOL) LP.

Though I’m not sure if the song, which I’ve had on REPLAY for the last week or so, translated as well live, Shakira did a decent enough job here.

Tidbit: You’ll be seeing Shakira a lot more around That Grape Juice in the next few weeks (hint hint v.20. baby!)

What do you think of the performance?

Despite the dismal sales forecast for Amerie’s latest effort ‘In Love & War’, the singer continues to press on with her promotional attempts, most recent a trip to the Jimmy Kimmel Live show to perform new single ‘Heard Em All’.

Ms. Rogers delivered a pretty decent performance, yet you’d know never know judging by how dead the crowd were (can they be blamed, though? Probably their first time hearing the song!). I worry a little for what the future holds for this immense talent; when will she finally get her deserved kudos?

What do you think of the performance?

Check out the promotional ad for Janet Jackson’s eagerly anticipated sit-down interview with Robin Roberts on ABC’s ‘In The Spotlight’, which airs on Novembr 18th. Can’t wait!

Your thoughts?

Super DJ David Guetta has enlisted Estelle for the 3rd single and title track of his widely successful 6th studio album, ‘One Love’. The video released to support the record can be seen above. The single was  first released on BBC Radio 1 on October 28th and has thus far only managed to chart on the Australian Singles Chart at #81.

The song is catchy and would suit the car stereo quite well. However, the video is completely unoriginal and simply uninspired. From the rushing background lights a la Madonna’s ‘Ray of Light’ and the random dancing in the streets which can be seen in any cheesy advertisement for a new brand of shoes, I was left utterly unamused. After all the money that Guetta’s team made from his last two monster singles, I can’t fathom why this is the best material that they could develop. Either way, this song will be a hit because Dance music is hot right now and nobody is going to be watching the video while they’re busting a move in the clubhouse. Shame shame shame.

Thoughts?