In a recent interview with BBC Radio 1, Sugababe Heidi Range hit back at those doubtful of the group’s chances of success following the ousting of orginal member Keisha Buchanan back in September. Range, 26, said:

“I don’t want to sound like I’m being bigheaded but the Sugababes had one album which didn’t sell and they were dropped,” she says, sounding not so much bigheaded as just plain mean. “I joined eight years ago and we were signed together by Island Records. I’ve been there since our first number one Freak Like Me and been part of the history of the band ever since. Amelle has been in the group for over four years and she’s been part of our biggest album as a group. I think it’s unfair. That’s not disrespecting what previous members have brought to the group, but we were signed as Sugababes to Island Records and I’m still signed to Island Records as Sugababes.” {Source}

Poor Heidi. She seems genuinely quite a sweet girl, something I can vouch for after interviewing the group back in August. However, it’s quite surprising why she’s failing to understand folk’s reasoning for being salty toward what’s left of the group. It comes down to principle; neither she or Amelle were there at the group’s inception, hence Keisha was the group’s sole shred of credibility. Ousting her left them with none. Ms. Heidi may have been there at the group’s most successful point, yet there would have been no group in the first place had it not been for Keisha et al.

The ‘Babes new LP ‘Sweet 7’ is now set for release March 8th. SMH…

Your thoughts?

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!

Back in 2000, on October 14th to be precise, Pop star Christina Aguilera rocketed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 with the 4th single from her Grammy Award-winning debut album, ‘Christina Aguilera’, entitled ‘Come One Over Baby (All I Want Is You)’. The song held the #1 spot for 4 consecutive weeks and remained on the Hot 100 for an impressive 21 weeks in total. ‘Come  On Over…’ also gained success in markets outside of the US by peaking in the top to of 12 countries. The Spanish version of the track, ‘Ven Conmigo (Solamente Tú)’, became her first song to reach the pinnacle of the Billboard Hot Latin Tracks, establishing her as one of the major Latin superstars during the era where male artists like Ricky Martin and Santana dominated the genre.

‘Come On Over…’ was one of the songs that helped define the return of the (quality) Pop era of music; demonstrating a brilliant combination of tight production and talent. It’s astonishing that quality material like this has been replaced by the hollow voices of the new generation of chart toppers.  Interestingly, Christina herself seems to have strayed from the formula that helped make her a global sensation; substituting restraint and precision with the overbearing and rather unpleasant wailing that incorporated her last album, ‘Back To Basics’. Hopefully, she will veer back toward her roots on her upcoming project, ‘Light & Darkness’, and leave the over-singing to the amateurs.

Thoughts?

Your thoughts?

R&B singer Lloyd has announced that he will be releasing an EP entitled ‘The Young Goldie EP’ in December. The project, which includes productions and appearances from J. Holiday, Nicki Minaj, Juelz Santana, Richboy, Drake, is preceded by the title track ‘Like Me’ (featuring Bun B) which was produced by Jim Jonsin. The singer’s new album, which hits stores in 2010, comprises contributions from Jim Jonsin, Cool & Dre, Rico Love, and Rodney Jerkins.

It’s encouraging to see that Lloyd is continuing to pursue his career given everything that he has had to endure with the disaster that is now The Inc. (which some refer to as the new Bad Boy Records) and Irv Gotti. I thoroughly enjoyed a lot of his earlier releases, especially ‘Girls Around The World‘, ‘You’ and the monster club hit, ‘Get It Shawty’. If only ‘Like Me’ was of similar quality. The song is generic and boring; hardly even worth the energy required to type this sentence. Nonetheless, I’m still expecting to hear bigger, and hopefully better, things from Lloyd because he has a lot of potential. Listen to ‘Like Me’ below:

Thoughts?

Superstar Beyonce took home the most awards at tonight’s MTV European Music Awards in Berlin, including Best Video for ‘Single Ladies’ (who didn’t see that one coming?!…Well deserved). During her acceptance speech, Ms. Knowles-Carter showed a rare sign of affection to hubby Jay-Z by solely thanking him for (quote on quote) “putting a ring on it!” You got to love ‘love’.

In other Bouncy news, her much anticipated video for new single ‘Video Phone’, featuring Lady GaGa has been postponed due to tragic events in Texas’ Fort Hood army base. The clip was first pushed back to 8pm (US eastern time), however will now premiere at a later date this month.

Your thoughts?

Amerie continues on her promo grind for her 4th studio album ‘In Love & War’, this week stopping by BET’s 106 & Park to perform previous single ‘Why R U’. Still not sold on the song, but a great performance nonetheless. I see she’s making the weave-shaking/dutty-whine hybrid a trademark move. I like!

What do you think of the performance?

The 2009 MTV EMA’s in the the 02 World Arena in Berlin, Germany earlier this evening. Below are photos of some of your favourite stars arriving at the event:

Beyonce went for the techno-mermaid look in this ensemble.

Shakira looked beyond sexy in this little number.

Singer Leona Lewis also got in touch with her sexy side (possibly for the first time ever).

Rap diva Lil Kim also made an appearance at the event. Why Kim…why…?

Star DJ David Guetta was also on the red carpet. Ironically, when I think of the sound of European Music, he is the first name that comes to mind!

Katy Perry looked beautifil in her outfit, but I sense that I have seen this before…

What do you think of the looks?

The 2009 MTV European Music Awards are taking place as I type, live from the 02 World Arena in Berlin, Germany. As ever, That Grape Juice has you covered with the performances…as they are happening!

(more…)

Singer Rihanna was seen arriving Wonderland nightclub in Los Angeles last evening. I still don’t get that hairstyle.

Speaking of Rihanna, her “inspiration” FeFe Dobson performed in Washington D.C. last evening for the OMEGA 100-Day Countdown to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. Ain’t nothing like the original!

Music titan Jay-Z and wife Beyonnce shared a rare moment of affection at the MTV EMA’s in the the 02 World Arena in Berlin, Germany just a few moments ago. Peep her show-stopping performance here!

Pop sensation Lady GaGa was photographed at a popular restaurant in SoHo recently. Keep your eyes on ThatGrapeJuice to see her new video with Beyonce!

Finally, rising Icon and mother of two, Britney Spears was seen leaving her hotel in Perth, Australia recently. The singer is preparing to launch the Australian leg of her successful Circus tour.

What do you think of the looks?

The Soul Train Awards were held at the World Congress Centre in Atlanta, Georgia. It’s great to see that this show is still going strong after all these years. Peep some of the excitement below:

Diva Toni Braxton and Trey Songz a performance of their new song, ‘Yesterday’. I hope Trey had 911 on speed dial just in case Toni’s husband came up on stage lol!

Actress Taraji P. Henson, who hosted the show with actor Terrence Howard, did an amazing Diana Ross impersonation.

Songstress Chrisette Michelle is working that hair style for all its worth.

Singers Keri Hilson and Monica share a moment backstage. They both look like they could be fashion models!

Fantasia looked stunning while walking the red carpet.

R&B singer Ray J decided to go old school with his outfit for the night.

Finally, we have the legendary Chaka Khan and singer Musiq Soulchild who both looked great.

What do you think of the looks?

Turns out today’s interview is in reality a preview for her big 20/20 interview tomorrow.

Watching this now…review up shortly….

Peep Mariah Carey on the set of her new video, the Brett Ratner directed ‘H.A.T.E U’, which was shot and wrapped yesterday in Malibu. In staying true to our stance of not downing celebs on how they look, I’ll just say ol’ Mimi has had better days. Much better days….

What do you think of the pics?