The X-Factor USA is here!

Fox’s much hyped British import has finally kicked off on American soil and looks set to be the biggest show of its kind.

Featuring judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, LA Reid and Nicole Scherzinger, the show favours American Idol with its nationwide auditions. However, there is a defining twist in that groups and solo acts over 25’s are eligible to enter.

Unsurprisingly, with this being the boot camp phase hosted at the judges’ homes, the talented and talent-challenged are out in equal measure for a crack at progressing to the next stage.  With special guest judges Enrique Iglesias, Pharrell Williams, and Rihanna playing assistant to Nicole, Paula, and L.A. respectively, fans were treated to a brand new reason to tune in.

Check out the best and worst from this, the 7th episode, below…

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Young Money labelmates Drake and ∫are at it again – this time on the cut ‘Make Me Proud’. Said to be the second lifted from the Canadian born emcee’s delayed ‘Take Care’ album (now due November 15th), this ode to successful women is being readied for the live treatment on his forthcoming SNL stint this weekend.

And, while the album’s first single ‘Headlines’ garnered little buzz for the rapper’s sophomore album (even after its accompanying visual’s release), will ‘Make Me Proud’ do the trick? You be the judge after the jump:

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Who better to judge real talent than an Oscar-worthy actress who has for years fooled fans and followers that hers exists?  Such was probably the forethought of L.A. Reid when casting Rihanna in her latest acting gig as guest talent judge on the hit U.S. reality talent show X Factor.

At this stage of the show, each judge – Nicole, Simon, Paula, and L.A. – has separated the hopefuls into groups with each member of the panel inviting their respective groups to their homes for ‘bootcamp’.  To add spice to the broth (and hopefully to ratings), the U.S. spin-off keeps in fashion of its British predecessor in that each judge sought the assistance of some of the music industry’s brightest movers and shakers (and Rihanna) to lend their advice to the contestants.

Find out what the ‘We Found Love’ singer and Hip-Hop hitmaker Pharrell shared with L.A. and Paula’s crews after the jump:

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Sharp tongued media mogul Simon Cowell may be used to dishing out the harsh criticism, but he was on the receiving end after his recent quoted comments on pop megastars Beyonce and Lady Gaga being ‘boring’ made rounds on the net.  Though shortly thereafter releasing a statement in hopes of mitigating the madness, Cowell recently took to another famous outspoken diva’s couch – Wendy Williams – to completely clear up the confusion .

While there, Cowell addressed a number of today’s top divas including Gaga, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, and X Factor rival ‘The Voice’ judge Christina Aguilera.

Find out what Simon says after the jump:

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Trey Songz taps into his poetic side in the full ad for ‘Evolution’ – the latest mens fragrance from Rocawear.  Departing from his routine flex to display a flex of acting muscles, Songz’ is seen reciting poetry while rolling in bed with a scantily clad model.  Demonstrating that his bed rolling is not just limited to his music videos, but can be extended to commercials as well.

And, if the ad is anything to go by, Trigga’s lead acting debut in the remake of famed horror film ‘Texas Chainsaw Massacre’ will truly be a fright for more reasons than one.

We’ve shown you the teaser, now you can see Songz’ in action after the jump:

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Continuing the push for her ‘Born This Way‘ LP, Lady GaGa today shot scenes for her  ‘Marry The Night‘ video in her hometown of New York.

Sporting a blonde wig and a uniquely designed get up, the entertainer is expected to premiere the video’s final edit in coming weeks in a further bid to generate attention for her upcoming tour and its supporting LP.

Watch below…

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“From the A to the hills up in Beverly“

Earlier today, Urban Pop siren Ciara found herself at the center of attention when she  decided to take a stroll in Beverly Hills sporting a handbag and her now famed style.

The snaps come just hours after she dazzled on the red carpet  of  the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project in support of the actress’ philanthropic work in the continent.

More pics below…

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Just days after her fans welcomed the premier of her latest video ‘Countdown‘,  Beyonce was spotted in New York City accompanied by her long time bodyguard Julius on her way to an undisclosed location.

The star’s sighting comes just one day after Forbes announced that the 9th highest earning woman in entertainment for the financial years 2010-2011 with $35 million raked in from song writing publishing,  lucrative endorsement deals and various business endeavors outside of music.

Image courtesy of Beyonce Lite.

Your thoughts?

Undoubtedly one her of more celebrated releases, the video for  ‘Domino’ by Jessie J has been anticipated since the surfacing of the song itself.

Now it is finally here.

Watch the reportedly unofficial  clip in its entirety  below…

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It is safe to say that the last year has been nothing short of a blessing for Brit belter Adele.

From releasing one of the highest selling albums in chart history to serving as an headlining act for every award show from the  Brit Awards to the VMA‘S, 2011 has been good to Ms. Adkins.

Now both she and her supporters have more cause to celebrate.

Her single ‘Someone Like You‘ has now sold over 2 million copies,  in the United States alone.

More information below…

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Landing back in New York City no more than two days after embarking on a short promotional  based visit to the United Kingdom, Pop’s favorite debutante Lady GaGa was snapped in  Harlem recently dressed in what can only be described as morbid fashions.

Seen on the way to the set of her latest music video for the single ‘Marry The Night‘, the sighting comes just days after she gave details regarding her upcoming LP which is expected to score a 2012 release date.

Your thoughts?

She’s never been one to shy away from stripping off herself, so it shouldn’t come as surprise that Pop tart Rihanna paid a visit to the Stringfellow‘s strip joint in London last night.

Joined by her trusty hand-bag Melissa, the Island belle is reported to have enjoyed the company of some of the establishment’s ‘entertainment’ and enjoyed a three course meal.

The snaps of Fenty entering the club come just nights after she walked up and down the stage at the 02 Arena for sold out ‘Loud Tour‘.

More shots below…

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