Hot on the promotional trail for her ‘I Am…Sasha Fierce’ LP (look out four our review shortly), Beyonce took over Saturday Night Live last night. As well as performing current smashes ‘Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)’ (above) and ‘If I Were A Boy’, she also did a must-see skit with Justin Timberlake (all I’ll say single Ladies. Leotards. Heels LOL).

Beyonce / Justin Timberlake Skit

If I Were A Boy

The sixth week of X Factor 2008 live shows aired tonight here in the UK. Check out my 2 Pence on the Best of Britsh themed week below:

{For those unfamiliar with the show; The X Factor is the UK’s version of American Idol – with a twist in that groups and over 25’s are eligible to enter. The show also birthed the career of a certain Leona Lewis}

After being rocked by the departure of favourite Laura White last week, X Factor regained some credibility last night after the absolutely crap Daniel Evans was sent home. What’s more, Alexandra (as ever) and Rachel both turned in fantastic standout performances, which you can check out below, along with that of X Factor alumni Leona Lewis who performed ‘Run’ on the show:

Alexandra Burke – You Are So Beautiful

Rachel Hylton – I’m No Good

Leona Lewis – Run

Alexandra really is on a roll – week in, week out delivering stellar performances. I’m just hoping that the British public continue to vote for her, because, as Laura’s exit showed, nothing is guaranteed (aside from the mediocre Eoghan and slightly contrived Diana being raved about each week!).

Rachel definitely proved her worth last night too. Glad she’s still about.

I can’t say Leona’s song or performance really moved me. That said, her featuring on the ‘Best of British’ week definitely was apt – one of the best talents – if not ‘the’ best talents – to emerge from Britain in a long time!

Your thoughts?

Speaking out for the first time since the burial of her mother, brother and nephew, Jennifer Hudson has thanked fans for their support via her official MySpace:

Jennifer Hudson has told fans that she takes “great comfort and strength” from their messages following the fatal shootings of her mother, brother and nephew.

The Dreamgirls actress wrote the thank you note on her MySpace page ten days after her slain family members were laid to rest.

She wrote: “I want to thank each and every one of you for your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. My sister and I take great comfort and strength from your love and concern.”

Darnell Hudson Donerson and Jason Hudson were found shot dead at the family home in Chicago on October 24. The body of Hudson’s seven-year-old nephew Julian King was discovered in an abandoned vehicle three days later. {Source}

According to a press release from 50 Cent’s label, Interscope, the rapper ‘Before Self Destruct’ LP – originally due December 16th – has been pushed back to early 2009:

Interscope says the artist was “rushing” to meet the December date but “with the deadline to secure advertising and retail placement for the album imminent,” the rapper opted to wait until next year.

The album boasts production and guest turns from mentors Dr. Dre and Eminem; producer Scott Storch helmed first single “Get Up.”

“Before I Self Destruct” will be bundled with a full-length feature film of the same name, in which 50 Cent plays a budding basketball star who becomes a criminal after his mother’s murder.

Early pressings of the album will also include a second DVD with the documentary “Two Turntables And A Microphone: The Life And Death Of Jam Master Jay,” which 50 Cent executive produced. {Source}

Is anyone actually checking for this anyway?

UK vixen Alesha Dixon performed her current smash ‘The Boy Does Nothing’ on the BBC’s Children In Need telecast last night. I really enjoyed her rousing showing. She definitely holds her own down on the live performing tip. What’s more, I’m pleased this record is taking off for her. Already in the top 10 on the Official UK Singles chart on downloads alone, the physical release of the single is currently outselling Beyonce’s ‘If I Were A Boy’. More power to her.

What do you think of the performance?

New Track / Promise

She nailed it! What’s more the new track actually sounds pretty good. Watching this definitely has me anticipating her ‘Fantasy Ride’ album all the more.

Speaking of ‘Fantasy Ride’, Ciara recently confirmed that she is still recording – revealing that she will be going into the studio with Justin Timberlake. Exciting stuff. {Source}

Your thoughts?

Peep this behind the scenes look the video for Keri Hilson’s latest single ‘Turnin Me On (ft. Lil’ Wayne). I’m really hoping this release, which is a double single with ‘Return The Favor’, catches on. Keri is really deserving of success.

Any thoughts?

Former TLC star Chilli recently sat down with Essence Magazine to talk about everything from TLC being the biggest selling female group (over Destiny’s Child) to her thoughts on Usher and wife Tameka and a whole heap more. Check out extracts from the feature, which appears in the latest issue of the magazine, below:

On TLC Being The Best Selling Female Group

Thank you for acknowledging that because everyone always credits Destiny’s Child as the biggest-selling female group, but it’s just not true. You can’t count album sales for each solo project collectively and come up with numbers.

On whether Tameka broke up her relationship with Usher

When people ask whether or not I think she is the reason we broke up, I have no clue what Usher was doing outside of our relationship. When we broke up, it was because it wasn’t working out. I later found out there was some infidelity, but he never said who that woman or who those women were, because I’m sure it was more than one. Again, I heard things, but Tameka never crossed my mind. The first time I strolled across that [infamous] beach photo I thought somebody photoshopped that. I didn’t believe it. I did wonder if she was one of the girls, but again, I never asked. My memory of her was that she was the stylist, because she dressed Usher and I for an event one time. Honestly, those are questions I never asked him, and I’vedistanced myself so much from him. We aren’t communicating at all. We broke up, had conversation a few times maybe two years after we broke up, and it was a wrap. I think what keeps it alive at all is these [blogs] speculating whether we’d get back together.

On being labelled a homewrecker while dating CNN’s T.J Holmes

…let’s clear this up right now. T.J. Holmes was divorced and had been divorced. It wasn’t a situation where he was going through a divorce and still married. I would never date a man that is legally separated or tied to another woman. We dated, but it was brief. I’m a godly person and try to do all the things that God wants me to do. I have a conscience; I could never do that. Besides, I want to get married and present a healthy wonderful relationship for myself and my 11-year-old son.

On Coping With Left Eye’s Death

I see her family every now and then. I still have my moments and probably always will. There’s not a day that goes by that she doesn’t cross my mind. When I do some interviews, I get so upset when people refer to me as “the former member of TLC.” I am always and still am a part of TLC. We are forever no matter what. As long as T-Boz and I are living, we are keeping Left Eye’s memory alive.

You can read the full interview by clicking here

On the one hand, I’m wondering why the hell she keeps getting asked and is still talking about the Usher situation. Then I remember she hasn’t really done much with herself since then. What happened to the solo career?

Your thoughts?

Rapper 50 Cent stopped by the Tyra Banks Show earlier this week for what turned out to be a real interesting interview. The G-Unit General spoke candidly about his baby momma drama, Ja Rule, Vivica Fox, of course his latest projects and much more.

As much as I still think 50 is a dwindling entity, I must say he came across really well here. Really well. It’s just a shame that he acts a fool more times than not.

Your thoughts?