The video for ‘Right To Dream’, the signature song from Mariah Carey’s new movie ‘Tennessee’, premiered within the last hour. Carey co-wrote the cut with legend Willie Nelson specifically for the movie – clips of which make up the music video, as well as footage of Mariah in the studio recording the track.

While Mariah turns in a good vocal performance on the track, I can’t say it moves me in anyway, same with the video. Tennessee’ hits theatres in the US later this month.

What do you think of the song / video?

With this week ushering in the release of Brandy’s new LP ‘Human’, Ms. Norwood is hot on the promo trail – today stopping by CW11’s Morning Show to perform the album’s first single ‘Right Here (Departed)’ as well as the awesome follow-up ‘Long Distance’, both of which you can view below:

Long Distance

Right Here

She nailed it! I was becoming a lil’ weary of the ‘Right Here’ performances (still great though), so it was refreshing seeing her give such a stellar rendition of my current song of the moment ‘Long Distance’. Fantastic.

Randomness: Is anyone elses best part of ‘Long Distance’ the runs and adlibs at the end (“Can you hear me crying ohhhh”) LOL?

What do you think of the performances?

Everyone’s still wondering why Janet Jackson bailed on most of her “comeback” tour –- the one guy who would probably know says it’s not because she was pregnant.

Jermaine Dupri tells Hollyscoop.com his woman isn’t knocked up, despite the scuttlebutt. Dupri even called out certain members of gossiping classes for spreading false rumors.

Nonetheless, Janet hasn’t totally pooh-poohed the idea of bringing more spawn of Jacko into the world: “I’d love to have children. It’s just up to Jermaine, what he wants to do.”

I keep saying this, but Janet, Mariah and co are no spring chickens. Granted they can’t just pop babies out at the push of a button, it baffles me when they speak like they are 21 on the baby front. Time doesn’t wait for anyone…

Your thoughts?

This clip of R&B songstress Keyshia Cole singing the US national anthem – The Star Spangled Banner – at the Oscar De La Hoya boxing match over the weekend has been making the rounds on the ‘net. Quite understandably too; Keyshia’s choice of outfit and ‘that’ hair has me thinking she got dressed in the dark. That said, even the vocals make for interesting convo. IMO she was good for the most part, yet the over the top adlibs and runs kinda messed it up a bit.

Your thoughts?

Check out this behind the scenes look at the making of Brandy’s fantastic new album ‘Human’. From discussing her past struggles to reuniting with hit maker Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins, to of course, how these factored into the album, the video made for a great watch.

In an industry which sees albums and artists with little substance dominating the charts, it warms me when seeing artists like Brandy have such a respect and dedication to their craft as well as a genuine care for the impact of the music they release.

‘Human’ hits stores in the US tomorrow, December 9th.

Your thoughts?

The ninth week of X Factor 2008 live shows aired last night here in the UK. Check out my 2 Pence on the semi-final episode 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}

This year’s X Factor is hotting up, with surprises never amiss – more specifically the ousting of former firm favourite Diana Vickers last night. The evening, which saw the contestants perform 2 songs – one of their choice and one of their judges choosing, was all about Alexandra IMO. Check out her performances of Rihanna’s ‘Don’t Stop The Music’ & ‘Unbreak My Heart’ below:

Alexandra – Don’t Stop The Music

Alexandra – Unbreak My Heart

Alex did great, although I wasn’t so sure about the ‘Don’t Stop The Music’ performance. ‘Unbreak My Heart’ was awesome. This girl really must win. Roll on next week.

Your thoughts?

Many of you will not have heard of Se7en, hell I hadn’t until a few moments ago LOL. The 24 year old old Korean star is set to launch an assault on the US charts with the Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins produced ‘Them Girls’, which features Lil’ Kim.

I was pleasantly surprised when hearing this; the beat goes hard and Se7en does his thing on the track that is unashamedly targeted at the US audience. It’ll be interesting to see how this project pans out…

The RAGE directed video for ‘Them Girls’ is set to be shot in Los Angeles on December 8th, and will feature cameos by Darkchild and Lil’ Kim.

Hit or Miss?

R&B singer Monica recently took a moment to address her fans, confirming in the process that her delayed new album, which has a working title of ‘Lesson Learned’, will be released 1st quarter of next year (January-March 2009). She also talks producers for the record, which are sounding like a hit-making mix.

Definitely checking for this one. Here’s hoping the release frame sticks…

Are you anticipating Monica’s new album?

Review up in a bit…

In the meanwhile…

What do you think of the song / video?

Brandy finally seems to be amping her promo spots ahead of the release of ‘Human’ – her hotly anticipated ‘comeback’ album. The 28 year old songstress stopped by The Today Show earlier this morning to perform her hit ‘Right Here (Departed)’. Great performance!

In other Brandy news, she is set to appear on the Tyra Banks Show next Monday. Check out a preview of her on the show talking her brother Ray J’s infamous ‘tape’ with Kim Kardashian:

LOL. ‘Research purposes’…ok Tyra.

Your thoughts?