That Grape Juice UpdateJust thought I’d check in with you guys and let you know what’s happening ‘behind the scenes’ (figuratively speaking lol):
* I was fortunate to enough to finally interview Ashanti last night via phone from her home. She spoke candidly to That Grape Juice about the her latest album ‘The Declaration’ (including its sales), participating in the Stand Up 2 Cancer song ‘Just Stand Up’ with Beyonce and co, as well as…Nelly lol. Be on the look-out for the interview at the top of next week.
* Still awaiting the additional interview time with Ne-Yo. In the meanwhile, I’ll likely hit you up with the interview in its current form this week or next.
* As stated a while back, the site’s mailbox receives (literally) upwards of 100 emails daily, so I am trying my hardest to respond to as many as possible. Please bare with me 🙂
* It’s great to see so many of you liking the site’s new layout. For those asking why Rihanna is in the banner, while I may not be the biggest fan of Ms. Fenty, she does take a serious picture, I’m sure you’ll agree!
* That Grape Juice has finalized something I’m sure many of you will like…as in *really* like. All will be revealed in the very near future (basically next week lol lol lol).

You know where to keep it locked… That Grape Juice!


Your thoughts?

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And there you have it; the MTV Video Music Awards are over for another year. For all the hype and hysteria, this year’s show failed to deliver on many a front, offering a few genuinely worthwhile moments during an otherwise lacklustre 2 ½ hour telecast.Though it was awesome to see Britney both looking and acting like the Britney everyone knows and loves, I’m sitting here wondering what exactly the point of her segment was. Granted I seemed to be one of the few who didn’t want her to perform, if she was going to speak, it would have helped if it lasted more than 30 seconds. Damn.

Shambolic showing of the night, no doubt, belongs to Ms. Rihanna. Her rendition of ‘Disturbia’ had all the elements of a great performance (truly amazing stage set-up, overly on-point dancers etc)… that is until she opened her mouth. Billy Goat Gruff at her worst. Terrible, just terrible. Though, I must say she redeemed herself ever so slightly with her performance of ‘Live Your Life’ with T.I. (the faux-hood chick thing wasn’t working, though. No). Rihanna aside, Clifford was on fire.

Christina Aguilera’s first post-pregnancy performance was notable, not least because we were given our first look at her new musical/image direction (seems Xtina has embraced the Electro-Pop sound – jumped on the bandwagon, maybe?), more so the fact that 95% of the performance was lip-synched. She gets a pass, somewhat, as she’s already proven herself to be one this generation’s greatest vocalists. That said, I’m still not entirely sold on ‘Keeps Gettin’ Better’ or this new direction of hers. I guess time will tell.

Is it bad that I haven’t (and don’t intend to) watch The Jonas Brothers or Kid Rock performances? LOL LOL…not enough time in the day…

I feel quite proud seeing Leona getting her shine over in the States, who would have ever envisioned a Lil’Wayne / Leona performance? As for Weezy’s showing with T-Pain, it was kinda ‘samey’ IMO.

Highlights of the night, no doubt, were Pink and Kanye West. Pink’s show-stopping performance of ‘So What’ really has me liking the song even more than before. While, Kanye’s debut of ‘sing song’ new single ‘Love Lockdown’ was great…a much needed spark of energy to close out an otherwise tired show.

One will, in future, be better off expecting exactly what is on the show’s ‘can’, as opposed to any surprises, seeing as the VMA’s ability to shock and awe seems like a distant memory. Having not turned in anything of substance since 2004, it seems the classic moments that made the VMA’s such a staple fixture on the music calendar have all but disappeared – the Michael/Nsync performance, Beyonce’s infamous ceiling entrance, Britney/Madonna/Christina….need I say more?

Your thoughts on performances / show overall?
*Bookmark This Post*
As the much anticipated 2008 MTV Video Music Awards are about to get underway live from Paramount Studios in Hollywood California, That Grape Juice’s ‘MTV VMAs 2008: Your Shout!’ area goes live right now!
Here you can post your views on anything and everything regarding the show. Pre-show rumors…Who you’re looking forward to seeing… Who you feel rocked the red carpet, who should have skipped it altogether LOL…Who deserved to win what…and all that good stuff. This is your shout!
Beyonce New Single Info; 'I'm Just A Boy'With Beyonce’s highly anticipated 3rd solo album tentatively set for a November release, new information about the LP’s lead single has begun to surface. According to the legitimate ad below (which was forwarded on to numerous acting agencies), the single title is ‘I’m Just A Boy‘ and the Jake Nava directed video is to be shot next week!

BEYONCE’S “I’M JUST A BOY”
Music Video
NON-UNION
RATE: SEE ROLES

Director: Jake Nava
Casting Director: Winsome Sinclair
Casting Associate: Monique ‘Mo’ Link
Interview Dates: Saturday 9/6
Shoot/Start Date: 9/11-9/14
Location: New York

SUBMIT ELECTRONICALLY BY 5PM FRI. 9/5

NOTE: ALSO INCLUDE PERFORMANCE VIDEOS OR ACTOR SLATES IF AVAILABLE. DO NOT SEND DEMO TAPES.

SEEKING:

[ LEAD MALE TYPES ]
(African American) Late 20’s to Early 30’s. RATE: $2000.00 (Neg.)

[ BEYONCE’S COP PARTNER ]
(Male, Latino or Asian or Mixed Race) Late 20’s Early 30’s. RATE: $750.00

[ FEMALE OFFICE ASST ]
(African American or Asian woman) Early to Mid 20’s. RATE: $750.00

[ FEMALE COP ]
(Latino, Asian, or Mixed race) Late 20’s Early 30’s. RATE: $500.00

This is shaping up to be very interesting. The song’s title as well as the video casting really has my mind buzzing with what Ms. Knowles could be cooking up. Considering the video is to be shot so soon, we should be hearing something soon. Exciting stuff…

Your thoughts?

In a showing that will unlikely help put an end to the rumours (click here to read more), Diddy and Danity Kane’s Dawn recently performed at the E-Talk Festival party. The pair gave an interesting rendition of ‘Last Night’ at the event, which was celebrating the Toronto International Film Festival 2008. Peep the performance below:

Dawn did her thing; it was cool seeing another take on Keyshia (Cole)’s part. That aside, this only adds fuel to the fire about Dawn (supposedly) receiving preferential treatment over the other ladies. Interesting…

What do you think of the performance?

The video for UK trio the Sugababes new single ‘Girls’ made its debut today. Check it out below:

Though the song has admittedly grown on me more recently, I can’t say the video ‘wowed’ in any way, shape or form. That said, it still manages to serve its purpose, which I guess must count for something…

What do you think of the video?

R&B star Brandy stopped by BET’s 106 & Park yesterday to promote her brand single ‘Right Here (Departed)’, as well as forthcoming LP ‘Human’ (due November 11th). Check out the interview below:

It’s so refreshing to see an artist so genuinely psyched to be back doing what they love. There is an immense buzz surrounding Brandy and her ‘comeback’, so things are looking real good for the 29 year old.

Randomess: The acappella of ‘Right Here (Departed)’ sounded fantastic.

Your thoughts?

That Grape Juice 2008 MTV VMA CoverageAs with last year’s show, That Grape Juice will be providing live on-the-minute coverage of the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards which take place tomorrow (September 7th) live from Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California. News, arrivals and of course performances, ThatGrapeJuice.net will be the spot for them all. As with our BET Awards feature back in June, our coverage will consist of three main post areas:

* Arrivals: Thorough red-carpet coverage.

* Performances:
All the show’s performances minutes (it’s hoped lol) after they’ve aired. Visitors around the time of last year’s show will know what I mean 🙂

* Your Shout: Here you’ll be able to express your thoughts on the show as it’s taking place. Anything and everything goes; randomness, observations, views etc.
So for ‘net’s most thorough live coverage of one of music’s biggest dates on the calender, do be sure to keep it locked on ThatGrapeJuice.net!

Your thoughts / suggestions?
The star-studded female ensemble behind ‘Just Stand Up’ performed the song literally minutes ago on a Stand Up To Cancer special, which is airing on a variety of US channels as I type. Peep the much anticipated performance below:

Awesome performance! Though not flawless (I’ll leave the nitpicking to you guys lol), it was still amazing to see all on stage together.

What do you think of the performance?
MSN Music have posted this video of Britney Spears today, with them strongly hinting the Pop star is rehearsing for this Sunday’s VMA’s in the clip. The song playing is said to be from Spears’ forthcoming studio album. Check it out:

Granted the song sounds…well…rubbish, it’s good to see Britney doing what she does best again – performing. More power to her. Sunday should be real interesting?

Any thoughts?

'Just Stand Up' Artists Group Photo The all-star voices behind the Stand Up To Cancer campaign song ‘Just Stand Up’ performed the track at New York’s Radio City Music Hall earlier today. Peep these pics of the ladies after rehearsal.

Left to Right:
Keyshia Cole, Leona Lewis, Fergie, Ciara, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Carrie Underwood, Miley Cyrus, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, and Nicole Scherzinger (erm I didn’t know she sang on the track?!).

'Just Stand Up' Artists Group Photo

The ladies and driving force behind the project L.A. Reid and ‘Just Stand Up’s producer Babyface.

What do you think of the pics?
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