Pop superstar Janet Jackson gave her first performance since falling ill back in March yesterday at the United America Concert at Del Mar Beach. Ne-Yo, Snoop Dogg, Jordin Sparks and others, also performed at the show which was held in support of the US troops. NBC will air the full show on June 1st. In the meanwhile, check out Janet’s performance of LUV from her set below:

A better view:

Not the best video quality, but still a good indicator as to what to expect from her upcoming live performances. She was nailing that choreography. This needs to be a single at some point.

What do you think of the performance?

Usher - 'Trading Places' As the release of Usher’s much anticipated LP ‘Here I Stand’ draws ever-nearer, new material seems to be ‘surfacing left, right and center – one the more recent being ‘Trading Places’. After being, somewhat, underwhelmed with the cuts that I’ve heard thus far (aside from ‘Love In The Club – Pt. II), I’m really liking this. Though lyrically the song is kinda lacking (it’s an engaging concept though), Usher’s flow and the production (which ironically sounds a lit like Chris Brown’s ‘You’) make for a really great track. ‘Here I Stand’ hits stores May 27th.

Hit or Miss?

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R&B star Mary J. Blige performed a string of her hits on the Today Show yesterday to promote her ‘Growing Pains album. See the performance of current single ‘Stay Down’ above as well as ‘Just Fine’ and ‘Real Love’. Great performances.

Just Fine


Real Love


What do you think of the performances?

Nelly - 'Stepped On My J's' (ft. JD & Ciara) With the release of Nelly’s ‘Brass Knuckles’ fast approaching, a new cut from the set has surfaced. ‘Stepped On My J’s’, which features Jermaine Dupri and R&B star Ciara, sees the St. Louis native re-embrace the gritty, yet radio friendly sound that made his debut so great. I must say, I’m really liking this one. ‘Brass Knuckles’ hits stores June 24th.

 

Hit or Miss?

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Why LaToya, Why? LaToya Jackson was snapped at the Arcandor Medientriff in Germany recently. Needless to say, the 51 year old looked like a trainwreck. I will never understand why beautiful people insist on messing with their God-given looks. SMH…
Why LaToya, Why? Why LaToya, Why? Why LaToya, Why?

What do you think of the pics?
Mariah & Nick Cannon Make First AppearanceNewlyweds Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon (cannot believe I just typed that), made their first public appearance as a married couple in New York yesterday at in the Waverly Inn. Wonders never cease…

Your thoughts?
Tiffany Evans' Debut Sells 4,700 Copies Lack of promotion? A changing industry? Bad material? All of those questions sprung to mind upon being informed that Tiffany Evans shifted an embarrassing 4, 700 copies of her debut album last week. The 15 year old’s first week showing landed her at #134 on the Billboard 200.

Though I admittedly have yet to hear the record, it’s still a shame to see such a talent – one, I consider to be a potential big star of tomorrow – fare so badly. This really goes to show that the industry is on unstable ground at the moment. That Grape Juice wants to know your take on this all and what you think it signifies in its wider context…

Any thoughts?
Rihanna & Chris Brown Kissing At KFCR&B stars Rihanna and Chris Brown were snapped smooching at a KFC in Miami yesterday. The not-so-surprising, yet surprising public display of affection comes on the heels the pair both denying they are an item. I guess, the hush-hush of it all was to keep Chris’ largely young female audience appeased. No so luck after this.
Rihanna & Chris Brown Kissing At KFC Rihanna & Chris Brown Kissing At KFC

Your thoughts?
Still in Europe promoting her ‘Ms. Kelly’ project, Kelly Rowland checked in with fans today in a new video blog. Among other things, the 27 year old confirmed that she will continue recording her new record in London upon her return here. Check it out:

I’m definitely ready to see what the next chapter holds for Kelly’s solo career. Here’s hoping her new album rights the wrongs of the ‘Ms. Kelly’ on numerous fronts. Granted it’s best for her to take her time with the record, her recent success and the example of Rihanna an album a year, seemingly so), shows that it’s worthwhile striking while the iron is hot.

Your thoughts?

Competition: Alicia Keys Tour Give-Away! As earlier reported, That Grape Juice has teamed up with AEG Live, one of the world’s leading providers of live entertainment, to give you the chance to win tickets to see Alicia Keys live in concert! The Grammy Award winning superstar is currently touring the US in support of her multi-Platinum album ‘As I Am’. With special guests Ne-Yo and Jordin Sparks, the tour is unmissable!
Over the last two weeks, That Grape Juice has given away a pair of tickets to select dates of the tour in May. This weeks (the final week – 3) cities/dates are:

* Tampa, Florida: Times Union Center – May 24th 2008
* Atlanta, Georgia: Philips Arena – May 28th 2008

* Greensboro, North Carolina: Greensboro Coliseum – May 30th 2008

To be in with a chance of winning this week’s instalment, answer the following question correctly:

What was the first film Alicia starred in?

a) Men In Black II

b) The Nanny Diaries

c) Smoking Aces

Email your answer as well as your full name, age, and address (as well as State – *very important*) to competitions@thatgrapejuice.net. Please be sure to put ‘Alicia Comp – Week 3 + your desired date’ as the subject. Winners will be selected randomly from all correct answers. Competition ends Wednesday 14th May. Good luck!

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You can also purchase tickets to Alicia’s tour by clicking here

Donnie - 'Dr. Love' Viewer’s of the most recent season MTV’s ‘Making The Band 4’ will have seen that, unlike Danity Kane and Day26, Donnie did not have his album completed by the show’s finale. However, with his LP now set for a summer release, new material from the set has surfaced – namely the full version of ‘Dr. Love’, a snippet of which was posted a few months back.
As much ‘hit’ potential as the track, which was produced by Seven, may have, I’m still yet to be sold on Donnie. I get a distinct ‘I’m singing what has been dropped in front of me, without giving my own personal stamp’ vibe from his material. Very contrived sounding. Still, I’ll reserve my judgement until I hear more from the record.

Hit or Miss?

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Following a largely successful stint on Dancing With The Stars, Mario left the competition in a shock elimination last night, despite achieving scoring 53 out of 60 for his performance of the Viennese Waltz and Jive earlier in the week:

Though I hoped he would go all the way and win the competition, his elimination is far from a bad thing IMO. Despite my initial doubts, the show definitely has given him more exposure than he’s had in a long while – let’s be honest, he needs it. Here’s hoping this has given him a platform enough to reignite his promising music career.

Any thoughts?

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