The late, great Whitney Houston beams in this newly surfaced shot from the the set ‘Sparkle’ – her final movie.

Filmed last November, the Jordin Sparks led theatrical is set to hit the big screen this August and is already being tipped as one of the year’s most anticipated releases – following the sudden death of Houston aged 48 on February 11th.

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For yours truly, the pic bittersweet in that it’s both sad and uplifting to see Whitney in such fine form in her final days. Still surreal to think she’s no longer “here”.

What is here to reminisce and dote over, though, is her unmatched array of classics; which, like her legacy, will live on.

Tidbit: The trailer for ‘Sparkle’ premieres tomorrow!

Your thoughts?

 

While doing the promotional rounds for her small role in ‘Battleship’, Rihanna took time out to talk about Beyonce and Jay-Z‘s daughter Blue Ivy.

Having recently been introduced to the Billboard record-breaker, the 24 year old couldn’t hide her excitement at meeting her chart-rival’s offspring.

See what she had to say after the jump…

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Without a doubt, Katy Perry‘s video for ‘Part Of Me’ is one 2012’s more ‘thought out’ visuals.

Heralded for its intense theme and the star’s riveting performance in it, the clip has found itself at the centre of controversy this week.

Because, despite being welcomed by her fans, it has been criticized by the feminist Naomi Wolf.

Find out why below…

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Switch that messy Kardashian nonsense off! The Braxton sisters are back and in a big way.

After warming our hearts with their debut season, Toni, Trina, Towanda, Traci, and, of course, Tamar, return to the small screen with season 2 of their hit WeTV reality series ‘Braxton Family Values’.

With 19 episodes behind them, the sisters sit down and reflect on the love and laughs that was Season 2.  Get into Wendy Williams-hosted hilarity ifter the jump…

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Following their brief ‘get together’ back in 2009, Drake and Rihanna are forever being linked, if not by music then  by reports of the romantic persuasion.

Now, ahead of the release of their ‘Take Care‘ duet, the ‘Over’ MC has revealed his hopes to work on the model’s next album.

Details below…

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With Mary Mary‘s new We tv reality series (aptly titled…’Mary Mary‘) premiering tomorrow, the praise raising duo stopped by The Wendy William Show to promote.

Ever candid, Williams quizzed the sisters on what they can expect from the show, as well as the ups and downs of their relationship. An interesting watch. Check it out below…

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Following a three year crawl back to the top, Chris Brown is seeing the title of latest LP, ‘Fortune’, ring true months ahead of its release.

Indeed, the set’s preceding singles ‘Strip’ and ‘Turn Up The Music’ have soared on charts Stateside, with the latter now on course to achieve a career first for the 22 year old in the UK.

Full story after the jump…

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Dawn Richard is striking out solo.

A former staple of Diddy groups, Danity Kane and Dirty Money, the talented songbird today releases her debut EP ‘Amour On’.

And in continuing her promo push for the project, the former reality star strikes a fierce pose for the latest issue of Heed magazine.

Having listened to the set over at AOL, it’s fair to say the material is equally as great. Kudos to Dawn. Now she’s out the clutches of the career gobbler, here’s hoping she finds a label that “gets” and pushes her. She’s too gifted to fall into Pop oblivion.

Your thoughts? 

 

Risque Miami rapper Trina plans to take the Nicki Minaj-route with her next album by ditching Hip-Hop and going straight Pop!

In an effort to crossover, the ‘Always’ MC plans to tone down her bootylicious image and embrace the current dance/pop trend thats taking over music.

Making an appearance on ‘Style By June’ Trina says of her new revamp, “I completely want to transform my everything. I just want a new look from the inside out. I’m doing a new album; the sound is different. The sound is more poppy, it’s crossover. Hip-Hop is where it started, and I love Hip Hop, but I’m totally at a different phase. I’m surpass the raunchiness. I was very raw and provocative.”

Peep clips below…

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The last few years have seen Lil Kim hit headlines for everything but her music.

However, in a new insightful interview with MTV Sucker Free, the Queen Bee has revealed that there’s a method to her madness.

Opening up for the first time on the topic, the femcee revealed that a succession of lawsuits and label drama have kept her from officially releasing new music, and at one point left her indebted to a former label.

Full story below…

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Soul-filled songstress Syleena Johnson took over London’s famed Jazz Cafe last night for a sold-out show. Boasting many a highlight, the most memorable moment for most was the ‘Hypnotic’ singer’s soaring tribute to Whitney Houston.

Watching her haunting performance of ‘I Will Always Love You’ below…

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After collaborating with her during her time on the X Factor, many believed Will. I.Am was to sign Cher Lloyd, in a bid to launch her career Stateside.

However, as we now know, it was Simon Cowell who was to take Lloyd under his wing, releasing her debut album ‘Sticks & Stones‘ in the UK last year, and introducing her to Epic exec LA Reid who signed her to his label shortly after.

Now, Will has criticized Simon’s handling of Cher, belittling her efforts in music.

Details below…

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