If the last year in music has proved anything, it is that whatever  industry politics, changes in the chart system and unforeseen controversies throw at an artist, nothing can hinder the success of that performer if they are backed by a loyal and willing support base.

This week saw Pop icon Britney Spears learn that lesson all too well.

For, despite the lack luster sales generated by her latest ‘Femme Fatale‘ outing, its supporting tour has raked in a whopping 69 million dollars, beating the likes of Lady GaGa and Katy Perry on this year’s list of highest grossing Pop tours.

Full story below…

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X Factor USA has played host to immeasurable talents, but after weeks of tearful departures and close calls, the show has finally found its superstar – Melanie Amaro.  Accompanying the coveted title of X Factor USA’s ‘first champion’ is a fat $5 million dollar check – a huge incentive for the thousands of hopefuls who auditioned for the show earlier this summer.  Besting fan favorites Chris Rene and Josh Krajcik, the Floridian songbird’s cause was certainly assisted by her rousing renditions of Beyonce‘s “Listen” and R. Kelly‘s ‘I Believe I Can Fly’ (assisted by Kelly himself live) on last night’s finale.

While the world awaits her first official offerings, one thing’s for certain – the girl’s got chops.  And, with media moguls Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid in her corner, Amaro looks to be winning in more ways than one!

Congratulations are in order!

Your thoughts?

‘True vocalist’ Rihanna shines brightest when her true talents are on display – silence and stripping.  Case in point?  The new first campaign captures for ‘Rebelle’, her latest fragrance and follow-up to her first fragrance Reb ‘l Fleur.  Big shoes to fill given the latter led Macy’s fragrance sales at the time of its release and pulled in a whopping $80 million dollars in a year.

But, while the fragrance does not officially hit shelves until December, the ‘Umbrella’ singer is undoubtedly hoping for similar successes with her forthcoming ‘Talk That Talk’ (November 21st).  To aid her aural assault, the Navy commander has partnered with electronics giant Best Buy.

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Whitney Houston is back and ready to ‘Sparkle’!

The legendary songstress is making a return to the big screen in the 00’s remake of the 70’s classic, which she is co-producing.

And though still filming, the ‘Million Dollar Bill’ singer is already on the promotional trail – sitting down recently with Entertainment Tonight.

Check out a preview of the interview, which airs in its entirety this coming Monday (7th November), below…

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The legendary Whitney Houston looked a picture of beauty as she posed it up on the set of her new movie ‘Sparkle’, with actor Mike Epps.

Starring Jordin Sparks, the remake of the 1976 movie (loosely based on the story of The Supremes) is also being executively-produced by the ‘Million Dollar Bill’ singer.

With filming commencing in Detroit this week, it appears the diva jumped straight in with the singing scenes. What did those on set say about her much-debated vocals?

Find out for yourself after the jump…

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Taking a break from retooling her ‘Glassheart’ LP, Leona Lewis graced the stage of Germany’s X Factor, treating the Deutsche audience to a hair-raising showing of 2008 smash ‘Run’.

Watch Ms. Lewis soar and then some after the jump…

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The X Factor USA kicked off in spectacular fashion this week. And between the hype and marketing dollars spent on it, all eyes were on the British import to see if it resonated with the Stateside audience.

How did Simon, Paula and co do? More over, what about the contestants? That Grape Juice’s resident host Patrick gives the lowdown on Fox‘s prime-time extravaganza.

Your thoughts?

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New hair colour? Check. Beyonce on break? Check. 100 singles from current LP? Check.

It could only mean one thing: a new Rihanna campaign on the horizon!

And after confirming that she’s microwaving a new batch of fast-food hits (to serve up before the year’s end), it seems the model is gearing up to give fans a taste much sooner than expected.

Full story below…

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Two of TGJ’s favorite ‘singers’ have joined rising rap star J. Cole for fun in the sun on the set of ‘Can’t Get Enough’ –  latest visual from his debut album ‘Cole World:  The Sideline Story’.  Enlisting permanently pouted lip pop star Trey Songz, the video was shot in Barbados where hometown hitmaker Rihanna was also spotted making a cameo (but thankfully did not lend her noise voice to the track).

J. Cole aptly is quoted as saying:

“It’s like ‘Big Pimpin” minus the million-dollar budget”.

We’ll let you be the judge. We’ve already shown you the sneak peek, now check out the Clifton Bell-directed ‘Can’t Get Enough’ after the jump:

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“Pretty Girl Rock’ starlet Keri Hilson may be rocking stages in a town near you, but that didn’t stop the singer from taking time to chat with AOL’s ‘The Boombox’ recently.  The Decatur darling dished on everything from her current tour with Lil’ Wayne (‘I Am Music Tour’) and prepping the follow-up to her acclaimed sophomore project ‘No Boys Allowed‘ to fighting through vocal damage in promotion of that record.

Aside from taking to the stage to perform her latest ‘Lose Control’, Hilson also hinted at hopes for silver screen  appearances.  More on Miss Keri Baby after the jump:

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With the release date of his debut album drawing closer and closer, it would seem that Roc Nation Prince J.Cole is pulling out all the stops to ensure he enjoys the chart successes of Lil Wayne and Jay Z before him.

For he has enlisted the help of ‘Bottom’ performer Trey Songz for the single ‘Can’t Get Enough‘ whose video Cole describes as ‘Big Pimpin‘ without the million dollar budget’.

Peep the sneak peek below…

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The excitement for the US version of X Factor is reaching a feverish pitch as the premiere date draws nearer.  With an all-star panel lining the judges’ table, Nicole Scherzinger, L.A. Reid, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell are gearing up for a whirlwind season to find America’s best undiscovered talent – and reward him/her $5 million dollars!

Set for a two-night, Wednesday, September 21st premiere on FOX, fans who missed the original airing of the 8 minute sneak peek can now catch it after the jump:

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