The day True Blood fiends have been dreading is now- believe it or not- only hours away.

Yes, after a well received run on a critical and ratings tip, the show’s fifth season is now drawing to a close.  Now check out the extended trailer for its final episode , courtesy of HBO below…

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While Oprah‘s OWN network hasn’t exactly seen the best of ratings in its short history, the Talk Queen has found the jackpot in pop singers.

With ‘Poker Face’ performer Lady Gaga and alleged “singer” Rihanna giving the channel its highest ratings yet, Winfrey looks to continue that winning streak with ‘Spotlight’ songstress Jennifer Hudson.

Set to air Sunday, September 9 at 9 p.m. ET/PT, the sit-down session is sure to cover a number of topics, including Hudson’s tragic family loss, upcoming nuptials, and relationship to legendary singer Whitney Houston.

Your thoughts?

Following interviews with Lady GaGa, 50 cent and The Kardashian clan, Oprah‘s ‘Next Chapter has enjoyed quite the popularity boost in recent weeks- heralded for its surprisingly open conversations as showcased with Rihanna‘s stint on Sunday night.

Now, perhaps with news of a fifth album and a brand new movie generating steam, talk of a potential Beyonce appearance on the show has heated up in the last few days.

So, taking the success of Rihanna‘s outing into consideration….

Would you welcome a Beyonce appearance on the ‘Next Chapter’?

It was the comeback many had been awaiting. Indeed, it’s been three years since Mariah Carey last released a traditional studio album – and seven since she released one anyone actually cared about.

Hence, the so-so reaction new single ‘Triumphant’ has received both critically and commercially is sure to come as somewhat of blow to the diva’s comeback campaign. A campaign which appears to be re-jigging strategy in light of the song’s performance (or lackthereof)

As reported yesterday, the 42 year old’s manager Randy Jackson confirmed that the cut’s housing album is slated for a March 2013 release – essentially auto-rendering ‘Triumphant’ a “buzz single”. A status we have a hard time believing was the “plan” from the outset. For, even the most well-prepared and well-executed projects would never leave a seven-month gap between the first “taste” of the LP and its arrival in stores. Never.

Thoroughly puzzling, it’s a “strategy” which begs the rhetorical question: why release ‘Triumphant’ now? Indeed, there isn’t an answer that could truly satisfy.

Still much loved, Mariah commands a loyal “Lamb” community; yet beyond that ultra dedicated bracket, there isn’t overwhelming “demand” for her in the music marketplace. At least not to the feverish degree that “demands” such a rush-release. What’s more, having signed up to judge ratings juggernaut American Idol, a vast weekly audience awaits Ms. Carey-Cannon when the show kicks off in January. Surely, holding off until then would have benefitted her cause more – ala rival Jennifer Lopez? Instead, she’s left with a first-hurdle misstep which sees the song moving at snail-pace at radio, sitting at #95 on US iTunes, and notable by its absence in the Top 200 of the UK tally.

There is, of course, room for the track to rebound; the debut of its music video is imminent, while its better-received remixes are due on iTunes next week. The latter being particularly noteworthy. In a recent interview with Billboard, Jackson touted the Dancier incarnations of the cut as being “for the fans”. Perhaps they are. Yet, we’re sure he and the rest of Team Mariah, are well-versed in the grey area that surrounds Billboard’s rules regarding the Hot 100. Indeed, unless structurally so different that it constitutes a “new song”, sales of remixes routinely count towards the title track’s overall chart placing. A practice which gives Mimi three lifelines to play with – if counting the original, Vintage Throwback, and Pulse versions of the song.

For us, though, we simply hoped she’d release the right song, more importantly at the right time. Still, what’s done is done. Fingers crossed for a revival of interest in the project, though; as -“new voice” and all- Mariah remains one of the industry’s most enduring and authentic assets. It’s time she stopped selling herself short.

Your thoughts?

With the arrival of the Drake/Noah Shebib Aaliyah cut ‘Enough Said’ came reports that the Rapper was to executive produce the late singer’s new LP, upon request of her record label Blackground Records.

However, in what marks another twist in the increasingly uncomfortable story, the label has denied giving Drake permission to oversee the project in an interview with the folk over at Billboard Biz.

Their comments below…

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When recent years have seen your career become a shadow of what it used to be, there is a tendency by some artists to lash out at their younger and commercially potent rivals.

Unfortunately, like many a Hip Hop icon of yesteryear, 37 year old Xzibit has found himself in that very situation this week, mocking chart topping vocalist Frank Ocean over his recent sexuality-baring letter.

Find out what happened below…

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As previously reported, reality talent show juggernaut ‘American Idol’ recently bid adieu to two of its judges – Steven Tyler & Jennifer Lopez.  Now, reports circulate that the ‘Ain’t It Funny’ songstress’s exit from ‘Idol’ was everything but a laughing matter, as her demands for an increase in pay led to an unceremonious ousting.

Amidst falling ratings and steeper competition (see:  ‘The Voice’, ‘X Factor USA’), the FOX fan favorite is looking to employ a star who probably fits a bit more comfortably into their budget.  And, given some of the names allegedly in talks to take up Lopez’s vacant chair on the judging panel, possibly for once someone who can actually sing may be put in place.

Mary J. Blige, Aretha Franklin, Mariah Carey, and Celine Dion are just a few names at the front of the race.  Additionally, given the boost afforded to Lopez’s career during her stint on the show, it’s safe to say the aforementioned would appreciate the same.  Or, given Britney Spears (X Factor) and Christina Aguilera‘s (The Voice) inclusions on ‘Idol’s’ fiercest competitors, should FOX executives look for someone younger and more current?

You tell us:  Who (among these and more) should replace Steven Tyler & Jennifer Lopez on ‘American Idol’?

It seems there’s no love lost between media mogul Simon Cowell and the producers of NBC‘s hit show ‘The Voice’.

Possibly Cowell’s only competition by way of ratings and popularity, ‘The Voice‘ has in many ways become the thorn in Cowell’s thigh- especially now they are set to go head to head later on in the year when both shows debut new seasons.

Now, Simon has slammed the burgeoning show, labeling them ‘copycats’.

His alleged remarks below…

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She may have impressed with fans with VH1’s ‘Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business’ last year, but ‘Moesha’ star Brandy Norwood has sworn off doing another Reality TV Show.

Speaking to Sister2Sister magazine she explained:

I don’t want to do reality shows.

I watch reality shows here and there, but I don’t think I work well on reality shows. I think I’m too boring for reality. It’s much more fun playing somebody else.

I don’t even argue like some of these women on TV.

I just watched ‘Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta,’ and I was like, ‘whoa.’ It’s not that you have to compete [with other shows], but if you look at things from a business standpoint, you want to get the kind of ratings that the ‘Basketball Wives’ are getting.

She went onto joke:

Why aren’t we getting those ratings? Your life is just too boring,” she joked. “People want to see drama. They want to see that. So, reality is not for me.

However, while she’s steering clear of Reality TV, Norwood has a number of projects lined up for the small and big screen.

Next year marks the release of ‘The Marriage Counselor‘, in which she stars in with Kim Kardashian and Vanessa Williams.

This, months after she reprises the role of Elisa on Lifetime’s ‘Drop Dead Diva’, and her seemingly permanent spot on ‘The Game‘.

Source.

Your thoughts?

Steve Jobs had Apple, Richard Branson has Virgin and The Kardashians… well- they have themselves.

Fronting their own E! fueled brand of wealth and opportunity, The Kardashians are easily one of the world’s bankable businesses, the brainchild of the subtle Svengali Kris Jenner.

Now, in a bid to boost ratings for her growing OWN, Oprah Winfrey has called on the family for an exclusive tell all interview set to air June 17th.

Get into the preview above…

Your thoughts?

In 1993, Oprah Winfrey sat down with Michael Jackson for what might be his most memorable interview to date.

Now, 19 years later, she is readying the release of a tell all interview with his daughter Paris for the OWN network and in aid of the budding star’s burgeoning career.

However, despite marking an exciting time for all involved, today saw the arrival of an open letter which threatens to the motives behind the interview into disrepute. A letter, penned by the ‘Fans United For Michael Jackson‘s Legacy”.

Read below:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXtgVrSNQaQ&w=615&h=360]

Weigh in below…

Continuing her bizarre fascination with the Jackson family, Oprah Winfrey has landed a sit-down interview with the King of Pop’s daughter Paris Jackson. The 14 year old reportedly opens up about coping with the loss of her dad and her career ambitions.

Set to air this Sunday, there’s a certain irony that it’ll feature on Oprah’s Next Chapter. For, it seems the former talk show host can’t move on from the one she’s been stuck on for 3 years – Michael Jackson. A man she wasn’t the most endorsing of in life. Yet, in death, is adamant on hyper-embracing everyone around him – some three years after his passing.

Needless to say, it’s doubtful this is anything more than a cheap stunt to spike ratings for Winfrey’s struggling TV channel, OWN. A channel she admits hasn’t had to the best start.

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Granted we’re admitted hypocrites (in that, much like everyone else, we will be watching this), this further highlights a side to Ms. Winfrey that isn’t as warm. Why not leave the girl to enjoy her childhood – regardless of whether or not it was Oprah or Team Jackson who pitched the feature? Surely, O’s “enlightened” state would know that to be the best cause of action for girl who ultimately needs to develop out of the spotlight before stepping into it – given her lineage. Sigh…