[Watch] Lady Gaga delivers Slightly Sloppy Performance of "Venus" And "Do What U Want" @ X-Factor UK

Lady Gaga brought the ArtPop promotional trail to X-Factor (UK) today. Looking a little worse for wear, the Diva opened the medley with her first ever solo-produced track, Venus. The virtually a capella opening was indicative of the great standard of vocal that was to follow from the Diva- being well supported and well placed pretty much throughout. However, along with her appearance, the performance was, as a whole, kinda sloppy. I'm actually a little surprised to see a performer as accomplished as Gaga serving up something as unbaked as this.

It's actually disconcerting to see the Diva, who has just started the promotion for her third album, already looking exhausted. Hopefully it's not a sign of things to come, as the campaign is only going to intensify. But I'll get off her back because I'm not a physician and for all I know, it could have been some other reason-like her late night yesterday at G-A-Y- that was the cause of the rough edges around today's performance.

[Listen] Mariah Carey Piques Interest With "Art Of Letting Go" Teaser

11.11.13 is the date for the Facebook release (say what?) of Mariah Carey's new single, The Art Of Letting Go. I didn't see this teaser on the date it was released as it was a certain special day for myself, but I thankfully happened to stumble upon it by chance today, three days later.

I am genuinely sooo exited about the song after watching the video. The Diva speaking about the project previously had failed to get my juices going, and even listening to her repeating old clichés during the clip itself didn't excite.

The music playing in the background, however, spoke more loudly than anything Mariah could say: live orchestra, beautiful whistle notes and Larry Gold! All excellent signs that this project will see an evolution and maturing of the Rnb-pop sound Carey has been pushing for well over a decade.

Take a listen to the teaser, below!

[Discuss] Lady Gaga Releases "Venus" Audio While Continuing to Mess-Up ArtPop Campaign

What is going on with Lady Gaga's promotional campaign this era? Artpop got off to an unplanned start when its lead single Applause leaked early, causing the campaign to start ahead of schedule. But that doesn't really excuse, or explain, what's been going on since then.

Venus was billed as the follow-up to Applause, and it seemed like control could finally be taken of the bolting horse. That was until preview/buzz track Do What U Want was (stupidly) released- spending all of ten seconds at number one on an Itune chart somewhere- prompting Gaga's team to give it second single status instead of the planned Venus.

Now that's fair enough. The reaction to the R. Kelly duet was good, so I can understand why they'd want to capitalise on a potential hit record. But with it getting the single treatment, why did team Gaga decide to confuse things by now releasing Venus -which is single number three- in its entirety. Surely it would have made sense to keep the public's focus squarely on Do What U Want, and not cannibalise and distract from it with a future single.

With the messy route being taken, the whole project is in danger of loosing the goodwill and anticipation that the months Gaga went AWOL built. I seriously don't understand how such a valuable commodity- to the record label- can be so dreadfully mismanaged, especially at such an important juncture in her career.

As for Venus, I like it. But it won't be replacing Kylie Minogue's Aphrodite as my favourite pop ode to a Goddess of love. Take a listen to it below, and let me know your thoughts on it and the ArtPop era in general.

[Watch] Janelle Monáe Performs "Electric Lady" @ SNL

Janelle Monáe is one talented firecracker of a Diva. Enjoying (much deserved) critical acclaim with album number three, The Electric Lady, the singer took to Saturday Night Live to give the audience a taster of the LP's title track, where she not only impressed with her elastic pipes, but also her skills as a rapper. (Seriously, I would buy an album of her just spitting bars.)

The monochromatic wonder also performed Dance Apocalyptic, where she apparently knocked over her microphone (but recovered like a boss). However I can't find that clip on video sites, and NBC player won't let me watch it from my country! DARN YOU!  I'm sure it'll pop up at some point. I'll amend the post when that happens!

Enjoy!

[Watch] Britney Spears Whips Alan Carr's Minions into shape

Do you ever feel like those around you aren't giving all that they could when in your glorious presence? That your family, co-workers, and/or friends just aren't pulling their weight when necessary? I used to be like you, but then turned to the Britney Spears "Work B!tch" program to whip those layabouts into shape!! Now no longer do I have to put up with anything less than 100% from those I surround myself with! Just watch Britney demonstrate her incentivising skills on television personality Alan Carr's slacking lackeys!!

Silliness aside, this little skit from his interview with Britney  had me giggling like an immature chimp- mainly because of her ending each crack with "Work B!tch". The reason why she was putting her whip to use wasn't out of sheer randomness though, but to demonstrate the "skill" she learnt while filming her latest promo.

Check out that clip and the whole interview, where Brit didn't seem half as awkward as usual, below. Hooray for almost there, but not quite, Britney!

[Watch] Katy Perry Performs "Roar" @ X-Factor (UK) And Continues To Bore

I can't seem to click with Katy Perry and her live performances. Sure, I like a lot of her singles- present one not included- but her live showings always leave me feeling cold and disinterested. Never more so was this the case than watching her showing at the X-Factor (UK), where she performed aforementioned single Roar.

I mean, she was dressed up as a tiger (and you guys know how much I love cats) and even that didn't hold my interest. (Poor) joke aside, the performance itself was okay- though the vocal was shaky-but the real problem I had, and usually have, was the absence of any stage presence from Katy herself.

She seems like a lovely lady, and makes catchy music, but it just never seems to translate when she puts her product on show. Maybe you guys can link me some videos in the comments that might allow me to see the light of Perry.

Whatever the case, I'm sure I'll be picking up a copy of Prism- which is getting strong reviews-at some point! Hopefully it'll be darker in sound, like she promised pre-release, and less like the lead single lifted from it.

[New Music] Lady Gaga Feat R.Kelly- "Do What U Want"

Lady Gaga/Artpop time. A second song-Do What U Want- has been officially released from the November-due album ,and features Rnb heavyweight R.Kelly on guest vocals.

The song, despite R.Kelly, doesn't really sound particularly geared towards the urban market. Instead, Gaga has brought the Trapped in The Closet singer into her world by keeping the production a warm electro-pop one. It works well, as the two effortlessly and harmoniously groove over the pulsating synths despite their differing deliveries. Overall, it's a change of pace for Gaga, which is refreshing to hear after successive, high-energy singles.

[Watch] Christina Aguilera Sings Beyonce's "Listen" OnThe Voice US

It's an incy wincy clip, but I thought it was worth posting as it shows Christina Aguilera's voice in a different light- at least to me!

Giving her team on The Voice US some coaching on their delivery of Listen, the Lady Marmalade singer went into a head voice-weighted chest mix on the line "you don't know what I'm feeling". The tone produced was a surprise to me, being light-weight, sweet and like nothing I've heard from the Diva before. Her mid-range on the following demo was also music to my ears, showing how beautiful Christina's voice can be when it's not smashing you around the head with volume and faux-power.

Is this a versatility that has come with the vocal traning she was reportedly undergoing months back, or is this just the Diva using her voice in a way that she hasn't yet utalised in her recordings? Either way, I'd certainly like to hear more of this variety in texture and tone!

[Watch] Ariana Grande Performs "The Way And "Right Here" @ "Kimmel Live"

It's been a while since we had some Ariana Grande on the site, so let's change that with her set at Jimmy Kimmel Live. Taking to the stage, the pint-sized singer with the 4-octave range gave us near enough note perfect renditions of Yours Truly's The Way and Right There.

Watching the performances it's becoming more and more undeniable that Ariana's "whistle notes" are in fact extended falsetto. That's no bad thing, as it allows for more connection to the rest of the range, as well as more dependability, than the whistle register does- unless of course you're someone like Minnie Ripperton, who could seamlessly move between head/falsetto and whistle. However, though Ariana can definitely sing in the whistle register [see here], I'm still seeing fans wrongly credit notes like those in the videos below as examples of her skill in the highest register of the human voice.

Still, whistle notes or not, the elasticity and skill of her youthful voice is something to behold! Check out the performances and see if you agree with Katy Perry, who said of Ariana's voice:

"I love her. I think she has the best female vocal in pop music today...She has literally the best voice, the best voice live. She kills it. She's so good."

[Music Video] India Arie Spreads Good Vibes with "Just Do You"

Feeling low? Then let Neo Soul singer India Arie lift your spirits with new single, Just Do You. This song is the second to be taken from her fifth studio album, Songversation and it's packed full of the positive energy that India has become synonymous with [hear Brown Skin, Little Things, Video].

Having been bombarded with so much overt sexuality from our Divas of late, it's nice to be given a chance to catch my breath and be reminded that there are others out there bucking this trend- we just need to look away from the mainstream to find them. Thankfully India is close enough to popular culture that her message stands a good chance of reaching those who really need it.

Enjoy!

[News Spam] Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Cher and Charlotte Church

Mariah Carey has released the title to the follow-up single to smash, #Beautiful. Are you ready for this? Well here it is, the name of her next single will be: The Art Of Letting Go...Yes, the same title as that of her new album. You know, the one she told us the name of back in August! Totally worth the wait...

Also, Mariah dropped a message to her lambs, via Facebook, telling them of the trials and tribulations that she has suffered of late. Her latest set will reflect these struggles, thus creating one of her most "important albums" to date . No shade, but Mariah, you say near enough the same thing everytime you release a new album. Still stoked for it though.

[Free For All Friday]

Free For All Friday time- can you believe it's been three weeks since the last one!  Today I will mostly be looking for a gap in the rain to run out to the shops! Screw it, waiting is for chumps! (Goes to look for an umbrella).

If you don't know the score, here be the rules:

• Try not to get too perverted-this site still needs to basically be "safe for work".
• If somebody starts a controversial subject, try keeping it civil when dealing with it. If things get out of hand please flag the conversation.
• It would be nice if it stuck to music, but it's not a requirement! So talk about news, current events, how you're getting your hair done next time you hit the hairdresser! Whateves, really!
• No nasty comments aimed at other users.

Inappropriate hugs to all y'all and wishing you an awesome weekend!

[Music Video] Lady Gaga, "Aura"

Lady Gaga has a part in the new Robert Rodriguez-directed movie, Machete Kills. With that role also comes a spot on the soundtrack, to which Gaga has selflessly handed over Artpop opener, Aura.

The film looks to be an over-the-top action romp with B-movie leanings, and Gaga's track scores the montage of clips (in the just released lyric video) perfectly. The song itself reminds me of Born This Way's Americano- which I liked- so it's unsurprising I enjoyed Aura from the first listen.

Being that the project looks like a whole heap of overblown zaniness, I wouldn't be holding my breath for any Oscar nods to materialise from Gaga's part as La Chameleón. But who cares, fun times look to be ahead- even if ironically so!

[Album discussion] Lady Gaga Should Totally Have Recorded Miley Cyrus's "Someone Else"

The title pretty much says it all, but I'll elaborate a little. Nesting in the bowels of Miley Cyrus's Bangerz is one of my favourite songs off of the album: Someone Else.

The feisty break-up song, produced by Mike Made It, is ably handled by Cyrus- so I'm not trying to be shady by suggesting Lady Gaga should have sung it. In fact, the track houses one of the best vocals on the album; showing how diverse Miley's voice can be as it constantly morphs and changes as the track progresses. However, I can't help but hear the Gagster when listening to it.

[New Music] TLC, "Meant To Be"

To commemorate the twentieth anniversary of TLC (oh, how the time has flown!), a greatest hits album, TLC 20: 20th Anniversary Hits, will be arriving for our consumption this month. Along with the celebratory album- which contains four new songs- VH1 has also filmed a biopic charting the true story of the group. CrazySexyCool:The TLC Story will be released on October 21, 2013- so note that in your diaries, fans!

So while we wait for these treats to come our way, one of the new songs from the album has been released to tide us over. Take a listen to the (slightly dated, but well meaning) Neyo-penned Meant To Be, below.

[Watch] MKS Cover Lorde's "Royal" During Accoustic Set @ Reload Sessions

While they're busy (I assume) retooling their first album in over ten years, Mutya Keisha Siobhan are continuing to maintain their public profile via various appearances here, there and everywhere- just not anything mainstream, mind. Their latest showing was an acoustic set filmed for the Reload sessions.

The three songs chosen for the stripped-back extravaganza were a cover of Lorde's Royals (which I admit I'm still not "getting", despite it blowing up over in the States), a Sugababes classic, In The Middle, and a new track titled No Regrets. Needless to say, the trio were on point as soloists and when combining their powers, continuing to demonstrate why they are one of the best vocal harmony groups to come out of the UK.

[Watch] Miley Cyrus Smashes "Wrecking Ball" Perforamce @ SNL

We knew she could do it, but she proved it for reals when she took new single Wrecking Ball to the Saturday Night Live studio this weekend. No craziness or outrageous outfits, just Miley and a microphone, singing her heart out.

Wrecking Ball still sounded slightly out of the Diva's live range, but the rasp that came with those pushed notes worked well with the song's melodramatic lyrics. Where the Diva's comfortable belt really lies is within its mid-range, which she demoed during an acoustic rendition of Bangerz lead single We Can't Stop. If she stopped the smoking and the drinking the voice probably be more elastic, but I don't think that's on the cards any time soon!

Check out both performances below! 

[Music Review] Sia – "Elastic Heart"

Whereas I felt something was missing from Christina Aguilera's contribution to the Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack, Sia's effort- Elastic Heart- is pretty much flawless right off the bat.

Sporting an unusual melody built atop a quirky sample, the Diplo-produced track lets Sia's vocal versatility shine through as the Diva plays with texture and tone to create an interesting lead vocal and a layering of gorgeous supporting harmonies.  

[Review] Christina Aguilera "We Remain"

What is Christina Aguilera's next move going to be? Sure, she can keep collecting those massive checks from The Voice USA while sitting grandly (and richly) upon her swivelling throne. But this is a singer who has often proclaimed the importance of using her gift, so she can't be satisfied with this strategy, long-term.

So with this in mind, how can Christina continue with the music, stay relevant and not risk another a flop- like back-to-back bombs Bionic and Lotus? Well she could keep doing what she is now: featuring on other people's tracks- à la successful collabs with Pitbull and Maroon 5- while periodically tossing us original material via soundtracks- as she has just done with her contribution to the The Hunger Games: Catching Fire OST. It's not an idea situation, but it sure feels sweeter to me (see what I did there?- only the die hard fans will get that) than a prolonged Christina Aguilera famine.

Her contribution to the aforementioned soundtrack, We Remain, is actually a beautiful one. It not only benefits from the Diva's capable pipes, but she also had a hand in composing the uplifting lyrics. This may be the reason why the vocal on the Ryan Tedder-produced cut sounds like one of Aguilera's most emotive to date.

[Music Video] Rihanna delivers Just What You Were Expecting With "Pour It Up" Visuals

Released over half a year after the song itself peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Charts, Rihanna finally débuts the visuals for the scuzzy stripper anthem, Pour it up.

I've played this song to death since Unapologetic's 2012 release, and as so, have often imagined how the visuals would be. With lyrics like "Strippers goin' up and down that pole, and I still got my money", "All I see is signs, all I see is dollar signs", it was hardly going to birth a thoughtful and nuanced promo. Needless to say, the video is just as depressingly dirty and seedy as it could have been.

The visuals were obviously done to shock and gain column inches, but I think the real reason for the star finally getting herself together and filming the video- which fans have been calling for since January- was more to do with this moment than anything else [see gifs]. What better way to educate- or shade- Miley Cyrus than by showing her how she would make a ratchet video with some serious twerking featured..

[Music Video] Britney Spears "Work B!tch"

Work B!tch is still doing as much for me as a cold cup of tea, but hey, the video is out, so let's see if that can do anything to improve my feelings towards it- I'm shallow like that sometimes.

The Ben Mor directed visuals are actually heartening to behold. There's less of the fast edits that were done last era to disguise Britney Spears' sloppy choreography, and there is definitely a sparkle back behind the ol' peepers- though that could have been added post production! Overall, it's a good promo for a crumby song and it should convince many- not me- that she's back on form and ready for her two-year stint in Las Vegas.

Finally, I will say this once more and then shut up about it because I feel like a broken record: Will.i.am please stay away from the production on the album. You can help select songs, design the cover with your Crayola felt tips and glitter glue, choreograph the routines, or even turn Mama Knowles and single-handedly design and sew Britney's entire tour wardrobe; just please stay away from the music itself. I'm begging you!!!

[Watch] Katy Perry Performs @ 2013 Itunes Festival

Katy Perry closed the iTunes Festival yesterday, performing a selection of her hit singles for the packed audience at the Roundhouse in Camden. The Diva, who seemed to have adopted a rockier edge, also performed a few cuts from forthcoming album Prism- including latest single Roar.

Vocally, Katy was pretty much on point. Her voice was close to those laid down in studio for much of the set, but I had a personal problem enjoying the wobbly, weak tone in the midrange (which was most notable in first song, Walking On Air). The voice was definitely more impressive when Katy warmed up and left the midrange, with the belts and head notes sounding surprisingly good. Fireworks, however, still sounds a note or two too high for her live range.

I'm no expert on Katy Perry's live voice (is there such a thing?), so I'm not sure if this would be classified as a good showing for the Diva. Perhaps some of Katycats can inform me either way in the comments. I thought it was serviceable enough. After all, Katy isn't known for being a vocalist. I'm just surprised that at this point in her career, the stage presence isn't quite there.

Random thought: What was with the dark and dirty Dark Horse!?  Absolutely Loving that! (Just took a listen to the studio version, for some reason wasn't feeling that...weird).

Enjoy!