Me Oh My, Mariah!

I saw this photo yesterday- curtsey of Mariah Carey's Twitter- and was stunned! And even now, my brain can't seem to form any sort of coherent opinion on it... I'm not quite sure what is going on!  However, I just thought you guys should all see it too, and maybe help me to come to some sort of consensus on what I should be feeling!

However, not wanting to leave you just with a scantily clad Mariah, I thought I'd post the video of her ABC Nightline interview with Barbara Walters, where the Diva talks Nicki Minaj, American Idol, and her adorable family!

[Listen] Sugababes Version 1.0 Debut First New Song,"Boys"

One of this year's most exciting comebacks has to be that of the original members of the Sugababes, Siobhán Donaghy,Mutya Buena and Keisha Buchanan- now going by the catchy name, Mutya Keisha Siobhan.

One of the biggest strengths of version 1.0 was their ability to create fresh and unique harmonies. To show that time hasn't diminished this uncanny ability to sing as a unit, the trio have just released an a capella teaser of unreleased song/possible-first-single, Boys.

[Vocal Profile] Etta James

Etta James

Vocal Type:Contralto
Vocal Range:3 octaves 1 note and a semitone G#2-B5
Whistle Register:No
Vocal Pluses: Fiery, earthy voice that though known for its gritty growl, was in fact a versatile and multifaceted instrument.

With a solid, thick and comfortable low and midrange, it was possible for Etta James to manipulate the tone and timbre in these registers to suit a variety of styles and genres. She could make it soft and soulful [ Misty Blue], fierce and sassy [Something's Got a Hold of Me] or create a timbre that entirely omitted its trademark growl [I Sing The Blues].

The coarse tone, and the grunts and growls were usually associated with the singer's belting range, and they're often what is most remembered about Etta James' voice. These vocal traits were noted for their power, rawness and ability to convey emotion. However, being a versatile singer, it was also possible for Etta to produce a clearer, smoother tone in her belting range by mixing with her head voice [At Last].

Etta James was an emotive, honest and smart singer that could turn her voice to any number of genres. Her voice was dexterous enough to sing melisma, and  had the power to hold notes, but her real strength lay in her ability to interpret the music she was singing: expertly varying her tone, timbre, and delivery accordingly.

Vocal Negatives:Questionable technique used to achieve trademark grunts and growls.

[Watch] Pink Performs "Try" @ Graham Norton

Seriously, who does not like Pink? And, if you don't like her music, is it even humanly possible to deny the talent of this woman? Even when she sings Try without her dance buddy Colt Prattes (I'm guessing many will thank me for that link), and their incredible accompanying routine [this one], she still manages to be just as mesmerising!

Check out Pink's pitch perfect performance of Try live on Graham Norton, below.

Taylor Swift Performs At Time Square New Years Rockin Eve 2013

It's officially 4 days since this New Year's Eve performance happened in New York, but I thought that I'd post it for the Taylor Swift fans lurking about the site! Well that, and to stop from breaking my resolution to post every day (it's currently 23.45!).

[Watch] Jamelia Performs "Stop" On Ukraine X-Factor

 

How did Jamelia end up singing on the Ukrainian version of X-Factor?? The mind boggles... but I am glad to see her getting back to the day job after many moons away from music.

The release of a new demo in 2011 had my hopes rising that the Brummie was readying new material for a relaunch in 2012. But no new music appeared! Instead she turned up acting on the unintentionally hilarious, police mockumentary Crime Stories at the end of last year. Surprisingly, though surrounded by rubbish ex-soap stars professional actors, she managed to put on one of the strongest performances of the series.

However, I don't think we have to worry about Jamelia ditching music for Hollywood just yet, since Wikipedia has an album, Rebel, scheduled for release this year. So perhaps taking to the stage on the Ukraine version of X-Factor was the singers way of getting a little practice before a full on musical onslaught later this year....or it was just about the money!

[Watch] Brandy Performs "Put It Down" And "Wildest Dreams" @ 2013 New Year’s Rockin Eve

Brandy's Two Eleven was a strong album, full of quality Rnb songs that remained true to the singer's own style and artistry. It's just a shame no one seems to be checking for it.