Little Mix Bring "Shout Out To My Ex!" To X-Factor

Little Mix are back with new single, Shout Out To My Ex!. Performing on the X-Factor for the first time, the Divas gave a tantalising taste of what could be awaiting this year's contestant(s) if they win.

Vocally it wasn't 100% polished and some of the harmonies were weak. But strutting, nerves and this being the first time they've performed Shout Out would do that to a girl. However, it came together and improved as it went on and the backing kicked in. Though it was nice to see them working a large production, I couldn't help but notice breath support was a consistent issue for all of them. Odd considering how much they've toured since winning.

[Watch] Whitney, Luther, Dionne and Stevie Slay 1987 Soul Train Awards

Having Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick and Stevie Wonder on one stage was always going to result in an iconic moment in musical history. Singing That's What Friends Are For at the 1987 Soul Train Music Awards, the foursome did what came only naturally and served-up unashamedly potent vocals.

So why am I showing you this video, now? Ignoring that I only recently discovered it, there are a few things that had me wanting to put 21st century pen to paper. First up, some love for Dionne Warwick. Her delivery is easy and free of clutter, but it belies the skill that is going on with her dynamics, pitch and annunciation. She is the definition of an effortless singer, and as such, is often overlooked and underrated. Get into her!

[New Music] Lady Gaga - "A-YO"

New Gaga, and it's another Mark Ronson produced cut. Welcome A-YO!

Song number 3 from Joanne is noticeably less try-hard than Perfect Illusion and Million Reasons, being bouncy and breezy. It still sports the rustic production and vocals of all of Joanne's releases thus far, but it's hardly single material.

Beyonce Does It Like No Other @ TIDAL X:1015 Concert

Tidal may not be doing so well financially, but that isn't stopping it working it's roster of stars to brilliant effect. Yesterday marked another concert organised by the streaming site to promote itself, and top of the bill was its crown jewel, Beyonce.

And the Texan Diva was on FIRE!

[Q&A] What happened to Leona Lewis' career

Everyone has an email address, me included. And since it's out there for all to hit me up on (heeeeey!), it's inevitable that I get questions sent to me regarding Divas. I'll be posting my answers to some of these questions under the new heading of Q&A.

Sometimes they'll be in-depth. Sometimes they'll be flippant. But one thing they'll always be is posted with the mailer's consent.

If you want to ask me a question for this segment, you can do so @Divadevotee on Twitter, or via email [divadevotee@gmail.com].

Question:

Leona Lewis is undoubtedly very talented yet very underrated. At one point (during her debut) she was the next big thing (she was compared to Whitney, Mariah and Celine) and many people speculated that she would eventually be legendary; now that seems quite unlikely. What went wrong in her career and please do you think she can get back to reigning on the charts? Thank you!

[Free For All Friday]

This Gif is life. Struggle is real.

[Music Videos] Solange – "Don’t Touch My Hair" / "Cranes In The Sky"

Solange came through last week with her third ("proper") LP, A Seat at the Table.

Already generating acclaim wherever it goes, it's a body of work that ultimately celebrates the Diva's blackness. A risky topic, it was always going to be controversial for those with thin skin. Solange makes it clear early on that this collection isn't for them and remains unbothered by their precious fweelins'. This singer-songwriter is seeking to uplift her community, without concern for those who might find the message uncomfortable. However, away from the lyrical content, it's surprisingly a chill listen, laced with mid-tempos and gorgeous harmonies.