Earlier this week, Amerie attended and co-hosted a party in Atlanta with the NFL's Deon Grant:
The singer performed throughout the night and chilled with Chilli of TLC fame and her new label mate Ne-yo. Now that Amerie is officially signed to Def Jam I expect to see a lot of her and Ne-yo at the same events in the coming months. Amerie is also using Atlanta as her main base for recording her new album I'm told, with producers such as Bryan Micheal Cox, Adonis, Wyldcard as well as Ne-yo. She also did some new work with producer No ID some weeks back.
Ashanti hit up the 2008 ESPY Awards Wednesday night in an interesting style of dress:
Not feeling it. But she HAS been looking good over the last couple of weeks though. I'll admit that.
Fergie and Justin Timberlake also hit up that very same event:
JT was trying to be the funny man that he thinks he is, but he should leave it to Mike Myers. Fergie got on stage with 24 actor Kiefer Sutherland. I can't wait for season 7 next year. They've resurrected Tony from the dead (who has gone over to the dark side it seems). This has never really happened before. Interesting. I wonder what the producers have up their sleeve this time.
Kelly Rowland continued to make the most of her 'UK citizenship'. She was spotted at the Lotus 'Project Eagle' celebrity unveiling at the London Transport Museum on Wednesday:
So long. Fair well. It won't be long before we're seeing her again.
Raven Symone was spotted looking clogged up at BPM Magazine’s 12th Anniversary party on Wednesday:
I love Raven but this look is just all sorts of wrong.
On Wednesday night, Christina Milian and her mother Carmen was spotted at Beso restaurant in Hollywood:
She lives at a restaurant. Every time she's pictured she's either eating or leaving a restaurant.
She was also spotted at the Lia Sophia Project Beach House:
The singer also wrote a new Myspace blog entry this week:
"What's up guys? Been a while since i wrote in my blog but i must say that i have been very busy working. Working on my album, working on film stuff and songwriting. All my favorite things..plus some! SO i am very happy and extremely focused right now. It's crazy cause I keep hearing all these fake songs that are supposed to be my "Single". Yet I am not the female singing on them or someone found an old demo from '03 and tried to leak it.. So funny. Anyway, saying this…I just wanna tell you.. My new music is hot. :) simply that. :) Anyway, I just wanna start a relationship with yall again and look forward to sharing my career with you this year and the next..and the next and the next……. :) Hope you r having an awesome summer.. I am!"
We may not have seen Christina with her man Dre in quite a while but in another recent blog entry she stressed that they're still together and very much in love.
Friday, 18 July 2008
R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT.....
Sunday, 15 June 2008
CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT....
Singers Esmee Denters (left) and Chris Brown (right) posed it up with designer Kira Plastinina at her clothing line launch party in Los Angeles last night:
Esme Denters is a Dutch 19-year-old singer who is signed to Justin Timberlake's label Tennman Records. She is a YouTube phenomena who received worldwide recognition after singing many hit songs on the popular video site, from today's biggest chart toppers; Beyonce, Mariah Carey, Natasha Bedingfield and of course JT himself. Esme's debut album is expected to be released later on in the year. On the forthcoming project, she has worked with Timbaland, Royal Court and The Clutch as well as Jim Beanz. Look out for 2 tracks 'Closer' and 'Lonely Sunday' off her album both produced and co-written by Beanz. Other R&B singers who attended the event included Jojo, Raven-Symoné and Amerie. You can check them all out after the jump.
Chris Breezy also performed at the launch:
He performed a couple of tracks from his latest album Exclusive: The Forever Edition, which he's been promoting all this week.
Amerie was there too:
She looked pretty but the outfit was looking kinda frumpish.
Jojo who is currently working on a new album called 'All I Want is Everything' also hit up the scene as well:
On the forthcoming project, she's writing all of her own songs: "You know I'm not 13 anymore. I'm not comfortable doing that type of material so I'm really just taking the bull by the horns and taking charge." Can't wait to hear the outcome. She's working with some of the hottest producers in R&B as well.
Raven Symone came out to play as well:
Although I'd have preferred a lil more colour to her outfit she looked cute. It looks like she's losing weight as well. As nice as her new album was, Raven Symone is on the verge of getting dropped after only selling about 7,500 copies since its release on April 29th. The album got zero promotion. Shame.
Kat DeLuna performed live at the Borgata Casino and Spa during the 2nd Annual True Colors Tour on June 13th in Atlantic City, New Jersey:
I am ready to hear a brand new album. Forget about a re-release. She could be as huge as Rihanna if she was promoted correctly.
Jennifer Lopez and hubby Marc Anthony were spotted leaving a private function in New York City on June 13th:
Not feeling her get-up at all but to say she's had twins recently, she is still killing a lot of chicks right now.
Fantasia Barrino was spotted with her daughter Zion, shopping at Kitson Kids on Thursday in Beverly Hills, California:
Zion is a cutie. Fortunately, she doesn't look like Fantasia. As for Fanny, she's in the studio recording her third album and Jim Beanz has been added to the list of producers.
STARZLIFE // WIREIMAGES
Monday, 12 May 2008
CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT....
A lot of activity went down over the weekend - festivities, clubbing and various events took place and many of our favourite (and not so favourite) R&B stars were out in full participation. Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger was spotted arriving at Villa in Hollywood last night, and decided to give the paps an eyeful of her undergarments:
Fortunately, she didn't do a Britney. She happily flaunted her pink panties to match her dress. Surely, she could have come out of the car much better than that. She must have known the paps would have been up there like flies on shit. Well, at least she shaves. That counts for something I guess.
Raven Symone was spotted segwegging in LA yesterday:
Can someone explain to me why this chick is segwegging? I mean, she might be overweight but she's not obese. I'm sure if she spent most of her time walking, some of the weight would actually drop off. Her lack of self-discipline is really disappointing.
Mel B showed lots and lots of front when she and hubby Stephen Belafonte attended P. Diddy's Harlem 2 Hollywood party over the weekend:
She looked good, save for the breast implants which looked horrible. Well, she would have looked good if she didn't bring that weird grubby looking hubby of hers. I'm sorry but he's just. not. cute.
Here's a couple of pics of Kelly Rowland performing 'Daylight' at the BBC's Sound over the weekend:
Kelly did the Robot by the looks of things. Cute. Considering that Kelly has somewhat been programmed to constantly sing praises on Queen B and the Knowles clan. Hate what she's wearing though.
Kelly also hosted a party which went down at Amika nightclub in London, and her pals Usher and Nelly were in attendance:
London was where it was poppin'. Usher will also perform his latest smash Love In This Club on The Hills later today.
Usher was also spotted in central London, signing autographs outside of Selfridges. His deeply insecure wife Tameka was not too far away:
Wow. I just can't get over that jaw. It's a strong one. I try hard not to focus on it but when you look at her face that's all you see. Still, neither one of us know her really. Underneath all the insecurity, she could be a good person in spite of her "issues" and criminal past (She was arrested in 2005 for stealing clothes from Phipps plaza in Atlanta). I'm sure snagging Usher from Chilli and marrying the multi-millionaire served its purpose. No wonder she's left the kids and the couple's new-born son behind. She'd rather trail after her cash-cow hubby all over the world to ensure he doesn't get up to any tricks with girl fans, particularly ones that look like Keri Hilson. Anyway, footballer Rio Ferdinand is a huuuge fan of Usher, so they chilled, whilst Usher sat down with global social media network Bebo for his first ever live, streamed, interactive interview where he spoke directly to the fans. The interview featured tracks from his forthcoming album Here I Stand, and folks were invited to ask him questions by becoming a fan of his Bebo profile at www.bebo.com/usher. The singer also performed at a private party for which he was paid a whopping £500,000 for two hours. Usher was hired by a wealthy young businessman as a surprise for his girlfriend's 26th birthday. Usher, who was later joined by his wife Tameka, stayed until 2am. Paying large bucks was small change for the the young businessman as he is No 10 on The Times' under-30 rich list after earning £60million from the sale of an internet design company. Must be nice indeed.
On May 11th, Rihanna performed live at the 'Glow In The Dark' Tour in Bristow:
Her outfits are hot! Also, don't forget to look out for the premiere of her video with Maroon 5. If I Never See Your Face Again is set to premiere tomorrow.
Tatyana Ali attended the Step Up Women's Network 2008 Inspiration Awards on May 9th 2008, at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel, in Los Angeles:
Little Miss Ashley Banks was looking cute as she paid homage to the special cause. Each year, Step Up's star-studded Inspiration Awards fundraising events celebrate the year's most inspiring women, recognizing celebrities, VIPs and members of the organization. This year's recipients were chosen for their ongoing support of Step Up Women's Network and for being outstanding role models for women and young girls. Step Up has grown to include 50,000 supporters who have raised millions of dollars and donated more than 100,000 volunteer hours to the organization's programs. The group is a national nonprofit membership organization with offices in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.
Mary J. Blige spoke at the Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now, Inc. (FFAWN) Launch this past Friday:
Mary has set up the foundation to help women develop careers and gain self-confidence. The charity will fund scholarships, grants and programs that help women gain confidence and skills to succeed in their careers.
Here are a couple of pictures of legendary diva Whitney Houston when she performed in London at last Thursday's Caudwwell's Children Charity:
Whitney received raving reviews for her performance at the event. The 44-year-old was paid £100,000 for the gig. Her 15-year-old daughter Bobbi Kristina also put in an appearance when she started to sing her previous smash hit My Love is Your Love. Whitney wore a tight dress by British designers Bodyamr and looked amazing. She also belted out other previous classics of hers such as I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Saving All My Love and the biggest one to date - I Will Always Love You. Altogether, the event raised an impressive £1.5m.
WENN // SPLASH // WIREIMAGES
Thursday, 1 May 2008
RAVEN SYMONE CANDIDS // 100,000 COPIES SHIPPED....
Last night, Raven Symone was spotted at Chelsea Handler’s Book Release Party in California. Check out some candids of the cute Disney starlet:
As many of you frequent Toya's World readers would know, Raven released her self-titled third album this week. Apparently, Hollywood Records only shipped about 100,000 copies of her CD around the US and as of right now the only store selling it is Best Buy. So therefore, if you want the CD you'll have to purchase it online. Reportedly, SOME Walmart stores carry it in stock but it's not located in "new releases" but in the "R" section. Aint that a bitch? Sadly, her album is the hottest album to be released this week.
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
GOING SHOPPING TODAY?....
Yesterday was a really slow news day as some of you have pointed out and it looks like today is set to become the same. But that said, it does look like it's going to be an interesting day for those all important CD releases:
Estelle's 'Shine', Madonna's 'Hard Candy', Lyfe Jenning's 'Lyfe Change' AND Raven Symone's self titled debut all got released today. Which CD will you be supporting?
Saturday, 19 April 2008
RAVEN SYMONE COVERS JET....
Disney actress/singer Raven-Symone is featured in the latest issue of JET magazine. As many of you know, she's dropping an album soon, which you can now preview in another post. Check out her brand new JET cover:
I love Raven Symone like Rihanna and cooked food but I'm not liking this pic at all. Her eyebrows look terrible. They're not shaped that well giving her the crazy facial expression. In regards to her forthcoming self-titled CD, which is slated for release on April 29th, Raven says: "I have to stay true to who I am. I am not going to sing about sex, drugs and violence, that’s just not who I am. We need some music that will open people's minds up and give them other things to think about other than the same things we have been giving them for a while. Maybe my album can do that". Still being the responsible Disney role model for the kids! She'll be an advocate for the Disney channel at the ripe ole age of 90. I can just see it now....
Thursday, 17 April 2008
PREVIEW RAVEN SYMONE'S FORTHCOMING ALBUM....
Disney whizz kid Raven Symone will release her forthcoming self-titled album on April 29th and now you can preview every song for 30 seconds:
Well, whizz kid no more. At nearly 23, Raven is moving into pastures new. This CD sounds like it's going to be brilliant. I thought we were going to get some cheesy Cheetah Girls bubble-gum pop anthems of some sort, but the tracks are geared more towards fun yet quirky adult-driven R&B. I'm liking it a lot. I'm hearing a lot of futuristic funk, some hard hitting head-nodders and psychedelic pop grooves. I am really feeling That Girl, Anti-Love Song, In The Pictures, Love Me or Leave Me, Keep a Friend and Hollywood Life, judging by what I've heard so far. I can't wait to hear the album in its entirety. Never thought I'd hear myself say that about a Raven Symone album. What the HELL is going on?
Friday, 28 March 2008
RAVEN SYMONE'S COVER ART FOR NEW ALBUM....
Here is the cover art for Raven Symone's upcoming album. The album is self-titled and will be released on April 29th:
It's nice but not really that original. The eye concept has already been done by R&B songstress Lina, and more recently, Keyshia Cole. I don't care for her musically because it'll be on some Disney-pop lite, but I've been following her from The Cosby Show days. And her show That's So Raven was cute. Whenever I had the free time I would actually sit down and watch it. She's come far and she's extremely likable. The album will feature production from The Clutch and Sean Garrett among others. Out of curiosity, I might just check this out.
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
R&B BITES: FANTASIA'S TUMOUR, JACKSONS DECLARED POOR, DANITY KANE ARE NO 1, ETC....
* Fantasia has tumour removed.
* Kelly Rowland starts recording her third studio album next week.
* The Jackson Family goes from riches back to rags.
* Hits Daily reports Danity Kane's album Welcome To The Dollhouse as having the no 1 album in the country with first week sales of 253k. Not bad.
* Lil Kim fans aren't happy that former 3LW singer Naturi Naughton is playing the rapper in the upcoming feature film about rapper The Notorious B.I.G. As a result, a petition has been filed.
* Brandy finally pays her bills.
* And her younger brother Ray-J is just itching to admit he had sex with Whitney Houston. What an idiot.
Sean Garrett works on Raven Symone's self-titled album, out April 29th.
Wednesday, 12 March 2008
CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT....
This week, Mariah Carey was spotted sashaying through New York's Times Square in a black shiny jacket and super fly sunglasses. The iced-out singer looked pretty chilled when she took time out to meet her devoted lambs. Infact, one of them presented her with an early birthday present in the form of a Hello Kitty doll:
Mariah is about to reach the ripe old age of 38, but yet stays extending her HELLO KITTY collection. In fact, Mariah's New York home is a shrine to the adorable kitten franchise. Mariah will also be this week's musical guest on Saturday Night Live with Jonah Hill as a guest host. Apparently, Mariah is replacing her label mate Janet Jackson who dropped out due to having the flu. The singer was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles due to "shortness of breath". I hope Janet makes a full recovery asap. However, this is something major for Mariah because she hasn't appeared on SNL for 10 years. Mariah will also act as a mentor in an upcoming special airing of American Idol (Idol Gives Back) where she'll perform latest new single Touch My Body.
Another singer who will be participating in 'Idol Gives Back' is Fantasia who was spotted with her fella Young Dro as they departed Mr Chow restaurant in Beverly Hills earlier this week:
Fantasia paid a visit to the Republic of Angola in Africa with a film crew from American Idol because they shot footage for the Idol Gives Back special, which will air April 9th on Fox. I am glad she finally got rid of that nasty ass skunk hair. She still looks fried to me. Just not platinum-fried. Anyway, they make a horrible couple.
J. Holiday and Fat Joe visited TRL at MTV Studios in Times Square yesterday in New York City where they both performed:
YIKES. His teeth look like Cheez-It's. I'll never eat another cheese snack for a good while yet. And to top it all off, he needs serious orthodontic treatment at a good dentist. But most of all, a good cleaning. The state of those go beyond ANYTHING that Colgate can do within its powers. How dare he have his mouth wide open as if he's spitting gold. No sir, no can do.
Kelis and her BFF Heroes actress Dania Ramirez were spotted at the Elle/Biolage Awards Week Salon and Spa:
Yesterday, the singer released her Greatest Hits album. Hmmm, funny. Cos I don't recall her having enough hits to put out a whole greatest hits catalogue. Despite being dropped from Jive, she has also started work on the new album, which is likely to be distributed under an independent label. Good luck to her on that.
So guess who was spotted clubbing this past weekend and looking a right HAM in the process? Well it's Nivea but I'd never have guessed it:
Raven Symone attended the Christian Audigier's One World Colection show at LA's Fashion Week:
Not enough HAM to go around I'm afraid. But I'm sure someone would enjoy peeling the bacon off her back. She usually looks tasty and well put together but not today. Damn you Raven.
Meanwhile, the Pussycat Dolls were on their escapades once again when they performed at a show in Kuwait:
Doing what they do best I suppose. And Nicole being where she rightly deserves. And why does she always look like you presented her with a bowl of porridge made from animal faeces? It might never have happened Nicole.
Friday, 7 March 2008
CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT....
It's been quite a while since I did a 'Celebrity Spottings' post. I guess I was feeling a lil lazy this week. I had all these pics saved on my laptop and I just couldn't be bothered to upload them or do a write-up. However, let's say I'm happily making up for it now. Anyway, Christina Milian was spotted at Mr Chows in LA this week after having a business meeting:
She was looking chirpy as usual and fresh faced as she signed autographs and posed it up for the paps. You gotta love her. Never without a smile. The business partner she was meeting with was none other than super producer Polow Da Don as they likely negotiated a deal which included a hook-up on her upcoming new album. Christina has been recording it and is almost close to picking an official single. Thanks Rap-Up-Playa.
Toni Braxton was spotted out and about in Beverley Hills this week:
Toni looked great even without a shred of make-up on her face. I love Toni and I can't wait for her to drop her new album which she says will be out in June. She is going back to her signature style of ballads for the new CD.
Having completed her UK tour in support of multiplatinum selling album As I Am, Alicia Keys took her tour to Frankfurt, Germany this week:
The singer has announced that she is rescheduling a UK show after she was forced to cancel due to illness. Last month she had to cancel two dates, one in Manchester and one in Glasgow, as she was suffering from laryngitis and was told by her doctor to rest her voice. Now she'll finish it at Manchester's MEN Arena on July 9, a rescheduling of the original date. What is up with singers cancelling and rescheduling their UK shows due to illness? Rihanna did the exact same thing last December. Must be something in the British waters.
Janet Jackson was seen leaving Katsuya restaurant in LA earlier this week where she had dinner just after her promotional stint on the Jimmy Kimmel show:
Janet needs to stop with her weird looking wigs. I can't say adopting the look from label mate Mariah Carey's 'Vision of Love' days is a complimenting feat but not half as unflattering as that outfit.
Leona Lewis was spotted with her boyfriend Lou Al-Chamaa, leaving the Aldwych Theatre in London earlier this week:
Simon Cowell who is her manager has been using his contacts and man power to seal Leona's biggest gig yet. Not only did he get her a stint performing at Clive Davis's pre-Grammy party last month, but on March 17th, she will be performing her smash-hit single Bleeding Love on the Oprah Winfrey Show! That is major. And it's believed she'll perform on American Idol during the live shows. Leona will release her album Spirit in the United States next month.
Singer Monica and playwriter Tyler Perry attended Dallas Austin's 3rd Annual Don't Stop The Music Gala in Atlanta earlier this month:
Monica only gave birth weeks ago and she was looking in fine, shape and form! The singer who currently has a new deal with J Records is currently working on her new album and has been recording non-stop right up until the birth of her second son. So far she has completed 13 songs and the album is expected to drop this summer. I can't wait.
This week, Jordin Sparks performed during the Jackie Robinson Foundation's 35th Anniversary Awards Dinner at The Waldorf Astoria in New York City:
The singer is also prepping to support Alicia Keys on the US leg of her As I Am tour in April which will be a 30-day tour.
Kelly Rowland didn't look so hot when she was spotted arriving in Reagan International airport in D.C and signed autographs along the way:
But at least she made the effort in the former set of pictures below when she was spotted out in DC again. The singer will digitally release her re-released album Ms. Kelly: Diva Deluxe on March 18th. Good luck on that one because I can only see die-hards making that purchase. Me? I think I'll get mine bootleg style.
Earlier this month, Raven Symone attended the premiere of her latest movie 'College Road Trip' at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California: 
She also appeared on TRL to promote it as well. I absolutely heart Raven. She's such as inspiration and she looked cute overall.
Monday, 25 February 2008
CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B AT THE OSCARS & MORE....
Last night, Beyonce and fella Jay-Z (not pictured) was spotted at La Esquina restaurant in New York City:
Beyonce's wig looks cheap and whorish, the trashy-couture look that you wouldn't expect from a celebrity like Beyonce Knowles. It's the sort of wig you'd wear for your fella in the bedroom with the bondage outfit and the whip! I'd wear a wig like that strictly for that moment but just not in public! So not cool.
Christina Milian attended the Billboard magazine and Children Uniting Nations' Oscar after party at the Beverly Hilton Hotel last night:
As usual, stunning from head to toe. What else is there to say about the gorgeous Ms Milian? The beautiful Miss USA Rachel Smith was there as well. Those two could pass for sisters. Wow!
Deborah Cox and Mary J Blige attended Elton John's 16th Annual AIDS Foundation Oscar Party at the Pacific Design Center in West Hollywood:
Mary arrived with hubby Kendu. I am cracking the hell up at Mary's facial expression at that very first picture where they're sitting at the table alongside Diddy. She looks pissed as HAYELL.
As reported Mary performed with Elton at the event:
Afterwards, Mary rushed off to perform on Jimmy Kimmel.
Jennifer Hudson who won an Oscar last year for her role in Dreamgirls also attended The Oscars:
From the neck-up, she looks lovely. I am not sure how I feel about her dress but it sure looked waaay better than that ugly brown outfit she wore last year.
Last week, Tatyana Ali and Raven Symone attended the 'Essence Black Women In Hollywood' luncheon at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California:
Raven looks cute but I don't even know what happened to Tatyana. She use to be gorgeous. You can check out the new video for Raven's latest single "Double Dutch Bus" taken from her new movie College Road Trip.
Wednesday, 30 January 2008
CELEB SPOTTINGS: R&B SINGERS OUT & ABOUT ....
This week, Amerie was spotted out with T-Pain at Senior VP of Universal Music Group's, Karen Kwak's birthday party in New York City:
Struggling to put out her album 'Because I Love It' stateside, what better person to hook up with than the 'collaborate with Mr Vocoder and you'll get an instant hit' T-Pain? I mean, she's been rather quite on the music front dare I say, and it's been eons since her video 'Crush' was shot. This was supposedly the next UK single but I have no idea what's going on with that. Besides, who told Amerie that shade looks good on her? It makes her look years older. Okay, so she'll be 30 this year but still. I really wonder if Amerie's European-released album 'Because I Love It' will see the light of day in the US. Really.
The gorgeous Alesha Dixon was spotted at The South Bank Show Awards at The Dorchester Hotel in London yesterday:
She looks amazing. Ever since winning Strictly Come Dancing, her career has been on the up lately. I was reading her interview with OK! magazine at WH Smith today. She's been bombarded to model for high store chains, she's recording for a new album and she has a reality show in the works. Hmmm, what was her ex-hubby Harvey thinking when he cheated on her with her best friend Javine? Definitely a step-down.
Mel B was spotted out with her hubby