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+ Peep Kelly Clarkson backstage in her behind-the-scenes video from her "Stronger" tour. She hangs with fans, signs autographs and does a warm-up cheer before her performances, natch. (Neon Limelight)

+ Lady Gaga stalkers fans might catch a glimpse of their hero at an Italian eatery in NYC. Her parents opened Joanne Trattoria, though papa Joseph Germanotta warns, "If they're expecting to come in here and see Grammys and pictures... it's not going to happen." (Billboard)

+ M.I.A. is set to drop a "Bad Girls" video and single on Monday, from her "Vicki Leekx" mixtape. She's also rumored to join Madonna and Nicki Minaj during the Super Bowl halftime show. (Rap-Up)

+ Nick Jonas made his Broadway premiere in "How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying" this week. Peep him hanging with fans before he heads into the theater. (Just Jared Jr.)

+ Because we really need more "discovering talent" reality TV, Simon Cowell has teamed up with Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith's production company to launch a competition to discover the next big DJ. (Idolator)

+ James Mercer says while things have changed (namely his backing band), The Shins are still The Shins, telling MTV News, "Wanting to work with new people and wanting to stay engaged in the whole exploration of music is sort of what I'm doing now." (MTV News)

+ Wilco goes seriously old-school with the black-and-white animated treatment of their new video for "Dawned on Me." The cartoon band hangs out with Popeye, Olive Oyl, Bluto and more of the old cartoon gang. That's how you do retro. (Billboard)

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Tags Buzz Bites, Kelly Clarkson, Lady Gaga, M.I.A., Madonna, Nick Jonas, Nicki Minaj, Simon Cowell, The Shins, Wilco, Will Smith

Credit: Getty Images

While "X Factor" contestant Cher Lloyd's dream of stardom may have come true, it doesn't mean it didn't come with its fair share of drama. Last month, we told you all about the controversy surrounding Cher's supposed new single, "Swagger Jagger." But yesterday, in honor of her 18th birthday, Cher proudly released snippets of five new songs from her forthcoming album.

"Grow Up," the urban-tinged pop jam featuring Busta Rhymes, allows Cher to work out her rap chops. While she showed hints of rhyming prowess on "The X Factor" and some on "Swagger Jagger," on "Grow Up," Cher becomes a full-blown member of the rap game.

"Over The Moon," produced by Lady Gaga's main man RedOne, has been described by Cher herself as sounding a bit like a Christmas tune (we agree). The cheeky, high-energy song is a departure from the grittier Cher we've come to love, but we think that is a good thing. She's only 18 after all! Let the girl some fun, will ya?

"With Ur Love" features Mike Posner and was written by the brainchild behind almost all of our favorite Britney Spears hits, Max Martin. We were surprised to find that "With Ur Love" is a ballad, but then again, Simon Cowell is spearheading this album, and we all know how much he loves a good power ballad.

While we're still gonna have to wait a bit longer for the full release, these five Cher snippets give us a hefty taste of what's to come. And aside from Cher's new sound being blazing hot, so far, there haven't been any accusations of copyright infringement. SCORE.

+ Listen to five new Cher Lloyd snippets.

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Tags Cher Lloyd, Lady Gaga, Mike Posner, redone, Simon Cowell, The X Factor

Credit: Getty

Up until recently, Cher Lloyd was best known as the Will.i.am-championed, bratty (we're not being mean, she calls her fans "brats"), fourth-place contestant on the 7th season of the UK's X Factor. But this week, the internet's been going nuts about the possibility that the 17-year old rapper/singer, who was signed by Simon Cowell, has ripped off the old western folk tune, "Oh My Darling, Clementine." Yes, really.

This week, the entire leaked version of Lloyd's reported new single, "Swagger Jagger" was released online. But, within a matter of hours, the internet police (otherwise known as record labels) came and disabled all of the links. Unfortunately for Lloyd, the links were active just long enough for what seems like the entire British population and half of the U.S. to start FREAKING THE EFF OUT that the chorus of her song sounds a little bit too much like the classic Clementine song from back 15 trillion years ago. And, to make matters worse, sticklers (read: budding forensic musicologists) have also accused Lloyd of ripping off the popular children's tune "Little Donkey." I know. Like... I know. Crazy, right? To support her new record and dispel rumors, Lloyd decided to post an official preview of her song. She also found time to get in a sad tweet, which read, "I worked so hard, and people wanna ruin it for me, if you wanted to hurt me you've done a great job."

So now for my expert analysis: It's a little hard to deny that the chorus of "Swagger Jagger" sounds like "Oh My Darling, Clementine." BUT, I still think the song is HOT. Her voice is great, and while the clip doesn't showcase any of her rap skills, I'm sure they're in the record somewhere. And the world didn't end when Ryan Tedder wrote Kelly Clarkson's "Already Gone," and it sounded a weeee bit like Beyoncé's "Halo." Just sayin.

Cher Lloyd's album is slated for release this September.

+ Listen To a preview of Cher Lloyd's "Swagger Jagger."

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Tags Cher Lloyd, Simon Cowell, The X Factor, Will.i.Am

(Credit: Getty)

Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Blake Shelton -- the new celeb judges for the upcoming NBC singing competition "The Voice" -- joined the show's executive producer Mark Burnett (far right) at a press conference in Los Angeles yesterday.

Why they were assembled before photographers in a formation that makes Christina and Cee Lo look like funky Smurfs, we can't say. Nor can we confirm what witty repartee was shared between the newfound coworkers on the red carpet. But from the looks of this photo, we're guessing it went a little something like this:

Blake: Hey guys!

Adam: Hey...Blair?

Blake: Blake.

Adam: Blake! Yes, Blake, that's it!

Blake: I am so into this.

Adam: I totally am too. But I can't break sexyface and let me true excitement show.

Christina: Hi everyone! I'm so happy to be here! It's been a rough couple of weeks. Oh hey, Cee Lo! My dress matches your glasses!

Cee Lo: Forget you.

Blake: Adam, are you going to take your shirt off on the show?

Adam: At least once an episode. I'm super pumped for it! Wait, sorry. Sexyface.

Blake: How about you, Cee Lo? Shirtless?

Cee Lo: Forget you, too.

Mark: Just shut up and smile, guys. If I'm going to beat Simon Cowell in the ratings, I need you all to behave!

Blake: Sorry, boss! Hey, Christina, loved your performance at the Grammys.

Christina: Aw, thanks, Blaine. I appreciate it.

Blake: It's Blake.

Tags Adam Levine, American Idol, Cee Lo, Christina Aguilera, Maroon 5, Simon Cowell, The Voice

(Credit: @KanyeWest)

+ During an appearance on her talk show this week, Kanye West explained to Ellen DeGeneres that he got his bottom teeth replaced with diamonds and gold. Permanently. Why? because he "just thought the diamonds were cooler." (NY Daily News)

+ Russell Brand and Katy Perry are reportedly getting married in India this weekend! (Pop Crunch)

+ Kevin Jonas has put his Westlake, Texas, house up for sale. Check it out if you're in the market for a sweet pad with a home theater and a massive pool (and if you have a couple mil to throw around). (Celebuzz)

+ According to Simon Cowell, Justin Bieber would like to guest judge on episodes of the upcoming U.S. version of "X Factor." (MTV News)

+ The soundtrack to the upcoming Disney film "Gnomeo & Juliet" will feature the song "Hello, Hello," a duet by Lady Gaga and Elton John. (EW)

Tags Elton John, justin bieber, Kanye West, Katy Perry, Kevin Jonas, Lady Gaga, Russell Brand, Simon Cowell

(Credit: Splash News)

How do you know that you're on an Italian television variety show? Well, being interviewed while seated on a giant, fake banana is always a heck of a clue. And that's exactly where Katy Perry found herself when performing on the Italian version of the popular talent show franchise "X Factor."

Yup, Simon Cowell's platform of dreams is truly a global phenomenon, and so, too, is Katy Perry. Perry appeared on the show to promote her new album, Teenage Dream, her latest single, "Teenage Dream," and her fragrance, Purr.

The singer gabbed with "X Factor Italy" host, Francesco Facchinetti, upon this giant piece of fake fruit, looking very much like her fruity, Carmen Miranda-esque self from her One of the Boys days. She was wearing a pretty cute white minidress covered in lollipops.

Looks like a good time was had by all. You can watch Katy Perry's clothing-optional "Teenage Dream" video, below.

Tags Katy Perry, Simon Cowell, Star Spotting, video

+ Rihanna has some funny things to say about being in charge of Katy Perry's bachelorette party. (ThatGrapeJuice)

+ Check out Taylor Swift's artwork for "Mine," the first single off her upcoming album, Speak Now. (Idolator)

+ "American Idol" is now three judges short. Not only is Simon Cowell gone, but it looks like Ellen DeGeneres and Kara DioGuardi will follow him out the door. (MTV News)

+ Speaking of "Idol," Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler are the latest rumored replacements for the show's judges table. (JustJared)

+ Justin Timberlake is designing a limited edition William Rast collection for Target. (HollywoodLife)

Tags American Idol, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Timberlake, Kara DioGuardi, Katy Perry, Rihanna, Simon Cowell, Steven Tyler, Taylor Swift

+ Diddy, Janelle Monae and Rick Ross are on the cover of Vibe's new "Juice" issue. (Idolator)

+ Check out the first leaked image from Kanye West's "Power" video. (NYTimes)

+ Just a normal, casual day for Christina Aguilera: tank top, hat...Christian Louboutin Engin Spikes 120 pumps. (JustJared)

+ Jessica Simpson is the latest celeb to rumored to be taking over Simon Cowell's "American Idol" judge's seat. (MTV News)

+ Justin Timberlake has made his directorial debut, lensing a tequila commercial. (PopEater)

Tags American Idol, Christina Aguilera, Diddy, Janelle Monae, Jessica Simpson, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, Rick Ross, Simon Cowell

We first met Alexis Jordan on "America's Got Talent." The then-14-year-old South Carolina singer wowed audiences (and Simon Cowell) with her rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Have Nothing." And she hasn't stopped wowing since.

Whether it was in live performance or on one of her many, popular YouTube videos (such as her version of Beyoncé's "Halo"), Jordan's talent has been undeniable. Eventually, her pipes -- far more soulful and emotionally articulate than one would expect from a girl her age -- caught the ears of Stargate (the production team behind Rihanna's "Take A Bow" and a bunch of Ne-Yo's best-known material), and Jordan landed a record deal with StarRoc/Roc Nation.

Now 18, Jordan is currently finishing up her debut album with Stargate. And if her debut single, "Happiness," is anything to go by, we're in for a real treat. Featuring the production team's trademark dance-soul backing track, she shows off some maturity on this sleek single.

Check out "Happiness" below. Alexis Jordan's debut album is due out later this year.

Tags Alexis Jordan, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, Simon Cowell, video, Whitney Houston

+ Yesterday we mentioned that Quincy Jones was corralling the likes of Bieber, Cyrus and Will Smith for a "We Are The World" re-make to aid Haitian relief efforts. Not to be outdone, Simon Cowell is putting together his own all-star Haiti benefit single, "Everybody Hurts," (yes, R.E.M.'s "Everybody Hurts"...see bottom of post to refresh your memory) reportedly featuring Susan Boyle, Mariah Carey and Jon Bon Jovi. (Spinner)

+ Whatever Jay-Z does, Beyonce can do as well. A couple of years after Hova made a milestone appearance on 60 Minutes (remember him showing Steve Kroft how to "flow"?), Bey will go under the venerated television news magazine's spotlight this Sunday. It airs right before the Grammy Awards. Check out a snippet. (Concrete Loop)

+ Speaking of the Grammy Awards, don't go into your Grammy pool unprepared: let Pink and ?uestlove of The Roots handicap the nominees for you. (Rolling Stone)

+ Tired of waiting to hear Erykah Badu's much-anticipated new album, New Amerykah Pt. II? Well, today might be your lucky day. Badu has hinted on Twitter that she might leak/stream/preview some music on her site this afternoon. (Sound of the City)

+ Keri Hilson went on the Rachael Ray Show yesterday and played an acoustic version of "Knock You Down." More importantly, she showed the world her wild juggling skills! (Rap-Up)

+ With Fall Out Boy on an indefinite break, what better time for Patrick Stump to redesign his website, put up an esoteric Anais Nin quote and, oh yeah, prep a solo album, on which he will write, produce and perform all the music! (MTV News)

Tags Beyonce, Fall Out Boy, Jay-Z, justin bieber, Keri Hilson, Mariah Carey, Miley Cyrus, Patrick-Stump, Pink, R.E.M., Simon Cowell, Susan Boyle, The Roots, video, Will Smith