Just last week The Voice premiered, and like many reality show singing competitions out there, they had new faces on the judging panel with Usher taking over for Cee-Lo and Shakira taking the chair from Christina Aguilera for the time being. So far, Usher seems to be off to a good start on the show. He fits in with the banter the judges always engage in and many of the contestants find themselves under his spell and on his team with his bribes of the chance to meet Justin Bieber and straightforward pleas about their talents as opposed to why it would be so cool for them to be on his team. Shakira also holds her own well and doesn’t seem thirsty to turn her chair for every decent voice she hears. All in all, it seems they fit in nicely, and fans agree. The premiere of The Voice was a big winner ratings wise, increasing in viewership by 12 percent compared to last year’s season premiere, bringing in more than 13 million viewers.

This is happening while over on Fox, American Idol ratings continue to decrease to an all-time low, as the show did last Thursday when it only eeked out 11 million viewers. So why are the new faces on The Voice working well for ratings but the same can’t be said for Idol?

Honestly, The Voice ratings could dip just like Idol‘s have as the show continues. However, checking out reactions from different sites like E! and more, it seems that people actually seem to find Usher and Shakira very entertaining, maybe even more so than Cee-Lo and Aguilera, who are allegedly supposed to return to the series next season. But I think a fresh face is needed from time to time just to make people tune in. Yet at the same time, people will tune out if the new face isn’t necessarily a positive change. Many commented on The Voice premiere saying that Shakira and Usher seemed to have their egos in check, while we know from these last few months of American Idol that Nicki and Mariah were caught up in an ego-driven cat fight for a while there. The show has basically been based around the new judges over the contestants and the drama they may or may not have going on. It’s tired.

I tune into both shows and I can say that I like the Usher I see (his character has been in question since all that custody battle drama, but when he’s focused on music, he’s gets a boost), Nicki isn’t bad at judging, and Mariah is actually coming off a little stale in the judge’s seat for me. Keep it positive and about the talent of the contestants, and people seem to want to come back. All in all, reality show talent competitions are a dime a dozen these days, so for both of these juggernauts to keep their ratings on the up and up, I have a feeling they will need more than just new judges.

What do you think of the new season of The Voice so far? What about the new season of Idol?

Source: Shutterstock.com

When you’re going out for a first date with someone, it’s easy to feel a bit nervous. Wondering if he’ll like you, if your chemistrys will mesh, if your breath stinks and if you’re wearing the right outfit etc. It can be a bit rough on the ego. So, when you’re getting ready to step out with a new man for the first time, you might need some auditory courage. The following songs should do the trick.

I think I’m ready
Been locked up in the house way too long,
It’s time to get it…

Freakum Dress- Beyonce

Honestly, this whole list could have been compromised of Beyonce anthems; but variety is the spice of life, so we’ll shake it up a bit. But even Bey’s biggest haters would find it hard to deny that she will get you right on the confidence tip. When you’re trying to determine what to wear for your night out, you might not want to go as far as the freakum dress but you certainly want to make sure it’s an outfit, preferably a dress or skirt, that doesn’t show the whole movie but gives him a bit of a preview.

George Chin / WENN

As its been said a million times before and remains true, music is a universal language. Before you know it, a song can take you on an emotional roller coaster, feeling things you didn’t know you felt.  The stories told in songs can have you agreeing…and throwing a side eye.  Some of our favorite songs have some of the most trifling situations: cheating, fighting over men, falling in love with someone else, babies, etc.  Check out the list and don’t forget to tell us your fave song that has a trifling meaning!

AP Photo/Julie Jacobson

If you’re not into NFL football, Super Bowl parties or even Beyonce for that matter, Sunday’s big game might not be a highlight for you, but the multi-million dollar commercial advertisements might be!

You might have already seen a few ads here or there gearing up for the Super Bowl between the Baltimore Ravens and San Fransisco 49ers and the record-breaking audience it will receive, including Beyonce’s Pepsi ad for her sponsored halftime show, but there are many more to come. From big household names like Toyota to smaller, but well-established products like Mio drinks, we are anticipating some of the biggest Super Bowl commercials ready to premiere this coming Sunday evening. Are you?

Source: WENN

We’re used to male artists tooting their own horn when it comes to what clothes, cars, jewelry, and houses they can afford, not to mention the women they can pull. We’re even used to hearing rappers like Kanye, Jay-Z, and Nas referring to themselves as “the best rapper alive” but now their modesty has been flushed down the drain in a whole different ball game; their skills in the bedroom.

None of us should take everything that comes out of these artists mouths as fact, but when a man is constantly making references to pleasuring a woman with a “hurricane tongue” or having women feeling like he invented sex, we simply can’t help but wonder; do they really got it like that?! Here are 15 artists who don’t shy away from mentioning the way they can get your juices flowing in the bedroom, on the staircase, on the balcony… and the list goes on and on:

The world of fame guarantees that all of your personal business will be aired out; it’s the simple downside to a life that’s decorated with the finer things. Even so, many celebrities, for years, have managed to keep small nuggets of knowledge about their past and personal lives from the public for long stints of time before that info is unearthed. We learned as much from Janet Jackson’s secret marriage.

So, in the interest of discovery, here’s a list of little known, but more fun facts about some of your favorite celebrities.

PNP/ WENN.com

Jamie Foxx

As a 2nd grader, Django Unchained star, Jamie Foxx was so talented at telling jokes, his teacher used him as a reward for the hard work and cooperation of her students. If the class behaved, Jamie would entertain them.

WENN.com

It has been a rocky road for some of Hollywood’s most notable names when it comes to their children. Custody battles aren’t exactly a rarity in Hollywood, but it it’s not often that judges rule in favor of men and award them custody of their children while offering their ex-wives visitation and sometimes no rights at all. That’s the situation all of these celebrity women found themselves in as they had to relinquishment their position as sole guardian and try their best to co-parent from afar.

Apega/WENN

From HelloBeautiful

Tameka Raymond wants you to know that she has a new man and may finally be over ex-husband Usher. Tameka who was on vacay in Anguilla with her boys, posted a few pics of a mystery man followed by some cryptic tweets that led her followers to assume she had gotten back with Usher (why would anyone think this would ever happen is beyond me??)

Read the tweets at HelloBeautiful

Source: Myspace

In MN’s Year In Review, we’re counting down our top stories as well as the biggest moments in television, music, movies, and news.

You know part of our job is to keep you guys laughing and these hilarious articles of 2012 did just that.

1. Usher, It’s Time to Move On, You’re No Trey Songz

Last week, I heard Usher’s new song, Lemme See – And this is why I don’t listen to the radio anymore.

The song, which features a verse from former correctional officer with benefits and a 401k plan turned make-believe gangster-rapper, Rick Ross, is about Usher going out one night and meeting a girl in the club. And after getting drunk off of Merlot and his female companion for the night taking her pants off, our hero in the song has decided to take his shirt off – to show his chest. And I guess from there they get it poppin’.  And we wonder why the yougins’ are freaky as all hell…Read more.

2. There’s No Place Like Home? Not When You Move Into An Apartment From Hell

Trying to find an apartment in New York City when you don’t live in the city is a nightmare — not that trying to find an apartment in New York City when you’re in New York City is much easier. But unless you have a lot of money and a broker who actually wants to earn his 15% commission, you’re going to end up sacrificing some of those things that would be considered normal amenities in any other city in America just to put a decent roof over your head….Read more.

3. 7 CELEBRITIES WE’D NEVER DATE

Ok, so the likelihood of us, regular, around the way girls, ever getting an opportunity to date a celebrity will probably never, ever present itself. Most of us, over the age of thirteen have realized this. While the glitz and glam of being on the arm of a famous beau would be fabulous (at times), there are some men who just would not cut it. No matter how much money these celeb men have, it can’t hide the fact that they’re either ignorant, lame, or down right repulsive. Check out the men we’re talking about and let us know if you agree….Read more.

4. Straight Comedy: Meet Keyoncé Bowles, Beyoncé’s Siamese Twin Sister

When people imitate Beyoncé they usually go for her over the top stage performances or her intensely choreographed music videos. Rarely, do we see someone try to take on Beyoncé the woman. I know you’re probably thinking Maya Rudolph just gave it a try shortly after the birth of Blue Ivy in that SNL skit. That she did. But let me tell you after watching this video made by vlogger, actress and singer, Jade Novah, Maya has nothing on this Beyoncé impersonation. (No shade, Maya. We still love you.)…Watch here.

5. THERE GOES THE NEIGHBORHOOD: 8 RATCHET THINGS YOU SEE WHEN THE TEMPERATURE RISES

It’s getting warmer outside, and with the change in weather comes a change in mood–folks want to be outside! But also with a change in weather comes a whole lot of ratchetness. From too little clothes to very aggressive men, when the weather takes a turn for the better, people act a hot a** mess. Keep your eye out for these things and people…Read more.

6. CHOP YOU IN YOUR TRACHEA AND 6 OTHER K. MICHELLE CATCH PHRASES

Up until two days ago, I tried my best to keep from watching Vh1′s “Love And Hip Hop Atlanta.” I knew it was going to be a ratchet mess and frankly I can’t take too much more of black women embarrassing themselves on television when we have so few positive images anyway. But, at the downright prodding of my sister, I finally decided to see what all the fuss was about while I was on vacation. After one episode, I was hooked. Whether I “like” them or they make my skin crawl, all of the characters are so entertaining. But one of the cast members and her quick-witted catch phrases, caught my attention. And that would be K. Michelle. Though, I don’t always agree with the way she handles her altercations, I have to admit the girl can turn a phrase. Surely, you’ve noticed. And if you haven’t, check out some of her catchier ones on the following pages…Read more.

7. BABY, BYE! CELEBS WHO TOOK THEIR BABY HAIR TOO FAR

In the ’90′s if you didn’t have baby hair, you weren’t doing much. Black folk across the country spent countless hours in the mirror, using a toothbrush and gel to shape the perfect swirl around their edges. Slick and sleek was the look and no one was trying to be caught with frizzy edges. Check out the artists who took the baby hair phenomenon to a whole new level…Read more.

8. The Sweetest Sound Known To Woman Is The Soft Thud Of Her Bra Hitting The Floor After a Long Day

Apparently I missed a very exciting celebration yesterday and you likely did too: no bra day. The thought alone conjures up all sorts of images—was this a grand feminist statement rivaling the 1960s, did some college co-eds come up with this an excuse to walk around like playboy models, and most importantly who was walking around with no bra on when they know they needed one—but the day actually had a more somber meaning. The idea was crafted last year by a 19-year-old girl from California who goes by the online name of Anastasia Doughnuts as a statement to raise breast cancer awareness and stand in solidarity with women who no longer have to wear bras because of breast disease. While the cause was noble, as women thought about the reality of what not needing to wear a bra would mean, most of those who still have to wear one couldn’t help but think about one thing: how much they hate these things…Read more.

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Let this jam play in the club on an especially good night (aka, the night you wore cute flats, not crippling heels) and bet any money you’ll lose your mind on the dance floor. As Usher says, you’ll be making faces while you’re doing it too. One of the standout jams from the critically acclaimed and mega-successful Confessions album, “Bad Girl” is the beez-neez. The bass and guitars are killing the game and Usher’s vocals were on point. Say what you want about the guy now, but you can’t deny that he knows how to make you dance when he really wants to. The video we’re attaching with the track is at an Usher concert, where bad girl Bey came out on the stage and did a scandalously fab performance with him. Are you ready to be bad!? Well then, go ahead and click on the video and act a fool in your cubicle. You have MN and Usher’s permission…