RIP Amy Winehouse: A Sad Loss of Soulful Talent

British soul singer and international success Amy Winehouse has died. She was found on the 23rd July, Saturday afternoon in her flat in her hometown Camden, North London of unconfirmed causes. Such a disappointing end to a story of such an authentic musical talent.

It is no secret that Amy had serious problems with drink and drugs, in fact, it is these demons that shaped her into the person we all grew familiar with as much of her troubled experiences fueled her creative direction in music. Jazz was Amy's forte, music purely of the heart and soul and Amy didn't care if every part of herself was expressed in that way,

"I’m not frightened of appearing vulnerable. I write songs about stuff that I can’t really get past personally - and then I write a song about it and I feel better."

It was this attitude that separated the down-to-earth singer from so many other artists in the industry today.  Amy had literally tattooed her heart on her sleeve, she was brave in that way. She wrote songs to try and pull her out of desperate situations and we could hear her pain and suffering through her stunningly haunting vocals. 

It's just a shame these songs were not enough to save Amy and Fl@unt is devastated at the loss of such a voice. Amy had already achieved so much success and respect in her career, influencing artists such as Adele and Jessie J who have gone on to become successful internationally also. We honestly believed there was still more to come from Amy.

Condolences to her family and close friends.  

Beyonce Making A Stand in Music: Bringing Back R&B with New Album '4'

Sick and tired of the music scene of late? Fl@unt is definitely bored of hearing single after single of the same electro/dance genre that has taken over the charts for a solid year now. Don't get us wrong - there have been excellent tunes to come from the genre, but its time to change it up we feel.

Currently, there are seven songs in the UK Top 10 based on the electro-pop genre showing artists who have sold out to this music trend such as Pitbull and even The Wanted (although both singles are great), and so Fl@unt breathed a sigh of relief when Ms B released her album 4 earlier this month reintroducing r&b grooves we thought we'd never get back again. 

In a recent interview with Complex magazine, Beyonce stated her musical intentions for her latest album:

"Figuring out a way to get R&B back on the radio is challenging.  Everything sounds the same on the radio. With 4 I tried to mix R&B from the ’70s and the ’90s with rock ‘n’ roll and a lot of horns to create something new and exciting. I wanted musical changes, bridges, vibrata, live instrumentation, and classic songwriting.”

Thank goodness for Ms B,  otherwise the music industry would have seriously lost itself to one type of music style which is never good. 

4 is a great album with an array of r&b ballads, mid tempos and up tempos - mixed with flavours of other music styles of course - reminding everyone that Ms B ain't no follower as she says herself:

"I have an authentic, God-given talent, drive, and longevity that will always separate me from everyone else. I’ve been fortunate to accomplish things that the younger generation of queens dream of accomplishing. I have no desire for anyone else’s throne. I am very comfortable in the throne I’ve been building for the past 15 years.”

Beyonce creates music trends while never forgetting her musical roots which is why she'll always be an inspiring artist and an important figure in music - other singers take note.

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2' - Ended as Intended...With a Stunning Climax to a Franchise Like No Other

So the time has come for us to bid farewell to a magical franchise we would be lucky (but most unlikely) to come across again in our lifetimes - the Harry Potter film series has met its end. And what an end to finish on. The trailers for this film promised clashing battles between the ultimate forces of good and evil created by J K Rowling and it certainly delivered in terms of action. 

The second part to the Deathly Hallows starts exactly where the first part left off, setting the serious tone of the film with a dark shot of Voldemort unleashing the powers of his wand ready to embark on his encounter with Harry. A couple of scenes follow filled with silence mostly, short sentences from the cast letting the locations speak for itself giving the audience time to remember how exactly the first part of Deathly Hallows ended. This further sets the tone of seriousness and anticipation as those who have read the book know Harry is about to set off on the biggest confrontation of his life.

This series has worked well and particularly this film because of the expert skill of acting involved not only from the experienced, more weathered older cast but just as much from the main considerably younger star Daniel Radcliffe. There comes alot of pressure with such a role to play that is worshiped and followed by so many, however Daniel seems able to carry this well as his portrayal of a brave, determined yet extremely vulnerable teenager is executed so well in this film and will no doubt gain him endless movie offers after this - J K Rowling was lucky to cast such a talented boy back in 2000.

Of course the supporting cast carry the film also and so J K Rowling was extremely lucky in finding exactly the right people able to portray these characters she created so accurately and convincingly. The two roles that stood out for me personally was Voldemort portrayed by Ralph Fiennes and Professor Snape portrayed by Alan Rickman. Both seasoned actors but these roles were particularly played well fitting my image of the characters when I read the books. Fiennes brings the hissing sense of pure evil to Voldemort so easily its frankly horrifying and Rickman was able to bring a surprising openness of vulnerability in this film contrasting his usual impassive acting style - Oscar nominations deserved for both actors.

This film contained non stop action and so the audience is never left restless and also scenes of emotional contemplation and revelation to provide some relief from the fast pace. There are certain details of the last book left out but also so many scenes remained loyal to the book such as the last scene of Harry and the rest as grown adults with families. I believe it is impossible to include every aspect of J K's words into a two hour film and so I appreciate this film for what it is: a truly moving, unique, larger than life movie experience that I am sad to see leave me after ten years.

Harry Potter, its been a pleasure. 

Harry Potter: Final World Premiere of the Franchise

The World Premiere of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 took place this sunny evening in Trafalgar Square, London, and the event attracted more than hundreds of fans from across the world as well as in the UK, no doubt bringing in the biggest public audience in the UK for any premiere of Harry Potter.

 

Understandably so, as this is the final time the cast and crew will celebrate the release of a new Harry Potter film (that is unless J K Rowling decides to create new adventures for Harry). Emma Watson and J K Rowling herself found the whole experience attending the premiere particularly emotional and overwhelming shedding some tears before they entered the cinema.

Were you able to attend the world premiere? Are you sad at the departure of the Harry Potter film franchise?  I must admit I feel slightly sad as while I stood in Trafalgar Square surrounded by fans of the films I realised that a movie and book franchise of this intense popularity may never be created again, especially in the UK. To think that the seed of all this madness came from the imaginative mind of a woman from Gloucestershire is crazy. 

I'm sure even J K Rowling can't believe she's behind this. We must not collapse in depression just yet though as the film is not released until next week - then we can ponder how we will cope without tales of the wondrous wizard. 

At least her voice ain't broken...

Jessie J broke her leg while rehearsing for a collection of festival dates this summer which is a shame as she has been forced to sit on a throne while she performs as we have seen her do at the SummerBall gig and Glastonbury.

I'm sure Jessie was distraught at not being able to move around on stage. The situation is ironic as her unfortunate predicament was caused due to practising for shows she can no longer perform at properly. 

However the singer has not let this ruin her moments to shine proving with that booming voice of hers that in fact, she deserves a royal seat as she reigns over the new UK talent at the moment!

MTV Movie Awards 2011 - RIGGED

So, from watching last night's MTV Movie Awards 2011, Fl@unt has come to the sad conclusion that the once exciting and fun movie event - which posed as the more popular audience connected award show compared to the Academy Awards - has now turned into a biased and contrived pointless programme, empty of truthful winners. 

For the past couple of years, the MTV Movie Awards has suffered the 'Twilight' curse - defined by Fl@unt as the fatal obsession of a mediocre film franchise - harsh? Maybe, but considering the list of other nominees that failed to pick up awards last night, given to members of the Twilight cast instead, our frustration with the hype of these movies remain strong. Even, Kirsten Stewart couldn't believe she had won Best Actress instead of Natalie Portman for 'Black Swan', "Natalie, at least I get popcorn!" Kirsten giggled mockingly, almost as if with sad intent assuming these unnecessary awards maybe all she ever receives thanks to 'Twilight'.

Kirsten Stewart and Robert Pattinson have proved that they are good actors in other films such as 'Remember Me' and 'Adventureland', however their talents aren't really challenged in the Twilight movies, rather their awkward mannerisms in real-life are expressed instead. This is why the constant winnings of every type of MTV movie award for Twilight is getting very boring and embarrassing - it does not help that Robert and Kirsten look just as embarrassed whenever they receive them. 

Although there were other more worthy winners last night such as Robert Felton (Draco Malfoy) as Best Villain, the MTV Movie awards completely forget the rest of last years array of better quality films - as much admired by popular audiences as 'Twilight' which is so disappointing. The rest of the actors who attended might as well have been resting at home.

Hopefully, when the franchise soon comes to an end, the MTV Movie Awards will return to good form.

  

Cheryl Ousted: How the Hunger for World Fame has Left her Feeling Full of Humiliation

Oh Cheryl, what a mess you've found yourself in. Simon may be one of the most powerful figures in show business however this also makes him arguably the most untrustworthy - how else has he reached his level of success? After the shocking reports of Cheryl being sacked from US X Factor, speculation of her whereabouts, why she was fired and who will replace her have been going into overdrive since the announcement last week. 

There is yet to be an official announcement on what has actually been happening concerning Cheryl and the UK X Factor. We will hear soon enough though, as auditions for this year's series are due to begin this Wednesday morning. It has been reported that N Dubz singer Tulisa and Kelly Rowland will become the new female judges after Danni Minogue also departed. If this is true, they will be joining singer/songwriter sensation Gary Barlow and Louis Walsh.

What do you think of this line-up? Gary Barlow is perfect - he has the talent and credits qualifying him to judge and coach budding singers as well as the beautiful Kelly. Tulisa may be at too much of a premature position in her career to fulfil the requirements of a talent show judge, however she knows what it takes to maintain a strong head and sense of determination in order to graft your way to music success. We can only wait and see how this panel will prove with audiences but Fl@unt is happy with the change of faces.

The inclusion of Simon and Cheryl together became too much of an ego consumed show last year as they kept contestants on the basis of public attention and media value rather than actual talent. Simon certainly wasn't listening to audiences and so maybe the UK won't miss him on the series this year. Cheryl became too reliant on Simon to push her too the top and her recent fall-back just shows that no one is bigger than the show, which I'm sure she believed was untrue. 

What she does next is what everybody is interested in finding out - Cheryl has some big decisions to make and Fl@unt thinks the right choice for her lies in which choice is best for maintaining some dignity and integrity.

US X Factor Judges Confirmed - How Did Cheryl Make It?

For those of you who have followed Fl@unt for a while, you might be familiar with my previous article on Cheryl Cole and the enigma that surrounds her popular status. Her stardom continues to rise as she has somehow managed to grab a position as judge on the US version of X Factor, alongside Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and LA Reid.

So how do you think Cheryl will fair in America ? According to tweets in reaction to the confirmation of her position as judge, Americans have made it known that they have no idea who she is or care for that matter and so it seems that Cheryl will certainly have to prove herself a worthy judge which is a difficult task to do on a major show in a foreign country.

If this show matches the popularity of UK X Factor than Cheryl is more than aware all eyes will be on her as soon as the show is out, which I'm sure was the most significant reason in her accepting the job. First and foremost, Cheryl wants to be a star internationally and US X Factor is certainly the platform for that, so good luck to her. 

Her soft charm may connect with American viewers as it has in the UK - that is if they can understand her Newcastle accent! Only time will tell how Cheryl is treated over there...I'm sure she is thankful everyday for her close connection with Simon - he is the sole purpose she was even considered for this job.

Cheryl is no doubt brave - brave enough to be fl@unting this atrocious outfit as she arrived yesterday at the LA auditions. What was she thinking? The hair is back combed within an inch of its life and her make up is too heavy  - all types of wrong. It appears that as well as leaving her home country, Cheryl has also left her fashion sense behind in the UK.

'Stick to Modelling honey...'

There are plenty of pretty celebrities out there, some lucky enough to also possess other talents besides looking good such as super songstress Beyonce and powerful actresses Penelope Cruz and Julia Roberts to name a few. However, there other female celebrities who, although they have established themselves in a career of the acting or music field, would probably be even more successful as just a pretty face. 

There are certain famous women who are ridiculed by the public for not having enough talent to sustain any credible career such as Rihanna and most particularly Cassie, who received most of the brunt after coming onto the music scene in 2006 giving lacklustre 'live' performances. She hasn't hit the stage since, instead focusing on her career as a model, which Fl@unt thinks is a wise move. 

Fl@unt predicts the celebrities that could achieve great success if ever they decide to stick to the modelling route -

CASSIE

EVA GREEN

RIHANNA

NATALIE PORTMAN

MISCHA BARTON

YouTube Favourite: LuanLegacy

Over the past couple of weeks my days have been happier purely due to this young man and his particularly SNAPPY views he has chosen to air on YouTube. This American school student has ALOT to rant about from the 'Bitch in His Government Class' to 'Spitting' - too funny. Take a look:

This guy is on another level of HILARIOUS. I have literally been gasping for breath after hearing his razor-sharp, turbo speed comments and so what if he likes to bitch? - we all need a bit of bitchiness in our lives. Here's some more...

Rihanna Focus Fading?

After disappointing ticket sales for her US tour 'Last Girl in the World', Rihanna has had no choice but to cancel dates in five cities. So how come the lost interest? For a woman who is constantly in the media spotlight through public appearances and rotating radio airplay, it seems puzzling that her popularity does not translate through the music.

Is this the end of an era for concert ticket prices? Its sure heading that way if people are not willing to pay such amounts for mega-popstars such as Rihanna. Yet, if she is not able to sell out her tours it probably isn't fair to class her as a 'megastar' just yet. Considering the path current reigning superstar Beyonce took in order to achieve the success she has today, Rihanna may still have a way to go before she is considered in the same calibre.

Fl@unt understands that Rihanna is certainly overexposed which we assumed was due to her music being of popular demand, however she has not yet achieved a Number 1 in America for any of her albums. The sexually explicit lyrics to her current single 'S&M' lead to several bans through radio and MTV causing the single not to sell as well as her previous singles.This explains why Rihanna is keen to publicize herself so heavily as this is the only way she can attract as much fans as possible and push her way to the top.

This is one feisty, determined woman and so we're sure she will not let these disappointing turns stop her from fighting to stay at the top. No doubt she has achieved international praise and recognition, however maybe Rihanna should take some time out to refine her focus in music and tend to the quality of music she creates, rather than endlessly churning out albums to sustain audiences' attention. 

Chris Brown - is his Judgement Day over?

After a more than turbulent couple of years following the abuse incident that has overshadowed his life ever since, it seems that fallen R&B star Chris Brown has re-gained a secure footing in the music industry, creating positive media exposure in relation to his music in order to help push his forthcoming album F.A.M.E. 

      With the album release pending Chris needs to make an incredible amount of extra effort compared to other music artists in order for his music to gain sales - but do you think Chris deserves music success considering his past actions involving Rihanna? Or do you think his music should be considered separately from the man behind it?

Yet Chris is part of his music. Of course, we all make mistakes and it is often these which generate inspiration to create more music so that we can reflect on who we used to be and whether we have changed personally today. Chris Brown made the ultimate despicable action against his partner, but if Rihanna says she wishes Chris the best - shouldn't his fans too?

      Its unfortunate that this situation occurred with Chris as he's such a talented young man who had superstar promise before the brief moments he lost control. He has still remained relevant in the last year, releasing a mixtape and other undergound hit songs, showing his determination to rise back to the top - and we don't blame him, he boasts alot of creative musical talent.

Chris' violent actions will always stay with him and so we should at least appreciate that after apologizing countlessly, Chris' troubled past has hopefully educated him into understanding the true essence of manhood.

One of a Kind?

If you have become familiar with this blog you will be well aware that Fl@unt is a major fan of JLo, Gwen (Paltrow and Stefani) and various other famous female stars who have established and commercialized their name in the music/film/model industry. 

We can't help but notice certain aspects of these stars - image, personality and body - heavily reflected in the current fresh wave of celebrity women we are familiar with today. Fl@unt makes some comparisons...

PINK = COURTNEY LOVE, GWEN STEFANI

Channeling the same stubborn rebellion against the media's portrayal of femininity, Pink is just as hard and rough externally as Courtney whose always lived on the edge, while her athletic boyish body-type is like Gwen's - placing her as the later generation of the female pop-punk artist.

KIM KARDASHIAN = JENNIFER LOPEZ

Considering Kim's lengthy dark tresses, smouldering eyes and overly curvaceous body usually wrapped in bodycon on the red carpet, it's no wonder she emulates a Lebanese JLo. She, like Ms Lopez, wears heavy make up extremely well, always aware of fl@unting her best assets.

HAYLEY WILLIAMS (PARAMORE) = JULIETTE LEWIS

Fronting a rock band as Juliette has been since 2003, Hayley possesses a quiet confidence expressed most powerfully through her strong rock vocals. She has the charming nature of a girl-next-door just like Juliette but with the same sense of spunky attitude. 

MEGAN FOX = ANGELINA JOLIE

The luscious lips, blue eyes and tattoos, admired as one of the most attractive women the world, of course she will be likened to Angelina - but in Fl@unt's opinion, although undeniably hot, she doesn't quite match Ms Jolie's beauty.

UK Females Stamping Their Mark on the Music Industry!

Unless you've been outcast on a desert island for the past few months, you should be well aware of these two ladies who have been making a serious impact on the music scene since the beginning of the year.

Adele already broke music ground with her successful, Grammy-winning debut album, '19' in 2008 and she's achieved even more success with her follow-up releases - breaking records after spending four weeks at the top of the UK album and singles chart with three singles in the top ten.

Jessie J has also been making noise on both sides of the pond with her debut album 'Who You Are' pushed forward after strong demand - both young women are incredibly talented, blessed with powerhouse voices and so Fl@unt puts the two music forces together to see what exactly makes these women stand out artists:

ADELE

• An example of pure singing talent, an artist who doesn't rely on image to breakthrough - a refreshing rarity.
• She's simple in the most stunning way - her makeup minimal enhancing her natural beauty, while the notes she carries through her voice are prolonged to create effective tone (although she can still riff like no other).
• Her low tone of voice is unmistakably hers, capturing audiences with her sincere portrayal of vulnerability.
• Through such portrayals her music emotes aspects of blues mixed with modern folk.
• Her retro styling and sound is like no other contemporary music out today.

JESSIE J

• All about the image, rocking neon colours and clashing prints in every spectrum, Jessie J has built a huge fanbase based on her image alone, with fans copying her garms and that rigid, slick fringed bob of hers, fl@unting her feminine edge.
• She hasn't got this far based on just her appearance, Jessie J is more than a credible artist, winning over audiences with her creatively, authentic live performances showing off her wide vocal range and dynamic music tastes.
• She's a girl with attitude but also not afraid to reveal her vulnerability through music - don't let the hard-ass picture above fool you, she's a sweetheart really.
• Adopting soulful music flavours just like Adele but in a different manner, singing over more urban, hard-hitting beats.
• With an unstoppable charge to achieve international music status - Jessie J is well on her way to matching Adele's worldwide success.

The Cool Factor

Kate Moss returned to the catwalk for the first time in three years this week, parading her natural coolness on the runway as she smoked on a cigarette - an interesting idea of presentation which actually worked as this portrayed Kate's essence of cool to the fullest.

Inspired by this, Fl@unt has selected some of the coolest, celebrities shot in the most chilled out, effortlessly brooding images - the guys and girls we wish we could be like...

Cigarette Cool

Slacks Cool

Attitude Cool

Retro Cool

Supermodel Cool

Swagger Cool