Bark + Bite

Rihanna did on X Factor UK what she should've done on SNL

This stunning performance of "Diamonds" was full of the power, drama and elegancy that most of us were looking for from Rihanna's SNL performance. Instead, we got that bizarre, G.I. Joe meets Afghanistan Atari nightmare.

Question everyone is probably wondering: How the hell did all of that water not impact her voice or the mic not one bit? Is it lipsynching or has audio technology made significant advancements in waterproofing?

SOURCE: Mr. World Premiere

Bruno Mars Takes SNL to Paradise

Bruno Mars got his Justin Timberlake on over the weekend as he successfully pulled of a hosting/musical guest double duty on SNL. He got to dress up as a girl and play an intern at Pandora, impersonating Michael Jackson and Billy Joe of Green Day.

But he had plenty left in the tank for his musical performances. In fact, his performance of "Locked Out of Heaven" was so pulse-pounding that it looked like his band was doing Zumba and playing at the same damn time.

He also unveiled a new track from his upcoming album, Unorthodox Jukebox, called "Young Girls." The heartfelt ballad told the story of Mr. Mars falling under the alluring spell of young, wild and free ladies. No Chris Hansen though.

Watch Bruno's SNL performances below

Frank Ocean brings his quiet storm to SNL

After gaining national attention with his spotlight performance at the 2012 MTV VMAs, Frank Ocean continues his national TV circuit tour with an appearance on NBC's SNL.

But Frank didn't come alone. He brought John Mayer along and he accompanied the Odd Future star during both of his performances. But John really got his own spotlight with his guitar solo during "Pyramids."

Frank's set paid homage to his nerd origins, as it was littered with arcade games from his childhood. His outfit could best be described as homely. The enormously baggy sweater definitely won't land Frank on GQ's list of best-dressed men.

The performances themselves were low energy, as Frank clung closely to the mic for most of them. But his voice was 100 percent on. His falsetto never wavered during "Thinkin' Bout You" and he soared during "Pyramids."

It's just a shame that he didn't incorporate the first part of "Pyramids" somehow, as that's perhaps the most uptempo song on his album.

Check out Frank Ocean's SNL performances below

Brandy puts it down at V103's For Sisters Only concert

As the release date for Brandy's next album Two Eleven nears, we're finally starting to get more and more live performances. The amazing thing is that Brandy has really been putting in work. Her stagecraft is spectacular now and her confidence is on full blast.

We've seen her slay her lead single "Put It Down" a few times, but Brandy really knocked it out the park with a stunning performance of her second single, "Wildest Dreams" at V103's For Sisters Only concert.

Even Kelly Rowland couldn't contain her excitement.

Photo: Watching at @4everbrandy KILL the stage! SO proud of her! (Taken with Instagram) tmblr.co/ZIFdGyTSYjdl

— KELENDRIA ROWLAND (@KELLYROWLAND) September 15, 2012

Check out the performances from V103's For Sisters Only below

Frank Ocean and Rihanna set to hit the VMAs stage

The 2012 VMAs just got a major boost of star power with the news that Rihanna and Frank Ocean are officially on board as performers for the awards show, which is set to air live on MTV on Sept. 6., according to MTV.com

It was obvious that Frank was going to make this move once he was showered with nominations and word went out that he was canceling his stint as an opening act for Coldplay.

This move, if pulled off well, will help catapult Frank ever further into the spotlight. We can't wait to see what he comes up with his biggest televised performance to date.

It's hard to say what Rihanna will perform since promotion for Talk That Talk seems to have winded down. Maybe she'll pull off a spectacular medley? There's no way she won't perform her VMA-nominated single "We Found Love." Hopefully, whatever surprises she has in store for us have nothing to do with Chris Brown.

Been there, done that. Don't wanna see that movie again.

Frank Ocean covers Sade's "By Your Side"

While on tour in Norway for the Oya Festival, Frank Ocean pulled out this lovely surprise cover of Sade's perfectly melancholic "By Your Side." Get into the groove.

Ed Sheeran covers Nina Simone's "Be My Husband"

It takes a real man to step into a woman's shoes. Ed Sheeran tries on Nina Simone's heels in this bitter, poignant cover of Nina Simone's "Be My Husband."

"Oh daddy, now, now love me good / Oh, daddy, now, now love me good," Sheeran croons. Yeah, it definitely takes a secure man to take on such a blatantly feminine song. But Ed brings all of the usualness Edness that he brings to all of his work and makes it his own.

Check out Ed Sheeran's Nina Simone cover below

Big Boi teams up with Little Dragon for "Mama Told Me"

Andre 3000 may have gotten the leg up on Big Boi by snagging the hipster collabo of the year when he scored a feature on Frank Ocean's Channel Orange album, but Big Boi can land a hipster track too.

Swedish alt-pop act Little Dragon was performing at the FADER X VITAMIN WATER UNCAPPED SERIES in Austin, Texas (hipster central), when Big Boi came out for a surprise performance. The Outkast rapper announced that the two acts were joining forces for "Mama Told Me," a new track from Little Dragon's new album, which they then performed live in Austin.

What Big Boi and Little Dragon cooked up is a funky slice of pop/soul. Big Boi does what he does best and plays it cool while Little Dragon's Yukimi Nagano gloats about her destined stardom. "Mama Told Me" feels deliciously '80s-inspired and there's not a whole lot to dislike about it.

Check out the new collabo below