This week’s Throwback Thursday takes us back to 1982, when Prince introduced the world to his protégée girl group, Vanity 6, and their provocative single “Nasty Girl.” Written and composed by Prince—though he initially credited lead singer Vanity—the track was released as the second single from the group’s self-titled debut album. With its daring lyrics and infectious groove, the song made waves in clubs across the U.S., ultimately topping the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart for four weeks. Despite its dance floor success, “Nasty Girl” faced pushback from mainstream radio due to its explicit content, limiting its performance on the Hot 100. Still, the track found international success, reaching number seven on the Dutch singles chart and number 11 in Belgium. Its bold narrative, ending with a tongue-in-cheek lyrical letdown, cemented the song’s reputation as both controversial and unforgettable in early ‘80s pop culture.  Over the years, “Nasty Girl” has remained a touchstone in music history. In 2005, Inaya Day’s cover version climbed to number nine on the UK Singles Chart, proving the song’s enduring appeal. Vanity herself, who later left the entertainment industry to become a Christian preacher, denounced the track in her later years. Even so, Billboard honored the song’s cultural impact, ranking it number 37 on their list of the “100 Greatest Girl Group Songs of All Time.” Decades later, “Nasty Girl” still stands as a quintessential blend of Prince’s fearless artistry and the boundary-pushing spirit of Vanity 6.

Filipino-American singer/songwriter Jessica Sanchez has officially claimed victory on America’s Got Talent season 20, capping off one of the most remarkable comeback stories in the show’s history. The Texas-born artist, who first auditioned as a 10-year-old during the inaugural season, returned nearly two decades later to wow judges and audiences alike. On Sept. 24, Sanchez was crowned champion, triumphing over freestyle rapper Chris Turner in a finale filled with high emotion and dazzling performances. Throughout the season, Sanchez consistently delivered standout moments, beginning with a Golden Buzzer from judge Sofía Vergara. For her finale performance, she chose “Die With A Smile” by Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars, dressed in a flowing white ensemble that matched the song’s emotional weight. The performance brought the audience to its feet as confetti and fireworks rained down, sealing her status as one of AGT’s most unforgettable talents. After her win, Sanchez reflected on her two-decade journey to victory, describing the experience as “overwhelming.” Now nine months pregnant with her first daughter, she called the win both surreal and deeply meaningful. “I was devastated when I didn’t make it in Season 1, but I held onto that seed of faith,” she told TV Insider. “This moment is 20 years in the making, and I’m so grateful to finally show people that I deserve to be in the limelight.”

India Shawn continues to enchant with the release of her new video for “Cotton Candy Blvd” featuring Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Lucky Daye. Backed by a dreamy production from D’Mile and Chiiild, the two artists explore the delicate shift from friendship to romance, blending Shawn’s smooth, emotive vocals with Daye’s soulful delivery. The track builds on the narrative Shawn began with “Kill Switch” and showcases her ability to fuse heartfelt storytelling with innovative R&B textures.

Nigerian singer/songwriter Yemi Alade brings radiant energy in the vibrant new video for her single “Mbali.” Directed by Director Pink, the visual bursts with color, movement, and cultural pride, reflecting the Afro-pop track’s uplifting message about choosing joy and protecting your peace. Dressed in striking Asooke and African prints, Alade shines alongside dancers in bold hairstyles and outfits, creating a celebration of rhythm and heritage. With “Mbali,” she reminds listeners to live fully, stay unbothered, and dance through life’s challenges.

Conya Doss, widely celebrated as The Queen of Indie Soul, returns in 2025 with her 10th solo project, Affirmations. Known for her rich storytelling and soulful authenticity, Doss channels her life’s journey, global travels, and personal transitions into this uplifting collection. The album shines with standout moments like "Lift Me Up", a soaring anthem of resilience and ancestral strength, and "Life’s Love", a stirring collaboration with Grammy-nominated neo-soul artist Anthony David. With Affirmations, Doss reaffirms her legacy of delivering heartfelt, empowering soul music to fans worldwide.

Coline Creuzot, the Houston-born, 3x Billboard-charting R&B powerhouse, unleashes a powerful anthem of strength and self-liberation with her new single “Walk Away.” Blending dramatic strings, riveting beats, and soaring vocals, Creuzot delivers a gripping breakup track about reaching her limit and choosing herself over a rocky relationship. With emotive storytelling and commanding presence, she transforms heartbreak into empowerment, cementing her status as one of R&B’s most dynamic voices. “Walk Away” is both inspiring and unforgettable.

Fledgling artist SHARAI makes a stunning debut with her new single “Get Back,”a soulful blend of R&B, soul-pop, and folk-rooted honesty. Recorded at Abbey Road Studio with a full band, the track weaves elegant piano lines and organic instrumentation into a lush, timeless soundscape. Lyrically, SHARAI draws from personal experience, balancing vulnerability with resilience in a way that feels both intimate and empowering. With her effortless, soulful vocals, the South-West London songstress proves she’s a rising artist to watch.

Singer-songwriter d4vd has canceled the final two shows of his U.S. tour and multiple European stops after the discovery of a teenage girl’s body in a vehicle linked to him. Venues in San Francisco and Los Angeles confirmed the cancellations, and Ticketmaster marked both events as called off. Authorities are investigating the death of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose remains were discovered in a Tesla at a Los Angeles tow yard earlier this month. Police have not named d4vd, born David Anthony Burke, 20, as a suspect, though several outlets report the car was registered to him. Celeste had been missing since April 2024, when she was just 13 years old. On September 16, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified her remains, which officials described as dismembered and wrapped in plastic. Days later, LAPD homicide detectives searched Burke’s home as part of the ongoing investigation. His representatives have not commented. The case has already had fallout beyond the tour. Interscope Records has reportedly shelved promotional plans for d4vd’s deluxe album Withered, and fans allege the singer has been deleting online discussions about the case from his official Reddit community. Meanwhile, Celeste’s community in Lake Elsinore held a candlelight vigil, where neighbors and strangers gathered to honor her memory. “I’m feeling heartbroken, devastated for hearing about the news. I didn’t know Celeste personally but it hits home,” resident Gabriela Flores told KABC.

Cardi B and Kehlani deliver a cinematic experience with the official video for “Safe,” a highlight from Cardi’s long-awaited sophomore album Am I The Drama? Channeling TLC’s iconic “Creep” visuals, the duo appear in silky pajamas, moving in sync through playful choreography. But beneath the glossy surface lies a darker story, Cardi’s romance with a seemingly loving partner, played by Don Benjamin, spirals as secrets and betrayal emerge during a pregnancy. Blending nostalgia, heartbreak, and striking visuals, “Safe” is Cardi at her boldest.