50 Cent invaded Thursday’s “X Factor” finale with a super-sized performance. First up, the G-Unit general debuted “Wait Until Tonight,” a cut off his mixtape The Big 10, live for the first time. He also took it back, linking up with eliminated contestant Astro for “In Da Club” as the show’s judges and members of the L.A. Lakers danced onstage.

British “X Factor” champ Leona Lewis wowed with her cover of Snow Patrol’s “Run,” Pitbull got the party started with “International Love” and “Give Me Everything” with Ne-Yo, and Justin Bieber spread some holiday cheer with Stevie Wonder.

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Nicole Scherzinger brought the drama while singing the title track from The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Variety Performance. The “X Factor” judge took the stage before Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, during the annual gala, which was taped earlier this month. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the musical, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber enlisted Nicole to play Christine opposite the four Phantoms.

In addition to the Pussycat Doll, Cee Lo Green performed his single “Anyway” and dueted with Leona Lewis on a cover of Queen’s “Somebody to Love.”

Roll out the royal performances below.

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“X Factor” champ Leona Lewis returned to where it all began. Looking radiant in a red gown, the British songstress poured out her emotions as she covered Nine Inch Nails’ “Hurt” during the singing competition’s live finale. The song appears on her three-song EP of the same name, available now in the U.K. It’s her gift to fans until her third album Glassheart arrives in 2012.

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Some of Michael Jackson’s most famous fans and family members gathered to celebrate the iconic career of the pop legend at a tribute show in Cardiff, Wales, on Saturday (Oct. 8). “Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert,” which was sanctioned by Michael’s mother Katherine Jackson, featured superstar sets from Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green, Ne-Yo, Leona Lewis, and more, with hosts Jamie Foxx and Fearne Cotton. The Jackson family, including Michael’s three kids, took the glove-shaped stage before tens of thousands of devoted fans at Millenium Stadium. Among the highlights…

• Ne-Yo kicked off the four-hour extravaganza by channeling the pop icon during “Billie Jean” and “The Lady In My Life.” He thrilled with MJ’s signature moves in his iconic glittery jacket and glove.
• Michael’s children Prince, Paris, and Blanket introduced Beyoncé, who appeared via satellite. Rocking an Afro, B performed one of her favorite Jackson records “I Wanna Be Where You Are.”
• Emotions ran high as Christina Aguilera belted out MJ’s favorite ballad “Smile,” kicking it up a notch with “Dirty Diana.”
• Britain’s “X Factor” champ Alexandra Burke delivered the Jackson 5’s “Who’s Lovin’ You” and “Scream,” Michael’s collaboration with his sister Janet.
• Cee Lo Green toned down the flash, performing “I Can’t Help It” from Off the Wall, wearing a simple white T-shirt.
• Michael’s nephews 3T reunited for the Jackson 5’s “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Why,” a duet with their late uncle.
• Leona Lewis was joined by ballerinas for “Stranger in Moscow.” “What an electric experience!” she wrote. “Honoured to be a part of the show.”
• La Toya Jackson hit the stage for the first time in 20 years, performing “In the Closet” and “Jam” with Heavy D.
• Tears streamed down fans’ faces as Gladys Knight and Smokey Robinson dueted on a beautiful cover of “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You.”
• Ne-Yo, JLS, and members of the Jackson family came together on stage for the all-star finale of “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.”

Previously announced performers the Black Eyed Peas and Jennifer Hudson pulled out of the show. “To my uk fans that were coming to the mj show in wales. I will no longer be attentding due to major production issues,” tweeted Hudson. “I would have thought they would have informed you all by now, so since they did not, I am. Thank u for your support.”

Brothers Jermaine and Randy boycotted the event because of its timing with the Jackson manslaughter trial, while Janet explained that it would be too painful to perform amidst the court proceedings.

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Leona Lewis has stars in her eyes on the striking cover of her third album Glassheart. The British beauty pierces the artwork with her green eyes and brown hair, donning a red sequined dress.

The “X Factor” champ has collaborated with a talented group of hitmakers including Chuck Harmony, Claude Kelly, Andrea Martin, Kevin Rudolf, and Avicii, whose beat she borrowed for the lead dance single “Collide.” The album arrives in the U.K. on November 28.

What do you think of Leona’s cover art? Share your thoughts.

Leona Lewis makes waves in the Ethan Lader-directed video for “Collide,” the first single from her upcoming third album Glass Heart. The big-voiced diva hits a Southern California beach with her friends in the summery visuals, performing the Avicii-borrowed dance tune on the sandy shores. The British beauty lights up the screen in a polka dot bikini top while splashing in the water with a hunky male co-star. The festivities continue at night as fireworks shoot across the sky. Soak up the final days of summer in the feel-good video.

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Leona Lewis soaked up the sun in a polka dot bikini top while shooting the video for “Collide,” the dance single from her upcoming third album. The British hottie rides in the back of a convertible with her friends and performs on the beach in an elegant gown in the first images from the set. The Ethan Lader-directed clip is expected to premiere this week. Meanwhile, Leona is in the studio putting the finishing touches on her album and will perform at the Michael Jackson tribute concert in October.

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Leona Lewis is radiant in a color-block dress on the cover of “Collide,” the first single from the British songbird’s as-yet-untitled third album. The dance floor anthem will be released to all digital retailers on September 6.

Swedish DJ-producer Avicii attempted to block the release of the song, claiming that the instrumental was a direct copy of his own work, “Fade Into Darkness.” Both camps resolved the dispute and added Avicii’s name to the credits.

Listen to the original mix and Afrojack remix below.

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Christina Aguilera, Leona Lewis, and Cee Lo Green will honor Michael Jackson by taking part in a tribute concert in October.

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