Reality Rocks

‘X Factor’ Alums Astro & Cher Lloyd Join Forces in “Want U Back” Video

By | Reality Rocks – Fri, Jan 6, 2012 2:33 PM EST

Astro raps on "Want U Back""X Factor USA" emcee the Astronomical Kid and "X Factor U.K." finalist Cher Lloyd both have their detractors--Astro turned almost all of America against him when he threw a fit on one fateful results show, and Cher is so polarizing in Britain, for some odd reason (side note: I think she is AWESOME), she defiantly titled her debut album Sticks + Stones.  But haters, back off: There is a lot to love about Cher's new video featuring a rap by Astro, "Want U Back."

Cher's new singleCher, who placed fourth on Season 7 of "The X Factor U.K." in 2010 and is signed to Simon Cowell's SyCo label in Britain, recently signed to L.A. Reid's Epic Records in the U.S. in preparation for her inevitable and deserved Stateside domination--and the decision to add Astro to this track (the original album version does not feature him) only fuels those ongoing rumors that Astro has signed with L.A. Reid as well.

Are Astro & Cher "ascending stars"?Whatever the reason for the pairing, it was good decision. Cher and Astro are a fun match here, full of personality and spunk, and Astro handles his bit (which comes in around 2:25) like a pro, even if he keeps it a little low-key. (Then again, it's Cher's video, not his.) I only wish Cher and Astro had shared the screen together at one point during this video, but if all goes well and the song is a hit, maybe we'll be seeing them perform it together on U.S. television ("Kimmel"? "SNL"? the VMAs?) someday.

Christa Collins' new singleIn semi-related, additional cool-"X Factor"-chick news, Astro's castmate Christa Collins, the ethereal over-30's contestant insanely passed over by Nicole Scherzinger for Dexter Haygood, has released a single of the Radiohead ballad she performed at the Judges' Houses for Nicole, "No Surprises." (Christa's single, of course, is understandably Astro-free.) Get it HERE and once again be surprised that this girl didn't make the top 17.

Related links:

Astro releases "LΦSER" mixtape

Cher's duet with Mike Posner

Astro's best "X Factor" moments

Christa Collins dishes on the show

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