[Hot Video Alert] Cher Lloyd – Want U Back

Releasing “Want U Back” as Cher Lloyd‘s official first U.S. single was a smart move on the part of her U.S. label, Epic Records.  Releasing it without X-Factor‘s resident rapper Astro was also a smart move. Astro‘s addition to the UK version of the single always seemed contrived to me. Hell, it certainly didn’t add anything valuable. The song’s strengths lie completely in Lloyd’s sassy delivery, Shellback‘s spunky production and Savan Kotecha‘s punchy, fresh lyrics.  Astro, as talented as he is, was always an after thought, a gimmick thought up by his X-Factor mentor (and chairman/CEO of Epic Records) L.A. Reid.

“Want U Back” is the perfect U.S. single for the feisty 18 year old Lloyd, who today, premiered on VEVO, the brand new U.S. music video for her single.  Cher’s made it known in the press that America is her new priority, having been signed by Reid to Epic Records.  In an interview with the Mirror last month, Lloyd seemed excited by the prospect of a “fresh start” across the pond.  She also claims to be taking her potential international pop star status very seriously, a wise move for sure.  According to Lloyd,

It’s not every day that a UK X-Factor act has the opportunity to attempt a career here in America (the exceptions, of course being Leona Lewis, One Direction, Rebecca Ferguson, Olly Murs).  “Want U Back” was originally released in the UK February 19th, peaking at #25 on the UK Singles Chart.  The original single was backed with remixes by Cahill and Pete Phantom, as well as the single edit featuring Astro.  For the American release of “Want U Back,” Cher hinted at an upcoming Snoop Dogg remix as well as an appearence on The Late Show With David Letterman (U.S. television debut?) Big things are coming for Ms. Lloyd. Definitely keep your eye on her.

“Want U Back” hits U.S. radio May 7th, followed by the single’s release on iTunes May 22nd. Download Cher Lloyd on iTunes BELOW.

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