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Tag: Jennifer Hudson

  • Pam Grier: Blaxploitation Icon to Join Cast of TV’s ‘Smallville’

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    Pam Grier will return to television early next year…and will be playing a bad guy.

    Well, a bad girl.

    Again!

    The CW announced that the 60 year-old 1970s Blaxploitation film icon is joining the cast of the hit drama series ‘Smallville,’ which is based on the DC Comics Superman series.

    The savvy casting choice is the first for the ‘Jackie Brown’ actress since Showtime’s ‘The L Word’ ended last year.

    Grier will play a villainess named Agent Amanda Waller, who brought on the destruction of Smallville in one of part of the Superman mythology.

    In the storyline, the character escaped the infamous Chicago Cabrini-Green housing projects with her surviving family after her family was murdered. She became a congressional aid and then a member of the elite semi-secret government agency, the Suicide Squad, where she earned the nickname ‘The Wall.’ Later, Agent Waller served as Secretary of Meta-human Affairs under President Lex Luthor.

    According to TV Guide, Grier will make her debut in January and she will appear in multiple episodes throughout the season.

    2008 Deaths

      Odetta Holmes
      “The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement” was a singer, actress, guitarist, songwriter and activist.
      December 31 1930 – December 2 2008.

      Ray Tamarra , Getty

      Bernie Mac
      Comedian, Actor
      Oct. 5, 1957 – Aug. 9, 2008.

      AP

      Isaac Hayes
      Singer, songwriter, record producer, composer and actor.
      August 20, 1942 – August 10, 2008

      Reuters

      Miriam Makeba, “Mama Africa”
      South African folk singer and anti-apartheid activist.
      March 4, 1932 – November 10, 2008.

      Reuters

      Jennifer Hudson’s 57-year-old mother, Darnell Donerson, brother, Jason, and 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, were killed in 2008.

      AP

      Shakir Stewart
      The Island Def Jam executive who became head of the legendary rap label following Jay-Z’s departure, killed himself on Nov. 1. He was 34 years old.

      Getty

      George Carlin
      Stand-up comedian, actor and author.
      May 12, 1937 – June 22, 2008

      Getty Images

      Madelyn Dunham
      Barack Obama’s grandmother
      October 26, 1922 – Nov 3, 2008.

      Getty Images

      Levi Stubbs
      Oct. 17: The iconic lead singer, second from left, who gave voice to Four Tops classics like “Reach Out I’ll Be There” and “Baby I Need Your Loving” died at 72 from complications of cancer and a stroke. Abdul Fakir, far left, is now the sole living member of the original quartet.

      Corbis

      Dee Dee Warwick
      Oct. 18: The soul songstress died after months of declining health. Warwick, the sister of soul legend Dionne, also achieved a great deal of success, both as a solo artist as well as with her sister.

      Corbis

     

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  • Jennifer Hudson: Ready For Baby Number Two

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    jennifer hudson


    Jennifer Hudson wants a dreamgirl of her own.

    The Academy Award-winning actress/singer just gave birth to her son David, but is already excited to have baby number two.

    The former ‘American Idol’ finalist told Access Hollywood, “Maybe one more, I’d like to have at least one more, a little girl.”

    “I want a girl and then maybe another one,” she continued. “You know, one baby at a time.”

    According to TV Guide.com, Hudson is set to perform some of her favorite Christmas songs on an ABC special holiday special.” In it, she returns home to Chicago to visit with family members, friends and some of her childhood influences.

    And, though she has bounced back from last year’s tragic loss of her mother, brothJennifer Hudsoner and nephew, the 27 year-old and her fiancé, ‘I Love New York 2’ contestant, David Otunga have yet to decide what city to call home.

    “That is where all the family is,” Hudson said of the Windy City. “I feel like he should be surrounded by family. That’s where the biggest support system is and if we live somewhere else, then we will have to bring the family wherever we are.”

    ‘Jennifer Hudson: I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is slated to air on ABC in Dec.

    Head over to People.com for more details.

     

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  • 2009 Soul Train Awards: Nominees and Performers Announced

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    2009 Soul Train Awards: Nominees and Performers Announced

    As previously reported by BV Newswire, the 2009 Soul Train Awards is scheduled to tape at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center on Nov. 3. In addition to Academy Award nominated actors Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard hosting this year’s annual event, some of today’s most prominent music stars are scheduled to perform.

    Network producers decided to assemble an all-star lineup including Toni Braxton, Trey Songz, Erykah Badu, Robin Thicke, Fantasia, Ryan Leslie, Chrisette Michelle, Raheem DeVaughn, Karyn White, Boyz II Men, Ledisi, Chico Debarge, Angie Stone, Brian McKnight, Ginuwine, Melanie Fiona, and Johnny Gill among others.

    The two-hour ceremony will also honor the late, great Michael Jackson, who holds the record for most Soul Train awards won, with the special Entertainer of the Year Award.

    As for this year’s nominations, pop superstar Beyonce alongside Keri Hilson, and Maxwell lead the pack with four nominations each.

    In addition, this year’s show will honor the illustrious careers and musical influences of Chaka Khan, Charlie Wilson, L.A. Reid and Kenny “Baby Face” Edmonds.

    Officially titled, ‘Centric Presents: 2009 Soul Train Awards Show,’ the event will premiere simultaneously on the new BET spin-off channel Centric and BET on Nov. 29 at 9 pm ET. Centric went live on air Sept. 28 via digital cable and satellite cable carriers.

    Below is a complete list of nominees and categories.

    BEST NEW ARTIST

    o. Drake
    o. Jazmine Sullivan
    o. Keri Hilson
    o. Ryan Leslie
    o. Solange

    BEST R&B/SOUL ARTIST FEMALE

    o. Beyonce
    o. Chrisette Michele
    o. Jennifer Hudson
    o. Ledisi
    o. Whitney Houston

    BEST MALE R&B/SOUL MALE

    o. Charlie Wilson
    o. Maxwell
    o. Musiq Soulchild
    o. Raphael Saadiq
    o. Robin Thicke

    SONG OF THE YEAR

    o. “God in Me” – Mary Mary
    o. “Pretty Wings” – Maxwell
    o. “Single Ladies (Put a ring on it)” – Beyonce
    o. “Spotlight” – Jennifer Hudson
    o. “Turnin Me On” – Keri Hilson/ ft Lil Wayne

    ALBUM OF THE YEAR

    o. Beyonce – I am… Sasha Fierce (Platinum) Sony Music
    o. Jamie Foxx – Intuition (Platinum) J Records
    o. Kanye West – 808s & Heartbreak (Platinum) Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam
    o. Maxwell – Blacksummer’s Night (Gold) Sony Music
    o. Ne-Yo – Year of the Gentleman

    RECORD OF THE YEAR (SONGWRITER AWARD)

    o. Beyonce – “Single Ladies (Put a ring on it)”
    o. Drake – “Best I ever had”
    o. Jamie Foxx Ft/T-Pain – “Blame it”
    o. Keri Hilson – “Knock You Down”
    o. Maxwell – “Pretty Wings”

    BEST REGGAE ARTIST AWARD

    o. Movado
    o. Sean Paul
    o. Serani
    o. Taurus Riley
    o. Ziggy Marley

    CENTRIC AWARD – SOUL APPROVED/UNDERGROUND

    o. Corneille
    o. Eric Roberson
    o. Laura Izibor
    o. Maysa
    o. The Knux

    BEST GOSPEL PERFORMANCE MALE, FEMALE OR GROUP

    o. BeBe and CeCe Winans – “Close To You”
    o. Fred Hammond f/John P Kee – “They That Wait”
    o. Marvin Sapp – “Praise Him in Advance”
    o. Mary Mary – “God In Me”
    o. Smokie Norful – “Justified”

    BEST COLLABORATION

    o. Keri Hilson featuring Kanye West & Ne-Yo – “Knock you Down”
    o. Keyshia Cole featuring Monica – “Trust”
    o. Mario featuring Gucci Mane and Sean Garrett – “Break up”
    o. Mary Mary featuring Kierra (KiKi) Sheard – “God In Me”
    o. Trey Songz featuring Drake – “Successful”

    ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

    o. Michael Jackson

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    Black Music Notes Oct. 7

      10/7/09: Mariah Carey
      Mariah Carey‘s new album ‘Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel’ debuted in #3 position on the Billboard Top 200 Album chart, selling only 167, 912 copies in its first week of release. Surprisingly, 67-year-old Barbra Streisand bagged the top spot — selling 180,415 copies of her latest covers collection, ‘Love is the Answer.’ Also keeping Carey away from being numero uno; rock band Paramore, which opened at #2 with their new album ‘Brand New Eyes,’ with sales of 175,112.

      Getty Images

      10/5/09: Meshell Ndegeocello
      This week, Meshell Ndegeocelloreleases her latest album, ‘Devil’s Halo,’ and officially kicks off a promotional tour at New York City hot-spot, Highline Balroom. The three week club tour will have the rock & soul wunderkind performing in major cities across the country — including Chicago, Los Angeles and Minneapolis — before her final show Oct. 28 in Bellingham, Washington. All tour dates will include Meshell’s full band, featuring guitarist Chris Bruce, bassist Mark Kelley, keyboardist Keefus Ciancia and drummer Deantoni Parks.

      Mark Seliger for Downtown Music

      10/2/09: Mary J, Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson:
      Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, and Jennifer Hudson are among the artists featured on Rod Stewart‘s forthcoming project titled ‘Soulbook.’ The J Records release captures the Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Famer covering a collection of classic soul favorites, including the Stylistics timeless classic ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New.’ “This is the album I’ve waited my whole lifetime to record,” Stewart stated. ‘Soulbook’ hits stores and digital retailers Oct. 27.

      Getty Images

      10/2/09: 50 Cent/T.I.:
      To capitalize off of its recent batch of ‘Behind the Music’ segments, VH1 has finally decided to take an introspective look at the careers of 50 Cent and T.I. The two multi-platinum rappers will be showcased in the network’s long running series in the coming weeks, which will cover their rise to fame. From T.I. describing the pros and cons of being a hip-hop superstar to Fifty detailing his success as an international mogul. ‘Behind the Music: T.I.’ premieres Oct. 8 at 10 pm/et, while ‘Behind the Music: 50 Cent’ airs Oct. 13 at 8 pm/et.

      Getty Images

      10/2/09: Bootsy Collins, Teena Marie:
      Beginning Nov. 1, TV One returns with all new episodes of their critically-acclaimed original biography series, ‘Unsung.’ The Gary Anthony Williams-narrated show, which examines and celebrates talented artists who are under-appreciated, will showcase Teena Marie, Bootsy Collins, Roger Troutman & Zapp, and Klymaxx in its third installment. ‘Unsung: Teena Marie’ premieres Nov. 1 at 8 pm/et followed by an encore at 11 pm/et.

      Getty Images

      10/2/09: Akon:
      International superstar Akon is showing support for breast cancer awareness month this weekend with his headlining performance at the Think Pink Rocks concert on Oct. 3. Hosted by BET’s Terrence and Rocsi, the star-studded charity benefit will also include performances by Canadian R&B songstress Melanie Fiona, Shontelle, and pop reggae trio American Yard. According to an event spokesperson, all proceeds will go to breast cancer charities and research.

      Getty Images

      10/2/09: Pretty Ricky:
      Following a controversial viral video clip from one of its most known members earlier this year, R&B group Pretty Ricky will finally release their third album, aptly titled ‘Pretty Ricky.’ The chart-topping group, which features Spectacular, Diamond Blue, Slick’Em, and their newest buddy/addition Lingerie, feels their Nov. 17 release is too good to explain. “The songs are too sensual to describe in words,” says Diamond. “You have to hear it to fully grasp the erotic experience of the records.” The group’s new lead single, ‘Tipsy In This Club,’ received a mixed response over the summer when Spectacular debuted the track via his eye-brow raising YouTube clip.

      Getty Images

      9/28/09: Tupac Shakur/Martin Luther King Jr.
      Late rap legend Tupac Shakur may be deceased, but he’s still in great company. His mother Afeni Shakur has donated a collection of his writing to the Robert W. Woodruff Library at Atlanta University Center. The library also houses The Martin Luther King Jr. Collection. More than 150 of his personal items, ranging from rough drafts of lyrics and poems to a photocopy of his contract with Suge Knight and Death Row Records were given. The records are expected to be available for research in the fall of 2010.

      Getty Images, Corbis

      9/28/09: Ruben Studdard
      Former ‘American Idol’ winner Ruben Studdard is heating up the airwaves with his latest single, ‘Don’t Make ‘Em Like U No More.’ The single, which is described as a “sleek and soulful R&B ode to everyone’s special someone,” is featured on the Grammy Award-nominated crooner’s current album, ‘Love Is.’ In addition, Studdard will join Philip Bailey (of Earth, Wind & Fire) and Deborah Cox, among others, on Oct. 21 for the “David Foster and Friends Tour.” The trek kicks off in Chicago and concludes on Nov. 8 in Vancouver.

      Getty Images

      9/28/09: Angie Stone
      R&B diva Angie Stone is ready to hit fans with some surprising stuff! On Nov. 24, the brown-skin soul sister will release her second project, titled ‘Unexpected,’ on legendary label Stax Records. According to Stone, the album’s title is a reflection of the direction that she took in recording the opus. “This album is something that no one would have anticipated coming from me,” she said. “My father always encouraged me and everyone else he knew to reach out and make a leap of faith, and that’s exactly what I’ve done.” ‘Unexpected’ features the lead single ‘I Ain’t Hearin’ U’ and the poignant ballad ‘Think Sometimes.’

      Getty Images

     

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  • The Week That Was: Shyne not really free at last, Kim Zolciak Really Engaged to Big Poppa?

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    The Week That Was: Shyne not really free at last, Kim Zolciak Really Engaged to Big Poppa?The rapper Shyne, who was convicted of a club shooting in 1999, was reportedly released from a New York correctional facility Oct. 6 and then transferred into custody by immigration officials. Though the former Bad Boy Records star has a green card, news reports hint that he may be deported to his native Belize because of the felony conviction. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Mike Gilhooly would only tell media outlets that Shyne was in custody for being in violation of U.S. immigration law.

    Born Jamal Barrow, Shyne was on the verge of superstardom when he was arrested in 1999 for a shooting at the Club New York nightclub. His mentor and record label chief Diddy, and then-girlfriend Jennifer Lopez, was also charged but acquitted at trial.

    While in prison, Shyne (now 30) changed his name to Moses Leviy in recognition of his Jewish mother. His father, Dean Oliver Barrow, is currently the prime minister of Belize.

    Attorney Oscar Michelen, told the ‘New York Daily News’ his client “is anxious to get released and is looking forward to seeing his family and being able to be free to do what he wants to do.”

    ShyneDespite what seems to be a smear campaign from a few mainstream gossip columns, Mo’Nique and her new late night talk show is a hit. Numbers do not lie. The comedienne -who is making headlines for not promoting the new Tyler Perry/Oprah Winfrey-produced film ‘Precious’ – has made history for BET with ‘The Mo’Nique Show,’ which netted 1.5 million viewers for its debut Oct. 5.

    The premiere episode featured appearances from Steve Harvey, R&B artist Monica, Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin as well as a performance by R&B recording artist Jeremih. A rep for BET said the show ranked as the network’s highest-rated show for the season and was the number two entertainment program on cable during its time slot. “The inaugural episode also outperformed the competition, coming in as the number one entertainment talk show on cable overall and the number one talk show among adults 18-49 (850,000),” said BET spokeswoman Tricia Newell. The show, a loud and colorful spectacle, tapes from Atlanta’s Turner Studios and airs on BET at 11 p.m. weeknights.

    *****

    Jennifer Hudson is getting back to work. As the Academy Award and Grammy Award winner celebrates the recent birth of her baby, she’s also getting into the holiday spirit. The TV special ‘Jennifer Hudson: I’ll be Home for Christmas’ has been announced to air on ABC in December. According to reports, the show will feature the singer-actress reliving her childhood holidays with musical performances filmed at various locations around her hometown of Chicago. The chosen venues will be specific to her youth; they include her church and the music academy she attended. Hudson’s record label has no plans to release a holiday album to coincide with the TV special.

    *****

    Anna Deavere Smith is something like a phenomenon. Her new show ‘Let Me Down Easy’ opened Oct. 7 at New York City’s tightly packed Second Stage Theater and a flurry of notable well wishers – including Gayle King, opera diva Jessye Norman, Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Lynn Nottage, actresses Dawn Lewis and Judith Light – came out to celebrate.

    For the Tony Award nominee’s latest one-woman, multi-character show, Smith explores the power of the body, the price of health, and the resilience of the spirit. The Anthony Foglia-directed tour-de-force where the McArthur Genius Grant winning wunderkind transforms herself into a dramatic range of characters, all of whom she’s interviewed and impersonates masterfully for the 95-minute play. But this is far from satire; ‘Let Me Down Easy’ is a thought provoking marvel about mortality channeled through journalistic accounts from a wide variety of sources, including fashion icon Lauren Hutton, super-athlete Lance Armstrong, playwright Eve Ensler, former boxing champ Michael Bent, late movie critic Joel Siegel and former Texas Governor Ann Richards.

    *****

    Controversial reggae artist Buju Banton’s concert at the Voodoo Lounge in San Jose, California on Oct. 13 has been canceled. “After reviewing Buju Banton’s lyrics, I was appalled by their sheer hatred and encouragement of violence towards the gay, lesbian and transgender community,” stated David Powell, co-owner of Voodoo Lounge. “There is no place for these types of incendiary remarks at Voodoo Lounge or in San Jose.” Banton – who recorded the song ‘Boom, Bye Bye,’ in 1988, which incited the torture and murder of gay men – has been the subject of protest for his concert bookings.

    A website has been erected to boycott any promoter doing business with him. An open letter to his manager Tracii Mcgregor, a former editor at the Source magazine, has been published there also, calling her to task for saying that Banton was “only 15 years old when he recorded that song.” Powell maintained that the club’s ownership team “did not know the content of Banton’s lyrics. If we had known, we would not have scheduled this performance.”

    *****

    Big Poppa Kim Zolciak Real Housewives of AtlantaSo is ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ star Kim Zolciak really engaged to Big Poppa? Only God knows for sure. On last week’s episode of the televised guilty pleasure, the bleached-blond urban socialite showed off the new rocks that she got, and boasted of her engagement to her mysterious millionaire paramour (who has been identified as Lee Najjar). Hmmmm. Her TV show co-star Sheree Whitfield, who recently underwent a downsizing divorce from former football player Bob Whitfiled, wondered aloud (and on camera) about the validity of the engagement since the man is still married.

    A Bravo network spokeswoman couldn’t be reached for comment about the possible nuptials. But until that stone is uncovered, folks can see really how large the ‘Tardy for the Party’ singer is living — the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper got an exclusive look at her luxurious digs.

     

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