THIS IS THE CHRONICLES OF EFREM: The Daily Buzz For Feb 25

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It's The 2013 OSCARS Red Carpet!

At the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles, our fave celebs hit the biggest red carpet of the season. Check out the glitz, glamour,at the 2013 Oscars...

Let's take a moment for this vintage perfection that is Halle Berry in a custom Versace black & silver sparkling gown.

Ms. Berry revealed that, since she's presenting in honor of the James Bond 50 year anniversary, she had Donatella Versace make her a gown to reflect her Bond days. Hot! The former Bond girl also rocked Adeler earrings and a Le Vian ring.
Django Unchained star Kerry Washington had a melon-like moment on the red carpet in a coral strapless beaded bodice Miu Miu gown.

As usual, she kept her hair and makeup simple and looked simply gorgeous. We wanted a bit more OOMPH..since this IS the Oscars...but she knows what works for her body and this is it.
Before showing off her Fred Leighton diamond ring, she dished to E! Host Ryan Seacrest about her Oscar day routine saying, "I started today with a workout...I had to get the workout in early. I did Pilates so I feel tall and lean and strong."
Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson channeled a sexy mermaid in her navy blue high slit gown from Roberto Cavalli ad Sutra opal and diamond earrings and ring. dished to E! on how she chose this particular gown:

"I love it and it's such a great pop of color on this Academy Award red carpet. Oh my God it took 3 fittings, 3 days of fittings. 3 hours each. It's serious business to choose. My stylist cried tears of joy."
The dress and color looks great on her new bod.
Jenny loves a "shocked" face doesn't she? She brought her sister Julia along as her date for the night and spoke about working on her newest musical, Black Nativity.
Kelly Rowland chose another winner after the Grammys as she hit the red carpet in this black & white stunner. She rocked this strapless exaggerated sweetheart neckline Donna Karan Atelier gown with a black skirt and high slit to show off her gams.

Amazing look for her. She also hosted the red carpet for ABC alongside Kristin Chenoweth (in Tony Ward), and folks were wondering about that diamond on her left hand's ring finger. Hmmm. Her boyfriend/manager Tim Weatherspoon also Instagrammed a few pics of his lady backstage.

Little 9-year-old Quvenzhané Wallis kept her Armani dress very age appropriate as she's done all awards season. The youngest nominee in Oscar history and dog lover told the story behind her cute puppy purse as well saying, "I named this one after my puppy at home, Sammy.

She said about choosing this cute dress, "I picked this because it's sparkly and fluffy." And since Q's a huge Demi Lovato fan, Ryan Seacrest played video of Demi on the red carpet wishing her congrats.
And she even got to catch up with Halle.

We know Oscar winner Octavia Spencer loves Tadashi Shoji....but this dress is not the best choice for her. The actress has been making her rounds promoting Sensa, the new weight loss product she endorses, and she's lost 20 pounds. But thanks to all this unnecessary tulle and fluffiness of the Tadashi dress, no one can tell.

There's so many other choices that would have been fabulous for her. But we wish she would have reserved this one for the church banquet. She accessorized her look with a Judith Leiber clutch.
Upcoming Nina star Zoe Saldana rocked a look that's much talked about tonight on the red carpet:

The pale lavender/white and black/grey trimmed Alexis Mabille couture gown wasn't our fave, but she did have an ethereal look on the carpet. She's gorgeous and it's hard for her not to look that way regardless of what she's wearing. The asymmetrical ruffled hem and decadent floral trim on the bust line gave the dress a punch. But maybe it's the faux belt that gets us...
Django Unchained star Jamie Foxx looked great...mainly due to his gorgeous 19-year-old daughter Corinne being his date for the night as usual.

As Jamie was interviewed by Kelly Rowland on the carpet, who he made blush by flirting with her and revealing his crush, he dished on what he and Corinne talked about in the car on the way over:
"I was listening to my daughter talk about college and relationships. I'm always shooting movies so when we get in the car, we're just catching up. Talking about love…you know."
Sweet!
Queen Latifah was there to present and rocked a white Badgely Mischka gown. She looks good.

Silver Linings Playbook star Chris Tucker hit the carpet looking clean in his look. And as for his comedy career, he's headed back out on the road saying, "I'm going on tour and just filmed my stand up comedy movie that's out soon. I've grown up over time. i talk about all that, friends and family and all that."

"Live" co-host Michael Strahan looked pretty dapper...pursed lips and all.

Lincoln actress Gloria Reuben rocked an Oliver Tolentino Couture dark purple silk organza mermaid gown complete with rosette cut-outs.

Correspondent Shaun Robinson looked nice as usual in her black and nude David Meister strapless gown, Mark Lash jewelry and Swarovski clutch.

Robin Roberts returned to her post at ABC's red carpet show looking stunning in a royal blue Marc Bauwer gown.
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And "ET" correspondent Rocsi Diaz showed off her Jean Fares Couture gown on Instagram before jetting out for the evening. Pretty

Who are your faves?!

Oscars 2013: THE SHOW 'Argo' isn't snubbed, It wins best picture

“Argo” took the Oscar for best picture Sunday night at the 85th Academy Awards, an honor that was announced by First Lady Michelle Obama — via satellite from the White House. The Ben Affleck-directed drama about rescuing hostages in Tehran during the Iranian revolution had been largely expected to win, even as there was controversy about the seeming snub for Affleck in the director category.

“I never thought I would be back here,” Affleck said. He won an Oscar 15 years ago with Matt Damon for original screenplay for “Good Will Hunting,” but since then his career took several hits. His star began to rise again as he turned to directing. Affleck told the audience that the only thing that matters is not that you fell down but that you got back up.

“Argo” won three Oscars. It also won for adapted screenplay for Chris Terrio and film editing for William Goldenberg. It’s only the fourth time that a film has won the best picture Oscar without its director being nominated.

On the acting side, it was Daniel Day-Lewis by a landslide for “Lincoln.”
In a win that surprised no one, Day-Lewis took the lead actor for playing the nation’s 16th president in Steven Spielberg’s epic.

Aside from this win, the film was largely overlooked at the 85th Academy Awards. It went into the evening with a dozen nominations — the most of any film. But it’s only won two, including production design.
Jennifer Lawrence continued her golden girl run, taking the lead actress Oscar for her performance as a neurotic widow in the romantic comedy “Silver Linings Playbook.” “This is nuts!” the 22-year-old said after the tripping on her way up to stairs to the stage at the Dolby Theatre. As if to help her on her way, many in the audience took to their feet to cheer her on.

The win capped a stunning run through the awards season, during which she won nearly every award out there — the Golden Globe, the Screen Actors Guild Award, and more.

Meanwhile, “Life of Pi” continues to defy expectations. The fable-adventure about a young man and a tiger sharing a life raft after a ship wreck has earned nearly $600 million worldwide.

And now it has four Oscars to show for the leap of faith it took to bring the bestselling book to the big screen, including director for Ang Lee.

“Thank you, movie god,” the Taiwanese filmmaker said as he collected his trophy and bowed before the standing, cheering audience. “Thank you for taking the leap with me,” he said to the executives at Fox who backed the costly, CGI-driven film.
Lee’s film headed into the awards with 11 nominations, including best picture and director. It’s won score for Mychael Danna, cinematography for Claudio Miranda and for its stunning visual effects.
“Pi” marks his second Academy Award win as director. He took home the same honor seven years ago for “Brokeback Mountain.”

Quentin Tarantino won the Oscar for original screenplay for the controversial slave revenge western “Django Unchained.”
The film, Tarantino’s biggest, went into the 85th Academy Awards with five nominations, including best film. It’s won two. Earlier, Christoph Waltz picked up a trophy for supporting actor for his role as a bounty hunter.

Tarantino said he was especially honored to win the screenplay Oscar this year because of the quality of the writing in both the original and adapted screenplay categories. “This is the year of the writer!” he exclaimed as he lifted the Oscar up high.

The film that had the most Oscar nominations — “Lincoln,” with 12 nods -- has been largely overlooked all evening. Steven Spielberg’s epic has won only one trophy, for production design for Rick Carter and Jim Erickson.
The film is up for best director, film, adapted screenplay, score and lead actor for Daniel Day Lewis.
“Les Miserables” leads the Oscar tally at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. It went into the evening with eight nominations, including best film. It has picked up three Oscars, including for makeup and hairstyle and for sound mixing.

But the marquee win came for Anne Hathaway. “It came true!” she said as she collected her first Oscar, for supporting actress playing the tragic prostitute Fantine in “Les Miserables.”

Hathaway had won the vast majority of awards this year, including the Golden Globe, the Screen Actors Guild Award and the BAFTA, which led to widespread predictions that she was the one to beat.
In other victories, Austria’s “Amour” was honored for foreign language film. The harrowing drama about an elderly married couple struggling to cope when the wife suffers a stroke is also nominated for four other Oscars, including best film, director and screenplay for Michael Haneke and actress Emmanuelle Riva.

The ceremony has been marked by a number of standing ovations.
Singer Shirley Bassey, who made her Oscar debut Sunday night, received one for her performance of her classic 1965 hit “Goldfinger” during the ceremony’s celebration of 50 years of James Bond. The age-defying 76-year-old Welsh singer was appropriately decked out in a strapless, curve-hugging gold gown with matching full-length gloves.

The audience at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood also leaped to its feet for Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, who performed her iconic number “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going” from “Dreamgirls,” as well as for the cast for best picture nominee, “Les Miserables,” whose members performed several songs from the musical.
In other honors, the ceremony was marked by a rare tie — in the sound editing category. The Oscars went to “Zero Dark Thirty” and “Skyfall.”

“Argo” has won two Oscars, for adapted screenplay for Chris Terrio and film editing for William Goldenberg. Disney’s “Paperman” won animated short, while Disney / Pixar’s “Brave” won animated feature film. Mark Andrews, one of “Brave’s” directors, wore a kilt onstage to accept the honor for the film, set in Scotland. Jacqueline Durran won costume design for the period romance “Anna Karenina.”
Live-action short went to “Curfew,” directed by Shawn Christensen. “Inocente,” directed by Sean Fine and Andrea Nix Fine, won documentary short subject. Director Malik Bendjelloul’s “Searching for Sugar Man,” about the quest to find out what happened to a 1970s singer named Rodriguez, won best documentary.

Host Seth MacFarlane did the impossible Sunday night as he kicked off the awards: He made Tommy Lee Jones smile.
“It’s an honor that everyone else said no,” MacFarlane joked about being asked to host the show.
MacFarlane — and his raunchy sense of humor — was an edgy choice for the Oscars. And some of those fears came true. There was a song about boobs, jokes about Jews in Hollywood, cracks about Lincoln’s assassination and Latino accents, and talk of post-Oscars orgies – lines that had the audience groaning at times.

Michelle Obama makes surprise Oscars appearance

First lady Michelle Obama made a surprise appearance at the Oscars, opening the envelope that contained the name of the best-picture winner, "Argo."

Appearing via streaming video from the White House, Mrs. Obama said all of the nominees demonstrated that "we can overcome any obstacle."
She said that message is "especially important for our young people" and thanked Hollywood for encouraging children "to open their imaginations."
The first lady was introduced by Jack Nicholson, who noted that the best picture trophy is usually announced solo.

Mrs. Obama wore a silver, art deco-inspired gown by Indian-born American fashion designer Naeem Khan. It was the same dress she wore for the Obamas' dinner with the nation's governors at the White House on Sunday night.

Fantasia Talks To "JET" Magazine, Reveals "I'm FINALLY Able To LOVE Myself" But doesn't like the cover?

In the upcoming issue of JET Magazine, Fantasia opens up about her public woes and embarrassments--the Twitter posts to the financial failures to her scandalous affair with a married man. She tells the mag that the past has produced several transformative teachable moments. She also reveals her new life mantra. Here are the highlights:

On self-discovery:

“I am finally able to love myself. The main thing I wanted in life was peace and freedom; the ability to let go…You could say the stage saved me because when I’m in front of people I carry my pain and soul…That is my salvation.”

On living single:

“I’m single and happy. I have a great relationship with both of my children’s fathers… If you catch me with either of them, we are not together— we are just being good parents. All I’m focused on right now is music and my kids.”

But now she is fuming over her image gracing the cover of JET magazine's March issue.

The singer, who is promoting her upcoming album “The Side Effects Of You,” is captured showing off her profile, wearing a pink-and-white camisole and rocking spiked hair. Our first thoughts were "Pretty!" and "What does she use on her skin? It looks great!" However, Fantasia is none too pleased with the image.

In fact, the "American Idol" winner used social media to let the world know how pissed she really is. On Thursday Fantasia posted a defaced photo of the JET cover on Instagram, which included a pointed (albeit grammatically challenged) message requesting a public apology from JET.

INSTAGRAM PHOTO:

The caption reads:

“This saddens Me!!! It is clear that this picture is 10 Years Old and JET Magazine puts it on the Cover!! After I send them the NEW LOOK AND DIRECTION. . SAD!!! I WANT A PUBLIC APOLOGY FROM JET. Now im not sure if the interview is correct. SEE!! America they and use me as they crash Dummy BUT NO MORE. IF I DONT STAND FOR SOMETHING ILL FALL FOR ANYTHING.”

Ouch! She's really taking this personally. We honestly don't know what all the fuss it about, especially when the image that was used is flattering.

Nevertheless, Fantasia did get a response from JET--although it was not an apology. Mitzi Miller, JET editor-in-chief, released the following statement on Friday:

"JET magazine is honored to have Fantasia grace the cover of its March issue. It is unfortunate that Fantasia is displeased with the cover selection, however JET stands by its decision. As standard editorial practice, JET consulted with Fantasia's team, but reserves the right to select the image we deem as most appropriate for JET's brand and reflective of the cover story sentiment. JET continues to root for Fantasia's success and encourages her fans to pick up the new issue."

The publication further explained that the images that were sent from Fantasia's team showed "the singer's face obstructed and were very ornate - not clean, beauty profile shots as needed for a cover."

Sounds both fair and logical. What do you think?

Kevin Hart To Host Saturday Night Live!

It’s safe to say Kevin Hart’s growing clout in Hollywood — It was announced on Saturday that the star of Real Husbands of Hollywood will serve as the host of Saturday Night Live on March 2nd. This will be the comedic superstar’s first time hosting the long-running late-night sketch comedy show. Kevin joins an exclusive list of black stand-up comics that includes Jamie Foxx, Tracy Morgan, Bernie Mac, David Alan Grier, Damon Wayans, Martin Lawrence, Sinbad, Eddie Murphy, and Richard Pryor that have hosted the program during its 38-year run. The feature musical guests will be, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. The Seattle, Washington based rapper/producer duo are the creators of the breakout number hit Thrift Shop.

Dwayne Wade Baby Mama Is Not Happy

Dwayne Wade’s baby mama is not happy. She is accusing the NBA star of depriving their children of life-saving asthma medication.

TMZ reports that Siohvaughn Wade filed documents in their custody dispute. She claims he “has never obtained any asthma inhalers or asthma nebulizer machines for the children since [Dwyane] was awarded children in his custody on March 11, 2011.”

Their two children both suffer from the condition an need supervision. The documents also state, “[Dwyane] recklessly failed to provide the five and ten-year-old children with any medication for a life-threatening illness.” She believes he is allegedly putting their children in danger. She wants a court order to make sure he is more attentive. She also wants more parenting time, “continuously and willfully making every effort to alienate the children from [her].”

She wants Dwyane prosecuted for visitation abuse. BUT last summer she was arrested for attempting to abduct the ex-couple’s children.

Lady Gaga writes to her 'little monsters' to thank them for helping her get through hip surgery

Lady Gaga has released a letter to her fans thanking them for their support while she underwent surgery

The 26-year-old singer suffered a hip injury that caused her to be unable to walk, meaning the rest of her Born This Way Ball Tour had to be cancelled.

She wrote: 'Monsters, You really gave me a lot of strength today. Everything happened so fast, but when it came time to face it I reflected on the many stories and experiences you’ve shared with me about your lives.

'This is Emma': Lady Gaga is now having to use a wheelchair after suffering a severe injury to her right hip

'Meeting you backstage, reading your letters, watching you communicate with fans from around the globe to form a community that supports one another - You have completely blown my mind.

'As they wheeled me into surgery today, I thought about all of your pain and perseverance, your unique family situations, school environments, health issues, homelessness, identity struggles - sometimes you are so brave that it terrifies me.

'I wonder how it’s even possible. So I thought to myself, I’m alive, I’m living my dream, and this is just a bump in the road. I’m grateful because this is temporary, and for some it is not.

Giving something back: Lady Gaga sent this letter to her fans via her website

You have changed my life. I love you and am proud to be a part of your lives. If you can do it, I can do it too, and if we stick together we can get through anything. Love, Gaga,' she wrote on her website.

Gaga was even forced to use a wheelchair as she prepares to overcome the ailment.

Posting a snap of the chair on her Twitter page, the singer introduced her new walking aid as 'Emma'.

Writing alongside the picture, she simply said: 'This is Emma.'

The Bad Romance singer was been forced to cancel all 25 remaining U.S. dates, after suffering a severe injury to her right hip that had been causing her chronic pain.

A statement was posted on the star's official website on Wednesday saying: 'Live Nation Global Touring has confirmed that the remainder of the Lady Gaga Born This Way Ball performances have been cancelled.

'After additional tests this morning to review the severity of the issue, it has been determined that Lady Gaga has a labral tear of the right hip. She will need surgery to repair the problem, followed by strict down time to recover.

'This unfortunately, will force her to cancel the tour, so she can heal. Refunds for the cancelled performances will be available at point of purchase starting Feb 14, 2013.'

The announcement came just one day after the singer issued a public apology after initially cancelling four shows due the injury and revealed she can barely walk due to the inflammation of her joints, known as synovitis.

Gaga said: 'I barely know what to say. I've been hiding a show injury and chronic pain for some time now, [and] over the past month it has worsened. I've been praying it would heal.

'I hid it from my staff. I didn't want to disappoint my amazing fans. However, after last night's performance I could not walk and still can't.'

She admitted she is 'devastated' about the cancellation and sought forgiveness from her fans, saying: 'I hope you can forgive me, as it is nearly impossible for me to forgive myself. I'm devastated & sad. It will hopefully heal as soon as possible. I hate this. I hate this so much. I love you and I'm sorry.'

The world tour began in Seoul, South Korea on April 27, 2012 and was originally due to end in Tulsa, Oklahoma, on March 20, 2013.

New Birth to Bishop Long, You knew we were being ROBBED!

And Jesus Wept: Bishop Eddie Long Sued Over Alleged Ponzi Scheme

Oh Boy, , the saints are mad at Bishop Eddie Long…again. For the past few years, the leader of New Birth Missionary Church has had a difficult time in the public eye. And now, we’ve learned that some church members are taking him to court. Literally. Why? They claim an assistant of Long’s had been warned that an individual brought to New Birth soliciting investments was running his business with a $3 million deficit. Black Enterprise reports that the suit states that if Long had not described Ephren W. Taylor as his “friend,” they would have never invested — and then lost. What was the end result? They lost nearly $1 million. The church released the following statement:

“We remain hopeful that Ephren Taylor and companies related to him restore the funds that were taken from congregants at New Birth and churches around the county. We continue to cooperate as the case proceeds.”

What do you think? Should the church or the Bishop be responsible for ‘misleading’ members into an investment? Or is it their own responsibility to be educated about their finances?

Love-Dont-Live-Here-Anymore: Selita Ebanks & Terrence J Break Up

I had high hopes for these two, so I’m kinda sad that it’s reportedly a wrap for these two. Reportedly, supermodel Selita Ebanks and former “106 & Park” host Terrence J (currently of E! News) have ended their romantic relationship. The two, who have been dating since 2011.

So what happened?

Honestly, we really don’t know, as we’ve never heard of these two having infidelity issues, however, Page Six says it’s because they’re just too freakin’ busy. Selita’s working in NYC and was spotted working on a TV pilot (no clue as to what the show is about yet). Over the weekend, Terrence (who now lives in LA) was in Houston, at the NBA All-Star weekend, while Selita celebrated her 30th birthday with a dinner party, a night of dancing, and a TV crew. We guess living on two different coasts posed too big of a challenged. Nonetheless, we wish the best for these two! P.S. Who would you like to see Terrence and Selita with next?

RHOA’s Kandi Burruss Defends Fiance: He’s Not An Opportunist! Covers Sister 2 Sister Mag!

Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Kandi Burruss has found love, the second time around and she’s not afraid to share it. The singer/reality star and her new fiance, Todd Tucker, are covering the latest issue of Sister 2 Sister magazine, giving the camera a glimpse of what we see each week on BRAVO TV. But as most of you know, this isn’t Kandi’s first time bringing her man on TV for the viewers to judge. Over five-years ago, she was engaged to AJ Jewell (they began dating in 2008, got engaged in 2009), who later died after sustaining head injuries in a night club fight. Some critics suggest that both men, her ex-fiance, AJ, and Todd, are opportunists. Todd, who was introduced to reality TV this season with Kandi, works as a line producer for BRAVO, works behind-the-scenes. But according to Kandi, that doesn’t make him an opportunist, or broke.

She explained:

I heard different people like Wendy Williams trying to say he was an opportunist, but I was trying to figure out, “What does she mean by that?” Todd makes good money doing what he does, and he also has a lot of different business ventures going on outside of that. And he did not want to be on TV or anything. I think, for AJ, it was more about if people can’t figure out how you make your money, then they always try to say, “Oh, you must not have any.” But you can clearly see that Todd is working. He does well, so no need to question it.

Check out some photos from their shoot.

And in more Kandi news, her new gospel single, ‘Stay Prayed Up’, featuring Marvin Sapp, continues to do well. During a recent RHOA episode, she explained that she snagged Mr. Sapp for the collaboration, because they both had experienced tragedy–she with the loss of her fiance, he,with the loss of his wife to colon cancer. On the day that it was released, the Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter had snagged the #1 song on iTunes Gospel chart

Exclusive: LisaRaye And Stacey Dash Reunite For Stripper Film, ‘Monica’

Didn’t see this one coming!

Has LisaRaye forgiven Stacey Dash after their very public dispute during Season 1 of VH1′s Single Ladies? The two have joined together along with Carmen Elekra to star in the stripper film, Monica which has just wrapped production.

It was reported last year that LisaRaye was doing the film, but this is the first time I’ve heard Stacey Dash was also a part of the movie.

The film is described as a modern day Indecent Proposal…NOT Players Club 2! The story is centered around an engaged aspiring artist couple who make a pact for Monica to take a job as an exotic dancer in order to take care of her cancer stricken father. Once the pact is broken, the couple’s lives change forever.

Sounds interesting, but we’ll wait for the trailer to see the cat fights to determine how bitchin’ the movie will be!

Other cast members include Mariel Hemingway, James Remar, Lynn Whitfield, Omari Hardwick, Robert Hoffman, Briana Evigan, Nia Peoples, Datari Turner, Omar Gooding, Ali Cobrin, Keith Robinson, Lew Temple, Obba Babatunde, Quinton Aaron, K.D. Aubert, Christian Keyes, Wesley Jonathan, Terrell “T.O.” Owens, Ron Jeremy, and Dennis White.

Monica is produced by one of it’s stars - Datari Turner (lead), and Gordon Bijelonic, Michael Becker. The story was written by Greg Carter and Datari Turner. The film was directed by Gregory Carter.

Janet Jackson Wears Her ‘Poetic Justice’ Braids During Milan Fashion Week

Janet Jackson and her billionaire boo Wissam al Mana. Is in Milan for Fashion week and she looks fab taking in the fashions.

The two were spotted hitting up Milan Fashion Week during the past few days while catching the Roberto Cavalli, Giuseppe Zanotti and Versace Fall 2013 runway shows. Meanwhile, although Janet is back to her signature braids she wore in the 1993 film, “Poetic Justice,” she was missing in action this week when Drake and Kendrick Lamar debuted their new video to the track, “Poetic Justice.” Kendrick Lamar begged and pleaded through public videos for JJ to make an appearance since he sampled her 90′s hit single, “Anytime, Anyplace” but his pleas fell on deaf ears:

Janet, c’mon, Janet! No paperwork with the managers, contact the managers. This is artist to artist. This is a young boy that looked up to you for years. Please, yeah, video, Janet Jackson ‘Poetic Justice.’ It’ll only be right.

Maybe next time, Kendrick!...

In the meantime lets get back to the OVAHNESS of Janet giving URBAN HIGH FASHION!

LUVS JANET!

Report: Billboard To Factor Youtube Views Into Hot 100 Chart Rankings

As fans may remember, video streaming giant Youtube cracked down on the likes of Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, and Rihanna for reporting millions of fake views to their high performing Youtube channels…

Well, now we know why.

For, today saw music industry Bible ‘Billboard’ announce that it will factor in Youtube views (with digital downloads and radio airplay) to determine song’s chart rankings…

Report via Billboard:

“Billboard and Nielsen announced today the addition of U.S. YouTube video streaming data to its platforms, which includes an update to the methodology for the Billboard Hot 100, the preeminent singles chart.

The YouTube streaming data is now factored into the chart’s ranking, enhancing a formula that includes Nielsen’s digital download track sales and physical singles sales; as well as terrestrial radio airplay, on-demand audio streaming, and online radio streaming, also tracked by Nielsen.

Billboard is now incorporating all official videos on YouTube captured by Nielsen’s streaming measurement, including Vevo on YouTube, and user-generated clips that utilize authorized audio into the Hot 100 and the Hot 100 formula-based genre charts – Hot Country Songs, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, R&B Songs, Rap Songs, Hot Latin Songs, Hot Rock Songs and Dance/Electronic Songs – to further reflect the divergent platforms for music consumption in today’s world.”

**********

The announcement succeeds news that the chart ranking system also includes streams (via Spotify, Pandora, etc) in its count for chart rankings as well.

Rihanna Partnered with Mac Cosmetics RiRi [Hearts]

Well damn she might smoke dem trees daily but the BRAND name RIHANNA just won’t let up! According to WWD, Rihanna has partnered with Mac Cosmetics as not just a “collaborator” but a “creative partner” as she inks a deal for her new campaign, RiRi [Hearts] MAC collections, which will land in stores this year.

John Demsey, Group President of Estée Lauder Cos. Inc. (MAC’s parent company), told WWD the line is:

“a true, organic collaboration based on mutual admiration and respect. These four collections are like four tracks on a Rihanna compilation. Each one has its own vibe, look, special make-up packaging and flavour.” In her interview, Rihanna purported to be an organic fan of MAC Cosmetics:

“When you think of make-up, the brand that pops into your mind – for something legit – is MAC. Whatever colour you want, it’s like: ‘Let’s go to MAC’. I’ve been using MAC on tour for such a long time it was a natural fit for me. I have always loved make-up, and I always said that if I do it, I want to do it with a credible brand.

What do you think of Rihanna’s new collection and the celebrity collaborations with MAC.

EXCLUSIVE: America's Got Talent SHAKEUP!

Mel B! Scary Spice will join forces with Howard Stern and Howie Mandel as she replaces Sharon Osbourne on AGT

Scary Spice Girl Mel B is taking over from Sharon Osbourne on America's Got Talent - and will leave NBC with one finger on the panic button as she joins outspoken Howard Stern and Howie Mandel on live TV.

The mom-of-three, 37, will join auditions for the talent show in Los Angeles this month, a source confirmed Mel has long been a favourite of show boss Simon Cowell, and was a popular stand-in judge on the X Factor UK last year.

America’s Got Talent is set to undergo a revamp for season 8 after ratings dipped in last September’s finale.

The show - which is the world’s biggest selling TV format - moved to New York from Los Angeles especially to accommodate radio star Stern, 58, who replaced Piers Morgan.

Sharon Osbourne, 60, announced her departure from AGT last July – and then declared she had left after the way NBC executives had treated her son Jack following his diagnosis with multiple sclerosis.

She told the New York Post that Jack had been axed from an upcoming NBC show called Stars Earn Stripes, saying: ‘I just can’t be fake. It’s discrimination, and it was badly handled.’

A source said: 'Simon loves trying people out on his shows, Mel's already been a judge on X Factor Australia and it's too far for her to keep taking the kids.

'She did want to do X Factor UK, but Simon really wanted her to do America's Got Talent.

'She's outspoken and never afraid to speak her mind, she makes for good TV. NBC execs will be watching through their eyes - let's hope they won't be using the delay button on live TV.'

On her first day at X Factor auditions, Mel felt the wrath of the audience who booed her after she said she 'wanted to fall asleep' after pensioner Louis Dilke, 82, performed Adele's My Love.

She said: 'I wanted to fall asleep through that, I'm sorry I have to be honest. It's a no.'

However, her fellow judge Tulisa Contostavlos didn't see anything wrong with the singer's no-nonsense approach to judging and believes her comments were only what the majority of people were thinking.

The singer said: 'I can't say anything bad about her. I just thought she was saying what everyone else was thinking. Mel B just keeps it real.'

Phaedra Calls Out Kenya Moore For Having A "Silicone Butt"

Housewife drama! Sounds like Phaedra is still salty about frenemy Kenya's "Stallion Booty DVD" that she's releasing after attempting to help Phaedra with her "Donkey Booty" DVD.

And despite Kenya saying her ASSets are au natural, Pha Pha's calling B.S. She said in Us Weekly's newest issue:

“If you’re gonna sell a video talking about bottoms, you need to have one that’s homegrown. I’ve never been altered by plastic surgery,” Phaedra says. “My butt is really my butt. [Kenya’s] is full of silicone!”

The former Miss USA's response in the mag:

“I’m not opposed to plastic surgery. I’m just not a big fan — and I’m glad that I don’t need it.”

Snaps

Avant & Keke Wyatt Reunite With Love-In-The-Air “You And I”

Appropriate for the mood of the month of February, I caught this lovely gem with the reprisal of Avant and Keke together after seven years Monday night on VH1 Soul. Just released this year February 5, 2013, on his seventh studio album Face The Music. If you’ve caught up with the latest reality tv show R&B Divas on TV One, you’ve noticed Ms. Wyatt‘s comeback to the spotlight but on a more personal level with other noted “Diva” singers: Faith Evans, Monifah Carter, Syleena Johnson, and Nicci Gilbert from 90′s group Brownstone.

I’m loving this classy suit and tie look guys are rocking these days! I’m also in love with the “Serenada-esque” flamenco inspired dress adorning Ms. Wyatt. It is body-forming and very sexy even though the neckline is a bit too showy for my taste.

The pairing with her voluptuous love-siren look and Avant‘s classy sophisticated look emphasizes the theme of this song.

RHOA Reality Stars Take Over ‘Bronner Brothers Hair Show’

Hair enthusiasts and fanatics embarked upon Atlanta for the Bronner Brothers Hair Show.

Now, in it’s 66th year, the annual show takes place at the Georgia World Congres Center, giving participants and attendees all things hair–seminars, classes and exhibits. As is customary, the event brought out some of Atlanta’s celebs, like Real Housewives star Cynthia Bailey and husband Peter, celebrity hair stylist Derek J , Gordon Robert Fuller, Blair Underwood and other fancy folk.