Rihanna Is the Most Marketable Celebrity
Rihanna is certainly no stranger to endorsements (Puma, Dior, Stance, Samsung, to name a few) — but did you know she’s the most marketable of all big-name celebrities?
Global information provider, The NPD Group, gave Rihanna an “endorsement score” of 367—determined from the responses of 92,000 consumer surveys. Her score puts her at the top of the list—beating out more than 1,000 “big-name” celebrities.
According to NPD, a celebrity is considered to be a strong endorsement opportunity for a brand if the fans of that celebrity are at least 50 percent more likely to use the brand. The endorsement score shown below reflects the relative marketability of big-name celebrities, based on the total number of brands for whom they would be a strong endorser. Rihanna’s index score of 367 means that she has almost 3.7 times as many strong brand endorsement opportunities as the average big-name celebrity. Besides those shown in the chart below, Rihanna outranks other well-known celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Tim McGraw, Coldplay, and Stephen Curry.
Check out the top 10 most marketable celebs below.
Rihanna – 367
Beyoncé – 336
Ne-Yo – 334
Usher – 334
Wiz Khalifa – 325
The Weeknd – 318
Jennifer Lopez – 313
Kevin Hart – 306
Dr. Dre – 301
Khloé Kardashian – 298
#EGGPLANT NATION: Actor Robert Ri’chard is next on the Veggie Plantation!
My Goodness these dudes these days have no shame in the social media world. And I know many of you just LOVE it! Anyway he’s comin to the eggplant spotlight. So ladies and the others…You know the deal>
And as always Thank us Later!
#RHOA: Cynthia Bailey Says She And Peter Thomas “Remain A Work In Progress”
Cynthia Bailey’s marriage to Peter Thomas has largely become her main storyline on this season’s Real Housewives of Atlanta. Will they last? Will they fall apart? Will Peter refrain from getting involved in womens’ business long enough to pretend to be a recommitted husband? Despite the real issues at stake (so Cynthia claims), the drama surrounding the couple’s relationship sometimes come off as manufactured at best, and boring at worst.
Much like Fetch, Cynthia is still trying to make this storyline happen, though! And in her latest blog, she breaks down both the state of her marriage and why she chooses to openly discuss marriage issues with her only daughter, Noelle. First, Cynthia shares her reaction to Peter’s “surprise trip“: “We had a great time in Mexico! I was very excited to spend some quality time with Peter. Between traveling and growing our businesses, we struggle to consistently make time for much needed date nights. Trying to balance family and career is an ongoing challenge.”
“By the grace of God we have been together for nine years and married for five. The last few months have been pretty tough,” admits Cynthia. She then goes on to recite the following four platitudes straight from The Couples Guide to Overcoming Codependence and Wayward Cheating Husbands Caught on iPhone Video: “We remain a work in progress. All I can do is continue following my heart and serve my life purpose. I am taking things one step at a time. God only knows my destiny.”
When it comes to daughter Noelle, Cynthia thinks she may follow in mama’s footsteps. Cynthia writes that Noelle “has taken an interest in modeling. Of course I am excited to show her the ropes. As a matter of fact, we have already started working on some fashion projects together. We just recently shot the cover of heart & soul magazine. It should hit the newsstands any day!”
“I have graced the covers of many magazines throughout my career, but this will be my first cover with Noelle. Although I have yet to see it, it’s my favorite already! God has truly blessed me and Leon with a fascinating child. We will support her in whatever career path she takes. We just want her to continue soaring!”
But does this close mother/daughter relationship mean that Cynthia should share the details of her marriage woes with Noelle freely? Cynthia says yes, as long as the conversation is age-appropriate. She blogs, “I am Noelle’s mother. Like any child, she just wants me to be happy. We have an amazing relationship and are very close. I strive to be as honest with her as possible and age appropriate. She is a very bright young lady. Leon and I have and continue to raise her to be an independent thinker.”
“Noelle and I are very protective of each other. She is concerned about my well-being as much as I am about hers,” continues Cynthia. “Unfortunately, there are a lot of tasteless, hurtful rumors all over social media and the internet regarding my marriage. It is impossible to safeguard her from these two powerful media outlets. I am forced to have conversations with her I would not normally have to engage her in, if my marriage was not in the public eye. Those conversations are never easy, but I do the best I can.”
Hmm. It’s interesting that Cynthia attributes her candid conversations with Noelle to the social media backlash she and Peter have been receiving about their relationship, most likely (in part) from current RHOA scenes. These scenes air months after Cynthia’s original conversations with Noelle have taken place, though. I don’t quite follow. Am I missing something?
Tell Us: Do You Think Cynthia And Peter Are Headed For Disaster?
New Music: Luke James x TrakGirl – Pearls (Sade Cover)
Praise for new music from Luke James, who we missed for most of 2015. The heralded R&B vocalist has collaborated with producer TrakGirl on a remake of Sade’s “Pearls.”
With a cinematic opening that is perfectly complimented by James’ stunning vocals, the heartfelt song has been given new light.
“There is a stone in my heart / She lives a life she didn’t choose / And it hurts like brand new shoes,” he sings.
“We just wanted to page homage to a queen. This is what we created,” says TrakGirl.
Take a listen HERE:
Thoughts!
Oscar Nominations 2016 An all White Cast! No Diversity!
Academy Nominates All White Actors for Second Year in Row
Last year’s Oscar nominations drew howls of protests for their lack of diversity. This year, it’s even worse.
“Creed” was written and directed by the black Ryan Coogler and starred a black man, but the only nominee was a white man. “Straight Outta Compton” had a great acting ensemble of mostly young, black unknowns, and was directed by the black F. Gary Gray. But the film’s only nomination: for its screenplay, written by two Caucasians.
Last year, the hopes for diversity were based on one film, Paramount’s “Selma,” which earned two nominations, for best pic and song (winning the latter). This year, there were more opportunities, including “Creed,” “Straight Outta Compton” and “Chi-raq,” as well as “Beasts of No Nation” (directed by Cary Fukunaga). As with last year, the Hispanic/Latino filmmakers were represented only by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and his team in the “money” categories.
Some may conclude that the nominations reflect institutional bias against minorities and women within the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, but the problem is with Hollywood’s major studios and agencies. There were 305 films eligible this year. If hiring reflected the U.S. population, Oscar voters would have weighed 150-plus films directed by women, 45 directed by blacks, 50 by Hispanics, and dozens of movies by directors who are Asian-American, LGBT or members of other minorities. Of course, the actual tallies were a fraction of those numbers.
Surprising omissions from the actor race this year included Idris Elba for “Beasts of No Nation,” Will Smith for “Concussion,” Michael B. Jordan from “Creed” and the many young actors in “Compton.”
Last year, #OscarSoWhite lit up the Twitter-sphere, generally focused on the acting and directing categories, mostly due to omission of actor David Oyelowo and director Ava DuVernay from “Selma.” But in fact, the imbalance carries into the majority of categories due to lack of opportunity.
In the Jan. 14 announcement, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences listed 23 total producers for the eight movies picked in the best-pic race; seven were women. For the two screenplay races, 17 individuals are nominated, with four women and no racial minorities. The sole nom for “Straight Outta Compton” went to a self-described “white Jewish gay guy from Connecticut” and his white writing partners, Jonathan Herman and Andrea Berloff.)
Several Oscar categories traditionally offer a mix of gender, race and sexual orientation among nominees, including documentaries, shorts, feature-animation, costume design, hair/makeup and editing. That’s true this year too. But in many of the artisan races, it’s an almost all-male list (e.g., cinematography, sound editing, sound mixing). One breakthrough this year: Sara Bennett joined two colleagues in the visual effects category, grabbing a nom for “Ex Machina.” That makes one woman of the 19 total nominees (for five films) in that category.
The guilds don’t keep records on the racial breakdown of their membership. But most have training programs designed to help foster more career advancement opportunities for minorities and women. But so far, hiring in Hollywood is still overwhelmingly dominated by white men.
For optimists, change is in motion. At the Governors Awards in November, AMPAS president Cheryl Boone Isaacs, who is African-American, announced the formation of A2020, a five-year plan in which the Academy and the studios will work on programs to ensure that top executives expand their thinking when hiring, mentoring and encouraging new talent.
For pessimists, a five-year plan is too slow. But the harsh reality is that the film industry works at a glacial pace, locking in stars, writers and directors several years in advance. So even though studios and agencies may say they want immediate change, it’s a question-mark how realistic that is; an overhaul was not evident in this year’s nominations, and it may not be apparent next year either.
CONDOLENCES: Céline Dion's husband René Angélil dies
René Angélil, the husband of and mentor-manager who helped make Canadian singer Céline Dion a mega star, has died after a years-long battle with throat cancer. He was 73.
The news was confirmed on Dion's website Thursday where a statement announced Angélil died at their home in Las Vegas "after a long and courageous battled against cancer. The family requests that their privacy be respected at the moment; more details will be provided at a later time."
Dion, 47, said in August, after months of caring for her dying husband, that she promised him she'd be there until the end, to support "the only boyfriend I've ever had."
Her husband's death culminates a remarkable openness by Dion about Angélil's struggles and her response to living with and facing the inevitable end.
"And René says to me, 'I want to die in your arms.' OK, fine, I'll be there, you'll die in my arms," she said in an emotionally intense interview just before returning to the Strip for another extended run on her Vegas residency.
Dion cancelled her shows at The Colosseum this weekend but is scheduled to be back as planned on Feb 23, according to Caesar's Palace.
"It is impossible to overstate the impact René and of course Céline have had on the history of entertainment in Las Vegas and at Caesars Palace, with his audacious vision regarding her residency, now 13 years and counting," Gary Selesner, president of Caesars Palace, said in a statement. "René was truly an amazing human being, showman and businessman, and over these many years became a loved and cherished member of the Caesars Palace family."
Added John Nelson, senior vice president of AEG Live, "(Rene) and Céline were so devoted to each other, their relationship has been a model for us all."
Dion met Angélil when she was 12, and he later became her manager and, in 1994, her husband. They have three children: René-Charles, 14, and 5-year-old twins, Nelson and Eddy.
Angélil also has three adult children from his two previous marriages: Patrick, Jean Pierre and Anne Marie.
Angélil had been ill for years, and on a feeding tube for the last two years, Dion said in August. After a series of procedures in Boston hospitals, he was back living at the family's Las Vegas home.
After a year long hiatus to care for her ailing husband René Angélil, Celine Dion says she's returning to center stage at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas because "he wants me out there." USA TODAY
He suffered a heart attack in 1992 and was diagnosed with malignant cancer, after finding a lump on his neck, in 1998.
"We have asked (doctors) many times, how long does he have, three weeks, three months? René wants to know," she says. "But they say they don't know."
Dion said she dutifully took notes during talks in which Angélil spelled out the details of his funeral service.
"Don't forget, he's been the leader of the band all my life," she says, having masterminded her career to the tune of 220 million albums sold. "So it (hacks) him off to not see me all day and over here (at Caesar's palace) working. But he wants me to do this, do the show, do the interviews. But he freaks when I'm not home with him, too."
Born in Montreal of Syrian and Lebanese descent, Angélil started out as a pop singer in the 1960s in French Canada's largest city.
Later, he turned to artist management, and in 1980 discovered Dion when her brother sent him her demo tape. The two began a relationship in 1987, when she was 19 and he was 45. They got engaged in 1991 and in married in Montreal's Catholic basilica at the end of 1994.
Whatever else Dion is remembered for — and her musical legacy is considerable — she'll also be remembered for her fortitude on behalf of her husband, and her grace in showing the world how it's done.
"When you see someone who is fighting so hard, it has a big impact on you," she told USA TODAY. "You have two choices. You look at your husband who's very sick and you can't help, and it kills you. Or you look at your husband that's sick and you say, 'I got you. I got it. I'm here. It's going to be just fine.'
"You can have your shaking knees at the end, but when someone you love falls and needs help, it's not time to cry," she says. "Afterwards, sure. But not yet."
While his death was not a surprise, fans, friends and admirers tweeted mournfully.
Canada's new prime minister, Justin Trudeau, offered condolences.
Our condolences to Celine and her Family!
Lamar Sally Wants 4k in Child Support + Sherri Shepherd Appealing Superior Court Decision
Comedian/actress Sherri Shepherd will continue her legal battle by appealing a court ruling that found her responsible for a child born to a surrogate before she divorced.
According to The Legal Intelligencer, she is appealing the Superior Court decision to the state’s high court.
Shepherd’s ex-husband, Lamar Sally, is raising the 1-year-old boy in Los Angeles and has sought $4,100 in monthly child support from the actress, according to Page Six.
To date, Shepherd has reportedly paid more than $100,000 in fees to a New Jersey agency and supported the Pennsylvania surrogate’s pregnancy until her marriage faltered. She then tried to void the contract.
Patti LaBelle Has Been Quietly Dating Her 41-Year-Old Drummer; Son Upset
*Patti LaBelle, 71, is dating her 41-year-old drummer Eric Seats, according to the Daily Mail Online, and the lovebirds have reportedly been seeing each other for the past year and a half.
“She tried to keep it quiet, but everyone around her has figured things out now. She’s completely smitten with him and they spend so much time together,” said the source.
LaBelle and Seats first crossed paths when he was hired to be her drummer several years ago. The singer was just coming out of a bad relationship, but thought Seats was attractive and began chatting him up after her shows.
“It wasn’t long before he was helping her heal her broken heart,” the source said. “He made her feel at ease and she loved that he had such a vast experience working in the music business.”
Seats moved across country just to be with Miss Patti. He left Los Angeles a year ago for Philadelphia – where LaBelle is based.
“Patti was so happy he moved to Philly with her. She loves having him with her all the time. She even has a big portrait of the two of them up on her wall in her bedroom,” said the source.
Seats has toured with Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Timbaland and Missy Elliott, in addition to producing songs for Destiny’s Child, Aaliyah, 702 and Tank.
“Everything they do now, they do it together. She hasn’t seemed this happy in years. Apparently those who know him, say he’s always dated older women,” said a source.
Meanwhile, Patti’s 42-year-old son, Zuri Edwards, is reportedly against the idea of his mother dating someone younger than him.
“Not only is Zuri her son, but he’s her manager as well. He saw how hard she took her last breakup with the much-younger man she was seeing and just doesn’t want to see his mom hurt again,” explained the source.
Per Daily Mail Online: Patti was once engaged to Otis Williams of The Temptations and was married to former school teacher turned her manager, Armstead Edwards for 31 years. They divorced in 2000. Zuri is their biological son, but Patti raised four other children as well. She adopted her sister’s son and daughter after she died of cancer and her neighbor’s two boys after her neighbor died of pneumonia.
Zuri’s resistance to this new relationship hasn’t slowed Patti down at all. The couple spent all of the holidays together. Most recently, New Year’s Eve – when the two had a quiet dinner together with friends before Seats left to go on tour in Japan with jazz artist Lalah Hathaway.
During Christmas, he and LaBelle spent three days with songwriter Denise Rich on her yacht in the Bahamas.
Michael B. Jordan & "Creed" Cast Hits UK Premiere
Michael B. Jordan threw on his spiffy suit to pose it up with his co-stars, Tony Bellew and Sylvester Stallone at the European Premiere of Creed at The Empire, Leicester Square
Creed director Ryan Coogler had his fab fiance Zinzi Evans on his arm for his big night.
Fashionista Tessa Thompson showed up in head-to-toe metallics with a sexy slit in her Marc Jacobs dress to show some skin.
Gorgeous look for her.
British actress Thandie Newton also showed up to support the cast.
We're totally here for a Creed sequel.
Georgia To Open First All LGBT School
A first of its kind in Georgia, Pride School Atlanta is a k-12 private school designed to be an alternative for LGBT students. The school aims to attract lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth teachers who feel bullied or not accepted in traditional schools.
The school's founder, Christian Zsilavetz, believes that the school will be beneficial for the mental health of LGBT kids. “When (LGBT) kids can see you, when they know that they can come to you, they’re less likely to die (or be suicidal), for one,” Zsilavetz said. “They’re less likely to get pregnant, when they don’t really want to get pregnant. They’re less likely to get into drugs and alcohol and into depression.”
Zsilavetz wants the school to be a safe haven for kids to be themselves. “Kids have full permission to be themselves — as well as educators. Where there’s no wondering, ‘Is this teacher going to be a person for me to be myself with?' This is a place where they (students) can just open up and be the best person they can be.”
Pride School is scheduled to open September 2016 with tuition being around $13,000. Financial aide will also be offered.
Pride school will be modeled after the Harvey Milk school in New York City and other education centers across the country designed for, but not limited to, LGBT youth. “They should be able to stay in their homes, their communities," says Zsilavetz "I think having a school like this in Atlanta … it means it’s much more regionally connected.
If a student does need a place where they can be safe from bullying, from peers who want to harass or harm them, they’re not going to have to travel tons of distance to do that.”
ADELE WORLD DOMINATIONS CONTINUES. Adele’s ’25’ Notches 7th Week At #1 On Billboard 200
Album Continues Chart Domination While 'Hello' Falls On Hot 100. She may have said “goodbye” to the perch of the Hot 100 this week thanks to Justin Bieber, but on the album side of charts, there’s no dethroning Adele.
Indeed, shifting another 194,000 units (164k pure sales), the ‘Hello’ hitmaker greeted yet another week atop the Billboard 200. Bringing her overall count to 7.6 million in 7 weeks, ’25’s reign over the album charts comes as the longest consecutive run by a female in nearly 30 years.
Billboard reports: 25 becomes the first album by a woman to spend its first seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart since 1987 (and the first since Nielsen Music’s electronically-scanned point-of-sale data began powering the chart in 1991).
The only other album by a woman to chart its first seven weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 was Whitney Houston’s second album, Whitney, which bowed atop the list dated June 17, 1987, and ruled for 11 straight frames (through the chart dated Sept. 5).”
Usher Announces Title For Eighth Studio Album
Usher has announced the title to his upcoming eighth studio album.
Well it looks like fans can officially start to look forward to Usher’s upcoming eighth studio album. On Wednesday night, the R&B legend decided to announce the title for the album, dubbed Flawed.
Announced via a tweet from artist Daniel Arsham, but from the mouth of Usher, Flawed is currently in the process of being worked on, as Usher stated in the clip (below). Unfortunately no other details were given with the tweet, but Usher did give fans a preview of whats to come on NYE when he debuted a couple never before heard songs for us, presumably off the album.
You heard it here first. pic.twitter.com/TrS4udgUSa
— Daniel Arsham (@DanielArsham) January 13, 2016
While we wait for more details on Flawed, check out a preview of those unreleased tracks here to hold you over in the meantime.
Who's excited about the follow up to Lookin 4 Myself?
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘No Kidding’
Bringing back the Kid haircut from Kid N Play. Bold move, we’ll see if it pays off for him.
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND EVERYBODY!!!!!!!!
EFREM
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