Ariana Grande Billboard’s Woman of the Year!
I don’t want to conform to the pop star agenda”
Ariana Grande, who will accept the Woman of the Year honor at tomorrow night’s Billboard Women in Music 2018 Dinner and Awards, talks to Natalie Weiner for this week’s cover story about being fearless (“I don’t give a sh*t”), why she loves her new smash single “Thank U, Next” “more than any other song I’ve ever put out,” and how surviving tragedy has made her more determined than ever to release her own music on her own terms (“I don’t want to do what people tell me to do”):
On the success of “Thank U, Next”: “I can’t believe it but, like, so can. It’s me and my besties tipsy off champagne — and me with a broken heart — just letting it out and having fun. I love this more than any other song I’ve ever put out.”
On finding comfort in creating music: “I guess there’s not much I’m afraid of anymore. … When life tries you with such serious sh*t so many times, your priorities change. I don’t give a sh*t. I just want to be happy and healthy — one day — and make music.”
On gender disparity in the music industry: “I would just love to see a chart with as many women on top as men. It’s just so male-dominated. It’s so easy for them. There are so many unbelievable female artists out there that try so much harder.”
On releasing music on her terms: “My dream has always been to be — obviously not a rapper, but, like, to put out music in the way that a rapper does. I feel like there are certain standards that pop women are held to that men aren’t. We have to do the teaser before the single, then do the single, and wait to do the preorder, and radio has to impact before the video, and we have to do the discount on this day, and all this sh*t. It’s just like, ‘Bruh, I just want to f**king talk to my fans and sing and write music and drop it the way these boys do. Why do they get to make records like that and I don’t?’ So I do and I did and I am, and I will continue to.”
On refusing to abide by pop-star expectations and continuing to record new music: “I don’t want to do what people tell me to do, I don’t want to conform to the pop star agenda. I want to do it on my own terms from now on. If I want to tour two albums at once, I’m going to tour two albums at once. If I want to drop a third album while I’m on tour [in 2019], I’ll do that too! Please. [“Thank U, Next” production duo] Social House is my opening act — you don’t think we’re going to have a studio on the bus? That we’re not going to be making records on the road? Of course we are. I want to be able to do what is authentic and honest and natural. It’s the only way that I’ve been able to survive.”
On getting involved in public romances: “This is how I meet people — I can’t just, like, meet someone at a bar. I live fast and full-out, and I make mistakes, and I learn from them and I’m grateful no matter what happens.”
#RHoA: Are Kenya Moore’s Fans Begging Her To Come Back To RHoA?
Kenya Moore just shared a photo in which she is totally glowing with joy. As you all know, she recently gave birth to her baby girl, Brooklyn. She hasn’t posted a photo with the baby’s face yet, and her fans have been asking her to end their pain and show the baby.
Anyway, next to her latest pic, people have been begging Kenya in the comments section to come back to the RHOA series because they hate the show without her.
‘Be the sunshine in someone’s day ❤️ ‘ Kenya captioned her latest photo.
Her comments section is flooded with fans who want her back on RHOA.
‘I quit watching the show after they dissed you,’ someone said, and another follower wrote ‘The queen !!!!! RHOA is aware your absence has caused turmoil. Rest queen and reign again next season! Love you 😍😍❤️❤️‼️‼️‼️’
Another fan said ‘I tape it but can’t find the interest to watch all the way. When Kenya was on, I felt addicted.’
One confused commenter said this: ‘Kenya my dear, I follow u for a long time and watch the show, and I still don’t understand why U not in??? If u want to pm me, please do so. Because I can’t see any reason for you not to be in the show!!! The show is not a reality show without you. Please let me know the reason🙏 Again congratulation on your beautiful baby, and u look amazing💯‼️🔥.’💗😘’
Another supporter said that they stopped watching the show: ‘I won’t even watch it without Kenya. I have lost interest completely.’
What about you? Do you want Kenya back on RHOA?
#Empire: Have we just found out who's in the casket?
In comes one Lyon son, out goes another?
Just as Kingsley (A.Z. Kelsey) was officially revealed to the world as the illegitimate son of Lucious (Terrence Howard), the Empire midseason finale concluded by flashing forward to Andre (Trai Byers) appearing to possibly be on his deathbed. This raises the question of whether the now-second-oldest Lyon son is the person in the mysterious coffin that has been teased throughout the season.
Andre’s fate and the Lyon family learning of Kingsley’s connection to them were just two parts of the busy episode, which also featured relationship drama all around, data mining, and the latest departure from Empire.
To get insight on the midseason finale and what’s to come in the back half of season 5, The folks over at EW talked to Empire showrunner Brett Mahoney. Read a few excerpts below.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: So, does this fall under the rule of threes? Like, can there only be three Lyon sons at once, and you have to lose one if you gain one?
BRETT MAHONEY: [Laughs] No, I think there could be four. There’s allowed to be more than three at a time.
Can we definitively say that Andre is the one in the casket, or is that a little too easy?
We cannot definitively say that Andre is in the casket. But we can say that Andre is certainly facing dire circumstances as we move forward into the second half of the season.
Will we have to wait until the season finale to find out who died and what happened in all these flash-forwards?
We do not have any more flash-forwards in the second half of the season. So we will be catching up to all of the flash-forwards that you saw in the first half, and you will ultimately learn who is in the coffin.
The last time we talked, I feel like you wouldn’t 100 percent say that Kingsley is Lucious’ son, instead saying that is what Kingsley believes to be the truth. So where are we now? Can we officially anoint him a Lyon?
I think you can officially say that he is Lucious’ son. But then even he has the question, and this is something the rest of the family will be dealing with in the latter of the season, is nature vs. nurture. The fact that Lucious is his father, does that make him a Lyon?
Stay Tuned?
#MusicNews: Monica Launches New Nonprofit ‘BeHUMAN,’ Releases Song
Monica’s has started BeHUMAN, her new nonprofit foundation.
With music at its core, the public-service organization will make use of poignant messaging to give communities a platform to triumph over hardships and inspire each other around the world to do the same. Through worldwide collaborations with experts and organizations alike, BeHUMAN will work together to emphasize community-led solutions that promote a culture humanity.
“The need for us all to simply BeHUMAN is ever present in this day and time,” she said in a statement. “Having love and compassion for others as well as the desire to treat our neighbors as we would ourselves could bring the necessary change needed in this world. I look forward to uniting with those who want to see global changes that can bring a level of peace, unconditional love, tolerance, equality, unity, and joy. The BeHUMAN movement is not just dear to my heart – it is my heart! We have the power to make the change if we as human beings do more to BeHUMAN.”
To seal her foundation announcement, Monica releases a new track titled after the passion project.
LISTEN HERE
If you want to learn how you can become a BeHUMAN partner, visit their official website for more details.
#HipHopNews: Cardi B Raps About Divorcing Offset At B96’s 2018 Jingle Bash Concert
Last week, Cardi B and Offset essentially called it quits on their marriage after one year, and the Bronx rapper is not bashful about letting it be known. She touched on the topic during a performance at Chicago's B96 Jingle Bash concert on Saturday night (Dec. 8).
The annual showcase took place at AllState Arena with Cardi B gracing the stage as well as Mike Posner, Shawn Mendez, Camila Cabella, Why Don't We and Lauv. Cardi had a rousing set where she performed her hits, but also gave the crowd her verse from the Migos collab "MotorSport." During the song, she switched some lines up. Instead of rapping the original lyrics of, "I get up set off/I turn Offset on/I told him the other day/Man, we should sell that porn," Bardi rhymes, "I get up set off/I turn Offset on/I told him the other day/Yeah, we gon' get a divorce."
Cardi stunned mostly everyone when she announced the seemingly loving couple was done on Dec. 4. "So, everybody been bugging me and everything. And you know, I been trying to work things out with my baby father for a hot minute now," she said in he social media video. "And it's nobody's fault. It's just like I guess we grew out of love. But we're not together anymore. I don't know it might take time to get a divorce. And I'm going to always have a lot of love for him because he is my daughter's father and yeah."
Since the announcement, Offset's rumored mistress has tearfully apologized to Cardi B, and Cuban Doll, whose name was also being tossed around as being involved with the Migos member, has denied allegations.
Check out Cardi B rapping about divorcing Offset HERE
PLEASE. BELCALIS. 😭 pic.twitter.com/Py9QlYrgNM— 💋 (@fentybardi) December 9, 2018
LOL!
Nick Cannon Defends Kevin Hart by Posting Homophobic Tweets From Amy Schumer
Nick Cannon Opens a New Window. went on the attack as he defended pal Kevin Hart Opens a New Window. amid his Oscars hosting scandal, posting old homophobic tweets from female comedians including Amy Schumer Opens a New Window. and Chelsea Handler Opens a New Window. on Friday, December 7.
“Interesting I wonder if there was any backlash here,” the former America’s Got Talent host, 38, wrote as he shared a June 2010 tweet from the Chelsea host, 43, as she captioned a photo, “This is what a f-g bird likes like when he flexes.”
His tweetstorm was prompted by the Jumanji actor stepping down as host of the 2019 Oscars on Thursday, December 6, after his anti-gay tweets from several years ago resurfaced, sparking controversy.
Next, Cannon, who costarred with Hart, 39, on BET’s Real Husbands of Hollywood, took aim at Sarah Silverman Opens a New Window. .
When a commenter responded to the TV host with “while you auditing tweets, you need to audit yours!” Cannon replied, “Nope!! You know I’ve been saying f—ked up s—t since twitter started! I don’t play that politically correct bulls—t! F—k politics!! Only Truth!”
Hart, meanwhile, Hart, who initially refused to apologize for his inflammatory tweets, announced on Thursday that he had “made the choice to step down” as the Academy Awards’ host. “This is because I do not want to be a distraction on a night that should be celebrated by so many amazing talented artists,” he tweeted. “I sincerely apologize to the LGBTQ community for my insensitive words from my past.”
Reps for Schumer, Silverman and Handler have not responded to a request for comment.
Chris Brown Refusing to Turn Over Drug Tests to his one-time manager Mike Guirguis
Back in 2016 singer / songwriter Chris Brown was sued by his one-time manager Mike Guirguis for false imprisonment, assault, battery, defamation and breach of contract
Now Guirguis is accusing Chris of refusing to turn over drug test results requested by his legal team...
From The Blast
...of the documents he wants from the singer, Mike G is interested in a batch of drug test results he says Brown took in 2016. The manager thinks the results from Brown’s test could back up his claim that he was mistreated by the singer. He is also seeking documents relating to Brown’s anger management treatments and lists of prescription medicines the singer took between May 1 to May 10, 2016.
Mike G is asking for the singer to be sanctioned to the tune of $3,825 for dragging his feet on producing records.
The ruling is pending.
See Pics from “RuPaul’s Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular” and it Was Sheer Drag Fun
MERRY DRAGMAS, DARLINGS!
Just look at these ridiculously fabulous pics from RuPaul’s Drag Race Holi-slay Spectacular
FABULOUS!
Did you know Gabrielle Union Reportedly Asked The Entire Oprah Crew To Get Vaccinated Before Coming To Her House?
As you already know, Gabrielle Union was recently slammed by haters after she posted a video in which she was kissing her daughter on the lips. She fired back immediately and told people that she would never jeopardize Kaavia’s health.
Gabrielle was more than respectful with her fans, but at the same time made her point as well.
‘Hey guys I appreciate all the concern about kisses on the mouth and labored breathing, I am blessed enough to have a nurse here with us while at work,’ Gabrielle said.
She continued and explained that ‘Kaav is healthy and I don’t even touch her without washing and sanitizing myself and everything and everyone that comes into contact with her. No visits with sick folk and even all of Oprah’s crew got whooping cough vaccinations and current on all vaccinations to be in our home. If you think I waited this long and went thru all this to put my baby in harm’s way…you got another thing coming.’
Now, According to The Blast, Gabrielle made a request to have Auntie #Oprah’s entire crew vaccinated before entering her home to do a sit-down interview with both Gabrielle and Dwayne.’
A Google Employee Found Dead In New York City Headquarters
Software engineer Scott Krulcik was found unconscious at Google’s New York City headquarters on Friday night. The EMS pronounced him dead, but the cause of death has not been revealed.
Krulcik was 22 years old and was found on the 6th floor of the building located in Chelsea, according to the Associated Press. The police said there were no signs of trauma and that the death is not suspicious. The police are continuing to investigate the death.
According to Krulcik’s Linkedin page, he graduated from Carnegie Mellon University a degree in computer science. He began working at Google in August after serving as an intern in the summer of 2017.
#BoxOfficeNews: 'Ralph' Still Reigns at the Box Office with 16 Million!!
The domestic weekend was, for the most part, as light as was expected. While it wasn't the lowest grossing weekend of the year so far, it was the second lowest with the top twelve delivering a combined $77.8 million. This is all in advance of what should be a profitable holiday season to come and we got a hint as to just how profitable it could be with the launch of WB's Aquaman in China this weekend where the film delivered a massive $93.6 million, becoming the #1 film globally from one market alone.
Beginning with the domestic box office, while it looked like it might be neck-and-neck between Disney's Ralph Breaks the Internet and Universal and Illumination's The Grinch at the top of the box office following Friday's estimates, Ralph carried the weekend as expected, though The Grinch wasn't far behind.
Ralph brought in an estimated $16.1 million for the weekend, pushing its domestic cume just over $140 million. Meanwhile, The Grinch had the second smallest drop in the top ten, dipping just -15% compared to last weekend for a $15.17 million three day and a domestic cume approaching $225 million as the holiday themed animated feature is taking full advantage of the season.
Internationally, Ralph added $18 million for a worldwide cume that currently totals $258.2 million. This weekend the film debuted in Spain with an estimated $4.6 million while China remains the feature's top market with $38.5 million so far.
As for The Grinch, it added nine markets this weekend including Mexico where it debuted with an estimated $5.2 million. Overall, the film brought in $25.9 million from overseas markets this weekend for an international cume totaling $98.9 million and a global tally reaching $322.4 million.
In third, MGM's Creed II brought in an estimated $10.3 million for a domestic cume that now stands at $96.5 million. Internationally, the film added an estimated $5.2 million from 31 overseas markets, bringing the overseas running cume to $23.2m million. The film's top market remains the UK with $8.9 million.
WB's Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald dipped -40% for an estimated $6.8 million weekend for a domestic cume that now stands at $145.2 million. The film also brought in $22 million overseas this weekend for a global cume that now totals $568.5 million.
Rounding out the top five is Fox's Bohemian Rhapsody with an estimated $6 million as the drama is now just shy of $175 million domestically as it enters its sixth week in release. The film also continued its scorching performance overseas with an estimated $29.2 million this weekend for an international cume totaling $423 million and a worldwide tally that is now just $3.5 million shy of $600 million as it becomes one of the top ten worldwide releases of 2018.
Outside the top five, Universal's Green Book took advantage of its five Golden Globe nominations and recognition from the National Board of Review and American Film Institute. In fact, the film showed a fractional increase versus last weekend, bringing in an impressive $3.9 million for a domestic cume that is now just shy of $20 million. The film is currently playing in 1,181 locations nationwide.
Just outside the top ten, WB gave A Star is Born a little push this weekend, bringing it back to 1,631 theaters (+550) where it brought in an estimated $2.5 million. The film's domestic cume is now less than $3 million shy of topping $200 million. Internationally, A Star is Born has now brought in $172.6 million for a global tally just shy of $370 million.
Fox Searchlight's The Favourite delivered an estimated $1.4 million from 91 locations (+57) for a domestic cume that now totals $3.5 million. The film will expand into approximately 525 theaters beginning next weekend.
#POLITICS: REPORT Jared & Ivanka Is said to Influenced John Kelly's Departure!
While President Donald Trump's recent announcement that White House Chief of Staff John Kelly would be stepping down from his position by the end of the year didn't exactly come as a surprise — it followed months of speculation regarding the pair's reportedly deteriorating relationship — details of Kelly's ousting have raised eyebrows. According to The Washington Post, Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump were influential in pushing Kelly out the door.
Trump refrained from elaborating on the reasons behind Kelly's forthcoming departure Saturday, telling reporters outside the White House only that "John Kelly will be leaving — I don't know if I can say 'retiring.'" But according to The Washington Post, there were forces within Trump's inner circle who had long been working to see the retired four-star Marine Corps general replaced as chief of staff — namely Kushner and Ivanka.
It's no surprise that Kelly reportedly clashed with Kushner and Ivanka as he retired military general is reported to have been frustrated with Kushner even before he was named White House chief of staff. In September of last year, Politico reported that Kelly, as secretary of Homeland Security, had been "concerned" that Kushner appeared to have "free range to function outside his lane."
According to the news outlet, Kelly had been upset to learn that Kushner was, without his knowledge, reportedly "back-channelling" with some senators regarding a deal to protect Dreamers from deportation.
A few months later, The New York Times reported that Kelly had allegedly "discussed the possibility" of Kushner and Ivanka leaving their roles at the White House by the end of 2017. When questioned about those rumors by The Times, however, Kelly said "here was honestly never a time when I contemplated getting rid of Jared and Ivanka," the paper reported. And indeed, neither the president's daughter or son-in-law have left their White House posts.
Still, reports claiming that things between Kelly and Jared and Ivanka were strained continued to persist. In March, The Times reported that Trump's children had "grown exasperated" with Kelly and viewed him "as a hurdle to their father's success and as antagonistic to their continued presence." What's more, the paper also reported that Trump had asked Kelly to help him push Kushner and Ivanka out of the White House and back to New York.
Then in September, Vanity Fair reported that Kushner and Ivanka were accusing Kelly of being behind the leaks mentioned in Bob Woodward's book, Fear: Trump in the White House. "He's destroying your presidency,' Ivanka was reported to have told Trump.
While it's impossible to know exactly how, or even if, Kushner and Ivanka helped sway Trump's decision to force Kelly out, the pair are reported to have remained central and influential members of the president's inner most circle while others are being shown the door.
“Dancing with the Stars” Carrie Ann Inaba Replacing Julie Chen on ”The Talk”
Variety confirms “Dancing with the Stars” judge, Carrie Ann Inaba, will be stepping up to replace Chen as a full time co-host on CBS’ “The Talk.”
The vacant seat was left by Chen, who stepped down in September after eight seasons after her husband and former CBS CEO Leslie “Les” Moonves was ousted from the company due to a sexual misconduct scandal.
In her farewell message, Chen gave encouraging words to Inaba, saying, “You’d look awfully good sitting in that chair, my Asian sister.”
Inaba joins the show’s regular co-hosts Sharon Osbourne, Sheryl Underwood, Eve and Sara Gilbert. In addition to her work on DWTS, Inaba is a choreographer who has experience filling in as a co-host on “The View,” “Live with Kelly” and lAccess Hollywood Live.”
Don’t worry— it doesn’t look like Inaba is leaving DWTS anytime soon because she’s signed on to keep her job there too. Makes sense considering she’s been a judge since the show premiered in 2005. ⠀
Inaba was one of the original Fly Girls on Fox’s “In Living Color.” She also has worked as a choreographer on “So You Think You Dance” and “American Idol.”
Chen remains the host of the CBS reality series, “Big Brother.”
Jennifer Hudson and David Otunga’s Custody Battle Headed to Trial
The legal battle between “The Voice” star, #JenniferHudson and WWE’s, David Otunga, is heading to trial in an attempt to settle the former couple’s custody battle, once and for all.
In court documents obtained by The Blast, an Illinois judge scheduled a five day trial for March 11, where the two will duke it out to see who will receive primary custody and who should pay the support.
Back in 2017, Hudson filed an emergency order of protection, accusing Otunga of putting hands on her while she was holding their son. Though she later dropped the petition, the two have been embroiled in a custody battle ever since, complete with allegations of kidnapping, defamation and even arguments over the choice of school bus stops.
Now, the two will have a chance to settle the issue in front of a judge at the top of the new year.
Police Have Reportedly Tracked Down A Suspect In Shooting Threat At ‘Surviving R.Kelly’ Screening
A few days ago, R. Kelly’s ex-wife Drea said that she believed a gun threat that caused an evacuation at a New York City screening for Lifetime’s upcoming documentary series “Surviving R. Kelly” was connected to the singer.
The NYPD has reportedly identified a person of interest in the recent Surviving R. Kelly shooting threat.
According to TMZ, a man with a 773 area code in Chicago — the R&B singer’s hometown — has been located, but authorities aren’t ready to release his name yet. It also hasn’t been determined whether or not the person has any connection to Kelly.
Tekashi 69’s Girl Jade Gets Rainbow Hair Like His And A ’69’ Tattoo – Meek Mill And 50 Cent Slam Her On Social Media
Tekashi 69’s girlfriend Jade shows the world that she misses her man. She has been posting various pics and videos with the rapper on social media, telling us that she misses him.
For her birthday, he made sure to send her a gorgeous Rolex which she flaunted on Instagram for her fans to see.
Now, Jade seems to have gotten a 69 tattoo and rainbow hair to match her imprisoned boo.
Meek Mill was quick to comment on the pic, slamming Jade and calling her a clout chaser, as you will see below. 50 Cent did the same thing.
TMZ has more details on the subject and writes that ‘Our industry sources say Meek and Tekashi don’t have beef … and Meek was 100 percent joking when he commented, “Oh you clout chasing chasing? Y’all girls be crazy.”‘
It seems that Jade is still together with Tekashi, despite the fact he remains in custody while facing life in prison in his federal racketeering case.
People slammed Jade in the comments section, writing that she would do anything to ‘secure the bag.’
Tekashi 69’s sexual misconduct case just got closed, according to the latest reports.
Recently, The Shade Room revealed that a ‘judge revoked Tekashi’s 4-year probation sentence and gave him credit for time served, according to @TMZ_tv. He also no longer has to perform 1,000 hours of community service.’
It seems that the judge cited Tekashi’s federal racketeering case as a reason for this decision. Tekashi’s trial is scheduled for September 2019.
AND FINALLY FROM THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART FILES
‘LAND OF MISFIT TOYS’
Oh cool. Where are you guys headed? Just want to make sure I cross wherever that is off my list forever. Thanks
EGGPLANT NATION: Meet Daymin Bear
Meet Daymin. You can see more when GO HERE TO SEE THE PICS! And remember they’re NSFW!
DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT OWN any images posted on this blog. All images are found online or submitted.
Enjoy!
HAVE A GREAT WEEK AHEAD
EFREM
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