#MAGFAB: Hallie Baily Takes Digital Cover in Vogue Arabia May 2023
Mermaid-loving Halle Bailey has a digital cover in the May 2023 issue of Vogue Arabia. The fabulous young talent is styled by Julia Müller in luxury looks from Chanel, David Koma, Jil Sander, Schiaparelli, Valdrin Sahiti, Valentino and more for images by The Morelli Brothers [IG]. / Hair by Tinisha Meeks; makeup by Christiana Cassell
Bailey is interviewed by Selina Julien for The Little Mermaid‘s Halle Bailey on Her Casting Controversy, Style Evolution, and Lessons from Beyoncé.
The lead-in text of “Reinventing Ariel for a new generation” are not words that AOC fancies in this moment — although I used them in the British Vogue presentation.
After lots of reflection, I am clear that “reinvent” actually makes my argument more difficult in this perilous time. Advocating that the true story of America’s racist history be told and not banned in red states puts me in a place of believing in historical truths.
As a word reinvention is “the act of producing something new based on something that already exists, or the new thing that is produced”, via Cambridge dictionary. Maybe I am wrong, but it seems like a slippery slope — the word, not the action.
My position with Ariel is that based on my studying of Hans Christian Andersen and having new reading from Andersen delivered to me — ‘Two Dramas. The Mulatto and The Moorish Girl’ — there is zero reason to take the position the ‘The Little Mermaid’ could not have been portrayed as a young creature of color in 1950 or in 1875, the year the author passed.
The problem is societal racism but not the author’s racism. And even people of color are jumping to conclusions about the author, which are presently unfounded. White people have the most simplistic argment: that Andersen was Danish and therefore Ariel was white.
Halle Bailey recently said that is was so important for her to have her hair natural — her locs — as part of being Ariel. With few exceptions, mermaids in art have long hair, and it’s more often curly than straight, even among 19th century artists.
Mermaids are like Eves [as in Adam and Eve] compared to Sirens who are like Lilith — Adam’s first wife in the Old Testament. Lilith represents the goddesses and women who refused to submit to patriarchy. It seems I must write a post on Sirens and Mermaids
#RHOA: The Real Housewives of Atlanta Recap: Off-Camera Behavior
As the Real Housewives franchise nears its 20th anniversary (which is strange even to say out loud), the premise of the show is constantly adjusting to the way the progression of the internet has impacted how story lines play out. We know the major drama before the season rolls out, like the shooting at Blaze or Shereé’s relationship with Martell, but we still watch eagerly, hoping for more. And RHOA has always had a dynamic with the blogging world that’s uniquely distinct from the other cities. A great drinking game to play when rewatching the show is to take a sip every time someone says “the blogs.” Social media and the internet have only given us more access to the drama in real time, whether filming is happening or not, making the fourth wall essentially a concept we’re all going along with out of habit, like Santa Claus.
For the most part, we loosely pretend there aren’t any cameras, and these get-togethers and trips happen naturally, not because of their signed contracts with Andy Cohen. It’s why viewers get upset when things become too formulaic; it ruins the magic, especially when the drama is stale. RHOA has fallen into this trap, particularly last year, losing some of the freshness of the earlier seasons. However, tonight’s episode took a different route than our traditional relationship with the fourth wall, finally giving us some intriguing drama. The juiciest bits of this episode happened when the cameras weren’t set up and ready to film a staged “moment,” which, ironically, gave us glimpses of what used to make the series so compelling.
First, the ladies had to address the events of Bravocon, which occurred during the filming of the season. Bravocon itself is another example of how the evolution of Housewives has closed the distance between reality and the world of the show, giving fans even more access to the ladies. It’s also a perfect time to dredge up drama between the cast. So, naturally, Mama Joyce, who very obviously loves the attention, used the opportunity to get some digs in about Todd. When asked to say three nice things about her son-in-law, she said he’s “still short.” Then, when Kandi was asked whom she would trust more to control her money, Don Juan or Mama Joyce, Kandi goes with Don Juan because she doesn’t believe that her mother would treat Todd fairly.
Making matters worse, to retaliate for Kandi choosing Don Juan, Mama Joyce said on a panel that she would’ve chosen a partner for Kandi who “had a job,” and Kandi hasn’t spoken to her since. Kandi does what she usually does with her mom, which is nothing. Todd’s daughter, Kaela, let him know about Mama Joyce’s insults, not Kandi. Don Juan and Monyetta urge Kandi to tell Mama Joyce how these statements make her feel (as if she doesn’t already know), and Kandi declares that she doesn’t care what her mom thinks about her husband. Like the work-life balance conversations, it’s the same regurgitated story line we’ve watched for years.
What’s more interesting than the perpetual Todd–versus–Mama Joyce saga are the things Kandi is less willing to talk about on-camera and how badly it irritates Marlo. Marlo, who has some personal vendetta against Kandi, has been vocal about her opinion that Kandi chooses what she will and will not talk about, which Marlo does herself as well. Marlo is especially upset regarding the conversations surrounding the shooting at Blaze. After Drew’s lackluster performance with RHOP’s Candiace (the word performance is a stretch), the women sit down to rehash their drama. It starts as an orchestrated scene for the show, everyone going back and forth airing their grievances and squashing beef, when Drew brings up what she refers to as the “incident” at Blaze. Marlo sarcastically plays dumb, prodding Drew to use the word shooting to describe the event. Kandi says that it was a private matter. Fully disposing of the fourth wall, Marlo looks off away from the frame, directly addressing the cameramen and the producers, saying, “I’m going to go home, you guys, cause like I say, Kandi Burruss can [only] talk about what she wants.” Kandi snaps back, asking Marlo to address the time she cut a girl in the face with a knife. I, too, would like to know more about that, but I’m just messy.
In her confessional, Marlo explains that from her perspective, her castmates always bring up her past, like her mug shots or the “alleged” old white men she dated, but when it comes to Kandi, they sweep it under the rug. I don’t think this is a fair assessment of the show’s dynamic — I personally believe almost everyone on this cast has grown increasingly choosy about what they will show. Shereé is all smoke and mirrors, Marlo was a mystery until recently, Kandi keeps repeating the same story line, and we don’t know much about Sanya yet. Drew and Kenya have arguably been the most open regarding spilling the beans about what’s going on in their personal lives. I also believe that social media has created a latent fear of being “canceled” or saying the wrong thing on-camera, adding another layer to the carefully curated façade each Housewife puts on when being filmed. On the one hand, we know more about the Housewives than we ever have, but on the other, the women are far more calculated when portraying a specific version of themselves to stay on the good side of fans. They’re always trying to stay one step ahead.
For Marlo, this particular instance of on-camera behavior prompted her to say something once the cameras went down. Thirty minutes after production finished shooting for the day, the cameras had to pop back up as things started to heat up between Drew and Marlo. Marlo took issue with Drew calling the situation at Blaze an incident and not a shooting. During the part of the conversation we get to see, Drew denies that the motivation behind bringing up the shooting was to manufacture a moment (which means we can assume that’s what Marlo was accusing her of doing). Then Marlo continues to ask why she didn’t say “shooting” before she completely unravels. Marlo somehow equates Drew not wanting to say “shooting” on-camera into a contest about who is more sensitive to gun violence. Since we only got to see a portion of the moment, it’s unclear if Drew explicitly said that gun violence is why she chose the word incident.
As she explains in her confessional, Marlo lost a nephew to gun violence two years ago. Her nephew worked for Kandi at OLG at one point, and when Marlo told Kandi about the tragedy, Marlo felt that Kandi didn’t care. When Marlo brought it up again on-camera the next day, Kandi acted as if she didn’t know what Marlo was talking about. In the confessional, Marlo says that no one can make Kandi talk about what she doesn’t want to, but this time she’s “calling her out.” As tragic as the passing of Marlo’s nephew is, and regardless of how odd and rude it is that Kandi acted like she didn’t know (that was so out of character for Kandi; I would like to hear her version of events), I’m not sure how this directly correlates to Drew’s word choice, but clearly, the whole situation was triggering for Marlo. Drew is as confused as I was and attempts to walk away from the conversation, and Marlo repeatedly begins to yell, “My nephew is dead,” before storming out, screaming the phrase one last time in Drew’s face.
Thanks to a producer whipping out their camera, we got a rare peek at their raw, no-camera conversations, making the last few moments of the episode more reminiscent of earlier seasons, when the ladies were less inclined to hold their tongues. What happened off-camera is what we should’ve seen on-camera the first time. At one point, Marlo even asks Drew if she’s acting or being for real, showing exactly how much Marlo believes the behavior changes once the cameras go up. Drew looks directly at the producer, the fourth wall be damned, and asks what we’re all wondering, “What the fuck just happened?”
Peach Tea to Go
• Some on-camera behavior that should’ve stayed off-camera or never happened in the first place was Kenya’s attitude in regard to her team. The way she spoke to her graphic designer was inappropriate. I would hate to work for her.
• Cousin Courtney is a lot for me. I’m happy that Kandi read her about the “hood” comment, because it was tasteless, regardless of whether she was born in the hood. And Courtney, my Capricorn sister, please burn that fedora.
• Ralph comparing himself and Drew to Ike and Tina was absurd. Why would that even cross his mind as an example? Anyway, I cracked up when they showed the clip of a fan at Bravocon asking Ralph to gaslight them.
• Watching Shereé do mental gymnastics to justify the shitty things this man has done on a public platform is fascinating. She said he hadn’t displayed any of the “arrogance or cockiness” she’s seen on his show, or else she wouldn’t be attracted to him. Well, Shereé, why are you attracted to someone who would either fake act like that or truly act like that, just not to you? Then seeing Shereé and Marlo gush over Martell picking Shereé up from the airport … the standard is on the floor.
• The taglines are here! Overall, I’m giving them a solid B — they’re giving rough draft. I miss when taglines were more reflective of the content of the current season than a loose rehashing of whatever phrase popped off last season.
#NewMusic from Keke Palmer Releases New Album “Big Boss”
Multi dimensional talent Keke Palmer has just released her latest album “Big Boss”.
The highly anticipated project showcases Palmer’s growth and artistic evolution as she continues to inspire and empower with her unique talent and unapologetic authenticity.
“Big Boss” is a remarkable journey through Keke’s life, chronicling her rise in the male-dominated music industry. Written and directed by Keke herself, this visual album showcases her perseverance, self-love, unyielding faith, and indomitable spirit. Throughout the narrative, Palmer learns to trust her instincts and overcomes the greatest obstacle of all—herself.
LISTEN HERE
This is the follow up to her EP “Virgo Tendencies” which released in 2020.
She’s also just released a visual for latest single “FR FR” which you can check out below. The song is an anthem that resonates with listeners, delving into Keke’s desire for sincerity in her relationships.
#HipHopNews: Ice Cube Addresses Conspiracy Theory That Suge Knight Injected Eazy-E With HIV
N.W.A member Eric “Eazy-E” Wright passed away in March 1995 at the age of 30. Eazy reportedly died from AIDS-induced pneumonia. Fellow N.W.A rapper Ice Cube recently spoke about his former groupmate’s death.
Ice Cube was a guest on Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast. Impaulsive co-host Mike Majlak questioned Cube about the long-running conspiracy theory that Death Row Records co-founder Suge Knight may have had Eazy-E injected with the HIV virus.
“How would [Suge Knight] do that?” asked Ice Cube. “And Eazy would never tell anybody?” Mike Majlak responded. “Maybe Eazy didn’t even know. ‘Cause you just poke somebody and they don’t even know. Maybe they were at a club or some s###.”
That led to Ice Cube saying, “Nah, I think if somebody poked you with one of them g###### needles, you’d know. You’d know. I mean, I’m just saying, just say this happened, Eazy would tell somebody, ‘This m########### poked me with some s###.'”
The online speculation about Eazy-E’s HIV diagnosis mostly stems from a 2003 interview involving Suge Knight. At the time, Knight told Jimmy Kimmel, “If you shoot somebody you go to jail forever… So they got this new thing out… They get blood from somebody with AIDS and they shoot you with it. That’s a slow death, an Eazy-E thing.”
Eazy-E’s daughter, Ebie Wright, launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise money for a documentary about the possible murder of her father. Ebie wanted Ice Cube to appear in the A Ruthless Scandal: No More Lies film.
“The only person that actually matters to this story I’m telling, who hasn’t talked on it so far… is Ice Cube,” said Ebie Wright in 2021. “It really breaks my heart that he hasn’t spoken on this yet because I grew up with his sons and I have a really good relationship with them.”
#BoxOfficeNews: ‘Fast and Furious X’ Opening, at $67.5M in the US and $319M Globally
Universal’s Fast X raced to a North American debut of $67.5 million and a rousing $318.9 million globally as the core franchise winds down. That’s a promising start for the 10th installment even if the movie is seeing lower returns in the United States.
Things are different overseas, where Fast X cleared a huge $251.4 million in its international debut. Its global opening makes it the No. 2 debut of the year behind fellow Universal’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie ($377 million). Internationally, it is the top opening of 2023 so far.
The action pic easily wrested the box office crown from Marvel and Disney’s Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which is now in its third weekend. Guardians 3 — which is no slouch — earned another $32 million domestically and $48.8 million overseas for a pleasing global total of $659.1 million.
Fast X is one of the few recent Hollywood films to resonate in China, where it opened to an impressive $78.3 million. Other territory highlights: it took a sizable $16.7 million in Mexico, followed by France ($9.7 million), Brazil ($9.6 million), India ($8.6 million), Indonesia ($8.4 million), Germany ($8 million), the U.K. ($7.6 million) and South Korea ($6.7 million). And it scored a franchise-best $7 million in Japan.
In North America, Fast X received a B+ CinemaScore from the audience, the same grade given to F9: The Fast Saga, which debuted domestically to $70 million in 2021 when the pandemic still posed a major challenge for the box office.
That compares to a franchise-best domestic opening of $148 million for Furious 7 in 2015, followed by $98 million for The Fate of the Furious in 2015 and $97 million for Fast and Furious 6 in 2013, not adjusted for inflation.
Louis Leterrier directs the 10th installment in the popular franchise (he’s also on board for the upcoming 11th). While that film is the final installment in Universal’s main Fast series, there’s plenty of opportunity for spinoffs.
Vin Diesel leads a huge cast of familiar and new faces in Fast X, including franchise mainstays Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Ludacris, Sung Kang and Jordana Brewster. Newcomers include Jason Momoa, Brie Larson and Rita Moreno, who plays Diesel’s grandmother.
Nathalie Emmanuel, John Cena, Jason Statham, Alan Ritchson, Daniela Melchior, Scott Eastwood, Helen Mirren and Charlize Theron also star.
Over the course of the many Fast films, Dom Toretto (Diesel) and his family have outsmarted, outnerved and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced: A terrifying villain (Momoa) emerging from the shadows of the past who’s fueled by blood revenge and who is determined to shatter this family and destroy everything — and everyone — that Dom loves, forever.
Raz B Recants Molestation Accusations Against Chris Stokes
Fans were suprised this past weekend when Raz B took to social media and recanted his molestation allegations against his cousin and former manager Chris Stokes.
Raz B posted via IG, “I’ma made man! Here it goes truth truth – mature grown DeMario after countless counseling. I was abused by bro brother , and others They all used and abused me like a rag doll! By the time my cousin took custody over me ,I Was a mess. He was not my enemy, I focused all my pain, frustration and anger built up from my past, and took it out on my cousin , and I never understood why.”
He continued, “Maybe because b2k broke up and he was no longer in my life, chris was never my pain he was my protector, my peace and my friend. People like Steve and the terrible things in Cleveland I told him about, Ricky forcing me to do things , Those are things I should have dealt with , like all the monsters in my life that actually did these things to me. Chris was never that guy I made the world think he was I Remember why My cousin fought so hard to save me because I needed (Chris) , And then I attacked the only person who helped me . It’s time let the world Kmow the truth Love you my cuzz. Chris I pray u continue to be my peace and protector ….. I miss u.”
He ended his post with, “P.s MH has always been my favorite artist – immature all day.”
Magic Johnson Apologizes to Nuggets After Lakers’ Game 3 Loss
Former Lakers star Earvin “Magic” Johnson rarely holds back emotions while supporting his former team, and fortunately, he tends to share his basketball thoughts on Twitter.
After the Lakers went down 3–0 in the Western Conference finals series to the Nuggets on Saturday night, Johnson used his Twitter platform to apologize to the Nuggets team for talking trash before the series.
“I have to apologize to the Denver Nuggets, they proved that they are a better and more talented team in their victory over the Lakers tonight,” Johnson tweeted. “They put both teams in the Eastern Conference on notice that they are committed to winning a championship!”
The tweeting didn’t stop there. Johnson applauded the Nuggets’ two biggest stars, Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, for their performances in the series thus far.
“When you have two superstars like Jokic and Murray play at a high level at the same time like they are unstoppable,” Johnson tweeted. “If they continue that in the NBA Finals, the Nuggets will be world champions!”
Denver will look to clinch its first Western Conference championship Monday night in Game 4 against the Lakers in Los Angeles.
Beyonce Knowles Sends Fast Food Restaurant Into Frenzy With $2,000 Order
Beyonce Knowles is rumored to have spent nearly £2,000 to order a Nando's under her name before her latest show. The "Crazy in Love" singer, 41, - who recently splurged $200 million with her rap mogul husband Jay-Z, 53, on California's most expensive home - reportedly had the monster order called in to the chicken franchise's branch in Edinburgh on Saturday, May 20 night ahead of her gig at Murrayfield as she continues the UK leg of her "Renaissance" tour.
"The 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)' singer sent the kitchen at Fountain Park into a frenzy by requesting 110 chicken burgers and 90 pittas. Just in case, Beyonce added an extra nine chicken thighs for good measure," it was reported by The Sun.
The bill is reported to have tallied up to £1,800, with Beyonce calling it in for her crew. She is also said to have catered the full range of spices from the restaurant and provided vegetarian options. The Sun added "rather than going incognito with a fake name, her team ordered it in the superstar's real name."
Beyonce, who has children Blue Ivy, 11, and twins Sir and Rumi, five, with Jay, kicked off her UK concerts at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Wednesday, May 17 and will play another of her sold out shows at Sunderland's Stadium of Light on Monday before a five-night run at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London.
The tour, in support of Beyonce's seventh album, is tipped to be one of the most successful ever as it is expected to gross $2 billion in ticket sales. Average global ticket prices, taking into account all levels from VIP to general admission, are £554, with her gigs selling out in seconds.
Her setlists have boasted a string of her hits including "Run the World (Girls)" and "Love on Top", with her stage costumes including looks by designers Alexander McQueen, Loewe, and David Koma.
NAACP says Florida "is openly hostile" in travel warning to Black Americans
The NAACP is calling out Governor Ron DeSantis’ “hostile” devaluation of people of color and the LGBTQ+ community.
The NAACP has issued a travel advisory to Black Americans, warning them of the “hostile” climate seemingly curated by Governor Ron DeSantis’ crackdown on cultural history across the state.
The advisory was first proposed to the Board of Directors by the NAACP‘s Florida State Conference. However, it was widely supported by the organization as a whole. It states, “Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.”
Last week, the Republican politician signed legislation to defund diversity, equity, and inclusion departments at public universities. “DEI is better viewed as standing for discrimination, exclusion, and indoctrination,” said DeSantis in a press conference on May 15. His exercise of authority has been met with widespread pushback from those arguing that he is stifling education and erasing Black history from the books, literally.
“Once again, hate-inspired state leaders have chosen to put politics over people. Governor Ron DeSantis and the state of Florida have engaged in a blatant war against principles of diversity and inclusion and rejected our shared identities to appeal to a dangerous, extremist minority,” said Leon Russell, chair of the NAACP Board of Directors, in a released statement on Saturday (May 20).
DeSantis and the state have come under scrutiny since he vocalized his opposition to academic discussions about racism and American history. Last year, he signed the Individual Freedom Act, also known as the Stop Woke Act, into law. It prohibits workplaces and schools from making people “feel discomfort, guilt, anguish, or any other form of psychological distress on account of his or her race, color, sex, or national origin.” The U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals blocked the act from being enforced after two separate lawsuits were filed — one by a University of South Florida student and professor and another by a Florida A&M law professor. Florida appealed the ruling, but in March, it was again denied a request to enforce the bill after the appeals court upheld the first ruling.
“Let me be clear — failing to teach an accurate representation of the horrors and inequalities that Black Americans have faced and continue to face is a disservice to students and a dereliction of duty to all,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson.
He continued, “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon. He should know that democracy will prevail because its defenders are prepared to stand up and fight. We’re not backing down, and we encourage our allies to join us in the battle for the soul of our nation.”
Carmelo Anthony Announces Retirement From NBA After 19 Seasons
Carmelo Anthony is hanging up his jersey. The basketball great announced this Monday that he is retiring from the NBA after 19 seasons.
Anthony posted a heartwarming video to social media where he recapped his great career. “I remember the days when I had nothing, just a ball on the court and a dream of something more,” he began saying in the clip. “I am forever grateful for those people and places because they made me, Carmelo Anthony. But now the time has come for me to say goodbye: to the court where I made my name, to the game that gave me purpose and pride.”
The 10-time NBA All-Star who was also one of basketball’s greatest scorers said in his IG video, “This bittersweet goodbye to the NBA, I am excited for what the future holds for me. When people ask what I believe my legacy is, it’s not my feet on the court that comes to mind, nor the awards or praise, because my story has always been more than basketball.”
In his video, Anthony went on to pass the torch to his 16-year-old son Kiyan, “My legacy now and forever lives on through you.”
As a member of Team USA, Anthony won not one but three Olympic gold medals Rio in 2016, London in 2012 and Beijing in 2008.
Cher Marks Her 77th Birthday with Social Media Post About Age: 'When Will I Feel Old?'
Cher is asking the important questions. On Saturday, the pop icon celebrated her 77th birthday on Twitter by looking for an answer to a pretty big question: "When will I feel old?"
"Ok, Will Someone 🙏🏼 PLEASE Tell me…..When Will I Feel OLD👶🏻," she wrote. "This is ridiculous."
"I keep hearing these numbers, but I Honestly can't understand them. WHAT'S THE DEAL WITH #'s⁉️ I'm dyslexic & #'s Are hard 4 me."
Cher then continued her birthday post by showing gratitude to her fans. "Thank u for staying, I know it's been hard," she wrote. "Got to go work out. Twitter is harder for me than TweetBot."
Her tweet marked her first in nearly two months, but she's been keeping busy, as some of her time has been spent combining her professional and private life while working on music with her boyfriend, Alexander "A.E." Edwards.
"I'm going to England to make two albums," Cher told the E! News in March. "Some of the songs Alexander gave me, so I'm pretty excited about that. He's a producer and a writer and he does everything, so I'm happy about that."
Cher also explained that she had high hopes for her partner's work. "I think like any artist, when you've got something good, you're excited," she explained.
The "Believe" singer began dating Edwards, 36, in the fall of 2022 after meeting at Paris Fashion Week, and revealed during an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show that she finds him to be "fabulous."
"On paper, it's kind of ridiculous," Cher said. "But in real life, we get along great. He's fabulous. And I don't give men qualities that they don't deserve."
Back in November, Cher sent out a series of tweets about her relationship, implying to one follower that she wasn't bothered by their 40-year age gap.
"LOVE DOESN'T KNOW MATH, IT SEES ❤️ ❤️," Cher wrote in a since-deleted tweet captured by The Shade Room.
She also referenced a lesson she learned from Sogyal Rinpoche, the late Tibetan Buddhist teacher and best-selling author who died in 2019. "Rinpoche told me, 'Some people meet, others recognize,' " Cher wrote.
The pop superstar has also been busy putting her Malibu mansion back on the market for $75 million in April. She first listed her Italian Renaissance-style home for $85 million in October 2022, per The Wall Street Journal, but gave it a price cut at the top of the year.
The seven-bedroom, nine-bathroom, 13,126 sq. ft. home overlooks the Pacific Ocean and sits on 1.73 acres of land. It's listed by Robert Kass and Drew Fenton of Carolwood Estates.
Ahead of her home going on the market in October 2022, Cher told Architectural Digest, "This house has been one of the greatest passions of my life. I have enjoyed every moment of its creation and evolution, but now it's time to pass this magic on to others."
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes Run Half Marathon Together After Being Replaced on GMA3
Amy Robach and T.J. Holmes are still running together. Running side by side, the two former GMA3 co-anchors took part in the 2023 RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon May 20, in what marked their first joint appearance in . Amy and T.J. wore coordinating outfits—she sported a light pink tank top, black leggings and black and pink Nike sneakers, while he appeared in a dark grey top over black running shorts and tights, paired with pink Nike sneakers.
This marked Amy and T.J.'s first public appearance in almost a month (they were photographed walking while holding hands in New York City in April). The half marathon, hosted by New York Road Runners, took place almost four months after ABC News announced they would leave the company, which followed the pair going public with their controversial romance last December.
On May 11, the news group revealed that Eva Pilgrim and DeMarco Morgan would officially take over the pair's hosting duties on GMA3.
The half marathon marked the third time Amy, 50, and T.J., 45, have run a major race together since they took part in the TCS New York Road City Marathon last November.
That month, they sparked romance rumors by being photographed acting flirty on an Upstate New York getaway. The two also ran side-by-side in the United Airlines New York City Half Marathon together this past March.
Both Amy and T.J. were legally married to others when they began their romance. She and Melrose Place alum Andrew Shue wed in 2010 and the two ran the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon together. Days after photos of her and T.J. on their Upstate New York trip surfaced last November, the actor removed photos of her from his Instagram.
Meanwhile, T.J. filed for divorce from Marilee Fiebig, with whom he shares a daughter, in December, soon after he and Amy went public with their romance.
The 38th Stellar Gospel Music Awards Nominations have been Announced
Central City Productions today announced the nominees in 25 categories for the 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards taping on Saturday, July 15, returning to the Las Vegas Orleans Arena.
The 38th edition of the Stellar Awards will premiere on the newly-launched Stellar TV between Monday, July 24 and August 6, 2023, as well as air in national broadcast syndication from August 7 through September 10, 2023. Gospel music’s most epic celebration is co-hosted this year by Gospel superstars and multiple Stellar Award winners Tasha Cobbs-Leonard and Jonathan McReynolds, who returns to share co-hosting duties for the 2nd year.
Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. commented, “I am elated to celebrate this landmark 38th year of the Stellar Gospel Music Awards and its premiere on our very own newly-launched Stellar TV network.
Our flagship show is one of the longest-running nationally televised African American awards programs in history – we couldn’t be more proud to bring this new inspirational network to viewers, while honoring the work of Gospel music artists and industry professionals who use their gifts to lift the spirits of many during troubling times. We look forward to another spectacular weekend of family-friendly entertainment in Las Vegas.”
Eleven-time Stellar Award winner Pastor Mike, Jr. leads the field of nominees this year with ten nominations. The trailblazing Gospel artist earned recognition this year for his work on the album “Winning” (Blacksmoke Music Worldwide), in the key categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Album of the Year, Producer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Contemporary Male Artist of the Year, Urban Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year, Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year, Music Video of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year.
With nine nominations, groundbreaking Gospel artist Tye Tribbett is being recognized by the voting body for excellence in the categories of Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Producer of the Year, Contemporary Male Artist of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year, Rap/Hip Hop Song of the Year, Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year for his work on “All Things New” (Motown Gospel). In addition, the project received a nomination for Recorded Music Packaging of the Year, developed by Mike McKesey and Trent Nicholson.
Always appreciating a great musical collaboration, Stellar Awards voters recognized Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin with six nominations for keeping the praise party elevated on their project “Kingdom Book One” (Tribl Records/Fo Yo Soul Recordings/RCA Inspiration), nominated in the categories of Artist of the Year, Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year, Song of the Year, Producer of the Year, Urban/Inspirational Single or Performance of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year.
Stellar Awards 2023 co-host and fifteen-time winner Tasha Cobbs-Leonard continues to bless audiences with her gift and is rewarded this year with five nominations for her work on “Hymns” (TeeLee Records/Motown Gospel), including Artist of the Year, Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year, Contemporary Female Artist of the Year, Praise and Worship Song of the Year, and Praise and Worship Album of the Year. Also earning five nominations each are Zacardi Cortez for his work on “Imprint” (Blacksmoke Music Worldwide), and DOE, nominated for the first time as a solo artist for her work on the album “Clarity” (Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration). DOE is going head-to-head with Cobbs-Leonard, Maranda Curtis, and legends CeCe Winans and Tamela Mann in the prestigious Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year category.
Mann, a sixteen-time Stellar Award winner, is nominated this year in four total categories for her project “Overcomer Deluxe” (Tillymann Music Group), including Album of the Year, Contemporary Album of the Year and Contemporary Female Artist of the Year.
Other artists earning multiple Stellar nominations include Travis Greene & Forward City, JJ Hairston, Maranda Curtis, Bishop S.Y. Younger feat. Sounds of the Ramp, and Brent Jones.
An important tradition at the Stellar Awards, Founder Don Jackson will bestow special recognition upon Gospel greats who have elevated the genre. This year’s James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Award will honor Reverend Milton Biggham, Pastor of the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Newark, NJ and founder of several mass choirs – The Miami Mass Choir, The Mississippi Mass Choir, the Dallas Fort Worth Mass Choir, and the Georgia Mass Choir.
The Stellar Awards also announced nominees for the Gospel Radio of the Year Awards in six categories, including Gospel Announcer of the Year. Those nominees include multiple Stellar Award winner Erica Campbell, host of the nationally-syndicated morning show, Get Up! Mornings With Erica Campbell; Darlene McCoy Jackson, host of The Nightly Spirit With Darlene on WPZE Praise 102.5FM in Atlanta, GA; Charles Johnson, from KOKA 980 AM in Shreveport, LA; and Melanie Pratt, host of Melanie In The Midday on WPZS Praise in Charlotte, NC.
The Stellar Awards show taping will return to The Orleans Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, July 15, 2023 and is open to the public. Ticket prices range from $59 – $229, and are available now at www.ticketmaster.com. Additional announcements regarding ancillary events will follow. As previously noted, The Stellar Awards will premiere on the newly-launched Stellar TV network between July 24 and August 6, 2023, which can be found on Charter Spectrum, Verizon Fios and Xumo Play. Viewers may check with their local provider for availability in their area.
Some of the biggest names in Gospel will be appearing as participants in this year’s show – stay tuned for future announcements and follow @thestellars on Instagram and Twitter, or Stellar Gospel Music Awards on Facebook for the latest news and updates about the Greatest Night in Gospel Music.
The Nominees are………..
Category #1
ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Doe; Clarity; Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration
- Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin; Kingdom Book One; Tribl Records / Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Inspiration
- Pastor Mike Jr.; Winning; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
- Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Hymns; TeeLee Records/Motown Gospel
- Tye Tribbett; All Things New; Motown Gospel
Category #2
SONG OF THE YEAR
- Impossible; Pastor Mike Jr., James Fortune & JeVon Hill; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
- Kingdom (feat. Naomi Raine & Chandler Moore); Kirk Franklin, Chandler Moore, Jonathan Jay & Jacob Poole;
Tribl Records / Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Inspiration
- New; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
- Positive; Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell & Juan Winans; My Block Inc.
- When I Pray; Dominique Jones & Dewitt Jones; Label ~ Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration
Category #3
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Brian Courtney Wilson; Transitions; Motown Gospel
- JJ Hairston; Believe Again; Jamestown Music/ Tribl Records, LLC
- Pastor Mike Jr.; Winning; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
- Tye Tribbett; All Things New; Motown Gospel
- Zacardi Cortez; Imprint; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
CATEGORY #4
ALBERTINA WALKER FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- CeCe Winans; Believe For it - Deluxe Edition; Pure Springs, Fair Trade, Red Alliance Media
- DOE; Clarity; Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration
- Maranda Curtis; Die To Live; Butterfly Works /Red Alliance Media
- Tamela Mann; Overcomer Deluxe; Tillymann Music Group
- Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Hymns; TeeLee Records/Motown Gospel
CATEGORY #5
DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
- Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin; Kingdom Book One; Tribl Records / Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Inspiration
- The Group Fire; Heal the Land; Jet Records North/East
- Tim Bowman Jr. & Faith City Music; Welcome to Faith City; Faith City Music/Tribl Records, LLC
- Travis Greene & Forward City; Tent Revival; Tribl Records, LLC
CATEGORY #6
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Courtney Franklin; Heal Us; Pebble Street Records
- Lena Byrd Miles; Brand New; My Block Inc.
- Pastor Nell; It's My Time; Righteous Records Inc.
- The Hawkins Boys; Vanquish; Melvin Williams Entertainment
CATEGORY #7
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- All Things New; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
- Imprint; Zacardi Cortez; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
- Kingdom Book One; Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin; Tribl Records / Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Inspiration
- Overcomer Deluxe; Tamela Mann; Tillymann Music Group
- Winning; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
CATEGORY #8
CHOIR OF THE YEAR
- Bishop S.Y. Younger feat. Sounds of the Ramp; Rampology Vol. 1; Ramp Records / MNRK
- Brent Jones; Nothing Else Matters (INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING, PRAISE HIM); JDI Entertainment
- Demetrius West & Jesus Promoters; Old Fellowship Hour; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
- Vincent Bohanan & SOV; A Choir Christmas; HezHouse Entertainment
CATEGORY #9
PRODUCER OF THE YEAR
- James Fortune & David Outing; My Life; FIYA World / MNRK
- Rodney Andre Turner, Jr. & Michael McClure Jr.; Winning; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
- Tony Brown, Jonathan Jay, Kirk Franklin, Chandler Moore & Norman Gyamfi; Kingdom Book One; Tribl Records /
Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Inspiration
- Travis Greene, Matthew Edwards, Brunes Charles & Reggie Rhett; Tent Revival; Tribl Records, LLC
- Tye Tribbett; All Things New; Motown Gospel
CATEGORY #10
CONTEMPORARY DUO/CHORUS GROUP OF THE YEAR
- Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin; Kingdom Book One; Tribl Records / Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Inspiration
- Tennessee State University Marching Band, Kierra Sheard Kelly, Sir The Baptist & Dubba-AA; The Urban
Hymnal; Tennessee State University
- The Group Fire; Heal the Land; Jet Records North/East
- Travis Greene & Forward City; Tent Revival; Tribl Records, LLC
CATEGORY #11
CONTEMPORARY MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Brian Courtney Wilson; Transitions; Motown Gospel
- Pastor Mike Jr.; Winning; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
- James Fortune; My Life; FIYA World / MNRK
- Tye Tribbett; All Things New; Motown Gospel
CATEGORY #12
TRADITIONAL MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- Bishop S.Y. Younger; Rampology Vol. 1; Ramp Records / MNRK
- Brent Jones; Nothing Else Matters (INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING, PRAISE HIM); JDI Entertainment
- JJ Hairston; Believe Again; Jamestown Music/ Tribl Records, LLC
- Zacardi Cortez; Imprint; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
CATEGORY #13
CONTEMPORARY FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
- CeCe Winans; Believe For it - Deluxe Edition; Pure Springs, Fair Trade, Red Alliance Media
- DOE; Clarity; Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration
- Maranda Curtis; Die to Live; Butterfly Works /Red Alliance Media
- Tamela Mann; Overcomer Deluxe; Tillymann Music Group
- Tasha Cobbs Leonard; Hymns; TeeLee Records/Motown Gospel
CATEGORY #14
CONTEMPORARY ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- All Things New; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
- Kingdom Book One; Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin; Tribl Records / Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Inspiration
- Overcomer Deluxe; Tamela Mann; Tillymann Music Group
- Winning; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
CATEGORY #15
TRADITIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- Believe Again; JJ Hairston; Jamestown Music/ Tribl Records, LLC
- Imprint; Zacardi Cortez; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
- Nothing Else Matters (INSTEAD OF COMPLAINING, PRAISE HIM); Brent Jones; JDI Entertainment
- Rampology Vol. 1 (Live); Bishop S.Y. Younger feat. Sounds of the Ramp; Ramp Records / MNRK
CATEGORY #16
URBAN/INSPIRATIONAL SINGLE OR PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
- Bless Me; Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin; Tribl Records / Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Inspiration
- Get Up; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
- Impossible; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
- The Better Benediction ft. Zacardi Cortez, Gene Moore, Samoht, Tim Rogers, and Darrel 'MusiqCity' Walls; PJ
Morton; Morton Records / Empire
- When I Pray; DOE; Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration
CATEGORY #17
MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR
- Goodness of God; C'mon Creative; Pure Springs/FairTrade Services/Red Alliance Media
- Jesus (feat. Le'Andria Johnson); Joshua Freeman and Tim Bowman Jr.; Faith City Music/Tribl Records, LLC
- Mr. McClure; Michael McClure, Andre Rudolph & Antonio Minifield; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
- Positive; James Earl; My Block Inc.
CATEGORY #18
SPECIAL EVENT ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- Christmas at Our House; Teddy & Tina Campbell; Gee Tree Creative/Red Alliance Media
- Kingdom Business: Season 1 Soundtrack; Kingdom Business Cast; RCA Inspiration / Sony Music Entertainment
- T.D. Jakes Presents "Finally Loosed"; Various Artists; Dexterity Sounds
- The Urban Hymnal; Tennessee State University Marching Band, Kierra Sheard Kelly, Sir The Baptist & Dubba-
AA; Tennessee State University
CATEGORY #19
RAP/HIP HOP GOSPEL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- As I Am; 1K Phew; Reach Records
- Church Clothes 4; Lecrae; Reach Records
- He’s Been Good; Miz Tiffany; Mixed Bag Entertainment
- Us Against the World; God Over Money; God Over Money Records
CATEGORY #20
YOUTH PROJECT OF THE YEAR
- Alana Inez; Minor in a Major World; Law Ent.
- Alphonso (A.J.) Evans Jr.; Not 2 Young; Enon Music Group
- AMG Kidz; Sunday School; AMG Kidz / Anderson Music Group
- Detroit Youth Choir; Rockspell; Confidential Records
- Walt Whitman & The Soul Children of Chicago; Still Standing; M'Paact Records
CATEGORY #21
QUARTET OF THE YEAR
- Keith “Wonderboy” Johnson; Restructure, Renew Reunion; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
- The Christian Brothers; He ReWrote My Story; Millennium Sound Records
- The Hawkins Boys; Vanquish; Melvin Williams Entertainment
- The Williams Singers; Quartagious (Deluxe Edition); Deznell Music Group / Anderson Music Group
CATEGORY #22
RECORDED MUSIC PACKAGING OF THE YEAR
- All Things New; Mike McKesey & Trent Nicholson; Motown Gospel
- Clarity; Tyler Simien; Life Room Label/RCA Inspiration
- Overcomer Deluxe; Keston McKinnon; Tillymann Music Group
- Worship & Justice; Tim Parker; RCA Inspiration
CATEGORY #23
PRAISE AND WORSHIP ALBUM OF THE YEAR
- Die To Live; Maranda Curtis; Butterfly Works /Red Alliance Media
- Hymns; Tasha Cobbs Leonard; TeeLee Records/Motown Gospel
- Morning Songs; Dulaneyland Music; MNRK
- The Invitation; Isabel Davis; Global Ministry Records
CATEGORY #24
PRAISE AND WORSHIP SONG OF THE YEAR
- I Still Have You; Smokie Norful; Tre'Myles Music / MNRK
- I Will Rejoice; Isabel Davis; Global Ministry Records
- The Moment; Tasha Cobbs Leonard; TeeLee Records/Motown Gospel
- You've Been Good To Me; Zacardi Cortez; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
CATEGORY #25
RAP/HIP HOP SONG OF THE YEAR
- Any Attack; Lecrae + 1K Phew; Reach Records
- Blak Sheep; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide
- He’s Been Good; Miz Tiffany; Mixed Bag Entertainment
- Jireh (My Provider) ft. Lecrae + HappiMusic; Limoblaze; Limoblaze Music
- New; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel
The 38th Stellar Gospel Music Awards show is Executive Produced by Don Jackson, with Jennifer J. Jackson serving as Executive in Charge of Production and Producer. Michael A. Johnson will produce and direct this year’s award show.
Republican Sen. Tim Scott Is Officially Running For President
South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott announced his run for the Republican presidential nomination Monday morning in North Charleston, S.C.
Scott made his run official with this statement from a stage at Charleston Southern University, his alma mater: "I'm announcing today I'm running for president of the United States of America."
The senator, who has represented South Carolina in the Senate since 2013, highlighted his own rise from poverty to prosperity and said that America is not a racist country. Scott is the only Black Republican senator in the U.S. Senate.
Scott is the second South Carolina Republican to enter the race for the GOP nomination. Right now, he takes on a frontrunner in former President Donald Trump. He also joins former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley. Haley originally appointed him to the Senate to fill a vacancy. South Carolina is a pivotal early voting state for both Republicans and Democrats.
Scott has been endorsed by Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., the second ranking Republican in the Senate.
Cooooookieeeeeees!
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