“EMPIRE” Stars Taraji P. Henson & Terrence Howard Cover Emmy Magazine!
The debut season of FOX’s Hip Hop family drama has seen unprecedented success, breaking viewer ratings week after week and becoming a staple in pop culture. And their huge success continues as the leading stars, Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard land the cover of EMMY magazine, released days before the nominations are announced.
With its diverse cast, compelling storylines and infectious music (produced by Timbaland) EMPIRE has pushed the envelope and captured the nation by storm. But, before all of the fanfare and rave reviews, Terrance Howard admits in the beginning, he didn’t think people would accept it. He told the publication,
"I didn't know that the American public was really ready to tackle some of these issues that we're tackling, especially the African-American population," Howard says. "With the homophobia that runs through there, I didn't think a lot of the scenes that we've had would be welcome. I thought 20 minutes in[to the first episode], by the time they had the first [same-sex] kiss, it would be a wrap. Everybody would change the channel."
Well…he certainly was wrong…and likely doesn’t mind it. Ha!
Breakout star Taraji P. Henson, who made history as the first black woman to receive the Critics' Choice Best Actress In A Drama Series Award, has been having an incredible year after debuting as the slick-mouth Cookie Lyon on the hip hopera. The YBF chick recalls the time her father predicted she would blow up like she is now, sitting at his bedside in the hospital right before he passed away from cancer.
She said,
"He was like, 'Baby, that ain't nothin'. You are going to be a sensation,'" the Empire star recounts now. "He was looking off into the distance, and I think he saw what was coming.
"At the time, I was like, 'What you see? Shoot, I want to see it! Time went on, and I'm getting older. I ain't no spring chicken. I'm thinking, 'Maybe the Oscar [nod] was it.' Then [Empire] comes along, and it blows up, and it's like, 'Okay, Daddy, this is what you were talking about.' He saw this moment right here."
Beautiful. This issue hits newsstands June 9th
Kim Zolciak Wants You to Know…to something about her and Caitlyn Jenner!
BRAVO TV personality Kim Zolciak, right, was forced to correct her Twitter.com followers today when they accused her of getting a facelift to look more like Caitlyn Jenner, left.
From E! Online:
On Tuesday, the 37-year-old former Real Housewives of Atlanta star took to Twitter to deny a recent report claiming that “top doctors” had come to the conclusion she’d gotten “a full facelift, writing, “This is ridiculous! Top doctors my ass!”
She added quite definitively, “I have not had surgery on my face period!!!!”
And what about Botox? Yeah, Kim will confess to that. “I just don’t think there’s anything wrong with it,” she told InTouch magazine back in 2009. “Some cosmetic enhancement is obvious. A lot of times, the people who aren’t talking about it are the ones who look horrible. I do Botox…I started getting Botox when I was 25 for migraines. I recommend that to anybody.”
In the same interview, Kim confessed, “I would love a nose job, but I’m scared. I would do just about anything to maintain myself.”
So far, this has included multiple breast augmentations and a tummy tuck after the birth of her now 19-month-old twins Kane and Kaia.
HA!
Nicki Minaj & Meek Mill BREAKUP?
Meek Mill was overheard at the Penthouse nightclub this past Sunday, telling his homeboy that he and Nicki Minaj, are no longer dating.
“Nicki and me are no longer together”-Meek Mill
So, Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill broke up. Know why? Because Meek Mill refused to write or record songs with Nicki Minaj, unless she marries him. Don’t believe me.. Ask James Lindsay.
Here’s what an industry insider revealed:
“Meek and Nicki just started dating and what does he do? He proposed to her and scared her away. Nicki just wants to date, write and record songs with Meek.
It’s their job to record music and they haven’t recorded one song together. The reason why we haven’t heard a track with Nicki and Meek is because he’s refusing to record with her unless they tie the knot.”
SERIOUSLY? Mariah Carey Joins Match.com
Mariah Carey joins Match.com to promote her new single Infinity...
Mariah Carey released the video for her new single Infinity yesterday and partnered with dating site Match.com for the release.
Mariah, who created a Match.com profile that lists herself as divorced with two kids, explains,
"I hope every woman who is single and listens to this song goes out and finds her infinity, whether on Match or the traditional way."
Empire & Fox TV are Suing a Self Proclaimed “Gangster” for 1 Billion Dollars Over The Hit Show!
According to my girl over at theJasmineBRAND, Fox Network is blasting the 1 billion dollar lawsuit filed by a self proclaimed “gangster” who accused them of stealing his life story for their hit show “Empire” — and are demanding the entire legal battle be dismissed.
A man named Ron Newt filed a federal lawsuit against Terrence Howard, Lee Daniels and Fox Network accusing them of ripping off his life story for the hit show “Empire”.
Ron- a family friend of the Jackson family – claimed that the show was a carbon copy of his life as a “gangster, pimp and drug deal” … and even called himself a known “ghetto player” in his world.
The man even said he met with Terrence in LA to talk about Ron’s documentary entitled “Bigger than Big”
which Terrence saw and wanted to play Ron in the feature film adaptation. Then Ron claimed he saw the show “Empire” and immediately realized it was a knock off of his life with episodes showing 4 drug dealers being killed at once, a long-time friend being shot, the main female going to jail for drugs and then being released among various other similarities he claimed in his court documents. He filed suit demanding 1 billion dollars in damages along with a cease and desist for the network to stop airing or producing the program.
Then on May 22nd, Fox Network fired back at the 1 billion dollar lawsuit. Fox explains that Ron doesn’t even own a copyright to his story or the documentary and therefore has no case. They say even if the similarities between the two exist he still doesn’t own the rights to his own work. They are demanding the lawsuit be thrown out and the man be awarded NOTHING from his billion dollar complaint.
Former New York Giants Football player Osi Umenyiora Text Messages from a Woman is actually A MAN?
Last week, just days after former pro football player Osi Umenyiora's marriage to former Miss Universe Leila Lopes, text messages posted by a woman claiming to be Osi's side chick popped up on Instagram.
Osi addresses the situation revealing the culprit is actually a man...
The couple also released this joint statement,
“We strongly condemn the vicious and malicious lies that have recently been perpetuated all over the media.”
“We already know that these lies are a coordinated effort by a single unstable MALE source to malign and discredit an otherwise joyous and highly successful occasion. An appropriate legal recourse is currently in effect.”
“We are pleased to report that the expected result from this individual has been an abysmal failure. We are fortified, strong, and extremely happy. We look forward to a prosperous life together.”
The Instagram account where the text messages first appeared has since been deactivated.
SAD: Why TLC probably won't cancel 19 Kids & Counting
It took TLC just a few days to cancel Here Comes Honey Boo in October after discovering that family matriarch June Shannon was linked to a convicted sex offender. So when 19 Kids and Counting star Josh Duggar admitted to acting “inexcusably” after a report recently surfaced that he molested five underage girls when he was 14, the show’s harshest critics—and most of America—expected TLC would torpedo that show, too.
They’re still waiting. Though TLC initially yanked reruns of the seven-year-old show while stating “we are deeply saddened and troubled by this heartbreaking situation,” the cable network has remained noticeably silent about the series’ future, all while advertisers, including Ace Hardware and Walgreens, bolted.
“The season just ended,” says one insider of the show that chronicles evangelical parents Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar of Arkansas and their 19 children. “So I guess they’ll just ride it out and see.”
When it comes to cash cows like the Duggars, TV nets can have a pretty high threshhold for what it will and won’t tolerate. It was easy for The Food Network to drop Paula Deen and her Paula’s Favorite Dishes in 2013: her ratings had sunk to 835,000 viewers—down 25 percent versus the previous year—when the controversy broke about her use of racial epithets. The situation was similar for Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, a divisive show about a self-indulgent redneck clan that failed to crack 2 million viewers in its fourth and final season.
But after 10 seasons, 19 Kids remains TLC’s most popular show, if not it’s most lucrative: it earned a reported $25 million in ad revenue this year, a massive profit margin considering TLC only pays the Duggars up to $40,000 per episode, according to PEOPLE. And the scandal has actually increased awareness of the family on social media, though not all of the chatter has been positive. (Campaigns like #canceltheduggars continue on Twitter).
The public’s fascination with the family is sure to boost ratings for Wednesday’s The Megyn File on Fox News, during which anchor Megyn Kelly will interview Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar in Arkansas. TLC signed off on the appearance.
Even A&E stuck with Duck Dynasty after patriarch Phil Robertson made controversial statements about gays that resulted in the show’s suspension. That show, which at the time had generated a reported $80 million in advertising sales, ultimately returned to air without him. More original episodes will debut starting June 24.
TLC seems determined to keep the family in the fold even if they decide not to renew 19 Kids for an 11th season. PEOPLE reported that the network could decide to turn the focus away from Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and onto popular newlyweds Jill and Derick Dillard, and Jessa and Ben Seewald. That way, TLC can keep its golden goose and the public could get its sacrificial lamb.
“The show was probably on its last legs anyway,” reasons New York-based brand strategist Rachel Weingarten. “It’s a way for the crowd to give them (Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar) the proverbial thumbs down and everyone can feel superior to them.”
ALREADY? Gabourey Sidibe to publish memoir
Gabourey Sidibe, Empire actress and Precious star, will write a memoir for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, to be published in 2017. The yet untitled book will feature stories from Sidibe’s life, spanning style and fame to depression and family, and she’ll use the wit and honesty we’ve come to expect from her. (Remember this perfect Twitter response from last year?)
“I’ve been writing since I was a child, and have always had so many stories to tell that are too long, shady, and impolite to share in interviews,” Sidibe said in a release. “It brings me much joy to add Published Writer to my resume of Actor and part-time Foot Model.”
Said HMH Senior Executive Editor Deanne Urmy, “Moving from Bed-Stuy to Senegal to Cannes, as Gabby has done in a still-short lifetime, has helped produce a fierce, wise way of being in the world impossible not to admire. ‘Funny’ doesn’t begin to capture just how irreverent and complex Gabby’s stories are.”
2017 can’t come soon enough—but for now, at least we have Twitter.
Tami Roman wants you to know how many times she has SEX in a DAY!
Tami Roman and Reggie Youngblood have one hell of a sex life.
The couple chatted with our friends over at Hip Hollywood to talk about being featured on the upcoming season of Marriage Boot Camp and the conversation turned left very quickly.
During our chat with the couple, Roman explained that although her man is 17 years her junior, she doesn’t like being called a cougar rather … a MILF. And with being a “Mom I’d Like To F***,” the beauty explained that it is important for the woman to be lively and youthful. “For me, even though I’m up in age, I still feel like I am young in spirit,” the 45-year-old said.
Youngblood chimed in from a mans perspective and shared that to date someone older, the woman should have “youthful energy. You can’t be around lagging or acting like you tired … You got it be horny it all the time. You got to be like a little rabbit.”
The couple then admitted that they have a sex at least 2-3 times a day … on a slow day. “It’s in some way, form of fashion. It doesn’t have to be penetration. We can rub out sometimes. It’s different methods to get it going.”
She added, “After a certain age we reach this point where we want it all the time.”
WATCH HERE
Talk about goals. LOL!
The Celebs Omari Hardwick, 50 Cent, Naturi Naughton, LaLa Anthony, Elle Varner & More Hit The Season 2 Premiere!
"Power" is back! Season 2 kicks off this Saturday but before we find out how Ghost will handle all the things popping off within his empire, the cast partied it up at their New York premiere
After pulling up to the scene at the Best Buy Theater on a megabus, Omari Hardwick (James "Ghost" St Patrick) and Joseph Sikora (Tommy Egan) linked up on the carpet for a face-off of sorts:
We can only guess where Tommy & Ghost's relationship is headed after that season 1 finale...
Omari looked good on the carpet in a tailored toffee suit and beard....
His wife, Jennifer (Jae) Hardwick, was on his arm after recently giving birth to the couple's second child.
Omari's on-screen wife Naturi Naughton (Tasha St. Patrick) hit the carpet in this look.
And speaking of Naturi/Tasha, her on screen semi-side piece Sinqua Walls was there.
Naturi's on-screen bestie LaLa Anthony (Lakeisha) hit the carpet looking hot in a House of CB curve hugging dress.
50 Cent's character 'Kanan' is out of jail....and we have a feeling things are about to get REAL. Curtis hit the carpet with his new girlfriend Nancy Babochian:
Oh.
Omari's on-screen mistress we love to hate, Lela Loren (Angela Valdez), hit the carpet in a fab silk blue jumpsuit.
Co-star Rotimi (Dre, far right) was there to party it up.
Performer Elle Varner showed off her svelte look.
"Power" creator Courtney Kemp Agboh celebrated with the cast and crew.
Remember it back this Saturday!
Creflo Dollar May Get His $65 Million Jet Because Of God
Creflo Dollar became the focal point of both concern and ridicule after he launched a campaign to raise $65 million to purchase a luxury jet. According to Dollar’s executive board, the popular Atlanta televangelist needs the Gulfstream G650 airplane to spread the word of God globally.
Although Dollar claims that the Devil blocked his airplane blessings, the preacher’s World Changers Church International board, which helps operates the Creflo Dollar Ministries, says the G650 is necessary for the church to do its work. The Christian Post investigated the matter thoroughly and reported on a statement from Dollar’s board that firmly asserts its position.
From the Christian Post:
“We plan to acquire a Gulfstream G650 because it is the best, and it is a reflection of the level of excellence at which this organization chooses to operate. We, the World Changers family, so value the lives, the safety and the well-being of our pastors and leaders that we wish to provide to them the best air travel experience possible,” said the statement from the WCCI board.
Despite the statement from WCCI, however, it might be a while before the church can acquire the G650 jet even if they are able to raise the nearly $70 million needed to purchase the aircraft, according to Gulfstream’s sales director for New Jersey, Delaware and New York, Kevin Valik.
The WCCI might think it best to get the G650, but it’s going to take a miracle to snag one of the planes according to Valik. He told the Christian Post that there are only 120 Gulfstream G650 jets that have been delivered around the world since 2013. The company is facing a backlog on orders for the jet that stretches all the way until 2018.
Perphaps Dollar needs to hit the mainline and call in a favor from the big guy above.
Cheryl Lynn’s Manager Confirms Twitter Account Is Fake
In the late hours of a May 27, a comical yet bizarre one-sided Twitter beef was sparked between R&B divas Cheryl Lynn against Anita Baker. As facts have been uncovered, the “To Be Real” singer has been the victim of identity theft. And it’s not the first time, either.
Thurlene Johnson, manager of Cheryl Lynn Productions, said not only is the acclaimed singer not on Twitter or Facebook, but she doesn’t even have a website due to her low-profile nature.
“Anyone who personally knows Cheryl would know that interaction is the complete opposite of her character,” Johnson says. “Not only do the outlandish outbursts reflect poorly on Cheryl, the misspellings in tweets do as well.”
To top it all off, Johnson tells us that Cheryl Lynn and Anita Baker really don’t know one another. “I’m sure they chatted briefly backstage in their heyday, but as far as a relationship that would warrant that type of response being blocked, it just simply isn’t true.”
Johnson also recalled a time two years ago when she was notified by singer contemporary jazz Will Downing that “Cheryl was in his prayers,” due to a Twitter account claiming to be her son announcing she was ill after suffering a stroke. That was fine and dandy save for the fact that Lynn doesn’t even have a son. That’s when Johnson knew there was a Cheryl Lynn stan on the loose.
In reference to why the account was able to stay afloat so long after the exchange, she says that paperwork and case files are the norm with Twitter when shutting down a fake profile. As of today, June 3, the account has been put out of its misery.
While Lynn may be releasing music in the near future, Johnson assures it won’t be in the form of the R&B album, Duets with Divas, which, like everything else on the account, was a hoax.
In the interim, Cheryl Lynn’s classic records are available on iTunes.
AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES
‘TWO FOR ONE’
You had a bad dye. You had a bad dye.
Guess there was a BOGO on kids today. Can’t pass that deal up. Dented kids are half price too!
HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!
EFREM
