THE WIZ IS WINNING! 11.1 MILLION VIEWERS WENT TO OZ!

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THE WIZ WINNING!!!!!! 11.1 MILLION VIEWERS WENT TO OZ!

If you missed NBC’s “The Wiz Live!” Thursday, you missed out on a treat. The unique costumes were amazing, the casting was perfect, the singing was impressive and we enjoyed the 2015 twist to bring it to life for the kiddies. And to top it all off, the ratings were just as good.

“The Wiz” live production captured over 11.1 million viewers, easing on past last year’s “Peter Pan Live!" and The Sound of Music....Woot!

As with most new shows these days, the some people was in an uproar over a thing or two. One thing in particular: Toto never made it to OZ with Dorothy (played by newcomer Shanice Williams) who received high marks as Dorothy and fans seemed thrilled with the addition of Stephanie Mills (who originated the role of Dorothy on stage) as Aunt Em. Amber Riley, Queen Latifah, Common, Ne-Yo, Elijah Kelly, Mary J. Blige and David Alan Grier were all applauded for their performances as part of a production which included plenty of singing and dancing as well as a few brief acrobatic sequences. Also in the production was Broadway's own and my Jr High and High School friend Capathia Jenkins. She was excellent in her role!

And lets not forget once they got to Oz seeing the fabulous vougers welcoming them!

Which was gracefully led by NY Choreographer and vogue King Dashaun Wesley (Lanvin) along Danielle Polanco (Ninja) and team. It was so totally awesome. We’re proud of you Dashaun first Magic Mike and now this…..Can you say he’s winning!

Little Toto, who is an 11-year-old rescue dog named Scooter, appeared in the first scene and then disappeared until the very end. Why? Well, it’s because Toto didn’t trek it to Oz in the original Broadway version, unlike in The Wizard of Oz film. The reason why the original show didn't have Toto in Oz is reportedly because they didn't have a good dog trainer. So, the new production stayed true to the original Broadway play and kept Toto in Kansas.

According to TVLine, ratings for "The Wiz Live" were up 34 percent from the airing of "Peter Pan Live" a year ago.

So if you missed it, don’t worry NBC has already scheduled a second airing for Saturday, December 19

YESSSSSSS Again, WINNING! Congrats to all! And ToTo!

‘Lost’ Album “Diana Ross Sings Songs From The Wiz out on Nov 27

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‘Lost’ Album “Diana Ross Sings Songs From The Wiz” to be Released on Nov 27 

*Right after Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Richard Pryor and other legends finished filming the theatrical version of the Broadway phenomenon The Wiz, released in 1978, Motown Records sent Ross back to the studio to record an album of all of the musical’s songs — including those sung by her cast mates.

The album was to have been called “Diana Ross Sings Songs From The Wiz”, and was scheduled for release in early 1979 as a companion piece to the movie’s Quincy Jones-produced soundtrack album.

The film itself was mired in controversy before filming began, with critics savaging Motown for casting a 33-year-old Ross as the The Wiz’ 24-year-old Dorothy.

The movie was generally panned upon its release, and it under-performed at the box office. Motown subsequently cancelled the release of the companion Ross album.

With the passage of time, annual holiday showings on BET and other networks, and the deaths of most of the principal cast (including Michael Jackson in 2009), the theatrical version of The Wiz is viewed differently today. As NBC readies a December 3 live broadcast of a new production of the musical, Motown Universal has dusted off and remastered Ross’ original 1978 recordings. “Diana Ross Sings Songs From The Wiz” will be released, for the first time, on November 27.

This album is one of the most dynamic of Ross’ 50+ year career.  The new release includes a beautiful booklet with never-before-published photos of Ross, and a new essay written by the reissue’s producers Andrew Skurow, George Solomon, and Harry Weinger.

The original album was produced by Ross herself, veteran Motown executive Suzanne de Passe, and Grammy and Emmy Award-winning producer and arranger Lee Holdridge, who had written the arrangement for her #1 smash “Do You Know Where You’re Going To?”.  Holdridge told me he was surprised to hear that the songs he produced for Ross almost 40 years ago are finally being released.

“I remember doing the tracks for her,” Holdridge recalled by phone. “As was so common at that time, we did rhythm tracks first and then she came in and put her voice down. I had pleasant conversations with her, and she was a joy to work with. But there was some craziness going on between her and the record company, she wasn’t happy about a lot of things, and she was in a terrible mood when we recorded those songs.”

If the Academy Award-nominated Ross was in a snit when she recorded the songs for “Diana Ross Sings Songs From The Wiz”, it’s a testament to her acting ability that you’d never know it by listening to the album. The legend delivers bravura performances of many of the songs that were more restrained on the soundtrack, like “Is This What Feeling Gets?” and “Can I Go On?”, while lending her legendary voice for the first time to songs like “He’s The Wizard” and “Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News.”

On some of the album’s songs, like the Trio Medley including “You Can’t Win”, “Slide Some Oil To Me”, and “I’m A Mean Ol’ Lion”, Ross almost inhabits the characters of the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion, respectively.  In other cases, like “Be A Lion” and “Believe In Yourself”, Ross outdoes her own impressive work on the original soundtrack, with the former song featuring a gospel-inspired trio accompaniment as the singer delivers a stunning vocal.

The album’s version of “Is This What Feeling Gets?” features a stripped down, exposed and vulnerable Ross with a solo piano accompaniment, and hearing the recording for the first time gave me chills.  Similarly, Ross’ alternate take on The Wiz’s showstopper, “Home,” is nothing less than breathtaking.

The “lost” album also includes a bonus track of sorts:  the previously-unheard “Wonder Wonder Why”, which was written for the original Broadway production but cut from the show before its opening night in 1975. It’s long been rumored that Ross recorded the song for The Wiz, but until now it’s never seen the light of day. Ross gives “Wonder Wonder Why” her all, and the results are Grammy-worthy.

According to longtime Ross biographer J. Randy Taraborrelli, no one should be surprised to hear Ross give everything she had on  “Diana Ross Sings Songs From The Wiz”.

“The first time I heard these recordings,” Taraborrelli reminisced, “I was blown away by them because they sounded like completely unrestricted Diana Ross performances. She didn’t have to adhere to the parameters of her character in the movie or of the Quincy Jones productions on the soundtrack, or to any parameters. That’s what fans are going to love about this album: it’s a full-on, unrestricted, unfettered Diana Ross performance that’s never been heard by the general public.”

Speaking of Quincy Jones, he would agree with Taraborrelli about Ross’ performance of the songs from The Wiz. At the time of the movie’s release he wrote of Ross’ work on the soundtrack “She was singing a minor third higher than she’s ever sung in her life. Diana Ross is the hardest working performer I’ve ever worked with and just as beautiful a person.  I really think that…Diana’s moving reading of the songs…[supplies] the moments we needed for the film.”

“Diana Ross Sings Songs From The Wiz” is a stunning addition to any Ross, Motown, R & B, pop, or musical theater fan’s music collection. But more than that, it’s a previously forgotten, unheard project from one of entertainment’s true icons. I asked Taraborrelli whether we could look forward to more of Ross’ unheard treasures, or those of other Motown legends.

“I actually know what’s in store, but I can’t share,” Taraborrelli teased. “But I can say this: there’s a lot of stuff! There are Diana Ross & the Supremes songs in the vaults that fans have not heard yet, and the same holds true for pretty much all of the artists at Motown. If the fans continue to demand the material, and be vocal about it, then it will surface.”

“Some Motown fans are against the notion of digital releases,” Taraborrelli continued. “They demand CD releases, and they’ve made an issue of this by saying that they’re not buying any product that’s not released on CD. That’s not the position to take. By not supporting this album, or any of the other digital releases that have come out of Motown, the message that’s being sent is that nobody wants this stuff.”

“Those of us of a certain age are going to just have to surrender to the fact that CDs are on the way out, and there’s nothing we can do about that,” Taraborrelli continued, “the same way we had to surrender to the fact that we weren’t going to be able to get our vinyl or our cassette tapes. If we draw a line in the sand and say we’re not buying digital releases, we’re not going to get ANY releases.”

If “Diana Ross Sings Songs From The Wiz” is indicative of the quality of previously-unreleased material we have to look forward to from Motown, I couldn’t care less WHAT format they’re released in! If you’re a fan of the 1978 film, or you want something new to listen to as you wait for the December 3 live broadcast of NBC’s new production, download a copy of this album on November 27 and prepare to have your mind blown by the original diva.

“Diana Ross Sings Songs From The Wiz” will be available via iTunes, Amazon and all digital platforms on November 27.  

h/t  Michael Coleman

First Look Latifah, Common, Uzo & Amber in their Costumes for The Wiz!

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The Wiz Live! First Look: See Queen Latifah, Uzo Aduba, Amber Riley and Common in their Emerald City Goods!

As you all know by now NBC is going to Oz for this year’s special holiday event, The Wiz Live! And Thanks to Entertainment Weekly we get a first look at Uzo Aduba as Glinda (above), Queen Latifah as The Wiz, and Common as Bouncer, the Emerald City gatekeeper. See all the photos in their full, Emerald City glory below.

The 3-hour live production also stars Mary J. Blige, Ne-Yo, Amber Riley, David Alan Grier, Stephanie Mills, and rising star Shanice Williams as Dorothy.

The Wiz Live! is an adaptation of the Tony Award-winning 1975 musical, later made into a film starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. The holiday special airs Dec. 3, 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

The Daily Buzz For Aug 6

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NBC reveals newcomer playing Dorothy in The Wiz

After a long search, NBC has found its Dorothy.

NBC has tapped an 18-year-old New Jersery newcomer to play the starring role in its upcoming production of The Wiz Live! With five years of musical experience, Shanice Williams has landed the part, joining Queen Latifah (as The Wiz), Mary J. Blige (as the Wicked Witch of the West) and David Alan Grier (as the Cowardly Lion) in the production.

William beat hundreds of other applicants for the iconic role of a Kansas farm girl who gets swept up in a tornado and is sent to the mysterious land of Oz. She’s appeared in local productions of West Side Story, 42nd Street, Pippin and other titles. The Wiz Live! airs Dec. 3 on NBC.

SHE’S BACK! Janet Jackson touches down in L.A after caring for her Dad in Brzail!

ICON Janet Jackson touched down in L.A. after visiting her father Joe Jackson’s bedside in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Jackson Family matriarch suffered a major health scare, having three heart attacks while celebrating his 87th birthday due to taking viagra? New reports suggest Joe has since been released from the hospital.

Now, Janet can get back to focusing on her upcoming Unbreakable World Tour, which is set to kick off August 31st at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC. Her comeback tour was almost going to be delayed due to her father’s health scare, but it appears things are back to their regularly scheduled program.

Next up for Janet? She will perform at the 2015 iHeartMusic Festival set to go down September 18th & 19th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Lenny Kravitz reacts to #penisgate controversy

Lenny Kravitz found himself in quite the embarrassing situation recently when, during a concert in Sweden, the rock star’s pants split and exposed his uncovered crotch for the whole world and some paparazzi cameras to see. Since then, photos of his genitals have nearly broken the internet. And while many stars would still be blushing in silence over the photos, videos and memes, Kravitz recently decided to give a lighthearted reaction to the controversy.

The incident happened when Kravitz was onstage at Gröna Lund as part of his Strut World Tour. When he crouched down swiftly during one of his songs, his leather pants split right at his crotch. Kravitz wasn’t wearing any underwear, so his penis was immediately exposed and it also appears that he was wearing what many assumed to be a cock ring.

After photos and video of what has been dubbed the “penisgate” incident surfaced, Kravitz remained silent while the rest of the world turned his public exposure into countless memes and gifs.

But Kravitz finally decided to share his sweet and simple reaction with the world via his Instagram page. 

LOL!

Tyga’s Transwomna escort Mia Isabella Extends Her 5 Mins of US fame!

Tyga’s transwoman-escort girlfriend, Mia Isabella, jumped on instagram to claim that the rapper used her for a publicity stunt.

“Be careful of wolves playing sheep when they are guilty of disguising to get close enough to eat” ~Mia Isabella

Here’s Mia Isabella IG message to Tyga:

“Tyga funny how your team created a fake witch hunt so you looked like the victim when in fact your guilty and I’m the victim.”

Girl, whatever it’s all over now move on Please!

Mariah Carey to Make Guest Appearance on ‘Empire’ and also a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!

*Mariah Carey is headed back to FOX.

The singer who spent one season as a judge on “American Idol,” has been booked for a guest appearance on “Empire,” the show’s creator announced Wednesday.

“Empire” creator Lee Daniels announced the Grammy winner would appear on his show while introducing Carey at her ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, where she received a star.

“Watch her on ‘Empire’ you guys. She’s coming on ‘Empire,’ ” Daniels said to loud cheers from fans.

So far, no word on who Carey will play.

Neither Fox nor Carey elaborated on Daniels’ announcement, but the network is scheduled to present its plans for “Empire” and other upcoming shows at a Television Critics Association panel on Thursday.

Carey, 45, has appeared in the films “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” and “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire,” which earned Daniels two Academy Award nominations. Meanwhile while enjoy pics from her Walk of Fame celebration.

Cute

#RHoA Kandi Burruss & Co. Celebrate Hubby Todd's Birthday In Atlanta

Awww The now pregnant KandI! Last night in Atlanta, the crew headed out to celebrate Todd turning a year older.  He got some love from wife Kandi, stepdaughter Riley, and his daughter Kaela:

Cute. The ATL usuals were in attendance, Toya Wright, Latasha Wright and Rasheeda.

And two cakes for his love of the camera and the Bronx:

Nice…

Happy Birthday Todd!

OH MY Look at NeNe in a Bikini!

Since NeNe Leakes, 47, announced her exit from The Real Housewives of Atlanta, she has been busy starting new projects, such as a new primetime TV show and a possible furniture line. Even though she has been so busy, she clearly still has time to diet and exercise to keep her body in great shape!

Nicki Minaj Immortalized With Madame Tussauds Wax Figure, Calls It “Iconic”

Nicki Minaj, or rather her likeness, was immortalized by international wax museum Madame Tussauds with a wax figure. The rapper said that the inclusion of her in the museum’s celebrity lineup was “iconic” and shared her joy with fans on Instagram.

Minaj’s figure was unveiled at the Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Las Vegas Tuesday (August 4). The likeness featured the same outfit and one of the poses Minaj performed in her popular “Anaconda” video. Minaj is the first female rapper to receive the wax treatment by Madame Tussauds, and she was just as surprised as the rest of us.

“Had no idea they were really doing this. I would’ve went to Vegas for this. #HappyBirthdayAnaconda Madam Tussauds Wax Figure- whoever did this,” said Minaj in a caption of one of the photos on Instagram.

The unveiling marked the one-year anniversary of the release of the “Anaconda” single.

Bishop T.D. Jakes says The Black church changing stance on LGBT community

There’s long been a negative and tense history between the black church and the LGBT communities in America. And even though the LGBT rights movement has grown tremendously over the past few years and same-sex marriage has been legalized nationwide, there’s still a common thought that Black Christians are hostile and homophobic towards the LGBT community. However, Bishop T.D. Jakes recently sat down for an interview with “HuffPost Live,” and argued that the Black church is slowly progressing on the idea of sexuality.

While chatting with host Marc Lamont-Hill, Jakes explained that he thinks the relationship between the Black church and the LGBT community is improving.

“I think that it’s going to be diverse from church to church, every church has a different opinion on the issue and every gay person is different. And I think that to speak that the church, the Black church, the White church — or any kind of church you wanna call it — are all the same, is totally not true, ” Jakes said.

Jakes then explained that he believes that churches, although they shouldn’t be turning away people, have the right to worship as they see fit. And on the other hand, LGBT people have the right to find churches that embrace them and fit their beliefs.

“LGBTs of different types and sorts have to find a place of worship that reflects what your views are and what you believe like anyone else,” he said. “And the church should have its own convictions and values.”

Jakes then shared his own thinking on the matter and shared that it’s “evolved and evolving.”

“I think that where I am is to better understand we, the church, bought into the myth that this is a Christian nation,” Jakes said. And once you get past that …once you begin to understand that democracy, that a republic actually, is designed to be an overarching system to protect our unique nuances, then we no longer look to public policy to reflect biblical ethics.

“If we can divide, or what you would call separation of church and state, then we can dwell together more effectively because atheists, agnostics, Jews, all types of people, Muslims, pay into the government, the government then cannot reflect one particular view over another just because we’re the dominant group of religious people in [this] country because those numbers are changing every day. We need a neutralized government that protects our right to disagree with one another and agree with one another.”

New Music & Video: KeKe Wyatt Is Love Sick In “Lie Under You” Video

Former “R&B Diva: Atlanta” star KeKe Wyatt has returned with brand new visuals for her track “Lie Under You,” the follow-up cut to “Fall in Love," both from her self-titled EP released last year.

The former reality star croons over the country-inspired ballad about missing her significant other as she lies in the back of a pick-up truck and wonders through the forest. She sings,

Ohh You're you're like a bottle of wine/You get better with time/All I need, is a glass of you/Whoa, you're like a ray of sunshine/In the noon time /All I wanna do is lie under you

Get love sick with KeKe HERE!

Thoughts?

AND FINALLY FROM “THE CRAZY PEOPLE SHOPPING AT WALMART” FILES

Courtesy of P.o.WM

‘BUSTED COVERAGE’

I see you’re a big proponent of covering only the top half of things. Just one man’s opinion but perhaps you should rethink that strategy.

HAVE A GREAT DAY ALL!!!

EFREM

YESSSSSS! Stephanie Mills Cast In NBC's Reboot Of "The Wiz"

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YESSSSSS! Stephanie Mills Cast In NBC's Reboot Of "The Wiz"

Here’s some new news about NBC's upcoming live adaptation of the classic The Wiz. A few weeks ago, we told you about NBC's entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt's plan to turn the classic film/Broadway show into a live event and he's cast Stephanie Mills, Broadway's "original" Dorothy in the live extravaganza!

The legendary Ms. Mills, whose hits include "Home", "Something In The Way You Make Me Feel" and "I Feel Good All Over" portrayed Dorothy when the musical launched on Broadway in 1975, and now, she's set to play Auntie Em, as announced at the NBC Upfronts presentation. Meanwhile, the network is looking for “new talent” to play Dorothy.

The live production, which is partnered with Cirque du Soleil, will follow in the footsteps of NBC’s hugely successful 2013 hit A Sound of Music Live.  


The Wiz Live! will air Dec. 3 on NBC.