WENN.com

Is it just me, or can these reality competition shows not keep a steady set of judges to save their lives?

Despite major success, especially in the ratings, since coming on as new judges for The Voice, both Usher and Shakira say that they will step down from their comfy red spinning chairs due to other commitments. According to Us Weekly, Usher is said to be working on a new movie around the time the new season would be filming, so he had to pass, and as for Shakira, she just gave birth to son Milan four months ago, and would like to take a break so that she could just be home with her new family instead of flying back and forth.

“Shakira wants to take a season off to take care of the baby,” the source explained. “She has an option to come back too. And Usher is doing a movie, so he couldn’t do season 5 if they wanted him to.”

They may be known for working the runway, smiling for the camera or performing for millions of fans, but when these 15 celebrities wipe off the make-up and step away from the flashing lights, they are simply known as ‘Grandma’ and ‘Grandpa.’

WENN

In addition to being a reality television star, NeNe Leakes has added two primetime shows to her resume but is now prepared for another big role in her life: grandmother. Leakes’ oldest son Bryson welcomed baby girl Bri’asia in mid-June of 2012 giving the mother of two a granddaughter to play dress-up with. The “New Normal” star said, “I always wanted to have a girl and now I have one! She’s just adorable. Forty is the new 30. I’m a sassy, fashion-forward grandma!”

Source: WENN

Cee Lo’s career has been on fire in the last few years with the super-talented singer-songwriter/rapper/producer performing at presidential fundraisers and most notably landing a spot on NBC’s reality singing competition “The Voice.” But all of that momentum could come to a screeching halt as a result of accusations of sexual battery that have been filed against the entertainer — even if he says it’s not true.

According to TMZ:

Law enforcement sources tell us … a woman recently filed a police report with the LAPD, accusing “The Voice” judge – real name Thomas DeCarlo Callaway – of a sexual assault.

Our sources say detectives have already visited a restaurant in Downtown Los Angeles in connection with the case and questioned several employees, including the manager.   We do not know if the alleged incident occurred at the restaurant.

The LAPD is mum on the identity of the alleged victim, when and where the incident allegedly occurred, and what Cee Lo allegedly did.

TMZ says they’ve spoken with Cee Lo and he absolutely denies any wrongdoing, saying he hasn’t even been to the restaurant in question in three months and adding:

 ”Nothing ever happened there or anywhere else.”

Cee Lo also has someone backing up his claim, as another source who is regularly with him told TMZ:

“I have never seen Cee Lo act in a physical way toward anybody.”

Though Cee Lo, who grew up in the ATL, considered himself a “goon” in his younger days, the only controversies he’s been involved in since hitting the national radar have been related to his lyrical content and performance style. This accusation is by far the most serious of his career.

So far the investigation is in its early stages and no charges have been filed. Hopefully the truth will come out — whatever that is.

Are you surprised by this accusation?

tvsmacktalk.com

It happens all the time. We see celebrities wearing the most outrageous outfits, make-up and accessories. Instead of saying, “That’s inappropriate”, or “What on earth are they wearing?” We say, “That’s her style” or “She looks hot”. Meanwhile, we all know that if your average Jane Doe wore that down the street, eyes would rolling like bowling balls, and the word “rachet” would be used as much as a box of Kleenex. So what have some celebrities been wearing that would be committing social suicide in the real world? Here’s a look at some recent looks that only celebrities could get away with:

Source: People.com

Early this morning, Kerry Washington took the stage with Jimmy Kimmel (who was wearing pajamas!) to announce the nominees of the 64th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards and a there are some notable brown faces among the nods.

Idris Elba received a Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie nod for playing John Luther in the BBC miniseries “Luther”. That miniseries is up for an award of its own in the Best Miniseries or Movie category. Don Cheadle was nominated for Lead Actor In A Comedy Series for his character Marty Kaan on Showtime’s “House of Lies”. Giancarlo Esposito is nominated for Supporting Actor In A Drama Series for his role in “Breaking Bad”. Maya Rudolph is nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series for her hosting gig on “SNL.” Loretta Devine was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Adele Webber on “Grey’s Anatomy”.

Tracy Morgan plays in “30 Rock” and that show picked up a nomination for Outstanding Comedy Series. Also, Cee-Lo Green is a judge on “The Voice” and that show reportedly took American Idol’s spot as it was nominated for Best Competition Reality Show for the first time. Among other categories, The Daily Show picked up a nomination for Outstanding Writing For A Variety Series and Wyatt Cenac is a writer on that show.

Of course you can’t talk about who was nominated without noting who was not nominated.

Despite mostly rave reviews and predictions otherwise, neither ”Scandal” nor its castmembers received nominations this year. The reasoning is unclear. It would be easy to say “Oh it debuted in April and only had seven episodes”, but Shonda Rhimes’ other show “Grey’s Anatomy” first season debuted in March and only had 9 episodes yet Sandra Oh was nominated and the show itself received three nominations that year. Besides, cable shows get nominated regularly even though they may only about produce six to ten shows (compared to maybe 20 for a broadcast network). In addition, it obviously was eligible because ABC was definitely campaigning for Scandal to get a nomination this year, but it didn’t happen. Maybe next year.

Regina King – who famously declared the Emmys were “White As Ever” in 2010 – was snubbed against this year after many thought she’d be nominated for for her role in  ”Southland”.

“Mad Men,” earned a leading 17 Emmy nominations. The miniseries “American Horror Story,” received a matching 17 award nominations. “Downton Abbey,” earned 16 bids. “Hatfields & McCoys,” also earned 16 and “Hemingway & Gellhorn” was nominated for 15. ”Modern Family,” honored as best comedy series for the past two years, was the sitcom leader with 14 bids.

You can see the whole list here

What do you think of this years nominees? Who do you think will win?

Follow Alissa on Twitter @AlissaInPink

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Source: Gospel.com

The buzz surrounding the upcoming remake of the 1976 movie “Sparkle” has grown even greater since Whitney Houston’s passing and the trailer released by Sony Pictures is raising anticipation levels even more.

This morning, the trailer for the film, which will hit theaters Aug. 17, debuted on the ‘Today” Show, and ironically mimicked the tale of Whitney Houston’s real life, showing her as a mother who is hesitant to let her daughters enter the entertainment business due to the struggles she faced as a singer. Despite the mother’s warnings, the three daughters go off on their own and get a harsh dose of reality as a singing group in the Motown era.

In addition to Whitney, the film stars Jordin Sparks as the self-titled character, Tika Sumpter, Derek Luke, Mike Epps, and Cee Lo Green.

Check out the preview clip here and tell us what you think? Do you plan to see the movie when it comes out?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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Source: The Urban Daily

You know how they say people only curse because they lack the necessary communication skills to get their point across articulately? Well that’s how I feel about people who flip people off, and consequently now Cee Lo, after learning about his actions at Obama’s Presidential Fundraiser this weekend.

On Friday, Tyler Perry hosted an event in Atlanta to raise funds for President Obama’s reelection and Cee Lo Green was one of the performers. I’m going to go out on a limb here and say there were either no pre-approved rehearsals for this fundraiser or someone has since lost their job, since Cee Lo lost his mind on stage. Not only did “The Voice” judge decide that the best song to sing would be an unedited version of “F*** You,” he also brought along hand gestures to symbolize his eff you to the world when he opted not to say the actual words. Thankfully President Obama and The First Lady were attending other events while this man was on stage, and while I’m sure Cee Lo isn’t the least bit embarrassed at his performance, he should be.

I can’t remember the last time I even thought to flip someone off. It was probably somewhere around never. Despite road rage, commuter rage, I have to go to work today rage, this man is getting on my nerves right now rage, it’s just not something I do. If I want to express something, I’ll do so verbally not with an immature gesture. And that is what bothers me so much about what Cee Lo did. It was a childish stunt that barely has a place in day-to-day life, let alone in front of a crowd for what you would think would be a dignified event on some level if people are donating thousands of dollars to support the leader of the country, not to mention paying $500/plate to even attend. What part about that made him think, “hmmm, I know. I’ll offend the audience with a great big eff you, that will make them want to give.”

I won’t even make this about the fact that if you’re purpose is to support the president: 1) why are you making this about you, 2) did you not notice that he probably doesn’t need any additional negative press, 3) you’re not helping his reputation of being a celebrity president supported by hip hop thugs, as some of the right-wing would say. This is about more than that. It’s about having some level of respect for where you are and the purpose you’re serving and realizing there’s nothing about flipping the bird that says “I’m cool.” His stunt puts me back in the frame of mind of M.I.A. at the Super Bowl when she thought the best way to get her shine on was to flip the audience off to create media buzz around her. Won’t you get the same reaction by just singing/raping /performing well? I mean that’s how it used to work in the old days isn’t it?

It’s fine if you want to be an edgy artist, but do that at your own concert when it’s about you, not when you’re trying to rally support for the person directing the future of the country. I bet he wouldn’t hop on stage during a recording of “The Voice” singing F*** You because he knows NBC would pull the plug quicker than he could crank his little middle finger in the air. So why, I ask, is it OK here? Why doesn’t he have enough respect for his surroundings and his purpose performing to care more? Not to mention the fact that he’s too old to act like he doesn’t know any better.

A follower called Cee Lo out for his behavior quickly after his performance, writing: ”You have no class at all, very disrespectful tonight. #TheVoice should be ashamed of you right now.” Cee Lo’s response: “Well (they’re) not! It was a mistake sir.” Apparently that’s all the remorse we’re going to get out of him because he added, “All of you heard the song a thousand times so don’t get all saint on me.”

Yes, some people have heard it a thousand times—in the privacy of their homes or cars, without hand gestures. No one’s getting saint on Cee Lo, we’re getting sophisticated. Something he should have tried that night.

Check out Cee Lo’s performance here. Do you think he was out of line or was his performance no big deal?

Brande Victorian is a blogger and culture writer in New York City. Follower her on Twitter at @be_vic.

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On more than one occasion, you might have requested these songs to help get you through a tough breakup – and, unbelievably, it made moving on a little bit better. Relationships are difficult for anyone who has seen heartbreak, but music can caress the soul and you might find that you’re being uplifted by the words of “Forget You” by Cee-Lo and “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele.

Here are some other songs that’ll make you forget about your ex:

Read the rest of this entry »

The eclectic, Atlanta based singer boosted his career with his hit single, “Fawk You.” Despite its profane title, the song’s retro sound and storyline resonated with audiences. So pervasive was the song that Gwyneth Paltrow performed it on Fox’s hit sitcom, “Glee.” The song was later nominated for two Grammys: record of the year and song of the year.

Black Voices sat down with the short and solid crooner to discuss his career, his fashion sense, and his weight.

Check out the interview here.

Check out another song from his Lady Killer album, “Fool For You” featuring Melanie Fiona.

Cee Lo Green – Melanie Fiona – Fool For You (Radio Rip) by melaniefionaworld

Have you followed Cee Lo’s career? What do you think of his music?