Some celebrities just tower over the rest. Standing at 5 feet and 11 inches or more, these 15 women command attention whenever they walk into a room.

WENN

Model turned mogul Kimora Lee Simmons put her stature to good use. Standing at an even six feet, Simmons got her start in modeling early on. By the time she was ten years old, Simmons was 5 feet, 10 inches tall. Her mother enrolled her into modeling classes at the age of 11 and soon after Simmons found herself in Paris. Growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, Simmons was picked on because of her ethnicity and height. The 37-year-old mother of three credits modeling with giving her the confidence that she has now: “[Modeling] was a real turning point for me because everything that people considered weird about me before, well, suddenly Karl Lagerfeld said it was OK. He’s one of the biggest names in fashion, so all of a sudden it gave me a validity and introduced me to a whole other world.”

Source: WENN

From EurWeb

Jason Derulo, who has been dating singer Jordin Sparks for 18 months, says he’s currently in the planning stages of his marriage proposal.

”The proposal will be monumental,” he told In Touch Weekly. “I wrote a song called ‘Marry Me.’ I have a date in mind. I want to surprise her but she’s given me guidelines first. I have to ask her dad for permission.”

Jordin has been very open about her relationship with Jason and has admitted she would love to settle down with him and start a family.

Read more on EurWeb.com.

Jordin Sparks in an Instagram with her dog Minnie.

A day after a firestorm of social media anger was unleashed upon Instagram over its new terms of service, the company has said that it’s going to re-think its policies, particularly the one where they say advertisers can co-opt user photos without compensation to the user.

In a blog post titled “Thank You, We’re Listening,” co-founder Kevin Systrom tried to address the issues that caused so much trouble.

“To be clear: it is not our intention to sell your photos. We are working on updated language in the terms to make sure this is clear,” he writes.

“Let’s say a business wanted to promote their account to gain more followers and Instagram was able to feature them in some way. In order to help make a more relevant and useful promotion, it would be helpful to see which of the people you follow also follow this business. In this way, some of the data you produce — like the actions you take (eg, following the account) and your profile photo — might show up if you are following this business,” he continues. He says that users own their content (that hasn’t changed) and privacy controls remain the same.

CNET editor Dan Ackerman, talking with CBS News, says this sort of confusion is bound to happen when lawyers write these terms of service. The broad “land grab” nature of the text causes issues. And there’s the ongoing push and pull in the data privacy debate. People are putting lots of stuff out there for all to see, but want to maintain some osort of control over their information. Meanwhile, these companies want to make money, and that data is incredibly valuable.

Even with reassurances, many people are planning to leave the service. A number of celebs have already vowed to drop Instagram, including Jordin Sparks and Kevin Hart. Not to mention celebs like Kim Kardashian and Anderson Cooper who have said they’ve got some thinking to do. If you’re also thinking about dumping the service, The Washington Post suggests that you first download your photos then take a look around at the alternatives. In fact, those alternatives — like Yahoo’s Flickr and Twitter with its new bells and whistles — may be the big winners here.

Will you be switching up your photo-sharing service?

Update 12/21: Instagram has announced that it will go back to the original language of its advertising policy. “Although some users claimed victory, it’s not clear that they won any real concessions from the company. What is clear is that the photo-sharing service has lost some of its luster, and it may need more than a new filter to win it back,” writes SocialTimes.

Getty

Did you check out Vh1 Divas last night? If you didn’t, that’s okay, because we know the lineup of performers weren’t all that exciting at first glance, but there were definitely some interesting and mad entertaining performances! No worries, we’ve got the clips here for you if you’re wondering how everybody did.

Out of all the people who put on a show on the main stage, the most interesting performances, in my opinion, came from Ciara, Kelly Rowland/Keri Hilson/Adam Lambert, and Jordin Sparks/Melanie Fiona/Ledisi. For some reason, the show about divas took the time out to show some love to Michael Jackson, and to do so, they asked Ciara to put on her best moves to imitate MJ’s classic “Billie Jean” performance from the “Motown 25″ special from 1983. Definitely some HUGE shoes to fill, but I can’t hate, Ciara actually did the damn “thang.”

She opened up with the moon walk and reinterpreted some of Michael’s classic moves in a feminine way, but she knew JUST the right moment to quit, as she broke out into a performance of her single, “Got Me Good” soon after. Loved it! Plus, as usual, her body was looking especially fit, which I know was inspiring some ladies watching last night. And on a positive note, she finally left the “matrix” move of yesteryear at home. Say what you want about the girl, but with her long limbs and especially great dance moves, she can definitely put on a show.

If that wasn’t enough for you, there was also a performance done as a tribute to the late, great Donna Summer. With Kelly Rowland singing “Bad Girls,” Keri Hilson doing “She Works Hard For The Money,” Adam Lambert (yes, the host of the night and former “American Idol” star performed multiple times actually) doing “Hot Stuff,” and the trio doing “Last Dance,” it was a VERY interesting performance to say the least. From Keri’s voice sounding like she was whining, to Kelly squealing and making some random noises and Adam almost falling down when his part began, it was all a bit all over the place. However, they pulled it all back together for “Last Dance,” where they were all hitting some good high notes and stopped being so cheesy. But the first few minutes? Yeah, probably could have gone without it…*Kanye shrug*

Last but not least of course, Jordin Sparks, Melanie Fiona and Ledisi paid tribute to Whitney Houston with performances of “I’m Every Woman” by Sparks, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” and “It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay” done by Fiona, and Ledisi doing “How Will I Know.” Out of the three, I was actually pleasantly surprised that I was grooving the most to Ledisi, as she proved once again that homegirl can SANG! Plus, her dance moves weren’t too bad either. Sparks wasn’t bad of course (and she looked fab), and though she was moving around a bit too much instead of really singing, I was digging Fiona’s performance of “It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay,” probably because it’s one of my most favorite songs ever. Kudos to the ladies for trying some very difficult jams, but delivering. And shout out to Brandy for introducing them and looking gorgeous!

All in all, the show was all right. There were times when it seemed they just called anybody to come and get on stage. They’d shout a name and you would think, “Who!?” Plus, some of the twists they put on classic songs like “Bad Girls” wasn’t really my cup of tea (let’s keep it simple next time). Definitely wasn’t like the Divas programs that folks like Mary J. Blige and Whitney Houston used to kill, but it was fun enough. What did you think of the show though? If you haven’t seen the whole thing, check out these clips and let us know what you thought way down below!

Source: WENN

It’s “VH1 Divas” time again and this year the network is switching up their usual soulful M.O. In the past, strong singers like Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, and Jennifer Hudson graced the stage for the annual event, but this time around VH1 is going the pop route.

According to a press release from VH1:

This year’s show will celebrate the dance-inducing music that is the vibrant soundtrack to every major blowout bash, unforgettable party and night out on the town. VH1 is bringing together Ciara, Miley Cyrus, Demi Lovato, Kelly Rowland and Jordin Sparks to pay homage to the greatest divas of dance music with performances featuring current and classic dance hits.

“This is going to be one hell of a party! We are extremely thrilled to have the extraordinarily talented Adam Lambert as our 2012 VH1 Divas host,” says Lee Rolontz, EVP, Original Music Production & Development, VH1 and VH1 Classic. “The world has truly been inspired by dance music and what better way for VH1 to pay tribute than by honoring legends Whitney Houston and Donna Summer through song and dance.”

That’s an interesting mix of ladies to pull off a tribute to two musical powerhouses like Whitney and Donna, but I guess VH1 just wanted to mix it up this time around. Hope it works.

“VH1 Divas” airs Sunday, December 16 at 9pm. Will you tune in?

Source: WENN

Wedding bells are ringing in Hollywood. US Weekly caught up with Jordin Sparks on the red carpet at City of Hope Honors Halston’s Ben Malka party in L.A. and the star of “Sparkle” dished on her relationship with singer Jason Derulo and let out a little secret: They’re talking marriage.

“It’s not a conversation that we’re scared about,” Jordin said. “Before, we both went through tragedies this year — he broke his neck and then Whitney [Houston] passed — so before it might have been a little too crazy.”

Now that Jason is on the mend after missing a landing and falling on his neck during a choreography practice and fracturing one of his vertebra, the time seems right. Jordin said the two have grown closer than they could have imagined in the trying times.

“You really see the people you love and you go, I don’t want to lose you,” she said. “So, it’s a conversation we have, but we’re not in a rush.”

That doesn’t mean Jordin isn’t anticipating the moment her 23-year-old boo puts a ring on it, though.

“I hope he does!” Sparks exclaimed. “It’s not happening yet, but I hope so!”

Hopefully she’ll get her wish soon. Do you like Jordin and Jason together?

More on Madame Noire!

• Where Are They Now? The Real Hollywood Exes (And Mistresses) Of Music’s Biggest Players
• True Life: I Had To Learn The Hard Way
• Self-Pity? No Thanks: Why I Love The Chocolate Skin I’m In
• Well That’s…Interesting: Mimi Is Writing A Book On Warning Signs Of Dating Men In The Industry
• Ask A Very Smart Brotha: Why Falling In Love Is A Choice (And Why I Hate Romantic Comedies)
• Fall Into Your Feelings: How Autumn Will Affect Your Love Life
• Well, You Don’t Say: 9 Celebrities, Ballers, Authors And Vixens You Might Not Have Known Were Virgin Islanders

Source: necolebitchie.com

From NecoleBitchie

It was just a few years ago that Steph Jones was making headlines for dating Jordin Sparks, signing a half a million dollar deal with Ludacris’ DTP label and being featured in videos all while turning heads in the industry. But what many don’t know is that he fell on hard times after he was dropped from the label, and not even his mom or Jordin knew that he was living out of his car.  He was making headlines on all of the blogs, meanwhile, he felt as though he had to continuously keep up a facade.

Steph, who now goes by his real name Garrain, recently caught up with Vibe Vixen’s VBlog and dished about his inspiring journey from being homeless while pursuing a music career to transitioning into a more fulfilling career as a health coach.

Read more at NecoleBitchie

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• #RealTalk: The Reasons Why You Attract Douchebags
• A Note On Overanxious People Who Like To Blow Other Folk’s Relationships Up: Can We Live?!
• Are We As A People Really Better Off Now Than Four Years Ago?
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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Style to Steal or Girl, Stop Fridays! Well, even if it’s not for you, we love ogling the fashion choices of some of our favorite sistahs. This week we saw an uptick in booties, and fall shades and colors were popping up all over the red carpets and sidewalks. Don’t believe me? Check out these ensembles and stars and let us know whose look you would steal and which ones you would stop.

Hey hey now! While you were somewhere at work focusing on your assignments or reading Madame Noire (*winks*), Vivica A. Fox was making her way to “Good Morning America” yesterday in NYC. She stepped on the concrete in a knee-length red Escada dress, a large black croc-embossed clutch and printed, peep-toe Louboutins. She even had her diva glasses on upon entrance, and kept the jewelry icy with long diamond earrings and a diamond ring. The Escada dress was a long-sleeved number with a wrap neckline and a slit above the chest. All in all, especially with this longer and darker wig, this is the best I think I’ve seen Viv look in a while. Plus, the outfit is just simply cute and would look good on anybody. Fresh faced and elegant in this look. Steal!

Source: Collider.com

I’m sure the production team behind “Sparkle” expected a killer opening weekend with the opportunity to give Whitney Houston fans one last look at the singing icon in action, but unfortunately the film had a rather lackluster opening. After its August 17 release, “Sparkle” only brought in $12 million dollars in its opening weekend, coming in at fifth place behind “Expendables 2,” “Bourne Legacy,” “ParaNorman,” and “The Campaign.”

As Entertainment Weekly put it:

“Sparkle didn’t have 3-D ticket prices working on its side, but still, its less-than-stellar box office is somewhat surprising given Houston’s status as pop royalty.

Fortunately, the ScreenGems release cost only $14 million, and that low cost will be its saving grace. Thanks to a narrow theater count of 2,244, Sparkle notched a sturdy, if uninspiring, $5,348 per theater average, and if it can garner strong word-of-mouth — which seems likely given its “A” CinemaScore grade — it could find legs in the weeks to come.”

Celebuzz rounded up reviews of the film from the most popular movie critics, and given their reactions to “Sparkle,” it’s easy to see why the opening weekend was so dull.

A writer from The A.V. Club remarked:

“This is Houston’s last film, and her performance embodies everything right and wrong about Sparkle: It’s a monochrome collection of overprotective mom gestures, but suggests a rainbow of human complexity in a superfluous, show-stopping musical performance.”

The The Washington Post noted:

“While Sparkle doesn’t give the audience a lasting memory of Houston’s voice at its most soaring, it does manage to provide a lingering sense of loss, mixed with celebration and grim irony. Houston plays the disapproving mother of a daughter who longs to make it big as a singer; in a role that plays like a cautionary mirror version of Houston’s own fatal battles, she warns against the depredations of an entertainment industry that indulges and exploits young talent just as intently as it nurtures it.”

Usually film critiques don’t have much bearing on how well a film does when people are interested in a movie not necessarily because of the story line but because of who stars in it— take the Twilight saga for example. But it appears the allure of watching Whitney’s last film role still wasn’t strong enough for the fans who mourned her passing in February to head out to theaters this weekend.

Did you catch “Sparkle” this weekend? What did you think about the movie? If not, do you plan on seeing it?

More on Madame Noire!

• I’m Gonna Call It Like I See It: Celebs With No Filter
• Beauty On A Budget: 8 Delicious Drugstore Products You Can’t Live Without
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• All The Single Ladies! Grown and Gorgeous Celebs Who Are Single and Satisfied!
• Why I Wish We Would Stop Advising Black Women To Date Outside The Race
• Why I Love Working With Black Women
• Because a Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste: Celebs Who Attended Ivy League Universities

Source: StyleBlazer.com

From StyleBlazer

The ladies of “Sparkle” look divine on the September issue of Ebony Magazine. With Carmen Ejogo, Jordin Sparks and Tika Sumpter’s new, highly anticipated, film hitting theaters August 17, they told the zine about working with Whitney Houston, channeling their characters and how they feel about their careers.

Check out what the ladies had to say about Sparkle if she was a real person on StyleBlazer.com.

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