In the cutthroat world of show business, sometimes it’s comforting to have a familiar face and someone you can trust as part of the team. These 15 celebrities left their fate and careers into the hands of their parents and it served them well — very well.

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The Kardashians

Perhaps the mother of all momagers, Kris Jenner helped her Kardashian daughters become household names. In addition to launching the careers of Kim, Khloe and Kourtney as reality television stars, the Kardashians have segued into the world of fashion design. Ready to have the limelight to shine on her, Jenner has inked a deal for her own talk show. In 2011, it was reported that she was worth an estimated $20 million.

Just last week we showed you a few of the singers who thought they had what it took to try and cover Prince. This week, we’ve got a few big names who thought they could take on the King of Pop. While not every rendition/cover of his classics from throughout his career were well-done, they were all a lot different than the original songs, which is step one to trying to produce a worthy cover: Do your own thing, but have respect for the originator. Check out covers by everyone from Chaka Khan to Celine Dion, Al B Sure! and even Miles Davis, and let us know which ones you think were good, and not so good after all.

And of course, the links to the actual MJ songs are included in each description!

Credit: WENN

From Black Voices

La Toya Jackson knows you think her family is crazy. But that’s just one misconception she’s trying to clear up in her new reality series on OWN, “Life with La Toya.” In the show, we see the middle Jackson child take on dating, adoption and navigating life as a youthful-seeming 56-year-old woman — not as the older sister of the late Michael Jackson. That’s not to say she doesn’t acknowledge some of the more absurd drama to have emerged from her famous family. The first episode, which premiered last Saturday to a respectable 1.5 million viewers, addressed her mother Katherine Jackson’s mysterious disappearance last fall and La Toya’s reluctance to attend a memorial for her brother. In advance of Episode 2, airing tomorrow at 10:30/9:30c., we talked to La Toya about her dating life, Prince Jackson and why she can’t stop painting her toenails in rainbows.

We’re sure you’ve been offered a number of television gigs in the past. Why do a reality show now?

Everybody in the media, they get everything wrong when it comes to the Jacksons, all these different misconceptions of our family and who we are and what we do. We’re constantly looking at things on television and going “That’s not true” and the world starts believing it. And then it snowballs and [there are] made-up stories and a lot of times there are a lot of lies. So I decided, let me go for it, let me do my show and show them who we are, who I am, and then let them judge from that point onward.

Read what La Toya had to say at BlackVoices.com.

Any time you’re trying to describe an artist, there’s always a temptation to compare them to someone else. It’s easier to say “Keyshia Cole is like Mary J. Blige” than to say “Keyshia Cole makes raw, soul-infused R&B filled with themes of pain and personal transformation.” I get that. But sometimes the comparisons go too far, and we try to place up-and-comers in the same category as legends whose legacies have left an indelible mark on the musical landscape.

The late, great Michael Jackson is probably the most frequent victims of suspect comparisons. It seems that anyone who can dance and sing reasonably well is at some point dubbed the new or next version of The Gloved One. Usher is the new Michael Jackson. Chris Brown is the new Michael Jackson. Beyoncé is the new Michael Jackson. In the name of all that is holy, this must stop. I have seen all three of these “new Michael Jacksons” live, and I can attest that any one of their shows will change your night, if not your life. Usher is a consummate entertainer, Chris Brown is the best dancer I have ever seen anywhere, and Beyoncé
will leave you out of breath just watching her.

That said, to compare these entertainers to the King of Pop, a man who was arguably the most innovative, groundbreaking and important artist of all-time, hurts my feelings in ways I can’t begin to describe. I could possibly tolerate something more specific like “he can sing and dance well, kind of like a young Michael Jackson.” But to compare artists to someone who was incomparable won’t fly.

Another questionable comparison involves Trey Songz. I’ve heard him described as the next R. Kelly and/or D’Angelo. I’m sorry, what did you say? Just because you take your shirt off and sing sex-laced ballads does not make you heir to the throne of Kells or the inimitable D’Angelo. So I’m going to need people to cease and desist equating any crooner with a sexed up catalogue and a six-pack to either of these two very unique and musically-gifted individuals.

And then, there is perhaps the most egregious comparison I’ve heard yet: that Frank Ocean is this generation’s Luther Vandross or Marvin Gaye. For the love of Tyler Perry, we must stop this madness. I think we’ve all heard more than enough Luther and Marvin to know that Frank is neither, so I will kindly ask the people making these comparisons to have a seat for eternity.

Young Frank and his unique brand of R&B has certainly taken the world by storm. But to compare an individual with a mixtape and an album to legends who shaped entire eras, who left us with some of the most memorable music we have, whose musical styles don’t even resemble Ocean’s, is simply ludicrous. In the words of Claudette Wyms, one of my favorite characters on the former FX drama The Shield, “You’re stretching, son. Try yoga.”

These ridiculous comparisons also occur in the rap spectrum. I think we all laughed off the idea that Ja Rule was the new DMX, but among the more outlandish claims I’ve heard is that Kendrick Lamar is the new 2Pac. Girl, bye. I can’t even dignify that with a response.

Sure, there are similarities between artists, and comparisons are inevitable. Nicki Minaj is like Lil Kim or Foxy Brown, female rappers who blend sexuality with serious bars. Justin Bieber is like Justin Timberlake; they’re both white r&b/pop artists who got their start as teen idols. Lady Gaga is like Madonna; they’re fearless females who push the envelope and weave religious imagery and sex into their music.

But no one is the new or next anyone, much as each generation might want to lay claim to their own version of some superstar. Chris Brown is not the new Michael Jackson and Frank Ocean is not the new Luther Vandross. There is one Michael and one Luther and one Marvin and one 2Pac, and there will never be some newfangled knockoff. They’ll come through and create their own lane and legacies. But we lessen the legacies of certain icons by claiming there is some updated version, like they are a line of soft drink or an old computer program. What these people did is unmatched and will remain unmatched. Without taking anything away from these talented young artists — who deserve to be seen in their own light, and not in someone else’s shadow — let’s not pretend a legend who brought us something we’d never seen before and will never see again can somehow be duplicated.

What’s the craziest musical comparison you’ve ever heard? Sound off in the comments.

Lauren Carter is a Boston-based wordsmith who writes about music, pop culture, race and relationships. Connect with her on Twitter @ByLaurenCarter or check out her blog at www.bylaurencarter.com.

Folks are getting photoshoot fresh all over the place for magazines this month, and that includes Scandal star Kerry Washington and teenager Paris Jackson.

For InStyle magazine, Washington took us back with a vamped up look and rocked colorful pieces by everyone from Fendi to Dolce & Gabbana. In an excerpt from her full interview, the style maven and Hollywood “it-girl” spoke about her style and how she learned to be fearless in her clothing choices–no matter what’s she’s wearing. It’s all about a challenge.

“I need to challenge myself. Whether it’s fashion or life, I like to go for it. As long as I feel good about what I’m wearing, it doesn’t matter if so-and-so calls it ugly.”

And we know Washington hasn’t given folks too many opportunities to call her fashion choices “ugly,” because she always kills it on the red carpet.

And speaking of getting glammed up! Doesn’t Paris Jackson look amazing? The daughter of The King of Pop covers the upcoming issue of the British magazine EVENT, where the 15-year-old talked about her famous father’s parenting skills, her hopes for her future, and how she appreciates the normal lifestyle she lives now, that her grandmother, Katherine Jackson, has provided her with.

When speaking on memories of her father, she seemed to have nothing but good things to say:

“I have lots of memories of my father. He was an incredible father. We all loved him to death. He’d try to educate us as much as he could and was always looking out for us. He was very protective.”

“He didn’t want anyone to see what we looked like. That way we could have what he didn’t, which was a normal childhood.”

As for her normal life now as a teen (aside from photoshoots and interviews like these from time to time), she is a cheerleader, played volleyball, dabbles in photography, and more, saying, “I want to have a normal high-school experience.” She says that in the future, despite early inklings that she would follow in her family’s footsteps and be in show business, really, she would love to be a surgeon. “I want to go to medical school and be a doctor specializing in heart surgery. I want to help people.”

Photos by Jennifer Livingston and Brian Bowen Smith

Nikki Nelson/WENN.com

From Essence

Paris Jackson may only be 15 years old, but she’s got big dreams for her late father’s dilapidated Neverland ranch. According to Event magazine, Jackson wants to restore it for sick and underprivileged kids to use and enjoy.

Jackson made a special trip back to the ranch two years ago to find the famous ferris wheel was removed. “I cried and cried,” said Jackson. “It’s beautiful there. It still has good energy.”

Although her dream to revive the ranch won’t be easy, Jackson says she’ll begin the project when she becomes an adult.

You can read the rest over on Essence. That sounds like a really sweet idea though; she seems to have the giving spirit just like her dad.

Did you ever want to visit Neverland when you were young?

So after Pepsi’s latest commercial dropped with Beyonce, I happened to overhear a coworker exclaim, “that was the best commercial I’ve ever seen.” Umm, it was a good commercial and all — great maybe — but the best? I wasn’t so sure. So, I had to dip back into my Pepsi inventory and recall some of the cola brand’s spokespersons over the years and after checking out a few videos, I have to say there have been a lot of commercials that could give this latest a run for its money — not that this is a competition or anything. But Pepsi has had some excellent commercials over the years. Here are 10 of the best.

Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

America’s favorite case study of familial fame and dysfunction made its way back to the headlines last weekend. Fresh off driveway disputes over the late King of Pop’s estate this summer, the latest Jackson family gossip has LaToya Jackson stepping up to take the heirs of the family fortune under her wing. According to reports, LaToya signed all three of her brother’s children to her Ja-Tail enterprises talent agency. Her nieces and nephews would be the agency’s only clients. LaToya later denied the claims.

It’s tempting to judge the Jacksons. But we have to remember, when money’s involved it’s always about more than money. Money triggers emotions. Add in family drama and income equality and it’s easy to understand how things repeatedly get out of hand.

The breadwinner of the family seems like the best role to be in in all this mess, but the position comes with responsibility and stress. Just ask Michael and Janet. Money gives you more power in business and family. An imbalance of power means one thing – drama.

Even if you haven’t eclipsed your family’s earnings yet, it’s probably something you should start preparing for if it’s in your future. Women are increasingly becoming the breadwinners of their households. And the income gap between rich and poor continues to grow.

We’ve combed the web for advice from financial and relationship experts to help you navigate the rocky terrain where family and funds overlap. Paris Jackson, this one’s for you.

Understand That Money Makes People Crazy

Don’t take it personally when your sister feels you owe it to her to pay her credit card bill, or your cousin tells your aunty you’ve changed. Psychiatrists have proven that people generally feel worse about themselves the more they feel they earn less and have lower social rank than those around them. Try and be empathetic to the emotional impact your difference in wealth has on your family.

Have A Plan For Your Money, Honey

When you experience an increase in wealth, the first step is one of adjustment and planning. Decide what type of life you want to live and the personal financial goals you want to set for yourself. Don’t think about your family during this stage. This is your money, so take care of you first. You can’t help anybody if you’re broke too.

Empower, Don’t Enable

Money doesn’t fix everything. If a family member comes to you with a need, discuss other options that could remedy their problem. Asking for money is a simple solution, but it might not be the best. Use your wealth to empower your family to be self-sufficient rather than taking care of them. That goes for friends, too. Learn from MC Hammer and his 40-member entourage.

Give What You Can & Don’t Keep Score

Only lend money you can afford to lose. If you won’t miss the money, just give it as gift. Money is a notorious relationship destroyer. Avoid feeling bitter about a transaction later by being upfront about your ability to part with the money, and the other person’s ability to pay it back. Furthermore, communicate! Address problems when they arise. If you plan on leaving your money to your kids and giving your siblings the cold shoulder, say that while you’re alive.  A lot of money problems are made worse because people are so uncomfortable talking about them.

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C. Cleveland covers professional development topics and entrepreneurial rebels who blaze their own career paths. She explores these stories and more on The Red Read, Twitter (@CleveInTheCity) and Facebook (/MyReadIsRed).

Source: WENN

While the Jackson family often make themselves out to be public spectacles and their behavior sometimes appears out of the norm, I can’t help but to sometimes feel bad about the way that the public tends to scrutinize their familial dealings. The latest news bit to make headlines about the late Michael Jackson’s family have been linked to rumors that Michael’s older sister La Toya is seeking to exploit her niece and nephews by thrusting them into the spotlight.

A couple of days ago, the New York Post reported that La Toya was shopping around a reality show starring the Jackson children. The article, which referred to Jackson as a “gold digging diva,” alleged that she somehow coerced the children into signing a contract with her talent agency, Ja-Tail Entertainment so that she would be entitled to a 15% cut of all of their earnings, by showering them with cookies, ice cream and quality time.

According to News One, the “Celebrity Apprentice” star recently retaliated by issuing a statement, slamming the Post for publishing such condemning allegations and claiming that the report was filled with a bunch of lies. The statement issued by publicist, Juliette Harris reads:

“The story in The NY Post is completely and unequivocally false. Neither La Toya nor her company represent any of MJ’s children in any legal capacity nor has she received any commissions or payment as a result of their individual ventures. As a loving Aunt, when the children ask for help or advice she supports them 100%, and will continue to do so.

Furthermore, there is no shopping of a reality show for the children. Paris did her movie deal over a year ago directly with the production company and La Toya had nothing to do with it. Over the past year, Prince has continuously asked his Aunt for her help in starting his career because of the infrastructure she has. When she asked her nephew what he wanted for his birthday he replied, ‘He just wanted to work,’ It was at the time that she diligently started to assist him with his career and that’s when ‘Entertainment Tonight’ was booked and then ‘90210.’

La Toya is currently consulting with her attorneys on how to proceed against these false and derogatory statements made by The NY Post and other participating publications.”

In other La Toya Jackson news, the 56-year-old will also be starring in a new upcoming reality series on the Oprah Winfey Network. The show is entitled “Life with La Toya” and is scheduled to debut Saturday, April 13th. Plucked from a recently distributed press release, the show’s description reads:

” ‘Life With La Toya’ takes viewers inside the outrageous world of La Toya Jackson—the wild card of one of showbiz’s most famous families—as she tackles love, career and maybe even parenthood, all on her own unpredictable terms.  The new reality series gets up close and personal as La Toya hunts for a new house, builds new business ventures, contemplates starting a family and perhaps the biggest of all — jumps into the dating pool for the first time, ever.  On board for her new adventures are La Toya’s devoted business partner Jeffré, her legendary mom and dad, a pair of meddlesome matchmakers, a magician, a lovelorn lifeguard and La Toya’s lifelong best gal-pal Kathy Hilton (yes, Paris’ mom).  La Toya also opens up about her tumultuous past darkened by an abusive ex-husband, the death of her brother and family feuds.”

Thoughts?

Well, isn’t this interesting.

According to an EURweb report, a high school in Syracuse, NY will be performing their version of The Wiz but the problem is all the lead characters are…white.

Parents spoke to the NBC and CBS affiliates in upstate New York and they are outraged that the musical will not be more diverse, mixing all races that embody the school.

One parent, Letice Titus, whose daughter was cast in an ensemble role rather than a lead, says that the school should recast the play or acknowledge the elephant in the room:

“They have black talented kids at the school, but they chose to put them at the ensemble because they’re not theater kids. They should have made a collaborative effort based on diversity, cultural awareness, [and] sensitivity. How are the black kids going to feel when they see a play?”

As just about everyone knows, The Wiz, which starred Michael Jackson and Diana Ross in the movie and Stephanie Mills in the actual Broadway musical, was created as a more “soulful” version of the original The Wizard of Oz.  Many have argued that it is the “better” version.

North Central Syracuse superintendent Kim Dyce Faucette says that while she can relate as an African-American woman, she is not willing to pull the card on the play just yet. Instead, she is going to do some further investigation and then she will make a more informed decision.

Hopefully, the school will come to their senses before the superintendent makes up her mind and diversifies the lead characters.