‘In Living Color’ returns to Fox TV



Keenen Ivory Wayans, Marlon Wayans and Shawn Wayans
Steve Granitz/WireImage.com

The show made famous by creator Keenen Ivory Wayans, In Living Color will return for two specials in the spring of 2012.

The ensemble cast of characters turned unknown comedians into famous actors and actress. The Wayans brothers fashioned recurring sketches that became popular with each episode.

The original show helped launch the careers of Jamie Foxx and Jim Carrey besides the Wayans family.

Homey D. Clown may soon find his way back into the spotlight saying, “I don’t think so…Homey don’t play that.” Another of Damon Wayans characters, Anton was a homeless man who frequented family gatherings.

Never without his lone pickle in the jar, Anton was, one strange character.

Jim Carrey’s wild sense of humor in the characters he played while on In Living Color was a glimpse into the essence of this rising, whacky comic star. His psychotic character, “Fire Marshal Bill” demonstrated unsafe fire calamities that caused him harm.

Other famous faces from the original cast include Dancing with the Stars judge Carrie Ann Inaba who was a regular ‘Fly Girl’ dancer alongside the now famous Jennifer Lopez.

Written and created by Keenen and Damon Wayans, the original sketch comedy television series ran from 1990 to 1994. The Fox comedy variety show will return in the spring with the hopes to become a series. Host Keenen Ivory Wayans will return with a fresh new cast of characters.

Lionel Richie has gone country with a new duet album



http://www.lionelrichie.com/

Lionel Richie is teaming up with several country artists on his next album, Tuskegee. The album expected to be released in March 2012 will feature duets with leading country superstars.

Singing some of the songs made famous by Richie, artists such as Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney and many others will duet.

The former lead singer of the Commodores has called this album a return to his country roots.

Richie, born and raised in Tuskegee, Alabama, says, “I am a country boy and proud of it. To do this project just felt natural.”

Richie knew early on the audience he had involved more than R&B fans. “As my songwriting progressed,” Richie said, “I realized that my songs perfectly translated to the country genre.”

“Growing up with country, R&B, gospel and classical music from my grandmother and pop, Tuskegee was the perfect melting pot for my influences as a writer. The title, Tuskegee, is a validation of my growing up there…the place I call home,” Richie said.

Songs featured on this album include13 duets of Richie’s biggest hits. Jennifer Nettles of the Sugarland duo sings “Hello” and Tim McGraw sings, “Sail On”.

CMT News featured the full track listing. Some of the songs include:

• “Stuck on You” (Darius Rucker)

• “Dancing on the Ceiling” (Rascal Flatts)

• “Endless Love” (Shania Twain)

• “My Love” (Kenny Chesney)

While Kenny Rogers sings “Lady” the song written by Richie, and made famous by both.

The legendary R&B singer/songwriter gained fame performing in the 70s with the Commodores. After embarking on a solo career in the 80s, he achieved great success winning five Grammys and numerous others awards, including an Academy Award.

Hosting the 12^th Annual American Music Awards in 1985, Richie called it ‘outrageous’. A word that stuck with him for years as his music continued to climb the charts.

The 45^th Annual CMA awards will air live in Nashville on November 9. Richie is expected to perform along with other country artists, Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, and Darius Rucker.

The 62-year old singer is not stopping yet. He will be “Dancing on the Ceiling” with this bound-for-success country album. It is a must for any country music fan as Richie’s love ballads are truly, sweet inspiration.

President Barack Obama appears on Jay Leno Tonight Show



Jason Reed, Reuters / October 25, 2011

President Barack Obama appeared on the Jay Leno Show Tuesday night. It was his second appearance on the late night talk show.  

Obama talked about the latest news of pulling the troops out of Iraq. He expressed his gratitude and praised the troops for their dedication.

The president was met with applause as he shared his viewpoints about the happenings in the country. He commended Secretary of State Hilary Clinton for the work she's doing, calling her tenacious.

“The truth is Hilary and I agree on the vast majority of issues. She stepped up to the plate and she works as hard as anyone I’ve ever seen.  The entire national security team we have has been outstanding,” Obama said.

Obama stated when it comes to homeland security everyone has to be on the same page. “So the question now is, as we end the war in Iraq, it’s time to rebuild this country," he said. "Can we get that same cooperation when it comes to fixing what’s wrong here.”

The president wasn’t without humor as he shared his thoughts with host Jay Leno.

What about chicken and waffles? Leno put Obama on the spot when he asked him about a recent story. Weren’t you seen at the Los Angeles chicken establishment, Roscoes? Obama laughed as he talked about eating chicken wings in the presidential limo. It smelled good he said.

“We were on our way to a fundraiser. I didn’t know it was so close by. We pulled up and there I was with chicken fingers and a spot of hot sauce on my tie,” Obama joked.

The president spoke with great pride as he talked about his two girls. They are doing wonderfully. They  just grow up so fast. They are thriving. It’s amazing how steady, well-mannered, and kind they are. They are good people much to the credit of Michelle.

Leno asked him about reality show, The Kardashians. “Have you seen the show,” Leno asked. “No I have not seen it," Obama said. "Do you recommend it Jay?” He later mentioned his daughters don’t watch television during the week but believes they have seen the show.

“Have you been watching the GOP presidential debates?” Leno asked.

“I’m going to wait until everybody is voted off the island,” Obama said. “Once they narrow it down to one or two, I’ll start paying attention.”

To see the full episode, go to NBC’s The Tonight Show.

Michael Jackson’s Nurse Testified in Tears

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An emotional defense witness, Michael Jackson’s nurse testified in the case against Dr. Conrad Murray on Tuesday. As Cherilyn Lee recalled the last days of the late singer, she was brought to tears.

As a nutritionist, Lee treated Jackson with several natural remedies to help him as he planned his comeback concert. 

This was the second day for Lee to testify in the Dr. Murray case. On Monday, she began her testimony recalling the nutritional cocktails she gave Jackson to treat him for exhaustion. On the witness stand, one could tell the nurse practitioner was visually upset.

She recalled Jackson asking her to help him with his insomnia. When Jackson asked her to obtain the drug Dipravan, the brand name for Propofol, she had to do some research. Lee admitted she didn’t know much about the drug.

In April 2009, just a couple of months before Jackson’s death, she met again with Jackson. She told him the drug was not recommended for home use, it was used in hospital settings.

Prosecutor David Walgren questioned Lee, “You told him, “No one who cares or has your best interest at heart is going to give you this’. Is that correct?”

Lee confirmed that is correct. She testified in court this is what she told the late singer. She said she never saw Jackson after that.

Moments before she was to testify on Tuesday, she started feeling dizzy. The court took a brief recess in the morning so Lee could take a moment to rest. Reports indicate she burst into tears in the hallway.  It was apparent this case meant a lot to her.

Dr. Murray watched intensely while Lee recalled her discussions with Jackson. She said Jackson told her it was safe as long as he was monitored. “He told me doctors have told him that he’s safe and he would not have a problem that he just needed to be monitored,” Lee recalled.

Lee said she asked Jackson, “What if you didn’t wake up?”

The defense team continues to mount their case, trying to portray Jackson as one who was addicted to drugs. The late singer had trouble sleeping. Nurse Lee refused to give him the drug he desired.  

The defense is expected to rest their case by the end of the week.

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon reveal baby twins

On Friday night’s episode of 20/20, Mariah Carey and husband Nick Cannon introduced their baby twins to National television. 

Nick Cannon Photo by David Shankbone

Mariah Carey

It was the first time the babies were seen on camera.

The twins, Moroccan and Monroe, nicknamed Roc and Roe for short, were born on the couple’s third wedding anniversary, April 30. 

Now 6-months old, the twins have their own website.  

In honor of their life, from the love of their celebrity parents, the website, DemBabies.com was launched. 

The website captures the essence of why the couple decided to create this online album. It partly reads, “We deliberated for so long about how to reveal the first pictures of our babies to the world. We just didn’t want to do the typical thing and display them in a tabloid (not that there’s anything wrong with that).”

“We decided to share this beautiful experience with you in a special intimate portrait of our family. Parenthood is absolutely the most life changing experience we could ever have imagined. The love we feel for these babies is above and beyond anything we’d ever dreamed of.”

In the exclusive interview with Barbara Walters, the couple talked about the joys and challenges of pregnancy and raising twins. For Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon, this is a joyous celebration. “DemBabies” are beautiful.

Kim Kardashian to star in Tyler Perry’s new movie

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Kim Kardashian signs on for a role in Tyler Perry’s new movie, The Marriage Counselor.

The Lionsgate production is another film that Perry has written and will direct. Based on Perry's play of the same name, the story is about an accountant and his wife, the counselor, who despite the fact is well educated, makes some bad mistakes in her own marriage. 

Jurnee Smollett will star as the marriage counselor.  Kardashian is set to play the counselor’s friend and co-worker named Ava. 

Kim Kardashian who turned 31 last week was seen celebrating her birthday in Las Vegas. The reality TV star should is set to star in Perry’s latest production based around marriages. 

Perry’s movies elaborating family values, marriages and relationships have done well at the box office.

The film starts shooting next week in Atlanta and is expected for theater release in 2012.

Loretta Lynn hospitalized with pneumonia

The news came in Saturday that Country legend Loretta Lynn is hospitalized with early stages of pneumonia. 

Photo Courtesy Flickr/Third Coast Digest

At 76, Lynn is still performing. However, she had to cancel her shows in Ashland, Kentucky and Durham, North Carolina this weekend due to her illness. 

Loretta Lynn is expected to make a full recovery. Her reps have stated she will return to the stage next month:

"Doctors have diagnosed her as the beginning stages pneumonia, and will continue to need rest. Loretta is doing well and is disappointed but feels confident she will be ready for upcoming November dates."

Lynn began her singing career in the 1960s. For over five decades, the Coal Miner's Daughter has performed for crowds large and small. Her fans remain faithful in following and supporting her all these years.

The Academy Award winning movie, Coal Miner's Daughter, beautifully portrayed by Sissy Spacek, gave fans and viewers a look inside the life of the country legend. Her remarkable career spans over fifty years. With songs that were inspired from her life, Lynn sings music that is heartfelt.

She pushes the boundaries of familiarity with her outspoken heart and her soft spoken voice. Her smile is contagious and she loves her fans. Loretta Lynn is a legend in every sense of the word.

Many of today's musicians and artists were inspired by Lynn. She stands as a hallmark of original country music superstars. Opening the door to other artists, Loretta Lynn is a true pioneer.

Remembering IndyCar Driver Dan Wheldon

Today the Motor Car Series mourns the loss of IndyCar Driver Dan Wheldon.

In a fiery crash in Las Vegas, Wheldon lost his life.

The 15-car pile up at Sunday's Indy Race happened so quickly.

In the blink of an eye, cars flipped, rammed the wall, and burst into flames. Wheldon's car went airborne and crash landed into the fence guard. Driving in speeds excess of 200+ is a risk these drivers take. The thrill of the ride and the risk involved is present with them at every turn.

What happened is such a terrible tragedy. Wheldon was a two Indy-winner. At 33-years old, he had everything going for him. He leaves behind a wife and two young babies.

In mourning of his loss, drivers paid tribute to Wheldon is a somber 5-lap around the track. Tears flowed as the song, "Danny Boy" rang through the speakers. Followed by "Amazing Grace", fans and friends grieved over the loss of their racing brother.

Wheldon's former boss Chip Ganassi said, "We're going to miss him. Everybody in IndyCar died a little today.''

At the end, number 77 was the only number lit up on the towering scoreboard.

Janet Jackson ‘Up Close and Personal’ Tour Opens with Performances of Number Ones

She cannot be outdone. There is no comparison. This legendary singer is happy to go back on tour.

Kicking off her world tour this week, Janet Jackson promises no two shows in her concert will be the same.

Singing the number ones of her chart topping career, the pop sensation is dedicating one song to every landmark she’ll visit.

The Up Close and Personal World Tour promises to deliver Janet’s best of her 35 No 1 hits.

In a press release Janet dedicated her award winning, “That’s The Way Love Goes” to the people and fans of Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE.

She said, “Hey Abu Dhabi, I’m gonna take you places you’ve never been before. That’s why I’m dedicating “That’s The Way Love Goes” to all my fans in your beautiful city.”

It’s an intimate look, promising to deliver a personal touch. Janet Jackson's concert comes out after of time of great mourning and loss. The sudden death of her brother Michael in 2009 sent the singer and her family into a whirlwind spin of grief.

As the trial continues in the case against Dr. Conrad Murray for the death of Michael Jackson, family members sit in the court listening to testimonies. It’s brutal and heart wrenching, yet the Jacksons’ have continued to support one another during this time. Janet joined her brothers, sisters and parents during the opening statements of the case.

Janet Jackson will take the stage at Yas Arena, Abu Dhabi, on Thursday.  During a recent interview she talked about her inspirations. “There are artists, true performers that have come before me who have been a big inspiration to me. I hope I do the same for others.”

“I just want my music and my dance to catch the audience’s attention, and to hold it long enough for them to listen to the lyrics and what we’re saying.”

“I’m proud to have stayed in the game and survived. And I’m proud that I’ve remained true to myself. But if you go back and listen to the music, you’ll hear how that self is always changing.” – Janet Jackson Biography

Decade of Difference Clinton Concert on Yahoo

“A Decade of Difference” is a concert honoring former president Bill Clinton.

Only on Yahoo, this live concert will celebrate the charitable work of former President Bill Clinton. The concert features U2’s Bono and The Edge, Lady Gaga, Kenny Chesney, Usher and many others.

Celebrating 10 years of the William J. Clinton Foundation, a charitable organization with a mission to make a difference in the lives of many, the concert will be streamed live online.

The goal of The Clinton Foundation is to alleviate poverty, improve global health, strengthen economies, and protect the environment by fostering partnerships. Their mission is to turn good intentions into measurable results. Clinton’s charitable work is immeasurable. His goals are unstoppable. Is there anything this guy can't do?

Now the former president is getting ready to rock.

Did you know the former president is a musician?

He gets a presidential nod for his saxophone playing.

In 1992, he played his legendary sax on The Arsenio Hall Show.

A lover of jazz music, Clinton shared his favorite playlist on Yahoo. 

Do you want to know which songs made his list? Check it out here. See if you can find any of your favorites as well.

This weekend's, "A Decade of Difference” concert will be streamed live Saturday, October 15 at 7pm PT/10pm ET.

Watch the Clinton Concert live only on Yahoo.com.

Stacy Francis inspiring performance of 'Purple Rain' on ‘The X Factor’ (video)

Stacy Francis stirring rendition of Purple Rain inspired the judges on The X Factor. Francis lacking confidence stepped in front of mentor judge, Nicole Scherzinger and singer Enrique Iglesias.  She told them how badly she wanted this. 

The X Factor Judges are at their homes mentoring different groups to find the one artist who will take home $5 million.

At Simon Cowell’s home in France, ‘The Girls’ perform. At Paula Abdul’s home, she has ‘The Groups’. The ‘Over 30’ group is mentored by Nicole Scherzinger while LA Reid mentors ‘The Boys’. 

Each group performs individually in front of their mentor and special guest artist.

This week, ‘The Over 30’ group included singer Enrique Iglesias. As a member of this group, Stacy stands out and above the crowd.

In a strong performance, her inspiring gospel voice belted out Prince's song, Purple Rain.

Stacy Francis has wanted this for most of her life.  “This is my time,” she said. “I don’t want it to end right here. I’m a performer. I have it me,” and she walked away in tears.

Stacy then tells host Steve Jones, “It’s all I live and breathe for. It’s all I ever wanted to do.”

Is it enough? Enrique and Nicole discussed her performance afterwards.

“It’s hard because I don’t understand,” Nicole said. “She has all the talents… She’ll only be as great as her fears, insecurities and doubts.”

Enrique responds, “Is it good for today’s market? Would it sell?” 

The 42-year old stay at home mom, truly belongs on stage. If Francis doesn’t win The X-Factor, she will definitely be carrying on within the music industry. This is not the end for her. This is only the beginning of a great career.

Watch her performance here on TheDaily Motion.

Nicki Minaj greets YouTube sensations on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Ellen DeGeneres does it once again. She discovers another bright new star on You Tube. 
 

The sensational little Sophia Grace Brownlee, 8, and her cousin Rosie Grace McClelland, 5, appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Wednesday. The two girls performed Nicki Minaj’s Super Bass which went viral on YouTube.

The eight-year old Sophia had the crowd on their feet while she was rapping her way through the song. An astonishing performance, in which, Ellen surprised little Sophia with a guest appearance by Nicki Minaj.

Sophia was all glam and giggles as she met her favorite pop icon. Jumping up and down in excitement, she then ran over to Minaj and hugged her.

The young girls from Essex, England took You Tube by storm earlier this month with their rendition of Nicki Minaj’s Super Bass and Keri Hilson’s Turn My Swag On.

Minaj was so impressed and inspired by their performance she said, “I was calling everyone to see this video.” After the girls’ performance, she gave the young girls some advice. “You are incredible. I just want you to stay in school,” she told them. “Music is beautiful but stay in school. Put your books first and singing second.”

An impressive performance, a whirlwind of excitement, this is a star being born. Miraj commented, “I said ‘superstar’. Seriously, we are watching a journey that’s about to be amazing.”

You Tube is one of the most influential and trending social media platforms in the world today.  It is the place where stars are born and news events are captured.  For little Sophia and her cousin Rosie, their stardom is just the beginning. Catch the video on Ellen courtesy Warner Bros.

Martina McBride rides into Chicago

Country music superstar Martina McBride rolled into Chicago's Union Station on Wednesday aboard her Pink Together Express.

She is travelling across America visiting 11 cities to promote the release of her new album, titled, "Eleven".

McBride gave an inspiring performance during her stop in Chicago.

Along her train tour she is also bringing awareness to Breast Cancer. She made a generous donation to the Susan G. Komen Foundation before her free concert.

To read more of this story and capture her video performance, visit Martina McBride gives free concert at Chicago’s UnionStation