Friday Facts

Rapper Ludacris is currently working on a battle of the sexes  cd. For the ladies he has pulled together Trina, Eve and Nicki Minaj. For the fellas he has pulled together Nas and Lil Wayne. Be sure to catch the Grammy Awards on CBS this Sunday. Lady Gaga and The Blackeyed Peas are slated to perform. Tween sensation Taylor Swift leads the pack with 10 nominations. Rapper Soulja Boy is currently penning his first book. The book titled "Teenage Millionaire", will be released July 28. It will reveal the rapper's journey from relative unknown to the top of the Hip Hop charts. Actor Mel Gibson is set to hit the big screen after a long break. The film "Edge Of Darkness" hits theaters today. Rosie O'Donnell has a new special set to air on HBO. The show is called "A Family Is a Family Is a Family: A Rosie O'Donnell Celebration". The show focuses on non-traditional families, getting the message out that they are fine just as they are. You can catch singer Beyonce on "60 Minutes" this Sunday before the Grammys. In theaters today: "Edge Of Darkness" and "When in Rome". On the tube: "Dollhouse" on Fox, "Ghost Whisperer" on CBS, "Supernanny" on ABC and "Law & Order" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Tuesday Tales

An "American Idol" contestant has been kicked off the Fox talent show due to his father's lose lips. The father of Big Mike, as he is known on the show, told a friend that his son had made it to the semi-finals. It's against "Idol" rules to discuss judge's decisions before they are announced on the show. In more "American Idol" news, it's been rumored that singer Beyonce will replace Simon Cowell when he leaves the show at the end of the season. Another much more safer bet, according to the rumor mill, is either Jamie Foxx, or Madonna replacing Cowell on the show. Rock icons AC/DC are set to release the soundtrack to "Ironman 2".  It won't contain new songs, however. It will include 15 AC/DC classics, such as, "Let There Be Rock", "Thunderstruck" and "War Machine". The soundtrack will be released on April 19. The film will be released in theaters in the United States on May 7. Singer Whitney Houston has added dates in France and Germany to her recent comeback tour. Oscar nominees will be announced on Feb. 2. Actress Anne Hathaway will join Academy President Tom Sherak to announce the nominees in 10 of the 24 catagories for the most coveted award in film. 70's pop icon Neal Sedaka is back with his first cd in some time, "The Music Of My Life". On dvd: "Whip It", This Is It", "Surrogates" and "Saw 6". On the tube: "American Idol" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "Scrubs" on ABC and "The Biggest Loser: Couples" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Madness

The film "Avatar" topped the weekend box office once again, earning over  38 million dollars at the box office. The tally for the overall ticket sells for the film total just under 50 million dollars. It could possibly beat out "Star Wars" as the highest grossing film in box office history.  "Legion", "The Book Of Eli", "Tooth Fairy" and "The Lovely Bones" round out the top five films of the week.  The "Help For Hati" telethon helped raised 58  million dollars for earthquake victims. The Jay Z, Rihanna and Bono collaboration, "Stranded" is number one on iTunes. There's a remake of the 1987 film "Wall Street" in the works. Actor Michael Douglas will reprise his role in the original film. No word on when the film will be released. Be sure to check out the Grammy Awards Sunday on CBS. Lady Gaga and The Blackeyed Peas are among those who will perform on the show. Finally, singer/songwriter Lionel Richie was honored at "An Evening Of Stars To Support UNCF". Brian McKnight, James Ingram, Natalie Cole, Johnny Gill, Chrisette Michelle and Jessie McCartney performed at the show honoring the singer his career achievments and his support of UNCF. On the tube: "House" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "The Batchlor: On The Wings Of Love" on ABC and "Chuck" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Thursday Dish

NBC and late night talk show host Conan O'Brien finally reached a settlement agreement late Wednesday. The deal is said to be worth about 45 million dollars. 33 million for O'Brien and an additional 12 million in severance payments to staff. Predecessor Jay Leno will reclaim "The Tonight Show" on March 1 after the Winter Olympics. O'Brien won't allow any grass to grow under his feet, however. He will be set to hit televison again on Sept. 1. Rumors have been swirling about Fox being his new home. He and his writing staff will have to work to put together new comedy bits, since bits like "Triumph The Insult Comic Dog" won't be going with him. Yet another round of auditions coninued on "American Idol" last night in Orlando FL. It was another night of the good, bad & ugly on the show, with one contestant being lead away in handcuffs. The Sundance Film Festival begins today and among the films that could possibly walk away with awards are: "Howl", The Runaways" and "Welcome To The Rileys". Arista Records in set to release the 25th anniversary deluxe edition of singer Whitney Houston's self-titiled debut album soon. Be sure to pick up a copy. On the tube: "Bones" on Fox, "The Big Bang Theory" on CBS, "The Deep End" on ABC and "Community" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

Auditions continued in Chicago on last night's "American Idol" and it's anyone's guest how many more hopefuls make the cut. There will be a 3-D tribute to the late  Michael Jackson at this years Grammy Awards. The show's co-executive producer Ken Ehrlich, proposed an idea for an appearance by the star to celebrate the 25th anniversary of "Thriller". He also submitted ideas for other performers including Justin Timberlake and Usher, all of which excited Jackson. The producer stated the singer declined the invitation. This year's show will feature a 3-D clip the singer made of his hit "Earth Song". The video was an integral part of his comback concerts in London, which never happened due to his untimely death on June 25. Celine Dion, Usher, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson and Smokey Robinson will perform along side the clip. It will be the first time a show has ever featured  3-D. Rapper T.I. is not letting any grass grow under his feet since his recent release from prison. The rapper is currently in the studio working on his next release. The rapper is working with producer Jim Jonsin on the project. No release date has been confirmed yet. It appeaers that Conan O'Brien's televison staff is the sticking point of negotiations with NBC regarding the comic's exit from the network. Several deals were in the works for the comic's televison staff as well as "The Tonight Show". Stay tuned. On the tube: "American Idol" on Fox, "The New Adventures Of Old Christine" on CBS, "Modern Family" on ABC, and "Mercy" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

Rumor has that Fox is interested in developing a talk show for Conan O'Brien. Both he and Jay Leno have been in a heated battle over time slots at NBC, since the network wanted to change the time slots of both "The Jay Leno Show" and "The Tonight Show". O'Brien has rejected  the idea of having his show knocked back a half hour to make room for Leno. As mentioned previously, "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell will be leaving the show at the end of the season. He wants to concentrate on the UK version of "Idol" called "X Factor". Apparently one of the names on the top of the list for possible judges is Paula Abdul. We'll see what comes of that. "BET Honors" was taped last night and the show was a bonafided hit. Whitney Houston, Kim Burrell and Jennifer Hudson were among the celebrities in attendance. The show will air on February 1. Rapper/singer/producer Wyclef Jean is defending his funding raising organization saying the rumors about mismangement of funds are false. Among new releases in stores: "The Grammy Nominees" and "Crazy Heart". New on dvd: "The Hurt Locker" and "Fame". On the tube: "American Idol" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "Scrubs" on ABC, and "The Biggest Loser: Couples" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Madness

The film "Avatar" is the box office king once again. The film took in over 40 million dollars. It has now topped "Titanic" as the biggest box office grossing film in history.  Ironically, director James Cameron directed both films. The stars were out in full force for last night's Golden Globe Awards. Sandra Bullock, Monique, Meryl Streep and Jeff Bridges were among the winners. "Avatar" took home best picture and is sure to be a big winner at the Oscars. In case you missed the first part, be sure to tune to Fox's "24" for the second part of the show's four hour season premiere. The CW has a new series in the works. The show called "Life Unexcpected" focuses on a teen who finds her family after years of searching. The show premieres tonight at 9:00 P.M. NBC is currently working out a deal with Conan O'Brien that will let the late night host out of his contract with the network. It's been a war of words for weeks between O'Brien and Jay Leno since the network announced it would change the time slots of both shows. On the tube: "24" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "The Batchlor: On The Wings Of Love" on ABC, and "Chuck" on NBC. Happy MLK Day!

Friday Facts

Rappers T.I. and Mystical were released from prison today. T.I.  you'll recall was sentenced to a year and a day for weapons violations. Mystical was charged with sexual battery and extortion. Mystical says he's ready to get back to work. He's been away from the game for six years now. Let's see what he has in store for the music world. In the never ending Jay Leno/Conan O'Brien saga, the boxing gloves have come off. Each late night host has been taking shots at the other. It doesn't appear that O'Brien will be stepping down from his post anytime soon. Be sure to check out the Golden Globe Awards. Among the nominees are George Clooney, Sandra Bullock and Monique. The show airs on Sunday on NBC. Kimora Lee Simmons and her beau posed for the new cover of Ebony magazine. The couple talk about their relationship and their new son. According to the rumor mill, Kelly Price, Tamia and Deborah Cox have teamed up to do a group cd together. There's also a tour in the works as well.  In theaters this weekend: "The Book Of Eli", "The Lovely Bones" and "The Spy Next Door". On the tube: "Bones" on Fox, "Ghost Whisperer" on CBS, "Supernanny" on ABC, and "Law & Order" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

Sad news out of the world of R&B. Singer Teddy Pendergrass best known for such hits as "I Don't Love You Anymore", "Close The Door" and "Turn Off The Lights" has died. He was 59. Born Theodore DeReese Pendergrass on March 26, 1950, he began his career singing in church as a child. He later became the drummer for The Cadillacs which merged with Harold Melvin & The Bluenotes. He was later invited by Melvin to become the group's lead singer. The group signed with Philadelphia International Records and turned out R&B hits like "The Love I Lost"  "If You Don't Know Me By Now", "Be For Real" and "Bad Luck". Creative differences caused Pendergrass to leave the group for a solo career. He released his debut album for Philadelphia International Records in 1977. He quickly became a sex symbol of the 1970's and 1980's. He was injured in a car crash that left him paralized. He recently had colon cancer surgery from which he never fully recovered. He has left a legacy of music that will live on forever. May he rest in peace.

Wednesday Roundup

The new season of the Fox hit "American Idol" began last night with auditions being held in Boston. Be sure to tune in tonight as the second round of auditions will be held in Atlanta. Singer Usher was recently robbed of over 1 million dollars worth of jewelry while shopping recently. Conan O'Brien released a statement saying that he would not participate in the distruction of the tonight show legacy. Both he and Jay Leno have recently become locked in a war with NBC over time slot changes for both shows. NBC announced that it wants to change Jay Leno back to his original time slot of 11:35 and move Conan O'Brien to 12:05. O'Brien has reportedly said no to the move. Congradulations to Mark Wahlberg and his wife Rhea Durham are in order. The two recently became the parents of a baby girl. This makes the fouth child for the couple. Instead of 64 it will be 70 on July 7 when Beatles drummer Ringo Starr turns the big 7-0. He plans to celebrate by playing a summer gig at Radio City Music Hall with his latest All Star band. The Michael Jackson Memorial service has been nominated for a NAACP Image Award. Billie J. Green, the former head of the organization, is not pleased with the nomination. He wrote a letter to the current NAACP head Benjamin Jealous stating his displeasure with the nomination. On the tube: "American Idol" on Fox, "The New Adventures Of Old Christine" on CBS, "Modern Family" on ABC, and "Mercy" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

Singer Beyonce Knowles says she plans to spend a good part of 2010 not working. She recently stated that she believes it's time to take time to recharge her batteries and just live life. That doesn't mean the singer won't be visible. She's slated to star in several commericals for Nintendo game "Style Savvy" which will introduce items from Dereon, a life style extension of House Of Dereon, the fashion line the singer created with her stylist and mother Tina Knowles. She will also perform at the Grammy Awards where she's been nominated for ten awards, more than any other artist. She's up for album, record and song of the year for "Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)". The Grammy Awards will air on CBS on January 31. Two of the three members of the Dixie Chicks are set to record a new album together. Marti Maguire and Emily Robison will release a album this year. However, Lloyd Maines, father of lead singer Natalie Maines, stated that the girls are still an entity. The Golden Globe Awards will air this Sunday night and the George Clooney film is slated to win quite a few statues.  On the tube: "American Idol" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "Scrubs" on ABC, and "Biggest Loser: Couples" on NBC.  Happy Tuesday!

Monday Madness

The film "Avatar" topped the weekend box office once again, earning a wopping 48 million dollars at the box office. Some say it could possibly top "Titanic" as the all time box office champ. Singer Keyshia Cole has confirmed that she is expecting a baby and is engaged to a Cleveland Caliviers player. Rumor also has it that the singer's mother, Frankie, revealed that the singer is already married and did not invite her to the wedding. We'll see what happens with that. Tomorrow begins the new season of  Fox' s "American Idol" and it will be interesting to see which contestant wins the competion. You'll recall Ellen DeGeneres will be replace Paula Abdul on the show. NBC has announced that it will move Jay Leno back to his original 11:35 time slot knocking Cohen Obrien to 12:05 AM. As previously reported, switching Leno to an earlier time slot did not garner good ratings for the network. "American Idol" judge Simon Cowell has announced that he will live the hit Fox show at the end of the season. He will turn his attention to his UK verison of "Idol". On the tube: "House" on Fox, "CSI Miami" on CBS, "The Batchlor" on ABC and "The Biggest Loser" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

Singer Trey Songs is slated to be the opening act for the final leg of rapper Jay Z's Blueprint 3 tour. The final leg of the tour begins Februay 7. Singer Keri Hilson discusses music, money, and men in the latest issue of Jet magazine. Former "American Idol" winner Fantasia has as a new VH1 reality series set to air called "Fantasia For Real". Fans will get an opportunity to see the singer deal with career and family on the show. Speaking of reality shows, Sandy "Pepa" Denton of the legendary female rap group Salt-n-Pepa will appear on  a new reality show as well. The show tentatively called "Let's Talk About Pep" will show female friends attempting to hook the rapper up with a date. NBC is considering moving Jay Leno to a 11:35 time slot. The ratings for the comic's new show have not been good in recent weeks. Be sure to check out the Golden Globe Awards. The show airs on January 17. Singer Chris Brown has accused Vibe magazine of exploiting his controversy with ex-girlfriend Rihanna. On the cover, Chris sports a black shirt that reads, "Are U Still Down?". He recently stated to Honey magazine that the cover photo was never discussed. In theaters: "Daybreakers", "Leap Year", and "Youth In Revolt". On the tube: "Bones" on Fox, "Ghost Whisperer" on CBS, "Supernanny" on ABC, and "Dateline" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

Johnny Demp, Mariah Carey and Sandra Bullock were among the winners at last night's Peoples Choice Awards. Queen Laftifah hosted the show and singer Mary J. Blige performed as well. People are still talking about singer Mariah Carey's acceptance speech at the Palm Springs International Film Festival where she accepted a award for her work in the film "Prescious". The singer now says that she had splashes of champagne with director Lee Daniels but no dinner. Lady Gaga, Green Day, and Pink are scheduled to perform at the Grammy Awards. The show will air on January 31 on CBS. George Clooney, Merl Streep and Alec Baldwin will be among the presenters at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on January 23. Hanes has dropped ads featuring actor Charlie Sheen due to domestic violence charges filed against the star. "American Idol" judges Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres were interviewed for Entertainment Weekly and also have the cover. The duo talk at length about their relationship. DeGeneres will appear on "Idol" on Feburary 9. On the tube: "Bones" on Fox, "CSI" on CBS, "BCS Championship Game" on ABC, and "Community" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

Sad news out of R&B. Willie Mitchell, record producer and owner of Hi Records based in Memphis TN, has died. He was 81.  According to the producer's son, Lawrence Mitchell, he had suffered cardiac arrest and he died at Memphis's Methodist University Hospital on Jan. 4. He produced such hits for Al Green as, "I'm Tired  Of Being Alone", "Let's Stay Together", and "Here Iam (Come & Take Me)". He produced hits for other artists as well. It appears that there is beef brewing between rapper Rick Ross and heavyweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. According to Floyd Mayweather Sr, the the problems having brewing for some time. Reportedly the two bumped into each other at an event. It's the midseason mark and several televison shows will return with new shows hoping to make an impact. Among them are: "The Bachelor", "The Biggest Loser", "The Simpsons: 20th Anniversary In 3D On Ice!", "Leverage", "Life Unexpected", and "White Collar". The 89th Annual Academy Awards will air on March 7. The show will be hosted by Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin. On the tube: "Glee" on Fox, "I Get That A Lot" on CBS, "The Middle" on ABC, and "Mercy" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

Singer Rihanna reportedly has a new man. The singer has been spotted with Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Matt Kemp. The two were seen at a resort in Cabo San Lucas and according to eyeswitnesses, couldn't keep their hands off each other. The release date of rapper Lil Wayne's rock cd has been pushed back again. The release date for the cd called, "Rebirth" will be June. A track featuring rocker Lenny Kravitz and the late Michael Jackson has been leaked to the internet and Kravitz and Sony Music, Jackson's label, and Jackson's estate lawyers are not happy. The song called "Another Day", according to Kravitz, was not mixed and not a final version. He also stated in a  video statement that he did not know how the song was leaked. Former G Unit solider Young Buck has released a track dissing former boss, 50 Cent. In the song Buck implies that DJ Funkmaster Flex was paid by 50 and also accuses 50 of taking steroids and having relations with the editor-in-chief of XXL magazine to get the cover. Be sure to catch the Peoples Choice Awards on CBS. The show will be hosted by Queen Latifah. On the tube: "BCS Orange Bowl" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "Scrubs" on ABC, and "The Biggest Loser: Couples" on NBC. On dvd: "Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs" and "Final Destination".  Happy Tuesday!