It will be one of the most diverse Oscar nights in history with Dreamgirls looking at more gold. The Oscar nominations have come down, and both Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy were nominated for the roles that just won them both Golden Globe Awards. Dreamgirls leads the pack with a total of eight nominations, including Costume Designer Sharon Davis, who I recently had a chance an interview. Her work is great. Dreamgirls was overlooked for best picture though, and that’s left fans wondering. Meantime, Golden Globe Winner Forest Whitaker and Philly’s own Will Smith are both up for Best Actor, Smith for The Pursuit of Happyness and Whitaker for The Last King of Scotland. Djimon Hounsou from Blood Diamond is up for Supporting Actor along with Eddie Murphy. The Academy Awards air February 25th on ABC.
Will Isaiah Washington be fired from the ABC show Grey's Anatomy? The fallout continues following his outburst of gay slurs against a cast member. Washington lied about the incident, and now he has apologized for his actions. Washington says he cannot defend or explain his behavior. He says he needs help. He has already met with representatives from the gay and lesbian organization GLADD. Washington has already fired his publicist, and he is aligning himself with a new team. The team of Allan Mayer and Kerry Mullens has been known for their work repairing the images of R Kelly and Rocker Tommy Lee. Is it too late for Washington? His firing could come at any time. Although ratings have only taken a slight dip, there are Ad dollars at stake. Washington could be fired under Disney’s corporate anti-discrimination policy. Many people have vowed to boycott the show. There are a number of organized viewers, however, that support keeping Washington. While they don’t condone his actions, they feel he should not be removed from the top-rated show. Grey’s Creator Shonda Rhimes is under pressure from ABC to manage her talent and keep them in line. ABC is furious at this turn of events. Everyone thought this issue was settled last year after the choking incident with Patrick Dempsey and the gay slur against T.R. Knight. But, Washington brought it all out in the open at a press conference celebrating the Golden Globe win of Grey’s Anatomy. Washington’s repeated used of the f-word (it rhymes with maggot) caused a chain reaction that exposed him as a liar. If he is fired, will it upset the balance of the show? How will Rhimes deal with this? Does Washington have anger management issues? Years ago, he got into a scuffle with Nicole Ari Parker and Tracey Edmonds on the set of Soul Food.
Author Terry McMillan’s worst nightmare is coming true. Her gay ex-husband is ready to tell all. Jonathan Plummer has just signed a deal with publishing house Simon and Shuster to write about his life with McMillan. Plummer was 23 years younger than McMillan when he met her in his native Jamaica. The pairing was hot and exciting, and McMillan wrote about it in the bestseller How Stella Got Her Groove Back. McMillan and Plummer married, and they moved to the United States. She gave him the money to start a dog grooming business, and they settled into domestic bliss. Well, the honeymoon didn’t last long. Plummer needed to be true to himself, and he decided to explore his sexuality. Plummer realized he was gay and when McMillan found out, all hell broke loose. McMillan’s antics following the breakup made headlines, and she had to pay him thousands of dollars. McMillan was humiliated and betrayed. She claims Plummer only married her for her money and to gain U.S. Citizenship. Plummer now works as a hairstylist and his book, Balancing Act, is due out later this year. Plummer says he wants to help other black men come out of the closet. McMillan is also planning to write a book, which is due out next year. She says she will reveal how the court system let her down and let her ex pimp her. McMillan has admitted to friends she fears for her life as Plummer continues to bleed her for money.
Tomi Rae Hynie says she deserves a portion of The James Brown Estate. Hynie claims she was married to James Brown, but the marriage was found not legal when it was discovered she was already married to another man. Hynie says she sacrificed her life to be perfect for Brown. Hynie says you had to look a certain way if you wanted to be his woman. Fat, sloppy, unattractive women didn’t stand a chance with the Godfather. Hynie admits to various plastic surgery procedures including work on her breasts, lips, lipo, chin rebuilt, a brow lift and new teeth. The various procedures left her hooked on painkillers. Brown’s third wife, Adrienne, died after getting liposuction surgery. The contents of The James Brown Will have been revealed. Hynie and her five-year old son, James Brown, Jr., were left out. At press time, no monetary figures were released, but family members will divide furniture, appliances, pictures, silverware, China, glass, books, jewelry, boats, clothes and cars.
At this point, I think Tomi and James II are the least of worries. His other kids are already contesting the will.
Mary J. Blige has a message for the haters: Mind Your Own Business, We Got This! Late last year, there were reports of marital strife between Mary and her husband Kendu Isaacs. Blige has been married to Isaacs for four years, and she says the stories came from disgruntled former employees. She admits there was a tense period in her marriage to Isaacs, but they love each other and whatever problems they may have they are going to work it out.
Director Brett Ratner (Rush Hour) is looking to put together a who’s who of top black talent for his next movie project, a black version of Ocean’s Eleven. Word has it Ratner is in talks with Chris Tucker, Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy, Denzel Washington, Martin Lawrence and Sidney Poitier for a movie.
Randy Jackson of The Jacksons is resting comfortably after suffering a heart attack in Switzerland. The past few years have been rough on the youngest Jackson brother. He’s 46-years old, and he’s been suffering from exhaustion and stress. Last year, Randy was fired as the advisor and manager of big brother Michael. With no career, money or job prospects, Randy needs help. He has numerous children and girlfriends, and he has no way to take care of them.
Another Jackson making headlines is Jermaine Jackson. He’s currently starring in the UK version of Celebrity Big Brother. In 1989, Jermaine converted to Islam, and he says the decision changed his life forever. He felt born again after turning his back on the Jehovah’s Witness religion. Jermaine's nine children are all Muslim, as well as his wife, Haleema Rashid. Jermaine is 52-years old, and his Islamic name is Muhammad Abdul Aziz. Jermaine admits his family was not happy with his decision, but they have accepted it.
Alicia Keys a lesbian? Yes she is in her new movie. In Smokin' Aces with Ben Affleck, Jeremy Piven, and Common, Keys plays a lesbian hit woman. Why a lesbian? Keys says she wanted to do something different. Even though she enjoys acting, she will not be giving up her singing career. New music is expected later this year from Alicia.
Season number three of Dancing With The Stars is set for March 19th. Boxer Laila Ali will be joining the celebrity dancers.
A group of California contractors found out the hard way that if Oscar Winner Halle Berry hires you to do a job, don’t speak to her! The workers were hired to stain some wood cabinets for the beauty. The job costs $57 thousand. When the contractors started work, they were told immediately not to approach or speak to Halle. You can speak to her if she speaks to you.
Actress Nia Long’s mystery man has been revealed. It’s not Yao Ming of the Houston Rockets or Reggie Bush of the New Orleans Saints. The mystery sports guy in her life is 6’4 Guard Cuttino Mobley of the Los Angeles Clippers. Mobley grew up in Philly, and he’s an 8-year vet. Mobley is 32-years old, and he recently signed a $42 million deal with the Clippers.
Is he the one who beat up the babydaddy at the mall? 
Samuel L. Jackson will be teaming up with Kerry Washington for the thriller Lake View Terrace. Jackson will play a police officer trying to force out an interracial couple that moves next door to him. Washington plays half of the couple.
Musiq Soulchild is back. Musiq’s new album, Luvanmusiq, comes out next month on the 13th.
Hats off to the staff at Sister2Sister magazine, the February issue features a fabulous tribute to the Late Gerald Levert. Jamie Foster Brown, Calvin Terrell and the staff outdid themselves with this tribute. If you are a Gerald Levert fan, this is a must. The 48 page keepsake has everything dedicated to Gerald Levert: the words, the wit, the wisdom from his dad, his kids, family members, musicians and friends.
Despite her wacky antics, Simon Cowell is standing behind Paula Abdul. Over the past year, Paula’s on air antics have been the talk of the town. The loopy behavior, slurred words, disheveled hair, disoriented comments. Cowell says he won’t do American Idol without her, and that he doesn’t want to work with boring people. Paula swears she doesn’t drink or do recreational drugs. Could it be prescription drugs because she appears totally out of it? Later this year, look for Paula’s new reality TV show on the Bravo network entitled Hey Paula!
Terrence Howard’s new movie, Pride, opens in theatres next month. In Pride, Howard plays “Jim Ellis,” a swim coach from Philadelphia who led a championship team of swimmers to excellence. Bernie Mac and Kimberly Elise also star. Howard is a very busy man. There’s also talk that he will be playing Rick James in the upcoming movie about his life.
Talk Show Host Tavis Smiley is still a single man. There were published reports about Smiley dating CNN News Anchor Fredricka Whitfield. Whitfield is happily married to John Glenn of the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and they are the proud parents of a baby boy.
Actress Regina King is enjoying her role in the Fox show 24. She plays the President’s sister. King recently ended her marriage citing irreconcilable differences.
Usher has to answer to the law. Usher has been ordered to pay a fine for speeding after being found guilty of speeding in his Range Rover. He will pay a $200 fine, and perform 20 hours of community service.
Supermodel Naomi Campbell is coming to ABC’s Ugly Betty. Campbell is going to play a crazy fashionista who loves to shop and can’t find a man.
The 49th Annual Grammy Awards air February 11th on CBS. Beyonce is one of the scheduled performers. Mary J. Blige is up for eight awards.
Former Heavyweight Champ Mike Tyson has a February 26th court date. A few weeks ago, he was arrested and charged with drug possession and driving under the influence. At the time of his arrest, he pleaded guilty, but now he has changed his mind. If found guilty, Tyson could face 7 1/2 years in prison.
Upcoming Movies:
January 26th- Smoking Aces – Ben Affleck, Alicia Keys and Common.
February 9th- Norbit – Eddie Murphy.
February 13th- Tyler Perry’s Daddy’s Little Girls- Gabrielle Union, Idris Elba, Louis Gossett, Jr. and Tracee Ellis Ross.
March 2nd- Wild Hogs- John Travolta, Martin Lawrence and Tim Allen.
March 16th- I Think I Love My Wife- Chris Rock, Gina Torres and Kerry Washington.
Also coming in March- Pride – Terrence Howard and Bernie Mac.
April 6th- Are We Done Yet? Ice Cube and Nia Long.
The new Gerald Levert CD, In My Songs, arrives in stores February 13th. The first single is the tile track, In My Songs.
Prince is the halftime performer at this year’s Superbowl. The big game is February 4th. Prince is scheduled to a tribute to James Brown during the show. Pop Star Billy Joel will be singing the national anthem. Superbowl 41 will feature the Colts vs. The Bears, and is already one for the record books. This will mark the first time both Superbowl contenders will be head coached by African Americans, Tony Dungy (The Colts) and Lovie Smith (The Bears).
The latest David E. Talbert stage musical, Love In The Nick of Tyme, is coming to Trenton, New Jersey. The musical stars Morris Chestnut, Singer Trenyce (American Idol) and Singer Avant. The musical is happening January 30-31st at the Patriots Theatre War Memorial. Singer Vivian Green is doing the music.
My Brother Marvin is the life story of Marvin Gaye. The stage musical was written by Marvin’s sister, Zeola Gaye. My Brother Marvin will be at the Merriam Theatre, February 14th-18th. The musical stars Keith Washington, Clifton Powell, Marvin’s daughter Nona Gaye, Tony Grant and John Canada Terrell.
Men, Money & Golddiggers is also coming to Philly at the Merriam Theatre, February 27th- March 4th. The play stars Robin Givens, Carl Payne, Miguel Nunez, Jr., Chico Benymon and Essence Atkins.
BET’s Celebration of Gospel will air on January 28th. WDAS morning man Steve Harvey will be hosting with special guests Fantasia, Kirk Franklin, Shirley Caesar, and Smokie Norful.
WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This Media Personality travels around the country with his show. He has women in every city. He loves Groupies, but they don’t love him. Word has it he is quite boring. All he does is talk about himself, and he has bad breath. The women also claim he has no bedroom skills. This media figure calls himself the bad boy, but the only bad thing about him is his bedroom antics.
Shut it down, shut it down!!!!
This Oscar Winner is having a secret relationship with a Playboy Lingerie Model. The Oscar Winner has a strong fan base, and he knows his fans won’t like it when they find he is dating someone outside of his race. The Playboy beauty is tired of being hidden. She figures it’s 2007, and we need to let the world know about our love. He strongly disagrees. He may have to dump her, or pay her off to keep his secret.
Dear Jamie, We all know you like whyte girls. Please stop trying to hide it. And I may see you in Columbia in March.
Hybrid Mode
