MORE Celebrity News/Dish/Talk

[Honeykiss1974]

Originally posted by AKA2D '91
No. She divorced him a few years ago. If this is the same "big dude" you are referring to. The "big dude" I'm talking about tested positive for performance enhanced drugs or something during the Olympics. Which Olympics? I can't remember.

Yep, that's him! I didn't know they were divorced.

[AKA2D '91]

They separated not too long after that "scandal". Then, I think they ultimately divorced. I remember seeing her on a sports show where she was building this HUGE home. That was at least 2 years ago.

[RedefinedDiva]

Originally posted by Afrochic
Poet/Author Dr. Maya Angelou recently celebrated her 75th birthday at her North Carolina Home. Oprah Winfrey spared no expense with the Million Dollar party she threw for Dr. Angelou. Some of the costs included 40 thousand dollars for security, 90 thousand for guests and transportation, 100 thousand dollars for flowers and landscaping, 120 thousand for food and liquor, and 75 thousand dollars for a dance floor and sound system. Some of the guests included Bill Cosby, Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick and Natalie Cole.

I guess my invitation got lost in the mail, huh?

[Steeltrap]

Jason Sehorn was referenced in the "Black men are the best thread, but..." on DST Blvd.

From NY Daily News:

A pregnant pause...

It's nice to see that some of our items bear fruit. Having first linked then-"Law & Order" actress Angie Harmon and then-New York Giant Jason Sehorn in October 1999, it's a pleasure to report that they're expecting their first child at the end of October.

"They wanted to wait until the second trimester to announce it," says their spokesman.

You'll recall that Sehorn proposed to Harmon on "The "Tonight Show" in March 2000 and the couple got married in June 2001. They've been dividing their time between New York and Angie's hometown of Dallas, as Sehorn entertains offers from other teams.

[FeeFee]

The Sharon Smackdown

Sharon Osbourne got into a nasty altercation with Hollywood power agent Renee Tab at the Japanese restaurant Koi in Los Angeles. What really happened during the fight? Did Sharon and Tab exchange blows? Steven Cojocaru talked, as only he knows how, to Sharon's daughter Kelly about the 'Sharon Smackdown'.

"I wasn't there. I don't really know what happened. All I know is that this girl did punch my mom and my mom does have a huge black face," Kelly told Cojo at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards.

So who attacked whom inside this Hollywood restaurant? The two combatants have a history which prompted the "dispute." Back on New Year's Eve, Tab won a $15,000 necklace raffled off as Ozzy and Sharon renewed their wedding vows. The Osbournes insisted the raffle was for invited guests only, and claimed Tab was not one of them. The Osbournes filed a theft report, and though police have dropped their probe, both parties' lawyers continue to haggle over a resolution.

Kelly was less than thrilled that her 50-year-old mom, still bouncing back from chemotherapy, must now deal with this new trauma.

When asked how Sharon's doing since the fight, Kelly said: "She's a little knocked up. I think it's just disgusting. I don't think that women should ever hit each other. You know, it's one thing if you slap and pull, but to actually punch another woman in the face -- it's disgusting."

Tab claims Osbourne spit on her, while Sharon claims Renee "viciously assaulted" her, causing Sharon to seek treatment at a hospital. Police questioned both, and so far neither has been arrested or charged. If investigators determine a misdemeanor assault occurred then prosecution is a possibility.

[bro_strawter]

Touring that is...


Aretha takes a long look back with final tour
By Edna Gundersen, USA TODAY
April 14, 2003

Aretha Franklin may reign indefinitely as the Queen of Soul, but as a
touring entity, she's the queen of "so long."

Aretha Franklin says her current tour will be her last.

The R&B icon says her current outing, which started Friday and
stretches into fall, will be her last. She's not abdicating a throne
she has occupied for more than three decades. Franklin, 61, has two
albums in the works and intends to perform occasionally at special
events, private parties and in commercials.

"I'll never quit," she vows. "I'll always be singing. I just won't do
as much as I have been. I'm scaling it down."

Her final road show, which she has tentatively dubbed "Aretha Sings
Her Musical History," plucks selections from 1962 to 2003. Backed by
a 22-piece band that includes strings, brass and four singers,
Franklin plans to dip into her early years and draw from Broadway's
songbooks for material she has never performed live. She also has
honed new versions of favorites such as Ain't No Way and Freeway of
Love. Expect a nostalgic ride.

"I was listening to things from the '60s like Try a Little
Tenderness, Won't Be Long and If Ever I Should Leave You, and I got a
little teary," she says from her custom bus en route to a concert in
Albany, N.Y.

Later shows will be augmented by dancers Franklin will handpick from
open auditions at a Southfield, Mich., hotel in May. Franklin hits
Washington, Boston and Atlanta in June, then the Midwest in July and
New England in August.

Known to don extravagant gowns, Franklin is sating her fashion
passion with stage garb designed by Valentino, Donna Karan, Halston,
Bill Blass and Luther Vandross.

Yes, that Luther. To celebrate their friendship, the R&B crooner "has
designed two of the most fabulous gowns I've ever seen," says
Franklin, who first spotted Vandross' handiwork on his backup singers
at a Detroit concert. "He might have missed his calling. He's every
bit as fabulous designing as he is singing."

The last leg of the tour will coincide with a new album, due Sept. 9,
that Franklin says is her best since 1982's Jump to It.

"It's absolutely smashing," she says. "And it's fun. You don't want
to be too serious."

Troy Taylor produced and co-wrote Franklin's two duets with Mary J.
Blige, and Burt Bacharach submitted a midtempo tune. Franklin wrote
the euphoric So Damned Happy, which she pronounces "a No. 1 hit."

Next up is a collection of arias, due in late 2003, that includes O
Mio Bambino Caro, Song to the Moon and Nessun Dorma, which floored
viewers at the 1998 Grammys.

After she pulls off the road, Franklin plans to devote time helping
her sons pursue record deals in hip-hop.

Her advice to aspiring singers has nothing to do with voice lessons
or piano practice.

"Get that diploma," she commands. "The music industry is extremely
competitive. Get that piece of paper so you have something to fall
back on. "

Find this article at:
http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/n...-04-13-aretha-
final_x.htm

IN ADDITION!!

Another bit of news for those who haven't already heard. Patti LaBelle is no longer with MCA Records. Seems she has followed Mariah to Def Jam Records and is in the process of recording a new CD. The bad news is, it will include a collaboration with none other than rapper 50 Cents.

[Eclipse]

Originally posted by bro_strawter
Touring that is...


.

Known to don extravagant gowns, Franklin is sating her fashion
passion with stage garb designed by Valentino, Donna Karan, Halston,
Bill Blass and Luther Vandross.

Imma hava go see Ree Ree when she comes to the ATL. I just hope Valentino, Donna, Luffa and nem buy enough fabric to cover her girls up. They've been getting a little too much press lately. LOL

[Steeltrap]

Originally posted by Eclipse
Imma hava go see Ree Ree when she comes to the ATL. I just hope Valentino, Donna, Luffa and nem buy enough fabric to cover her girls up. They've been getting a little too much press lately. LOL

CTFU on the "girls," or tig ol bitties.

But it must be nice to be ReRe and have all these designers making clothes for her. Wish that was the case for us average plus-sized women.

[CrimsonTide4]

Originally posted by bro_strawter
Another bit of news for those who haven't already heard. Patti LaBelle is no longer with MCA Records. Seems she has followed Mariah to Def Jam Records and is in the process of recording a new CD. The bad news is, it will include a collaboration with none other than rapper 50 Cents.

WTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF

**smh**
**RME**

BOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSS

[AKA2D '91]

RE: Re-Re. Many stars say they are going to retire from touring. I'm sure she'll come out of retirement like Jordan. RE RE has too many bills and the IRS knocking on her door all the time. Many "older" stars make more money by touring. Let's see how long it's going to last.

Good luck 'Retha!

[Steeltrap]

From the Los Angeles Times:

LAKER REPORT
Birth Could Cause Shaq to Miss Game

By Tim Brown
Times Staff Writer

April 17, 2003

OAKLAND -- Shaunie O'Neal, Shaquille's pregnant wife, is not due with the couple's son until the end of April, but O'Neal on Wednesday said he could not rule out missing a playoff game to witness the event.

"I'm not thinking about it until it happens," he said after the Lakers ended their regular season with a win against the Golden State Warriors. "But, I will be there for the birth of my son. I gotta be the first black man he sees."

O'Neal had speculated in recent weeks that doctors would induce Shaunie's labor on a date convenient for both, in part to free him up for playoff games. He said Wednesday, however, that Shaunie was not ready for the procedure.

"I'm going to let it play out," he said. "She's not ready and I'm not going to force it. When the baby comes, I'm going to be there."

The Lakers play at Minnesota on Sunday and Tuesday, then return to Los Angeles for games next Thursday and Sunday. Shaunie's due date is April 27, the same day as Game 4 at Staples Center.

[FeeFee]

Braxton to Join Cast of 'Aida'
Apr 17, 5:57 AM EST

Toni Braxton is graduating from Disney's "Beauty and the Beast" to "Aida."

The sultry-voiced singer will join the cast of "Aida," the long-running, Disney-produced Broadway musical June 30 for a limited four-month engagement. Braxton, whose hits include "Breathe Again," "Un-Break My Heart" and "He Wasn't Man Enough," previously starred as Belle in the Broadway edition of "Beauty and the Beast" in 1998.

"Aida," which has a score by Elton John and Tim Rice, opened at Broadway's Palace Theatre in March 2000. Set in ancient Egypt, it tells the love story of the Nubian princess Aida, sold into slavery, and her love for a handsome soldier, Radames.

Bernie Mac to Play Milwaukee Brewer
Apr 17, 11:02 AM EST

The Brewers will have a new addition to their lineup in July — Bernie Mac.

The comedian and TV star will be donning Brewers blue for the feature film "Mr. 3,000," which starts filming at Miller Park and other Milwaukee locations in July, the Greater Milwaukee Convention and Visitors Bureau said Thursday.

Mac will play a fictitious Milwaukee Brewer who retires with 3,000 career hits, only to come back to baseball a few years later when a statistical error reveals he is three hits short of the milestone.

The film's production crew has told team officials it hopes to film live baseball and crowd scenes on July 23 and 24, when the real Brewers play the Houston Astros.

The film will be directed by Charles Stone III. Stone is best known for directing "Drumline," a film released last year about a showboating Harlem drummer and Budweiser's "Whaaas-Up?" beer commercials.

The film will be produced by Disney's Touchstone Pictures and Spyglass Entertainment.

People from the community will be used as extras, as was the case with the 1989 baseball movie "Major League," which starred Brewers broadcaster Bob Uecker, Tom Berenger, Charlie Sheen and Wesley Snipes.

That movie was filmed in County Stadium but was about a team in Cleveland.

Milwaukee has been the home of several independent films, including "American Movie," "Chump Change," "The Last Great Ride," "Britney Baby: One More Time," "Lady in the Box," "Red Betsy" and "Milwaukee Minnesota."

A number of movies have been filmed elsewhere in Wisconsin, including "Chain Reaction," "The Deep End of the Ocean," "Dexter Dickie," "Reeseville" and "Normal."

[Virtual Violet]

Luther Vandross Suffers Stroke
E! Online to My Yahoo!


By Joal Ryan

The "Here and Now" must be especially precious for Luther Vandross, felled by a stroke Wednesday.


"Vandross is under medical care and his family and friends are hopeful for a speedy recovery," Carmen Romano, the singer's business manager, said in a statement.


The three-time Grammy-winning R&B star turns 52 on Sunday.


News of Vandross' attack came from his label, J Records. There was no word on his condition, or details on where he was being treated.


The singer's latest album, Dance With My Father, is due out June 17.


The album is the 15th of Vandross' solo career, and features contributions by Beyoncé Knowles, Queen Latifah and Stevie Wonder, among others.


He was scheduled to perform April 30 in Memphis at grand-opening ceremonies for the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, dedicated to the legendary R&B label Stax Records (home to the likes of Otis Redding (news) and Sam and Dave).


Vandross' health has been the subject of speculation for years due to his very public battles with the bulge. The sultry-voiced, six-foot-three soul man has weighed as much as 340 pounds, as little as 200. In recent years, he's been on the svelte side.


"As a celebrity, rumors start," Vandross told the Website HealthTalk in 2001. "There were rumors that I died. There were rumors that I had AIDS (news - web sites), all because of the weight loss."


According to Vandross, he's just a yo-yo dieter, gaining and losing 120 pounds 14 separate times in his life.


"I don't function in the gray area well," he told HealthTalk. "I'm a black-and-white person. I'm either thin-thin, or I'm WWF heavy."


Vandross also copes with diabetes, a condition he was diagnosed with at age 18.


No amount of health issues, though, thwarted one of the most successful music careers ever. Beginning with his 1981 solo debut, Never Too Much, the New York-born singer-songwriter became R&B's standard-bearer of the smooth love song. In short, long before there was American Idol's Ruben Studdard, there was, and is, Luther Vandross (news).


His greatest hits could (and sometimes do) fill a wedding reception: the title cut from Never Too Much, "Give Me the Reason," "Always and Forever," "Power of Love" and his signature tune, "Here and Now."


Vandross' career dates back to the early 1970s, when as something of a prodigy (he was 20), he composed a song, "Everybody Rejoice (A Brand New Day)," for the Broadway musical The Wiz.


Throughout the 1970s, he apprenticed as a back-up vocalist for the likes of Bette Midler (news), Barbra Streisand (news) and David Bowie (news). Bowie's landmark 1975 album Young Americans even contains a track cowritten by Vandross, "Fascination."


Of his new album, Vandross said in a statement, "I have been reexamining the way I write: I don't want to say anything that was just nifty."

[Dancerella1908]

Say it AIN'T so....Not my Luther!!!

I pray that he has a full and speedy recovery!

[WenD08]

i guess we won't see him on American Idol. i saw him on one of those entertainment shows telling a reporter that he was to appear as a judge in early May. i hope he makes a full recovery.