Monday, January 19, 2015

'Pitch Perfect' 2015: Trailer, Release Date, And Christina Aguilera Cameo ...



Following the release of the widely popular original film in 2012, it seems like the "Pitch Perfect" from 2015 will be full of surprises, besides bringing back the movie's beloved cast - now, it seems like "The Voice" coach and pop star Christina Aguilera might be making an appearance!

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The original film was one of the most successful musicals in recent times, taking up a place in history for those who love the genre and creating a new wave of a cappella groups - now, the "Pitch Perfect" 2015 promises to be even more interesting, with the new announcements and rumors.

As FDRMXreports, the latest "Pitch Perfect" 2015 come surrounded with the Christina Aguilera mystique, who hasn't posted anything on her Twitter page since last December - and so there's a media frenzy surrounded the pop star as many wonder what's her next step, following the announcement that she'll be coming back to coach in "The Voice" on its eighth season.

Realty Todaytalks about the latest "Pitch Perfect" 2015 rumors, as there's a whole lot of wonder surrounding Aguilera at the moment; it has been said she's set to make a cameo or even take up a small role in this year's sequel, but many news outlets see it as doubtful due to the fact that she was pregnant at the time of filming; however, it'll only be a sure thing either way in a few months, when the movie hits theaters over the next summer.

Other rumors surrounding the "Fighter" pop star say that she'll be releasing her upcoming album, entitled "Blonde," within the next few months.

In the meantime and according to Just Jared Jr., the 2012 musical has been making news lately after ABC Family just premiered it on television, for those that can't wait until the May 15 release of the "Pitch Perfect" 2015 sequel!

2015 Food World News. All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Source: http://www.foodworldnews.com/articles/13665/20150119/pitch-perfect-2015-2-christina-aguilera-the-voice.htm



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Debra Messing, Katharine McPhee reunite for Broadway musical



'Smash' cast members Debra Messing, Katharine McPhee and Anjelica Huston will reunite for a one-off Broadway production.

The trio will appear with the previously-announced Megan Hilty in a version of Smash's Marilyn Monroe biographical musical 'Bombshell', according to Broadway.Com.

All 22 songs written by Tony and Grammy award-winning pair Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman will be performed to benefit the Actors Fund on June 8, one day after the Tony Awards.

McPhee confirmed the reunion. "It's so cool. I'm going to be there - me and Megan - everyone - Debra, Anjelica.

"It's going to be so fun. That was such a great, really fun - another really special job."

'Hit List', another musical featured in 'Smash', was previously staged on December 9, 2013.

'Smash' was cancelled in May 2013 at the end of its second season.

McPhee has gone on to star in CBS procedural drama 'Scorpion', which was renewed earlier this week.

Source: http://www.business-standard.com/article/pti-stories/debra-messing-katharine-mcphee-reunite-for-broadway-musical-115011600078_1.html



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Betty White's 93rd birthday flash mob makes her clap for joy



A simple cake and a relaxing day might be the ideal way for some people to spend their 93rd birthday, but for Betty White, her perfect gift was a flash mob filled with hula dancers.

On Saturday (Jan. 17), in honor of the legendary actress' birthday, the "Hot in Cleveland" cast got together to put on one of the most amazing dances ever. Apparently White is greeted every day on set with a hula dance courtesy of her assistant -- OK, that's unique -- but this time, she was surprised by the entire cast and crew of the TV Land comedy.

As her co-star Dave Foley drives her through set in a golf cart, she is greeted by a friendly mob of people wearing hula skirts and leis who are dancing their butts off for the birthday girl. Of course, throughout the entire performance she appears to be completely shocked and emotional, especially when Valerie Bertinelli, Jane Leeves and Wendie Malick come out with a giant birthday sign and give her a hug.

Honestly, the sheer happiness that radiates from her face when she sees what her friends and co-stars have done for her birthday is enough to choke anyone up with tears of joy for the next week.

The only question is: How are they going to beat this surprise for her 94th birthday?

'Hot in Cleveland' Season 5 photos
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    Ken Jeong, D.W. Moffett, Dave Foley, Valerie Bertinelli, Susan Lucci, Albert Tsai, Wendie Malick, Betty White, Jane Leeves, Georgia Engel and Alex Trebek

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    John Mahoney and Betty White

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    Wendie Mallick, Valerie Bertinelli, Betty White and Jane Leeves

  • 4/12

    Valerie Bertinelli and Jane Leeves

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    Jane Leeves and Craig Ferguson

  • 6/12

    Jane Leeves, Dave Foley, Wendie Mallick and Jennifer Love Hewitt

  • 7/12

    Jane Leeves, Valeria Bertinelli and Wendie Mallick

  • 8/12

    Valerie Bertinelli and Betty White

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    Kristie Alley and Betty White

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    Jane Leeves and Dave Foley

Source: http://www.zap2it.com/blogs/betty_white_93rd_birthday_flash_mob_hot_in_cleveland-2015-01



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Sunday, January 18, 2015

Al Sharpton criticized for calling 'emergency meeting' over Oscar nominations



Al Sharpton is being questioned for calling for an emergency meeting of his "diversity task force" Thursday after the Academy Awards nominated only white actors.

The lack of diversity in todays Oscar nominations is appalling, and while it is good that 'Selma' was nominated for Best Picture, its ironic that they nominated a story about the racial shutout around voting while there is a racial shutout around the Oscar nominations, Sharpton said in a statement. With all of the talent in 'Selma' and other Black movies this year, it is hard to believe that we have less diversity in the nominations today than in recent history.

Sharpton said he will meet next week with allies to discuss "potential actions" ahead or during the Feb. 22 award show.

The Academy's female African American president Cheryl Isaac Burke said she does not believe there is a diversity problem.

"No, not at all," she told Vulture when asked about this year's list of nominees. "The good news is that the wealth of talent is there, and it's being discussed, and it's helpful so much for talent whether in front of the camera or behind the camera to have this recognition, to have this period of time where there is a lot of publicity, a lot of chitter-chatter."

Syndicated columnist Deroy Murdock told FOX News Sharpton should focus his efforts elsewhere.

"Given all the problems facing black Americans today, it seems Al Sharpton ought to organize a whole bunch of emergency meetings on real emergencies before he has a total freak out over how the Academy Awards are playing themselves out," Murdock said.

The Blaze's Amy Holmes told FOX News she saw Sharpton's point, but said he did not go far enough. "I think it's ridiculous, it's absurd, it's appalling that not only African Americans, Hispanic Americans and the whole artistic creative community wouldn't be represented at the Oscars," she said, but also added: "We know with Mr. Sharpton, that he's never seen a racial controversy that he couldn't exploit."

Oscar-snubbed actress Jessica Chastain expressed her concerns over the nominations when she accepted her Most Valuable Player honor at the Critics Choice Awards Thursday night.

"Today is Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday, so it got me thinking about our need to build the strength of diversity in our industry, and to stand together against homophobic, sexist, misogynistic, anti-Semitic and racist agendas," the actress said. "I'm an optimist and I can't help but feel hopeful about the future of film, especially looking at all of the beautiful people in this room."

The White House also announced Thursday that they will host a screening Friday night of the Martin Luther King, Jr. biopic.

According to the LA Times, of the 6,028 Academy Award voters 93 percent are white and76 percent are male. Halle Berry is the only African American female to win Best Actress. Four African American male actors have taken home the award.T.J. Martin is the only African American to win Best Director. Last year, "12 Years a Slave," with a predominantly African American cast, won Best Picture, and African-American actress Lupita Nyong'o won Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film.

Source: http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2015/01/16/al-sharpton-calls-for-emergency-meeting-hollywood-over-lack-diversity-in/



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Hear Frank Ocean's Moving Cover of Aaliyah's 'At Your Best (You Are Love ...



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By Ryan Middleton Jan 17, 2015 02:17 PM EST

Frank Ocean performs at Bonnaroo 2014 (Photo : Getty Images)

On Jan. 16, treasured R&B/soul singer Aaliyahwould have turned 36, and to honor her life, Frank Ocean covered the One In A Millionsinger's rendition of "At Your Best (You Are Love)," an Isley Brotherstrack from 1976 that was covered by Aaliyah in 1994. Frank Ocean took to his active Tumblr account to share the stripped-down and sounful cover. The Channel Orangesinger dishes a moving falsetto, which he titles "You Are Luhh," that is a fitting tribute to the R&B singer who was taken from us too soon. His version seems to transition at the end into something unrelated possibly new music from Ocean. Listen to the rendition below via Ocean's Tumblr.

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A biopic was released about Aaliyah at the end of 2014 by Lifetime. It was widely criticized by those who knew her, including Timbalandwho called the film "bulls--t." The film was unable to clear any of the music from Aaliyah's discography, dooming it from the start and it was widely perceived as inadequately portraying her as a person.

Fans have been eagerly awaiting some sort of news about a follow up to Ocean's breakthrough 2012 album Channel Orange. In November, he revealed the lo-fi "Memrise" through his Tumblr page, but he has kept progress on any progress on new music very close to the vest thus far.

Lil Bposted a pictureof the two in the studio, which would be a very interesting combination to see make an album. According to Rolling Stone, Pharrell, Danger Mouse, Rodney Jenkinsand Hit-Boyare among the producers rumored to be collaborating with Ocean on his follow-up LP.

R&B/Soul More R&B/Soul Articles ?

Lil B More Lil B photos, news and a full bio?

TagsFrank Ocean, Aaliyah, Lil B, Timbaland

2015 MusicTimes.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.

Source: http://www.musictimes.com/articles/24966/20150117/hear-frank-ocean-moving-cover-aaliyah-at-your-best-you-are-love-listen.htm



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CBS suspends ex-Knick Greg Anthony after arrest in prostitution case



CBS and Turner both indefinitely suspended basketball analyst Greg Anthony indefinitely Saturday after he was arrested Friday on a solicitation charge.

Anthony, 47, is the lead analyst on CBS' college basketball telecasts, including during that network's and Turner's coverage of the NCAA Tournament. He also works for NBA TV.

"Greg Anthony will not be working again for CBS this season," the network said in a statement. "He has been suspended indefinitely."

Said Turner: "Greg Anthony has been suspended indefinitely and we will have no further comment at this time."

A District of Columbia police spokesman told The Associated Press that Anthony was arrested at 5:46 p.m. Friday, and that he faces a misdemeanor solicitation charge that is punishable by up to 180 days in jail.

Anthony was in Washington in preparation to analyze the Michigan State at Maryland game Saturday.

Anthony played 11 NBA seasons with six teams, including the Knicks.

Source: http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/greg-anthony-ex-knick-suspended-by-cbs-after-arrest-in-prostitution-case-1.9817428



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Saturday, January 17, 2015

Remembering Aaliyah on Her Birthday



Aaliyah (Sal Idriss/Redferns/Getty Images)

When most of us are 14 years old, we're clumsily navigating the early years of high school. When R&B superstar Aaliyah was 14, she was recording her debut album the double-platinum Age Ain't Nothing but a Number while maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade-point average at the Detroit High School for the Fine and Performing Arts. It marked a fitting beginning to the career of a young woman who would continue to excel for the rest of her life.

But Aaliyah did more than excel she innovated. Her experimental style of R&B influenced a generation of artists (including those who weren't yet born in 1994, when Age Ain't Nothing but a Number was released). She was just 22 when she died in a plane crash after leaving a video shoot in the Bahamas, but her short life left a long legacy. On what would've been her 36th birthday, we look at five ways Aaliyah left an unforgettable impact on music, fashion and pop culture.

The strident "diva" sound reigned supreme for female R&B artists of the 1980s and '90s. Think Whitney Houston belting out "I Will Always Love You" a loud voice and plenty of notes on each syllable. Indeed, Houston was a major innovator of that style, and for years her influence had a tight grip on the genre. Then came Aaliyah, and her subtle, quiet, breathy vocals changed everything. Sometimes almost disappearing into the music instead of rising above it, Aaliyah's hypnotic voice compelled attention instead of demanding it. Aaliyah's quiet, sometimes monotone style has since been echoed by Rihanna, Ashanti and others and while the divas are still out there, they're now far from the primary female sound on the airwaves.

As Aaliyah grew as an artist, her production notably by Timbaland and Missy Elliott evolved into something new for the mainstream. Described as twitchy, stuttery or syncopated, it featured long pauses, jumps and starts. It was much more electronic than the smoother, more organic R&B sound of the 1990s, and it presaged today's highly processed standard, where autotune and electronic instruments rule R&B.

Aaliyah's music changed and grew throughout her career, starting with a new R&B sound and moving on to something that was harder to classify. In The Atlantic, Rick Bellis calls tracks from Aaliyah's 2001 self-titled album "bizarre," "genreless" and "freaky" words meant as compliments to an artist who created an album that was "way-weirder ... than the Sonic Youth record that came out around the same time." Aaliyah's envelope-pushing was inspirational to a music scene that has become increasingly harder to divide into distinct genres, one in which country singers rap, rappers sing, and everyone seems to borrow elements of everyone else's style.

The baggy, buttoned-up styles of the 1980s shifted to sexier, tighter looks in the '90s, and in the R&B world, scanty was the word of the day for women's fashion. Aaliyah thumbed her nose at a music scene that expected her to writhe around in lingerie, preferring a tomboy-inspired silhouette of baggy bottoms and sports bra-style tops, sometimes with a jacket. It was functional as well as attractive, allowing her to dance and move, and it began to dominate teen style in the late '90s and early 2000s. In the years since, the style has retained its undercurrent of influence on young trend makers and Tumblr bloggers, and has more recently re-emerged to the mainstream in sporty-chic collections by designers such as Zana Bayne and Nasir Mazhar.

It may sound silly, but it's true: Aaliyah was perhaps just as influential on parents looking for a baby name as she was on the music world. The name Aaliyah was rarely used before the late '90s, but then its popularity nearly tripled from about 0.08 percent of babies in 1998 to 0.25 percent in 2001, the year of Aaliyah's death. And the tribute didn't fade out as the shock of the young artist's death wore off. Instead, it grew: in 2013, Aaliyah was the 36th most popular name for baby girls.

Did Aaliyah make an impact on your life? Post your comments on Facebook.

Source: http://www.legacy.com/news/legends-and-legacies/remembering-aaliyah-on-her-birthday/2995/



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