The news of Ledisi’s casting was first announced last night at “WANTED Unplugged,” an exclusive one-night-only concert experience hosted at Artist House in Soho. The special evening featured intimate performances of songs from the new musical. Ledisi shared, “I am beyond thrilled to join the cast of Wanted. My first Broadway principal role, and I still can’t believe it. I keep thinking about the journey, God’s timing, and the importance of legacy. I’m grateful to Angelica Chéri, Ross Baum, Stevie Walker-Webb, and our producers for trusting me with the role of Tallulah, and to my family, friends, and team for giving me the courage to say ‘yes.’ I love being a recording artist, and that will never change. Theatre has always been part of my vision as a storyteller. This isn’t a pivot… It’s another expansion of me. And I’m just getting started.” Ledisi has built a career defined by vocal excellence, emotional storytelling, and fearless creativity, seamlessly blending R&B, soul, jazz, gospel, and blues into a sound that is uniquely her own. A classically trained vocalist with a commanding stage presence, Ledisi has earned critical acclaim for both her recordings and live performances. Over the course of her career, Ledisi has received multiple Grammy nominations, including “Best New Artist” for her breakthrough album Lost & Found, and won the Grammy Award for “Best Traditional R&B Performance” for her song “Anything For You.” In 2025, she earned two additional Grammy nominations for “Best R&B Album” for her sixteenth studio album, The Crown, and “Best Traditional R&B Performance” for the album’s standout single, “Love You Too.” Ledisi’s film and television credits include Selma (2014) and Remember Me: The Mahalia Jackson Story (2022), as well as appearances in “American Soul,” “Pose,” and Spinning Gold. Her Broadway credits include Caroline, or Change (2004) and Hair (2004). Texas, 1893 — Twin sisters Mary and Martha Clarke are on the run. The sisters, Black women who pass for white and hide in plain sight, straddle a dangerous line between two …
Posted in Celebrity Profile | Leave a commentThe Arena at Southlake made its live music debut in spectacular fashion on May 1, as Floetry headlined a packed inaugural concert before an electrified crowd in Morrow, Georgia, marking a landmark moment for Clayton County and South Metro Atlanta. With lines wrapped around the building, the 8,000-seat venue drew a vibrant crowd for its first night of live entertainment, setting a new standard for the region. Teedra Moses opened with a captivating set, performing fan favorites and new music to an enthusiastic audience. Closing out the night, Floetry delivered a high-energy, emotionally charged set, reminding fans why they are one of the genre’s most revered acts. With commanding presence, the duo seamlessly moved through a catalog of hits including “Butterflies,” “Sunshine,” “Say Yes,” and “Floetic.” In one of the evening’s most powerful moments, they paused to share candid reflections on their relationship and the journey that brought them back together — an honest, moving exchange that resonated deeply with the audience. This moment underscored themes of sisterhood, healing, and legacy, adding greater emotional depth to the performance. The set concluded with a heartfelt tribute to friends and family, creating a shared experience that drew the audience even closer to the music. Raheem DeVaughn (photo by Britney Sims) delivered a dynamic, interactive performance — serenading members of the crowd and honoring the legacies of Angie Stone and D’Angelo. He also used his platform to raise awareness about the impact of HIV on Black women.
Posted in Atlanta Scene | Leave a commentUsher’s New Look (UNL) and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit (BGCGD) today announced the launch of the Entertainment Industry Club: Live Touring Edition—a first-of-its-kind workforce development initiative designed to accelerate career pathways for young adults in the entertainment trades. As part of 2026 North American R&B Tour, the program will select a cohort of ten interns (ages 18+) from Detroit and Atlanta to gain hands-on experience across key areas including tour production, wardrobe, multimedia, community impact, and operations. Interns will complete a pre-tour training experience focused on professional standards, safety, and role-specific skills before joining the tour and contributing directly to live show execution. In parallel, the initiative will engage youth nationwide through Spark Sessions: “Making of the Tour,” offering behind-the-scenes access to the planning, production, and business of a live touring experience at Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. “The live touring industry is a multi-billion dollar global business—yet access to the entertainment trades remain limited,” said Shawn H. Wilson, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit and Co-Founder of Usher’s New Look. “Together, we’re changing that by placing young professionals on one of the most historic tours and turning access into real pathways to lasting careers.” “At Usher’s New Look, we’ve always believed talent is everywhere, but access is not,” said USHER. “This program is opening doors and putting young professionals in a position to learn, grow, and work inside the entertainment trades. It’s about giving them a real opportunity.” As the tour travels, interns will also lead community activations in each city in partnership with local Boys & Girls Clubs, delivering career workshops, training sessions, and peer-to-peer learning experiences that extend the program’s impact beyond the internship cohort. [Applications for the Entertainment Industry Club: Live Touring Edition are open now. Interested candidates can learn more …
Posted in Elevate | Leave a commentBeyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour are co-chairing this year’s (controversial) fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute. BY LAURA TUCKER, LAURIE BROOKINS MAY 4, 2026 2:36PM Perhaps no Met Gala has spawned as much advance chatter as the event kicking off Monday evening on the steps of New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. Indeed, even a cursory look at social media proves that fashion devotees and neophytes alike have thoughts about this year’s fundraiser for the museum’s Costume Institute, and how those strong opinions might impact the starry evening is about to be revealed. Backlash kicked in almost immediately upon the announcement in February that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, would serve as the evening’s honorary chairs, contributing $10 million for the privilege. Amid ongoing economic challenges that include high gas and grocery prices, ICE protests and Amazon’s $1 million contribution to Donald Trump’s 2024 inauguration, the Bezos’ involvement in the Met Gala has been viewed as myopic, rubbing plenty of New Yorkers and members of the fashion and entertainment industries the wrong way. That may play out as protests on the sidewalk across the street from the museum’s Fifth Avenue steps, which in the past has been occupied largely with fans cheering as guests arrive. Most official livestreams of the Met Gala carpet kick off at 6 p.m., but look for earlier arrivals to include the evening’s co-chairs: Condé Nast chief content officer Anna Wintour, who has been overseeing the Met Gala since 1995, alongside Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Beyoncé, attending her first Met Gala since 2016. Bezos and his wife are likely also due to arrive at this time, with members of the host committee — a buzzy list that includes Sabrina Carpenter, Teyana Taylor, Elizabeth Debicki, Chase Sui Wonders and Blackpink’s Lisa — following soon …
Posted in Fashion, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentAward-winning comedians Sherri Shepherd and Kym Whitley are set to bring their acclaimed podcast “Two Funny Mamas” to the live stage at MotorCity Casino’s Sound Board in Detroit on Friday, May 8, at 8 PM. The special event will kick off Mother’s Day weekend, offering audiences an unforgettable night of laughter and camaraderie.“This is a celebration of the unsung heroism of women everywhere,” said Kym Whitley. “Our live show invites everyone into our world—a place where humor serves as both commentator and companion.”As hosts of the critically acclaimed, three-time NAACP Image Award-winning podcast, Shepherd and Whitley have captivated audiences with their unfiltered, candid discussions on a diverse range of topics, including cultural identity, sisterhood, love, motherhood, romantic relationships, pop culture, and societal issues. Their natural chemistry has been cultivated over 25 years of close friendship and joint ventures across various entertainment platforms, including television, radio, and digital media.The partnership between these powerhouse comediennes offers more than laughs; it provides a nuanced perspective that speaks directly to the heart of working women. An audience member can expect an experience akin to sitting down for coffee with two incredibly funny friends who aren’t afraid to speak candidly about life’s complexities, including career challenges, work-life balance, and personal growth.Sherri and Kym bring their extensive experience as engaging hosts of popular television shows, comedic actresses renowned for their impeccable timing and improvisational skills, and best-selling authors recognized for their compelling storytelling and ability to connect with diverse audiences.Tickets for this highly anticipated, must-see event are going quickly, so fans eager for humorous insights and heartfelt stories should consider securing seats early. This event promises to be another memorable addition to Mother’s Day celebrations across the country, brought to you by Two Funny Mamas Live! To purchase tickets online, visit ticketmaster.com.PRESS CONTACT:Christopher Sibley, The Sibley Firm, pr@thesibleyfirm.biz SUBMIT INTERVIEW REQUESTS About Two Funny Mamas PodcastTwo Funny Mamas is a comedy podcast that …
Posted in Comedy | Leave a commentTrailer:https://youtu.be/BSQnGq2n_Ws?si=YrCny09McAKm7J-U Lifetime announces its latest faith-based drama Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery, set to premiere on Saturday, June 6th at 8/7c. The movie stars Grammy Award-winning artist Erica Campbell as Cassie Newton, who is grappling with the consequences of her actions and the true meaning of faith and forgiveness. CJ Williams stars as Daniel, Cassie’s husband, whose unwavering love is put to the ultimate test while Traí Byers rounds out the love triangle as Troy Stamps, the “other man” whose presence threatens to unravel Cassie’s carefully constructed life. Jasmine Guy rounds out the cast as world renown empowerment speaker, Anita Pierce and former NBA champion Matt Barnes makes his movie debut portraying the affable Detective Wilson in the thought-provoking film that explores the complexities of faith, morality, and personal integrity in the face of temptation and betrayal.In Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery, Cassie Newton, a renowned Christian feminist icon and bestselling author, finds her world turned upside down when she becomes the target of a blackmail scheme. Confronted with damning evidence of her extramarital affair, Cassie must navigate the treacherous waters of public scrutiny while fighting to salvage her marriage, career, and the trust of her devoted followers. As the stakes escalate and the betrayal of a once-trusted assistant comes to light, Cassie is forced to confront her own hypocrisy and make an impossible choice. Will she compromise her principles to protect her brand and the safety of her followers, or will she risk losing everything by exposing her own failings?Thou Shall Not Commit Adultery is produced by Releve Entertainment and Swirl Films, with Dr. Holly Carter, Angela Shin, Keesha Brickhouse, Eric Tomosunas, Ron Robinson, and Errol Sadler serving as executive producers. Patricia Cuffie Jones directs from a script by Nneka Grestle. ABOUT LIFETIME: Celebrating over 40 years of entertaining audiences, Lifetime is a premier entertainment destination for women dedicated to offering the highest quality original programming spanning award-winning movies, high-quality scripted series and breakout non-fiction series. Lifetime has an impressive legacy in public affairs, bringing attention to social issues that women care about with initiatives such as the long running Stop Breast Cancer for Life and Stop Violence Against Women. Lifetime Television®, LMN®, Lifetime Real …
Posted in TV | Leave a commentWhen it’s time for a getaway, a tropical destination is always ideal for me. Recently, I traveled to Los Cabos, Mexico. Here are just a few highlights from my trip: breathtaking ocean views, scrumptious cuisine, stunning tropical and desert-like scenery, infinity poolside fun, and a glass-bottom boat tour to see the iconic Cabo San Lucas Arch — all while enjoying friendship and fellowship. I’ll let the photos speak for themselves. Enjoy, and stay tuned for more of my daily vlogs! Photos and Video by Sonya Jenkins (Photos 2, 4, 14 – Compliments of Esperanza’s Tours)
Posted in Travel | Leave a commentIn a night that paid tribute to the enduring legacy of Michael Jackson, Lionsgate hosted the Los Angeles premiere of MICHAEL at the Dolby Theatre and TCL Chinese Theatre with a red carpet, activations and fanfare extending across Hollywood Blvd. A black glitter carpet set the electric tone from the outset of the night! In attendance were stars Jaafar Jackson, Juliano Valdi, Nia Long, Jaafar Jackson, Juliano Valdi, Nia Long, Colman Domingo, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, Larenz Tate, Miles Teller, Kendrick Sampson, Mike Myers, and Deon Cole, alongside director Antoine Fuqua, screenwriter John Logan, and producers Graham King, John Branca. The Jackson Family was also in attendance Marlon Jackson, Jackie Jackson, Jermaine Jackson, La Toya Jackson, Katherine Jackson and Prince Jackson. Support for Michael and the film drew a star-studded carpet of attendees including Stevie Wonder, Usher, Martin Lawrence, Mario Lopez, Ron Isley, Magic Johnson, Chance the Rapper, Steven A. Smith, Karrueche, Jason Derulo, Mario, Wale, Vivica A. Fox, Raven Symone, Kai Cenat, Dwight Howard and Michael “Venom” Page. The event also featured a Getty Images portrait studio, D-Nice at the DJ booth, and Bill Bellamy hosted interviews for MTV on the carpet. Following the screening, as the end credits rolled, guests continued to dance, sing and cheer in the theater along to Michael’s music. When the cast and filmmakers took the stage, the crowd erupted in a standing ovation. Star Jaafar Jackson closed out the evening with a few heartfelt remarks: “Most importantly, I just hope that my uncle, Michael, is smiling from up above.” The night brought together talent, filmmakers, celebs, MJ-fans and audiences all in a shared celebration of the MICHAEL movie and Michael’s lasting impact on music and culture.
Posted in Photos, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentRating: PG-13 Release Date: May 1, 2026 Genre: Comedy, Drama Almost twenty years after making their iconic turns as Miranda, Andy, Emily and Nigel—Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci return to the fashionable streets of New York City and the sleek offices of Runway Magazine in the eagerly awaited sequel to the 2006 phenomenon that defined a generation. The film reunites the original main cast with director David Frankel and writer Aline Brosh McKenna, and introduces an all-new runway of characters including Kenneth Branagh, Simone Ashley, Justin Theroux, Lucy Liu, Patrick Brammall, Caleb Hearon, Helen J. Shen, Pauline Chalamet, B.J. Novak and Conrad Ricamora. Tracie Thoms and Tibor Feldman also reprise their roles as “Lily” and “Irv” from the first film. “The Devil Wears Prada 2” is produced by Wendy Finerman, and executive produced by Michael Bederman, Karen Rosenfelt and McKenna. The film debuts exclusively in theaters May 1, 2026.
Posted in Movie News, TV | Leave a commentFounded by Bobby Brown and Alicia Etheridge Brown, Bobbi Kristina’s Serenity House will host its 5th Annual Celebration of Serenity Sneaker Ball on Sunday, April 26th, bringing together influential voices, celebrities, and changemakers for an evening dedicated to impact, healing, and legacy. Hosted by Emmy Award-winning actor and comedian Anthony Anderson, the regal gala honors organizations and individuals who have made a meaningful difference in their communities and beyond. This year, fashion designer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Tina Knowles will be honored with the Legacy Impact Award for her enduring contributions to culture and community. Award-winning actress, singer, and advocate Tisha Campbell will receive the Thriver Award in recognition of her strength, resilience, and advocacy, while Los Angeles Deputy Chief Ruby Flores, a respected law enforcement leader and community advocate, will be presented with the Changemaker Award for her commitment to public service and community impact. The evening will blend purpose with celebration, featuring a purple carpet entrance, an immersive “Serenity Casino” experience, an inspiring award ceremony, dinner, and live musical performances. The event serves not only as a celebration, but as a powerful reminder of the organization’s mission and the lives it continues to touch. Bobbi Kristina’s Serenity House was created to celebrate the life and legacy of Bobbi Kristina Brown, the beloved daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit is dedicated to eliminating domestic violence and supporting survivors through advocacy, education, and essential services, including 24-hour crisis intervention, transitional housing, and counseling support. The organization also addresses related challenges such as homelessness and mental health, helping individuals rebuild their lives with dignity and care. Over the years, the event has welcomed notable attendees including Babyface, Johnny Gill, DL Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, and Marla Gibbs, among others. The 2026 celebration is expected to draw an exciting …
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