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← Older postsBrandy Norwood Returns to Lifetime for Sequel to Holiday Movie, ‘Christmas Everyday’
August 12, 2026Following the success of last year’s Christmas Everyday, Grammy® Award-winning singer and actress Brandy Norwood returns to Lifetime this holiday season to star in and executive produce Christmas Everyday Again (working title). Norwood reprises her role as Francine “Fancy” Ballantine, which garnered her an NAACP award nomination, alongside real-life daughter Sy’rai Smith who stars as Fancy’s younger sister, Belle; Debbi Morgan as their mother, Evelyn; and Robert C. Riley as Fancy’s fiancé, Jaylen. The film recently wrapped production and is part of this year’s It’s a Wonderful Lifetime holiday slate. “I’m so excited to step back into Fancy’s world,” said Brandy Norwood. “Making Christmas Everyday was such a special experience, and I’m thrilled that audiences will get to continue this journey with these characters.” In Christmas Everyday Again, Chicago fashion designer Fancy Ballantine (Brandy Norwood) is preparing for the biggest season of her life as she works to secure the future of her thriving boutique while planning her dream Christmas wedding to her fiancé, Jaylen (Robert C. Riley). With her supportive mother, Evelyn (Debbi Morgan), and spirited sister, Belle (Sy’rai Smith), by her side, everything seems to be falling into place. But when mounting business pressures and the unexpected return of a reformed ex lead Fancy to shoulder every burden on her own, she unintentionally pushes Jaylen away. As Christmas approaches, Fancy must decide whether she’s willing to let go of the past before it costs her the future she’s always dreamed of. Also returning to reprise their roles are Kajuana S. Marie as Deena, Journey Carter as Tia, Jeffrey Bowyer-Chapman as Germaine, and Lamman Rucker as Richard. Gregory Alan Williams joins the cast as Earl. Christmas Everyday Again is produced by FOX Entertainment Studios (FES), Relevé Entertainment, and Motion Entertainment, A WPP Media Company, for Lifetime. Executive producers are Brandy Norwood, Dr. Holly Carter, Ryan Ramsey and Stella Bulochnikov; Fernando Szew, Hannah Pillemer, Larry Grimaldi, and Adam Shepard for FES; Chet …
Posted in Forthcoming | Leave a commentJodeci – “Forever My Lady” – 35th Anniversary 2LP Vinyl
August 4, 2026Jodeci fans, this one belongs in your collection.Celebrate 35 years of “Forever My Lady,” the classic debut album that gave us “Come and Talk to Me,” “Stay,” and a new era for the sound of R&B. The 35th anniversary reissue is available to order now on 2LP black vinyl, featuring bonus tracks and a never before released acapella version of “Stay.”And the celebration does not stop there. Jodeci is heading back out on tour for the 35th anniversary of “Forever My Lady,” with dates and ticket details coming soon.For the fans who lived it, loved it, and never stopped playing it, “Forever My Lady” is back. Order the anniversary reissue now and stay tuned for tour announcements. https://youtu.be/qZCPgfEZvzQ?si=N2v9dpwbXnFbzbCy
Posted in R&B Pop Culture | Leave a commentKIERRA SHEARD HONORED WITH THE BMI IMPACT AWARD AT THE 2026 BMI TRAILBLAZERS OF GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS
August 4, 2026BMI celebrated the best in Gospel music today at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards held at BMI’s Nashville office. Multiple award-winning artist and songwriter Kierra Sheard received the BMI Impact Award in recognition of her impressive career and impact on the future of gospel music. Sheard was also honored as BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year in a three-way tie with her brother J Drew Sheard II and Kerry Douglas. BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year went to “Lead Me On,” and Publisher of the Year went to Capital CMG Publishing. The most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year were also announced at the private ceremony hosted by BMI’s CEO, Mike O’Neill; EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton. BMI celebrated the best in Gospel music today at the 2026 BMI Trailblazers of Gospel Music Awards held at BMI’s Nashville office. Multiple award-winning artist and songwriter Kierra Sheard received the BMI Impact Award in recognition of her impressive career and impact on the future of gospel music. Sheard was also honored as BMI’s Gospel Songwriter of the Year in a three-way tie with her brother J Drew Sheard II and Kerry Douglas. BMI’s Gospel Song of the Year went to “Lead Me On,” and Publisher of the Year went to Capital CMG Publishing. The most-performed Gospel songs of the previous year were also announced at the private ceremony hosted by BMI’s CEO, Mike O’Neill; EVP, Chief Revenue & Creative Officer Mike Steinberg and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton. Douglas and siblings Kierra Sheard and J Drew Sheard II received Songwriter of the Year for each writing three of the most performed Gospel songs of the previous year. Douglas was honored for “Don’t Give Up,” “Windows” and “Without You,” bringing his total BMI Awards up to five, commemorating his successful career. J Drew and Kierra Sheard were recognized for co-writing their hits “All Yours,” “RAIN DOWN ON ME,” and “Send It Down,” marking the second time the duo has been honored with this coveted title, after their first win in 2022. The BMI Impact Award tributes …
Posted in Celebrity Profile | Leave a commentUsher’s New Look, BET & Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit Launch BET Next Gen Collaboration
August 4, 2026Usher’s New Look, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit and BET Next Gen, BET’s leadership development initiative, today announced a collaboration designed to expand access to careers in media, music and entertainment by providing emerging leaders with hands-on industry experience, executive mentorship and real-world learning opportunities. “Providing young professionals with access to programs like BET Next Gen is about creating opportunities that inspire them to see what’s possible. Through this collaboration, we’re giving the next generation the chance to learn from industry leaders while investing in the talent that will shape our industry,” said Usher. The opportunity officially launched during the 2026 BET Awards, where four interns from Usher’s New Look’s Entertainment Industry Club: Live Touring Edition internship program, two of which are currently participating on The R&B Tour featuring Usher and Chris Brown, joined the BET Next Gen cohort. Throughout BET Awards Week, the interns worked alongside BET professionals across Communications and PR, Social Media and Digital Operations, Marketing, Production, and Brand Creative, contributing to the planning and execution of one of entertainment’s biggest live television events while gaining firsthand experience in cross-functional collaboration, live event production and media operations. “At BET, our responsibility extends beyond telling stories. We have a responsibility to help develop the people who will tell the next generation of stories. Through BET Next Gen, we’re committed to providing emerging leaders with meaningful experiences that accelerate their professional growth and prepare them for lasting careers in media and entertainment,” says Louis Carr, President of BET. “Our partnership with Usher’s New Look and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit reflects a shared commitment to expand access, cultivate leadership and build a more inclusive pipeline of future industry leaders.” Building on the success of the inaugural collaboration, the organizations will expand the initiative into a year-round leadership and workforce …
Posted in MOTIVATION | Leave a commentVocal Coach Stephanie Spruill Receives Recognition for Michael Biopic
August 4, 2026The biopic Michael reached $1 billion, Vocal Coach Stephanie Spruill Receives Recognition for her role in shaping the Sound of both Juliano Valdi and Jaafar Jackson, who portrayed Michael Jackson in the film. Legendary Grammy Award-participating vocal coach, singer, and producer Stephanie Spruill is behind the scenes, bringing decades of musical excellence to the big screen as the vocal coach behind the voices in the Lionsgate/Universal Pictures biopic Michael. The biopic Michael has reached the $1 billion worldwide box office, Spruill is receiving significant attention for her vital role in shaping the blockbuster’s sound. Cast member Juliano Valdi, who portrayed the young Michael, credited Spruill heavily for his performance, explaining during a CNN interview that they worked intensely until he perfectly mirrored Michael’s signature sound. Spruill’s role was pivotal, working with both Juliano Valdo, Jaafar Jackson, Michael’s real-life nephew and the son of Jermaine Jackson, and the Jackson 5 cast, coaching them to authentically capture the vocal tone and phrasing that defined Michael Jackson’s global legacy. Her expertise helped shape performances that honor not just the music but the emotional and artistic depth of one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Stephanie Spruill worked closely with Michael Jackson. He called her at 3:00 am to organize and direct the adult and children’s choir for Jackson’s Hit “Can You Feel It”, coupled with featuring her soprano vocals in the backgrounds. Stephanie Spruill also worked on “This Place Hotel,” aka “Heartbreak Hotel,” and played tambourine on “Dancing Machine.” “I believe this is a full circle moment to work on this masterpiece, MICHAEL.” As I often say, “It’s Divine Intervention.” Born in Los Angeles, Spruill launched a career that would span over five decades and include performances at The White House, on The Ed Sullivan Show, The Grammys, The Oscars, and many stages around the world. Spruill has since become one of the most recorded background vocalists in music history, contributing to thousands of …
Posted in Music & Film | Leave a commentOfficial Trailer: I PLAY ROCKY starring Anthony Ippolito as Sylvester Stallone
August 4, 2026PLAY ROCKY starring Anthony Ippolito as Sylvester Stallone In Select Theaters November 6 The film is an electrifying true story about an unknown actor with an unshakable belief that he wasn’t just meant to write Rocky—he was meant to be Rocky Balboa. Told “no” at every turn, Sylvester Stallone bets everything on himself, holding the line on playing the lead against seemingly impossible odds. The result is the ultimate underdog story behind the ultimate underdog movie. Directed by: Peter Farrelly Written by: Peter Gamble Produced by: Christian Baha, Toby Emmerich, Paul Currie, Peter Farrelly Cast: Anthony Ippolito, Matt Dillon, AnnaSophia Robb, P.J. Byrne, Toby Kebbell, Tracy Letts, Jay Duplass, Stephan James, Kiki Seto
Posted in Amazon MGM Studios | Leave a commentInside Miracle Watts And Tyler Lepley’s Intimate Los Cabos Wedding
August 4, 2026Tyler Lepley and Miracle Watts are officially husband and wife. The actors, who met on the set of Starz’s P-Valley in 2021, said “I do” in Los Cabos, Mexico, on Saturday, July 25, at the Acre Resort. And while the couple could have had a who’s who guest list, they preferred to make their nuptials an intimate celebration, one filled with the people who actually were integral in their story. “We made a conscious decision to keep our guest list intimate. It wasn’t about inviting famous people or making a statement, it was about surrounding ourselves with the people who have truly loved, supported, and been part of our journey,” Watts tells ESSENCE. “Having our closest family and friends there made the entire celebration feel incredibly personal and full of love.” Recalling the moments that filled her heart the most, the beauty says they include walking down the aisle with her parents to see her husband. “Walking down the aisle was a feeling I’ll never be able to fully put into words. I didn’t know what to expect. I was overwhelmed with so many emotions, and the moment literally took my breath away,” she says. “Having both my mom and dad walk me down the aisle made it even more special. Feeling their emotions in that moment made everything so much more meaningful, and it’s a memory I’ll always hold close.” An additional family moment she cherishes is opting against the traditional bouquet throw to instead dedicate her wedding florals to her mom. “My mom and I have always had such a close bond, and I wanted to honor her in a way that reflected our relationship,” Watts says. “I was already able to share a father-daughter dance with my dad, so creating a special moment just for my mom felt right. It was one …
Posted in Photos, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentThe Thomas Crown Affair | Official Teaser Trailer In Theaters March 5, 2027
August 4, 2026Academy Award® winner Michael B. Jordan directs, produces, and stars in a visually breathtaking, sensual, and unexpectedly moving heist thriller, where the most dangerous man in the room is the one nobody’s watching. Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Kenneth Branagh, Adria Arjona, Lily Gladstone, Danai Gurria, Pilou Asbæk Directed By: Michael B. Jordan Produced By: Michael B. Jordan, Elizabeth Raposo, Marc Toberoff, Patrick McCormick, Charles Roven Executive Produced By: Jason Hall, Alan R. Trustman Written By: Drew Pearce and Jason Hall
Posted in Movie News, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentSPIDER-MAN™: BRAND NEW DAY in theaters Now
August 4, 2026SPIDER-MAN™: BRAND NEW DAY 2026 ACTION/ADVENTURE It’s a BRAND NEW DAY for Peter Parker. Fighting crime full-time as Spider-Man in a world that doesn’t remember him—and the pressure of seeing his old friends move on without him—sparks a change in Peter he may not have the power to control. But that transformation might also be the only thing that can stop a shocking new threat to the city and those he loves – a powerful villain no one can even see. The world may have forgotten Peter Parker, but he hasn’t forgotten them. DIRECTED BY Destin Daniel Cretton WRITTEN BY Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers BASED ON THE MARVEL COMIC BOOK BY Stan Lee and Steve Ditko PRODUCED BY Kevin Feige, p.g.a., Amy Pascal, p.g.a., Avi Arad, Rachel O’Connor, p.g.a. EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Louis D’Esposito, David Cain CAST Tom Holland, Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Tramell Tillman, Michael Mando and Mark Ruffal _________________________________________________________________________________________ ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ soars to $927 million worldwide, the second-highest debut ever By Auzinea Bacon AUG 2, 2026 Spider-Man and Boomerang in Columbia Pictures SPIDER-MAN™: BRAND NEW DAY. Courtesy of Sony Pictures Sony Pictures’ and Marvel’s “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” soared to the second-biggest North American opening weekend ever with a $355 million haul at the box office, according to industry experts, just behind “Avengers: Endgame,” which opened to $357 million in 2019. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” — released almost five years after the last “Spider-Man” movie — earned $927 million worldwide, also the second-biggest opening ever, according to Paul Dergarabedian, head of marketplace trends at Rentrak. Its franchise’s predecessor, “Spider-Man: No Way Home,” opened to $260 million in North America. “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” is a “perfect storm” for a major blockbuster, according to Chris Colombo, founder of box office analytics firm Brighter Path. “You have the intellectual property, you have the character, you have the (fear of missing …
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentMichael Jackson biopic now released to streaming
July 18, 2026When it was initially released, there was some speculation that the musical biopic “Michael” wouldn’t be available for streaming any time soon. Those fears proved wrong. “Michael,” which made its theatrical debut April 24, is now available on premium video on demand. It hit the streaming market June 9. The film is directed by Antoine Fuqua and stars Jaafar Jackson — who is the son of Jermaine Jackson and nephew of the late pop icon — as Michael Jackson in his teen and adult years. The film chronicles the life of the singer as a 10-year-old (Juliano Valde) with his brothers in The Jackson 5 through his tour for his “Bad” album in 1988. The PG-13 film also stars Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Michael Jackson’s parents, Joe Jackson and Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as the singer-songwriter’s longtime manager, John Branca. Lionsgate made the announcement earlier that it would be available to purchase on PVOD for $24.99 on such digital platforms as Apple TV, Fandango at Home, Prime Video, and YouTube Movies & TV. Since digital rentals are typically $5 less than purchase prices, Michael should be available to rent on PVOD for $19.99 for a 48-hour period. The film has been a blockbuster, earning $97 million in North American ticket sales for its opening week. At the start of this week, “Michael” to date had earned $340.1 million domestically and $509.6 million internationally for a worldwide box office tally of $849.7 million. It had a production budget of $200 million before marketing costs, according to Variety. Currently, “Michael” is the second highest-grossing music biopic of all time, behind the Queen and Freddie Mercury 2018 biopic, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which earned more than $900 million worldwide. It hasn’t gotten widespread critical praise. Rotten Tomatoes critics largely blasted “Michael” with …
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