Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →Viewers praise Hillman College ‘A Different World’ reboot
October 2, 2026The revival series A Different World debuted at number one on the U.S. TV list and gathered 4.2 million views worldwide in its first four days. Viewing Numbers and Rankings _________________________________________________________________________________________ ‘A Different World’ Earns Fast Season 2 Renewal at Netflix The sequel to the 1980s-90s comedy premiered on Sept. 24. Netflix‘s report card on A Different World is a good one: The streamer has renewed the show for a second season. The renewal for the show, a sequel to the 1980s-90s NBC sitcom, was a quick one. Netflix announced the season two order just eight days after A Different World’s Sept. 24 debut. The second season will follow Deborah (Maleah Joi Moon) and her Hillman College classmates into their sophomore years. “It’s so validating to be bolstered by our amazing audience. We are beyond excited to return to Hillman and continue to tell meaningful and heartfelt stories that resonate across generations,” creator and showrunner Felicia Pride said in a statement. “I am thrilled for our brilliant cast and our hard-working crew.” A Different World collected 4.2 million views and 23 million hours of watch time worldwide in its first four days of release, according to Netflix’s internal data. The series centers on Moon’s Deborah, the youngest child of Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne (original series stars Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison), as she follows in her parents’ footsteps at Hillman, a historically Black college. “Halleluja! The people and Netflix have spoken,” said director and executive producer Debbie Allen. “A Different World brought something everybody needed: joy, romance, relevance, authenticity, and heart.” Added Tracey Pakosta, vp comedy series at Netflix, “We are so excited to see how audiences around the world have embraced the next chapter of this beloved series. We believed in this incredible team from day one, and can’t wait to see what unfolds next year …
Posted in A Different World, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment2026 MTV VMAs Arrivals: Music’s Biggest Celebrities Bring the Fashion Hits on the Red Carpet
September 29, 2026Celebrities delivered all the drama for the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards. Stars including Taylor Swift, Chloe Bailey, Lisa Rinna and more proved to be on their A-game with their fabulous ensembles at the awards show, which took place on Sunday, September 27, at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. This year, Madonna, led the list with 13 nominations. Swift, 36, is also up for 11 awards including Video of the Year for “The Fate of Ophelia” and Artist of the Year. With her career total of 30 Moon Persons, Swift only needs one more to become the most awarded artist in the show’s history. She’s also receiving the inaugural MTV VMA Artist Director Honors, which recognizes groundbreaking artists whose work being the camera as a director has pushed creative boundaries. Read more at: https://www.usmagazine.com/stylish/pictures/2026-mtv-vmas-red-carpet-arrivals-photos-of-stars-outfits/#storylink=cpy _________________________________________________________________________________________ MTV VMAs 2026 bring a legend’s stunning return after decades Snoop Dogg takes the mic for a night packed with first-time nominees, long-awaited debuts and two historic honors. Snoop Dogg, 54, steps into the host role with deep roots in VMAs history. The rapper is a 13-time nominee and three-time winner, first taking home best rap video in 1994, then best dance video in 2006 and best art direction in 2015. His legacy on that stage extends well beyond trophies. He famously closed the 1999 show alongside Dr. Dre and Eminem, delivered a tribute to the Notorious B.I.G. in 2005 and later reunited with Eminem for a first-of-its-kind performance inspired by the Otherside metaverse. Reflecting on the gig, Snoop credited MTV with giving hip-hop a platform to be bold and unapologetic in front of a global audience. He described coming back to host after all these years as bringing his career full circle. Madonna Leads the VMAs Nomination Race Madonna, 68, enters the night …
Posted in MTV AWARDS - FASHION | Leave a commentTHE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING in theaters November 20
September 28, 2026Rating: This film is not yet rated U.S. Release Date: November 20, 2026 Directed by: Francis Lawrence Screenplay by: Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie Adaptation by: Suzanne Collins Based on the Novel by: Suzanne Collins Produced by: Nina Jacobson p.g.a., Brad Simpson p.g.a., Francis Lawrence p.g.a. Cast: Joseph Zada, Jesse Plemons, Ralph Fiennes, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Mckenna Grace, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Ben Wang Synopsis: From acclaimed director Francis Lawrence, THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING follows sixteen-year-old Haymitch Abernathy (Joseph Zada) from District 12, beginning on the morning of the reaping for the 50th Annual Hunger Games, also known as the Second Quarter Quell, the biggest Games yet with twice as many tributes. Set in the world of Panem 24 years before the events of The Hunger Games, the story follows Haymitch into the arena, where he forms an unlikely alliance with fellow tribute Maysilee Donner (Mckenna Grace) and joins a coalition determined to challenge the Capitol’s control under President Snow (Ralph Fiennes). As the competition unfolds, Haymitch risks everything to take down the Games from within the arena — setting in motion the rebellion that will change Panem forever. Based on Suzanne Collins’ best-selling novel, THE HUNGER GAMES: SUNRISE ON THE REAPING also stars Jesse Plemons, Glenn Close, Kieran Culkin, Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, Whitney Peak, and Kelvin Harrison Jr. Produced by Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson and Francis Lawrence. Screenplay by Billy Ray and Michael Lesslie.
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentNEW MUSIC: Kirk Franklin & GloRilla ‘This Time’ from New Album, I Am What I Am
September 26, 2026Today, 20x-GRAMMY® Award-winning artist, songwriter, producer, and music icon Kirk Franklin releases new single “This Time” featuring GloRilla out now via Uptown Records. Listen HERE. It heralds the arrival of his much-anticipated fourteenth full-length solo album, I Am What I Am, on October 30th. Pre-order/Pre-save HERE. Interpolating Mandrill’s “Children Of The Sun,” joyous and boisterous horns set the tone for the track, and slick handclaps hold the tempo in place. Soul overflows from a steeple-sized chantable chorus driven by Kirk’s uncontainable energy. Meanwhile, multiplatinum Memphis, TN hip-hop powerhouse GloRilla channels the same spirit with upbeat bars laced tightly with her quotable wordplay. “This Time” notably showcases another side of the superstar rapper’s artistry, illuminating her versatility on the beat. Franklin initially preceded I Am What I Am with “Thank You For Everything,” featuring gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard of The Clark Sisters, which has since become the fastest growing record at Gospel radio. Kirk also performed the song at the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards for its live television debut, while the accompanying video made its broadcast debut on BET Her. Watch the “Thank You For Everything” music video HERE. Listen HERE. Variety recently broke the news that Kirk locked down a partnership with Uptown Records in conjunction with his own Fo Yo Soul Entertainment and TRIBL Music Group. Visit KirkFranklin.com, follow Kirk Franklin on Instagram using the handle @KirkFranklin; Tik Tok @TheKirkFranklin; Facebook at /KirkFranklin; and YouTube.
Posted in Talk Show | Leave a comment“The Voice” returns for its 30th season on Sept. 21 on NBC.
September 17, 2026The four-time Emmy Award-winning musical competition series “The Voice” returns for a milestone Season 30 with the strongest vocalists from across the country invited to compete in the show’s newest season on Sept. 21. Prior to the premiere, “The Voice: 30th Season Celebration” kicks off the festivities on September 17 with host Carson Daly sitting down with coaches past and present – from beloved O.G.’s Blake Shelton, Adam Levine and CeeLo Green to fan favorites Kelly Clarkson and Gwen Stefani, along with newest coaches Queen Latifah and Riley Green – to look back on the evolution of the longstanding music competition and tease the upcoming landmark season. The competition is fierce as music icon Queen Latifah and country superstar Riley Green step in the red chairs for the first time, alongside veteran coaches Kelly Clarkson and Adam Levine as they all vie to discover the next singing phenomenon. This powerhouse coaching panel aim to discover and coach the next singing phenomenon. The show’s innovative format features four stages of competition: Blind Auditions, Battle Rounds, Cut Week, and Live Performance Shows. During the Blind Auditions, the decisions the coaches make are based solely on voice and not looks as the coaches build their teams of 12 artists. The coaches hear the artists perform without getting to see them, thanks to rotating chairs. If a coach is impressed by the artist’s voice, they push a button to select the artist for their team. At this point, the coach’s chair will swivel so that they can face the artist they selected. If more than one coach pushes the button, the power then shifts to the artists to choose which coach they want to work with. If no one pushes their button, the artist is eliminated from the competition. New this season is the …
Posted in Music | Leave a commentVenus Williams Brings Her Love Of Tennis And Design Home With Stunning Crate & Barrel Collection
September 17, 2026Venus Williams is taking her talents from the tennis court to the home with a new Crate & Barrel and Crate & Kids collaboration. Launching September 16, the eclectic collaboration features nearly 200 pieces of furniture, decor, and textiles that are designed to bring elements of her beloved sport into the home. The chic collection draws on elements of tennis, such as movement and color, while incorporating influences from Italian design. For Williams, the collaboration is a natural next step of a career that has expanded beyond tennis. The seven-time Grand Slam champion founded her commercial and residential design firm, V Starr, in 2002 and has worked across hospitality, multifamily residential, and luxury projects. The renowned athlete has also had her hand in fashion, creating activewear and tennis apparel line EleVen by Venus Williams in 2012. “I’m so proud of this collection. Each piece was intentionally designed to feel artful, timeless, and design-driven, while still working cohesively together,” Williams said. “We had fun including a few nods to tennis, inspired by the geometry and elements of the sport, while keeping the overall aesthetic that feels elevated, effortless, and enduring. Ultimately, this collection was made to inspire that feeling of, ‘I could live like this forever.’” Williams’ design background shines in the new Crate & Barrel collection—it pairs bold forms and rich materials with functional pieces that can work together throughout the home. One standout is the Second Serve Stone and Metal Chandelier, which is inspired by a suspended tennis ball during a serve. Williams also incorporates playful references to tennis throughout the collection, including spherical shapes that are similar to the form of a tennis ball. For Crate & Kids, the tennis star drew from her own idea of an ideal childhood bedroom. The design for this collection takes on …
Posted in Living Legends, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment‘Why Did I Get Married Again?’ brings returning stars and franchise newcomers together for star-studded LA screening: Take a look
September 17, 2026As if we weren’t already excited enough for Why Did I Get Married Again?, the cast and a handful of celebrity guests gave us even more reason to tune in at the Los Angeles screening on Tuesday (Sept. 8) night. There was plenty to take in on the red carpet, especially with the main cast reuniting more than 15 years after the previous installment brought everyone together in New York. This time around, Tyler Perry, Michael Jai White, Tasha Smith, Sharon Leal, Richard T. Jones, and more gathered at Los Angeles’ Harmony Gold Preview House for the occasion. The night also marked the first time we’d seen several of the franchise’s newcomers together off-screen, perhaps most notably Taraji P. Henson, along with Da’Vinchi, Laya DeLeon Hayes, and Jaden Michael, just to name a few. Not to mention, our “Love Island USA” Season 8 favorites Kuman “KC” Chandler and Tierra “Titi” Davis wound up being two of the evening’s biggest surprises. The ladies didn’t disappoint on the red carpet, which shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. Eva Marcille and Crystle Stewart took on the sheer trend with two absolutely gorgeous gowns, while Smith showed a little skin with cutouts along the sides of her black dress. Henson, on the other hand, wore a black-and-white Rick Owens number. Holding it down for the men, Perry arrived in an Amiri suit, while Jai White went with a black blazer and matching trousers complemented by a brooch and bow tie. Most of the other guys didn’t stray too far from that memo, with Derrick A. King putting his own spin on the formula by going shirtless underneath his suit, Michael trading traditional Oxfords for boots, and Terrell Carter stepping out in an all-leather look. Da’Vinchi, meanwhile, dressed almost entirely in neutrals, down to his brown slacks and button-up …
Posted in Photos | Leave a commentSalli Richardson-Whitfield On Making Emmy History And Opening Doors For Black Women
September 17, 2026Salli Richardson-Whitfield never planned on becoming a director. Now, she is making history as one—again. For much of her career, audiences knew Richardson-Whitfield from in front of the camera. Her résumé stretches back to the early 1990s, with roles in A Low Down Dirty Shame, Eureka and I Am Legend. Directing wasn’t part of some master plan, but the possibility only entered her mind after Ava DuVernay recognized something Richardson-Whitfield had yet to recognize in herself while they were making I Will Follow. “I think you’re a director and you don’t know it,” DuVernay told her. What followed was a second career whose success has surpassed even her own expectations. In 2024, her work on HBO’s Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty made her the first Black woman nominated for the Emmy for Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series. Now, she has entered the record books again. Her nominations for Task and The Gilded Age make Richardson-Whitfield the first woman to receive two directing nominations in the category in the same year. She is also nominated as an executive producer on The Gilded Age, which is up for Outstanding Drama Series. Her path also says something about who gets to imagine themselves behind the camera in the first place. Richardson-Whitfield spent decades working primarily under male directors. Seeing DuVernay directing her own feature gave her a reference point she hadn’t previously had. Now, Richardson-Whitfield has become one herself. At 58, she understands her success differently than she did when she first stepped behind the camera. Awards are important to an extent, but so does what her presence can make possible for another Black woman trying to get access to the same rooms. Richardson-Whitfield now sees her own career as evidence of what can happen when someone is given …
Posted in Highlight | Leave a commentACTRESS NIA LONG HONORED WITH STAR ON THE HOLLYWOOD WALK OF FAME
September 17, 2026Actress Nia Long was honored today with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Long received her star in the category of Motion Pictures. The guest speakers for the honorary tribute were Snoop Dogg and MICHAEL Producer Graham King. Distinguished guests celebrating the milestone included Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Chair Adam Fogelson, her MICHAEL co-star Larenz Tate, and Morris Chestnut,Tiffany Haddish, Mike Epps, Estelle, Courtney B. Vance, Daphne Wayans, and Terrence Howard.
Posted in Celebrity Profile, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentFlight Attendants Aren’t Just Plane People
September 12, 2026Originally Written in 2002 – Updated 2026. By Sonya Jenkins Upon arriving in New York in February 1993, the flight crew was notified that the World Trade Center had been bombed. Instead of staying at the hotel adjoining the WTC, as previously planned, the crew was now to stay at a hotel in Upper Manhattan. The day following the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, the flight crew was informed that the Washington, D.C., portion of our trip would not be operating, as airplanes across the nation were grounded for at least two days. Both incidents — in 1993 and in 2001 — affected me in ways I never could have imagined. I did not know anyone personally who had died or been injured in either attack, but still, I felt a great sense of loss. I was immobilized with fear and sadness. Nevertheless, I thanked God for His mercy and prayed that He would comfort those who had lost loved ones. I prayed that peace would be restored to our country and the world. The attacks hit close to home for me because I was one of the recipients of the messages sent to the flight crew in both 1993 and 2001. I traveled to New York on that cold day in 1993 and was scheduled to lay over at a hotel adjoining the World Trade Center on the very day it was bombed. In 2001, my schedule had me flying to Washington, D.C., on September 12 — the day after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, as well as the crash of Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. You see, along with being a writer, interviewing celebrities, writing freelance articles for newspapers and magazines, and creating my own magazine, I was also a flight attendant. …
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