Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →TV Ratings: 22.4 Million U.S. Viewers RSVP to Royal Wedding
May 21, 2018_________________________________________________________________________________ The royal wedding was a very big deal on Saturday, despite its very early start time. Several weeks of unchecked hype by the American and British media culminated in the May 19 nuptials between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The stateside audience for the ceremony was a whopping 22.4 million viewers across the six major networks carrying it. Royal ratings are expected to grow even more when Nielsen Media reports cable tallies, but none will likely approach NBC. The network’s coverage, under the Today umbrella, led with 6.42 million viewers. ABC was right on its tail, averaging 6.38 million, while CBS tallied 4.79 million. Those numbers are for average viewership between 6 and 9 a.m. PT, when the majority of the procession and event took place. Another 4.8 million viewers watched on the big three cable news networks; Fox News led with 2 million, followed by CNN with 1.8 million and just under 1 million for MSNBC. U.S. viewership is on track to beat that in the U.K., where early multi-channel returns give a reported audience of 18 million. Markle’s status as an American and a former actress may have further helped her big day. It is now expected to be slightly bigger than the last royal wedding, as tallies for the 2011 nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton, Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, averaged nearly 23 million viewers across all U.S. networks airing the event. Source URL: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tv-ratings-royal-wedding-brings-18-million-viewers-us-broadcast-1113498 12:41 PM PDT 5/20/2018 by Michael O’Connell _____________________________________________Royal Wedding: So Many Hats! 7:55 AM PDT 5/19/2018 by Laurie Brookins Gareth Fuller – WPA Pool/Getty Images Which royals and stars worked with Philip Treacy, Stephen Jones – and L.A.-based milliner Louise Green? Hats and fascinators did not disappoint at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle: An abundance of couture …
Posted in Celebrity Profile, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentENTERTAINMENT POWERHOUSE QUEEN LATIFAH ADDED TO 2018 ESSENCE FESTIVAL CONCERT SERIES
May 19, 2018First-Ever ESSENCE Fest Performance Rounds Out All-Star Roster of Iconic Women including Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Xscape and More April 26, 2018 (NEW YORK, NY) — For the first time in the event’s history, a special performance by multi-talented rapper, singer, actress and producer, Queen Latifah, has been added to the all-star line up for this summer’s ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola concert series, taking place July 6-8 in New Orleans, LA. Commemorating three decades in the entertainment business, the Golden Globe, Emmy, Grammy and SAG Award recipient will be performing alongside Mary J. Blige and Xscape during the Festival’s second evening on Saturday, July 7 in the Louisiana Superdome. Queen Latifah rounds out a stellar performance roster spotlighting women, including Janet Jackson, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and more. The full night-by-night lineup is available here. Single-night tickets are on sale now. Since the debut release of her classic album All Hail the Queen, Latifah has consistently promoted a message of positivity, empowerment, leadership, fearlessness and unity among women–specifically, young women of color. Fans will be treated to a slew of the Queen’s most popular records including U.N.I.T.Y, Ladies First and Bananas [Who You Gonna Call?], along with a few thrilling surprises. Join the Festival community by following us on Twitter, @essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of 2018 ESSENCE Festival® on Facebook. For more information about ticket sales and accommodations and for the latest news about the ESSENCE Festival®, visit www.essencefestival.com, The ESSENCE Festival® is executive produced by ESSENCE Festivals LLC, a division of ESSENCE Communications Inc., and is produced by Solomon Group. Sponsors of the 2018 ESSENCE Festival® in New Orleans include presenting sponsor Coca-Cola and major sponsors AT&T,Ford, McDonald’s, State Farm and Walmart. About Essence Communications Inc. Essence Communications is the number one media company dedicated to Black women and inspires a global audience of more than 15 …
Posted in Music & Film | Leave a commentThe Equalizer 2 in theaters July 20
May 12, 2018The Equalizer 2(Sony Pictures)Release: 07/20/2018 Denzel Washington returns to one of his signature roles in the first sequel of his career. Robert McCall serves an unflinching justice for the exploited and oppressed – but how far will he go when that is someone he loves? https://youtu.be/C1j6AkmXnnY Genres Action Thriller Rating This film is not yet rated by the Motion Picture Association of America. For future rating information, please visit www.filmratings.com. Starring Denzel Washington Pedro Pascal Ashton Sanders with Bill Pullman and Melissa Leo Directed By Antoine Fuqua Produced By Todd Black Jason Blumenthal Denzel Washington Alex Siskin Steve Tisch Mace Neufeld Tony Eldridge Michael Sloan Executive Produced By Molly Allen David J. Bloomfield
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentINCREDIBLES 2 HITS THEATERS NATIONWIDE, JUNE 15
May 12, 2018INCREDIBLES 2 In “Incredibles 2,” Helen (voice of Holly Hunter) is called on to lead a campaign to bring Supers back, while Bob (voice of Craig T. Nelson) navigates the day-to-day heroics of “normal” life at home with Violet (voice of Sarah Vowell), Dash (voice of Huck Milner) and baby Jack-Jack—whose super powers are about to be discovered. Their mission is derailed, however, when a new villain emerges with a brilliant and dangerous plot that threatens everything. But the Parrs don’t shy away from a challenge, especially with Frozone (voice of Samuel L. Jackson) by their side. That’s what makes this family so Incredible. Written and directed by Brad Bird (“Iron Giant,” “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille”) and produced by John Walker (“The Incredibles,” “Tomorrowland”) and Nicole Paradis Grindle (“Sanjay’s Super Team” short, “Toy Story 3” associate producer), Disney•Pixar’s “Incredibles 2” busts into theaters on June 15, 2018. Released in 2004, “The Incredibles” grossed more than $633 million worldwide. Earning more than $70 million opening weekend, “The Incredibles” posted the second-largest opening at the time for an animated feature. Director Brad Bird helmed “The Incredibles,” which won an Academy Award® for best animated feature film of the year. Bird also directed Pixar Animation Studios’ 2007 Oscar®-winning film “Ratatouille,” as well as 2011’s live-action film “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol,” 2015’s “Tomorrowland” and 1999’s BAFTA-winning animated film “The Iron Giant.” Website: http://disney.com/incredibles2 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/DisneyPixar Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PixarTheIncredibles/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheIncredibles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theincredibles/ U.S. Release Date: June 15, 2018 Voice Cast: Craig T. Nelson, Holly Hunter, Sarah Vowell, Huck Milner, Samuel L. Jackson, Brad Bird, Bob Odenkirk, Catherine Keener, Jonathan Banks, Sophia Bush, Isabella Rossellini Director: Brad Bird Producers: John Walker, Nicole Paradis Grindle
Posted in Reboot | Leave a commentKentucky Derby 144 – Horse-Racing, Fashions & Amazing Chapeaux
May 12, 2018JUSTIFY, the big winner of the 144th Running of the Kentucky Derby, led by Jockey Mike E. Smith and trained by Bob Baffert, didn’t allow the “Wettest Derby Ever” – with torrential rains in Louisville – stop him from getting the top prize, Saturday, May 5, 2018. JUSTIFY became the first horse to win the Kentucky Derby without racing as a 2-year old since Apollo in 1882. And Mike E. Smith became the second oldest Kentucky Derby winning jockey. “What happened today is what I have been daydreaming about all afternoon,” Mike E. Smith said during the Kentucky Derby Post-Race News Conference. “I just knew he [Justify] was capable of this. My job was just to get him out of there. And I did that part, and I figured the rest is up to him. And I know Bob [the trainer] and his crew already did their part. And he’s just an amazing horse.” As a repeat Kentucky Derby attendee (this year being my 10th Derby), I was excited to attend both THE OAKS, May 4, and “The Most Exciting 2 Minutes in Sports,” the 144th Running of THE KENTUCKY DERBY, May 5 at Churchill Downs, the world’s most legendary racetrack. The 144th Running of the Longines Kentucky Oaks Attracted 113,510 fans and the Kentucky Derby attracted 157,813 fans. Enjoy a Few of my Favorite Oaks and Derby Day Photos! Sonya Jenkins For more #KYDERBY photos, check out Sonya’s Spotlight Instagram Page Here: Kentucky Oaks Photos by Carla Johnson CHECK BACK FOR DERBY WEEKEND VIDEO compiled by Sonya Jenkins.
Posted in Photos, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentChadwick Boseman Celebrates the Class of 2018 at Howard University Commencement
May 10, 2018Howard University alumnus and award-winning actor Chadwick Boseman spoke to graduates about the significance of making it to the top of the Hilltop during theHoward University 2018 Commencement Convocation. In front of an audiences of more than 8,000 family and friends, Boseman encouraged the graduates to not only exceed in their next steps, but also strive to achieve their life’s purpose. “When you have reached the Hilltop and you are deciding on next steps, you would rather find purpose than a career. Purpose is an essential element of you that crosses disciplines,” said Boseman. He applauded the members of the class of 2018 for climbing up their academic slopes and making it up the Hilltop. “The Hilltop represents the culmination of the intellectual and spiritual journey you have undergone while you were here,” said Boseman. “Each of you have had your own difficulties with The Hill, but it’s okay because you made it on top. Sometimes, you need to feel the pain and sting of defeat to activate the real passion and purpose that God predestined inside of you.” Boseman also declared Alma Mater, “a magical place — where the dynamics of positive and negative seems to exist in extremes.” He referenced an inspirational moment he experienced when meeting the iconic Muhammad Ali on the University yard; highlighting how at Howard, magical moments can happen to give students powerful encouragement on their toughest days. “I remember walking across this yard, when Muhammad Ali was walking towards me with his hands raised in a quintessential guard. I was game to play along with him,” said Boseman. “What an honor to be challenged by the G.O.A.T. I walked away floating like a butterfly…walked away light and ready to take on the world. That is the magic of this place. Almost anything can …
Posted in 98TH ACADEMY AWARDS, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentAmina Buddafly: Loving Life
April 19, 2018Singer, Songwriter, Author Amina Buddafly Pankey is a force to be reckoned with. After her tumultuous run on VH1’s ‘Love & Hip Hop: New York ‘and most recently, WE TV’s ‘Marriage Boot Camp Reality Stars,’ Amina, 35, is now happily flying solo and excited to be focusing on what she loves most – her children and her music. Her new single, “Love My Life” gives listeners a fresh and authentic glimpse into her multifaceted life, and how she manages motherhood and career on her own. The “Love My Life” single is from her forthcoming album, “MOTHER,” fittingly set for a Mother’s Day 2018 release. The album spans Amina’s depth of emotions that come from being a single mom and a woman who has learned to love herself more, after the public humiliation and heartache she experienced while sharing the torrid trials of her marriage with estranged husband, Peter Gunz, to the world on the ‘Love & Hip Hop’ franchise. “I have left the drama behind,” said Amina, who took a major step in her growth by moving to Los Angeles in 2016 and recently filing for divorce from Gunz. “I am in the process of healing, and helping other women who go through similar situations to heal as well.” Showcasing her blend of soothing melodies, musicianship and songwriting, Amina’s sound is unique and original with heartfelt melodies she describes as “Honest, Real and Free.” Born and raised in Germany and coming to New York at the age of 19 with her two sisters, Jazz (her identical twin) and Sophie to form the group, BLACK BUDDAFLY, the sisters were on the move as charming beauties with a unique sound. But the trio hit a snag in their musical journey after signing with Def Jam records, yet not getting the airplay or artist development …
Posted in R&B Pop Culture | Leave a commentA QUIET PLACE in theaters April 6
April 4, 2018Synopsis: In the modern horror thriller A QUIET PLACE, a family of four must navigate their lives in silence after mysterious creatures that hunt by sound threaten their survival. If they hear you, they hunt you. #AQUIETPLACE
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentTyler Perry’s Acrimony in theaters March 30
March 27, 2018SYNOPSIS: A faithful wife (Taraji P. Henson) tired of standing by her devious husband (Lyriq Bent) is enraged when it becomes clear she has been betrayed. Starring Taraji P. Henson, Lyriq Bent, Crystle Stewart, Jazmyn Simon, Ptosha Storey, Ajiona Alexus, Antonio Madison, Bresha Webb, Danielle Nicolet, Nelson Estevez, Kendrick Cross Directed By Tyler Perry Produced By Tyler Perry, Ozzie Areu, Will Areu, Mark E. Swinton #ACRIMONY
Posted in Reboot | Leave a commentDisney’s “A Wrinkle In Time” Stars Shine at the World Premiere
March 3, 2018Stars Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Chris Pine, Zach Galifianakis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Storm Reid, Levi Miller, Deric McCabe, Rowan Blanchard were joined by director Ava DuVernay for a walk down the blue carpet where they greeted enthusiastic fans at the world premiere of Disney’s “A Wrinkle in Time,” February 26. They were joined by special guests Viola Davis, Rosario Dawson, Laura Dern, Angela Bassett, Kerry Washington, Kobe Bryant, America Ferrera, Tracee Ellis Ross, Janelle Monáe, Jay Hernandez, Don Cheadle, Eva Longoria, Tessa Thompson, Constance Wu, J.J. Abrams, Niki Caro, Ryan Coogler and Issa Rae. “A WRINKLE IN TIME” opens in U.S. theaters on March 9.
Posted in MOTIVATION, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment ← Older posts Newer posts →
