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← Older posts Newer posts →Lauryn Hill honored for decades of impact
July 2, 2026Lauryn Hill added another defining chapter to her decades long career this week, becoming the first ever recipient of the Living Legend Icon Award at the 2026 BET Awards. The ceremony, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, celebrated Hill’s lasting influence on music and culture across more than three decades. The recognition followed an emotional tribute performance featuring an impressive lineup of artists, including Doechii, SZA, Nas, Queen Latifah, Doja Cat and Common, all paying homage to Hill’s body of work before she took the stage herself. Hill closed out the moment with a performance of Ex Factor, one of the standout tracks from her solo career, before formally accepting the award. In her acceptance remarks, Hill spoke about her motivation for making music, describing it as an extension of the love and support she received growing up. She explained that once she recognized not everyone had access to that same kind of nurturing upbringing, she felt a responsibility to share that same sense of care through her art, using music as a vehicle to pour into others the way she had once been poured into. She also reflected on the weight of representing her community through her work, acknowledging that artists sometimes have to say difficult or uncomfortable things in service of a larger truth, trusting that understanding will come later. She framed her career as an ongoing form of advocacy for the people who have supported her throughout the years. The Living Legend Icon Award was created to recognize artists and cultural figures whose influence has shaped the industry while remaining rooted in authenticity. According to BET, the distinction is meant for creators whose work has stayed essential not because audiences refused to let go of it, but because the artists themselves never stopped staying connected to …
Posted in Celebrity Profile | Leave a commentFIFA FAN FESTival™ – CENTENNIAL OLYMPIC PARK Atlanta
July 1, 2026Atlanta has kicked things off with a core program of festival days — launching the FIFA Fan Festival with energy and momentum. As the tournament unfolds and the city comes alive, they’ll continuously evaluate opportunities to extend programming and add additional festival days. As the world comes to Atlanta, the city is showing up the way it always does: with big energy and the kind of Southern hospitality that makes everyone feel right at home. The excitement of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ extends far beyond the stadium. Centennial Olympic Park has become the official home of the FIFA Fan Festival™ Atlanta, transforming one of the city’s most iconic public spaces into a lively gathering place where fans, families, and visitors come together to celebrate the game. Hosted by the City of Atlanta and the Georgia World Congress Center Authority (GWCCA), the festival will run for an initial 18 days during the tournament. Hosting the FIFA Fan Festival™ in Centennial Olympic Park carries special meaning. In 2026, the park marks 30 years since it first welcomed the world during the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. With deep roots in Atlanta’s global legacy, civil rights history, and community pride, the park once again welcomes fans from near and far — creating a festival that feels like a small town in the middle of a global event, where Southern hospitality makes visitors feel welcome. For tickets visit: https://fifafanfest.wrstbnd.io/p/fifa/atl26/events source: https://atlantafwc26.com/fan-fest-old/
Posted in ESPYS | Leave a commentCHRIS BROWN AND USHER OPEN THE R&B TOUR WITH A BLOCKBUSTER SOLD OUT NIGHT IN DENVER
July 1, 2026GRAMMY Award-winning icons USHER and Chris Brown officially launched The R&B Tour on Friday, June 26, delivering an epic sold out opening night performance at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado and kicking off one of the most anticipated tours of the year. The show featured an approximately 3-hour stadium spectacle, with USHER and Chris Brown trading the spotlight across nine cinematic acts that seamlessly wove their catalogs together. Rather than traditional back-to-back headline sets, the production featured an innovative format with the two superstars alternating performances throughout the night, creating a dynamic, nonstop celebration of R&B’s biggest hits from “U Remind Me” to “With You”, plus several duet performances including closing with their track, “New Flame.” The production also featured surprise appearances from special guests Mario and EricBellinger, who joined Chris Brown throughout the show as vocal accompaniment . During a DJ break, Eric Bellinger stepped into the spotlight to perform his hit single “G.O.A.T” followed by Mario who performed a medley of his chart-topping hits. Opening night generated wide excitement across social media, with fans flooding socials throughout the evening to share clips, photos, and reactions from the performance. The excitement around the show further reinforced the tour’s position as one of the most anticipated live music events of the year. Produced by Live Nation, The R&B Tour unites two of the genre’s most influential performers for a landmark stadium run across North America. The opening night featured career-spanning hits and a celebration of R&B’s enduring cultural impact, setting the stage for a tour that will visit major markets throughout the United States and Canada, with upcoming stops in Detroit, Washington, D.C., Charlotte, Nashville, and more through December.The R&B Tour supports Usher’s New Look (UNL) and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Detroit’s (BGCGD)Entertainment Industry Club: Live Touring Edition—a first-of-its-kind workforce development initiative that provides a select cohort of interns …
Posted in Coming Soon | Leave a commentObama Presidential Center Opens to the Public
July 1, 2026On June 18, 2026, the Obama Presidential Center was officially unveiled with a dynamic ceremony livestreamed globally. Relive this milestone moment and celebrate our new hub for hope and change. President Obama spoke about our shared American values and our collective responsibility to strengthen democracy at the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center. In electrifying remarks at the Grand Opening Ceremony of the Obama Presidential Center, Mrs. Obama called on all of us choose hope. The ceremony included performances by Bruce Springsteen, Christina Aguilera, Common, Eddie Vedder, Guitars Over Guns, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Marc Anthony, Stevie Wonder, Tems, The Roots, U2’s Bono and The Edge, and Uniting Voices Chicago. “We wanted the center to be a vibrant, living celebration of community, where we can learn together and share the joys of art and music and sport and play, because it’s in those moments that we’re reminded of our common humanity and strengthen the bonds of trust that not only make our lives richer, but make our democracy stronger.” – President Obama, Grand Opening Ceremony, June 18, 2026 source: https://www.obama.org/visit/grand-opening/livestream/ photo cred: (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune) source: https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/06/18/obama-center-opening-celebrities/ PUBLISHED: June 18, 2026 at 4:15 PM CDT | UPDATED: June 19, 2026 at 10:34 AM CDT
Posted in Highlight, In The Spotlight | Leave a comment2026 BET AWARDS – Winners & Couples Fashion
June 29, 2026BET AWARDS WINNERS Viewers’ Choice Award – Burning Blue, Mariah the Scientist Best Female R&B/Pop Artist– Kehlani Best Male R&B/Pop artist– Leon Thomas Best Group– Clipse Best Collaboration– Chains & Whips, Clipse ft. Kendrick Lamar Best Male Hip-Hop Artist– Kendrick Lamar Best Female Hip-Hop Artist – Cardi B Video of the Year – Folded Video Director of the Year – Teyana “Spike-Tey” Taylor Best New Artist – Olivia Dean Album of the Year – Let God Sort Em Out, Clipse Dr. Bobby Jones Best Gospel/Inspirational Award – Headphones, Lecrae, Killer Mike and T.I. Best Actress – Teyana Taylor Best Actor – Michael B. Jordan Youngstars Awards – Jazzy’s World TV Best Movie – Sinners Sportswoman of the Year – A’ja Wilson (basketball) Sportsman of the Year – Jalen Brunson (basketball) BET Her Award – Girl, Get up., Doechii ft. SZA Fashion Vanguard Award – Teyana Taylor Pulse Award – Durski _________________________________________________________________________________________ Some of the big winners during the Sunday night ceremony, hosted by Druski, include Cardi B, Teyana Taylor, Leon Thomas and Kehlani. BY KIMBERLY NORDYKE, CARLY THOMAS JUNE 28, 2026 5:00PM The 2026 BET Awards were handed out Sunday night. Some of the night’s winners included Cardi B with the best female Hip-Hop artist award, Kendrick Lamar with the best male Hip-Hop artist award, Teyana Taylor with the Fashion Vanguard Award, video director of the year and best actress awards, and Michael B. Jordan with the best actor award. Sinners also won the BET Award for best movie. Leon Thomas also took home the best male R&B/pop artist award and Kehlani won the best female R&B/pop artist award, while Doechii and SZA also won the BET Her award for their song “girl, get up,” and Olivia Dean received the award for best new artist. Later during the ceremony, Erica Campbell and Le’Andria Johnson came …
Posted in 2026 BET AWARDS, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentOMARION RETURNS WITH O2-PART 1 OUT NOW!
June 26, 2026Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum R&B artist Omarion releases his long-awaited new album, O2-Part 1, today via Create Music Group/Immaculate Frequency Records. The project arrives as one of the most anticipated R&B releases of 2026 and marks a defining moment from one of the genre’s most enduring performers. O2 finds Omarion at his most vulnerable and reflective, exploring themes of sacrifice, healing, and what it truly takes to sustain love through its most difficult seasons. That sense of intention runs deeper than the music. In recent years, Omarion has been equally committed to his growth as a man, embracing a holistic approach to wellness that spans mental, physical, and spiritual practice. He explored that journey in depth in his 2022 book, Unbothered: The Power of Choosing Joy (Amistad/HarperCollins), a deeply personal guide to wholeness, grace, and intentional living that resonated well beyond his fanbase. Through his ongoing Unbothered Mondays series, he has continued that conversation, building a community around the principles of balance and self-mastery. Those same values are woven into every corner of O2, making the album as much about inner work as it is about love. The project was previewed through three singles that speak to its range. “For War,” an emotionally charged ballad about fighting for a relationship worth saving, set the tone and announced the new era in striking fashion. “Fantasy” followed with the kind of infectious energy that reminded everyone why he still owns a room. Most recently, “The One” arrived with an official music video, built around a sample of Snoop Dogg‘s 2002 classic “Beautiful” featuring Pharrell Williams and Charlie Wilson, and has already climbed from #63 to #38 on Urban radio with no signs of slowing down. The production across O2 is equally dynamic. Featuring production and songwriting from Grammy Award-winning duo Blaq Tuxedo and G-Elz, the project is anchored by lush, soulful R&B that will feel familiar to fans of the original O, while rising producer Ethos brings a fresh perspective, signaling where Omarion is headed. “I Can Do It,” featuring South Africa’s own Major League …
Posted in R&B Pop, Rap Culture | Leave a commentSHREK 5 | Watch the Teaser
June 26, 2026Next summer, DreamWorks Animation invites audiences on a thrilling, magical new comedy adventure from one of the most beloved global animated franchises of all time: Shrek 5. Comedy legends Mike Myers, Oscar® nominee Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz return to their signature roles as Shrek, Donkey and Fiona. Emmy winning superstar Zendaya (The Odyssey, Dune franchise) joins the cast as Shrek and Fiona’s daughter Felicia, along with Marcello Hernandez (Saturday Night Live, Happy Gilmore 2) and Skyler Gisondo (Superman, Booksmart) as Felicia’s brothers, Fergus and Farkle. Shrek 5 is directed by acclaimed filmmakers and Shrek franchise veterans Conrad Vernon and Walt Dohrn. Vernon was a member of the directing team on the Academy Award® nominated Shrek 2 as well as on DreamWorks Animation’s Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted and Monsters vs. Aliens. Vernon has also provided the voice of Shrek fan-favorite Gingerbread Man, aka “Gingy,” across all titles in the Shrek Universe. Dohrn worked on the second and third Shrek films as a writer and artist and as Head of Story on the fourth film. Dohrn also voiced the character of Rumpelstiltskin in Shrek Forever After. Dohrn served as co-director on the first Trolls film and directed Trolls World Tour and Trolls Band Together. The film is produced by returning producer Gina Shay (Trolls franchise), who produced Shrek Forever After and by Illumination CEO and Academy Award® nominee Chris Meledandri (the Super Mario, Despicable Me and Minions franchises). The film is co-directed by Brad Ableson (Minions: The Rise of Gru, The Simpsons). For the past two decades, audiences have been enchanted by the delightful, irreverent adventures of a misunderstood ogre and his ragtag group of roguish fairytale folk, based on the book by acclaimed author William Steig. Beginning in 2001 with Shrek, the winner of the first ever Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature, Shrek, Donkey and Fiona (along with their friends, family and tormentors), have grown into an indelible part of pop culture, reminding audiences around the globe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. …
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentTamar Braxton & Ms. E Return with Season 2 of ‘COOKING SESSIONS WITH TAMAR & MS. E’ on CLEO TV
June 26, 2026The ladies are back in the kitchen! “Cooking Sessions with Tamar & Ms. E” is coming back for season two. After premiering as CLEO TV’s highest performing series debut ever, the hit series returns Wednesday, July 8, with all-new episodes. Hosted by Tamar Braxton and Ms. E, each episode features the ladies spicing things up in the kitchen with delicious recipes and even more laughter. New episodes of “Cooking Sessions with Tamar & Ms. E” air Wednesdays at 9:30 PM ET/CT, on CLEO TV. “Cooking Sessions with Tamar and Ms. E” is produced by Powerhouse Productions, with Rochelle Brown and Sonia Armstead serving as Executive Producers, and Kenneth Colbert as Senior Producer. Evelyn Braxton serves as an Executive Producer. Tamar Braxton also serves as an Executive Producer for Tamar Braxton Productions. Susan Henry is the VP, Original Programming and Production for CLEO TV. For more information on “Cooking Sessions with Tamar & Ms. E” visit MyCLEO.tv and follow CLEO TV on Facebook, Instagram and X using the handle @mycleotv. Join the conversation by using the hashtag #CookingSessions.
Posted in BronzeLens Film Festival - August 21–30, 2026 | Leave a comment41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards Nominations Announced
June 24, 2026Central City Productions proudly announces the nominees for the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards. across 31 categories (+ 6 Gospel Radio categories), honoring the year’s best and brightest in gospel music. The awards ceremony will be taped live from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC, on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Returning for another unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration, the 2026 show is set to be hosted by Kirk Franklin; and feature electrifying performances, heartfelt tributes, and special honors recognizing gospel legends and rising stars alike, all under the theme “Feels Like Home.” Tickets are available now by visiting StellarAwards.com or by visiting Ticketmaster. Don Jackson, Founder of the Stellar Awards and Chairman of Central City Productions, Inc. commented, “As we celebrate the 41st Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, we are reminded that gospel music continues to be one of the most powerful forces for inspiration, healing, and hope in our communities. For more than four decades, the Stellar Awards have honored the artists, songwriters, musicians, and visionaries whose faith-filled contributions have shaped culture and touched lives around the world. As we begin this new chapter, we proudly celebrate the enduring legacy of gospel music while embracing the next generation of voices who will carry its message forward for years to come.” “It is truly an honor to return as host of the 41st Stellar Gospel Music Awards. For more than four decades, the Stellar Awards have celebrated the artists, songwriters, musicians, and leaders who continue to use gospel music to inspire, heal, and bring people closer to God. Every year, this stage reminds us of the incredible power of faith, community, and music to impact lives around the world. I’m excited to join the gospel music family in Charlotte as we celebrate another historic year of excellence, innovation, and ministry through song,” shares Kirk Franklin. Adding to the excitement, August …
Posted in Spotlight, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentDISCLOSURE DAY – IN THEATERS Now
June 19, 2026If you found out we weren’t alone, if someone showed you, proved it to you, would that frighten you? This summer, the truth belongs to seven billion people. We are coming close to … Disclosure Day. Universal Pictures is proud to release a new original event film created and directed by Steven Spielberg. The film stars SAG winner and Oscar® nominee Emily Blunt (Oppenheimer, A Quiet Place), Emmy and Golden Globe winner Josh O’Connor (Challengers, The Crown), Oscar® winner Colin Firth (The King’s Speech, Kingsman franchise), Eve Hewson (Bad Sisters, The Perfect Couple) and two-time Oscar® nominee Colman Domingo (Sing Sing, Rustin). Based on a story by Spielberg, the screenplay is by David Koepp, whose previous work with Spielberg includes the scripts for Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, War of the Worlds and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Combined, those films earned more than $3 billion worldwide. Koepp also wrote the script for this 2025’s Jurassic World Rebirth. Disclosure Day is produced by five-time Academy Award® nominee Kristie Macosko Krieger (The Fabelmans, West Side Story) and by Spielberg for Amblin Entertainment. The executive producers are Adam Somner and Chris Brigham. Steven Spielberg is one of the industry’s most successful and influential filmmakers. The top-grossing director of all time, Spielberg has helmed such blockbusters as Jaws, E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial, the Indiana Jones franchise and Jurassic Park. Among his myriad honors, he is a three-time Academy Award® winner, including Oscars® for Best Director and Best Picture for Schindler’s List, which received a total of seven Oscars®, and for Best Director for Saving Private Ryan. His most recent film, The Fabelmans, was released by Universal in 2022 and received seven Academy Award® nominations, including for Directing, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress and Best Picture. Genre: Thriller Cast: Emily Blunt, Josh O’Connor, Colin Firth, Eve Hewson and Colman Domingo Directed by: Steven Spielberg Screenplay by: David Koepp Story by: Steven Spielberg Producers: Kristie Macosko Krieger and Steven Spielberg Executive Producers: Adam Somner and …
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