Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →Duke claims fifth NCAA men’s basketball crown
April 7, 2015(CNN) Four fabulous freshmen led Duke and Coach K to a fifth national title. The Blue Devils won the NCAA men’s basketball championship in a thrilling title contest on Monday in Indianapolis, defeating a tough Wisconsin team 68-63. Duke freshmen guards Tyus Jones and Grayson Allen led the Blue Devils with 23 and 16 points, respectively. National freshman of the year Jahlil Okafor had 10 points despite spending most of the second half on the bench. Duke’s fourth prized freshman Justise Winslow scored 11 points. “My team had great grit and determination. Our defense down the stretch was magnificent.,” said Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski. “I don’t know how you can be any better than we were down the stretch.” Jones had 19 points in the second half as the Blue Devil guards got more aggressive in driving to the basket. Duke ended up with 10 more points from the free throw line even after Wisconsin only committed two fouls in the first half. With the Duke guards dribbling hard into the lane more, the Badgers had 13 second-half fouls. “We just didn’t get it done offensively,” Wisconsin’s Josh Gasser said. “We fouled too much the second half. They were just driving it hard.” The national title is the fifth for Krzyzewski, moving him ahead of the late Adolph Rupp into second place among Division I men’s coaches. It is also the fifth for the Duke program, tying it with Indiana and North Carolina for third most NCAA championships. Wisconsin was sparked by national player of the year Frank Kaminsky, who scored 21 points and had 12 rebounds. Nigel Hayes chipped in 13 points while Sam Dekker added 12, but shot poorly from the field. “He just was off with his outside shot,” Wisconsin head coach Bo Ryan said …
Posted in TV News | Leave a commentU.S. Congressman John Lewis Celebrates 75th Birthday
April 1, 2015U.S. Congressman and Civil Rights Icon John Lewis celebrated his 75th birthday with family, friends and hundreds of guests from around the world during a star-studded gala at the Tabernacle Atlanta, March 28. Lewis sat back and enjoyed performances and appearances by actress Alfre Woodard, singer Dionne Warwick, singer Jennifer Holliday, actor Dule Hill, actress Terri J. Vaughn, actress Kim Fields, singer Regina Belle, actress Tichina Arnold, former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young, former Gov. Roy Barnes, singer Demetria McKinney and more, with a special videotaped messages from President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton. After enjoying a show filled with tributes in song, dance, and Broadway energy, Congressman Lewis joined guests on stage and danced to Pharrell’s Oscar-winning song, “Happy.” He later partied with A.J. Calloway and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and his wife Sarah, at the after-party at the Tabernacle – sharing a message of hope and pride to the mostly under 30 crowd in attendance – even dancing to 50 Cent’s “In Da Club.”
Posted in Photos | Leave a comment2015 STELLAR MUSIC AWARDS HIGHLIGHTS THE BEST IN GOSPEL MUSIC
March 30, 2015SURPRISE REUNIONS, ROUSING PERFORMANCES AND LEGENDARY HONORS WERE BESTOWED UPON THE BEST IN GOSPEL MUSIC AT THE 30th ANNIVERSARY STELLAR GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS SHOW ERICA CAMPBELL WALKS AWAY WITH SIX TROPHIES FOR NEW ALBUM “HELP,” FOLLOWED BY RICKY DILLARD AND NEW G WITH THREE AWARDS AND DEITRICK HADDON TIED WITH THE WALLS GROUP FOR TWO WINS EACH Tune in to the Stellar Awards premiere on TV One, Easter Sunday, April 5 at 6pm ET/5pm CT; Will also air in syndication April 6 through May 10 on 150 stations in over 125 markets. The Stellar Awards opening performance featured Michelle Williams and a surprise reunion with Beyonce and Kelly Rowland singing her nominated single, “Say Yes.” The Stellar Awards will premiere on TV One Easter Sunday, April 5 @ 9pm ET/8pm CT Dubbed the greatest night in Gospel music, the 30th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas turned “Sin City” into “Salvation City.” Celebrating 30 years, the Stellar Awards was co-hosted with comedic flare by David Mann (“Mann & Wife), Tamela Mann (“Sparkle”) and Ricky Smiley (“Dish Nation”) during the 2-hour taped telecast premiering Easter Sunday, April 5 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on TV One. The Stellar Awards recognizes the year’s best performances in the genre, honors Gospel music icons and acknowledges the accomplishments of individuals instrumental in advocating for the industry. The big surprise of the evening came at the top of the show, when opening act Michelle Williams was joined by former bandmates Beyonce and Kelly Rowland in a show-stopping reunion that brought the audience to its feet singing her song, “Say Yes,” a winner for “Best Music Video of the Year.” Ten-time nominee Erica Campbell took top honors, winning six awards including Artist of …
Posted in COWBOY CARTER TOUR- ATLANTA - A NIGHT TO REMEMBER, In The Spotlight | Leave a commentBOUNCE TV HOSTS WORLDWIDE PREMIERE SCREENING FOR NEW SITCOM MANN & WIFE AT THE 30TH ANNUAL STELLAR GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS
March 28, 2015Real-life husband and wife team David Mann (“Madea’s Big Happy Family”) and Tamela Mann (“Sparkle”) premiered their new family-friendly original sitcom, MANN & WIFE before a full house during this year’s 30th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Award’s week of events. The “Take Me To The King” digital single, written and produced by Kirk Franklin and recorded and performed by Tamela, has been RIAA Certified Gold, having sold more than 500,000 digital copies. Tillymann Music Group label head and Tamela’s manager and husband, David Mann, presented Tamela with her RIAA Certified Gold plaque during their Mann & Wife screening event on Thursday, March 26 at the Century Orleans 18 Movie Theatre at Orleans Casino in Las Vegas, NV. Tamela Mann celebrates album certified Gold ABOUT MANN & WIFE New scripted series “MANN & WIFE,” from husband and wife team David Mann (“Madea’s Big Happy Family”) and Tamela Mann (“Sparkle”) is set to premiere on Tuesday, April 7, 2015 at 9pm ET/8 CT on Bounce TV. Starring as newlyweds Daniel and Toni Mann, the half-hour multi-camera sitcom revolves around the newly married couple and their blended family, each with two children from previous marriages. Daniel, a police officer from Atlanta, and Toni, a school teacher from Dallas, along with their kids DJ, Tosha, Darren and Terri all move into Daniel’s house in the Atlanta suburbs and have to adjust to their new lives together. In addition to David and Tamela, Mann & Wife stars Tony Rock, Tiny Lister and JoMarie Payton, and features guest stars Vivica A. Fox, J. Anthony Brown, Demetria McKinney, Julissa Bermudez and Rolonda Watts. JOIN THE CONVERSATION Twitter: #MannandWife Website: www.bouncetv.com/shows/mann-and-wife About Bounce TV Bounce TV features a programming mix of original and off-network series, theatrical motion pictures, documentaries, specials, live sports and more. Bounce TV is …
Posted in Streaming | Leave a commentFURIOUS 7 In theaters nationwide Friday, April 3
March 23, 2015FURIOUS 7 (Universal Pictures) Synopsis: Continuing the global exploits in the unstoppable franchise built on speed, Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson lead the returning cast of Furious 7. James Wan directs this chapter of the hugely successful series that also welcomes back favorites Michelle Rodriguez, Jordana Brewster, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Elsa Pataky and Lucas Black. They are joined by international action stars new to the franchise including Jason Statham, Djimon Hounsou, Tony Jaa, Ronda Rousey, Nathalie Emmanuel and Kurt Russell. Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel and Michael Fottrell return to produce the film written by Chris Morgan. Official Website: http://www.furious7.com/ Official Hashtag: #Furious7 #FastFamily In theaters nationwide on Friday, April 3, 2015
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentVivica A. Fox, Fonzworth Bentley & Wendy Raquel Robinson Host Allstate Gospel Super Fest in Chicago
March 22, 2015Vivica A. Fox, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Fonzworth Bentley hosted the Allstate Gospel Superfest at the House of Hope Arena in Chicago Saturday, March 21. Performers included Marvin Winans, Dorinda Clark-Cole, J. Moss, Lexi, Virtue, Kelly Price, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Richard Smallwood, Shirley Murdock, Ricky Dillard, The Rance Allen Group, Earnest Pugh, The Walls Group, Chanel, Bishop Larry Trotter, Deleon Sheffield, Brent Jones and MORE! Marvin Winans and Richard Smallwood received special honors. The Allstate Gospel Superfest returned to the city of Chicago for its 16th Annual Allstate Gospel Superfest television extravaganza. The Allstate Gospel Superfest, the most widely distributed TV show in black gospel music history, kept pace with its trendsetting production with this year’s line-up. www.gospelsuperfest.com. The first show airs in national syndication 3/27-4/19 (check local listings). About Allstate Gospel SuperFest The Allstate Gospel Superfest is one of the nation’s largest TV recordings in the field of urban-targeted, inspirational music and entertainment. Founded in 1998, the show has maintained a consistent presence in broadcast syndication for 15 consecutive years. Releasing five one-hour specials a year, The Allstate Gospel Superfest is carried by major TV network affiliated stations including ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CW, & MYTV. The production is known for its elaborate staging, trendsetting production and Hollywood styled approach to gospel music television. Allstate Gospel Superfest TV programming reaches millions of TV viewers annually via domestic syndication and Cable, The Allstate Gospel Superfest is the most widely distributed TV brand in the history of black gospel music television. Gospel Superfest is a trade name of Unity Media Limited of Ohio. Gospel music lover Casey Grant, Radio Host of Blog Talk Radio’s FLY GIRL, was given the opportunity to cover the Allstate Gospel Fest for Sonya’s Spotlight web mag. Below is a photo of Casey and her assistant for the night, her neighbor, Carla Salvo.
Posted in Fitness | Leave a commentJussie Smollett & Bryshere “Yazz” Gray from EMPIRE – The Conference Call
March 20, 2015Date of Teleconference: March 17. 2015 – 12:30pm est. Actors Jussie Smollett & Bryshere “Yazz” Gray – from the hit drama EMPIRE- took time out of their busy schedules to talk with me and a few journalists about their experiences on EMPIRE via a teleconference call the day before the season finale. Jussie and Jazz were at different locations, but their chemistry seeped through the phone lines like they were in the same room with each other. The few reporters were based in Atlanta, Hawaii, New York, Chicago and beyond. Below are a few quotes from our 30 minute phone conversation with Jussie and Yazz. On their Chemistry Together : Jussie: As far as the relationship and the chemistry between both Hakeem and Jamal and, obviously, essentially, myself and Yazz, the thing about Hakeem and Jamal is that they compete and there are other people that really have their hands in the pot of their brotherhood, but at the same time they always find themselves back to each other. They always find their way back to each other somehow. I think that’s the beautiful thing about them is that families fight; families have issues. Not exactly as many issues as the Lyons family, but, families fight and they have issues and then they come back together at the end of the day and they’re a family. I think that it speaks volumes about brotherhood, the fact that Hakeem is so supportive of Jamal. Jamal is so supportive of Hakeem, but then it leads into our friendship and our brotherhood outside of the work. I feel like I watch the show sometimes, like when Yazz was performing “Nothing but a Number,” my character was excited, but my character was excited because I was genuinely excited because that was the first time …
Posted in Celebrity Profile | Leave a commentTHE SOUL MAN SEASON 4 LIVE LAUNCH ON MARCH 18TH!
March 17, 2015CEDRIC “THE ENTERTAINER” AND NIECY NASH RETURN LIVE FOR THE SEASON 4 PREMIERE OF “THE SOUL MAN” ON WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18TH AT 10:30PM ET/PT ON TV LAND FIRST LOOK PROMO HERE: No second takes, no rewrites: On Wednesday, March 18th at 10:30 PM ET/PT “The Soul Man” is going LIVE for its season premiere! Cedric “The Entertainer,” Niecy Nash and Wesley Jonathan are pulling out all the stops for the season 4 return, and they’re bringing along special guest star Sherri Shepherd for the ride. Shepherd will guest star as Nikki, Boyce’s (Cedric) unruly cousin who always has a few tricks up her sleeve. “The Soul Man” will take over all social media platforms on premiere night by releasing exclusive guest star interviews, photos from the set and more. The cast will also countdown to the live celebration by launching never-before-seen bloopers using the hashtag #NoSecondTakes. The official hashtag for premiere night is #SOULMANLive. “The Soul Man” follows R&B super-star-turned minister Reverend Boyce (Cedric “The Entertainer”) “The Voice” Ballentine after he relocated from Las Vegas to St. Louis with his wife Lolli (Niecy Nash). While they’re always adjusting to their new modest life, they have plenty of obstacles in their way, including Boyce’s brother Stamps (Wesley Jonathan), who is still trying to figure life out and another pain in their neck Cousin Nikki (Shepherd) who comes for a friendly visit that turns extended. Cedric and Suzanne Martin (“Hot in Cleveland”) are executive producers of the sitcom, along with Eric C. Rhone and Emmy® Award-winner Sean Hayes and Todd Milliner of Hazy Mills Productions. About TV Land TV Land is the programming destination featuring the best in entertainment on all platforms for consumers in their 40s. Consisting of original programming, acquisitions and a digital portfolio, TV Land is now seen in …
Posted in Streaming | Leave a commentXernona Clayton: “An Evening to Remember” Premiere
March 17, 2015Hundreds of dignitaries, entertainers, political figures and civil rights icons came out in style to celebrate the premiere of “A Life to Remember,” a provactive and entertaining documentary highlighting the life of Xernona Clayton at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta, March 14, 2014 . Trumpet Awards Creator Xernona Clayton, a civil rights leader who worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., during his most impactive years as a civil rights advocate for non-violence, was the first African-American woman to host a prime time television show in the South. Clayton beamed with excitment as her family, friends and colleagues walked the red carpet, celebrated her through song and took a journey back with her through the showing of the stellar documentary. Below are a few photos from the evening. Check Back for Captions. Update in Progress.
Posted in On the Scene | 1 CommentSelma 50th Anniversary – Photos
March 12, 2015Thousands reenacted the march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge to commenmorate the 50th Anniversary of “Bloody Sunday,” the Selma-to-Montgomery March, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 in Selma, Ala March 7 – 8, 2015 . Enjoy the candid shots and videos below, captured by publisher & editor of Sonya’s Spotlight web mag, Sonya Jenkins.
Posted in Movie News, Photos | Leave a comment ← Older posts Newer posts →
