Author Archives: Sonya's Spotlight
← Older posts Newer posts →Chris “Ludacris” Bridges Cruises the Red Carpet at a VIP Screening of FAST & FURIOUS 6 in Atlanta!
May 20, 2013Grammy-winning rapper and actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges cruised into Atlanta to promote the upcoming Universal Studios release FAST & FURIOUS 6 with a VIP screening for some of the city’s most notable celebrities Thursday, May 16. Guests mingled with Atlanta’s elite including Monica and Shannon Brown, Young Jeezy and Keisha Knight Pulliam. Those in attendance had a chance to taste Ludacris’ Conjure Cognac as well as experience Atlanta’s trendiest new movie theater, Cinebistro at Town Brookhaven. Ludacris posed for photos and introduced the film to a packed house ready to jumpstart the latest addition to the FAST &FURIOUS franchise. Everyone cheered in preparation for the release of FAST & FURIOUS 6 nationwide, Friday, May 24.
Posted in Photos | Leave a commentPresidential Proclamation — African-American Music Appreciation Month, 2013
May 20, 2013BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: A PROCLAMATION Since our Nation’s founding, people from every walk of life have set out to capture the American experience not just in poetry or prose, but also in the timeless quality of song. When the outcome of a revolution hung in the balance, drums and fifes filled brave patriots with the strength to carry on. When slavery kept millions in bondage, spirituals gave voice to a dream of true and lasting freedom. Through every generation, music has reflected and renewed our national conversation, bringing us together and reminding us of the humanity we share. African-Americans have always had a hand in shaping the American sound. From gospel and Motown to bebop and blues, their story is bound up in the music they made — songs of hurt and hardship, yearning and hope, and struggle for a better day. Those feelings speak to something common in all of us. With passion and creativity, African-American performers have done more than reinvent the musical styles they helped define; they have channeled their music into making change and advancing justice, from radio booths to the stage to our city streets. That story is still unfolding today. We see it in the young poet putting his words to a beat; the conservatory student perfecting her technique; the jazz musician making old melodies new again. During African-American Music Appreciation Month, let us celebrate these artists and the generations who inspired them, and let us reflect on our heritage as a Nation forever enriched by the power of song. NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2013 as African-American Music …
Posted in Movie News | Leave a comment3rd Annual DERBY BRUNCH HATWALK Mother’s Day Weekend
May 14, 20133rd Annual Derby Brunch Hatwalk Brings Kentucky Derby Flair & Garden Fashions to Atlanta Mother’s Day Weekend at Villa Christina EVENT FEATURES: Hatwalk Garden Party featuring the Hatwalk Marketplace and live entertainment by the band Sol Factor Hatwalk Competition crowning the 2013 Hatwalk Divas judged by Chakiva Felder – Ms. Georgia Plus America Pop-Up Hatwalk E-Boutique offering the latest hat fashions this Spring and other Mother’s Day gift items onsite at the Pop-up Hatwalk E-Boutique, which is derived from an online store where 100% of sales proceeds benefit T.R.I.P. Hatwalk Brunch provided a full presentation from T.R.I.P. organizers along with fun activities for attendees. Raffle Tickets will be sold on-site for $5 with prizes ranging from gift cards to 2013 season Falcons tickets. The Derby Brunch Hatwalk raises much–needed funds for T.R.I.P. — a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization created to rebuild communities of color in need. Visit www.tripusa.org for more info. Sonya’s Spotlight Web Mag Coverage of The Derby Brunch Hatwalk Sponsored by WWW.GRANDDIVAENTERPRISES.COM Shop at WWW.GRANDDIVAENTERPRISES.COM for a Grand Chapeaux for your next Grand Event.
Posted in Music | 1 CommentPEEPLES – In Theaters May 10
May 4, 2013SYNOPSIS: Sparks fly when Wade Walker (Craig Robinson) crashes the preppy Peeples annual reunion in the Hamptons to ask for their precious daughter Grace’s (Kerry Washington) hand in marriage. Wade might be a fish-out-of-water among this seemingly perfect East Coast clan, but he’s not about to let himself flounder. Instead, in a wild weekend of fun, dysfunction and hilarious surprises, Wade is about to discover there’s room for all kinds of Peeples in this family, no matter their differences. Writer and first-time director Tina Gordon Chism (writer of DRUMLINE) joins forces with Tyler Perry to present a laugh-out-loud look at the family ties that freak us out . . . but bind us together with love. Tyler Perry Presents “PEEPLES” stars Craig Robinson, Kerry Washington, David Alan Grier, S. Epatha Merkerson, Tyler Williams, Melvin Van Peebles, and Diahann Carroll, and is written and directed by Tina Gordon Chism. PEEPLES is a presentation of Lionsgate and 34th Street Films, and a 34th Street Films/ Stephanie Allain/Paul Hall/Lionsgate production.
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentOWN Sets Premieres for Tyler Perry’s Scripted Series, Greenlights Two Shows
May 2, 2013by Philiana Ng The network schedules a night filled with specials ahead of the May launches for Perry’s “The Haves and the Have Nots” and “Love Thy Neighbor.” OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network is going all out in the lead-up to the debut of Tyler Perry‘s scripted efforts. Ahead of the launches of one-hour ensemble drama The Haves and the Have Nots and half-hour sitcom Love Thy Neighbor, OWN is rolling out what it is calling “event programming” days prior to the May premieres. The network has scheduled a special episode of Oprah’s Next Chapter at 9 p.m. Sunday, May 26, where Oprah Winfrey will interview Perry at his home. The one-hour sit-down will be followed by a behind-the-scenes look at the making of Have Nots and Neighbor in Atlanta at 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., respectively, with Tyler Perry Comes to OWN: Behind the Scenes. Two days later, OWN premieres Have Nots — starring John Schneider and Renee Lawless — at 9 p.m. Tuesday, May 28. Neighbor, toplined by Patrice Lovely, Andre Hall and Kendra C. Johnson, kicks off with back-to-back episodes starting at 9 p.m. Wednesday, May 29. Have Nots follows the dynamic between the rich and powerful Cryer family and the hired help who work in their opulent mansion in Savannah, Ga. Neighbor takes place at the family-run Love Train Diner where every day’s menu includes food, laughs, life lessons and love. OWN also has added two unscripted series to its slate. Millionaire Mama’s Boy follows the relationship between former WNBA basketball star Pamela McGee and her 25-year-old son, Denver Nuggets center JaVale McGee. The Sony TV series is executive produced by Pete Tartaglia and Amy Palmer Robertson. Houston Beauty (working title) centers on Glenda Jemison, owner and director of Franklin Beauty School, the oldest continuously operated …
Posted in Sports & Inspiration | Leave a commentBrandy: Addresses Violent Relationships in “Temptation”
May 1, 2013By Rych McCain She has been a superstar fixture on the Hollywood scene since she was a teenager. She has sold over 40 million records worldwide, appeared on dozens of major magazine covers, acted in film and on TV and played live concerts around the globe. Brandy Norwood’s latest album “Two Eleven” debuted at #1 on the Billboard R&B Album chart. In her latest film role, Norwood plays Melinda, an abused woman as the result of a violent relationship in Tyler Perry’s latest offering “Temptation.” This role marks her return to the big screen after taking off a few years to be a mom. How did the character of Melinda relate with her? Norwood lights up: “You know what, I was so attracted to my character because of the struggles she had to face in different relationships. Sometimes women lose themselves in relationships and they camouflage and try to put on a different mask to make the relationship work. In her past, I felt that she found herself doing that and she did it too much where it really broke her down, tore her up, made her weak, vulnerable and now she’s on the run. Somewhere she thinks that’s brave and it’s not. It was so great to read a script like that and see the character unfold and almost have to be forced to confront her past so she can move on and become the woman that God created her to be.” What was Norwood’s reaction to being in a Tyler Perry movie? She reflects: “I was so happy to get a call from Tyler Perry mainly because he’s Tyler Perry! He said I want you to be in a movie and I said ‘You do – yes!’ What, am I going to say no? I was so happy …
Posted in Celebrity Profile | Leave a commentPain & Gain – In Theaters April 26
April 22, 2013From acclaimed director Michael Bay comes “Pain and Gain,” a new action comedy starring Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson and Anthony Mackie. Based on the unbelievable true story of a group of personal trainers in 1990s Miami who, in pursuit of the American Dream, get caught up in a criminal enterprise that goes horribly wrong. Paramount Pictures newest action comedy PAIN & GAIN opens in theaters nationwide April 26! Official Site with Link To Trailer: www.PainandGainMovie.com For Motivational Chat with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson – http://sonyasspotlight.com/?p=1437 Win a PAIN & GAIN GIFT SET by sending Sonya’s Spotlight Web Mag your “STRUGGLE FACE” – while working out!! A winner – the best “Struggle Face” while working out – will be chosen by the editor on the release date of Pain & Gain- April 26. Gift set includes – gym bag, towel, shirt and water bottle. E-mail your workout “Struggle Face” to SpotlightAtl@aol.com Also Tweet #PainAndGainATL with your “Struggle Face” to win reserved seats in Headkrack’s section of advance screening of PAIN & GAIN this Tuesday, April 23 in Atlanta!!!
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentLouisville Kevin Ware Cuts Down Net (2013 NCAA Basketball Championship)
April 10, 2013Louisville wins NCAA championship Photo Credit: Reuters/Jeff Haynes By Julian Linden ATLANTA | Tue Apr 9, 2013 2:14am EDT ATLANTA (Reuters) – Louisville won the 75th edition of the NCAA men’s basketball championship on Monday, beating Michigan 82-76 in a pulsating final in front of more than 74,000 fans at the Georgia Dome. The Cardinals overcame a slow start, in which they twice trailed by 12 points in the first half, to outscore Michigan 45-38 in the second and capture their third national title after previous wins in 1980 and 1986. Luke Hancock came off the bench and scored a career-best 22 points, including five three-pointers, while Peyton Siva added 18 points and Chane Behanan 15 for Louisville. “We went into a war today against a great Michigan team,” said Hancock, who was named the outstanding player of the tournament. “We needed to rally and we have done it a couple of games.” Trey Burke, the national player of the year, scored 24 points in a losing effort for the Wolverines while Spike Albrecht contributed 17 after coming off the bench, all in the first half. “We fought for 40 minutes, there was never a time when we gave up,” said Burke. “Louisville was just a really solid team at the end of the game.” Michigan made a flying start and built a double-digit lead before the Cardinals took control, matching the second biggest comeback in an NCAA final in the same massive building where the ‘Dream Team’ won Olympic gold in 1996. Inspired by their team mate Kevin Ware, who broke his leg earlier in the tournament in a horrific fall, Louisville’s players burst into celebration when the clock ran out and confetti rained down on the Georgia Dome court. ‘GETTING A TATTOO’ Louisville went into the championships as …
Posted in TV News | Leave a commentCELEBRITY ‘HOT’ SHOTS
April 9, 2013Celebrity Shots of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, Selita Ebanks, Lance Gross, Keyshia Cole, Cedric The Entertainer and More! Hollywood Photographer – Hollywood Black Entertainment, Rickey D.Brown : http://www.photographybyrickey.com/
Posted in Photos | Leave a commentBeauty Queen Tips To Help You Shine
April 7, 2013By Sydney Turpin “Greetings and Blessings” Sonya’s Spotlight Web Mag readers. As a model, actress, college student majoring in broadcast journalism and former beauty queen (having won three titles), it is my pleasure to share with you a few of my beauty queen tips to help you shine. Whether you aspire to be a pageant queen or not, allow me to give you 7 of my success tips as you embark upon your remarkable journey in the pageantry or in everyday life. Sydney’s Top 7 Beauty Queen Success Tips 1 CONFIDENCE: Confidence is a key attribute in beauty pageants and in life. You must convince the judges, as well as your competition, that you are the best thing to truly grace the stage. 2 POSTURE: Many beauty queens overlook this key component, which helps you exude more confidence. Your posture impacts the overall success of your performance, how you present yourself, and how others perceive you. Having proper posture gives you an edge. Stand Tall. 3 INTELLIGENCE: Beauty is not enough when competing in a pageant or in achieving any goal. You must also have the brains – by being able to speak about various topics and give intelligent answers to questions. 4 TALENT: Having some sort of special skill will truly help you stand out as a pageant contestant and will make others remember you. But think outside the box when it comes to talent. If you have a special talent, showcase it in a unique way. 5 TRAINING: A lot of beauty queens do not see training as a necessity, but some of the most exquisite and versatile beauty queens around the world have hired personal pageant coaches in order to be ahead of the game. Many successful actors, business leaders and moguls also hire personal coaches. In …
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