You don’t have to be an expert on classic soul and R&b to recognize the American music monuments that emerged from Stax Records in the Sixties and Seventies. Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man,” Otis Redding’s “Respect” and “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay,” Isaac Hayes’ “Theme From Shaft,” and the Staple Singers’ “I’ll Take You There” — just a few of Stax’s greatest hits — made the case that the Memphis-based record company was the Southern version of Motown.
Whether anyone fully realizes that is another matter.
Whether anyone fully realizes that is another matter.
- 5/20/2024
- by David Browne
- Rollingstone.com
Marisa Abela in Back To BlackImage: Focus Features
Since the blockbuster success of the Queen movie Bohemian Rhapsody in 2018, a music biopic gold rush has been underway in Hollywood. Some of the resulting films—made as they are with the participation of the artist, or more often their estate—have...
Since the blockbuster success of the Queen movie Bohemian Rhapsody in 2018, a music biopic gold rush has been underway in Hollywood. Some of the resulting films—made as they are with the participation of the artist, or more often their estate—have...
- 5/15/2024
- by Brogan Morris
- avclub.com
Exclusive: Peyton Jackson and Estella Kahiha have been added to the cast of Jaume Collet-Serra’s The Woman in the Yard from Blumhouse for Universal.
They join Danielle Deadwyler, Okwui Okpokwasili and Russell Hornsby. The film’s logline is being kept under wraps.
The pic is written by Sam Stefanak, with Jason Blum and Stephanie Allain producing. Collet-Serra, Deadwyler, Gabrielle Ebron and James Moran will exec produce. Haley Pigman and Jungyoon Kim are the executives covering the film for Blumhouse.
Jackson made his big-screen debut as Jr. in Tyler Perry’s Nobody’s Fool with Tiffany Haddish, Omari Hardwick and Tika Sumpter. He can be seen the Emmy-nominated Best Foot Forward. He was also seen in the feature film American Refugee for Blumhouse with Erika Alexander. Other credits include films Respect with Jennifer Hudson, The Harder They Fall with Regina King and Idris Elba, and First Christmas.
Kahiha’s first big...
They join Danielle Deadwyler, Okwui Okpokwasili and Russell Hornsby. The film’s logline is being kept under wraps.
The pic is written by Sam Stefanak, with Jason Blum and Stephanie Allain producing. Collet-Serra, Deadwyler, Gabrielle Ebron and James Moran will exec produce. Haley Pigman and Jungyoon Kim are the executives covering the film for Blumhouse.
Jackson made his big-screen debut as Jr. in Tyler Perry’s Nobody’s Fool with Tiffany Haddish, Omari Hardwick and Tika Sumpter. He can be seen the Emmy-nominated Best Foot Forward. He was also seen in the feature film American Refugee for Blumhouse with Erika Alexander. Other credits include films Respect with Jennifer Hudson, The Harder They Fall with Regina King and Idris Elba, and First Christmas.
Kahiha’s first big...
- 5/6/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Prime Video announced on Wednesday that Marlon Wayans: Good Grief, the latest stand-up special from actor and comedian Marlon Wayans, will premiere on the platform in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on June 4th.
Taped at the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem, the special sees comedy meet therapy as Wayans works through his grief after recently losing both of his parents. In his new hour, he meditates on how his father taught him to be a man, the requirements to join the “Dead Mama Club,” the surprises you encounter when changing your aging parents’ diapers, who is the funniest Wayans, and more.
Marlon Wayans: Good Grief is produced by Wayans and Rick Alvarez’s Ugly Baby Productions and Amazon MGM Studios. Marlon Wayans, Rick Alvarez, Michael Rotenberg, Steve Harris, Craig Wayans, and Troy Miller served as executive producers of the special.
Since debuting his first comedy special, Woke-ish,...
Taped at the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem, the special sees comedy meet therapy as Wayans works through his grief after recently losing both of his parents. In his new hour, he meditates on how his father taught him to be a man, the requirements to join the “Dead Mama Club,” the surprises you encounter when changing your aging parents’ diapers, who is the funniest Wayans, and more.
Marlon Wayans: Good Grief is produced by Wayans and Rick Alvarez’s Ugly Baby Productions and Amazon MGM Studios. Marlon Wayans, Rick Alvarez, Michael Rotenberg, Steve Harris, Craig Wayans, and Troy Miller served as executive producers of the special.
Since debuting his first comedy special, Woke-ish,...
- 4/24/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
LGBTQ advocate Marcia Gay Harden is being singled out for her work on behalf of the community.
Glsen, the education organization dedicated to creating safe and inclusive K-12 schools and learning environments for LGBTQ youth, has zeroed in on the Oscar-winning actress to receive an advocate award at its upcoming Respect Awards.
The fundraiser is set to be held at New York’s Gotham Hall on April 29. Performer and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Peppermint is booked to host the show, which will feature appearances by Billy Porter, Anthony Rapp and Glsen board chair Wilson Cruz. Also during the event, community leader Brad Baumoel will receive a movement leader award, Republic Records will be presented with a visibility award and Sophia T. will receive a student advocate award.
In announcing the trophy for Harden, Glsen detailed that Harden has shown a dedication to raising up LGBTQ voices and advocating for...
Glsen, the education organization dedicated to creating safe and inclusive K-12 schools and learning environments for LGBTQ youth, has zeroed in on the Oscar-winning actress to receive an advocate award at its upcoming Respect Awards.
The fundraiser is set to be held at New York’s Gotham Hall on April 29. Performer and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Peppermint is booked to host the show, which will feature appearances by Billy Porter, Anthony Rapp and Glsen board chair Wilson Cruz. Also during the event, community leader Brad Baumoel will receive a movement leader award, Republic Records will be presented with a visibility award and Sophia T. will receive a student advocate award.
In announcing the trophy for Harden, Glsen detailed that Harden has shown a dedication to raising up LGBTQ voices and advocating for...
- 4/24/2024
- by Chris Gardner
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Skydance Sports, the media company’s Jv with the NFL, has made some key appointments to its creative and production leadership across film and television, hiring Nancy Cotton and Sandino Moya-Smith as, respectively, EVP, Television, and SVP, Feature Film. Both were previously at Amazon MGM.
Danette Trosclair was promoted to EVP, Production, moving from Skydance Television to oversee all physical production for the Skydance Sports’ slate of scripted series including production, finance, and post-production.
As EVP, Television — a newly created role — Cotton will lead development and production of the sports studio’s scripted series across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. She will be responsible for sourcing material and shepherding series through development, packaging, production and beyond.
Cotton and Trosclair will report to Jason Reed, Head of Skydance Sports.
Moya-Smith will be responsible for bringing in feature projects to the studio and overseeing the films throughout every phase from inception to release.
Danette Trosclair was promoted to EVP, Production, moving from Skydance Television to oversee all physical production for the Skydance Sports’ slate of scripted series including production, finance, and post-production.
As EVP, Television — a newly created role — Cotton will lead development and production of the sports studio’s scripted series across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. She will be responsible for sourcing material and shepherding series through development, packaging, production and beyond.
Cotton and Trosclair will report to Jason Reed, Head of Skydance Sports.
Moya-Smith will be responsible for bringing in feature projects to the studio and overseeing the films throughout every phase from inception to release.
- 4/10/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
The 2024 CMT Music Awards are just wrapping up on Sunday night (April 7) at the Moody Center in Austin, Tex.
The annual awards show honored the best of country music videos over the past year, and was hosted by Kelsea Ballerini.
Throughout the night, many stars took the stage to present awards and there were several performances, including from Kelsea herself, Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, Sam Hunt and a huge group performance by both a reunited Sugarland and Little Big Town, who just announced they’re going on tour together later this year!
There were also some big winners of the night and we have the complete winners list right here.
Keep reading to find out who all took home awards…
June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award
Trisha Yearwood
Video Of The Year
Ashley McBryde – “Light On In The Kitchen”
Brandy Clark feat. Brandi Carlile – “Dear Insecurity”
Brothers Osborne – “Nobody’s Nobody...
The annual awards show honored the best of country music videos over the past year, and was hosted by Kelsea Ballerini.
Throughout the night, many stars took the stage to present awards and there were several performances, including from Kelsea herself, Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood, Sam Hunt and a huge group performance by both a reunited Sugarland and Little Big Town, who just announced they’re going on tour together later this year!
There were also some big winners of the night and we have the complete winners list right here.
Keep reading to find out who all took home awards…
June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award
Trisha Yearwood
Video Of The Year
Ashley McBryde – “Light On In The Kitchen”
Brandy Clark feat. Brandi Carlile – “Dear Insecurity”
Brothers Osborne – “Nobody’s Nobody...
- 4/8/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson and Megan Moroney had the most CMT Music Awards nominations, when they were announced on March 13. They have three bids apiece. But who ended up winning when prizes were handed out on April 7? Scroll down for the complete list of winners.
Among the three nominations for Johnson, Jelly Roll, Ballerini and Wilson was Video of the Year, a category that started with 16 nominees. After the first round of voting the top six were revealed on April 1. Then after a second round of voting the three finalists were unveiled, and finally all the winners were announced.
Unlike the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards, which are decided by professionals within the country music industry, the CMT Awards are voted on by fans. Country music listeners were able to pick their favorite music video achievements at vote.cmt.com...
Among the three nominations for Johnson, Jelly Roll, Ballerini and Wilson was Video of the Year, a category that started with 16 nominees. After the first round of voting the top six were revealed on April 1. Then after a second round of voting the three finalists were unveiled, and finally all the winners were announced.
Unlike the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards, which are decided by professionals within the country music industry, the CMT Awards are voted on by fans. Country music listeners were able to pick their favorite music video achievements at vote.cmt.com...
- 4/8/2024
- by Daniel Montgomery and Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
The 2024 CMT Music Awards were held in Austin on Sunday night. Hosted by Kelsea Ballerini, the annual celebration of country music and its music videos gave out trophies in categories like Collaborative Video of the Year, CMT Performance of the Year, and the top prize, Video of the Year. All winners are voted on by fans.
The 2024 CMT Music Awards Winners List
Video of the Year
Cody Johnson – “The Painter”
Jelly Roll – “Need a Favor” – Winner
Kelsea Ballerini – “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too)”
Female Video of...
The 2024 CMT Music Awards Winners List
Video of the Year
Cody Johnson – “The Painter”
Jelly Roll – “Need a Favor” – Winner
Kelsea Ballerini – “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too)”
Female Video of...
- 4/8/2024
- by Joseph Hudak
- Rollingstone.com
Amber Riley is looking fabulous on the red carpet!
The 38-year-old actress and singer arrived at the 2024 CMT Music Awards held at Moody Center on Sunday (April 7) in Austin, Tex.
Amber rocked a stylish black dress complete with sparkles and fringe.
If you didn’t know, Amber is nominated for CMT Performance of the Year for her song “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” from CMT Smashing Glass.
The Glee star is also set to present an award during tonight’s show!
Be sure to see the full list of CMT Awards nominations right here. Also, check out the full list of performers and presenters!
Find out which Glee scene Amber Riley refused to film and why!
Browse through the gallery for more photos of Amber Riley at the 2024 CMT Music Awards…...
The 38-year-old actress and singer arrived at the 2024 CMT Music Awards held at Moody Center on Sunday (April 7) in Austin, Tex.
Amber rocked a stylish black dress complete with sparkles and fringe.
If you didn’t know, Amber is nominated for CMT Performance of the Year for her song “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” from CMT Smashing Glass.
The Glee star is also set to present an award during tonight’s show!
Be sure to see the full list of CMT Awards nominations right here. Also, check out the full list of performers and presenters!
Find out which Glee scene Amber Riley refused to film and why!
Browse through the gallery for more photos of Amber Riley at the 2024 CMT Music Awards…...
- 4/7/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
On “The Masked Singer’s” “Shower Anthems Night,” it’s time to belt out some squeaky-clean tunes! The Group C contestants start the night with a show-stopping group performance, and then serenade the audience and panelists Robin Thicke, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Ken Jeong and Rita Ora with iconic songs that are best sung at full volume in the shower! Nick Cannon hosts the wild and wacky fun.
The Season 11 contestants boast a combined 22 Grammy nominations, 11 platinum albums, 33 Teen Choice nominations, 108 million records sold, 326 film appearances and have 1.7 billion Spotify streams!
Below, read our minute-by-minute “The Masked Singer” recap of Season 11, Episode 5, to find out what happened Wednesday, April 3 at 8:00 p.m. Et/Pt on Fox. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite costumed characters on Fox’s reality TV show and who you think has what it takes to win the entire competition.
See...
The Season 11 contestants boast a combined 22 Grammy nominations, 11 platinum albums, 33 Teen Choice nominations, 108 million records sold, 326 film appearances and have 1.7 billion Spotify streams!
Below, read our minute-by-minute “The Masked Singer” recap of Season 11, Episode 5, to find out what happened Wednesday, April 3 at 8:00 p.m. Et/Pt on Fox. Then be sure to sound off in the comments section about your favorite costumed characters on Fox’s reality TV show and who you think has what it takes to win the entire competition.
See...
- 4/4/2024
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Spoiler Alert: Do not read ahead if you have not watched Season 11, Episode 5 of “The Masked Singer,” “Group C Finals: Shower Anthems Night,” which aired April 3 on Fox.
After two weeks of being on “The Masked Singer” chopping block, Sisqó is finally gone-guh-gone-gone-gone.
I think I’ll sing it again: Sisqó’s been dumped like a truck, truck, truck. “The Masked Singer” has removed his butt, butt, butt. Let me see (who sang) that song!
That’s right, “Thong Song” superstar Sisqó on Wednesday became the latest celebrity to be unmasked on “The Masked Singer,” revealed to be the Lizard.
For Sisqó as the Lizard, several of the panelists had figured it out. Robin Thicke and Rita Ora knew it was Sisqó. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg picked Ray J. Ken Jeong said it was Michael Bivins.
Lizard was voted out after being one of the two lowest vote-getters in the two previous episodes.
After two weeks of being on “The Masked Singer” chopping block, Sisqó is finally gone-guh-gone-gone-gone.
I think I’ll sing it again: Sisqó’s been dumped like a truck, truck, truck. “The Masked Singer” has removed his butt, butt, butt. Let me see (who sang) that song!
That’s right, “Thong Song” superstar Sisqó on Wednesday became the latest celebrity to be unmasked on “The Masked Singer,” revealed to be the Lizard.
For Sisqó as the Lizard, several of the panelists had figured it out. Robin Thicke and Rita Ora knew it was Sisqó. Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg picked Ray J. Ken Jeong said it was Michael Bivins.
Lizard was voted out after being one of the two lowest vote-getters in the two previous episodes.
- 4/4/2024
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Fox’s The Masked Singer Season 11 continues with the Group C finals on Wednesday, April 3, 2024. Earlier in the season, fans saw Clock, Lizard, Poodle Moth, and Spaghetti and Meatballs take the stage in Group C. The wild card, Sir Lion, was introduced later. Now, only three masks remain. Who’s unmasked next? Here are The Masked Singer Season 11 spoilers.
[Spoiler alert: The Masked Singer Season 11 spoilers ahead regarding the Group C finals.]
Who’s unmasked in ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 11 Group C finals?
The Masked Singer Season 11 Episode 5 features the Group C finals for “Shower Anthems Night,” and fans can’t wait to see the final three singers belt out their best notes. Fans have seen Clock, Lizard, Poodle Moth, Spaghetti and Meatballs, and Sir Lion take the stage. While Spaghetti and Meatballs and Sir Lion were unmasked, Clock, Lizard, and Poodle Moth remain.
A preview for “Shower Anthems Night” shows the...
[Spoiler alert: The Masked Singer Season 11 spoilers ahead regarding the Group C finals.]
Who’s unmasked in ‘The Masked Singer’ Season 11 Group C finals?
The Masked Singer Season 11 Episode 5 features the Group C finals for “Shower Anthems Night,” and fans can’t wait to see the final three singers belt out their best notes. Fans have seen Clock, Lizard, Poodle Moth, Spaghetti and Meatballs, and Sir Lion take the stage. While Spaghetti and Meatballs and Sir Lion were unmasked, Clock, Lizard, and Poodle Moth remain.
A preview for “Shower Anthems Night” shows the...
- 4/3/2024
- by Lauren Weiler
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Were you as impressed as we were when Clock raised her voice in song for the first time on “The Masked Singer”? She wowed us with her flawless cover of “Piano Man” on the March 20 episode. And she won over the judges with her diction and delivery of this Billy Joel classic.
Overnight, we’ve rewatched that performance by Clock and her clues package. Forget those guesses by the judges that Dandelion is Anita Baker, Evelyn “Champagne” King or Diana Ross We are sure we know Clock’s true identity. Keep reading as we have all your “The Masked Singer” spoilers, including the answer to the question, “Who is Clock?”
We were convinced that Clock is disco diva Thelma Houston. Don’t believe us? Besides the fact that the Clock sounds just like her, consider how so many of the clues fit in with the life of Thelma Houston.
Just like Clock,...
Overnight, we’ve rewatched that performance by Clock and her clues package. Forget those guesses by the judges that Dandelion is Anita Baker, Evelyn “Champagne” King or Diana Ross We are sure we know Clock’s true identity. Keep reading as we have all your “The Masked Singer” spoilers, including the answer to the question, “Who is Clock?”
We were convinced that Clock is disco diva Thelma Houston. Don’t believe us? Besides the fact that the Clock sounds just like her, consider how so many of the clues fit in with the life of Thelma Houston.
Just like Clock,...
- 3/21/2024
- by Paul Sheehan
- Gold Derby
Jelly Roll was last year’s most-awarded artist at the CMT Music Awards and it looks like he has a chance to repeat.
He’s among the top nominees for the 2024 edition, a list that also includes Cody Johnson (who won the most awards in 2022), Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson and Megan Moroney. All have three nominations apiece.
Ballerini will host the fan-voted award show, which airs live from Austin, Texas’ Moody Center on Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 8:00-11:00 Pm, Et/Pt on CBS. The show will also stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.
Today’s list includes 14 first-time nominees, from breakthrough artists to out-of-genre superstars. They include Amber Riley, Ashley Cooke, Bret Michaels, Chayce Beckham, Hozier, Koe Wetzel, Stephen Wilson Jr., Tyler Childers, Warren Zeiders, Zach Bryan, Anne Wilson, Ella Langley, The Castellows and Tigirlily Gold.
For the night’s most-coveted category, “Video of the Year,” 16 acts will compete...
He’s among the top nominees for the 2024 edition, a list that also includes Cody Johnson (who won the most awards in 2022), Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson and Megan Moroney. All have three nominations apiece.
Ballerini will host the fan-voted award show, which airs live from Austin, Texas’ Moody Center on Sunday, April 7, 2024 from 8:00-11:00 Pm, Et/Pt on CBS. The show will also stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.
Today’s list includes 14 first-time nominees, from breakthrough artists to out-of-genre superstars. They include Amber Riley, Ashley Cooke, Bret Michaels, Chayce Beckham, Hozier, Koe Wetzel, Stephen Wilson Jr., Tyler Childers, Warren Zeiders, Zach Bryan, Anne Wilson, Ella Langley, The Castellows and Tigirlily Gold.
For the night’s most-coveted category, “Video of the Year,” 16 acts will compete...
- 3/13/2024
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson and Megan Moroney top the list of 2024 CMT Music Awards nominees, which were announced on Wednesday, March 13. They have three bids apiece. Scroll down for the complete list of contenders.
Among the three nominations for Johnson, Jelly Roll, Ballerini and Wilson is Video of the Year, a category that currently includes 16 nominees. After the first round of voting the top six will be revealed on April 1. Then after a second round of voting the three finalists will be unveiled, and finally all the winners will be announced on April 7.
Unlike the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards, which are decided by professionals within the country music industry, the CMT Awards are voted on by fans. Country music listeners can pick their favorite music video achievements at vote.cmt.com through April 1, except in Video of the Year...
Among the three nominations for Johnson, Jelly Roll, Ballerini and Wilson is Video of the Year, a category that currently includes 16 nominees. After the first round of voting the top six will be revealed on April 1. Then after a second round of voting the three finalists will be unveiled, and finally all the winners will be announced on April 7.
Unlike the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards, which are decided by professionals within the country music industry, the CMT Awards are voted on by fans. Country music listeners can pick their favorite music video achievements at vote.cmt.com through April 1, except in Video of the Year...
- 3/13/2024
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
Kelsea Ballerini hosts the 2024 CMT Music Awards
Five artists top the list of the 2024 CMT Music Awards nominees, with Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, and Megan Moroney each picking up three nominations. This year’s nominees also include 14 first-timers: Amber Riley, Ashley Cooke, Bret Michaels, Chayce Beckham, Hozier, Koe Wetzel, Stephen Wilson Jr., Tyler Childers, Warren Zeiders, Zach Bryan, Anne Wilson, Ella Langley, The Castellows, and Tigirlily Gold.
Winners will be announced during the awards show to be held at Moody Center in Austin, Texas on Sunday, April 7th. Kelsea Ballerini is hosting the show, which will air at 8pm Et/Pt (tape-delayed on the West Coast) on CBS and stream live on Paramount+.
Voting is now open at vote.cmt.com through April 1st for all categories except Video of the Year.
2024 CMT Music Awards Nominees:
Video Of The Year
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist.
Five artists top the list of the 2024 CMT Music Awards nominees, with Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, and Megan Moroney each picking up three nominations. This year’s nominees also include 14 first-timers: Amber Riley, Ashley Cooke, Bret Michaels, Chayce Beckham, Hozier, Koe Wetzel, Stephen Wilson Jr., Tyler Childers, Warren Zeiders, Zach Bryan, Anne Wilson, Ella Langley, The Castellows, and Tigirlily Gold.
Winners will be announced during the awards show to be held at Moody Center in Austin, Texas on Sunday, April 7th. Kelsea Ballerini is hosting the show, which will air at 8pm Et/Pt (tape-delayed on the West Coast) on CBS and stream live on Paramount+.
Voting is now open at vote.cmt.com through April 1st for all categories except Video of the Year.
2024 CMT Music Awards Nominees:
Video Of The Year
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist.
- 3/13/2024
- by Rebecca Murray
- Showbiz Junkies
Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, and Zach Bryan are all in the running for multiple prizes at the 2024 CMT Music Awards, taking place April 7 at the Moody Center in Austin, and airing live on CBS.
Jelly Roll, Wilson, and Ballerini, alongside Megan Moroney and Cody Johnson, all tied for the most nominations this year with three each. All five artists will compete for Video of the Year, alongside other artists like Bryan, Brothers Osborne, Kacey Musgraves, and last year’s winner Kane Brown, who features on Mickey Guyton’s “Nothing Compares to You.
Jelly Roll, Wilson, and Ballerini, alongside Megan Moroney and Cody Johnson, all tied for the most nominations this year with three each. All five artists will compete for Video of the Year, alongside other artists like Bryan, Brothers Osborne, Kacey Musgraves, and last year’s winner Kane Brown, who features on Mickey Guyton’s “Nothing Compares to You.
- 3/13/2024
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Nominations for the 2024 CMT Music Awards are here!
This year, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, Kelsea Ballerini and Megan Moroney all lead the pack with three nominations each.
Kelsea is also acting as the show’s host this year! It will air on Sunday, April 7 on CBS. Be sure to tune in!
Head inside to see the full list of nominees for the 2024 CMT Music Awards…
Scroll down to see the full list of nominees for the 2024 CMT Music Awards…
Video of the year
Ashley McBryde – “Light On In The Kitchen”
Brandy Clark feat. Brandi Carlile – “Dear Insecurity”
Brothers Osborne – “Nobody’s Nobody”
Cody Johnson – “The Painter”
Darius Rucker – “Fires Don’t Start Themselves”
Hardy – “Truck Bed”
Jason Aldean – “Let Your Boys Be Country”
Jelly Roll – “Need A Favor”
Jordan Davis – “Next Thing You Know”
Kacey Musgraves – “Deeper Well”
Kelsea Ballerini – “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down...
This year, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, Kelsea Ballerini and Megan Moroney all lead the pack with three nominations each.
Kelsea is also acting as the show’s host this year! It will air on Sunday, April 7 on CBS. Be sure to tune in!
Head inside to see the full list of nominees for the 2024 CMT Music Awards…
Scroll down to see the full list of nominees for the 2024 CMT Music Awards…
Video of the year
Ashley McBryde – “Light On In The Kitchen”
Brandy Clark feat. Brandi Carlile – “Dear Insecurity”
Brothers Osborne – “Nobody’s Nobody”
Cody Johnson – “The Painter”
Darius Rucker – “Fires Don’t Start Themselves”
Hardy – “Truck Bed”
Jason Aldean – “Let Your Boys Be Country”
Jelly Roll – “Need A Favor”
Jordan Davis – “Next Thing You Know”
Kacey Musgraves – “Deeper Well”
Kelsea Ballerini – “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down...
- 3/13/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Elvis Presley‘s “A Little Less Conversation” was written by a country star. The star revealed what the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll wanted from the song. While “A Little Less Conversation” is one of Elvis’ most famous songs today, it was meant for another singer. Notably, the tune became a hit in the 1960s and again in the 2000s.
Elvis Presley’s ‘A Little Less Conversation’ was written for a musical
“A Little Less Conversation” was written by Mac Davis. He was a country singer who had several hits. In addition, he wrote tunes for artists such as Elvis, Weezer, Avicii, Kenny Rogers, and Bruno Mars. During a 2010 interview with Smashing Interviews Magazine, Davis discussed writing “A Little Less Conversation” for Elvis’ musical Live a Little, Love a Little.
“[Session musician] Billy Strange came to me … he was doing the music for that movie,” Davis recalled. “Elvis had told him that...
Elvis Presley’s ‘A Little Less Conversation’ was written for a musical
“A Little Less Conversation” was written by Mac Davis. He was a country singer who had several hits. In addition, he wrote tunes for artists such as Elvis, Weezer, Avicii, Kenny Rogers, and Bruno Mars. During a 2010 interview with Smashing Interviews Magazine, Davis discussed writing “A Little Less Conversation” for Elvis’ musical Live a Little, Love a Little.
“[Session musician] Billy Strange came to me … he was doing the music for that movie,” Davis recalled. “Elvis had told him that...
- 3/9/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The Beatles’ songs from A to Z are a study of how the band changed the course of pop music. The songwriting, melodies, instrumentals, and recording technqiues established the band as among the most influential in music history. But for all their success, The Beatles remained active for a relatively short period of time.
In 10 years, The Beatles released 14 albums in what’s considered their core catalog. It includes just over 200 songs from John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Some are much more memorable than others, but every Beatles song from A to Z has its own story and interesting facts to keep listeners entertained even when the music stops.
Beatles songs starting with ‘A’ “Across the Universe” The song holds a Guinness World Record that involves outer space. “Act Naturally” It replaced a “weird” Ringo Starr song initially meant for the album. “All I’ve Got...
In 10 years, The Beatles released 14 albums in what’s considered their core catalog. It includes just over 200 songs from John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr. Some are much more memorable than others, but every Beatles song from A to Z has its own story and interesting facts to keep listeners entertained even when the music stops.
Beatles songs starting with ‘A’ “Across the Universe” The song holds a Guinness World Record that involves outer space. “Act Naturally” It replaced a “weird” Ringo Starr song initially meant for the album. “All I’ve Got...
- 2/26/2024
- by Matt Moore
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Paramount received the best Valentine’s Day gift any studio could hope for when Bob Marley: One Love, the biopic about the legendary Jamaican musician, set a new midweek record for the holiday when jamming to $14 million and besting the $11.5 million grossed by The Vow in 2012.
But Valentine’s Day turned out to be only a warm-up act as the film transformed into an all-audience box office sensation in another win for the music biopic boom sweeping Hollywood. Iconic music artists — of which there is no shortage — are providing studios with much-needed IP as tried and true genres, namely superhero movies, lose their singing powers. Barely a week goes by without a new major studio project being announced, including this week’s news that Sony and Sam Mendes are embarking on an ambitious magical mystery tour that will see each of the four Beatles get their own feature film, all...
But Valentine’s Day turned out to be only a warm-up act as the film transformed into an all-audience box office sensation in another win for the music biopic boom sweeping Hollywood. Iconic music artists — of which there is no shortage — are providing studios with much-needed IP as tried and true genres, namely superhero movies, lose their singing powers. Barely a week goes by without a new major studio project being announced, including this week’s news that Sony and Sam Mendes are embarking on an ambitious magical mystery tour that will see each of the four Beatles get their own feature film, all...
- 2/21/2024
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hinton Battle, the Tony-winning performer who originated the role of The Scarecrow in Broadway’s The Wiz, has died. He was 67.
The actor died Tuesday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles following a lengthy illness. In a statement, a rep told The Hollywood Reporter that his family has no plans to disclose his cause of death.
Battle made his Broadway debut in the original production of Broadway’s The Wiz and then won three Tonys — all in the category of featured actor in a musical — for his work in Sophisticated Ladies (1981), The Tap Dance Kid (1984) and Miss Saigon (1991). An NAACP Image Award winner, the actor, director, producer and choreographer was also a SAG and Critics Choice nominee, honored for his work as part of the ensemble of 2007’s movie musical Dreamgirls.
Born in 1956, Battle studied at the prestigious Jones Haywood School of Ballet in Washington, D.C. and...
The actor died Tuesday morning at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles following a lengthy illness. In a statement, a rep told The Hollywood Reporter that his family has no plans to disclose his cause of death.
Battle made his Broadway debut in the original production of Broadway’s The Wiz and then won three Tonys — all in the category of featured actor in a musical — for his work in Sophisticated Ladies (1981), The Tap Dance Kid (1984) and Miss Saigon (1991). An NAACP Image Award winner, the actor, director, producer and choreographer was also a SAG and Critics Choice nominee, honored for his work as part of the ensemble of 2007’s movie musical Dreamgirls.
Born in 1956, Battle studied at the prestigious Jones Haywood School of Ballet in Washington, D.C. and...
- 1/31/2024
- by Abbey White
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Marlon Wayans has been set to play the greatest athlete of all time in Jordan Peele’s currently unscheduled sports horror ‘Goat.’
Based on a pitch by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie, the project centres on a promising young athlete who is invited to train with a team’s retiring star.
Justin Tipping is on board to direct. Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, Ian Cooper and Jamal Watson are producers. Executive producers are David Kern and Kate Oh. Universal EVP Production Development Sara Scott and Director of Development Tony Ducret will oversee the project for the studio.
Also in news – Laurence Fishburne joins cast of ‘The Witcher’ for Season 4
Screen testing is currently underway for the character of the young athlete, according to executives on the movie, Wayans was always first choice to play the older great athlete.
Wayans recently starred as George Raveling in Prime Video’s ‘Air’ alongside Matt Damon,...
Based on a pitch by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie, the project centres on a promising young athlete who is invited to train with a team’s retiring star.
Justin Tipping is on board to direct. Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, Ian Cooper and Jamal Watson are producers. Executive producers are David Kern and Kate Oh. Universal EVP Production Development Sara Scott and Director of Development Tony Ducret will oversee the project for the studio.
Also in news – Laurence Fishburne joins cast of ‘The Witcher’ for Season 4
Screen testing is currently underway for the character of the young athlete, according to executives on the movie, Wayans was always first choice to play the older great athlete.
Wayans recently starred as George Raveling in Prime Video’s ‘Air’ alongside Matt Damon,...
- 1/16/2024
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Marlon Wayans is ready to look at the scary side of perfection. The actor and comedian will star as an all-time great athlete in Goat, a psychological horror film from Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw Productions and Universal, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
The film centers on an up-and-coming young athlete who is invited to train with a team’s retiring star, who will be played by Wayans. Justin Tipping will direct the feature, which came out of a pitch from Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie. Peele will produce along with Win Rosenfeld, Ian Cooper and Jamal Watson.
Wayans is coming off of work in Ben Affleck’s awards contender Air, about Nike’s quest to sign a young Michael Jordan, with other acting credits in recent years including the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect and Sofia Coppola’s On the Rocks. He came up with comedic roles, such as on the...
The film centers on an up-and-coming young athlete who is invited to train with a team’s retiring star, who will be played by Wayans. Justin Tipping will direct the feature, which came out of a pitch from Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie. Peele will produce along with Win Rosenfeld, Ian Cooper and Jamal Watson.
Wayans is coming off of work in Ben Affleck’s awards contender Air, about Nike’s quest to sign a young Michael Jordan, with other acting credits in recent years including the Aretha Franklin biopic Respect and Sofia Coppola’s On the Rocks. He came up with comedic roles, such as on the...
- 1/15/2024
- by Aaron Couch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: For their sports horror pic Goat, Universal Pictures and Jordan Peele’s Monkeypaw banner looked to have found the actor to play their greatest of all time athlete as Deadline is hearing Marlon Wayans is set to star in in the pic. Justin Tipping is on board to direct the pic which is produced by Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, Ian Cooper, and Jamal Watson. Executive producers are David Kern and Kate Oh.
The project, based on a pitch by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie, centers on a promising young athlete who is invited to train with a team’s retiring star.
While execs have taken the screen testing route for finding the young athlete character, sources say Wayans was always top of the studio’s list for its titular character. Exec Vice President of Production Development Sara Scott and Director of Development Tony Ducret will oversee the project for the Studio.
The project, based on a pitch by Zack Akers and Skip Bronkie, centers on a promising young athlete who is invited to train with a team’s retiring star.
While execs have taken the screen testing route for finding the young athlete character, sources say Wayans was always top of the studio’s list for its titular character. Exec Vice President of Production Development Sara Scott and Director of Development Tony Ducret will oversee the project for the Studio.
- 1/15/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: We understand that Amazon Studios MGM Senior Production & Development Executive Sandino Moya-Smith was unfortunately part of the cuts made by the streaming/theatrical studio this morning.
Moya-Smith, who was involved in development and also feature physical production, was recently working on Doug Liman’s Road House starring Jake Gyllenhaal as an ex-UFC middleweight fighter who ends up working at a rowdy bar in the Florida Keys where things are not as they seem. Moya-Smith was also overseeing Wrecking Crew, the Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa buddy action comedy from Blue Beetle director Ángel Manuel Soto. The executive was part of the film teams overseen by Courtenay Valenti and Julie Rapaport.
Moya-Smith was hired during the Jonathan Glickman-run era of the MGM Motion Picture Group, and continued to work throughout the Michael De Luca-Pamela Abdy regime into the studio’s absorption by Amazon. Prior to Amazon’s takeover over MGM,...
Moya-Smith, who was involved in development and also feature physical production, was recently working on Doug Liman’s Road House starring Jake Gyllenhaal as an ex-UFC middleweight fighter who ends up working at a rowdy bar in the Florida Keys where things are not as they seem. Moya-Smith was also overseeing Wrecking Crew, the Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa buddy action comedy from Blue Beetle director Ángel Manuel Soto. The executive was part of the film teams overseen by Courtenay Valenti and Julie Rapaport.
Moya-Smith was hired during the Jonathan Glickman-run era of the MGM Motion Picture Group, and continued to work throughout the Michael De Luca-Pamela Abdy regime into the studio’s absorption by Amazon. Prior to Amazon’s takeover over MGM,...
- 1/10/2024
- by Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Aretha Franklin is one of the few artists who could perform Mariah Carey songs and do them justice. The Queen of Soul covered some of Carey’s tunes but one was too risque for her to sing it in full. Carey revealed how she reacted to this development. She also dissed the way Franklin was perceived as a musician.
Aretha Franklin covered some Mariah Carey songs — and then some!
In addition to being the Queen of Soul, Franklin was also the Queen of Cover Songs. She recorded tracks by The Beatles, Adele, The Rolling Stones, Gloria Gaynor, The Supremes, and Sinéad O’Connor. According to Rolling Stone, she actually released her version of “Let It Be” before The Beatles did! Even Franklin’s most famous track, “Respect,” was a rendition of an earlier tune by Otis Redding.
In her 2020 book The Meaning of Mariah Carey, the “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home...
Aretha Franklin covered some Mariah Carey songs — and then some!
In addition to being the Queen of Soul, Franklin was also the Queen of Cover Songs. She recorded tracks by The Beatles, Adele, The Rolling Stones, Gloria Gaynor, The Supremes, and Sinéad O’Connor. According to Rolling Stone, she actually released her version of “Let It Be” before The Beatles did! Even Franklin’s most famous track, “Respect,” was a rendition of an earlier tune by Otis Redding.
In her 2020 book The Meaning of Mariah Carey, the “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home...
- 1/3/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Most daytime talk shows save their musical performances for a particular segment, but Jennifer Hudson can’t help but break into song with her guests as often as possible. On the latest episode of the Jennifer Hudson Show, the singer welcomed music legend Smokey Robinson into her impromptu approach to re-create another spur-of-the-moment performance: Robinson singing “Ooo Baby Baby” with Aretha Franklin on Soul Train in 1979.
“I don’t remember exactly how it came about,” Robinson recalls. “I think that she was going to do a performance on Soul Train that day,...
“I don’t remember exactly how it came about,” Robinson recalls. “I think that she was going to do a performance on Soul Train that day,...
- 11/1/2023
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
Elvis Presley‘s daughter, Lisa Marie Presley, discussed her feelings about singing. One of her female inspirations worked with the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll. The rest of them became huge stars as solo singers.
Lisa Marie Presley loved a female vocal group that worked with Elvis Presley
During a 2012 interview with Goldmine, Presley discussed musicians who connected to her. “When I was younger I loved The Sweet Inspirations,” she said. “I loved the song ‘Sweet Inspiration.’ They were like The Supremes then but they weren’t as high profile. I think they were underrated because my father snagged them at some point.”
The Sweet Inspirations performed backing vocals on some of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s albums from his comeback era. In addition, the band released albums of their own and performed backup vocals on albums by artists such as Petula Clark, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Dusty Springfield,...
Lisa Marie Presley loved a female vocal group that worked with Elvis Presley
During a 2012 interview with Goldmine, Presley discussed musicians who connected to her. “When I was younger I loved The Sweet Inspirations,” she said. “I loved the song ‘Sweet Inspiration.’ They were like The Supremes then but they weren’t as high profile. I think they were underrated because my father snagged them at some point.”
The Sweet Inspirations performed backing vocals on some of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s albums from his comeback era. In addition, the band released albums of their own and performed backup vocals on albums by artists such as Petula Clark, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Dusty Springfield,...
- 10/30/2023
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Matt Bomer and Jonathan Bailey star in the Showtime series “Fellow Travelers” as lovers who meet in the ’50s at a time when homosexuality is still outlawed, and whose tumultuous relationship continues through the ’80s.
The emotional drama, which is based on the 2007 novel by Thomas Mallon, encompasses the McCarthy hearings, the war protests of the ’60s, the decadent disco ’70s and the AIDS crisis.
Here’s who plays who in the series and where you’ve seen them before.
“Fellow Travelers” premieres on Paramount+ on Friday and Showtime on Sunday.
(Credit: Kurt Iswarienko/Showtime)
Matt Bomer as Hawkins “Hawk” Fuller
The “White Collar” star plays Hawk, a decorated war hero who becomes a well-connected Washington D.C. fixer. Very few people know he’s gay, a fact that would end his career and possibly put him in jail. His love life is mostly brief encounters with strangers he picks up,...
The emotional drama, which is based on the 2007 novel by Thomas Mallon, encompasses the McCarthy hearings, the war protests of the ’60s, the decadent disco ’70s and the AIDS crisis.
Here’s who plays who in the series and where you’ve seen them before.
“Fellow Travelers” premieres on Paramount+ on Friday and Showtime on Sunday.
(Credit: Kurt Iswarienko/Showtime)
Matt Bomer as Hawkins “Hawk” Fuller
The “White Collar” star plays Hawk, a decorated war hero who becomes a well-connected Washington D.C. fixer. Very few people know he’s gay, a fact that would end his career and possibly put him in jail. His love life is mostly brief encounters with strangers he picks up,...
- 10/27/2023
- by Lawrence Yee
- The Wrap
Bron Studios, the Canadian production and financing company, has filed for bankruptcy. The company filed for Chapter 15 bankruptcy in the United States as well as protection from creditors in Canada.
The company is known for co-financing on projects such as Joker, the Oscar-winning pic that amassed $1.1 billion at the worldwide box office, and Paul Thomas Anderson’s Licorice Pizza, and had relationships with talent such as Charlize Theron and Jason Reitman. Rumors of financial stresses at the company had swirled for months, and in a letter released Wednesday, the company cited headwinds within the industry.
“Having explored many options for many months, Bron had no choice but to take this step in light of its financial circumstances,” wrote CEO Aaron L. Gilbert. “The last few years have been incredibly difficult for Bron, and things have only gotten more complicated over these past months. Covid and the many other issues affecting...
The company is known for co-financing on projects such as Joker, the Oscar-winning pic that amassed $1.1 billion at the worldwide box office, and Paul Thomas Anderson’s Licorice Pizza, and had relationships with talent such as Charlize Theron and Jason Reitman. Rumors of financial stresses at the company had swirled for months, and in a letter released Wednesday, the company cited headwinds within the industry.
“Having explored many options for many months, Bron had no choice but to take this step in light of its financial circumstances,” wrote CEO Aaron L. Gilbert. “The last few years have been incredibly difficult for Bron, and things have only gotten more complicated over these past months. Covid and the many other issues affecting...
- 7/19/2023
- by Aaron Couch and Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The 2014 will found in the couch of Aretha Franklin‘s home — following her death in 2018 — has been deemed valid by a jury.
According to CNN, on Tuesday, after an hour of deliberations, a jury at the Oakland County Probate Court determined that a document that was found in the couch of the star’s home will stand as the record of the estate, as it was signed by the late artist and shows her intent.
The 2014 handwritten document rules in favor of her two sons, Kecalf and Edward Franklin.
Franklin’s son, Ted White II, argued that a handwritten will from 2010 — which was found in a cabinet and favors him — should control her estate. Kecalf and Edward Franklin argued that the 2014 document should be the final say.
Both documents say that the sons would share income from music and copyrights. However, the 2014 document crosses out Ted’s name as the executor of the estate,...
According to CNN, on Tuesday, after an hour of deliberations, a jury at the Oakland County Probate Court determined that a document that was found in the couch of the star’s home will stand as the record of the estate, as it was signed by the late artist and shows her intent.
The 2014 handwritten document rules in favor of her two sons, Kecalf and Edward Franklin.
Franklin’s son, Ted White II, argued that a handwritten will from 2010 — which was found in a cabinet and favors him — should control her estate. Kecalf and Edward Franklin argued that the 2014 document should be the final say.
Both documents say that the sons would share income from music and copyrights. However, the 2014 document crosses out Ted’s name as the executor of the estate,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Brent Furdyk
- ET Canada
A handwritten document found in Aretha Franklin’s couch following her 2018 death counts as a valid will, a Michigan jury ruled (via The Associated Press). The decision ends a years-long debate between the iconic singer’s sons, who disagreed over how Franklin’s assets should be divided.
According to the AP, the jury deliberated for under an hour before deciding that the document — written by Franklin in 2014 and featuring crossed out, sometimes illegible passages — was legally valid, despite not being notarized or signed in the presence of witnesses.
The ruling also lays to rest a debate over which will found in Franklin’s home — there were multiple — would divide her estate. While the 2014 document was found under couch cushions, another, dated from 2010, was found in a locked cabinet. Two of Franklin’s sons, Kecalf and Edward Franklin, argued in favor of the 2014 paper, while brother Ted White II favored the earlier will,...
According to the AP, the jury deliberated for under an hour before deciding that the document — written by Franklin in 2014 and featuring crossed out, sometimes illegible passages — was legally valid, despite not being notarized or signed in the presence of witnesses.
The ruling also lays to rest a debate over which will found in Franklin’s home — there were multiple — would divide her estate. While the 2014 document was found under couch cushions, another, dated from 2010, was found in a locked cabinet. Two of Franklin’s sons, Kecalf and Edward Franklin, argued in favor of the 2014 paper, while brother Ted White II favored the earlier will,...
- 7/11/2023
- by Carys Anderson
- Consequence - Music
Musical biopics are a recent trend in Hollywood. After Bohemian Rhapsody was a massive success, every studio wanted to cash in. Several musicians have shared lives in recent biopics, such as Elton John in Rocketman, Aretha Franklin in Respect, and Elvis Presley in Elvis. Dolly Parton is another artist with an exciting life story worth telling, but she would rather see it on Broadway than on the silver screen.
Dolly Parton has plans for a Broadway musical that tells her life story before she makes a biopic
Parton has an incredible life story. She grew up in a poor household in the mountains of Tennessee, where she lived with her mom, dad, and eleven siblings. She had a passion for music, and her angelic voice and songwriting talent led to her success as a country music singer at a young age.
Outside of her successful music career, Parton is an entrepreneur,...
Dolly Parton has plans for a Broadway musical that tells her life story before she makes a biopic
Parton has an incredible life story. She grew up in a poor household in the mountains of Tennessee, where she lived with her mom, dad, and eleven siblings. She had a passion for music, and her angelic voice and songwriting talent led to her success as a country music singer at a young age.
Outside of her successful music career, Parton is an entrepreneur,...
- 7/8/2023
- by Ross Tanenbaum
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The final wishes of singing star Aretha Franklin will be adjudicated starting next Monday in a trial that will determine which of two handwritten wills will be honored.
Millions in royalties are at stake in the legal action. Franklin was a music superstar, known for massive hits like “Respect” and “Think.” She had four sons, but never created a formal, typewritten will, despite years of health problems and an historic legacy.
Instead, she left two handwritten documents, including one found in a couch. Son Ted White II believes papers dated in 2010 should mainly control the estate, while sons Kecalf Franklin and Edward Franklin favor a 2014 document. Both were discovered in Franklin’s suburban Detroit home months after her death from pancreatic cancer in 2018 at age 76.
A niece, Sabrina Owens, agreed to be personal representative or executor.
Months after Franklin’s funeral, Owens found a handwritten will dated 2010. Another, dated 2014, was...
Millions in royalties are at stake in the legal action. Franklin was a music superstar, known for massive hits like “Respect” and “Think.” She had four sons, but never created a formal, typewritten will, despite years of health problems and an historic legacy.
Instead, she left two handwritten documents, including one found in a couch. Son Ted White II believes papers dated in 2010 should mainly control the estate, while sons Kecalf Franklin and Edward Franklin favor a 2014 document. Both were discovered in Franklin’s suburban Detroit home months after her death from pancreatic cancer in 2018 at age 76.
A niece, Sabrina Owens, agreed to be personal representative or executor.
Months after Franklin’s funeral, Owens found a handwritten will dated 2010. Another, dated 2014, was...
- 7/7/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Three of Aretha Franklin’s sons are reuniting next week, but not for the usual reasons.
The “Respect” singer had four sons, Clarence, 68, Edward, 66, Ted White II, 59 and Kecalf Cunningham, 53. She died of pancreatic cancer in August 2018.
Edward, White and Cunningham will be headed to a Michigan court on Monday for a trial over their late mother’s wills. Two handwritten wills were discovered at Franklin’s Detroit home after her death.
Her estate is estimated to be worth over $80 million.
The first will was found in a cabinet and dates back to 2010 and identifies White, and Franklin’s niece, Sabrina Owens, as executors. In addition, it reportedly states that Edward and Cunningham were required to “take business classes and get a certificate or degree” to benefit from the will.
A second, more recent will was found in a couch and dates back to 2014. It replaces White with Cunningham as...
The “Respect” singer had four sons, Clarence, 68, Edward, 66, Ted White II, 59 and Kecalf Cunningham, 53. She died of pancreatic cancer in August 2018.
Edward, White and Cunningham will be headed to a Michigan court on Monday for a trial over their late mother’s wills. Two handwritten wills were discovered at Franklin’s Detroit home after her death.
Her estate is estimated to be worth over $80 million.
The first will was found in a cabinet and dates back to 2010 and identifies White, and Franklin’s niece, Sabrina Owens, as executors. In addition, it reportedly states that Edward and Cunningham were required to “take business classes and get a certificate or degree” to benefit from the will.
A second, more recent will was found in a couch and dates back to 2014. It replaces White with Cunningham as...
- 7/7/2023
- by Rose Anne Cox-Peralta
- Uinterview
Five years after her death, the final wishes of music superstar Aretha Franklin are still unsettled. An unusual trial begins next Monday to determine which of two handwritten wills, including one found in couch cushions, will guide how her estate is handled.
The Queen of Soul, who had four sons, did not have a formal, typewritten will in place, despite years of health problems and efforts to get one done. But under Michigan law, it’s still possible to treat other documents — with scribbles, scratch-outs and hard-to-read passages — as her commands.
The dispute is pitting a son against other sons. Ted White II believes papers dated in 2010 should mainly control the estate, while Kecalf Franklin and Edward Franklin favor a 2014 document. Both were discovered in Franklin’s suburban Detroit home, months after her death from pancreatic cancer in 2018 at age 76.
“Does it surprise me that someone passed away before they...
The Queen of Soul, who had four sons, did not have a formal, typewritten will in place, despite years of health problems and efforts to get one done. But under Michigan law, it’s still possible to treat other documents — with scribbles, scratch-outs and hard-to-read passages — as her commands.
The dispute is pitting a son against other sons. Ted White II believes papers dated in 2010 should mainly control the estate, while Kecalf Franklin and Edward Franklin favor a 2014 document. Both were discovered in Franklin’s suburban Detroit home, months after her death from pancreatic cancer in 2018 at age 76.
“Does it surprise me that someone passed away before they...
- 7/6/2023
- by Corey Atad
- ET Canada
John Legend is writing the score to a stage adaptation of the 1959 film Imitation of Life.
The musical, which is in development and aiming for Broadway, features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage (Sweat, Ruined) and direction by Liesl Tommy, who directed Danai Gurira’s Eclipsed on Broadway. The production held a private industry reading at the end of April.
Universal Theatrical Group and Get Lifted Film Co, a production company led by Legend, as well as producer Mike Jackson and Friends at Work CEO Ty Stiklorius, are producing the musical.
Imitation of Life, which originated as a 1933 novel written by Fannie Hurst, follows Delilah Johnston, a Black woman and mother living in Atlantic City in the 1920s with her daughter Peola, who passes as white. Johnston forms a friendship and business partnership with Bea Pullman, a white woman who is a widow, and must navigate the...
The musical, which is in development and aiming for Broadway, features a book by two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage (Sweat, Ruined) and direction by Liesl Tommy, who directed Danai Gurira’s Eclipsed on Broadway. The production held a private industry reading at the end of April.
Universal Theatrical Group and Get Lifted Film Co, a production company led by Legend, as well as producer Mike Jackson and Friends at Work CEO Ty Stiklorius, are producing the musical.
Imitation of Life, which originated as a 1933 novel written by Fannie Hurst, follows Delilah Johnston, a Black woman and mother living in Atlantic City in the 1920s with her daughter Peola, who passes as white. Johnston forms a friendship and business partnership with Bea Pullman, a white woman who is a widow, and must navigate the...
- 6/26/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Hailey Kilgore is finally ready for her leading-lady moment. After scoring breakthrough roles in the Aretha Franklin biopic "Respect" and Starz's "Power Book III: Raising Kanan," the 24-year-old actor and singer is commanding attention on the big screen as the star of "Cinnamon." The Tubi Blaxploitation-inspired thriller, written and directed by Bryian Keith Montgomery Jr., features Kilgore as Jodi, whose aspirations resemble the actor's own as a singer who dreams of chart-topping success. The film - which premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival - marks Kilgore's first time anchoring a movie project, which she admittedly tells Popsugar is something she's yearned to do for a while but "never really had the full confidence" to pursue.
"I never felt worthy enough to do it," she shares, adding that her belief was mainly fueled by being a "young Black woman in an industry where [I'm overlooked] if I don't fit a very specific thing.
"I never felt worthy enough to do it," she shares, adding that her belief was mainly fueled by being a "young Black woman in an industry where [I'm overlooked] if I don't fit a very specific thing.
- 6/22/2023
- by Njera Perkins
- Popsugar.com
Exclusive: Alison Oliver (Saltburn), Jurnee Smollett (Lovecraft Country), Marc Maron (To Leslie) and Odessa Young (The Staircase) have closed deals to join The Order, the crime thriller to be directed for Stuart Ford’s AGC Studios by Justin Kurzel, which is heading into production on Wednesday.
No specifics as to roles of the new cast members have been disclosed, but they join an ensemble that Jude Law, Nicholas Hoult and Tye Sheridan will lead, as previously announced.
Based on Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt’s book The Silent Brotherhood, which chronicles the escalating crimes of the titular white supremacist domestic terror group, the film is set in 1983 amongst the series of increasingly violent bank robberies, counterfeiting operations and armored car heists that frightened communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. As baffled law enforcement agents scrambled for answers, a lone FBI agent (Law), stationed in the sleepy, picturesque town of Coeur d’Alene,...
No specifics as to roles of the new cast members have been disclosed, but they join an ensemble that Jude Law, Nicholas Hoult and Tye Sheridan will lead, as previously announced.
Based on Kevin Flynn and Gary Gerhardt’s book The Silent Brotherhood, which chronicles the escalating crimes of the titular white supremacist domestic terror group, the film is set in 1983 amongst the series of increasingly violent bank robberies, counterfeiting operations and armored car heists that frightened communities throughout the Pacific Northwest. As baffled law enforcement agents scrambled for answers, a lone FBI agent (Law), stationed in the sleepy, picturesque town of Coeur d’Alene,...
- 5/8/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
“You make billions/pay us some!” striking Writers Guild of America members chanted on the street of New York today near where filming was going on for Showtime’s Billions.
For the second day in a row, scribes showed up at a Big Apple work site for the Wall Street drama.
On Friday afternoon, they picketed a Billions location site at a commercial building in the trendy Manhattan neighborhood of Chelsea. Previously, on May 4, picketers were outside sound stages in Brooklyn and shut down production for several hours on the seventh and final season of the Brian Koppelman, David Levien and Andrew Ross Sorkin. Amid skirmishes with arriving drivers and work crews, Billions cast and crew members decided not to cross the WGA picket lines outside Seret Studios
Unlike Thursday, today’s high profile picketing of Billions did not interrupt filming, we are told. Production on the show continued after the picketers left mid-afternoon NYC-time.
For the second day in a row, scribes showed up at a Big Apple work site for the Wall Street drama.
On Friday afternoon, they picketed a Billions location site at a commercial building in the trendy Manhattan neighborhood of Chelsea. Previously, on May 4, picketers were outside sound stages in Brooklyn and shut down production for several hours on the seventh and final season of the Brian Koppelman, David Levien and Andrew Ross Sorkin. Amid skirmishes with arriving drivers and work crews, Billions cast and crew members decided not to cross the WGA picket lines outside Seret Studios
Unlike Thursday, today’s high profile picketing of Billions did not interrupt filming, we are told. Production on the show continued after the picketers left mid-afternoon NYC-time.
- 5/5/2023
- by Sean Piccoli and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Shaquille O’Neal is returning to rap.
The NBA legend who released four hip-hop albums in the ‘90s will drop a new single called “King Talk” on May 2 in celebration of the NBA Playoffs. It is a collaboration with Ghanian-American rapper Blackway.
O’Neal first teased the song on Feb. 7 on his Twitter, Instagram and TikTok in an animation video that celebrated LeBron James passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
The 51-year-old entertainer had success in the ‘90s with music, including the platinum-selling album Shaq Diesel, released in 1993. It featured the gold-selling singles “What’s Up Doc? (Can We Rock)” and “(I Know I Got) Skillz” — which both cracked the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart — as well as collaborations with late A Tribe Called Quest rapper Phife Dawg, Def Jef and Fu-Schnickens. Some of the tracks were produced by Epmd’s Erick Sermon and Tribe’s Ali Shaheed Muhammad.
The NBA legend who released four hip-hop albums in the ‘90s will drop a new single called “King Talk” on May 2 in celebration of the NBA Playoffs. It is a collaboration with Ghanian-American rapper Blackway.
O’Neal first teased the song on Feb. 7 on his Twitter, Instagram and TikTok in an animation video that celebrated LeBron James passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
The 51-year-old entertainer had success in the ‘90s with music, including the platinum-selling album Shaq Diesel, released in 1993. It featured the gold-selling singles “What’s Up Doc? (Can We Rock)” and “(I Know I Got) Skillz” — which both cracked the Top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart — as well as collaborations with late A Tribe Called Quest rapper Phife Dawg, Def Jef and Fu-Schnickens. Some of the tracks were produced by Epmd’s Erick Sermon and Tribe’s Ali Shaheed Muhammad.
- 4/28/2023
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Marc Maron has joined the cast of Universal’s untitled New York Christmas movie, written by Richard Curtis, the Oscar-nominated screenwriter of “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” “Notting Hill” and “Love Actually.”
Maron is starring alongside Melissa McCarthy and Paapa Essiedu in the film, a fairy-tale comedy about a workaholic man who enlists the help of a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas.
Sam Boyd, who wrote and created the Anna Kendrick-led HBO Max series “Love Life,” will direct. It’s set to premiere on the NBCUniversal-owned streaming service Peacock on a yet-to-be-determined date.
Maron hosts the popular podcast “Wtf With Marc Maron” and recently debuted his first HBO stand-up special “From Bleak to Dark.” His other comedy specials include 2013’s “Thinky Pain,” 2015’s “More Later,” 2017’s “Too Real” and 2020’s “End Times Fun” on Netflix. On “Wtf With Marc Maron” — which launched in...
Maron is starring alongside Melissa McCarthy and Paapa Essiedu in the film, a fairy-tale comedy about a workaholic man who enlists the help of a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas.
Sam Boyd, who wrote and created the Anna Kendrick-led HBO Max series “Love Life,” will direct. It’s set to premiere on the NBCUniversal-owned streaming service Peacock on a yet-to-be-determined date.
Maron hosts the popular podcast “Wtf With Marc Maron” and recently debuted his first HBO stand-up special “From Bleak to Dark.” His other comedy specials include 2013’s “Thinky Pain,” 2015’s “More Later,” 2017’s “Too Real” and 2020’s “End Times Fun” on Netflix. On “Wtf With Marc Maron” — which launched in...
- 4/20/2023
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
Watching Jesus Revolution surge past $45 million in ticket sales for Lionsgate—matching or besting The Fabelmans, The Banshees Of Inisherin, Tár, Women Talking and Triangle Of Sadness, combined—it finally seems safe to say it. The faith-based audience is back.
Between Covid and the culture wars, it’s been a rough few years for those who make, promote and/or enjoy what are loosely called inspirational films. Sometimes the pictures are overtly religious, as with Jesus Revolution, the real-life story of a pastor and his counter-cultural following in the 1970s. Others are simply aspirational—moralistic, values-laden tales, like Creed III or Respect, about individuals striving to be more and better than they already are.
Either way, the uplift business was having tough time until Top Gun: Maverick broke through, at the strictly secular level, last year. The last explicitly religious film to top $40 million at the box office appears to have been Breakthrough,...
Between Covid and the culture wars, it’s been a rough few years for those who make, promote and/or enjoy what are loosely called inspirational films. Sometimes the pictures are overtly religious, as with Jesus Revolution, the real-life story of a pastor and his counter-cultural following in the 1970s. Others are simply aspirational—moralistic, values-laden tales, like Creed III or Respect, about individuals striving to be more and better than they already are.
Either way, the uplift business was having tough time until Top Gun: Maverick broke through, at the strictly secular level, last year. The last explicitly religious film to top $40 million at the box office appears to have been Breakthrough,...
- 3/19/2023
- by Michael Cieply
- Deadline Film + TV
Back in 2004, Jennifer Hudson made her national television debut as a fan-favorite contestant on American Idol Season 3. Unfortunately, she didn’t win the season — but she didn’t need to. Hudson went on to become an Egot-winning sensation in music, theater, and film/TV. Here’s what Hudson did with Disney before her big break.
Jennifer Hudson | Emma McIntyre/Getty Images Before ‘American Idol,’ Jennifer Hudson worked on a Disney cruise ship
Hudson auditioned for American Idol in 2004 at the age of 21. Not long before that, she worked as a performer on a Disney cruise ship. Hudson once shared the details of her pre-Idol gig in an interview with W magazine, revealing that she played “Calliope the muse in Hercules: The Muse-ical,” as well as “the ‘Circle of Life’ soloist.”
“So yes, that was the last time I was on stage doing theater. And in that show, I narrated the show,...
Jennifer Hudson | Emma McIntyre/Getty Images Before ‘American Idol,’ Jennifer Hudson worked on a Disney cruise ship
Hudson auditioned for American Idol in 2004 at the age of 21. Not long before that, she worked as a performer on a Disney cruise ship. Hudson once shared the details of her pre-Idol gig in an interview with W magazine, revealing that she played “Calliope the muse in Hercules: The Muse-ical,” as well as “the ‘Circle of Life’ soloist.”
“So yes, that was the last time I was on stage doing theater. And in that show, I narrated the show,...
- 3/12/2023
- by Elise Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
When people think of American Idol, they often think of names like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Adam Lambert, Katharine McPhee, and others. Interestingly, not all of these well-known contestants actually won the competition. For some, the exposure from Idol was enough to skyrocket their careers even higher than those of the people who took home the grand prize. Here are eight American Idol contestants who became more successful than the winners of their seasons.
Jennifer Hudson | Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Jennifer Hudson, Season 3
Hudson is among the most famous American Idol contestants, and she wasn’t even a Top 3 finalist. She was eliminated from the Top 7 during season 3. Fantasia Burrino later won the season.
After Idol, Hudson built a lucrative career in music, film, and theater. She currently has three albums and more than a dozen movie credits, including Dreamgirls and Respect. Hudson is also an Egot winner and...
Jennifer Hudson | Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic Jennifer Hudson, Season 3
Hudson is among the most famous American Idol contestants, and she wasn’t even a Top 3 finalist. She was eliminated from the Top 7 during season 3. Fantasia Burrino later won the season.
After Idol, Hudson built a lucrative career in music, film, and theater. She currently has three albums and more than a dozen movie credits, including Dreamgirls and Respect. Hudson is also an Egot winner and...
- 3/11/2023
- by Elise Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Emmy-winning journalist Kelley L. Carter has signed a multi-year deal with ABC, elevating the ESPN Andscape senior entertainment reporter to a new role as entertainment reporter for all shows under the ABC and ABC News umbrella, including “Good Morning America,” “GMA3” and “ABC News Live.”
In addition to her new duties, Carter will continue her work at ESPN Andscape — a media platform dedicated to creating, highlighting, and uplifting the diverse stories of Black identity — where she currently hosts the celebrity interview series “Another Act.” Recent guests include Queen Latifah, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Viola Davis, Zoe Saldaña and Keke Palmer. She also interviewed the creators and the original Broadway production of “Hamilton” in the special program “Hamilton In-Depth with Kelley Carter,” which coincided with the premiere of Hamilton on Disney+.
“I’m really excited to continue with Andscape,” Carter tells Variety. “It feels like we are still just in the beginning of...
In addition to her new duties, Carter will continue her work at ESPN Andscape — a media platform dedicated to creating, highlighting, and uplifting the diverse stories of Black identity — where she currently hosts the celebrity interview series “Another Act.” Recent guests include Queen Latifah, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Viola Davis, Zoe Saldaña and Keke Palmer. She also interviewed the creators and the original Broadway production of “Hamilton” in the special program “Hamilton In-Depth with Kelley Carter,” which coincided with the premiere of Hamilton on Disney+.
“I’m really excited to continue with Andscape,” Carter tells Variety. “It feels like we are still just in the beginning of...
- 2/27/2023
- by Julia MacCary
- Variety Film + TV
When Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” premiered at the Cannes Film Festival late last May, the buzz for its young star Austin Butler grew quickly to a deafening din. The film’s reception was capped by a 12-minute standing ovation, and the conventional wisdom was that the Oscar and potentially the Screen Actors Guild Award as well was Butler’s to lose. As of this writing, the 31-year-old is the second choice in the Academy Awards lead actor race as well as in the SAG Awards actor competition on Gold Derby behind Brendan Fraser for “The Whale,” positions that have rarely shifted since last fall. Colin Farrell of “The Banshees of Inisherin” is solidly in third place in both odds.
But the history of both the Oscars and SAGs tells us that Butler may be underestimated. He follows, after all, in the grand tradition of actors who have transformed themselves into real-life music legends,...
But the history of both the Oscars and SAGs tells us that Butler may be underestimated. He follows, after all, in the grand tradition of actors who have transformed themselves into real-life music legends,...
- 2/14/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
February is Black History Month, and with such a wide array of streaming options, there’s no shortage of options for learning about Black heritage and celebrating Black excellence.
Amazon Prime Video
Among the programming being promoted in Prime Video’s “Celebrating Black History Month” lineup are the new second season of “Harlem,” which follows four female friends from Harlem as they navigate their love lives and careers. There’s also the new original unscripted series “Coach Prime,” which chronicles Deion Sanders in his third year coaching football at Jackson State. Other noteworthy selections include Regina King‘s Oscar-nominated “One Night in Miami,” the acclaimed documentaries “My Name is Pauli Murray” and “I Am Not Your Negro,” the Emmy-nominated romance “Sylvie’s Love,” Spike Lee‘s “Chi-Raq,” the Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect” starring Jennifer Hudson, the Oscar-winning stage adaptation “Fences” from Denzel Washington, who also stars in Prime offerings “Devil in a Blue Dress...
Amazon Prime Video
Among the programming being promoted in Prime Video’s “Celebrating Black History Month” lineup are the new second season of “Harlem,” which follows four female friends from Harlem as they navigate their love lives and careers. There’s also the new original unscripted series “Coach Prime,” which chronicles Deion Sanders in his third year coaching football at Jackson State. Other noteworthy selections include Regina King‘s Oscar-nominated “One Night in Miami,” the acclaimed documentaries “My Name is Pauli Murray” and “I Am Not Your Negro,” the Emmy-nominated romance “Sylvie’s Love,” Spike Lee‘s “Chi-Raq,” the Aretha Franklin biopic “Respect” starring Jennifer Hudson, the Oscar-winning stage adaptation “Fences” from Denzel Washington, who also stars in Prime offerings “Devil in a Blue Dress...
- 2/9/2023
- by Daniel Montgomery
- Gold Derby
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.