Catching Up... 4-1-1

4-1-1 ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE WEEK OF DECEMBER 29th, 2008

Did Beyonce really say that? Beyonce graces the cover of the new issue of Elle magazine. She talks about her life growing up, and she takes time to diss the first family of music, the Jacksons. Beyonce talked about her upper middle class upbringing and compared her family, the Knowles led by patriarch Matthew Knowles, to the famed Jacksons. Beyonce basically accused Joe and Katherine Jackson of using their children for their own good. The hissing you hear is probably Janet and Michael saying WTH! How dare she?!! Why did Beyonce go there? Doesn’t she realize how bad she dissed the Jacksons? This is not a good time for the family. Janet’s publicity stunts are becoming a bad joke, and she is starting to gain weight again. Michael keeps pretending he’s sick. He’s really just broke. As for the other family members, they are trying to find their way. Maybe this is “Sasha Fierce” talking and not Beyonce. In other Beyonce news, she desperately wants to be added to the ticket for the Obama Inaugural Ball. Aretha Franklin is performing. Rihanna is performing, but as of press time, no Beyonce. Beyonce and her people can’t believe it. She is the hottest chick in the game. Where is her invite? Beyonce is pulling out all the tricks, including recording a song called Proud To Be An American. In the promo shot, she had her face painted red white and blue. Will this get her an invite to the inauguration?

Jennifer Hudson will be making her first public appearance in February after the tragic murders of her family. Hudson will be performing at a music event honoring the legendary Singer/Songwriter Neil Diamond. The festivities are happening during Grammy week. Hudson is up for four Grammy Awards. The 51st Annual Grammy Awards air on February 8th.

Is she or isn’t she? What’s up with Mariah Carey? Is she pregnant by her hubby Nick Cannon? Her spokespeople say no, but she is trying to get pregnant and have a baby next year.

Will Ashanti take it all off? Playboy magazine is offering “Thick Ums” thousands of dollars to pose nude, and she says she is thinking about it.

Since the tragic death earlier this year involving Singer Sean Levert, a new policy has been put in place allowing more flexibility in giving out anti-anxiety medicine. Inmates in Ohio will now be able to get their medication when they need it. Levert’s widow, Angela Lowe, has filed a federal wrongful death suit accusing county officials of neglecting her husband’s medical needs.

After a quiet 2008, Fantasia is looking to get her career back on track. Fantasia has enlisted Singer/Producer Raphael Saadiq to help her with her next album. Saadiq says he wants to give Fantasia an updated, fresh and soulful sound.

The new T.D. Jakes movie, Not Easily Broken, opens in theatres on January 9th. The movie stars Morris Chestnut, Taraji P. Henson, Kevin Hart and Wood Harris. Acclaimed Director Bill Duke (Cover, Rage In Harlem, Hoodlum) helmed the movie.

Who knew these two were married?!!! Darryl M. Bell (“Ron” from A Different World) and Tempest Bledsoe (“Vanessa” from The Cosby Show). Bell and Bledsoe have signed on for the new reality show Hollywood Husbands. The show is about men who marry successful women.

Oprah Winfrey is poo pooing reports that she wants to move to Washington, D.C. to be closer to America’s new first family, The Obamas. It was reported that Winfrey was looking to buy a $50 million mansion in D.C. Spokespeople for Winfrey say “The Mighty O” is staying in Chicago.

The Disney movie Old Dogs will feature the final screen appearance of Actor/Comedian Bernie Mac. Mac filmed the movie with John Travolta and Robin Williams before he became sick. The movie will be released in 2009.

The entertainment world lost a legend on Christmas Day with the passing of Earth Kitt. Kitt, 81, died from colon cancer. The Emmy Award-winning actress, singer and dancer led an incredible life that was filled with many highs and lows. She was sexy, sensual and scandalous. Kitt was an outspoken advocate for peace, and she was against the Vietnam War. Some of her most notable work included the Christmas classic Santa Baby, her role as “Catwoman” in the 60’s TV series Batman and a comeback in the 90’s calling Eddie Murphy “Marcus darling” in Boomerang.

Bobby Brown has signed on for another reality show. Brown will be joining the cast of the U.K. show Celebrity Big Brother.

Montel Williams is back on TV. Williams is hosting the infomercial Living Well with Montel. Williams is promoting better health through his topics, books and products.

Congrats to Eva Marcille and Actor Lance Gross. They got engaged over the holidays. Marcille was known as Eva Pigford when she won America’s Next Top Model. She is currently starring in the soap opera The Young And The Restless. Gross stars on the Tyler Perry TV show The House Of Payne. Now speaking of Tyler Perry, his new TV show, Meet The Browns, debuts Wednesday, January 7th 10pm on the TBS Network. And, Dr. Phil makes a cameo in his new movie Madea Goes To Jail, opening in February.

Eddie Murphy is on the prowl again. It was just a year ago, when he made headlines with Producer Tracey Edmonds. Their marriage lasted for 17 days. Now, Murphy is back on the prowl hooking up for Arsenio Hall looking for the ladies.

Two music projects to look forward to next year include a Gospel CD from Singer Heather Headley. The project, Audience Of One, is due in January. India.Arie will also be releasing a new CD. Her project, Love And Politics, is coming out in February. The first single is Chocolate High featuring Musiq.

Congrats to basketball Legend Dr. J. The Doctor got married a few months ago to Dorys Erving. Word has it the Doc’s young wife may be joining the new season and cast of The Real Housewives Of Atlanta.

Steve Harvey will be back hosting BET’s Celebration of Gospel. The show will air on BET January 25th.

The 15th Annual Essence Music Festival is set for July 3rd, 4th and 5th in New Orleans. Beyonce is the first musical guest announced. There will also be seminars featuring Prophetess Juanita Bynum and Roland Martin. Plus, there’ll be an all star tribute to Bishop T.D. Jakes.
Queen Latifah will be hosting the 35th Annual People’s Choice Awards to be held January 7th on CBS.

The movie, Notorious, based on the life of Rapper Biggie Smalls, a.k.a. The Notorious B.I.G., is gearing up for its release, which is scheduled for January 16th, 2009. Angela Bassett will be playing Biggie’s mom, Volletta Wallace.

Sinbad and Yolanda Adams will be hosting the 21st Annual Stellar Awards. Gospel Sensation Marvin Sapp is leading the pack with nine nominations, including song and male vocal. The show is taking place January 17th.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
He’s one of the most eligible bachelors in the world. He’s fine, rich and a sports legend. He’s set to get remarried. Hope he checks his lady’s past. She’s been round the block a couple of times. Hope he gets a prenup.

These two celebrities make a nice looking couple. Despite their looks, marriage and babies, they are a boring couple. To revive interest in their careers, they are leaking stories about problems in their relationship to get headlines. Let’s hope their publicity stunt doesn’t backfire.