Tyler Perry and Halle Berry hosted the 40th Annual NAACP Image Awards at Hollywood's Shrine Auditorium which air on FOX earlier tonight.



Tracee Ellis Ross got emotional as she accepted her TV award for Girlfriends while Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Taraji P. Henson, and The Secret Life of Bees walked away with box office recognition. Beyonce performed Halo as a nod to President Barack Obama while JHud paid tribute to Muhammad Ali. Host Halle changed into several outfits throughout the two-hour telecast.





Russell Simmons' daughters Ming Lee and Aoki Lee stole the show during his acceptance speech.



Visit NAACP.ORG for the complete winners list!

Labels: Award Hoopla, Caption This, Fashion Hoopla, Look on Lock Edition, TV Hoopla

Here are the complete and fierce photo shoot taken of Katie Holmes in support of the latest Miu Miu print AD campaign. See the previous snapshots in this blog post. No More Being Mrs. Tom Cruise??



A heavily photo edited Aubrey O'Day (formerly of Danity Kane) can be seen on the March 2009 cover edition of Playboy magazine. The accompanying headline reads as follows: "Aubrey O'Day Breaks Free of Danity Kane (And Her Clothes)." The magazine with a confident Aubrey on its cover hits newsstands February 13th. Hats off to Aubrey for taking IT off! Tasteful or desperate?

Labels: Danity Kane, Katie Holmes, Newsstand Hoopla

The long awaited Jennifer Hudson music video for her second official single If this Isn't Love has finally hit the online community via PopEater. If This Isn't Love can be heard on Jennifer's self-titled debut record. Try not to sing along with JHud on this infectious tune.



This video also happen to be the first video JHud worked on ever since the murders of her mother, brother and nephew. Speaking of JHud, check out her emotional performance of "You Pulled Me Through" at the 2009 Grammy Awards where she picked up the Best R&B Album Award from Whitney Houston. (Watch JHud's acceptance speech here.)



In related news, JHud picked "Pocketbook" featuring Ludacris as her next single. (Click here to check it out.) Next up for Jennifer is her upcoming tour gig with Robin Thicke.

Labels: 2009 Grammy's, Jennifer Hudson, Music Hoopla, Robin Thicke, TV Hoopla, Video Hoopla, Whitney Houston

Enrique Iglesias collaborated with Ciara on his new single, "Takin' Back My Love" which they performed for the first time at the 2009 NFL Pro Bowl halftime show in Honolulu, Hawaii. These two did a great job from the vocals especially with the support of the marching band. Love that Herve Leger skirt! (Thanks Sincerely Ciara!)



Check out the official video spot for "Takin Back My Love" which was directed by Ray Kay below. Their undeniable chemistry made the video worthwhile. (Check out the photo collage I made from the video for proof!) The video comes just in time for Valentine's Day - Nice!

Labels: Ciara, Enrique Iglesias, Music Hoopla, Video Hoopla

Christina Milian appeared on the April/May 2009 cover of KING magazine in Melody Ehsani round geometric earrings. The men's magazine nicknamed Christina as "Ms. Milli" for its 50th issue.




Mariah Carey also had on Melody Ehsani designs for her "My Love" music video shoot with her husband Nick Cannon and The Dream. MC wore a custom made "MIMI" necklace with Pink Leopard Swarovski Bamboo. Fansite MARIAH DAILY was on the scene with the photos.

Labels: Christina Milian, Mariah Carey, Music Hoopla, Newsstand Snapshots, Nick Cannon, The Dream

In better-late-than-never-news, Madonna alongside her rumored boyfriend Jesus Luz pose for W magazine which was shot on location in Brazil. According to Jenna, Madonna wore a fitted strapless DVB (#8 the Orthez) dress. Snapped by Steven Klein, these nearly naked (NSFW) photos in more ways than one confirm Madonna and Jesus' relationship.



One thing for certain is that Madonna knows how to hold the public's attention. Why does he have a tattoo of HIS name on HIS back??? Next up for Madonna is her upcoming Sticky & Sweet Tour and The Oscars.

Labels: Madonna, Newsstand Snapshots, Romance Hoopla

Michelle Williams and Beyonce Knowles were spotted at (new X-Factor Judge) Kelly Rowland's surprise birthday party which was hosted by Tank and LaLa Vasquez at Opera in Hollywood last night. This marks the first public appearance of Kelly with her former Destiny's Child bandmates after she split up with her manager Mathew Knowles. (Kelly's actual birthday is today - February 11, 1981.)




Michelle Williams (in Giusseppe Zanotti silver-toe pumps) performed at the Boston Celtics vs New York Knicks last week. Beyonce and Solange's cousin Angela Beyince were there to show Michelle support. I'm loving Michelle's hairstyle. Next for Michelle is her upcoming remix album.

Labels: Beyonce Knowles, Brandy, Fashion Hoopla, Kelly Rowland, Michelle Williams, Out and About, Solange, Trina, Vanessa Simmons

Robin Thicke finally release the Anthony Mandler-directed video spot for his latest single, "Dreamworld" off his album, Something Else. Love ballads has definitely become Robin's strong forte.



The Pussycat Dolls release another dance anthem off their sophomore album, Doll Domination, called "Bottle Pop." The original single feature Snoop Dogg - who collaborated with PCD previously on "Buttons." With Danity Kane officially split up, PCD has the singing girl group concept on lock.



The Dream alongside his newly formed girl group Electrik Red teamed up with music video director Ray Kay to put together this clip for his single, "Rockin That Thang" off the album, Love vs. Money. Radio Killa's back!


Piles collaborated with Ashanti on his new single, "Want It, Need It." These two intertwine hip-hop and R&B effortlessly, don't you agree? Is it just me or does Piles seem to favor throwback R&B music??

Labels: Ashanti, Music Hoopla, Pussycat Dolls, Robin Thicke, The Dream, Video Hoopla

Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson joined couple Halle Berry and Gabriel Aubry for dinner at Mr. Chow restaurant in Beverly Hills last night.



Halle opened up about her relationship with Calvin Klein model Gabriel who she has a 9-month-old daugher Nahla with to Essence magazine (March 2009/ Hollywood Special Edition).

On dating a White man: “I tried Black men. I tried,” she wails in a mock southern accent. “I married two Black men. You know I tried.” She laughs again before making clear that “I don’t hold all Black males responsible because of the two bad eggs I got. I even dated Black men after my last divorce, but this is just where I found love.”

On her longevity in Hollywood: “Setbacks energize me. They make me realize that I have more work to do.”

On being a mom: “I thought I knew love before, but I never knew anything like this.”

On going bald for a role: “I am shaving it off,” she says. “I know. Here comes the controversy, but I have to do it for the role and it will grow back - I hope.”

Essence magazine recently announce plans to host a luncheon honoring Halle and Taraji during Oscar Week 2009. (Congrats!) Click here for details.

Labels: Halle Berry, Newsstand Snapshots, Out and About, Romance Hoopla, Taraji P. Henson

First Lady Michelle Obama can be seen on the March 2009 cover edition of VOGUE magazine in a magenta Jason Wu silk sheath dress. Vogue's editor at large Andre Leon Talley interviewed Michelle while Annie Leibovitz snapped the portraits of Mrs. Obama at the Hay-Adams Hotel and as well as The White House. FUN FACT: Michelle became the second first lady ever to be featured on the cover of the fashion bible, after Hillary!

On her Election Night Narciso Rodriguez dress: Some critics made noise about the plain black cardigan the First Lady-to-be wore on November 4 in Grant Park over her Narciso Rodriguez dress. She is unrepentant: "I'm not going to pretend that I don't care about it," Mrs. Obama says of the criticism. "But I also have to be very practical. In the end, someone will always not like what you wear—people just have different tastes. Some will think that a sweater was horrible, [but] I was cold; I needed that sweater!"

On being mom-in-chief to daughters Malia and Sasha: "I'm going to try to take them to school every morning, as much as I can," she said. "But there's also a measure of independence. And obviously there will be times I won't be able to drop them off at all. I like to be a presence in my kids' school. I want to know the teachers; I want to know the other parents."

The March 2009 edition of Vogue featuring First Lady Michelle Obama hits newsstand this month. What do you think of the photos?

Labels: Newsstand Snapshots, Political Hoopla

Nas confirmed that his wife Kelis IS pregnant with their first child during this MTV News interview. News broke via Us Weekly last month. Nas and Kelis have been married since January 2005.

Nas on the baby's sex: "Yeah, man, I find out what it's gonna be next week, so I'm happy," said the rapper, who has a 15-year-old daughter from a previous relationship. "I got another one coming in '09, yeah! That's what's up!" [MTV News]

Usher's wife Tameka Foster Raymond was induced into a coma after compliations from a routine surgery at Brazil's São Paulo's Sírio-Libanês hospital, reports E Online. News of Tameka's surgery first hit the blogosphere prior to Usher's scheduled appearance at the 2009 Grammy Awards. The pair just welcomed their second son Naviyd Ely Raymond back in December 2008. UPDATE: Tameka had a heart attack prior to plastic surgery reports Us Weekly.

His wife, Tameka, is in Brazil and has experienced complications from plastic surgery. A neurosurgeon, Dr. Gabriel Hunt of LA’s Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, is on the way to South America. [Access Hollywood]

Erykah Badu has named her Twitter baby as Mars Merkaba with boyfriend Jay Electronica. Congrats to the couple!

Erykah on her newborn daughter Mars: “Her eyes are looking right into mine. she struggles to focus. I wonder where she just came from. I mean…her spirit…”[fatbellybella's Twitter

Eddie Murphy has agreed to provide child support (a estimated $51,000 a month/$10 million support package) for ex-girlfriend Melanie Brown's daughter Angel Iris. Mel B gave birth to Angel Iris on Eddie's birthday (April 3, 2007) and Eddie has subsequently took a DNA test to confirm that he's the father.

British tabloid the News of the World has revealed that Murphy has agreed to a support package totaling more than $10 million, following a 15-month court battle in Los Angeles. [source]

Labels: Eddie Murphy, Erykah Badu, Kelis, Melanie Brown, Nas, Romance Hoopla, Tameka Foster, Usher

Shortly after Chris Brown and Rihanna left Clive Davis' pre-Grammy bash (see below), they got into a heated argument that resulted in visible body injuries on both parties.



Because of this incident that occurred in Chris' rented Lamborghini (see below), they didn't attend the 2009 Grammy Awards. Rihanna supposedly pressed charges and Chris was arrested for alleged domestic violence felony battery. (Chris has since posted bail for $50,000.)



Chris' Doublemint Gum commercial (see below) which feature his single, "Forever" was suspended and he wouldn't make his scheduled appearance at the upcoming NBA All-Stars game. Rihanna according to TMZ sustained a split lip, swelling, and bruising postponed her upcoming Malaysian concert gig.



Since the story broke there has been many reports that seemed to favor Rihanna and automatically painted Chris as a woman beater. There's three sides to this story (re: puppy love/publicity stunt gone wrong) - Rihanna's, Chris', and the truth. Damm and Hmm! Let's hope both parties are fine. Time will only tell...


UPDATE: Got Milk suspended its print AD campaigns with Chris according to E Online while Rihanna maintains her CoverGirl contract.

Kanye West and T.I. both came out to talk about the allegations.

Kanye to Ryan Seacreast: "She has the potential to be the greatest artist of all time and, in that sense, I feel like that's my baby sis and I would do any and everything to help her in any situation. I don't want to speak more into the specifics with that situation, but all I'll say is it's just so devastating. I feel like, just as a person, I don’t care how famous she is or even if she just worked at McDonald's, that should never happen. It should never come to that place.

T.I. to Carson Daly: "I spoke to him today. He's cool, you know. He's a little concerned about the situation, but he's still the same Chris. I told him, 'This too shall pass.' We're celebrities, we're entertainers, but we're still human—all of us. Don't expect us not to make mistakes, because we will."

UPDATE: According to TMZ a text message Chris received from a woman ignited the violent argument.

Labels: 2009 Grammy's, Chris Brown, Kanye West, Rihanna, Romance Hoopla, T.I.

Close friends India.Arie and Musiq Soulchild collaborated on her new single, "Chocolate High" off her upcoming album, Testimony: Vol. 2 Love & Politics.

Labels: India.Arie, Music Hoopla, Musiq, Video Hoopla

Jazmine Sullivan, 5 time Grammy nominee, performed her current single, "Lions, Tears & Bears" on ABC show, "Good Morning America." It's clear to see why Jazmine earned all her Grammy nominations off her debut album, Fearless.



Next up for Jazmine is the 2009 Grammy Awards airing live on February 4th on CBS. In the meantime, check out her interview with Katie Couric for "All Access Grammy Special." Jazmine talked briefly about Kanye West's music, her dream dinner date with Prince and what scares her.

Labels: Jazmine Sullivan, Music Hoopla, TV Hoopla

The on-going beef between Rick Ross and 50 Cent took an unexpected turn when 50 invited Rick's baby mama Tia Kemp on his online blog community THISIS50.COM. (Oh my damn, 50!) Apparently Tia (who has a son with Rick) has a tell-all expose in the works called, Tia's Diary: Deeper Than Rap, out March 2009.



50 took a step further with a new cartoon series called "Locked Up: Officer Ricky." WATCH THE RICK ROSS CARTOON DISS HERE. Was it really necessary to bring in Rick's baby mama into this whole situation??? (Co-sign Miss Info's WOW!)

Labels: 50 Cent, Music Hoopla, things that make me go hmm

Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon was spotted out and about with her adorable twin sons Jax Joseph and Jaid Thomas over the weekend.



Ne-Yo put on a blonde wig as he took a photo with Lady Gaga at the taping of BBC2 Music Show 'Sound.' You gotta love his sense of humor - LOL!



Beyonce Knowles-Carter was spotted outside a Midtown Restaurant dressed up in a gray Herve Leger by Max Azria dress. Her album I Am...Sasha Fierce sold over 2 million copies since its November 2008 release date.

Labels: Beyonce Knowles, Celeb Offspring, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon, Ne-Yo, Out and About

Oscar nominees Viola Davis (Doubt) and Taraji P. Henson (Curious Case of Benjamin Button) have been spotted at various industry events looking like they stepped off the runway.



Slumdog Millionaire actress Freida Pinto also looked hip and fab at the 61st Annual DGA Awards. Love that Zac Posen one shoulder sequin dress.



Viola just signed on to appear in the psychological thriller Law Abiding Citizen with Regina Hall and Jamie Foxx according to EURWEB. (Congrats Viola, Freida, and Taraji for the well-deserved Oscar hoopla!)

Labels: Blair Underwood, Box Office Hoopla, Freida Pinto, Taraji P. Henson, Viola Davis

Bobbi Kristina, the 15-year-old daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown, was spotted outside LAX Airport with her famous mother. That's one mean facial expression Bobbi is giving her mom (LOL!). Rumor has that Bobby is about to be father again. (Bobby has been in long-term relationship with Alicia Etheridge.) Head on over to MrsGrapevine for the scoop.




Ashanti rock a lime green and black ensemble outside Midtown restaurant over the Super Bowl weekend in New York City. No signs of her sister, momanger, that baby bump and boyfriend Nelly. I do love those green and black Giuseppe Zanotti sandals...



Frankie joined her daughter R&B singer Keyshia Cole for the alternative cover of VIBE magazine's Style March 2009 Issue. In case you missed Keyshia's solo yet colorful VIBE cover re-visit that blog post here. Apparently Keyshia treated her mother Frankie to full-on makeover. (Aww!)

Labels: Ashanti, Celeb Offspring, Keyshia Cole, Newsstand Snapshots, Out and About, Whitney Houston

Monica joined Jermaine Dupri's YouTube blog Living The Life alongside writer Bryan-Michael Cox. The video gave insight between the friendly brother/sister interaction between Monica, JD, and B.Cox.



Monica even gave some relationship advice to B. Cox...which was entertaining to see. JD and B.Cox worked on a hot ballad for Monica's upcoming music project. JD and Monica worked together previously on her songs "Everytime Tha Beat Drops" and "The First Night." Hopefully these two can work their late '90s magic in 2009. (Have you hear her HOT single, "Still Standing" featuring Ludacris yet?)

Labels: Celeb Offspring, Jermaine Dupri, Monica, Music Hoopla

Jay Electronica, the boyfriend of Erykah Badu, announced on his twitter page that he and Erykah just welcomed a baby daughter on February 1st at 1:30 PM. No name was mentioned but since Analog Girl Erykah has a son named Seven Sirius (with Andre3000) and a daughter named Puma Rose (with The D.O.C.) one can expected a rather unique name. Congrats to Jay and Erykah!



As reported earlier, Nick Cannon directed the video treatment for The Dream's "My Love" featuring Mariah Carey. (The perks of being Mr. Mariah Carey, huh?) Popular fansite MARIAHDAILY was on the Los Angeles set for a complete behind-the-scenes video wrap-up. Mariah dressed down for the video concept with cornrows. Check it out...

Labels: Celeb Offspring, Celebrity Blog, Erykah Badu, Mariah Carey, Music Hoopla, Nick Cannon, The Dream

Jennifer Hudson's rendition of the National Anthem (The Star Spangled Banner) at Super Bowl XLIII simply blew me away. JHud performed the song her own way with smooth vocals and tone. -Tear!-



As her first performance since her family tragedy, Jennifer didn't do the vocal theatrics like heard on "And I Am Telling You" but she instead kept it clean-cut. No one touches Whitney Houston's rendition, though. Love those Sigerson Morrison's gladitor wedges! (On a side note, go Pittsburgh Steelers...and welcome back, JHud!)

Labels: Jennifer Hudson, Music Hoopla, TV Hoopla