Author: ABC Audio

Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith’s mother speak out after Oscars slapping incident

Posted on by ABC Audio
ABC

(NOTE LANGUAGE) Two days after the very shocking “slap heard all around the world” at the Oscars, actress Jada Pinkett Smith posted a note on social media.

“This is the season for healing and I’m here for it,” reads the message shared in a Tuesday morning Instagram note. 

While the caption-less post didn’t directly address Sunday night’s incident, it’s the first time the 50-year-old actress has spoken publicly since her husband, Will Smith, slapped comedian Chris Rock in the face for a joke he made during the Academy Awards telecast about Pinkett’s shaved head.  Pinkett’s message also comes a day after Smith apologized to Rock and the Academy for storming the stage, smacking Rock and then twice yelling at him, “Keep my wife’s name out of your f****** mouth.” 

“Violence in all of its forms is poisonous and destructive,” Smith said on Instagram Monday. “My behavior at last night’s Academy Awards was unacceptable and inexcusable. Jokes at my expense are a part of the job, but a joke about Jada’s medical condition was too much for me to bear and I reacted emotionally.” Pinkett-Smith has publicly stated she shaved her head after developing alopecia, which causes hair loss.

Addressing Rock, Smith wrote, “I would like to publicly apologize to you, Chris. I was out of line and I was wrong. I am embarrassed and my actions were not indicative of the man I want to be…”

The intense Oscars broadcast moment was viewed by millions — 15.36, to be exact — including Smith’s mother, Carolyn Smith who, in an exclusive interview with ABC affiliate WPVI in Philadelphia, said it was the “first time I’ve ever seen him go off.”

“He is a very even, people person…I’ve never seen him do that,” Carolyn said. 

After the outburst, Smith went on to accept the Best Actor award for King Richard.

On Monday, the Academy said they are launching a “formal review” of the incident.

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Michael B. Jordan throws surprise birthday party for Lori Harvey, Babyface and Magic Johnson to guest star on ‘black-ish’, and more

Posted on by ABC Audio
JOCE/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Michael B. Jordan surprised his girlfriend, Lori Harvey, with an early birthday party Monday. The model turns 25 on January 13, however, the Journal for Jordan star decided to have a celebration for her three days in advance at Nobu Malibu in California, according to Page Six.

Harvey’s manager, Tre Thomas, announced at the party, “[Michael] loves you and can’t be here tonight, but enjoy your night. It’s on him.” Although a specific reason was not given for Jordan’s absence, it is believed he was busy working on Creed III which he is starring in and directing.

The model shared several videos in her Instagram Story, walking into a room decked out in balloons, including a big silver “25” for her milestone birthday. The tables are adorned with beautiful white floral arrangements, as well as custom menus that read “Lori’s 25th.”

“Thank you for my surprise party baby @michaelbjordan,” the model wrote on one post. “Sisters,” she wrote for another photo which featured Normani and actress Ryan Destiny from grown-ish.

In other news, Lori’s father, Steve Harvey, says he will not star in another comedy special because cancel culture has killed comedy.

“Nobody can say anything he wants to — Chris Rock can’t, Kevin Hart can’t, Cedric the Entertainer can’t, D.L. Hughley can’t. I can go down the list. The only person that can say what they want to say on stage is Dave Chappelle because he’s not sponsor-driven,” Harvey said Tuesday during the Television Critics Association press tour, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Finally, following Michelle Obama‘s appearance on the season debut episode of black-ish, more guest stars are lined up. Babyface, Magic Johnson, Vivica A. Fox, Simone Biles, Daveed Diggs, and more will appear in the eighth and final season, Deadline reports.

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Michael B. Jordan throws surprise birthday party for Lori Harvey, Babyface and Magic Johnson to guest star on ‘black-ish’, and more

Posted on by ABC Audio
JOCE/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Michael B. Jordan surprised his girlfriend, Lori Harvey, with an early birthday party Monday. The model turns 25 on January 13, however, the Journal for Jordan star decided to have a celebration for her three days in advance at Nobu Malibu in California, according to Page Six.

Harvey’s manager, Tre Thomas, announced at the party, “[Michael] loves you and can’t be here tonight, but enjoy your night. It’s on him.” Although a specific reason was not given for Jordan’s absence, it is believed he was busy working on Creed III which he is starring in and directing.

The model shared several videos in her Instagram Story, walking into a room decked out in balloons, including a big silver “25” for her milestone birthday. The tables are adorned with beautiful white floral arrangements, as well as custom menus that read “Lori’s 25th.”

“Thank you for my surprise party baby @michaelbjordan,” the model wrote on one post. “Sisters,” she wrote for another photo which featured Normani and actress Ryan Destiny from grown-ish.

In other news, Lori’s father, Steve Harvey, says he will not star in another comedy special because cancel culture has killed comedy.

“Nobody can say anything he wants to — Chris Rock can’t, Kevin Hart can’t, Cedric the Entertainer can’t, D.L. Hughley can’t. I can go down the list. The only person that can say what they want to say on stage is Dave Chappelle because he’s not sponsor-driven,” Harvey said Tuesday during the Television Critics Association press tour, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Finally, following Michelle Obama‘s appearance on the season debut episode of black-ish, more guest stars are lined up. Babyface, Magic Johnson, Vivica A. Fox, Simone Biles, Daveed Diggs, and more will appear in the eighth and final season, Deadline reports.

Copyright © 2022, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Watch Pentatonix throw a non-stop ’90s dance party

Posted on by ABC Audio

Pentatonix/RCA RecordsWe spent 2020 dancing to Dua Lipa‘s album Future Nostalgia.  Now, Pentatonix is throwing it back to the ’90s, with a club-tastic medley that’s the perfect soundtrack for a six-minute dance party.

In their new video, the group, dressed in their best ’90s club styles, sings their way through an amazing 17 dance floor favorites a cappella style, including “Around the World (La La La La La),” the ATC song that Ava Max interpolates in her current hit, “My Head & My Heart.”  O.K., it came out in 2000, but close enough.

Other smashes you’ll hear include Jennifer Lopez‘s “Waiting for Tonight,” Cher’s “Believe,” C+C Music Factory‘s “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” and, of course, “What Is Love” by Haddaway.

Part of the fun, is, of course, seeing how many songs you recognize, but here’s a handy list:

La Bouche, “Be My Lover”
Haddaway, “What Is Love”
ATC, “All Around the World”
Alice Deejay, “Better Off Alone”
C+C Music Factory, “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)”
Snap!, “Rhythm Is a Dancer”
Vengaboys, “Boom Boom Boom Boom”
Sonique, “It Feels So Good”
Cascada, “Every Time We Touch”
Eiffel 65, “Blue (Da Ba Dee)”
Robin S, “Show Me Love”
Jennifer Lopez, “Waiting for Tonight”
Ace of Base, “Beautiful Life”
Cher, “Believe”
Crystal Waters, “Gypsy Woman (La Da Dee La Da Da)”
CeCe Peniston, “Finally”

By Andrea Dresdale
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Watch Maren Morris get in “The Middle” of some mac ‘n cheese & her Spotify awards plaque

Posted on by ABC Audio

Rachel Murray/Getty Images for TargetBecause they’re silver and concave, the plaques that Spotify gives to artists for racking up one billion streams of one of their tracks have inspired some musicians to turn them into dinner plates.  Now Maren Morris is jumping on that bandwagon.

On her socials, Maren wrote, “Said I’d do it,” alongside a black-and-white video of herself cooking mac ‘n cheese, dumping it on her plaque, and eating it while wearing a fancy dress.

“thanks for a billion streams on The Middle, y’all,” she wrote, referring to her Grammy-nominated smash hit with Zedd and Grey. “And thank you @spotify for the multi-purpose plaque.”

“The Middle,” released in 2018, was a top-five hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for Record of the Year, Song of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance at the Grammys in 2019.

In 2018, Taylor Swift invited Maren to join her onstage to perform “The Middle” during the Arlington, TX stop of her Reputation Stadium Tour.  Maren can currently be heard singing on the song “You All Over Me” on Taylor’s newly released Fearless (Taylor’s Version) album project.


By Andrea Dresdale
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

New Music Friday: Gwen Stefani, Pink, Doja Cat & more have new songs for you

Posted on by ABC Audio

Interscope RecordsWhen you’re done listening to all 27 tracks on Taylor Swift‘s latest release, Fearless (Taylor’s Version), you can check out all these other new songs as a palate cleanser:

Pink has teamed up with soulful British singer/songwriter Rag’n’Bone for a duet, “Anywhere Away from Here.” He says, “It’s an honor to have Pink on this record and I’m so glad she is able to be a part of it.”

Doja Cat has released a new collaboration with SZA, “Kiss Me More,” along with a colorful video starring Grey’s Anatomy actor Alex Landi.  It’s from her hotly-anticipated new album Planet Her, due later this year.

Gwen Stefani has teamed up with red-hot rapper Saweetie for a remix of her single “Slow Clap.”  There’s also an exuberant high-school-themed video directed by Sophie Muller, who was also behind the camera for No Doubt‘s classic clip “Don’t Speak.”

DJ & producer Imanbek, who turned Saint Jhn‘s “Roses” into a hit, has teamed up reggae superstar Sean Paul and Sofia Reyes for a new song called “Dancing on Dangerous.”

Surfaces, the who went RIAA double Platinum with “Sunday Best, is back with a new song and video, “Wave of You.”

AJ Mitchell has released a new single called “Stop” from his long-awaited debut album, Skyview, which will reportedly finally drop this year.

Canadian singer/songwriter Forest Blakk has added none other than new mommy Meghan Trainor to his sweet ballad “If You Love Her,” making for a melodic duet.




By Andrea Dresdale
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Justin Timberlake to star as game show host Chuck Barris in new Apple TV+ series

Posted on by ABC Audio

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty ImagesJustin Timberlake has lined up his next acting gig for Apple TV+.

Deadline reports the 40-year-old singer/actor has been tapped to play Gong Show host Chuck Barris for an as-yet-untitled hour-long drama series.

The show will be based on Barris’ 1984 memoir Confessions of a Dangerous Mind, in which he claimed his job as a game show creator and host in the ‘60s and ‘70s was just a front for his real job as a CIA assassin. Barris created such game show classics as The Dating Game and The Newlywed Game.

The book was previously made into a 2002 film of the same name that was directed by George Clooney and starred Sam Rockwell as Barris.

Justin’s new role comes on the heels of his other Apple TV+ project, the film Palmer, which was released in January.

By Andrea Tuccillo
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Watch Katy Perry complain about lack of sex while presenting GLAAD Award to Sam Smith

Posted on by ABC Audio

Photo By The 32nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards/Getty Images for GLAADLast night at the GLAAD Media Awards, Sam Smith was named Outstanding Music Artist, but Katy Perry, who presented them with the honor, took the opportunity to sum up the past year in a way that we all could relate to.

“Music helped us get through this very difficult time, when not much else did,” Katy said in her remarks. “I mean, our fabulous clothes? They just stayed on the hangers while we lived in sweats every single day.”

“Some of us even went up a couple of sizes — I did, I also had a baby,” she noted. “And the sex dried up! Yeah!”

“Well, I hope it all comes back, but maybe not that baking bread thing, that was kind of a weird thing,” Katy continued. She then went on to salute all the incredible music artists who “gave us moments of hope, happiness, resilience and even just plain ol’ escapism.”

Accepting the award from London, Sam noted, “I’m so honored to be receiving this this year…it really means a lot to me. This has been such a tough year for everyone….and for me, music has remained this constant force of unity throughout the world for people.”

“Looking at this category tonight…these are the albums that have got me through this year,” they said. “So I just want to raise a cup of tea — have a tea party — for everyone in this category.”

Among the artists who Sam beat in that category: Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, Adam Lambert, Ricky Martin and Halsey.

By Andrea Dresdale
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Legendary rapper and Ruff Ryder alum DMX dies at age 50

Posted on by ABC Audio

Jonathan MannionDMX has died at age 50 after suffering a heart attack. His family, who was by his side when he passed, confirmed the news in a statement.

The rapper, born Earl Simmons, had been hospitalized in White Plains, New York in “grave condition,” his attorney Murray Richman confirmed to ABC New York affiliate WABC-TV on April 3. He was placed on life support and never recovered.

“Earl was a warrior who fought till the very end,” the family said in a statement. “He loved his family with all of his heart and we cherish the times we spent with him. Earl’s music inspired countless fans across the world and his iconic legacy will live on forever. We appreciate all of the love and support during this incredibly difficult time.”

The family asked for privacy at they “grieve the loss of our brother, father, uncle and the man the world knew as DMX,” adding that information about his memorial service will be announced once details are finalized.

DMX had battled substance abuse and legal troubles over the years and spent multiple stints in rehab. He last completed a stay in rehab in 2019, after serving a 12-month sentence for tax evasion.

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, and raised in Yonkers, New York, DMX spent the early years of his childhood in and out of juvenile detention centers and group homes. While he maintained a close relationship with his grandmother and other family members, music was his escape from the troubles of his thoughts and his environment.

The Ruff Ryders emcee launched his career in the ‘90s, releasing his debut album, It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot, in 1998 which featured the hit song “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem.” As a Def Jam signee, he was a crucial member of the Ruff Ryders Dynasty, which birthed trailblazing artists such as Swizz Beatz, Eve, The Lox, and more.

A year later in 1999, X released his best-selling album, … And Then There Was X, featuring the hit single “Party Up (Up in Here).” The triple-platinum album received two Grammy nominations for Best Rap Solo Performance and Best Rap Album. X’s third Grammy nomination came from his 2001 single, “Who We Be.” 

Other notable singles include “Stop Being Greedy,” “X Gon’ Give It to Ya,” “What’s My Name,” and “What They Really Want” featuring Sisqo.
 
X released seven albums over the course of his career, including Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood, and four others that topped the Billboard 200 Albums chart. He’s also worked with a number of artists including Aaliyah, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, LL Cool J, Method Man, Snoop Dogg, Nas, Faith Evans, and more.

On the acting side, X appeared in numerous films including Belly, Exit Wounds, Romeo Must Die, Cradle 2 the Grave, and Last Hour. 

In July 2020, he faced off with Snoop Dogg in a Verzuz battle, breaking the all-time Apple Music live stream record with over 600,000 concurrent viewers.

A month later, he revealed he was working on a new studio album to follow up the release of 2015’s Redemption Of The Beast under Seven Arts Entertainment. During an episode of N.O.R.E‘s Drink Champs podcast last February, X stated the project would feature current and past generations of artists including Benny The Butcher, Conway the Machine, Usher, Alicia Keys, Lil Wayne, U2‘sBono, and a posthumous track with the late Pop Smoke.

DMX is remembered by his 15 children and his fiancé Desiree Lindstrom, the mother of his five-year-old son, Exodus.

By Rachel George
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Nike settles lawsuit against Lil Nas X’s “Satan Shoes”

Posted on by ABC Audio

Filip Custic @filipcustic1The “Satan Shoes” saga has come to a close.

Nike has settled its lawsuit against MSCHF, the design company that teamed up with Lil Nas X to create a reimagined devil-inspired Air Max 97.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Nike and MSCHF agreed to a voluntary recall of the “Satan Shoes,” as well as the “Jesus Shoes” MSCHF sold in 2019.

“If any purchasers were confused, or if they otherwise want to return their shoes, they may do so for a full refund,” Nike said according to EW. “Purchasers who choose not to return their shoes and later encounter a product issue, defect, or health concern should contact MSCHF, not Nike.”

MSCHF sold 665 pairs of the sneakers for $1,018 each within minutes, but had been saving the 666th pair for a giveaway. The shoes were tied to Lil Nas X’s music video for his song “Montero (Call Me By Your Name).” Lil Nas was not named as a defendant in the March 29 lawsuit.

“… Having already achieved its artistic purpose, MSCHF recognized that settlement was the best way to allow it to put this lawsuit behind it so that it could dedicate its time to new artistic and expressive projects,” an attorney for MSCHF told EW.

By Andrea Tuccillo
Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.