Episodes – Page 1361

The Year in Music 2018: John Legend as Jesus, Santa Claus…and an EGOT

Trae Patton/NBCJohn Legend had plenty to celebrate this year: He played Jesus and Santa Claus, and became an EGOT.

The singer’s first big move of 2018 was starring in the title role of NBC’s Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, which aired on Easter Sunday. It was his first lead TV role, and led to a truly historic “first” at the Emmys in September.

When Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert was named Outstanding Variety Special, Legend won an Emmy as one of the show’s co-producers. That made him the first black man to achieve EGOT status: He’s now won the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony. In addition to the Emmy, he has 10 Grammys, a Tony for co-producing Jitney in 2017, and an Oscar for his song “Glory,” which appeared in the 2014 movie Selma.

John was also nominated for an Emmy for his acting in the Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert, but lost that to Darren Criss.

After that triumph, Legend announced his first ever holiday album, A Legendary Christmas, and a holiday tour. The 14-track effort featured executive production from Raphael Saadiq and guests including Stevie Wonder. The single “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” featuring Esperanza Spalding, topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart.

Legend followed that by starring in an NBC Christmas TV special, along with his wife Chrissy Teigenand guests including Darren Criss, Meghan Trainor, Stevie Wonder, Kim Kardashian West, Retta and Awkwafina. He also announced he’d be joining NBC’s The Voice in the spring of 2019 as a coach.

And on the personal side, in May, John and Chrissy welcomed their second child, Miles, who joined big sister Luna in the Legend/Teigen clan.

Hip-hop dominated the Billboard Hot 100 Charts in 2018

Ethan Miller/Getty Images via ABC

Hip-hop continues its stronghold on the airwaves with Drake, Travis Scott and Lil Wayne scoring the most Hot 100 chart entries, Billboard reports.

According to the publication, this year alone saw entries from virtually everyone in the rap sphere, from Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Eminem and Post Malone to Meek Mill, Migos and more. Drizzy, however, managed to outdo his cohorts with a whopping 35 chart entries, including the viral sensations “God’s Plan” and “Nice For What.”

Travis trails his frequent Canadian collaborator by coming in second with 31 entries, mostly as a result of his recent effort Astroworld. Weezy’s highly-anticipated The Carter V earned him the number three slot with 25 entries.

The high number of entries is mostly result of huge streaming numbers for these artists’ respective albums. As soon as they were released, most of album’s tracks charted simultaneously thanks to streaming.

The only non-hip hop artist to be featured on Billboard’s list of artists who charted the most songs this year is R&B crooner Khalid, who had 15 entries.

Fans react to news of SZA being involved in Aretha Franklin tribute: “Who allowed this?”

Matthew Jordan Smith

The late Aretha Franklin is set to be honored next month with an all-star tribute concert. The announced lineup has a few fans concerned, however — specifically because of SZA‘s involvement in the event.

On Thursday, fans shared their reactions to the news of the CTRL singer’s involvement via social media and didn’t pull any punches.

“Why are ‘SZA’ and ‘Aretha Franklin tribute concert’ even in the same sentence,” one Twitter user wrote. “Who allowed this?”

The issue seems to be SZA’s vocal range, which isn’t considered to be as wide as other performers.

“They really have SZA performing at Aretha Franklin’s tribute concert, but not Fantasia or Jazmine Sullivan???” one concerned music fan queried on Twitter.

Back in May, the TDE leading lady informed fans that her vocal cords had been “permanently injured” due to swelling. However, she’s still done a handful of live performances this year.

As previously reported, Franklin‘s tribute concert which will air later this year on CBS. Tyler Perry will host the festivities, which will feature performances by Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Patti LaBelle, Common, Janelle Monáe, H.E.R. and Chloe X Halle.

Yolanda Adams, Bebe Winans and Shirley Caesar are also on the bill, as are pop stars Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion and Alessia Cara.

Report: DMX will allegedly be released from prison next month

ABC/Michael AnsellDMX is set to be a free man come next month and intends on gifting fans with new music upon his release, TMZ reports.

The hip-hop titan, born Earl Simmons, will allegedly be released on January 27 after serving jail time for tax evasion. According to TMZ, X is gearing up to drop off new material for fans as well as dabble in cinema. Sources reportedly informed the outlet that the “Slippin’ rapper has several roles on the table for a potential biopic documenting his life.

Beyond that, X will be reunited with his family and 15 children. Notably, the rapper’s youngest son, Exodus Simmons, is reported to have been experiencing serious health problems in his absence.

As previously reported, the Its Dark and Hell Is Hot lyricist was ordered to pay $2.3 million in fines and sentenced to one year in prison for tax evasion. He was initially facing up to 44 years behind bars.

Monkey Business: Chris Brown reportedly facing charges for owning exotic pet

ABC/Randy HolmesChris Brown could potentially spend six months in jail for owning a pet monkey, TMZ reports.

According to legal documents obtained by the website, the L.A. City Attorney has charged the R&B crooner with two counts of possessing a restricted species without a permit. The maximum sentence for that is six months behind bars.

Brown purchased the capuchin monkey, named Fiji, back in 2017, and it first made an appearance on his Instagram last year, in a video of his daughter Royalty cuddling the exotic animal. The Internet quickly pounced on Brown, accusing him of putting his child in danger.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ that people then notified the California Department of Fish and Wildlife that Brown owned the monkey, and an investigation was launched earlier this year. Authorities planned to raid Brown’s home, but before that could happen, the singer agreed to surrender Fiji.

Brown’s attorney, Mark Geragos, told TMZ in January of 2018 that “spending taxpayer money on investigating monkey business” is “absurd.”

Brown is expected to appear in court regarding the matter on Feb. 6.

August Alsina mourns the loss of his sister: “I am deeply shattered”

ABC/Image Group LA

August Alsina is asking fans for prayers and peace as he mourns the loss of his sister, Chandra.

Wednesday night, the “No Love” singer shared a video tribute to his sister, who passed away on Christmas night after a battle with cancer. The brief clip begins with Chandra styling Alsina’s hair and later features candid photos of the siblings together, as Alsina’s 2015 effort “Other Side” plays in the background.

The video was accompanied by a lengthy caption which helps contextualize how deep their bond truly was. “My sister, My friend, life giver to my nieces, my hair magician, my biggest supporter, my number one fan,” Alsina begins.

“We lost such a beautiful soul on Christmas Night to the battle with cancer. I am utterly devastated & deeply shattered! Not only for myself, but for my 3 little nieces, whom are now robbed of BOTH parents.”

The R&B crooner then expressed how difficult it’s been for him accept his sister’s untimely death and his newfound responsibility of being a father figure to her children.

“I’m a DAD now & I have 3 daughters,” he wrote. “I don’t know the slightest thing about it or where to start but unfortunately I know loss too well.”

“Rest In Peace my dearest sweet sister..You made it out of this hell hole.”

Layzie Bone takes aim at Migos on new diss record

ABC/Randy HolmesLayzie Bone has officially put his gripe with Migos on wax.

On Wednesday, the Bone Thugs-N-Harmony founder continued to unload on the Atlanta trio by dropping off a diss record titled “Let Me Go Migo.” The track finds Layzie taking aim at each group member with lines like: “This is why you won’t takeoff, they say Quavo is your boss and Offset you just look lost, get out the way and let me go.”

He continues his tirade by sending subtle shots at Migos affiliate 21 Savage, who previously defended the group after Layzie lashed out at them. “Hol up here’s my savage flow, this s*** feels too average tho,” Layzie rhymes. “This lil n**** done lost his mind disrespecting my marriage yo.”

While Migos has yet to respond, 21 took to social media to share his unfiltered thoughts on the scathing diss record. “I thought that s*** was going to be hard, ’cause I love all that old s***,” he commented during a recent Instagram Live session. “But that s*** was wack. I’m talking ’bout…that was probably the weakest diss song I’ve ever heard in my life, no cap. Like, what the ****, bro?”

As previously reported, Layzie’s issue with the “Walk It Talk It” rappers was spawned after they claimed to be the “biggest group in the world” in XXL‘s most recent winter issue.

Rihanna pens heartfelt tribute to fan who died of cancer: “We lost a beautiful spirit”

Rihanna is in mourning following the death of a fan.

On Thursday, the ANTI singer shared a touching post in honor of her beloved supporter, Monia, who passed away on Christmas Day after her third battle with cancer. Taking to Instagram, Rih penned a lengthy tribute to accompany a selfie of herself alongside the devoted RihNavy member, whom she described as a “pillar of strength.”

“Navy Angels! This Christmas, we lost a beautiful spirit who was such a pillar of strength to us!” Rihanna writes. “Most of our friendship she’s spent in a hospital or doctor’s office! This picture was just a few months ago, she looked at me and said ‘Rih the cancer is back’ I’ll never forget the fear in her eyes this day!”

Despite her illness, Monia managed to stay in touch with Rihanna often through social media and visiting the singer at meet-and-greet events. The budding businesswoman also shared footage of their last encounter during the Savage x Fenty London pop-up shop back in June. In the video, Rih is seen embracing Monia with a hug as tears well up in her eyes.

Rihanna concluded her touching message by saying, “We are all heartbroken about this!!! You will never be forgotten! Love you my angel @moniasto fly in peace.”

Scoreboard roundup — 12/26/18

iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Here are the scores from Wednesday’s sports events:

NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION
Detroit 106, Washington 95
OT Phoenix 122, Orlando 120
Toronto 106, Miami 104
Indiana 129, Atlanta 121
2OT Brooklyn 134, Charlotte 132
Minnesota 119, Chicago 94
Memphis 95, Cleveland 87
Dallas 122, New Orleans 119
San Antonio 111, Denver 103
L.A. Clippers 127, Sacramento 118

Aretha Franklin tribute special to feature Jennifer Hudson, Patti LaBelle, Alicia Keys, SZA, Janelle Monáe and more

Paul Natkin/Getty ImagesThe late Aretha Franklin will be saluted next month with an all-star tribute concert which will air later this year on CBS.

Tyler Perry will host the event, which will feature performances by Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Patti LaBelle, Common, Janelle Monáe, SZA, H.E.R. and Chloe X Halle.

Yolanda Adams, Bebe Winans and Shirley Caesar are also on the bill, as are pop stars Kelly Clarkson, Celine Dion and Alessia Cara.

The show’s executive producer, Ken Ehrlich, says in a statement, “We’re approaching this show with extremely mixed feelings of sadness and joy…our hope is that we will be able to share her remarkable musical and cultural accomplishments through her own words and music, as well as through the performances of an amazing group of musical artists who will gather to celebrate her rich musical heritage.”

According to a CBS exec, the special will celebrate the late legend not only as a singer and songwriter, but also as a pianist, actress, and civil rights activist.

Aretha! A Grammy Celebration for the Queen of Soul will be taped January 13 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles and tickets go on sale Monday, December 31, at 10 a.m. PT via AXS.com.