Arts and Entertainment

Apr 25 2013

Hollywood by Choice

 

Apr 24 2013

Another panel shake-up could stem “Idol’s” low ratings

Simon Cowell’s “The X Factor” might not be the only Fox singing competition headed for another season of change.

The Hollywood Reporter heard whispers from sources in the know that the network’s “American Idol” was considering swapping new judge Mariah Carey for former judge Jennifer Lopez.

Lopez departed the competition along with Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler in 2012 after two seasons aboard the series, but THR notes that she did cultivate a solid fan following.

Apr 24 2013

Opened as an outdoor theater

UNIVERSAL CITY, Calif. — Gibson Amphitheatre, which opened as an outdoor theater in 1972 and has hosted musical acts, comedians, awards shows and presidents, will close its doors in September, officials announced today.

According to concert promoter Live Nation, concerts scheduled at the venue after September will be moved to other locations, so patrons should hold onto tickets.

A farewell concert was being planned for the venue, although the lineup has not been finalized, according to Live Nation.

Apr 23 2013

Second piano-and-vocal-only hit

Thanks to “Stay,” Rihanna is the first artist in the 20-year history of Billboard’s Pop Songs radio airplay chart to have 10 No. 1 hits.

The singer’s pop ballad with Mikky Ekko pushed her past Katy Perry, who has racked up nine No. 1s since 2008.

As Billboard notes, “Stay” is the second piano-and-vocal-only hit (out of 259 songs) to reach No. 1 on the chart. Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man” is the first.

Here are all 10 of Rihanna’s No. 1 songs:
“SOS” (2006)

Apr 18 2013

Upcoming con artist comedy

The upcoming con artist comedy “Focus” appears to have changed its casting plans once again.

According to Variety, Will Smith is in talks to play the film’s lead hustler, a role that was once filled by Ben Affleck.

Back in December, Affleck was set to portray the more experienced swindler who takes a newbie con artist under his wing. At the time, Kristen Stewart was set to play the young, inexperienced grifter, but she’s apparently no longer attached to the movie, either.

Across Black America

Here’s a look at African American people and issues making headlines throughout the country.

California
San Diego college students and volunteers will carry out their sixth home restoration project on Wednesday, July 10 through Sunday, July 14. as part of the “Healing our Heroes’ Homes” (H3) program created by the nonprofit Embrace. The five-day effort will take place at the home of medically retired Marine Corps Capt. Sarah Bettencourt. Bettencourt served with many different units across the country during the Global War on Terrorism and developed a rare neurological disorder in 2008. With a focus to restore the homes of disabled veteran homeowners, H3 falls in line with Embrace’s mission to mobilize college-student volunteers and community members to serve less fortunate members of civilian and veteran communities. The project for the Bettencourts’ home includes kitchen and bathroom remodeling, building ADA-compliant disability ramps, widening their driveway to ADA standards, widening doorways and landscaping.
 
District of Columbia
The 2013 Smithsonian Folklife Festival will showcase its five-year community research project on African American identity with the program “The Will to Adorn: African American Diversity, Style, and Identity.” This multicity collaboration examines the history and culture of the aesthetics of African Americans. The festival will be held June 26-30 and July 3-7, outdoors on the National Mall between Seventh and 14th streets. “Whether we realize it or not, we are all dress artists. The way we compose our look is a creative expression of our ideas about who we are and who we aspire to be,” said Diana N’Diaye, program curator. “This program explores the diversity of African American traditions of style, but also teaches young people the importance of documenting their own culture and saving that information for themselves and future generations.”