'MaDeA gOeS tO jAiL' bLoWs Up ThE bOx OfFiCe

Tyler Perry's comedy 'Madea Goes to Jail', raked in an astonishing $41.1 million in its debut, making it the highest grossing film ever for Perry and Lions Gate films. 

In 2005, Perrys' 'Diary of a Mad Black Woman' made $30 million; solidifying America's love of a tough talking -- ass kicking grandma! Tyler Perry's "Madea" character puts drag queens directly in the forefront, and you have to admit that he does it so well.

According to Steve Rothenberg, president of distribution at Lions Gate, "Madea was the studio’s best opening in its fourteen year history and the studio’s previous top opening was the $33.6 million dollar debut of 2006’s “Saw III” he said. 

“You could argue that Madea is now the top female box office star in Hollywood,” stated Rothenberg, whose studio has distributed all seven of Perry’s films, several of which were released straight to DVD. “The character is one of the great screen creations of the last decade,” commented Rothenberg.

Major kudos to Tyler Perry for his creativity and passion. What will he tap into next

2009 LA

SaLmA hAyEkS' rAnDoM aCt Of KiNdNeSs

Actress Salma Hayek pays a visit to the continent of Africa delivering love, hope, and milk? 

Watch Ms. Hayek pay it forward, as she breastfeeds a very hungry African child while telling the story that inspired her to give.

2009 LA

ThE 2009 gRaMmY aWaRdS

Did you catch the Grammys yesterday?!

Although the Grammys are thoroughly entertaining, it wasn't as impressive this year. For one, singers Chris Brown and Rihanna were scheduled to perform but due to a lovers spat, they both decided not to show up. The show had to be rearranged because of their absence. 

 

Ryan Seacrest was this years host, and before the show began it would seem that Seacrests' m.o. for the evening was picking on celebrities. Did you see the way he hounded singers Miley Cyrus and Taylor Swift, simply for being BFF's? 

Broad range vocalist Jennifer Hudson won for best R and B album, and as she shed tears on stage for the family she recently lost -- her performance was emotionally heartfelt. 

Vocalist extraordinaire Whitney Houston, seemed to struggle with her speech as her words were slurred and it became difficult to comprehend her rhetoric; a good example of this behavior would be when model-turned-reality star Anna Nicole Smith, introduced Kanye West at the Grammys a few years back while incoherently speaking her words.

Country singing group Sugarland and alternative singer Adele, both gave intriguing performances. Adele displayed lovely and unique bluesy and/or soulful vocal abilities. 

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, won a major award over other artists and it was most confusing that they did win, since their music genre differed from all other artists within the category. 

Singers Alicia Keys nor Beyonce, was nominated for any awards this years.

The band Cold play had a great performance but the person at the top of my list for best performances is, Carrie Underwood! She was absolutely amazing and exuded such confidence and star power, that it gave me chills just watching her.

The Grammys had its highlighted moments but overall, it wasn't the best award show to date. What do you think? And how did London rapper MIA, not go into labor while performing?!

2009 LA

J. hUd KnOcKs NaTiOnAl AnThEm OuT oF tHe BaLl PaRk

Did you see singer Jennifer Hudson, sing her rendition of the national anthem?

If you missed it click here to see!

2009 LA

EtTa JaMeS rIpS bEyOnCe OvEr SoNg

WHOA! Did you not hear what singer Etta James said about pop superstar Beyonce?

 

Allegedly, Etta James is livid with President Obama, for not asking her to sing the infamous song "At Last", but instead asked Beyonce to deliver the classic rendition which was originally sung by Ms. James.

 

Recently, Beyonce played Etta James as a character in the film "Cadillac Records", which displayed the talented songstress singing her version of the baby making song.

 

Is it fair to say since Beyonce sung the song in a film, she also had the right to sing it for the President and First Lady? 

 

Although Ms. James sang the song she didn't write it, so is it fair to reprimand individuals for paying tribute to a song that was made classic by hers truly anyway? No one can EVER sing that song like Etta James, and she should take solace in knowing this. But going on a rant rave and stating that she wants to "whoop Beyonce's a**" isn't necessarily the right way to garner public attention for her accomplishments. Just saying... 

Update: Ms. James backtracked her words and apologized.
 
2009 LA

OpRaH wInFrEy To Re-InVeNt HeRsElF?

There has been speculation that media mogul Oprah Winfrey's TV ratings, have become sub par due to the popularity of the new 'Tyra Banks' show.  

Allegedly, Oprah's topics aren't as interesting anymore, giving way to Tyra's more youthful approach which clearly draws in more of a younger demographic. But even so the Tyra Banks show airs 3 hours before Ms. Winfrey's, so competition between the two shouldn't be that fierce, right?

If Oprah's ratings are decreasing should she reinvent herself?  

Like maybe she could be another Barbara Walters, but with her own "view?" Ms. Walters may not like my idea (smiles) as competition with the "Color Purple" actress could prove challenging -- but I think Oprah could do it. And when she isn't busy interviewing fascinating people, she could make a cameo on the show to give her valuable input!

2009 LA

Is TyRa BaNkS BiAsEd AgaInSt BuTcH lEsBiAnS?

Have you seen the new Tyra Banks show? 
  
Since becoming a fan of the show I often admired Ms. Banks, for the diversity of her guests; ie, the LGBTQ community. However, it caught my attention that when the former Victoria Secret model entertained gay segments -- the men and women were always both feminine in nature. 

This left me wondering if Tyra, had an issue with butch females and/or manly gay men?

It could also be that in her line of work, maybe she doesn't come across lesbians and gays from all walks of life? I only speak of this because it's most important for people to witness the many differences within our society, and in doing so, it creates the chance for fear and discrimination to become non-existent. The gay spectrum is extremely broad and shouldn't be marginalized to make others feel comfortable. 

Why should the LGBTQ community be forced to live limited lives, until others find it in ones heart to change? 

Baby steps is understandable, but the struggle has been real and long fought for so long that immediate relief seems almost necessary. It's great that Tyra makes same sex issues apart of her show and she could just be targeting her market audience regarding the guests that she has on, however, I'd love to see her address gay issues on all levels. 

Furthermore, it can begin to create an atmosphere of tolerance and acceptability for the butch lesbian that doesn't necessarily dress feminine, or the "undercover brother" that must remains "undercover" -- due to the fear and prejudices of others. 

2009 LA

LaTiNoS fOr ObAmA fUrIoUs WiTh J-lO aNd MaRc aNtHoNy

Allegedly, the 'Latinos for Obama' group are furious with actress Jennifer Lopez and singer Marc Anthony, apparently for being two-faced. 

Recently, J-Lo and her hubby Marc asked President-Elect Barack Obama, if they could perform at the inauguration. But it's been reported that originally Jennifer and Marc were never fans of Barack Obama and voted for John McCain, and only after Obama won the presidency -- did they start showing support.

Latinos complained the wealthy couple never made a donation to Obama's campaign.

And when Obama requested their presence in Orlando, Florida, to campaign and turn out the Latino vote Lopez, still refused to endorse him. Instead, they were replaced with former president Bill Clinton and Jimmy Smits.

Now that Obama actually won the election, people feel that the powerful Latin couple is trying to use the performance for a publicity stunt -- but I highly doubt that they'll be performing.

2009 LA