Posts Tagged ‘Oprah’

Veteran television personality Katie Couric has been announced to launch a new syndicated talk show in 2012, as reported by The Associated Press.

Couric, a decorated journalist who is currently the anchor and managing editor of the CBS Evening News, a correspondent for 60 Minutes and also hosts a web series on CBSNews.com, has been in discussions for her own talk show for quite some time.

With Oprah Winfrey announcing her upcoming retirement, Couric is another of several high profile journalists to throw their hat into the talk show ring. CNN’s Anderson Cooper has a show starting soon, and Martin Bashir’s talk show debuted on MSNBC in March.

The 54-year-old Couric, a mother of two, will be leaving her position with the CBS Evening News after nearly five years in June when her current contract expires. Couric currently earns $15 million a year with CBS, where she was first sole female anchor of a network newscast in history.

One person who definitely does not want Couric to leave her post is David Letterman, who last month told her “There’s a period of adjustment to get accustomed to the trust and build up faith in the character of the person presenting the news. And then you can’t just pull the rug out from under the viewers.”

Unfortunately for Dave, a CBS executive speaking under the veil of anonymity has confirmed that Couric will be out as soon as her contract expires, ending her hosting duties for the show.

With the void that Oprah will leave upon her retirement, a perky, personable and eloquent talk show host should be able to thrive and draw strong ratings; known as “America’s Sweetheart,” Couric fits this profile perfectly. With her strong background that has seen her work for CNN, NBC and CBS, coupled with her great attitude, incredible work ethic and vibrant personality, Couric is a shoe-in for success.

All of us here at Positively Celebrity are proud of Katie Couric for not only her on screen success, but also her behind the scenes work she does for cancer awareness and prevention, and wish her nothing but the best in her last few months at CBS and in all her future endeavors! We will be watching Katie’s new talk show, and can’t wait to see her conquer another media hosting opportunity!

Be sure to check back for more of the latest celebrity news and features from Richard Munassi right here at Positively Celebrity!

What group snatched Billboard’s #1 spot for the first time, and what tiny little artist’s hair doubles as a paint brush? Check out which music stories were on my radar this week!

This fly track has been on every radio station and countdown since the springtime. But it was this week that Far East Movement’s “Like A G6″ became flyer than second fiddle and topped Billboard’s Hot 100 charts as #1. Though they might seem like an overnight sensation, the guys of Far East have been grooving together since 2003, and their music has been featured in both films and in television.

Thanks to these hipsters for giving us one of this year’s hottest dance cuts and for calling out all those sober girls who “be actin like they drunk.” Everyone, after all, hates when a girl fakes being “slizzard.”

It’s not often an artist sells 9 million copies of their debut album in 6 short weeks. But considering her tenacity and unbelievable voice, it’s not surprising that Susan Boyle was able to do just that.

From an amazing run on Britain’s Got Talent in 2009 to a heartwarming appearance on Oprah this week, Boyle’s quick rise to fame is largely because the world is fascinated with a quintessential Plain Jane’s ability to sing like an angel. On Oprah, Boyle performed “Don’t Dream It’s Over” from her forthcoming album, The Gift, which will be released on November 10.

In 2006, OK Go’s precedent setting “Here It Goes Again” put excitement back into watching music videos.

And last month, they proved that creativity still rules the roost in the Ok Go camp. Using IKEA furniture as props (which, surprisingly enough, didn’t crumble to pieces mid-video) and trained rescue dogs as a part of the meticulously choreographed piece, OK Go wows us again with their video release for song, “White Knuckles.” Making me love the song even more is the fact that it sounds like an old school Prince hit!

We’ve been waaaaaaaiting, and Willow Smith finally released her video for “Whip My Hair” this week.

And just like we knew it would, the pint-sized, trendsetter’s video has become a web sensation. Additionally, the song has peaked at #17 on Billboard’s Hip Hop/R&B charts, so at 9 years old, Willow has us checking for her style and her music.

To experience the best live performances by your favorite Reggaeton artists, you must check out the Machete Music Tour 2010.  The shows will feature Jowell & Randy and Ivy Queen…

…and Flex and Don Omar.

Machete’s line-up of Latin acts opened up on October 22 to a sold out Madison Square Garden. The tour brings the flavor West with shows in El Paso, San Francisco, and Los Angeles in the next 2 weeks!  Log on to machetemusic.com and ticketmaster.com for detailed info on purchasing tickets!

And be sure to check back for more of my music blogs right here at positivelycelebrity.com!

With the glitz, glam and drama that exists in the music world, sometimes we forget to embrace truly talented artists if their names aren’t breaking news in TMZ headlines.

And while I enjoy bobbing my head to my favorite manufactured sounding songs (and shamelessly following TMZ’s breaking news), I also like to remember that there are artists who stick to the core of what music is as an art form. From country to R&B, here are a few artists whose talents should be celebrated.

Luke Bryan

Admittedly, I am one of those people who will say, “Oh, I loooove country music. I have every Carrie Underwood and Shania Twain CD!” However, I am fully aware that real country music fans know what it’s like to sit on the back of a pick-up reciting lyrics to Travis Tritt songs while drinking beer out of mason jars and swatting mosquitoes.

So while my obsession with picturesque country couple Faith Hill and Tim McGraw hardly qualifies as fan ship, it doesn’t stop me from knowing a good thing when I see one. And when it comes to country music, Georgia born and raised crooner, Luke Bryan, is that good thing.

He has written hit songs for other artists and has himself topped Billboard’s Hot Country Songs charts. Charming tunes like “First Love Song” and “Do I” are some of his best songs.

But the recent buzz about Bryan stems from his four-city, Farm Tour which wrapped at the beginning of October. Performing songs from his debut and sophomore albums, I’ll Stay Me and Doin My Thing, Bryan and crew took the Farm Tour to towns and cities in Georgia in an effort to reconnect with his growing fan base.

According to lukebryan.com, 16,000 fans flocked to the farms to see his shows. Not bad for a guy with two first names!

Chrisette Michele

Lending her vocals to hooks on singles like Nas’s “Can’t Forget About You” and Jay-Z’s “Lost Ones” has given Chrisette Michele rap game credential, but if you don’t follow authentic R&B closely, then this soulful songstress might have flown under your radar.

Her voice makes you nostalgic for the Billie Holiday era, and even without knowing her personally, you can tell she is perfectly comfortable in her own conservative skin — even though many female artists her age are “sexing” up their images. Chrisette Michele’s song and video for ”If I Have My Way” perfectly embodies her essence – classic and jazzy.

Chrisette Michele’s second album, Epiphany, was released in 2009, and currently, she is working on a third studio release.

SOJA

Try counting the number of reggae albums in my music collection, and you’ll be forever stuck at ZERO. While it might be a bit shameful that I have never owned an entire reggae album, I figured that getting my healthy dose of Bob Marley on April 20 every year was enough to get me through the next 364 days.

That was until one of my good girlfriends introduced me to SOJA, a group of dread heads from Virginia making some pretty awesome reggae. From “Rest of My Life” to “I Don’t Wanna Wait,” these guys work hard to create great sounding music and put even more thought into writing meaningful lyrics.

Since becoming a group in 1997, SOJA, which is an acronym for Soldiers of Jah Army, has a discography six records long. And before they begin the Brazilian leg of their tour, SOJA will play shows in North Carolina, Virginia, and in Maryland.

Charice

I became completely enamored by and impressed with the maturity, range, and ability of Charice’s voice when she performed on Oprah a few years ago. Not only is her rags-to-riches story a heartwarming one, but sincerity oozes out of  every word she speaks and passion from every note she sings.

I mean, with legendary music producer, David Foster, backing your success and with Oprah and Celine Dion co-signing, the possibilities are endless!

Charice recently became a series regular on hit show, Glee, and her self-titled album topped charts internationally, so this singing chick will soon be a household name. But for now, let’s bask in the glory of her angelic voice and marvel at her innocence — and cross our fingers she doesn’t get all Miley Cyrus on us!

Who are some of your favorite artists whose music is under appreciated?

Comment below, and be sure to check back for more of the latest music news from Erica Renee Davis right here at Positively Celebrity.

Fiji

Known for it’s great beaches, relaxation and surfing, Fiji is a celebrity favorite.  The island is also secluded, offering privacy from press and paparazzi.  In fact, Fiji is famous for “hiding” celebrities from the peering eye of the camera.

Fiji’s luxurious Wakaya Club features a small, eco-friendly “world apart” experience. It’s a “green” full-service spa and hotel, where stars can get pampered. Visitors like Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, Demi Moore and Oprah have all sunbathed on the hot white beaches of Fiji.

Hawaii

Closer to home for L.A. celebrities, the islands have been a huge attraction this summer.

Helen Hunt, with director beau Matthew Carnahan, played golf, went horse back riding and took in the romantic Hawaii sunsets.

Julia Roberts visited Maui with husband Danny Moder and children Phinnaeus and Hazel.  Australian actress, Isla Fisher and Sacha Baron Cohen with little Olive have been seen vacationing on the Island, playing in waves.

It’s not just a place for families though, High School Musical starlet, Ashley Tisdale celebrated her birthday with here.

Pierce Brosnan and Kelsey Grammer both own houses in Hawaii and often visit their home away from homes.

Instead of talking about the Harry Potter’s, 2012’s or The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus’s of 2009 that are so far away from hitting theaters it seems like they won’t premiere until … well 2012, we’re going to look at five upcoming flicks that will be at a theater near you before the Obama’s have time to fully move in.

Bride Wars – Opening January 9, 2009. There’s nothing like sharing wedding plans with a best girlfriend, but when plans start to overlap, it’s likely to evoke more nightmares than Freddy Krueger. “Wars” seems to have a bouquet of comedic potential as well as girls in white dresses – fighting. But before all the guys zone out this movie does offer something for them too. Two of the prettiest actresses in Hollywood – Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson.

Taken – Opening January 30, 2009.  Staring Liam Neeson as an ex-Secret Agent who has to rescue his estranged daughter (former “Lost” star Maggie Grace) who was kiddnapped while in Paris.  As reviewer Mr. Green from CrimeCritics.com describes, “it’s a film in which you enjoy watching HOW he will succeed. And let me state, you will enjoy every punch Bryan (Neeson) delivers to every henchmen.”

Fanboys – Opening February 6, 2009. I think “Fanboys” will be the “Superbad” of 2009. Yes, it’s about a group of “Star Wars” fans set to break into George Lucas’ business headquarters, Skywalker Ranch, and steal a copy of “Star Wars Episode 1.” Before you groan at the sound of a Sci-Fi movie, know that it’s really a coming of age story about friends who take a huge risk for one of their own. To lend some credibility, Producers include Kevin Spacey and the Weinstein Company.

He’s Just Not That Into You – Opening February 9, 2009. This chick flick makes the list because: 1) it’s based on a NY Times Best Seller, Oprah endorsed book and 2) EVERYONE is in it. That’s no exaggeration. Here’s just some of the cast: Ginnifer Goodwin (Big Love), Jennifer Aniston, Jennifer Connelly (The Day The Earth Stood Still), Scarlett Johansson, Drew Barrymore, Ben Affleck, Justin Long (Mac commercials), Bradley Cooper (Wedding Crashers), Sasha Alexander (Yes Man), Kevin Connolly (Entourage), and MANY others.

Push – Opening February 9, 2009. Dakota Fanning, Chris Evans and Djimon Hounsou star in this film about “psychic espionage.” A Government agency is genetically modifying people to have psychic abilities and “getting rid” of those who don’t want to participate. Fanning and Evans need to find an individual who could help end the dangerous agency. So, Government Misconduct + Exotic Location (Hong Kong) + Psychic, Telekinetic, Move Stuff With Your Mind Abilities + The Cinematographer Who Did “Donnie Brasco,” “Gangster No. 1,” “Wicker Park” & “Lucky Number Slevin” = A Must See Movie!

Barbara Walters presented her 16th annual edition of “The Ten Most Fascinating People” Thursday night with a list of some obvious choices and a sprinkling of “huhs?”.

The most obvious choice for No. 1 was President-elect Barack Obama. As Walters said herself, “Who are we going to pick other than President-elect Obama, I mean really?”

Viewers heard more about how Obama is a symbol of hope for America and asked him if the expectations for him to cure the economy and save the planet are too high to which he replied, “I can meet expectations of a government that is competent and honest and every single day is trying to make lives of ordinary Americans better.”

One new thing we learned, however, is that Obama never expected to be President – he wanted to be an architect, basketball player or judge.

Someone who does think he could be President is No. 10 on the list, Will Smith. He could potentially play a President because he said Obama would want Smith to play him in a movie; but, Smith also said if he really wanted to be President he could. “If I absolutely chose to, absolutely,” he said. “But I’m not ever going to choose to. I like being in movies.”

In fact, he’s starring in “Seven Pounds” opening in two weeks, which seemed to be the only reason why he was on Walter’s list.

Tom Cruise, who came in at No. 2, also seemed to be on the list because of his upcoming movie, “Valkryie.” Walters said this time interviewing him he appeared to be a “weathered and wiser Tom Cruise.” He is now keeping mum on his previously outspoken Scientology beliefs and, as Walters said, “He is no longer the boy wonder we fell in love with, the cocky young stud who finds his heart at the last minute or the hero who defeats evil with ease. Now he’s grown into something far more daring and interesting.”

While Smith and Cruise are uber-famous stars, Walters put a low-profile actor, Frank Langella, on her list at No. 4. And surprise, he’s also in a movie coming out: “Frost/Nixon.” Langella is not a star, but Walters said he has finally found stardom with his Tony Award for playing Richard Nixon in a play and now his role in the screen adaptation.

If Walters wanted to pick an actor who has finally made success, she should have picked the No. 1 comeback actor right now, Robert Downey, Jr.

But, at least Langella is honest. In regards to if he wants to win an Oscar he said, “It would be disingenuinous and absurd for an actor to say it doesn’t matter. Of course it does. Very few people win an Oscar. Wouldn’t it be great to be one of them?”

Someone who has won quite a lot of accolades is record-breaking Olympic swimmer, Michael Phelps, who won eight gold medals this year. Enough said there.

Enough also said with No. 8 on the list. Teen sensation Miley Cyrus has her own hit TV show, her new solo album not as Hannah Montana and a hit movie, “Bolt.” Not to mention that little scandal with the photos in “Vanity Fair.” She did admit that she sometimes worries, “Am I just it for now? But I live for the moment so I’m loving this and taking it all in.”

And it wouldn’t be a recap of 2008 without talking about Sarah Palin and her uncanny impersonator, Tina Fey. Walters put Palin at No. 3 because she showed that the celebrity lifecycle applies to politics as well. In under three months she went from, “hopeful unknown, to white hot star, to tarnished disappointment, to comeback tour.”

Fey, who came in at No. 7, didn’t think her impression was mean or sexist towards Palin: “There’s a strange double standard of a woman portraying another woman,” she said. “We stuck to things that at a lot of times she herself said.”

Another political commentator, Rush Limbaugh, made the list at No. 6. The conservative radio host appeared to make the list simply because he was a popular commentator on this year’s election who was one of the few to defend Palin. After some grilling on Walter’s part regarding his opinion on Palin, women aging in our culture and his contract of $38 million a year, Limbaugh described himself as “a harmless, lovable little fuzzball.”

Lastly, the pregnant man, Thomas Beatie, appeared on the list at No. 5. We’ve heard all about how Beatie became a man but used his female reproductive organs to give birth to a baby girl in June. What we did learn, however, is that the pregnant man is now pregnant once more. “You’re going to go through this again?” Walters asked.

All in all, a list of some obvious picks and also some “so whats?” Joy Behar, Walter’s co-host on “The View” also had some bones to pick with the show when she appeared during the end credits.

“What exactly do I have to do to get on this show? Miley Cyrus is 16 years old. I have brassieres older than her. Should I skin a moose? Become a man and then get pregnant? Maybe I’ll jump over a couch.”

Maybe next year, Joy.

The rich and famous couldn’t keep back the flames that threatened the homes of Oprah, Rob Lowe, Snoop Dogg, Christopher Lloyd and other powerful persons in the entertainment industry when fires raged throughout LA’s most elite communities during the past week.

Lowe reportedly got out just in the knick of time with his two children in tow, while flames raged not too far behind them. Oprah, far from home while taping her show in Chicago, was reportedly concerned over the safety of her dogs and home staff and made arrangements for her loved ones to be put up in a hotel. Snoop Dogg and his family and neighbors were evacuated as the flames approached their neighborhood.

And actor Christopher Lloyd, best known as “Doc” in the Back to the Future films with Michael J Fox, lost his home to the stubborn fires that eventually destroyed 10,000 acres, including 150 other homes. The towering inferno ate through Orange, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

After beating out 782 actresses for the role of Effie Melody White in “Dreamgirls”, I got the scoop from this powerful singer and talented actress on the red carpet – before her Golden Globe and Oscar wins – on what it was like to become a true dreamgirl.

Kristen Aldridge: You’re getting Oscar buzz for “Dreamgirls”! How does it feel to go from American Idol to something as legendary as the Oscars?

Jennifer Hudson: If feels so good! I feel like I’m dreaming, I really do feel like a true dreamgirl. I really do, it’s a blessing, God is good. I’m just glad to be here and to have a second chance. To have a second chance like this goes far beyond my wildest dreams.

Kristen Aldridge: What was it like to work with Beyonce, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy?

Jennifer Hudson: It was just an honor, first off. What an experience for me to sit back, watch them all and understand why they are so great. So I would just sit back and take the time to learn from them.

Kristen Aldridge: I heard Oprah called you herself to congratulate you!

Jennifer Hudson: Oh my god, I don’t know what’s going to top Oprah calling me. It was the biggest honor, I didn’t even know it was Oprah on the phone talking to me. And I couldn’t say anything when I realized it, I was like “Uhhh Ahhh, this is Oprah!” That was a magical moment for me.

Kristen Aldridge: You’ve had so many memorable moments this year.

Jennifer Hudson: Yes, I am so lucky. Another special moment was meeting Whitney Houston. She has been my biggest musical influence other than my Grandmother. To meet her was a very magical experience. Signing my record deal, working with the world’s greatest director Bill Condon, being in the most unbelievable film…just living my dream.

Kate Hudson and Lance Armstrong have called it quits. Seems the unlikely pair realized their union wasn’t a good idea after all.

But let’s backtrack for a moment. Kate Hudson leaves her husband, Chris Robinson of the Black Crows, and takes up with Owen Wilson whom she starred with in You, Me and Dupree.

Then there’s Lance Armstrong who left his wife, Kristin, after five years and three kids, dated and proposed to Sheryl Crow – even appearing on Oprah to boast about his undying love – before calling off the wedding, the engagement and the relationship, when he trotted the playboy-globe with Matthew McConaughey before eventually hooking up with Kate.

Oh, and rumor has it that he was also a friend of Owen. Sheesh! Is it any wonder why Kate and Lance didn’t last?