Music superstars Kirk Franklin and Mya Harrison were just a few of the big names tapped to help Lifetime bring in some holiday cheer this year via their annual #ItsaWonderfulLifetime campaign, with each GRAMMY winner toplining one of the network’s most highly anticipated showings.

With Franklin’s ‘A Gospel Christmas’ and Harrison’s ‘My Favorite Christmas Melody’ premiered December 4 and December 5 respectively, the musical-laden Lifetime movies packed a potent, 1-2 punch on the critical and ratings front.

Look inside to see how each fared.

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In breaking news, Jussie Smollett has been found guilty by a Cook County jury on five counts of making false police reports.

The charges were leveled against the ‘Empire’ star in the wake of a hate attack he claimed to have experienced on January 29, 2019.

Full story below…

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GRAMMY, EMMY, and Academy Award-winning rapper-actor Common recently broke silence regarding his highly publicized split from comedienne Tiffany Haddish.

As we reported here, the celebrity couple suggested their relationship dissolved due to their respective busy schedules and dedication to their careers.

Taking to our friends at FOX SOUL’s ‘Hollywood Unlocked Uncensored’ this week, Common (born Lonnie Lynn) detailed the decision behind calling off the union while still showing love to his former boo.

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The mystery surrounding Wendy Williams‘ absence from her daytime talk show thickens.

Because, once again, a lengthy list of guest hosts have been unveiled to cover for the star early next year.

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Fans of STARZ’ flagship series ‘Power’ can’t seem to get enough of its first spinoff, the Michael J. Rainey-led ‘Power Book II: Ghost.’

After kicking off its sophomore season to solid viewership figures less than a month ago, its network has already revealed they’re ordering a third.

Details inside:

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On December 2, NBC continued its tradition of adapting some of Broadway’s most memorable musicals to live television programming via a reimagined version of the TONY Award-winning production ‘Annie.’

With singing sensation Celina Smith assuming the role of the titular character and award-winning entertainers Taraji P. Henson, Tituss Burgess, Nicole Scherzinger, and Harry Connick Jr. delivering updated takes on the rest of the play’s beloved characters, the all-star cast charged to screens last Thursday to enter a ratings showdown against the likes of Thursday Night Football, wildly popular ABC sitcom ‘Young Sheldon,’ and more.

Hop inside to see exactly how it fared:

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“Star-studded” doesn’t even begin to define the jam-packed cast list for Netflix’s forthcoming movie venture, ‘Don’t Look Up.’

Written and directed by Adam McKay, the dark comedy – which stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence as well as Meryl Streep, Jonah Hill, Cate Blanchett, Tyler Perry, Kid Cudi, Ariana Grande, and many other big names – chronicles the happenings of two astronomers who must warn mankind about a comet set to collide with and destroy the Earth.

Ahead of its December 10 premiere in theaters (and December 24 rollout on Netflix), ‘Up’ has seen its original teaser extended for your viewing pleasure.   Look inside for a refreshed tease.

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Octavia Spencer has long been renowned for wowing in any role she takes on and her appearance in Sci-Fi thriller ‘Encounter’ is no different.

The Academy Award winner stars alongside Riz Ahmed, who leads as Malik in the Amazon Studios production.

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Riz Ahmed takes the lead in Amazon Studios‘ hotly-anticipated Sc-Fi thriller ‘Encounter.’

Set to storm onto Amazon’s Prime Video platform on December 10, the film sees the revered actor star as Malik – a  decorated Marine.

Directed by Michael Pearce and co-starring Octavia Spencer, the action-packed title chronicles his mission to rescue his young sons (played by Lucian-River Chauhan and Aditya Geddad) from an inhuman threat.

With the path to safety marred by a myriad of twists and turns, the youngsters quickly learn that life as they know it may never be the same.

That Grape Juice‘s Patrick Buchanan sat down with the cast, who dished on the film in earnest. Ahmed, who is renowned for being vocal about representation and equality, also shared what he’d like to see more of in Hollywood moving forward.

Check out TGJ’s cast interview above and our chat with director Pearce after the jump…

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In tragic news, Nick Cannon has announced that his five-month-old son, Zen Cannon, has died.

Full story below…

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With ‘Pose’ as a potent springboard, Dyllón Burnside is now flying and sky truly is the limit.

The 32-year-old rose to prominence in the role of Ricky Evangelista on the groundbreaking ballroom series. Across the show’s three seasons, he shone as a character that – much like ‘Pose’ at large – defined layered and served as a mirror to the marginalized.

Having waved goodbye to the FX show, Burnside has marched forward with his career by starring in ‘American Horror Story,’ blazing Broadway in ‘Thoughts of a Colored Man,’ and amplifying his musical output. The latter is of particular focus and has seen the multi-hyphenate talent team with Daley for his new single ‘Heaven.’

That Grape Juice‘s Chet Kincaid sat down with Burnside, who opened up about his journey, latest projects, LGBTQ representation, and much more.

Check out the interview above and be sure to watch the video for ‘Heaven’ after the jump…

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‘Insecure’ has returned for its fifth and final season. And while it’s hard for fans to say goodbye, they’re undoubtedly in for a treat.

The HBO comedy has struck a chord with millions thanks to its wonderfully witty and immersive take on the story of two friends – Issa and Molly.

Led by Issa Rae and Yvonne Orji, the series is set in Los Angeles and follows the ladies as they navigate love, life, and all else in between.

This final chapter will give viewers a front seat to the penultimate fate of characters they’ve come to know and love over the last five years.

With season 5 underway, check out a sneak peek of episode 8 below…

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