True Blood is back!

The HBO hit is set to return for its sixth season on June 16th. Check out an exclusive sneak peek at what this series will be offering below…

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The second search for ‘The Voice UK’ is underway!

Already a smash in the US (and its original home of Holland), the show has arrived on British shores by way of the BBC last year and takes its place prime-time for another year running. Coaches this side of the pond are Jessie J, will.i.am, Danny O’ Donoghue, and the legendary Tom Jones.

Billed as the definitive talent-search, many are predicting it to serve as a true contender to The X Factor‘s strong hold.

Judge for yourself below with highlights from episode 1 / series 2 below…

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That Grape Juice: Hello there Miss Alexis! Thanks so much for taking the time. How are you today?

Alexis Spight: Doing well! And, thank you for taking the time!

TGJ: Our pleasure. So, let’s get right to it as we’re excited to talk about your debut album ‘L.O.L.’ (which debuted at #3 on Billboard Gospel charts) last week. How does it feel to have that kind of reception?

AS: It feels amazing and I’m very grateful. I always say I know people have to work years to acquire something like this, so I know it’s nothing but the grace and favor of God. I’m really humbled by it.

TGJ: Why did you feel the song ‘Steady’ was the best choice to act as the album’s lead single?

AS: It’s a song I wrote two years ago after taking a close observation of the world with everything that’s going on. People are losing their houses, minds, jobs, etc. and my prayer was just that God would keep me grounded – or steady.

That prayer is something I’m learning to incorporate in my life as I go through this industry and am being exposed to different things. I pray that He continues to cover me. Even though I wrote it a couple of years ago, it’s still a very relevant concept today.

TGJ: That’s amazing! So, any thoughts on what the follow-up single will be?

AS: I have a couple of things in mind, but I don’t want to give them away quite yet.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wrs1j9Ed5Do]

TGJ: Well, we’ll keep our eyes and ears open for it. Speaking on the album as a whole, where did the inspiration for the title of the album come from?

AS: ‘L.O.L. (Living Out Loud)’ is just that…living out loud. Living what we sing about, preach about, and pray about.

TGJ: After listening to “L.O.L”, what should listeners expect? What do you want them to walk away with?

AS: Expect uplifting, different, and out of the box things. I’ve always been different, so I incorporate that into my music. I remember going onto the show [Sunday’s Best] and I recall having a conversation with a preacher. He told me, “There are a lot of people you aren’t going to reach because of how different you are with that bright red hair and weird, crazy fashion sense.” In so many words, he said churches wouldn’t embrace me because although times are changing, many churches are still moderately conservative.

‘L.O.L.’ Album Preview

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpnsZufG9UI]
AS (continued): It bothered me a little bit because I love God like crazy, but I prayed and consulted God about it. I had to wonder about people who were just like me – different, unique, and don’t necessarily fit into a box of traditionalism that some churches try to enforce. I want to reach those people.

I came to the realization that God created me as unique as he did to catapult those souls toward the Kingdom.

TGJ: We know many new artists are not very involved in the creative aspect of their early albums. Were you?

AS: I was very involved with this album! I had a lot of creative control. I actually wrote two of the songs (‘Music’ and ‘Steady’). I also got the opportunity to choose what songs I wanted included on the album. I even was privileged to put my own spin on the demoes presented to me.

It’s really important because you are the artist. You always want to maintain originality in what you do. Better to be disliked for being yourself than liked for trying to be someone else.

TGJ: Now, as with many interviews, we have a segment called “Five From Fans” where we received five questions from our readers for you. Are you ready?

AS: Yes!

TGJ: #1 – Have you had trouble adjusting to the demands of being a “celebrity”?

AS: No. I definitely want to say it’s a learning experience. I’m definitely living my dreams and grateful for this platform [BET’s] ‘Sunday Best’ has given me.

TGJ: #2 – Any plans on experimenting with other genres, namely R&B?

AS: No, I’m always going to be a gospel artist. Even still, I don’t ever want my ministry to be exclusive to one type of audience or one genre [sonically]. I don’t want to conform or compromise my work, but I do want it to get rid of barriers and naturally flow into another markets like R&B or even country.

Alexis with R&B singers Avant, Chris Brown, Raphael Saadiq, actors Lance Gross, Morris Chestnut, and rapper T.I.

TGJ: #3 – Who are your vocal idols?

AS: So many! Kim Burrell, The Clark Sisters, John P. Kee, Lisa Knowles, and overall, just anything with a positive message. That’s not restricted to gospel though. I love India Arie and even Rascal Flatts! (laughs)

TGJ: #4 – Some people argue that singing competitions have really run their course and no longer produce “superstars”. Considering you’ve been [to varying degrees] on ‘American Idol’, ‘X Factor’, and ‘Sunday’s Best’, what are your thoughts?

AS: I don’t agree. I’m a believer in seizing opportunity and I believe that aside from anything else, those are major opportunities [for upcoming artists]. You never know what doors they can open, I’m living proof of that. I didn’t win the competition, but even so, God is still opening doors for me.

TGJ: #5 – With the new season of BET’s ‘Sunday Best’ coming soon, any advice for up-and-comers?
[soundcloud url=”http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/85655284″ params=”color=a319ad&auto_play=false&show_artwork=true” width=” 100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]

TGJ: Thanks so much for that. Continuing on that same plane, now that you two aren’t going head-to-head every week on the show, is there any pressure to compete with ‘Sunday Best’ winner Joshua Rogers? Even if only in a friendly manner?

AS: No, I don’t. We’re so different and have our own styles, so we don’t compete. We never ever had that vibe, even when we were on the show. I thank God for our friendship.

TGJ: We’re sure a number of fans would actually like to see you two collab!

AS: Well, I don’t want to give away too much, but Joshua and I have some tricks up our sleeves. (laughs) Just say on the look out for that. My “uncle” John P. Kee and I have some tricks up our sleeves too.

TGJ: We are certainly looking forward to those. Any other collaborations we should be on the lookout for? Or even “dream” collabos?

AS: No, but I would love to work with Lisa Knowles. It would be an honor to work with the Clark Sisters, Mali Music, or The Walls Group. Even Kierra Sheard and other youthful artist. I believe this generation is about to take over!

TGJ: Last, but not least, where can fans find more about you?

AS: I’m everywhere! For booking, check out booking4lexi@gmail.com. Of course you know I’m on Twitter @lyrically_lexi and Facebook @Alexis Spight! And, for all you SocialCam users out there, see me on SocialCam.

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Interview by: Quinno Rashad (That Grape Juice US)

(@blueeyedsoul517)

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Visit Alexis Spight’s Official Twitter Page//Click to purchase ‘L.O.L’ on Itunes

Your thoughts?

As reported here, one of gospel‘s top families The Sheards is readying a reality show for BET.  Featuring famed mother-daughter duo Karen Clark and Kierra ‘Kiki’ Sheard, the reality venture is set to premiere April 7th immediately after the airing of 2013 ‘Celebration of Gospel’.

While we’ve already given you a sneak peek into what to expect upon its debut in a few weeks, BET is teasing fans more with an extended trailer.  See it above:

Your thoughts?

Universal Studios’ forthcoming flick ‘2 Guns’ will see Mark Wahlberg and Denzel Washington team for what’s already being deemed an “action packed thriller”.

Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, ‘2 Guns’ will see the duo act as two formerly competing undercover federal operatives who are forced to go on the run together.  Due in theaters August 2nd, click PLAY up top for your first peek at the movie.

Your thoughts?

‘True Blood’ fans rejoice!

The net was flooded today with news of the hit show’s return to HBO.

Via Deadline:

“The upcoming sixth season of HBO‘s vampire drama True Blood will premiere on June 16. This marks the first season without  True Blood creator Alan Ball at the helm.”

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Unlike previous seasons that aired 12 episodes, season 6 will only have 10.

Your thoughts?

On April 17th, the latest line up of the ‘Real Housewives Of Atlanta’ will reunite for what’s set to be an interesting end of season reunion.

Hosted by the ever impressive Andy Cohen, this reunion may mark the first time Nene Leakes stand as the only original wife left on the couch, if former ‘Wife’ Kim Zolciak follows the trend she set this season by not showing up…to anything.

Peep the first teaser above!

Your thoughts?

As Season 4 of its main competitor ‘The Voice’ is posting some of its highest ratings ever, reality talent show pioneer ‘American Idol’ has conversely dipped to some of its lowest.

Indeed, with what was expected to be its saving grave in megadivas Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey, the twosome’s combined popularity was not enough to pull the sinking ship that is ‘Idol’.

Down a reported 14% from last week’s ratings (which was at the time its lowest Wednesday night ratings), the show has been on a steady decline since its season 12 debut.

Your thoughts?

*Video may not be viewable in some countries*

R&B diva Brandy is still hot on the promo trail for the 6th season of ‘The Game’ (which made its premiere last night) and Tyler Perry‘s forthcoming flick ‘Temptation’ of which she also stars.

Taking to VH1’s ‘Big Morning Buzz’ the ‘Put It Down’ diva went down a list of topics, including one that proposed she join the cast of ABC‘s top rated talk show ‘The View’.

Click PLAY above to find out Bran’s thoughts on that and more…

Your thoughts?

As earlier reported, actors Channing Tatum and Jamie Foxx team up for new action flick ‘White House Down’. Due in US theaters on June 28th, you can now check out the official trailer for the movie below where its synopsis also awaits…

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Fans of Academy Award-nominated actress Angela Bassett know the past year has seen her quite busy.  Indeed, after winning over fans with her Mary J. Blige-assisted TV film ‘Betty & Coretta’, she and veteran actor Morgan Freeman topped box office charts last weekend with hit film ‘Olympus Has Fallen’.

However, if her recent interview with the Huffington Post is anything to go by, looks like she won’t have much time to celebrate.   For, while preparing the film ‘Black Nativity’ with Blige and actress/singer Jennifer Hudson, Bassett is still joining the original cast of ‘Waiting To Exhale’ for a long-awaited part 2.

Read the latest developments (especially on the future of star Whitney Houston‘s character Savannah) below…

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