Gospel icon Kirk Franklin has been the topic of headlines, ridicule, and criticism over the last few days following the leak of explosive phone audio that saw him launch into a profanity-laden tirade against his oldest child, Kerrion.

During the call, which was recorded and lifted to Instagram by Kerrion, his ‘Stomp’-performing dad threated to break his neck and worse after the 33-year-old apparently made upsetting comments (which were not heard on the film footage).

Nevertheless, while Kirk received overwhelming support from most of his industry friends and fans, some critics believe his actions were totally inappropriate – a response that led the GRAMMY winner to issue a formal apology Sunday (March 14).

Now, via an interview with ‘The Tamron Hall Show,’ he’s speaking out publicly for the first time on the matter.  See highlights from the sit-down discussion below:
(more…)

Days after nabbing a GRAMMY Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, congratulations are again in order for Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande. 

For, the pair’s 2020 chart-topper ‘Rain On Me’ has crossed another major milestone.

Full story below…

(more…)

With new album ‘Justice’ just a few days away from release, Justin Bieber is amplifying his promotional push for the project.

His latest stop was Tiny Desk (Home) Concert, where he seized the moment to premiere new song ‘Peaches’ – the studio version of which features both Giveon and fellow Canadian Daniel Caesar.

JB’s set saw him joined by We the Band and also featured live incarnations of singles ‘Anyone,’ ‘Holy,’ and ‘Hold On.’

Watch Bieber in action after the jump…

(more…)

Rita Ora is leaving no stone unturned in the push for ‘BANG’ – her new joint EP with Imanbek.

Fresh from a multitude of performances worldwide, the multi-hyphenate star shone on Ellen today with a stunning rendition of ‘Bang.’

30-year-old Ora delivered the performance live from the Sydney State Theatre; as reported, she’s currently stationed Down Under for her role on The Voice Australia. 

Watch the songbird take vocal flight after the jump…

(more…)

For 10 years, many have asked ‘Iyanla: Fix My Life.’

However, as the age-old adage goes, nothing lasts forever.

Such is the case for Iyanla Vanzant‘s OWN hit, which is confirmed to be coming to an end.

Full story below…

(more…)

The 2021 GRAMMYs proved to be a night to remember for Megan Thee Stallion.

For, the Hot Girl Coach scored historic touchdowns by becoming the first female act to win Best Rap Performance, the first female Hip-Hop act to win Best Rap Song, and the only female Hip-Hop star (besides Lauryn Hill) to win Best New Artist.

Aptly, she was booked to hit the stage and she made sure to blaze it.

Greatness, of course, is facilitated by preparation. And now Meg is inviting the masses into her rehearsal process.

Christened Road to the GRAMMYs, the lengthy episode of Hottie World showcases the femcee and her creative director JaQuel Knight putting in work for what ended up being a stellar performance.

Watch below…

(more…)

Sharon Osbourne may have apologized to the Black community for her shocking tirade on ‘The Talk’ last week, but she’s doubling down on her belief that she was “blindsided” by her co-hosts.

And now she’s even alleging the network had a hand in what she presents as “unfair” treatment.

Full story below…

(more…)

Sam Smith is continuing the steady push for their latest album ‘Love Goes’

The singer, who has been promoting the LP diligently since its October 2020 release, stopped by The Late Late Show With James Corden. 

There, Smith – who was joined by a full band – took vocal flight with a rousing rendition of ‘Kids Again.’

The performance comes after the star confirmed that they are pairing their promotional efforts with the recording of brand new material. 

Pending its arrival, peep the live showing below…

(more…)

Meghan Markle amassed ample support in the aftermath of her and Prince Harry‘s shocking interview with Oprah Winfrey.

And it’s become clear Michelle Obama is one of the many rallying around the Duchess of Sussex with support.

As widely reported, Markle relayed feelings of uneven treatment towards her and her family by both the media and “the firm.” She and her husband Harry made clear they felt said treatment was rooted in racism.

During a press run for her new Netflix chidlren’s show ‘Waffles + Mochi,’ the former First Lady was clear about her alignment with Markle and her empathy for her too.

Her words below…

(more…)

24 Comments

Britney Spears‘ controversial conservatorship will once again be thrust into the spotlight. This time it’s by way of a new BBC documentary.

Full story below…

(more…)

When not enjoying her latest singles, ‘Slow Clap’ and ‘Let Me Reintroduce Myself,’ Stateside fans of Gwen Stefani are still bumping hits from her introduction as a solo artist – namely ‘HollaBack Girl’ and ‘The Sweet Escape.’

Found aboard her freshman album (2004’s ‘Love. Angel. Music. Baby’) and sophomore solo LP (2006’s ‘Sweet Escape’) respectively, the tunes also remain her highest charting efforts on the Billboard Hot 100 yet – with ‘Hollaback’ holding still as her only #1 hit to date.

It’s only fitting their ongoing popularity be reflected via the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) logs – which were recently updated to reveal a slew of new Stefani certifications.

Details inside:

(more…)

While many have praised Cardi B‘s sexually charged 2021 GRAMMY performance of ‘WAP’ as ‘female empowerment,’ others – including members of the Parents Television Council (click here to read) – blasted the Megan Thee Stallion-assisted song’s inaugural live rendition as ‘unfit’ for families with children to watch.

Among those up in arms from the ‘Up’ performer’s jaw-dropping performance was social and political commentator/author Candace Owens, whose criticism of the showing led to a heated exchange with Cardi on Twitter Tuesday (March 16).

More inside:

(more…)

**