After starring in Lifetime’s critically acclaimed productions ‘Army Wives,’ ‘Christmas in the City,’ and more over the years, singer/songwriter/actress Ashanti is seeing her relationship with the network continue to prove itself lucrative.  Their latest joint effort comes in the form of ‘A Winter song’ (also known as ‘A Christmas Winter Song’) – one of the channel’s whopping 30 holiday films this season.

Playing double duty as producer and lead actress, the Grammy winner portrays “Clio” – a singer grappling with having to perform her first Christmas show without her father who recently passed away.  Also starring Stan Shaw, Sashani Nichole, and many other familiar faces, ‘Song’ will premiere on Lifetime on December 14.

Ahead of its arrival, see its lengthy trailer inside:

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While many look at Grammy-nominated songstress Lizzo as an overnight sensation, devoted fans know her underground buzz long preceded her current commercial and critical acclaim.

Nevertheless, some still scratch their heads at how the 31-year-old (born Melissa Jefferson) went from a virtual unknown to bonafide hitmaker with tunes that were released long before they soared up the Billboard charts (namely the 2017-released ‘Truth Hurts’).

Apparently weary of accusations of foul play, Jefferson clapped back at a recent detractor who suggested her label utilized the practice of “payola” (pay for play) to assist with her chart ascension.

Look inside to see how she responded:

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As we reported here, singer Kelly Rowland is reminding fans her talents are certainly not limited to making chart-topping music – a truth reiterated by her leading role in the Lifetime holiday film, ‘Merry Liddle Christmas.’

Loosely based on a true story from one of the Grammy-winner’s past Christmas hosting experiences, the flick tells the story of “a successful single tech entrepreneur [portrayed by Rowland] who hosts her dysfunctional family in her new home over the holiday.”  According to the network:

“…the plot involves not only a glossy video shoot of the perfect Christmas, but a very good shot at romance with a neighbor, even though this breaks one of her dating rules. Rowland and her husband Tim Weatherspoon are among the movie’s executive producers.”

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Set for a November 30 premiere, fans are invited to take an extended peek at the movie ahead of its arrival.  See it inside:

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Music executives who thought the holiday season would temporarily deter FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly‘s interest in a recently announced payola probe are mistaken if his latest comments are anything to judge by.

As we reported here, the last two months have seen O’Rielly lead an investigation into the industry’s reportedly ‘rampant and unlawful practice’ of payola (also known as ‘pay for play’).  First calling on help from the Recording Industry Association of America, their unsatisfactory response to his formal inquiry led him to seek answers from the labels themselves.

As information continues to be collected there, he’s now turning his attention to streaming platforms.  Find out why inside: (more…)

‘Let Me Blow Ya Mind’ co-stars Eve and Gwen Stefani did just that to unsuspecting viewers of ‘The Voice’ on Tuesday (November 26) when the duo reunited to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the release of Stefani’s multiplatinum debut solo album, ‘Love.Angel.Music.Baby. (LAMB).’

Performing a medley of hits from the LP including singles ‘Hollaback Girl’ and ‘What You Waiting For?,’ the resident ‘Voice’ judge stunned audience members when she called on a little help from Eve during her performance of the Dr. Dre-produced ‘Rich Girl.’ 

Did you miss any of the high octane action?  It awaits inside:

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In addition to courting some of Hollywood’s brightest music, movie, and sports stars, Macy’s annual Thanksgiving parade has become the holiday’s biggest event thanks to its inclusion of some of the nation’s most impressive high school bands and, of course, the larger than life floats.

This year being no different, Black Eyed Peas, Natasha Bedingfield, Debbie Gibson, the band Chicago, Idina Menzel, NCT 127, Ozuna, and Lea Michele were among the chart-topping artists on hand to provide entertainment at Thursday’s showing (November 28).  And, while they waved the flag high for their respective genres, R&B was in full effect as well with Kelly Rowland, TLC, Ciara, and Ashanti on hand to represent. While Rowland and Ashanti opted to turn render live rendition of holiday tunes, TLC and Cici broke out numbers from their respective discographies.

Did you miss any of the action?  See highlights and fan-captured footage inside:

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Kanye West continues the push for ‘Jesus Is King’ with the video for ‘Closed On Sunday.’ 

Directed by Jake Schreier, the visual is a family affair and features Ye’s wife Kim Kardashian as well as their children.

Its arrival comes after it emerged that the MC is in the studio working on part two of the chart-topping project with Dr. Dre.

Check out the vid below…

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Now that the world knows that B2K’s Lil Fizz is in a romantic relationship with the mother of Omarion‘s child there are fears that the group will never reunite.

However, if new interviews given by group member Raz B are anything to go by, all may not be lost.

Full story below…

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Azealia Banks is strengthening her ties to the political world.

Following the headlines she made for endorsing Donald Trump, the innovative scribe revealed that she recently caught up with Democratic hopeful Andrew Yang!

Yang is running up against Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders and is celebrated by those who feel his time in tech is his unique selling point.

Learn more below…

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The Pussycat Dolls reunion is officially moving forward – but sadly without one of the group’s key members.

Full story below…

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Camila Cabello is drafting in a notable name for new album ‘Romance.’

Because it’s emerged that the singer’s sophomore set will feature rising rap star DaBaby.

Details below…

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Hotly anticipated for months, ‘Blue Story’ blazed its way into UK cinemas last week and was immediately met with praise.

However, Rapman‘s gritty flick encountered quite the hurdle when an instance of violence involving youngsters in Birmingham, England was somehow linked to his film and resulted in a ban by leading UK cinema chain Vue. This, despite the teens involved reportedly being on the premises to watch ‘Frozen 2.’

The course of action drew critique on a national scale and saw many call for the film to be reinstated on Vue screens.

Now, after initially standing by their stance, the chain has reversed its decision.

Details below…

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