This week brings with it the season 3 premiere of ‘Queen Sugar.’
The OWN drama has proven a ratings draw thanks to its compelling story and potent performances.
Set for a two-night return commencing May 29th, viewers will no doubt be glued to screens to see what creator Ava DuVernay has cooked up for the Bordelon’s third outing.
That Grape Juice‘s Shar recently caught up with some of the show’s anchoring stars – Bianca Lawson, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, and Timon Kyle Durrett – at the 2018 ABFF Honors and probed them for details.
And while it’s clear Ms. DuVernay is running a tight-lipped ship, the cast did hint at both a “powerful” and “juicy” season ahead. Hit ‘PLAY’ above to watch.
‘Queen Sugar’ returns May 29th & 30th at 10/9c on OWN TV.
Rita Ora may be in the midst of a European tour, but she made sure to jet into BBC Radio 1‘s ‘Biggest Weekend’ for a hyper hot set.
The singer, who performed and hopped straight back onto a plane to resume the trek (on the same night), rocked out to a many of her hits including her 5 UK #1’s.
Also on her set was newest single ‘Girls,’ which features Cardi B, Bebe Rexha, and Charli XCX.
And while the ladies weren’t there to join her on-stage to perform the cut (which has attracted controversy of late), it didn’t stop the singer from turning up with her crew.
Will Smith‘s return to music finds itself bolstered by an epic union with the organisers of this year’s World Cup!
Soaring into the Popverse this week? ‘Live it Up‘, the original jam he penned to stand as the official World Cup 2018 tune with help from Nicky Jam and Era Istrefi!
Leona Lewis took front stage centre at the 29th Annual National Memorial Day Concert last night.
Together with a gospel choir, the songbird nested on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol and belted out a stirring rendition of Simon & Garfunkel’s ‘Bridge over Troubled Water.’
‘Dance Again’ diva Jennifer Lopez is going to do just that as reports have it she – alongside fellow judges Ne-Yo, Derek Hough, and hostess Jenna Dewan – will be coming back to NBC for yet another season of the hit reality dance competition, ‘World of Dance.’
The critical and commercial response to the show’s first season (which captured audiences by the millions) was so favorable the network has granted it a season 3 return…ahead of its season 2 premiere!
This week’s From The Vault comes courtesy of Christina Aguilera and her infectious comeback bid ‘Not Myself Tonight.’
Issued as the lead single from 2010 ill-fated ‘Bionic’ album, ‘Tonight’ was produced by Polow Da Don and penned by Ester Dean alongside Greg Curtis and Jason Perry.
Lyrically, the track saw Xtina ditch the PC for PVC as she veers out of character… for one night
Despite its mixed reviews, the song still managed to peak at #23 in the US, and #12 in the UK.
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It’s difficult to divorce the release from the climate it arrived during; one which saw Christina’s popularity polarized while a certain Lady Gaga was becoming a Pop fixture. It was no surprise then when comparisons started to arise, as both ladies were presenting futuristic themed projects.
And the song’s video only pour fuel on the then-raging flames of debate.
Hype Williams helmed the clip, which immediately drew comparisons to Gaga thanks to its variety of outlandish looks and themes (see: bondage, religion, exhibitionism).
The visual was also critiqued in some corners for “borrowing” from Madonna’s work – specifically the iconic ‘Express Yourself.’ All of which was met with a lukewarm response with the masses judging the clip contrived and try-hard.
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For many, it is “this” song that marked the start of Christina’s commercial decline. We say it’s unfortunate as, though not as cutting-edge as ‘Dirrty’ was years prior, it showcased yet another reinvention for Aguilera after the throwback ‘Back To Basics.’ It’s just that the climate not necessarily in her favor; it quite literally overshadowed the rest of the project which houses many a musical gem (hello ‘Woohoo’ and ‘Sex For Breakfast’).
Now, with her ‘Liberation’ near, we sincerely hope Team Xtina will right the wrongs that were made during the ‘Bionic’ and ‘Lotus’ eras respectively.
Clearly this time around the focus seems to be on quality music without necessarily insisting on complicated artistic concepts. Thus far the promo has been on-point; fingers crossed it continues.
Azealia Banks may have squandered most of her opportunities by talking too much, but that hasn’t stopped her.
And, given her past antics, why would it? Especially given that she’s just dropped a new music video.
Nonetheless, we digress.
With social media weighing in on Kanye West’s recent dramas, Banks joined in. And quickly took a left to share an “interesting” story about her time working on a Rihanna album. A process she says literally saw her starved by the Bajan belle.
Unfortunately, Kenya Moore is said to have been removed from ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’s cast despite reports claiming that she was asked to return by the show’s producers.
