After months of speculation, stalled and then re-started talks, ‘American Idol’ is officially being revived.

Following a heated bidding war, ABC announced this morning that they have won the rights to air the next incarnation of the singing competition

As widely reported, FOX – who aired the original show for 15 seasons – was very interested as was NBC.

Ultimately, though, it’s ABC who secured the broadcast privileges from Idol’s joint owners Freemantle and Core Media Group.

And while it was thought that Idol was being readied for a 2018 return, there’s talk that that it may be back on air this year and form a central part of ABC’s 2017-18 schedule.

Speaking on the network’s major coup, Channing Dungey – the president of ABC Entertainment – said:

“American Idol is a pop-culture staple that left the air too soon. ABC is the right home to reignite the fan base. We are thrilled viewers will once again share in these inspiring stories of people realizing their dreams.”

Ben Sherwood – co-chairman of ABC’s parent company Disney – chimed in and promised a “bigger, bolder and better-than-ever Idol.” He added:

 “American Idol on ABC… that has a nice ring to it. Idol is an entertainment icon, and now it will air where it belongs, in ABC’s lineup of addictive fan favorites alongside Dancing With the Stars and The Bachelor.

There’s no formal word on a host, but it’s notable that Ryan Seacrest recently signed on the new co-host of Live With Kelly – housed on ABC.

Word on the curb is that the network plans to bend backwards to accommodate Seacrest’s schedule so as to facilitate his Idol comeback.

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On the one hand this is a major touchdown for ABC, who’ve struggled to make any kind of mark in the reality singing arena. Indeed, while they’ve sunk with titles such as ‘Rising Star,’ NBC and FOX scored wins with the likes of ‘The Voice’ and the original ‘Idol.’

Still, one has to wonder how the new revival will fare.

Internally, the reported feeling was that Idol ended prematurely because it just became too expensive to produce (thanks largely to the superstar judges it courted). However, there’s no denying that ratings were on a downward spiral and that it struggled to yield stars on the caliber of Fantasia (pictured), Kelly Clarkson, and Jennifer Hudson. A natural reality, arguably, given how long the show was on air.

People gravitate towards “newness,” as such it’ll be interesting to see whether a new network and likely changes to the format will be enough to entice viewers back. Or are folk just over such shows in general?

What do you think?

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: Getty]

The entertainment mogul Diddy is being sued by his former chef for sexual harassment.

In a complaint filed on Monday Cindy Rueda is suing for sexual harassment, retaliation, defamation, failure to pay overtime and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

She claims she regularly worked from 9 a.m to midnight and would often be forced to serve meals to the rapper after she says he had finished having sex.

One of his friends, she says, came into the kitchen naked and asked her to “look at and admire his genitals.”

Her attorney James Blancarte adds:

In the days following, Plaintiff was accused of theft and told that she would not be prosecuted if she returned the watch and signed a waiver of all rights and claims against Defendants.

She’s seeking damages for unpaid wages and overtime as well plus punitive damages.

That isn’t all.

She also seeks an junction to prevent future employees from being inaccurately classified as exempt.

He is yet to respond.

Source.

Your thoughts?

Despite only being only 20-years-old, Normani Kordei has overcome a lot in her life – including racist bullying online.

The starlet rose to prominence as part of popular girl-group Fifth Harmony and, for all the band’s success, has still had to pend off the nastiest abuse. So much so that she quit social media for a period of time.

Chronicling the pain and how she overcame it on this week’s ‘Dancing With The Stars,’ Kordei and parter Val Chmerkovskiy conceived a Contemporary piece based on the situation.

For their efforts, they scored a full 40/40 from the judges – for the second consecutive week.

All the action below…

Later in the night, the pair tackled the Country Jive and slayed – earning a 39/40.

Your thoughts?

KeKe Palmer has inked a brand new deal set to boost her stock as a multi-hyphenate player in the industry.

Keen to reach higher ground, the actress has signed a deal with the United Talent Agency which will see her work closely with a team of experts to create lucrative projects related to film, television, music, licensing and endorsements and digital media.

UTA also represents Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, YG, 21 Savage, Toby Keith, Guns ‘N Roses, and DJ Khaled and Angelina Jolie.

This year will see her star in the series ‘Berlin Station’ which returns at the end of 2017.

As for her role on the ‘Scream Queens‘?

Your thoughts?

It’s been 3 months since rapper Big Sean released his chart-topping album, ‘I Decided,’ but he’s still hot on the promo trail in its support.

Last week the rapper gave the video treatment to ‘Light’ – a moving clip unveiled to tackle social topics related to discrimination and police brutality.  Tapping Jeremih to assist, the tune may not have been granted official “single” status, but Sean still enlisted Lawrence Lamont to direct a powerful visual to ensure its stirring themes were effectively brought to light.

And, while fans were still catching their breaths from the former video, the rapper hit them with a follow-up today in the form of the animated ‘Jump Out the Window.’  Also directed by Lamont, the 2D visual sees Sean declare his undying love for a romantic subject that was “meant to be, but never quite was.”

Tuck inside to see the Super Nintendo-inspired visual and also see ‘Light’ while you’re down there:

(more…)

As fans continue to pass on second servings of pop singer Katy Perry‘s latest release, the Migos-assisted ‘Bon Appetit,’ the singer/songwriter is stirring a cooled pot of “beef,” namely a fan-fueled feud between herself and fellow pop chart-topper Taylor Swift.

Many assumed the latter’s 2015 chart ruling ‘Bad Blood’ was a diss aimed at Perry and, if a recent interview is to judge by, that’s a sentiment she too doesn’t appear to think is too far fetched.  Taking to our friends at EW, the ‘Firework’ singer had some fiery words for “anybody” who wanted to “come for her,” especially Ms. Swift.

Read her thoughts on this, her new album she’s branded “purposeful pop,” and so much more inside:

(more…)

Mary J. Blige may be going through trying times in her private life, but professionally she continues to shine.

Last week saw the Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul unleash her latest album ‘Strength Of A Woman.’

The set arrives at a time when MJB’s name has been a firm fixture in the headlines due to her oh so public divorce from former manager Kendu Isaacs.

It would appear that the heightened interest surrounding the drama in her life has positively affected her commercial clout.

For, ‘Strength’ has become her strongest debut on the US Billboard 200 in seven years.

Opening at #3  with 78,000 SPS units (and 72k in traditional album sales), the LP gifts Blige her best placing since ‘Stronger With Each Tear’ debuted and peaked at #2 in 2010.

The project also grants Blige her best sales week since 2011, when ‘My Life II… The Journey Continues (Act 1)’ arrived with 156,000 sold in its first week.

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Kudos to the Queen!

‘Strength’ is a commendable effort with a number of avenues to explore singles wise – especially ‘Glow Up.’ 

Your thoughts?

Ne-Yo is back.

After a two year hiatus following the release of 2015’s ‘Non-Fiction,’ the R&B crooner returns with new number ‘Earn Your Love.’

A moody mid-tempo affair, the star declares “tease me, I don’t want it if it’s that easy” over simple, yet scintillating beat.

Take a listen below…

Solid, although by no means single material.

In any case, it’s cool to have Ne-Yo back on the scene.

We’re in an era where two months away from the spotlight is risky, speak less of two years. Still, Mr Smith proven himself ever dependable, as such we’re more than sure there’s more radio ready material on the horizon.

Your thoughts?

Celine Dion has belted countless classics in her time and at this year’s Billboard Music Awards she’ll celebrate her most notable.

For, the French-Canadian diva will take to the stage to perform the iconic ‘My Heart Will Go On.’

The showing will take place in honor of the song’s 20th anniversary.

In a statement, the legendary star said:

“This song means a lot to me, and it has played such a huge role in my career. I’m so grateful to the late James Horner, and to Will Jennings, for writing it and creating the opportunity for me to be part of Titanic, an amazing film whose legacy will continue for generations to come. It’s a great honor to have the opportunity to perform it at the Billboard Music Awards’ international stage, in celebration of the film’s 20th anniversary.” [Source]

Dion is one of several superstars tapped to rock the BBMA’s stage, with the longlist including Nicki Minaj, Drake, Bruno Mars, Camila Cabello, and John Legend.

The 2017 BBMA’s air live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on on May 21st.

Your thoughts?

Katy Perry has been experiencing something quite unusual of late — ‘struggle.’

The Pop force hasn’t been living up to her billing following the blink and you miss it chart run of ‘Chained To The Rhythm’ and the outright tanking of follow-up ‘Bon Appétit.’ She also found herself in the midst a serious race allegation.

Clearly in a reflective mood (perhaps about the misfires), Perry took to Instagram to share a passage about hardship and perseverance. Maybe just maybe as a note to self.

Check it out…

mood

A post shared by KATY PERRY (@katyperry) on May 7, 2017 at 12:37pm PDT

Again, one has to wonder what will become of Perry’s upcoming album in the wake of her single woes. How can she resuscitate the era?

Your thoughts?

Following last night’s explosive conclusion of ‘The Real Housewives Of Atlanta’ season 9, fresh reports confirm speculation that Phaedra Parks has indeed been let go by the Bravo show.

According to TMZ, the attorney/mortician was advised of her status (or lack-thereof) for season 10 in early April.

The reason for her disposal is unsurprisingly attached to the drugging scandal she was embroiled in with cast-mate Kandi Burruss and Porsha Williams.

As laid bare on last night’s broadcast, it was Parks who started the rumors of Burruss allegedly wanting to drug Williams.

The rest as they say was history and so it seems is Parks’ tenure on the show.

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We love/d us some Phae Phae, but yesterday’s broadcast would be hard to come back from.

Fingers crossed we see her again at some point down the line.

Your thoughts?

Shortly after revealing that she and her partner Alexis Ohanian were with child the greatest athlete of all time Serena Williams sat down with the journalist Gayle King.

Fortunately, their conversation was captured on camera as part of TED2017, and saw the triumphant mother-to-be speak frankly on the racism she faces within the world of tennis, why her relationship with the “geeky” Ohanian surprised her and when she intends to retire.

Watch below…

Ohanian is the co-founder of Reddit and is a respected political activist who is worth a reported $9 million.

Want more on him?

He also founded Breadpig, an online company that finds or develops, and markets, “geeky” things, and then gives all of the profits to organizations that are in need of funding aid, including the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Room to Read, a program working to construct a primary school in Laos.

Quite interestingly, the couple’s union sparked quite the debate.

About what?

Your thoughts?