Janelle Monae‘s flight into film has seen her bag another major role!

Following her award-winning performances in the movies ‘Hidden Figures’ and ‘Moonlight‘, the ‘Electric Lady’ has earned a leading part in the project ‘Marwencol‘.

In it, Monae joins Steve Carrell to tell the story of a man who builds a miniature toy town in his garden as he recovers from a coma. Directing the moving story? Robert Zemeckis.

Want more from Monae?

Click here to learn about her thriving Wondaland  and here for details on her aforementioned big screen debuts.

As for her new music?

Her supporters will be delighted to discover that her new album will drop this year!

Your thoughts?

A broken Ariana Grande is reportedly said to be in “hysterics” following a terrorist attack at the Manchester stop of her ‘Dangerous Woman Tour.’

As reported, a bomb detonated in the immediate aftermath of the show at the Manchester Arena this evening. And while little was known initially, it has been confirmed that 22 are dead and 59 are injured.

According to TMZ, the 23-year star has decided to suspend remaining dates on the European leg of the trek – including a show at London’s O2 Arena this Thursday and planned stops in Switzerland, Belgium, Poland, and Germany.

Footage has since emerged of the chaos as it unfolded:

This video shows moment when the bomb detonated at Ariana Grande’s concert in #Manchester Arena #PrayForManchester pic.twitter.com/PjVgJYgeVB

— ariana pics (@dangerouspicts) May 23, 2017

**********

From both a security and well-being standpoint, Grande’s decision is both expected and understandable.

Once again, our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected.

Your thoughts?

A sensational meme of Rihanna and Lupita Nyong’o set Twitter alight so much it has inspired an entire screenplay to be written starring, you guessed it, Rihanna and Lupita.

Details inside:

(more…)

In a story that is developing, it’s being reported that Ariana Grande fans are being evacuated from the Manchester Arena.

According to a slew of reports from attendees of the singer’s ‘Dangerous Woman Tour’ in the British city, two loud explosions were heard at the end of the gig tonight.

The Daily Mail asserts that video footage showed people fleeing in tears from the venue.

Concert-goer Evie Brewster Grande had just finished her last song and left the stage when a huge explosion sounded. She added:

“Suddenly everybody started screaming and running for the exit.

We could hear the police and ambulance sirens. It was terrifying.

There were thousands of people trying to get out at once. They were all screaming and crying. The whole place smelt smokey and burnt.

The explosion sounded like it was inside the building somewhere.’

Another witness on Twitter wrote:

Your thoughts? 

Iggy Azalea is hot on the promotional trail for new single ‘Switch’ and landed her on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live last night.

As ever, host Andy Cohen and the show’s viewers didn’t hold back with their line of questioning.

Hence, Iggy was asked directly about her thoughts on the feud between rival Nicki Minaj and Remy Ma. Indeed, as widely reported, the pair have traded verbal jabs on a number of tracks – most notably Remy’s ‘Shether.’

Where does Iggy’s alliance stand? Find out below…

Smart answer.

All in all, Iggy came across well across the entire segment.

Will said likability (and apparent media training) positively impact her releases so far? Time will tell.

Your thoughts?

Welcome to the latest TGJ Roundtable!

Over the years, That Grape Juice has established a distinguished voice that – whether loved or loathed – sparks discussion, debate, and on occasion drama!

Though comprised of seasoned writers who share a similar outlook on Urban Pop culture, the idiosyncrasies of the TGJ team members often lend for quite heated debates “behind the scenes” about the hottest topics.

Now, we give you a front row seat to the show. In a format similar to ‘The View’ or ‘The Real’, TGJ editors – Sam, David, Rashad, and Joe – get real in a very candid way.

Today’s roundtable topic asks each anchor their thoughts on the…

2017 Billboard Music Awards

Sam

For me, the show lacked until seasoned names such as Celine Dion, Cher, and Bruno Mars showed up to inject some much needed life. And even then, there’s only so much electricity they were able to lend to an otherwise flatline of a show.  

About a quarter of the way through, an air of “b-side” begun to rear its head and never quite disappeared. Odd on the surface, as the show wasn’t necessarily lacking in star power. 

Yet upon deeper thought, it wasn’t hard to establish why some of today’s top talent couldn’t conjure up anything collectively astounding. 

Nicki Minaj, much as I love her, is still on the hunt for a definitive hit this era. Hence, while it was cute to see her perform many of the songs she has out in the marketplace, sewing them together in a medley only served to remind that none of them have ascended to “smash” status. A commendable effort, though. 

Elsewhere, Drake’s aquatic aesthetic couldn’t distract from the desert dry nature of what he had on offer, while newcomers such as Halsey did little to rouse my interest. Indeed, the latter seemed to have paid close attention to Rihanna’s lazy, laxed performance style – which is off-putting in its original form  and even moreso when imitated. 

The evening brought with it a much hyped performance from Camila Cabello. And as one of the folk wanting both she and her former group Fifth Harmony to win, I longed for her knock her first solo booking out of the park. But, for all the pomp and pageantry, something lacked. Like, despite being vocally competent and hitting her choreo marks, I felt like I was watching a high-school talent show. Sure, she has room to grow (which she inevitably will), but let’s just call a spade a spade. 

It wasn’t all doom and gloom, though. For, as mentioned, Dion, Cher, and Mars each showcased why they are who they are. 

‘My Heart Will Go On’ was sung exquisitely regardless of the lip-syncing debate and when paired with the grandeur of the staging ensured that Dion delivered a performance that will be remembered – much like the song – for years to come. 

Cher, who received the Icon Award, didn’t do a whole lot on stage. But, at 71, what she did bring (including her barely there outfits) reminded that she is an authentic and enduring rock star. Indeed, despite being literally three times older than some of today’s Pop tarts, she has three times the presence of many of them. Legend. 

Mars, with his showing of ‘Versace On The Floor,’ further certified why he is one of today’s most consistently dependable performers. 

As for the winners, that was neither here nor there for me – as they’re all but predetermined as the show is based as actual Billboard sales and streaming data. All of which don’t necessarily equal quality or merit. 

All in all, the 2017 BBMAs wasn’t’t terrible it just wasn’t memorable – which in a way is actually worse. 

**************

David

Another fantastic showing from the brains behind the Billboard Music Awards.

Standing as one of its strongest outings to date, last night’s ceremony offered viewers a healthy mix of new and established acts who- for the most part- rocked the night with first-rate performances.

Nicki Minaj, who has always struggled to deliver performances and videos worthy of her A list status, opened the night with her strongest live offering to date. Why her strongest?

Its delivery of the formula responsible’s for the rapper’s rise.

A little grit, fashion, femininity, impressive yet manageable choreography, charisma and the versatility her contemporaries often lack.

Here’s hoping the team behind her performance plays a part in her forthcoming world tour.

Another one of the night’s highlights? Celine Dion.

Isn’t it interesting that an act who debuted in the 80s did more for an award show in 2017 than acts who should be in their prime in…2017?

Yes. However, let’s hope that Pop’s new class took notes when the vocalist took to the stage last night to perform her timeless classic ‘My Heart Will Go On’.

How I’d rate last night’s show? 8 out of 10.

**************

Rashad

**************

Joe

How far has Nicki Minaj come?! Indeed, a lot has happened since the ‘Superbass’ days. To me, this performance solidified her status as – NOT only the leading lady of Hip-Hop, but – a world class Pop star.

Bruno Mars simply but surely brought the house down with future Top 10 hit ‘Versace On The Floor’.

Other than that, the nostalgia performances were a sweet touch only for the fact that they presented the honorees in a very “hip” and “relevant” light and not some random blasts from the past.

Jury’s still out on whether Camila Cabello has what it takes to be a solo star. She definitely has the charisma, the made-for-radio vocals and the star quality but does she have enough of all those elements to sit with the Ariana’s and Miley’s? To be fair, her performance was on par with what those ladies usually serve – which isn’t much really – so there’s hope. And on the topic of Miley, her first televised performance since trashing Hip-Hop culture was a reflection of the song itself: cute, no more no less.

Drake’s triumph was to be expected considering how good the past year has been to him chart-wise and it’s cool to see that Beyonce wasn’t forgotten too.

See you next year, BBMAs.

**************

Do you agree with our picks? Who was spot on? Let us know your thoughts on the latest TGJ Roundtable and your thoughts on the 2017 BBMAs.

Your thoughts?

[Photo credit: Getty]

Mo’Nique has been lodged in the headlines over the last week, thanks to no holds barred comments she made about Lee Daniels, Oprah Winfrey, and Tyler Perry. 

In each instance, she stressed a different issue with the power players: Daniels over her “blackballed” drama dating back to her promotional practices for ‘Precious,’ Winfrey in relation to the alleged exploitation of her sexual abuse for TV ratings, and Perry for some unspecified reason.

Unapologetic, the Oscar winning actress has continued to lash the trio during her stand-up comedy tour.

Case in point her show at the 29 Palms Casino last night.

Talking to the capacity crowd, the former star of ‘The Parkers’ revealed that Perry called her. And while seemingly welcoming of his reach out, she wasn’t here for his “Billionaire” antics. She also continued to lay into Winfrey and Daniels.

See what we mean below…

A post shared by Ashleyskywalker (@ashleyskywalker) on May 21, 2017 at 8:51am PDT

A post shared by Ashleyskywalker (@ashleyskywalker) on May 21, 2017 at 2:30pm PDT

A post shared by Ashleyskywalker (@ashleyskywalker) on May 21, 2017 at 12:44am PDT

Sigh.

Your thoughts? 

Lana Del Rey has unleashed the visual for ‘Lust For Life’ – the title track of her hotly anticipated new album.

The Weeknd joins the eclectic songbird on the track, which has been paired with an arresting, dreamy video.

No official word yet on when the ‘Lust’ LP will land, but we’re hearing murmurs about July.

Until confirmation surfaces, get all the way into the new video below…

Like much of Lana’s output, this was a simple, yet engaging. Bring on the album already!

Your thoughts?

Ever wondered what might happen if Lauryn Hill, Naomi Campbell and Mary J. Blige decided to hang out?

Wonder no more. For, the last 24 hours have seen the gifted melanated trio (who ruled the 90s in their respective fields) catch up and share nothing but love with each other during their time at this year’s Cannes Film Festival.

Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill and Naomi Fucking Campbell?!? Holy shit. Legend overload. pic.twitter.com/Z1DuelaWub

— Cj (@chi_loner) May 22, 2017

Mary recently welcomed the release of her poignant new album ‘Strength of a Woman’ which documents the demise of her marriage to her husband/manager Kendu Isaacs.

Yet to hear it?

Click here!

Want more from Naomi?

Hit this link to catch her in the project ‘Black and British’.

Your thoughts?

Guy Ritchie‘s live action ‘Aladdin‘ remake is said to have ushered Will Smith into its casting fold before shooting kicks off in the United Kingdom this summer.

Today, fans of the stellar Pop force Little Mix will be elated to learn that the group’s Jade is in talks to portray its leading lady Princess Jasmine.

A reliable source told ‘The Sun’:

Jasmine is Jade’s perfect role, so she’s delighted to have got this far in the process. The talks have been going on for some time now.

And the longer they go on, the better her chances are looking. All of the girls have their fingers crossed for her, as they always support each other. But they also know that it would be a huge commitment.

Jade would need to film for months, and that’s before promotion for the movie began.

So this week they sat down in a break from their tour dance rehearsals and talked about what they might do if Disney did decide to cast her.

It was quite an emotional conversation. But they all agreed that they would try to make it work for her around Little Mix commitments.

“It wouldn’t be easy, but as far as it’s possible, that’s what they want.”

Here’s hoping she gets the part.

Your thoughts?

Tonight the world is in a state of shock following what is being reported as terrorist attack at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England.

The bomb is said to have gone off in the foyer of the Manchester Arena after the singer performed the last song of the evening on the sold-out stop of her ‘Dangerous Woman World Tour.’

While reps for the 23-year-old have confirmed that she was uninjured, a number fans in attendance are not.

According to police, 19 are confirmed dead and 59 injured.

[UPDATED: Manchester police confirm that the death toll has risen to 22. Fatalities include children.]

The affected were in the process of leaving the venue when the alleged suicide bomber struck.

Moments ago, a clearly shaken Grande released the following statement on Twitter…

broken.
from the bottom of my heart, i am so so sorry. i don’t have words.

— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) May 23, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by the incident.

Your thoughts?

The Billboard Music Awards 2017 certainly provided many a notable moment courtesy of the host of music stars who took to the stage.

Now, following show-stopping performances from the likes of Nicki Minaj, Drake, Celine Dion, Bruno Mars, Cher, Camila Cabello, John Legend and more, see who walked away with the show’s biggest star – its coveted trophies!

A full winners’ list awaits below…

Top Artist:
Adele
Beyonce
Justin Bieber
The Chainsmokers
Drake — WINNER
Ariana Grande
Shawn Mendes
Rihanna
Twenty One Pilots
The Weeknd

Top New Artist:
Alessia Cara
Desiigner
Lil Uzi Vert
Lukas Graham
Zayn — WINNER

Billboard Chart Achievement Award Presented by Xfinity:
Luke Bryan
Nicki Minaj
The Chainsmokers
The Weeknd
Twenty One Pilots — WINNER

Top Male Artist:
Justin Bieber
Drake — WINNER
Future
Shawn Mendes
The Weeknd

Top Female Artist:
Adele
Beyonce — WINNER
Ariana Grande
Rihanna
Sia

Top Duo/Group:
The Chainsmokers
Coldplay
Florida Georgia Line
Guns N’ Roses
Twenty One Pilots — WINNER

Top Billboard 200 Artist:
Beyonce
Drake — WINNER
Prince
Twenty One Pilots
The Weeknd

Top Hot 100 Artist:
The Chainsmokers
Drake — WINNER
Rihanna
Twenty One Pilots
The Weeknd

Top Song Sales Artist:
The Chainsmokers
Drake — WINNER
Prince
Justin Timberlake
Twenty One Pilots

Top Radio Songs Artist:
Justin Bieber
The Chainsmokers
Drake
Rihanna
Twenty One Pilots — WINNER

Top Streaming Songs Artist:
The Chainsmokers
Desiigner
Drake — WINNER
Rihanna
Twenty One Pilots

Top Social Artist:
Justin Bieber
BTS — WINNER
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Shawn Mendes

Top Touring Artist:
Justin Bieber
Beyonce — WINNER
Coldplay
Guns N’ Roses
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

Top R&B Artist:
Beyonce — WINNER
Bruno Mars
Frank Ocean
Rihanna
The Weeknd

Top R&B Tour:
Beyonce — WINNER
Lionel Richie
Rihanna

Top Rap Artist:
J. Cole
Desiigner
Drake — WINNER
Future
Rae Sremmurd

Top Rap Tour
Drake — WINNER
Future
Kanye West

Top Country Artist:
Florida Georgia Line
Blake Shelton — WINNER
Keith Urban
Chris Stapleton
Jason Aldean

Top Country Tour:
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney — WINNER
Dixie Chicks

Top Rock Artist:
Coldplay
The Lumineers
Metallica
Twenty One Pilots — WINNER
X Ambassadors

Top Rock Tour:
Coldplay — WINNER
Guns N’ Roses
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band

Top Latin Artist:
J Balvin
Juan Gabriel — WINNER
Los Plebes Del Rancho De Ariel Camacho
Maluma
Nicky Jam

Top Dance/Electronic Artist:
The Chainsmokers — WINNER
Calvin Harris
Major Lazer
DJ Snake
Lindsey Stirling

Top Christian Artist:
Lauren Daigle — WINNER
Hillsong Worship
Hillary Scott & the Family
Skillet
Chris Tomlin

Top Gospel Artist:
Jekalyn Carr
Kirk Franklin — WINNER
Travis Greene
Tamela Mann
Hezekiah Walker

Top Billboard 200 Album:
Beyonce, Lemonade
Drake, Views — WINNER
Rihanna, Anti
Twenty One Pilots, Blurryface
The Weeknd, Starboy

Top Soundtrack/Cast Album:
Hamilton: An American Musical — WINNER
Moana
Purple Rain
Suicide Squad: The Album
Trolls

Top R&B Album:
Beyonce, Lemonade — WINNER
Bruno Mars, 24K Magic
Frank Ocean, Blonde
Rihanna, Anti
The Weeknd, Starboy

Top Rap Album:
J. Cole, 4 Your Eyez Only
Drake, Views — WINNER
Kevin Gates, Isla
DJ Khaled, Major Key
A Tribe Called Quest, We Got It From Here…Thank You For Your Service

Top Country Album:
Jason Aldean, They Don’t Know
Florida Georgia Line, Dig Your Roots
Blake Shelton, If I’m Honest
Chris Stapleton, Traveller — WINNER
Keith Urban, Ripcord

Top Rock Album:
The Lumineers, Cleopatra
Metallica, Hardwired…To Self Destruct — WINNER
Radiohead, A Moon Shaped Pool
Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Getaway
Twenty One Pilots, Blurryface

Top Latin Album:
J Balvin, Energia
CNCO, Primera Cita
Juan Gabriel, Los Duo 2 — WINNER
Juan Gabriel, Vestido De Etiqueta: Por Eduardo Magallanes
Los Plebes del Rancho de Ariel Camacho, Recuerden Mi Estilo

Top Dance/Electronic Album:
The Chainsmokers, Bouquet
The Chainsmokers, Collage 
Flume, Skin
Kygo, Cloud Nine
Lindsey Stirling, Brave Enough — WINNER

Top Christian Album:
Casting Crowns, The Very Next Thing
Lauren Daigle, How Can It Be — WINNER
Joey + Rory, Hymns
Hillary Scott & The Family, Love Remains
Skillet, Unleashed

Top Gospel Album:
Tamela Mann, One Way — WINNER
Kirk Franklin, Losing My Religion
Travis Greene, The Hill
Tasha Cobbs, One Place: Live
Hezekiah Walker, Better: Azusa – The Next Generation 2

Top Hot 100 Song:
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer” — WINNER
The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down”
Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance”
Justin Timberlake, “Can’t Stop The Feeling!”
Twenty One Pilots, “Heathens”

Top Selling Song:
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer”
The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down”
Drake Featuring, WizKid & Kyla “One Dance”
Justin Timberlake, “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” — WINNER
Twenty One Pilots, “Heathens”

Top Radio Song:
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer”
The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down”
Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance”
Sia Featuring Sean Paul, “Cheap Thrills”
Justin Timberlake, “Can’t Stop The Feeling!” — WINNER

Top Streaming Song (Audio):
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer”
Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance” — WINNER
D.R.A.M. Featuring Lil Yachty, “Broccoli”
Rihanna, “Needed Me”
The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk, “Starboy”

Top Streaming Song (Video):
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer”
Desiigner, “Panda” — WINNER
Zay Hilfigerr & Zayion McCall, “JuJu On That Beat (TZ Anthem)
Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane, “Black Beatles”
Twenty One Pilots, “Heathens”

Top Collaboration:
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer” — WINNER
The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down”
Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance”
Sia Featuring Sean Paul, “Cheap Thrills”
The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk, “Starboy”

Top R&B Song:
Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance” — WINNER
Bruno Mars, “24K Magic”
Rihanna, “Needed Me”
Rihanna Featuring Drake, “Work”
The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk, “Starboy”

Top R&B Collaboration:
Drake Featuring WizKid & Kyla, “One Dance” — WINNER
PARTYNEXTDOOR Featuring Drake, “Come And See Me”
Rihanna Featuring Drake, “Work”
The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk “I Feel It Coming”
The Weeknd Featuring Daft Punk, “Starboy”

Top Rap Song:
Desiigner, “Panda” — WINNER
Drake, “Fake Love”
D.R.A.M. Featuring Lil Yachty, “Broccoli”
Migos Featuring Lil Uzi Vert, “Bad And Boujee”
Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane, “Black Beatles”

Top Rap Collaboration:
D.R.A.M. Featuring Lil Yachty, “Broccoli”
Zay Hilfigerr & Zayion McCall, “JuJu On That Beat (TZ Anthem)
Machine Gun Kelly & Camila Cabello, “Bad Things”
Migos Featuring Lil Uzi Vert, “Bad and Boujee”
Rae Sremmurd Featuring Gucci Mane, “Black Beatles” — WINNER

Top Country Song:
Kenny Chesney Featuring Pink, “Setting The World On Fire”
Florida Georgia Line, “H.O.L.Y.” — WINNER
Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw, “May We All”
Little Big Town, “Better Man”
Keith Urban, “Blue Ain’t Your Color”

Top Country Collaboration:
Dierks Bentley Featuring Elle King, “Different For Girls”
Kenny Chesney Featuring Pink, “Setting The World On Fire” — WINNER
Eric Church Featuring Rhiannon Giddens, “Kill A Word”
Florida Georgia Line Featuring Tim McGraw, “May We All”
Chris Young Featuring Vince Gill, “Sober Saturday Night”

Top Rock Song:
Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa & Imagine Dragons with Logic & Ty Dolla $ign Featuring X Ambassadors, “Sucker For Pain”
Twenty One Pilots, “Heathens” — WINNER
Twenty One Pilots, “Ride”
Twenty One Pilots, “Stressed Out”
X Ambassadors, “Unsteady”

Top Latin Song:
Daddy Yankee, “Shaky Shaky”
Enrique Iglesias Featuring Wisin, “Duele El Corazon”
Nicky Jam, “Hasta El Amanecer” — WINNER
Shakira Featuring Maluma, “Chantaje”
Carlos Vives & Shakira, “La Bicicleta”

Top Dance/Electronic Song:
The Chainsmokers Featuring Halsey, “Closer” — WINNER
The Chainsmokers Featuring Daya, “Don’t Let Me Down”
Calvin Harris Featuring Rihanna, “This Is What You Came For”
Major Lazer Featuring Justin Bieber & MO, “Cold Water”
DJ Snake Featuring Justin Bieber, “Let Me Love You”

Top Christian Song:
Lauren Daigle, “Trust In You”
Hillary Scott & The Family, “Thy Will” — WINNER
Skillet, “Feel Invincible”
Ryan Stevenson Featuring GabeReal, “Eye Of The Storm”
Zach Williams, “Chain Breaker”

Top Gospel Song:
Jekalyn Carr, “You’re Bigger”
Tasha Cobbs, Featuring Kierra Sheard “Put A Praise On It”
Kirk Franklin, “Wanna Be Happy??”
Travis Greene, “Made A Way” — WINNER
Hezekiah Walker, “Better”

Your thoughts?