R-E-S-P-E-C-T is the one thing the estate of Aretha Franklin says they did not receive from the makers of ‘Genius: Aretha,’ a miniseries designed to chronicle the diva’s historic rise to fame.

For that reason, they’re calling for a boycott of the National Geographic TV special.

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If the trailer is any indication, National Geographic is set to deliver a knockout biopic of Aretha Franklin with its forthcoming miniseries, ‘Genius: Aretha.’

Calling on GRAMMY, TONY, and EMMY-winning singer-actress Cynthia Erivo to transform into its titular character, the TV event – which premieres March 21 – will chronicle Franklin’s humble beginnings to her unprecedented rise to be crowned the ever-reigning Queen of Soul.

And while Erivo is lending her real singing voice to cover Aretha’s timeless hits, critics were particularly impressed with her spirited renditions of ‘Freeway of Love,’ ‘Jump to It,’ and ‘Chain of Fools.’  The latter is prominently placed in the latest trailer for the highly anticipated program.

Hear it inside:

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A year after National Geographic announced EMMY, TONY, & GRAMMY-award winning star Cynthia Erivo had been cast to portray Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin in the biographical miniseries ‘Genius,’ an extended first look has been lifted for the venture.

The four-night anthology designed to “explore Franklin’s musical genius, incomparable career, and the immeasurable impact and lasting influence she has had on music and culture around the world,” ‘Genius’ was originally set to launch last year as the first-ever authorized scripted production about the musical monarch since her August 2018 passing.

After the network announced a change of plans due to the global health crisis, its premiere was stalled.

Now with a new date in tow, look below to get a glimpse of how Erivo will fare in the royal role.

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Cicely Tyson, the pioneering Academy, EMMY, and TONY-award winning actress who helped break Hollywood’s color barriers on film and television over her nearly 70-year career, passed away Thursday (January 28) at 96-years-old – just two days after the release of her memoir, ‘Just As I Am.’

The report of her passing from her manager, Larry Thompson, did not include information about the cause of death.

Easily one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses during her lifetime, news of the screen Queen’s life transition only saw that celebration amplified as fans, admirers, industry insiders, and fellow entertainers took to social media in droves to remember the icon.

Relating to the latter, look below to see what the likes of Mary J. Blige, Kerry Washington, Tyler Perry, Beyoncé, Angela Bassett, Mariah Carey, Barack & Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, & more had to say:

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Whether penciled in history books for reasons good, bad, ugly, and/or everything in between, 2020 brought with it some of entertainment’s most memorable moments.

Now, as the year draws to a close, That Grape Juice is reflecting on our favorite moments that rocked – and to some degree maybe even reshaped – the Urban and Pop cultural landscape as we know it.

Next, we’ll look back at Mariah Carey’s mega milestones.

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‘Oh Santa!’ – originally released in 2010 and found aboard Mariah Carey‘s second holiday album ‘Merry Christmas II You’ – peaked at #100 on the Billboard Hot 100 in its prime.

Its revamp, which features fellow GRAMMY-winning songstresses Jennifer Hudson and Ariana Grande, came as the most highly touted portion of Carey’s top-rated Apple TV+ showing, “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special,” as it ultimately put to rest rumors of feuding between the Pop icon and Grande.

The star-studded holiday event quickly proved itself a hit for its streaming network, topping its viewership tallies in over 100 countries (as we reported here).  ‘Santa,’ on the other hand, seemed poised to deliver similar results at first, but – as the refreshed Hot 100 reveals – didn’t quite hit the mark.

Find out why inside:

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Though Mariah Carey‘s annual Christmas domination is to be expected, the legendary Pop icon always finds new ways to top the previous year’s wins – a feat underscored by the success of her latest festive offering ‘Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special.’

Unveiled December 4, the highly teased project featured the likes of GRAMMY winners Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, and Jermaine Dupri as well as appearances from Snoop Dogg, Tiffany Haddish, and more.

Their powers combined helped hoist the exclusive event to the top of the streamer’s viewership tallies around the world.

Details inside:

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Mariah Carey has done it again!

For, her holiday smash ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ has rocketed back to the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100.

Full story below…

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Mariah Carey‘s seasonal classic, ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You,’ has proven to be the gift that keeps on giving.

For, the song has now blasted into the Top 5 of the Global Spotify chart with some impressive numbers.

Full story below:

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With 2020 serving as a year like no other, Mariah Carey is energized her quest to spread festive cheer this holidays.

Indeed, as reported, the diva supreme will unwrap Apple TV+ special –  ‘Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas’ – on December 4 – and she’ll be appearing alongside the likes of Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, and many more.

To herald its imminent arrival, Mimi interviewed on the Graham Norton Show.

There, the legend spilled on what viewers can expect from ‘Magical Christmas,’ her love for the holidays, and much more.

Watch the fun-filled sit-down after the jump…

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Mariah Carey’s ‘All I Want For Christmas‘ is the gift that keeps on giving! For, the iconic holiday hit has re-entered the top 20 on Spotify’s Global Chart.

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Mariah Carey‘s status as the queen of Christmas is being re-cemented in a major way this year.

For, moments ago, Apple lifted the lid on her forthcoming holiday special and confirmed that the venture will include an accompanying soundtrack.

Perhaps most exciting is the confirmation that Carey will indeed be releasing new music with Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson. 

What are you waiting for? Unwrap the exciting details below…

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