As far as songwriters go, few can challenge the extensive, hit-filled resume of Diane Warren.

Having written songs for Cher, Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, Brandy, Monica, Aaliyah, Celine Dion, Toni Braxton, Aretha Franklin, and many other big names in music over her 40-year career, Warren is lauded by many as “the songwriter of songwriters.”

The crowning appears to be one the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (the organization that awards OSCARs) agrees with as she has been nominated for Best Original Song more than any other solo female songwriter in history.

Yet, in a continuation of her shocking but historic losing streak, the 66-year-old has lost in another competitive category.

(more…)

Before 2023, only three Black female artists could boast taking home an Academy Award for Best Original Song: Irene Cara (1984) and H.E.R. with Tiara Thomas (2021).

At the Academy Awards on Sunday night (March 12), the historic club was set to welcome Pop diva Rihanna and Nigerian superstar Tems as its newest entrants when an upset blocked the path.

Details inside.

(more…)

Rihanna may have polarized critics with that headlining performance at the 2023 Super Bowl’s halftime show, but her mesmerizing showing at the 95th annual Academy Awards just one month later undoubtedly left naysayers silenced.

Taking to the Dolby Theatre stage in Los Angeles on Sunday (March 12), the pregnant diva dropped jaws with a soaring live rendition of her latest hit, ‘Lift Me Up.’ 

The tune, famously found aboard the soundtrack of 2022’s ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,’ was also nominated for Best Original Song at the night’s festivities against the likes of Diane Warren, Lady Gaga, and others.

Accompanied by an orchestra and small choir, look inside to see the ‘Diamonds‘ hitmaker shine like only she can.

(more…)

After fans (affectionately called #LittleMonsters) were initially disappointed with reports Lady Gaga would not be performing at the 95th Academy Awards on Sunday night (March 12), the Pop diva surprised viewers with a stunning live offering of her ‘Top Gun’ hit ‘Hold My Hand.’

The fourth time she’s performed at the OSCARs over her illustrious career (following critically acclaimed numbers in 2015, 2016, and 2019), Sunday’s showing saw give new wings to the soaring, BloodPop-produced tune in what came as its first live televised performance.

Also up for the evening’s Best Original Song honor against the likes of Rihanna, Diane Warren, and others, look inside to see how Gaga fared with her delivery of a stripped ‘Hand.’

(more…)

‘The Little Mermaid’ starring Halle Bailey made an almighty splash tonight at the 95th Annual Academy Awards.

Because, during the broadcast, the first full-length trailer of the film swam onto screens amidst the Oscars excitement.

Easily one of the most anticipated movies of the year, Disney‘s revival of the classic tale hits theaters worldwide on May 26.

As widely reported, Bailey takes on the lead role of Ariel and she appears alongside Melissa McCarthy, Jonah Hauer-King, Javier Bardem, Daveed Diggs, Jacob Tremblay, and Awkwafina

What are you waiting for? Watch after the jump…

(more…)

30 years after landing her first Academy Award nomination for bringing the life story of Rock Queen Tina Turner to the big screen in ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It?,’ legendary film and television actress Angela Bassett was expected to finally capture her first OSCAR at the event’s 95th annual ceremony Sunday (March 12).

Much to the surprise of viewers at home, she went home empty-handed.

Details inside.

(more…)

The stars shine for entertainment’s biggest calendar night – the 95th Annual Grammy Awards! Live from Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre, join That Grape Juice‘s peek at the industry’s biggest names just moments after they arrive at the scene.

See and sound off on the Oscars fashion hits and misses below.

(more…)

Much like Vibranium, back-to-back success with a prized film franchise is a rarity. And while such a touchdown is a tall task, it’s one Ryan Coogler scored with ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’

The Marvel blockbuster bulldozed box office records upon its release last November and also made history by veering onto terrain critically that has long eluded superhero movies.

Indeed, Angela Bassett nabbed the studio’s first Oscar action nomination for her powerful portrayal of Queen Ramonda.

All of this was achieved while the cast and crew involved navigated the tragic loss of lead actor Chadwick Boseman.

That Grape Juice caught up with Coogler at the AAFCA Awards 2023, where he opened up about the season of success the film is enjoying, honoring Boseman, Bassett’s strides, and more.

Check out the director’s EXCLUSIVE interview with TGJ’s Shar Jossell above and be sure to let us know…

Your thoughts?

August Alsina has amassed a loyal fanbase by way of his catalog of contemporary R&B bops.

Still, that hasn’t stopped the crooner from showcasing his skills by belting tracks from others – namely Beyonce.

In fan-captured footage believed to be from the Fall Back in Love Comedy & Music Jam Tour that Alsina is currently part of, the New Orleans native delivered his own take on Queen Bey’s ‘Flaws & All.’

The showing has surfaced on the heels of the release of Alsina’s new album ‘Myself.’

Watch after the jump…

(more…)

Start your engines because season 15 of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ is here.

Toasting a major milestone, the latest installment of the Emmy Award-winning series once again sees the groundbreaking drag force lead the search for America’s Next Top Drag Superstar.

Like millions across the globe, we’re already glued to screens and loving the array of characters all vying for glory on the hit competition.

With episode 12 set to air on Friday, check out a sneak peek before it hits screens…

(more…)

It may be early in the year, but Kelly Rowland is already booked, busy, and has the holiday season in mind.

For, the multihyphenate force has reteamed with Lifetime for another installment of the festive film franchise ‘Merry Liddle Christmas.’

Full story below…

(more…)

For many, Kandi Burruss has long defined the “real” on the ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta.’

Indeed, the fan-favorite has amassed a seismic following with her candidness and authenticity.

And while she’s found ample favor with viewers, the multifaceted entrepreneur has come up against vitriol from some of her castmates of late.

Speaking with That Grape Juice at the 2023 Essence Black Women in Hollywood gala, the star revealed that in season 15 of RHOA “they coming for me! Even the new girl.”

This is on the heels of Kenya Moore exclusively sharing with us that the new chapter of the show is “fire” and amid the bitter divorce drama between Drew Sidora and her husband Ralph Pittman.

Kandi’s appearance on the hotly anticipated new installment of Housewives comes as she navigates even more chaos in the captivating Bravo series ‘SWV & Xscape: The Queens of R&B.’

Check out Kandi’s EXCLUSIVE interview with TGJ’s Shar Jossell above and be sure to let us know…

Your thoughts?