Award season is upon us and we couldn’t be more excited!

With the MTV VMAs behind us and the Emmys on the way (September 22), expect to see many of your favorite stars aligning on red carpets galore over the next few months to collect honors for their work from the past year.  One of 2019’s most highly anticipated award shows comes in the form of the ‘People’s Choice Awards,’ which – as its name implies – is handed out to honorees based on votes from the general public.

After 42 years of annual broadcast at CBS, 2018 marked the beginning of the ceremony’s airing from new network home E!.  Now, to continue the celebration of the show’s relocation, the 2019 class of nominees have been revealed and music stars Taylor Swift, Lizzo, Ariana Grande, Lil Nas X, and Ed Sheeran lead the pack with multiple nominations.

See more inside:

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Two days later and fans are still gushing over Normani‘s epic getdown at this year’s MTV VMAs (August 26).

Not only coming as her inaugural solo outing on the ceremony, the high octane showing also provided the debut televised performance of her official debut solo single, ‘Motivation.’  Bringing to life choreography found aboard its Dave Meyers-directed visual (which can be seen by clicking here), the official ‘Motivation’ clip boasts homage to a number of stage-blazers who have inspired Normani over the years including Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, and Britney Spears.

The latter, whose basketball court scene from her own debut music video – ‘Baby One More Time’ – can be seen referenced in the former Fifth Harmony darling’s video also served as inspiration for her staging at the 2019 MTV VMAs, as revealed in a recent interview.

Dishing with our friends at Entertainment Tonight recently, look inside to hear Normani reflect on the ‘blood, sweat, and tears’ that went into the planning of the performance and how she looked to Miss Spears’ catalog of epic VMA showings as a muse:

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Sin City’s been a blessing to the likes of some of music’s biggest divas including Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Anita Baker, Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, Britney Spears, and more.  But, as has been confirmed today, few are able to boast the returns Pop Queen Janet Jackson can.

The 53-year-old, whose career has certainly been on the upswing since her ceremonious return with 2015’s chart-topping ‘Unbreakable,’ has proven herself just that – unbreakable – when it comes to touring receipts.  Beyond commanding audiences as headliner at some of the world’s biggest festivals over the last three years, Jackson’s stomped across North America on 2015’s abruptly interrupted ‘Unbreakable’ tour (which garnered $15M in its short run) and the subsequent ‘State of the World’ tour (which garnered $44M from 2017-2019).

Later sending fans into a frenzy with the February 2019 announcement of her first Vegas residency, ‘Metamorphosis’ (as we reported here) at Park MGM’s Park Theater, the jaunt – which kicked off May 17th – ended just last week to the tune of $13M gross (click here to read more).  Much to the delight of her devoted followers, that impressive sum has placed her among the region’s hottest-selling acts of the decade.  Details inside:

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It’s been years overdue, but Missy Elliott will finally be receiving her dues. For, it’s been announced that she’s this year’s recipient of the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard honor at the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards.

Details below…

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‘There’s a vivacious woman inside my body that’s being set free,’ proclaimed Sam Smith in the behind the scenes peek at the creation of his latest music video, ‘How Do You Sleep.’

‘Sleep’ – a mid-tempo jam – certainly awakened conversation around the performer getting into the groove and showing off his best two-step in its accompanying music video (dance moves his previous efforts haven’t showcased to this extent).  With an impressive #29 debut on this week’s Billboard Hot 100, Smith is looking to keep the conversation going with hopes of scoring his next top 20 hit.

Under the supervision of famed choreographer Parri$ (famous for her work with Janet Jackson, Ciara, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, and more), look inside to see just how the magic of ‘Sleep’ came to be:

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KeKe Palmer‘s never one to rest on her laurels.

The multi-talented actress – who is not only prepping promo for her forthcoming film, ‘Hustlers’ (starring Jennifer Lopez) but also joining the new ‘Good Morning America’ spinoff as a daytime TV hostess – is still putting the finishing touches on her upcoming album, courtesy of eOne.

A new gem from the project, ‘Twerk N’ Flirt,’ comes a sultry banger just in time for summer.  Produced by Tasha Catour, Keke was joined by A-Lex and Alicia Renee to the track.

Already a favorite here at TGJ HQ, listen inside for Palmer’s latest:

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The last year has probably seen the phrase ‘Vegas residency’ ride atop headlines more than ever before.  After hitmakers Celine Dion, Britney Spears, Mariah Carey, and Jennifer Lopez broke ground in Sin City to prove it to be a lucrative move for artists in and beyond their primes, the likes of Janet Jackson, Anita Baker, Drake, Cardi B, Christina Aguilera, and many more have followed suit.

Now, with her newest Billboard #1 hit in tow, R&B veteran Monica has shared news she too would like to join the ranks of artists bringing their brigade of hits to the Strip.

Taking to our friends at BUILD last week, the 38-year-old spoke on an array of topics including her new R&B chart-topper, ‘Commitment,’ publicized divorce from basket baller Shannon Brown, running her own independent label, and more.  But, when quizzed on if she would ever consider doing Broadway (a la fellow R&B divas Toni Braxton, Michelle Williams, and ‘Boy is Mine’ co-star Brandy), Mo gave quite the surprising response.

Details inside:

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Taylor Swift is the highest-paid celebrity in the game according to Forbes!

Find out how she topped its Celebrity 100 list below…

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Welcome to another edition of The Stream Scene, the original TGJ feature designed to keep you in the loop with all things streaming.

Making moves online this week are three ladies whose looks, sounds and unique styles shaped contemporary black culture and Pop culture at large.

Hit the link below for updates on releases launched by Beyonce, Janet Jackson and Countess Vaughn.

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The K-Pop force BTS has topped the Pollstar Live 75 chart after earning north of $5 million from just six live shows.

Full story below…

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Ahead of a stunning performance of the cut on last night’s ‘SNL’ as seen here (May 18), DJ Khaled‘s ‘Jealous’ got the video treatment via an Eif Rivera-directed clip.

Famously sampling Diana King‘s signature 90’s hit, ‘Shy Guy,’ the tune – found aboard Khaled’s recently released, ‘Father of Asahd’ – features longtime collaborators Lil Wayne, Chris Brown, and Big Sean.  Its cinematic accompanying music video, which registers in at a whopping 8-minutes, sees a cameo from Khaled’s ‘Dinero’ co-star Jennifer Lopez and so many more.

Look inside to see the extended version of the visual:

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Months before making her film debut in the Jennifer Lopez-led stripper film, ‘Hustlers’ (click here to read more about that), burgeoning diva Lizzo will be making her televised awards show performance debut via the 2019 MTV Movie & TV Awards next month.

Having already rocked the house at the 30th annual GLAAD Media Awards earlier this year, the 31-year-old is certainly no stranger to award shows.  This time, however, her performance will hit television screens across the nation and sees her join a bill that features the likes of Martin Garrix, Macklemore, Patrick Stump, and more.

More inside:

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