American Idol is coming back to ABC. Returning to the judges’ table are Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and, our favorite, Lionel Richie. At press time, ABC/Disney is hammering out a deal for Ryan Seacrest to return as host. My question is when we are going to see some stars? Remember, despite this being the third season on ABC, American Idol was on FOX previously beginning in 2002. We’ve seen many superstars come out of the Idol competition back in the day like Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Jordin Sparks, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Justin Guarini, Candice Glover and Jennifer Hudson. Even those who didn’t win the finale went on to great stardom. For the past few years even before getting on ABC, Idol hasn’t produced the superstars it used to. Will that change with the new season? The show is planning to go back to basics by visiting cities and auditioning talent.American Idol returns to ABC Spring 2020.
Where is Katt Williams? The embattled comedian/actor is being sought out for shows and work, but no one can seem to find him. Despite all the run-ins with the law, and at times the media, Williams continued making successful stand up appearances on the road. At press time Williams’ manager, close friends and associates have not been in touch with him for some time.
Is Wendy Williams looking to reunite with her estranged husband Kevin (Kelvin) Hunter? She recently wished him and his alleged mistress and their alleged love child well in an interview. Williams was also asked if she’s keeping Hunter on as her business manager only. Her answer was she’s trying to get through her divorce. Hmmmm! After all that’s taken place, can even a business relationship work? Will keeping Hunter in any part of her life, other than their son, be too risky? Williams is currently on the Wendy Williams & Friends: For The Record Umm Hmmm tour coming to the New Jersey Performing Arts Center August 17th. Her TV show is going on hiatus and making room for her frequent guest host Jerry O’Connell and his Jerry O Show beginning August 12th on FOX29.
We’re keeping Barbara Walters in prayer. The TV news icon is 89-years old and hasn’t been seen in public in three years. She’s bound to a wheelchair and has advanced dementia. There was a hope she could be Tamron Hall’s first guest on Tamron’s new ABC daytime talker. Tamron’s producing partner is Bill Geddie who created The View with Barbara Walters. Unfortunately, Walters isn’t well enough for a TV appearance. The Tamron Hall Show premieres Monday, September 9th on ABC.
Jussie Smollett is fighting back against the lawsuit from the City of Chicago whether he lied or not. Huh? Smollett has filed legal documents to get the case against him dismissed. The City sued Smollett after police determined that the gay/racial bias attack against him was a hoax. Although the former Empire actor was indicted on charges related to giving false statements to police, those charges were dropped. The City then sued for the cost of the police investigation. Smollett’s team says this is payback for the charges being dropped. Plus, the City hasn’t shown how his statements directly link to the cost of an investigation whether or not the statements are truthful. Smollett has already paid a price by being dismissed from his hit FOX drama Empire. This week, FOX Network CEO Charlie Collier confirmed what Lee Daniels stated months ago that there were no plans to bring Jussie back for Empire’s final season.
We remember Toni Morrison. The prolific writer passed away this week after a short illness. Morrison was called America’s conscience by Oprah Winfrey because Morrison’s works delved into America’s battles with slavery, Jim Crow laws and how systematic racism affects generations. The Pulitzer Prize winner’s works included Song Of Solomon, Beloved and The Bluest Eye. Morrison also worked on literary reviews, children’s books and writing for the opera. Toni Morrison was 88.
There will be no host for this year’s Emmys. The TV awards show airs on FOX this year. It appears they’re taking a note from The Academy Awards. The Oscars went with no host this year and actually turned out well timing wise and no big controversies. Stars are a little nervous about hosting these days. With the political and social landmines these days, they can be hit during monologues and sketches. A misstep can be devastating and get you chewed up on social media. The Emmy Awards air Sunday, September 22nd on FOX.
At the movies this week, it’s Brian Banks. Aldis Hodge (Underground; Straight Outta Compton), Greg Kinnear (As Good As It Gets; Nurse Betty) and Sherri Shepherd (The View; Ride Along 2; Beauty Shop) star in this drama/bio-pic based on an actual case.Brian Banks was a onetime football linebacker, now a former player, falsely accused of rape and served six years in prison and five years on parole. His family and friends eventually helped him clear his name and resume his pursuit of joining the NFL. This is a gripping story that not only speaks to Banks’ perseverance in proving his innocence, but also speaks to our justice system. Brian Banks opens in theaters this Friday.
Power returns to Starz, and is promising some major twists. Team Ghost and Team Tommy with amazing show promos, but the only hint being dropped is that things are not as they seem. Look for Mary J. Blige to join the cast. Power returns to Starz on Sunday, August 25th.
Serena Williams covers the new edition of Essence magazine. She’s talking all about the September debut of her fashion line S by Serena. Williams is also taking her stance socially as well on the topics of freedom and speaking up.
Ebony Magazine is celebrating its 75th anniversary. Among its special features, the 2018-2019 HBCU Campus Queens’ photo shoot in Pensacola.
Alicia Keys is on the cover of Harper’s Bazaar. She’ll be performing at magazine’s ICONS party with Christina Aguilera, The Weeknd and Kanye West on September 6th.
Missy Elliot is on the cover of the August edition of Marie Claire with the feature story The Legend Returns.
The Dell Music Center has announced its 2019 line up for the summer:
Thursday, August 15th: Guy featuring Teddy Riley/Tank/Avant
Saturday, August 17th: Jordan Feliz
Thursday, August 22nd: SWV/Faith Evans/Silk/Next
Thursday, August 29th: Keith Sweat/Johnny Gill/Stokley
Hip Hop’s Billionaire, Jay-Z, is presenting Made In America 2019 in Philly. Cardi B and Travis Scott are headlining. Also on the bill are Freddie Gibbs, Grace Carter, Kodak Black and Anderson.Paak. The festivities take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Labor Day Weekend: Saturday, August 31st through Sunday, September 1st. Tickets and information can be found at madeinamericafest.com.
Check out who’s coming to town:
This Saturday, August 10th – Together On Stage Starring Ja Rule/Ashanti/My’a at The Mann Center for The Performing Arts, 52nd and Parkside Avenue. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com.
Saturday, August 17th – Hammer’s House Party starring MC Hammer, Kid ‘n Play, Sir Mix-a-Lot, Biz Markie & DJ Koolat The Mann Center for The Performing Arts, 52nd and Parkside Avenue. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com.
Monday, September 2nd – Patty Jackson’s Annual Party In The Park starring Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Whodini and Big Daddy Kane at The Dell Music Center, 33rd and Ridge Avenue. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com or log onto mydelleast.com
Saturday, September 7th - The Royalty Tour starring Mary J. Blige & Nas at The Liacouras Center. For tickets and information log onto liacourascenter.com.
Saturday, September 14th - The Atlantic City Jazz Fest starring Boney James/Najee/Pieces Of A Dream/Norman Brown/Joe Bataan at the Mark Etess Arena in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto ticketmaster.com or acjazzfest.com
Saturday, September 28th – Snoop Dogg & Friends at the BB&T Pavilion in Camden, NJ. Log onto ticketmaster.com for tickets and information.
Thursday, December 12th– Sinbad in concert at The Parx Casino Xcite Center in Bensalem, PA City. Log onto tickets.parxcasino.com for tickets and information.
If you would like more info please email me at PattyJackson@iHeartMedia.com or check me out with my midday reports at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm during the day.