Sports Legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year old daughter Gianna Bryant and seven others died in a helicopter crash this past Sunday. Tributes for the Philadelphia born NBA legend poured in internationally including Italy, where he grew up, Australia, during the tennis matches there, and, of course, here in the greater Philly area. Bryant’s high school alma mater, Lower Merion High, has done several tributes. Bryant’s fellow Philly natives Holly Robinson Peete, Will Smith, Kevin Hart, Jill Scott, Meek Mill, Gary Dourdan, Nafessa Williams, The 76ers, The Eagles, The Phillies, Mayor Jim Kenney and Governor Tom Wolf also offered public condolences. Presidents Obama, Clinton and Trump have also offered tributes along with NBA Legends Julius “Dr. J” Erving, Ervin “Magic” Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Michael Jordan. Boyz II Men joined Alicia Keys to open this year’s Grammy’s with a special tribute performance of It’s So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday. Kobe’s parents, who live in Las Vegas, are devastated as is Kobe’s wife of nearly 20-years Vanessa and their three surviving daughters. Unfortunately, with the tributes comes the disrespect as well. Those who want to taint Bryant’s name don’t like all that positivity from the tributes and mourning. Please continue to keep the Bryant family and the families of the other victims of the crash in your prayers. At press time, plans for a public memorial are still underway.
Terry Crews and Gabrielle Union, is the current host of America’s Got Talent on the outs with the ex-judge? Crews recently was asked about Union’s dismissal from the show America’s Got Talent (AGT) and published reports say it has more to do with Union standing up to bigotry and sexism on the set. Crews was also asked about those allegations and he didn’t stand up for Gabrielle. He said he couldn’t speak to the sexism but racism was not his experience on the show. Crews also said the diversity on AGT was the best he’s ever seen in the business, and he loves Heidi Klum. Klum was take off the show and replaced by Union. Now Klum replaces Union. Crews also didn’t reach out to Union despite the fact she took up for him when he talked about his sexual assault experience. Careful Terry, are you remembering what happened to ex-hosts Nick Cannon and Tyra Banks? After receiving backlash for his comments involving Gabrielle Union, Crews said he only has one woman to please and that’s his wife. Crews has a daughter and momma, but hey he said what he said.
The Kansas City Chiefs and The San Francisco 49ers will be in the Superbowl, but we’ve got commercial scoop and a halftime truce…. maybe. First, I told you earlier about Jennifer Lopez and Shakira not getting along. But it appears at the end of the halftime show, the two camps have agreed to come together. Also, look for Miami native Pitbull to join the pregame festivities with DJ Khaled and Yolanda Adams. Demi Lovato will sing the national anthem. How about those commercials? Tracee Ellis Ross & Bryan Cranston will spoof The Shinning for Mountain Dew. MC Hammer will introduce Cheetos Popcorn. And, Missy Elliot and H.E.R. will team up for Pepsi. The Superbowl airs this Sunday on FOX.
Let’s talk Grammy wrap up. First, Diddy was honored at the Annual Clive Davis Party the night before. Diddy gave a 50 minute speech. He didn’t hold back saying the Grammys have never honored black music properly. Grammy ratings were down from 19 million to 16 million. I thought Alicia Keys did a great job, especially when she did the tribute with Boyz II Men for Kobe Bryant. Billie Eilish, the 18-year old phenom, took home six Grammys, including Best New Artist. Forever First Lady Michelle Obama won her first Grammy for the audio version of her million plus selling book Becoming. President Obama previously won Grammys for his books, so now both Forever First Spouses are Grammy winners. Charlie Wilson and Boyz II Men took to the stage with Tyler The Creator. Even though Auntie wasn’t down for Tyler’s rap portion, it’s always good to see Nate, Wanya, Shawn and Uncle Charlie. Lizzo opened the show, dressed and flute skills poppin’. She did very well and took home three Grammys.
Now for those asking what happened to the much hyped Prince tribute? Here’s the deal: Usher, FKA Twigs and Sheila E did a good job at The Grammys, but we’re thinking the rest of the planned performances got cut after the news about Kobe and making space for his tribute. But, there’s a separate TV special being put together now as a tribute to Prince. Earth Wind & Fire, Alicia Keys, John Legend, Morris Day & The Time, H.E.R., Usher, Gary Clark, Jr. and Mavis Staples will all perform at a tribute concert next week in Los Angles. It will air on CBS later this year as Let’s Go Crazy: The Grammy Salute To Prince.
Tyler Perry is on the cover of Ebony magazine’s Power 100 List. It’s the March 2020 issue and the 50-year old mogul’s cover story talks about the expansion of his independent studio.
The Clark Sisters TV bio pic will premiere Easter weekend. The made for TV movie will focus on the rise of the sisters from their beginnings in Detroit to gospel royalty. The Clark Sisters mother, Mattie Moss Clark, is played by Aunjanue Ellis (Undercover Brother) and the sisters will be played by Christina Bell (Twinkie), Kierra Sheard (Karen), Shelea Frazier (Dorinda), Raven Goodwin (Denise) and Angela Birchett (Jacky). And yes, Gospel Singer Kierra Sheard is playing her mom Karen Clark Sheard in the movie. The Clark Sisters: First Ladies Of Gospel is produced by Queen Latifah, Missy Elliot and May J. Blige and premieres Saturday, April 11th at 8pm on Lifetime.
The show Ambitions, with Robin Givens, Brian White, Steven Williams and Essence Atkins, has been cancelled. The prime time soap opera, which was produced by Will Packer, is not being renewed for a second season on OWN.The network released a statement they look forward to working with the Will Packer team in the future. Is OWN changing direction? Hmmmmm!
Oscar-winner Mo’Nique is returning to stand up after 10 years with the Showtime special Mo’Nique And Friends: Live From Atlanta. Featuring Donnell Rawlings, Prince T-Dub, Just Nesh, Tone-X and Correy Bell, Mo’Nique And Friends: Live From Atlanta debuts on Showtime Friday, February 7th.
Check out the new ABC legal drama called For Life. Aaron Wallace is a wrongly imprisoned man who becomes a lawyer. Wallace then uses his legal knowledge to represent others in the criminal justice system. All while trying to overturn his own conviction and sentence and reunite with his family. Nicholas Pinnock (Captain America: The First Avenger) plays Aaron Wallace and co-stars with Joy Bryant (Parenthood) and Mary Stuart Masterson (Fried Green Tomatoes). 50 Cent is one of the show’s producers with George Tillman, Jr. (Soul Food). For Life is slated to debut Tuesday, February 11th on ABC.
Speaking of 50 Cent projects, on Power we find out who shot Ghost on Sunday, February 9th on Starz! And, look for my interview on my WDASPatty IG page with Actor Joseph Sikora who plays Tommy Eagan on Power.
The Academy Awards will once again have no host and air on Sunday, February 9th at 8pm on ABC.
Essence magazine undergoes its new bi-monthly format. Instead of 12 times a year, it’s now six. The debut is the January/February issue with the incredible story of Kenyan-born refugee turned Supermodel Halima Aden.
Vanity Fair magazine’s cover has Renee Zellweger, Jennifer Lopez and Eddie Murphy are on the cover. That’s super awkward because Lopez and Murphy both got snubbed for Oscar.
Actress Zoe Kravitz is on the cover of Elle magazine.
Check out who’s coming to town:
Friday, February 14th – Boyz II Men’s Valentine’s Day Concert at the Met Philly, Broad & Poplar Streets. For tickets and information log onto ticketmaster.com
Saturday, February 15th –Valentine’s Day Concert starring Johnny Gill, Next, KeKe Wyatt and Stokley from Mint Condition at The Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto ticketmaster.com
Sunday, February 16th – Valentine’s Soul Jam starring The Stylistics, Enchantment, Bloodstone, The Intruders and Peaches & Herb at Ovation Hall at The Ocean Casino & Resort in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto ticketmaster.com
Friday, February 28th – Tiffany Haddish comedy show at The Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto theborgata.com
Saturday, March 7th– The Millennium Tour starring Omarion, Bow Wow, Ashanti, Pretty Ricky, Soulja Boy, Lloyd, Ying Yang Twins and Sammie at The Liacouras Center on the campus of Temple University on Broad Street between Montgomery and Cecil B. Moore Avenues. For tickets and information log onto liacourascenter.com.
Saturday, March 28th – Charlie Wilson in concert at The Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto theborgata.com
Saturday, April 4th –Martin Lawrence hosts The Lit AF 2020 Comedy Tour starring Michael Blackson, Donnell Rawlings, Benji Brownand more at The Liacouras Center on the campus of Temple University on Broad Street between Montgomery and Cecil B. Moore Avenues. For tickets and information log onto liacourascenter.com.
Saturday, April 18th – Marlon Wayans comedy show at The Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto theborgata.com
Saturday, May 16th – Sinbad comedy show at The Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto theborgata.com
Sunday, August 9th – Alicia Keys in ALICIA: The World Tour concert at the Met Philly, Broad & Poplar Streets. For tickets and information log onto themetphilly.com
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.