Halle Berry has found a new man. The 51-year old is getting her cougar on with 35-year old British Music Producer “Alex Da Kid.” Berry set the internet on fire when she appeared to confirm their relationship by posting their picture together calling him her balance. The three times married Oscar winning actress decided not to give up on romance. Alex Da Kid, who was born Alexander Grant, has been producing for such top artists as Trey Songz, Imagine Dragons and Lil’ Wayne. Meanwhile, Berry hits the big screen this week in "Kingsman: The Golden Circle.
Bobby Brown blocks TV ONE. The network was prepared to present its tele-movie on the late Bobbi Kristina Brown, but there’s a snag. Because the law says the dead can’t be slandered or libeled, portraying the late Bobbi Kris and her late mom Whitney Houston wasn’t the problem, but portraying dad Bobby Brown is. Because he’s very much alive, he has taken his case to court claiming he authorized no such movie and has given no one permission to even start such a project. This same thing happened with the F/X series Bette And Joan about the making of What Ever Happened To Baby Jane and the feud between the movie’s stars Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Portraying them in any light wasn’t the problem since they’ve both passed. But, when the movie included Olivia de Havilland, the 101 –year old screen legend, who is still alive, well and living in France, filed a lawsuit against the producers and let her lawyers loose. That case is still pending. As for Bobby Brown, Bobbi Kristina’s estate has joined him in the lawsuit against TV One. The court halted TV One’s plans to air the movie and all parties are due in court September 29th.
Congrats to the Emmy winners. Sterling K. Brown took the Emmy for Best Actor for the breakout NBC drama This Is Us making history by becoming only the fourth African American to win after Andre Braugher, James Earl Jones and Bill Cosby. Donald Glover, a.k.a. Childish Gambino, made history with his F/X comedy Atlanta. Glover won Best Actor and became the first African American to win Best Director. Comedian/Actor Aziz Ansari and Lena Waithe won for Comedy Writing on Big Little Lies, and Waithe is the first African American woman to win in that category.
Janet Jackson….ROUND II!! The 51-year old is divorcing 42-year old Qatari Billionaire Businessman Wissam Al Mana despite welcoming their son Eissa in January. Now Janet is state side and resuming her tour and friendship with ex-boyfriend Jermaine Dupri. The two dated quite a while back in the day but broke up in the midst of his alleged other women and drama. Are they back together? Not exactly. The Control singer’s breakup with Wissam seems to have Tom Cruise-Katie Holmes type rules. It appears Janet has an agreed with Wissam not to embarrass him by walking away from him and their religion right to another man. Janet resumed her State Of The World tour, but can she handle this “quiet” breakup? And, how does her main confidant, big brother Randy Jackson, feel about all of this? Will he have to protect her from both Wissam and Jermaine Dupri?
Speaking of breaking up, Black-ish Executive Producer and Actor Lawrence Fishburne lost out on the Emmy and now his marriage. His wife, Actress Gina Torres, was spotted out and about with a mystery man reportedly identified as Utah Entrepreneur Kevin Wright. When the paparazzi decided to follow the pair from their lunch date, they were caught on camera in a most passionate kissing session. So what about Torres’ husband Fishburne? Torres confirmed the two actors have separated. Fishburne’s not commenting yet, and Torres’ statement made no mention of a divorce date. Fishburne and Torres have been married 15 years this month and have a teenage daughter form their marriage.
Jay-Z has turned down the Superbowl. The NFL has already snagged Justin Timberlake to return to the festivities. But instead of Timberlake’s wardrobe malfunctioning partner Janet Jackson, the NFL wanted his recording partner Jay-Z. The 48-year old rapper reportedly said no. Did he turn them down because the NFL forgives Justin but not Janet for the partial nudity that ended their halftime show back in 2004? No, apparently, Jay-Z offered support to blackballed Quarterback Colin Kaepernick. Kaepernick’s protesting police brutality during the national anthem has appeared to cost him his career, but Jay-Z recently publicly endorsed Kaepernick’s protest. Meanwhile, Jay-Z’s coming to the Wells Fargo Center Friday, December 1st.
These are not the best of days for my “nephew” Kevin Hart, but he’s gone to the law, apologized and is soldiering on. Hart got caught up in a cheating scandal and was videotaped in a compromising position. The 38-year old actor and comedian took to social media, called out people who are targeting him and apologized to his wife Eniko Parrish and his children. Hart reported to law enforcement that he was the victim of extortion and blackmail over the video. The F.B.I. is apparently close to an arrest, and his pregnant wife Eniko is standing by his side. The two are standing united and await the birth of their first child together.
Actor Idris Elba teams up with Oscar Winner Kate Winslet (“Titanic”) for the upcoming The Mountain Between Us. Elba plays a doctor and Winslet, a journalist. Circumstances have them both taking a private plane that crashes, killing the pilot (Beau Bridges) and leaving the doctor and journalist to battle the elements to get back to civilization. The Mountain Between Us opens Friday, October 6th.
We remember Athlete/Actor Bernie Casey. Casey was among the first to transition out of football and into acting. His acting career spanned more than 40-years debuting in 1969’s The Guns Of The Magnificent Seven. From there he appeared in Brian’s Song, Cornbread, Earl & Me, Revenge Of The Nerds, Spies Like Us, Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, and he joined his fellow Blaxploitation stars (Antonio Fargas, Jim Brown & Isaac Hayes) in Keenen Ivory Wayans hit spoof I Gonna Git You Sucka. Before acting, Casey spent 7 years in the NFL as a wide receiver for the San Francisco 49ners and The L.A. Rams. After a brief illness, Bernie Casey passed away at the age of 78.
Bruno Mars has shot his performance at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem for his upcoming TV special. The special will be a mix of performances and interviews. The 31-year old, five time Grammy winner has already released a picture of his performing on top of the legendary Apollo marquee. Bruno Mars: 24K Magic Live at the Apollo will air Wednesday, November 29th on CBS.
After six years, Larry David returns to HBO with JB Smoove for the 9th season of Curb Your Enthusiasm on Sunday October 1st.
Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam will celebrate its 25th anniversary with a return to television. In honor of the milestone, Netflix threw a huge red carpet party/reunion. Martin Lawrence, Box Office Queen Tiffany Haddish (Girls Trip), Mike Epps, Joe Torry, Steve Harvey, Cedric The Entertainer, Bill Bellamy and Kid Capri, just to name a few, were all in attendance. There was also a tribute to the late Bernie Mac. In the 1990’s, Def Comedy Jam had a five-year run on HBO, and made headlining stars out of Martin Lawrence, Bernie Mac, D.L. Hughley, Dave Chappelle, Tracy Morgan, Adelle Givens and Mo’Nique. Now, Def Comedy Jam is coming to Netflix. The anniversary show will feature Kevin Hart, Bill Bellamy, Sommore, Eddie Griffin and Tiffany Haddish. Russell Simmons, Stan Lathan and Jesse Collins will be producers. Def Comedy Jam 25 will begin streaming Tuesday September 26th on Netflix.
Jennifer Hudson makes her debut on NBC’ singing/reality/talent competition, The Voice, this month. Hudson, an Oscar winner from the movie Dreamgirls, joins the coaches’ table with Blake Shelton, Adam Levine and Miley Cyrus. The two-night season premiere begins Monday, September 25th at 8pm on NBC.
The cast of Lee Daniels Star keeps getting bigger. KeKe Palmer will join newcomers Evan Ross, Mike Epps and Luke James along with series regulars Queen Latifah and Benjamin Bratt for the second season of the musical drama. Star’s second season premieres airs Wednesday, September 27th starting at 9pm.
Nia Long is returning to TV this fall as a regular on NCIS after a successful guest starring stint on Empire earlier this year. Long will join the cast, headed by LL Cool J, as former Secret Service Agent Shay Mosley, the NCIS team’s new executive assistant director. Long is best known for her big screen work like Soul Food, Big Momma’s House, The Best Man and Love Jones, but she got her start on TV with Guiding Light, The Fresh Prince Of Bel Air, Moesha and ER. NCIS returns for its ninth season to CBS Sunday, October 1st.
At the movies, retired NFL Player Nnamdi Asomugha has now become Actor Nnamdi Asomugha. The former Eagle and 49ner is making his debut as performer and producer in Crown Heights. Following in the footsteps of his wife, Scandal Star Kerry Washington, Asomugha plays Carl “KC” King whose efforts to help free his childhood friend from jail takes near 20 years. The friend is Colin Warner, played by Lakeith Stansfield, and he’s wrongly convicted of a Brooklyn murder in 1982 and not released until 2001. This movie has been in the works for seven years, but Asomugha and his production company attaching to the project was the boost needed it.
Today Show and WDAS Alum Tamron Hall is getting her own shine. Hall left NBC and Today when her 9am Today Show hour was abruptly cancelled for newcomer Megyn Kelly from FOX News. Now Hall’s new show, that she co-created and will executive produce, will debut next year. Hall says this has been her happiest time as she celebrates 25-years in television.
Has American Idol blown through the piggy bank? The singing reality show was once TV’s champ when it went a record breaking eight years in a row as TV’s number one show on FOX. Now ABC has revived it. They signed Ryan Seacrest to return as host, and signed Singer Katy Perry to a $25 million deal as a judge. Now the show is having a hard time finding other judges. Why? Because they want big bucks like Katy got. Lionel Richie rejected the new Idol’s invitation, and so did Country Star Luke Bryan. ABC’s American Idol may need to be retooled or hit the shelf for a while at least until they figure out the economics.
Tamar Braxton wants to retire from music but not before putting out her latest album. Blue Bird Of Happiness is slated to be released September 29th and will be the 40-year old songstress’ farewell music project. Braxton posted on her social media that this is her best and last album. The singer is also going to join Monica supporting Xscape’s reunion on The Great Xscape Reunion Tour beginning in November.
Toni Braxton is also preparing her next album. It’s her first since her successful duet album with Babyface hit number one in 2013. They followed that up with a successful tour. Now, Braxton is back to her solo ways with Sex And Cigarettes, which is set to drop in early 2018.
Singer/Songwriter/Reality Star Kandi Burruss (Xscape) is on the cover of October’s Essence magazine.
Actress Zoe Kravitz, daughter of Lisa Bonet and Lenny Kravitz, is on the cover of Vogue.
Rihanna is on the cover of Elle, and the critics are raving over Rihanna’s new makeup line Fenty. This is a good time for Ri Ri. Next year, she’ll be a co-star of Ocean’s Eight, a female take on the Ocean’s Eleven movie franchise. Rihanna will also join the panel at Vogue’s first annual Forces Of Fashion Conference on October 11th in New York City.
Taraji P. Henson is on the cover of MarieClaire’s October issue, and she returns for the 4th season premiere in her Emmy nominated role as “Cookie Lyons” in Empire on Wednesday, September 27th starting at 8pm on FOX.
Emmy winning Filmmaker Ava DuVernay is on the cover of Time.
Tracee Ellis Ross is on the cover of W magazine and channels her mom, Diana Ross, in her full Diva legacy. Ross also pays tribute to her mom in the interview.
Ross also shares a cover with her Black-ish leading man, Anthony Anderson, on Ebony’s September issue, and Black-ish returns to ABC for its fourth season Tuesday, October 3rd at 9pm.
Actress Meghan Markle is the talk of Hollywood and England as she graces the cover of the latest issue of Vanity Fair. The 36-year old star of the USA series Suits discusses her acting career, her bi-racial background and declares that she and England’s favorite eligible bachelor Prince Harry, 33, are in love. Meghan Markle’s October cover of Vanity Fair hits stands this week.
The Philadelphia Music Alliance has just announced its Philadelphia Music Walk Of Fame Class of 2017 inductees. This year’s class members are Labelle (Patti LaBelle, Sarah Dash, and Nona Hendryx), Sister Sledge (Debbie, Joni, Kim and Kathy), Philly International Legends McFadden & Whitehead, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, The Soul Survivors, Chris Schwartz of Ruffhouse Records, WDAS alum and Radio Personality Bob Pantano and Jill Scott. The festivities will take place on Wednesday, October 4th. An outdoor induction ceremony and a gala at The Fillmore Philadelphia are all planned. Tickets and information can be found at PMAWALK.ORG. .
Check out who’s coming to town:
Tuesday, October 3rd - Michelle Obama is the keynote speaker for The Pennsylvania Conference of Women at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. For tickets and information log onto paconferenceforwomen.org.
Saturday, October 7th – The Spinners and Little Anthony & The Imperials in concert at The Keswick Theater in Glenside, Pa. and for more information log onto keswicktheatre.com
Sunday, October 8th – Incognito in concert at The Keswick Theater in Glenside, Pa. and for more information log onto keswicktheatre.com
Tuesday, October 10th – Bruno Mars in concert at The Wells Fargo Center. For tickets or for more information log onto wellsfargocenterphilly.com.
Friday, October 13th – Boney James in concert at The Keswick Theater in Glenside, Pa. and for more information log onto keswicktheatre.com
Saturday, October 28th – Tracy Morgan comedy show at The Tower Theater, Upper Darby, Pa. For tickets and information venue.thetowerphilly.com.
Friday, November 10th – Janet Jackson at The Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For tickets or for more information log onto boardwalkhall.box-officetickets.com.
Saturday, November 11th – Janet Jackson at The Sands Bethlehem Event Center. For tickets or for more information log onto sandsbethlehememovementseventcenter.ticketoffics.com
Saturday, November 11th – Gladys Knight at The Tropicana in Atlantic City. For tickets or for more information log onto Tropicana.net
Monday, November 13th – Janet Jackson at The Wells Fargo Center. For tickets or for more information log onto wellsfargocenterphilly.com.
Friday, December 1st – Sinbad comedy show at The Keswick Theater in Glenside, Pa. and for more information log onto keswicktheatre.com
Friday, December 1st – Jay-Z at The Wells Fargo Center. For tickets or for more information log onto wellsfargocenterphilly.com.
Sunday, December 17th – Damien Escobar in concert at The Keswick Theater in Glenside, Pa. and for more information log onto keswicktheatre.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.