Michelle & Essence; Judge Jerry Springer? 9am Al?

Michelle Obama Essence cover 2018


The WDAS Holiday Jam is back and it’s happening at the newly restored Met Philly at Broad and Poplar. The WDAS Holiday Jam, Starring Uncle Charlie himself, Charlie Wilson and Stokley of Mint Condition, is happening Saturday, December 22nd. Tickets and information can be found on the wdasfm.com homepage.


Move over Judge Judy and make way for Judge Jerry
Springer that is. Jerry Springer, who just ended an incredible 27-year/4,000 episode run on daytime with the outrageous Jerry Springer show, is returning to TV. Yes, the man whose guests’ revelations led to fist fights, audience howls and even won him a place on MTV’s annual Springer Break is trying something new. Judge Judy has been at the top of the court shows for two decades, but now 74-year old Springer feels there’s room for him too. Springer even joked that 50 years after graduating he can finally use his law degree. Judge Jerry, which will see Springer presiding over small claims cases, is being developed by NBC for the fall of 2019.

 

Michelle Obama is on the cover of Essence’s December/January issue on November 23rd, and her Becoming is the hottest title in the book world. Obama has kicked off her speaking tour in her hometown of Chicago with Oprah Winfrey, and there’s a Mrs. Obama stop in Philly scheduled for the 29th. The Forever First Lady gets very candid in her new book. She speaks of how she and former President Barack Obama sought marriage counseling, their daughters being born through in vitro fertilization after struggles to have a family including a miscarriage, and the conversations to decide whether to run for the presidency. Mrs. Obama makes clear that her goal is to share this information and peel away at the idea of a perfect marriage or perfect life. She noted sharing everyday struggles prepares others and that’s a good thing. Our nation’s first African American First Lady also made note that now President Trump’s birther conspiracy movement against her husband, the unsuccessful attempt to prove POTUS Obama wasn’t born in the U.S., crossed the line for her. Because of the bigotry, potential dangers to the Obama family and the residual actions that followed Trump’s efforts, Mrs. Obama says she cannot forgive that of the current POTUS. The Forever First Lady, who also graces the covers of People and Elle magazines, confirms she’s not entering politics herself. Becoming, by Michelle Obama, is available now.


Are the next changes to the ever evolving Today Show involving daytime favorite Kathie Lee Gifford and the 10am hour? Since the exit of Megyn Kelly at the 9am hour, The Today Show anchors have taken over that slot on a week by week basis. Sources say Al Roker doesn’t want to take 9am back, and Craig Melvin may be the anchor of that hour. Meanwhile, all eyes are on the 10am hour. Sources say the time is coming to pull Hoda Kotb out of 10am, so she can solely take care of 7 to 9 with Savannah Guthrie. Meanwhile, Kathie Lee Gifford is always taking time off from the 10am hour. Are NBC honchos considering a total overhaul there? Today’s ratings have risen since the exit of Megyn Kelly, and NBC doesn’t want to stop the momentum.


Congratulations to Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union on the birth of their daughter!!! What?! Yes, the Wades have welcomed a daughter to their family of boys. They had their child via surrogate and kept it way under the radar. Like Michelle Obama, Union has been public with her family’s struggle to conceive. Now, the Wades are over the moon. Union says she doesn’t care if she stinks because she doesn’t have time to for a bath, she’s happy doting over her daughter. At press time, Dwyane Wade has taken a short leave from the Miami Heat to be with the couple’s newborn, but all the Wades are doing fine.


The legendary Comic Book/Movie/Television Icon Stan Lee has passed away. For almost eight decades, Lee has been a creative powerhouse in the world of comics and cartoons. His most productive years spent at Marvel Comics where he worked his way up to Publisher. Beginning in the early 1960’s, Lee created or co-created the publications most iconic pieces which today, now owned by Disney, still resonate. Black Panther, The Incredible Hulk, The Fantastic Four, The Avengers and, of course, The Amazing Spiderman are just a few members of Lee’s legacy. After stepping away and becoming Publisher Emeritus at Marvel, Lee became an international ambassador for the brand. He traveled the world, made dozens of cameos in the Marvel films and was a superstar of the traveling comic conventions. Stan Lee bids us his trademark farewell, Excelsior, at age 95!


Michael B. Jordan is appearing on the cover of G.Q. and, if he accepts her offer, Nicki Minaj’s bedroom as well. At this week’s People’s Choice Awards, Minaj, who was a multiple winner, thanked Donatella Versace for her custom-made outfit and Jordan who she said would be taking it off for her later that night. Jordan has all the Minaj fans awaiting his answer. Meanwhile, he reprises his role in Creed II, which Jordan filmed largely in Philly and co-stars Sylvester Stallone, opening Thanksgiving Day, November 22nd.


Speaking of Michael B. Jordan, that G.Q. magazine cover is a shared one for Man Of The Year, but it brought some controversy. Tennis Queen Serena Williams is one of several people sharing the cover, but the only woman. G.Q. wrote Woman Of The Year for her cover but put Woman in quotes. This caused Serena fans to feel some kind of way since Williams can’t escape being overly and unfairly scrutinized. The magazine later issued a statement that there was no insult intended, the designer uses quotations on his works and was only continuing a theme. That designer is Virgil Abloh who designed Williams U.S. Open apparel as well as for the G.Q. cover. No harm no foul.


Jill Scott broke the internet this week with an extra touch to a performance. Jilly From Philly was in concert and decided to add a little flair to her performance by simulating oral sex! Hmmmmmmm! The video went super viral and Scott’s name has been on everyone’s lips
..no pun intended (SMILE). The actress/singer/songwriter set the record straight and asked folks to relax.


Diana Ross and John Legend will headline this year’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.


At the movies this week, Viola Davis leads an all-star cast in the crime caper-thriller Widows. When the husbands of three wives are killed, the wives learn not only about their husbands’ criminal activities, but of the debt they owe to a high powered crime boss putting their lives in danger now.  Davis co-stars with Michelle Rodriguez, Colin Farrell, Robert Duvall, Daniel Kaluuya (Get Out), and Liam Neeson. The film is directed by Steve McQueen, the Oscar-winning producer of 12 Years A Slave. Widows is in theaters this Friday.


Erykah Badu and Faith Evans will be the big honorees at this year’s Soul Train Awards this Thanksgiving weekend. The Soul Train Awards will be hosted by Martin castmates and longtime friends Tichina Arnold and Tisha Campbell (she dropped the Martin from her last name since she and her hubby Duane Martin are divorcing). H.E.R. leads the nominees along with Beyonce, Major, Ella Mai, Ledisi, Bruno Mars, Childish Gambino and John Legend. The Soul Train Awards ‘18 air on BET on Sunday, November 25th at 8pm.


Check out who’s coming to town:


Tonight – Hall & Oates at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event for ticket information.


Friday, November 23rd – A Legendary Christmas starring John Legend at the Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. For more information log on to theborgata.com


Saturday, November 24th - The Irresponsible Tour starring Kevin Hart at the Wells Fargo Center. For tickets and information log onto wellsfargocenterphilly.com.


Thursday, November 29th - Michelle Obama-Becoming: An Intimate Conversation at the Wells Fargo Center. For tickets and information log onto wellsfargocenterphilly.com.


Friday, November 30th – Michael McDonald in concert at the Parx Casino in Bensalem. For Tickets and information log onto parxcasino.com/xcitecenter


Tuesday, December 4th – A Legendary Christmas starring John Legend at The Met Philly, Broad and Poplar. Log onto themetphilly.com/events for tickets and information.


Saturday, December 1st  â€“ Jeffrey Osborne at the SugarHouse Casino, 1001 North Delaware Avenue. Log onto sugarhouseentertainment.com for tickets and information.


Saturday, December 8th  â€“ Maxwell at the Tower Theater on 69th Street in Upper Darby. Log onto ticketmaster.com for tickets and information.


Saturday, December 22nd  â€“ The WDAS Holiday Jam starring Charlie Wilson and Stokley at The Met Philly, Broad and Poplar. Log onto the wdasfm.com homepage for tickets and information.


Monday, December 31st – The O’Jays & The Commodores at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event for ticket information.


Friday, February 8th – Herbie Hancock in concert at the Parx Casino in Bensalem. For Tickets and information log onto parxcasino.com/xcitecenter


Saturday, February 16th – Boyz II Men celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the album II at The Met Philly, Broad and Poplar. Log onto themetphilly.com/events for tickets and information.


Saturday, February 16th – Erykah Badu in concert at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto ticketmaster.com


Sunday, February 17th – Gladys Knight in concert at the Parx Casino in Bensalem. For tickets and information log onto parxcasino.com/xcitecenter


Saturday, March 16th – Comedian JB Smoove at the Parx Casino in Bensalem. For tickets and information log onto parxcasino.com/xcitecenter.


Saturday, March 30th – Mariah Carey in concert at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto ticketmaster.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.


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