BET is apologizing to R&b singer Usher after accidentally muting a portion of his Lifetime Achievement award acceptance speech during Sunday’s live BET Awards telecast.
“Celebrating global icon Usher on our stage with a star-studded tribute and having him accept his award with a heartfelt speech was an honor,” a BET spokesperson tells TVLine. “Due to an audio malfunction during the live telecast, portions of his speech were inadvertently muted. We extend our sincere apologies to Usher as we couldn’t be more grateful for his participation in Culture’s Biggest Night. Fans can catch his full uninterrupted...
“Celebrating global icon Usher on our stage with a star-studded tribute and having him accept his award with a heartfelt speech was an honor,” a BET spokesperson tells TVLine. “Due to an audio malfunction during the live telecast, portions of his speech were inadvertently muted. We extend our sincere apologies to Usher as we couldn’t be more grateful for his participation in Culture’s Biggest Night. Fans can catch his full uninterrupted...
- 7/1/2024
- by Matt Webb Mitovich and Nick Caruso
- TVLine.com
Usher received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 BET Awards on Sunday. He also won Best Male R&b/Pop Artist earlier in the night.
L.A. Reid and Babyface presented the award to Usher. “We couldn’t be more proud of the icon you’ve become, but more importantly the man you’ve become,” Babyface said.
People in the audience screamed, “we love you” as Usher took the stage. During Usher’s speech, where the audio continually cut out during the broadcast, he thanked those who performed his songs during...
L.A. Reid and Babyface presented the award to Usher. “We couldn’t be more proud of the icon you’ve become, but more importantly the man you’ve become,” Babyface said.
People in the audience screamed, “we love you” as Usher took the stage. During Usher’s speech, where the audio continually cut out during the broadcast, he thanked those who performed his songs during...
- 7/1/2024
- by Althea Legaspi
- Rollingstone.com
Usher was honored with the lifetime achievement award Sunday night at the 2024 BET Awards with an all-star tribute performance, followed by a speech heavy on self-reflection that emphasized forgiveness and fatherhood.
Legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis came onstage to present the tribute, which started with a video showing a montage of Usher’s career, which began in his early teens and included an energetic performance at the Super Bowl earlier this year. The video featured praise from the likes of Kevin Hart, Toni Braxton, L.A. Reid, Jermaine Dupri, Janelle Monáe and Jennifer Hudson.
Following the video, Childish Gambino — the alter ego of Donald Glover — kicked off a performance tribute with a slowed-down rendition of “U Don’t Have to Call.” Keke Palmer then joined him onstage as the song picked up the tempo. Palmer then segued into “You Make Me Wanna….”
Summer Walker followed Palmer, performing “Good Good,...
Legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis came onstage to present the tribute, which started with a video showing a montage of Usher’s career, which began in his early teens and included an energetic performance at the Super Bowl earlier this year. The video featured praise from the likes of Kevin Hart, Toni Braxton, L.A. Reid, Jermaine Dupri, Janelle Monáe and Jennifer Hudson.
Following the video, Childish Gambino — the alter ego of Donald Glover — kicked off a performance tribute with a slowed-down rendition of “U Don’t Have to Call.” Keke Palmer then joined him onstage as the song picked up the tempo. Palmer then segued into “You Make Me Wanna….”
Summer Walker followed Palmer, performing “Good Good,...
- 7/1/2024
- by Kimberly Nordyke
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Amid a blizzard of legal trouble, a new in-depth report has raised troubling claims of historical abuse against Sean “Diddy” Combs, and allegations from former friends, Bad Boy Records employees and artists claiming the scandal-plagued music mogul was a violent figure behind the scenes.
Rolling Stone published a bombshell report on Combs on Tuesday night, with the magazine claiming it spoke to more than 50 people in his social and professional orbit, covering his time in the music industry and stretching back to his college days. The report, six months in the making, details that Combs has an alleged history of using violence and intimidation, particularly toward women, and provides graphic descriptions about a series of harrowing incidents.
Several sources told Rolling Stone that Combs showed flashes of violent and controlling behavior during his time at Howard University. In one incident described by some of Combs’ college contemporaries, a “belligerent” Combs...
Rolling Stone published a bombshell report on Combs on Tuesday night, with the magazine claiming it spoke to more than 50 people in his social and professional orbit, covering his time in the music industry and stretching back to his college days. The report, six months in the making, details that Combs has an alleged history of using violence and intimidation, particularly toward women, and provides graphic descriptions about a series of harrowing incidents.
Several sources told Rolling Stone that Combs showed flashes of violent and controlling behavior during his time at Howard University. In one incident described by some of Combs’ college contemporaries, a “belligerent” Combs...
- 5/29/2024
- by Abid Rahman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
An industry activist has launched a new initiative calling for major stakeholders to adopt or expand policies to combat sexual abuse in the workplace and in the recording studio, a move that follows a wave of sexual misconduct allegations against high profile artists and executives late last year.
Songwriter-advocate Tiffany Red and her organization the 100 Percenters first announced the Safe Music Business initiative in January, and she officially launched the program last week. With the initiative, Red is looking for the industry at large to sign the Safe Music Business Pledge,...
Songwriter-advocate Tiffany Red and her organization the 100 Percenters first announced the Safe Music Business initiative in January, and she officially launched the program last week. With the initiative, Red is looking for the industry at large to sign the Safe Music Business Pledge,...
- 5/4/2024
- by Ethan Millman
- Rollingstone.com
Michael Jackson‘s “Billie Jean” deeply impressed an important R&b musician. He said that the track could have been transformed into 12 different hit songs if Jackson had divided it up in a certain way. The R&b icon discussed how he tries to find songs similar to “Billie Jean” every day.
An R&b maetro explained why ‘Billie Jean’ is Michael Jackson’s masterpiece
Antonio “L.A.” Reid is a major pop/R&b producer. He has worked with stars like Boys II Men, Whitney Houston, and Toni Braxton. In a 2011 essay he wrote for Rolling Stone, he said the King of Pop was the best entertainer of all time, comparing him to the likes of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and The Beatles. Reid recalled seeing The Jackson 5 at a state fair when he was young. Reid recalled Jackson’s voice resonating throughout the fairground.
“‘Billie Jean’ is the most important record he made,...
An R&b maetro explained why ‘Billie Jean’ is Michael Jackson’s masterpiece
Antonio “L.A.” Reid is a major pop/R&b producer. He has worked with stars like Boys II Men, Whitney Houston, and Toni Braxton. In a 2011 essay he wrote for Rolling Stone, he said the King of Pop was the best entertainer of all time, comparing him to the likes of Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and The Beatles. Reid recalled seeing The Jackson 5 at a state fair when he was young. Reid recalled Jackson’s voice resonating throughout the fairground.
“‘Billie Jean’ is the most important record he made,...
- 4/26/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
In summer 2012, singer Jeff Gutt walked onto The X Factor audition stage and stunned judges Britney Spears, Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato, and L.A. Reid with a remarkable rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” that brought the entire audience to their feet. And in a scene straight out of a movie, a loud thunderclap from a nearby storm echoed throughout the theater as he soaked in the adulation. “I’ve heard that song a lot,” said Cowell. “I’ve sat in this chair a long time. It was one of the...
- 4/3/2024
- by Andy Greene
- Rollingstone.com
Jay-Z wasn’t too impressed with Rihanna after one of her songs failed. A dance track changed everything for Rihanna. One of her songwriters decided to give her a Madonna-inspired musical makeover and it paid off big time. It also changed the trajectory of Rihanna’s life.
1 Rihanna song stopped Jay-Z from dropping her from his label
During a 2020 interview with Vulture, songwriter Evan Rogers recalled the state of Rihanna’s career following the failure of her single “If It’s Lovin’ That You Want.” “I remember we had a meeting with Jay-Z at his Four Seasons hotel suite out in Beverly Hills,” Rogers said. “He called us because Rihanna had been acting up a little bit. He brought her back down to earth and pointed out this could all be over in a minute. She teared up; it was some real tough love.
“We were sitting in a...
1 Rihanna song stopped Jay-Z from dropping her from his label
During a 2020 interview with Vulture, songwriter Evan Rogers recalled the state of Rihanna’s career following the failure of her single “If It’s Lovin’ That You Want.” “I remember we had a meeting with Jay-Z at his Four Seasons hotel suite out in Beverly Hills,” Rogers said. “He called us because Rihanna had been acting up a little bit. He brought her back down to earth and pointed out this could all be over in a minute. She teared up; it was some real tough love.
“We were sitting in a...
- 3/15/2024
- by Matthew Trzcinski
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
A New York lawsuit accusing Steven Tyler of sexually assaulting a model in the Seventies was dismissed on Wednesday, according to court documents reviewed by Rolling Stone.
Judge Lewis Kaplan ruled that plaintiff Jeanne Bellino’s case failed to meet the criteria for New York’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act because Bellino didn’t allege that Tyler had presented “a serious risk of physical injury” to her.
“We agree with the judge’s reasoning, and are grateful for this result on behalf of our client,” Tyler’s lawyer,...
Judge Lewis Kaplan ruled that plaintiff Jeanne Bellino’s case failed to meet the criteria for New York’s Victims of Gender-Motivated Violence Protection Act because Bellino didn’t allege that Tyler had presented “a serious risk of physical injury” to her.
“We agree with the judge’s reasoning, and are grateful for this result on behalf of our client,” Tyler’s lawyer,...
- 2/22/2024
- by Ethan Millman
- Rollingstone.com
The Jane Doe who filed a sexual abuse lawsuit against record executive Jimmy Iovine last year dropped her case last week, according to court documents obtained by Rolling Stone. The plaintiff’s attorney Doug Wigdor filed a notice of discontinuance with prejudice on Feb. 15, permanently dropping the suit.
In a statement to Rolling Stone, Wigdor said “the matter was resolved to the satisfaction of the parties.”
The Jane Doe plaintiff originally filed a summons and notice against Iovine through New York’s Adult Survivor’s Act, which allowed survivors of...
In a statement to Rolling Stone, Wigdor said “the matter was resolved to the satisfaction of the parties.”
The Jane Doe plaintiff originally filed a summons and notice against Iovine through New York’s Adult Survivor’s Act, which allowed survivors of...
- 2/21/2024
- by Ethan Millman
- Rollingstone.com
An unidentified woman who sued Jimmy Iovine for sexual assault and battery has dropped her lawsuit against the Interscope Records cofounder.
A lawyer representing the accuser notified the court on Thursday that the case is “discontinued in its entirety with prejudice,” meaning it cannot be refiled. It is unknown if a settlement was reached.
In a statement, Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer for the woman, said “the matter was resolved to the satisfaction of the parties.”
Iovine did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In November, an unnamed woman sued Iovine for assault, battery and violations of the state’s gender-motivated violence and human rights laws. She alleged she was “sexually abused, forcibly touched, and subjected to sexual harassment and retaliation” by the music mogul in August 2007 while she was contracted with Interscope, according to court filings.
Only the summons was brought. Lawyers for the accuser said a complaint would be filed,...
A lawyer representing the accuser notified the court on Thursday that the case is “discontinued in its entirety with prejudice,” meaning it cannot be refiled. It is unknown if a settlement was reached.
In a statement, Douglas Wigdor, a lawyer for the woman, said “the matter was resolved to the satisfaction of the parties.”
Iovine did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In November, an unnamed woman sued Iovine for assault, battery and violations of the state’s gender-motivated violence and human rights laws. She alleged she was “sexually abused, forcibly touched, and subjected to sexual harassment and retaliation” by the music mogul in August 2007 while she was contracted with Interscope, according to court filings.
Only the summons was brought. Lawyers for the accuser said a complaint would be filed,...
- 2/20/2024
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
A former Def Jam executive has sued Russell Simmons for sexual harassment and battery, claiming the embattled label founder pulled a “wrestling move” to pin her to the bed in his New York apartment and raped her in the 1990s, according to court documents obtained by Rolling Stone.
The Jane Doe filed suit in New York federal court on Tuesday and is now among 20 women to accuse Simmons of sexual assault or harassment, according to the suit. Doe claims she joined the record label as a senior-level music executive in...
The Jane Doe filed suit in New York federal court on Tuesday and is now among 20 women to accuse Simmons of sexual assault or harassment, according to the suit. Doe claims she joined the record label as a senior-level music executive in...
- 2/13/2024
- by Cheyenne Roundtree and Ethan Millman
- Rollingstone.com
While preparing for his Super Bowl halftime performance, Usher achieved another goal: He finished recording his ninth album. Coming Home was released on Friday, two days before he celebrates his 30-year career at the big game.
“Life couldn’t be in a better situation for me right now,” he tells The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s going pretty great.”
The album is a 20-track R&b adventure and features collaborations with Latto, Burna Boy, The-Dream and Pheelz, who appears on the current single “Ruin.” Previously released songs include BTS’ Jungkook, 21 Savage, Summer Walker and H.E.R.
Coming Home is Usher’s first independent project, released through his new label Mega with famed music executive L.A. Reid.
Ahead of his Super Bowl performance, the singer talked to THR about his new album, how he reworked Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl” to create a new track, the advice that the King of Pop gave him and more.
“Life couldn’t be in a better situation for me right now,” he tells The Hollywood Reporter. “It’s going pretty great.”
The album is a 20-track R&b adventure and features collaborations with Latto, Burna Boy, The-Dream and Pheelz, who appears on the current single “Ruin.” Previously released songs include BTS’ Jungkook, 21 Savage, Summer Walker and H.E.R.
Coming Home is Usher’s first independent project, released through his new label Mega with famed music executive L.A. Reid.
Ahead of his Super Bowl performance, the singer talked to THR about his new album, how he reworked Billy Joel’s “Uptown Girl” to create a new track, the advice that the King of Pop gave him and more.
- 2/9/2024
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Paula Abdul is suing American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, along with the series’ production companies, alleging that Lythgoe sexually assaulted her during her tenure judging the shows.
According to the lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles Friday and has been reviewed by our sister site Rolling Stone, Abdul is accusing Lythgoe of sexually assaulting her during an early season of American Idol, and again in 2014 while she was judging So You Think You Can Dance.
More from TVLineNigel Lythgoe: Paula Abdul's Sexual Assault Claims Are 'False' and 'Deeply Offensive'American Idol Meets...
According to the lawsuit, which was filed in Los Angeles Friday and has been reviewed by our sister site Rolling Stone, Abdul is accusing Lythgoe of sexually assaulting her during an early season of American Idol, and again in 2014 while she was judging So You Think You Can Dance.
More from TVLineNigel Lythgoe: Paula Abdul's Sexual Assault Claims Are 'False' and 'Deeply Offensive'American Idol Meets...
- 12/30/2023
- by Claire Franken
- TVLine.com
A woman has accused Jermaine Jackson, a founding member of the Jackson 5 and Michael Jackson’s older brother, of sexually assaulting her in 1988, according to a new lawsuit obtained by Rolling Stone.
In the brief suit, filed in Los Angeles on Wednesday, the plaintiff Rita Barrett alleges that Jackson assaulted her in her home over three decades ago after showing up to her house unannounced. Barrett claims in the suit that she met Jackson through her work as a music contractor, as well as through Motown Records founder Berry Gordy,...
In the brief suit, filed in Los Angeles on Wednesday, the plaintiff Rita Barrett alleges that Jackson assaulted her in her home over three decades ago after showing up to her house unannounced. Barrett claims in the suit that she met Jackson through her work as a music contractor, as well as through Motown Records founder Berry Gordy,...
- 12/28/2023
- by Ethan Millman
- Rollingstone.com
Another sexual assault lawsuit has been filed against Sean “Diddy” Combs, this time by a woman who alleges she was “sex trafficked and gang raped” by the music mogul when she was 17 years old, in 2003.
The complaint, filed in New York federal court on Wednesday, marks the fourth suit filed against Combs in the past three weeks, during which he resigned as chairman of hip-hop TV network Revolt. It also names Harve Pierre, former president of Bad Boy Entertainment, and alleges a third unnamed assailant.
In a statement, Combs denied the allegations and said: “I did not do any of the awful things being alleged.
“For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy,” the mogul’s statement said. “Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday.”
According to the complaint,...
The complaint, filed in New York federal court on Wednesday, marks the fourth suit filed against Combs in the past three weeks, during which he resigned as chairman of hip-hop TV network Revolt. It also names Harve Pierre, former president of Bad Boy Entertainment, and alleges a third unnamed assailant.
In a statement, Combs denied the allegations and said: “I did not do any of the awful things being alleged.
“For the last couple of weeks, I have sat silently and watched people try to assassinate my character, destroy my reputation and my legacy,” the mogul’s statement said. “Sickening allegations have been made against me by individuals looking for a quick payday.”
According to the complaint,...
- 12/6/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Give it to ‘em, they’re “Worth It”!
The massively successful girl group known as Fifth Harmony exploded onto the scene following their formation on The X Factor USA in 2012.
The group went on to release three studio albums – Reflection, 7/27 and their self-titled final album, as well as supporting several A-list musicians and embarking on their own headlining tours.
They lit up the charts with hits like “Sledgehammer, “Worth It,” “Work From Home,” “All In My Head (Flex)” and “Down” before going their separate ways, with each of them embarking on solo music endeavors.
We’ve rounded up every member of Fifth Harmony, and ranked them according to their estimated net worth.
Scroll through to find out who is the richest member of Fifth Harmony…
(Tie) 3. Dinah Jane
Estimated net worth: $3 million
Dinah Jane went on to sign as a solo artist under L.A. Reid, releasing her song “Bottled Up...
The massively successful girl group known as Fifth Harmony exploded onto the scene following their formation on The X Factor USA in 2012.
The group went on to release three studio albums – Reflection, 7/27 and their self-titled final album, as well as supporting several A-list musicians and embarking on their own headlining tours.
They lit up the charts with hits like “Sledgehammer, “Worth It,” “Work From Home,” “All In My Head (Flex)” and “Down” before going their separate ways, with each of them embarking on solo music endeavors.
We’ve rounded up every member of Fifth Harmony, and ranked them according to their estimated net worth.
Scroll through to find out who is the richest member of Fifth Harmony…
(Tie) 3. Dinah Jane
Estimated net worth: $3 million
Dinah Jane went on to sign as a solo artist under L.A. Reid, releasing her song “Bottled Up...
- 12/4/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Sean “Diddy” Combs has resigned as chairman of hip-hop TV network Revolt, the company said Tuesday, as he faces multiple sexual assault and battery accusations dating back to the early 1990s.
Revolt said that Combs has stepped down to ensure that the network “remains steadfastly focused on our mission to create meaningful content for the culture and amplify the voices of all Black people,” according to a company statement posted on Instagram.
“Our focus has always been one that reflects our commitment to the collective journey of Revolt — one that is not driven by an individual, but by the shared efforts and values of our entire team on behalf of advancing, elevating and championing our culture — and that continues,” said the statement, which noted that Combs didn’t have an operational or day-to-day role in the business.
On Thursday, two women sued Combs for sexual assault under New York’s Adult Survivors Act,...
Revolt said that Combs has stepped down to ensure that the network “remains steadfastly focused on our mission to create meaningful content for the culture and amplify the voices of all Black people,” according to a company statement posted on Instagram.
“Our focus has always been one that reflects our commitment to the collective journey of Revolt — one that is not driven by an individual, but by the shared efforts and values of our entire team on behalf of advancing, elevating and championing our culture — and that continues,” said the statement, which noted that Combs didn’t have an operational or day-to-day role in the business.
On Thursday, two women sued Combs for sexual assault under New York’s Adult Survivors Act,...
- 11/28/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Jamie Foxx, Axl Rose, Cuba Gooding Jr. Sued in Wave of Sexual Assault Lawsuits Ahead of Key Deadline
A series of high-profile figures in Hollywood are being sued ahead of a deadline to file lawsuits under a New York law that suspended time constraints on claims involving allegations of sexual misconduct for one year.
At the top of the list of defendants who are expected to be sued or were named in complaints filed Wednesday and Thursday in New York’s state Supreme Court: Sean “Diddy” Combs, Axl Rose, Cuba Gooding Jr., Jamie Foxx and Jimmy Iovine. On Tuesday, Bill Cosby was also sued in another suit from a woman claiming the actor drugged and sexually assaulted her in the 1980s.
Plaintiffs, who typically would’ve been constrained from suing under the statute of limitations, have been taking advantage of New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which revived the window to bring sexual misconduct claims for one year. It closes at midnight Thursday. This month, suits were filed against Combs,...
At the top of the list of defendants who are expected to be sued or were named in complaints filed Wednesday and Thursday in New York’s state Supreme Court: Sean “Diddy” Combs, Axl Rose, Cuba Gooding Jr., Jamie Foxx and Jimmy Iovine. On Tuesday, Bill Cosby was also sued in another suit from a woman claiming the actor drugged and sexually assaulted her in the 1980s.
Plaintiffs, who typically would’ve been constrained from suing under the statute of limitations, have been taking advantage of New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which revived the window to bring sexual misconduct claims for one year. It closes at midnight Thursday. This month, suits were filed against Combs,...
- 11/24/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If it seems like the music industry is facing a moment of reckoning — this month, lawsuits were filed against Sean “Diddy” Combs, music mogul L.A. Reid and ex-Grammys CEO Neil Portnow — it might be, but it’s likely that these cases are making headlines all at once because a New York law that suspends time constraints on claims involving alleged sex offenses is about to expire.
All three of those high-profile cases were filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which opened a one-year lookback period during which civil claims that would have otherwise been barred by the statute of limitations could be filed.
The window opened on Nov. 24, 2022 — E. Jean Carroll’s defamation suit against former President Donald Trump was amended almost immediately to include a sexual abuse claim — and it closes at midnight on Thursday.
Gibson Dunn litigator Brian Ascher previously told The Hollywood Reporter that courts...
All three of those high-profile cases were filed under New York’s Adult Survivors Act, which opened a one-year lookback period during which civil claims that would have otherwise been barred by the statute of limitations could be filed.
The window opened on Nov. 24, 2022 — E. Jean Carroll’s defamation suit against former President Donald Trump was amended almost immediately to include a sexual abuse claim — and it closes at midnight on Thursday.
Gibson Dunn litigator Brian Ascher previously told The Hollywood Reporter that courts...
- 11/22/2023
- by Ashley Cullins
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Grammy-winning music executive L.A. Reid has been sued by a former employee who claims that he sexually assaulted her and then derailed her career.
The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Wednesday by Drew Dixon, who worked for Reid during his time as chief executive of Arista Records where she alleges Reid sexually assaulted her twice in 2001.
She then left Arista a year later and believes that her rise in the music business was cut short by Reid’s intervention.
“This litigation is not only about the horrific physical assaults that Ms. Dixon had to endure but it is also about the irreparable damage done to the rare and blossoming career of an extraordinary talent,” the lawsuit statement read.
Dixon sued under the New York state’s Adult Survivor’s Act, which passed last year.
The act allows victims of sexual abuse a one-year window to sue even if...
The lawsuit was filed in federal court on Wednesday by Drew Dixon, who worked for Reid during his time as chief executive of Arista Records where she alleges Reid sexually assaulted her twice in 2001.
She then left Arista a year later and believes that her rise in the music business was cut short by Reid’s intervention.
“This litigation is not only about the horrific physical assaults that Ms. Dixon had to endure but it is also about the irreparable damage done to the rare and blossoming career of an extraordinary talent,” the lawsuit statement read.
Dixon sued under the New York state’s Adult Survivor’s Act, which passed last year.
The act allows victims of sexual abuse a one-year window to sue even if...
- 11/9/2023
- by Zach Ament
- Uinterview
Antonio “L.A.” Reid — a Grammy-winning music executive known for helping launch the careers of Usher, OutKast and Pink — has been sued by a former Arista Records executive who claims she was sexually assaulted and retaliated against by Reid, who allegedly obstructed her career after she rebuffed further advances.
In a lawsuit filed in New York federal court on Wednesday, Drew Dixon accuses Reid, who she worked under starting in the early 2000s, of assaulting her on two occasions. After she rejected other overtures, she alleges Reid responded by “punishing the artists” she had “already signed or by blocking the artists she attempted to sign,” including Kanye West and John Legend.
The case follows accusations from Dixon made in 2017 that Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, raped her and that Reid harassed her, forcing her out of the music industry. (Simmons denied the claim.) The same year, Reid exited...
In a lawsuit filed in New York federal court on Wednesday, Drew Dixon accuses Reid, who she worked under starting in the early 2000s, of assaulting her on two occasions. After she rejected other overtures, she alleges Reid responded by “punishing the artists” she had “already signed or by blocking the artists she attempted to sign,” including Kanye West and John Legend.
The case follows accusations from Dixon made in 2017 that Russell Simmons, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, raped her and that Reid harassed her, forcing her out of the music industry. (Simmons denied the claim.) The same year, Reid exited...
- 11/9/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Give it to ‘em, they’re “Worth It”!
The massively successful girl group known as Fifth Harmony exploded onto the scene following their formation on The X Factor USA in 2012.
The group went on to release three studio albums – Reflection, 7/27 and their self-titled final album, as well as supporting several A-list musicians and embarking on their own headlining tours.
They lit up the charts with hits like “Sledgehammer, “Worth It,” “Work From Home,” “All In My Head (Flex)” and “Down” before going their separate ways, with each of them embarking on solo music endeavors.
We’ve rounded up every member of Fifth Harmony, and ranked them according to their estimated net worth.
Scroll through to find out who is the richest member of Fifth Harmony…
(Tie) 3. Dinah Jane
Estimated net worth: $3 million
Dinah Jane went on to sign as a solo artist under L.A. Reid, releasing her song “Bottled Up...
The massively successful girl group known as Fifth Harmony exploded onto the scene following their formation on The X Factor USA in 2012.
The group went on to release three studio albums – Reflection, 7/27 and their self-titled final album, as well as supporting several A-list musicians and embarking on their own headlining tours.
They lit up the charts with hits like “Sledgehammer, “Worth It,” “Work From Home,” “All In My Head (Flex)” and “Down” before going their separate ways, with each of them embarking on solo music endeavors.
We’ve rounded up every member of Fifth Harmony, and ranked them according to their estimated net worth.
Scroll through to find out who is the richest member of Fifth Harmony…
(Tie) 3. Dinah Jane
Estimated net worth: $3 million
Dinah Jane went on to sign as a solo artist under L.A. Reid, releasing her song “Bottled Up...
- 11/9/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
Music mogul L.A. Reid has been accused of sexual assault and retaliatory behavior by a former executive who worked with him at Arista.
The 67-year-old Grammy winning producer and executive was sued by Drew Dixon on Wednesday (November 8) in New York City.
She alleges that L.A. retaliated after she rebuffed two instances of assault before she left the company in 2002. She shared additional details in an interview and within court documents.
Keep reading to find out more…
Drew‘s lawsuit is possible as a result of the Adult Survivors Act, which allows victims over the age of 18 at the time of their assault to pursue legal action.
Speaking to the New York Times, Drew explained that she was taking steps to “seek some degree of accountability.”
In court documents, she explained that retaliation from L.A. included “embarrassing her in front of others or otherwise being curt and unprofessional.
The 67-year-old Grammy winning producer and executive was sued by Drew Dixon on Wednesday (November 8) in New York City.
She alleges that L.A. retaliated after she rebuffed two instances of assault before she left the company in 2002. She shared additional details in an interview and within court documents.
Keep reading to find out more…
Drew‘s lawsuit is possible as a result of the Adult Survivors Act, which allows victims over the age of 18 at the time of their assault to pursue legal action.
Speaking to the New York Times, Drew explained that she was taking steps to “seek some degree of accountability.”
In court documents, she explained that retaliation from L.A. included “embarrassing her in front of others or otherwise being curt and unprofessional.
- 11/9/2023
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared
L.A. Reid, who helped develop music superstars Mariah Carey, Pink, TLC, and Usher, has been sued by a former music executive on accusations of sexually assaulting her more than two decades ago.
Drew Dixon claims Reid, 67, derailed her rising career after he became Arista Records’ chief executive and she rejected his advances. The allegations include two alleged sexual assaults that she said occurred in 2001.
The case is Dixon v Reid and was filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York. Dixon seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages in her lawsuit.
Reid and his representatives have so far not commented on the lawsuit.
Although the allegations date back to the turn of the century, Dixon is suing under New York state’s Adult Survivors Act. That gives adults a one-year window to sue over alleged sexual abuse that occurred long ago, even if the statutes of limitations have expired.
Drew Dixon claims Reid, 67, derailed her rising career after he became Arista Records’ chief executive and she rejected his advances. The allegations include two alleged sexual assaults that she said occurred in 2001.
The case is Dixon v Reid and was filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in the Southern District of New York. Dixon seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages in her lawsuit.
Reid and his representatives have so far not commented on the lawsuit.
Although the allegations date back to the turn of the century, Dixon is suing under New York state’s Adult Survivors Act. That gives adults a one-year window to sue over alleged sexual abuse that occurred long ago, even if the statutes of limitations have expired.
- 11/9/2023
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Arista Records executive Drew Dixon has filed a lawsuit against L.A. Reid, alleging the music mogul continually harassed and sexually assaulted her twice in 2001 while she was working for him, according to court records obtained by Rolling Stone.
Dixon sued in the Southern District of New York on Wednesday under the Adult Survivors Act, which opened up a one-year window for victims of sexual offenses to file a civil suit against their abuser outside the statute of limitations’ expiration date. The window closes on November 24th.
Dixon has been...
Dixon sued in the Southern District of New York on Wednesday under the Adult Survivors Act, which opened up a one-year window for victims of sexual offenses to file a civil suit against their abuser outside the statute of limitations’ expiration date. The window closes on November 24th.
Dixon has been...
- 11/8/2023
- by Cheyenne Roundtree
- Rollingstone.com
Britney Spears’ short stint as a judge on Fox’s The X Factor may have blessed the internet with some absolutely perfect reaction gifs, but that’s about the only good thing to come out of the experience, according to the singer’s just-released memoir.
On sale now, The Woman in Me reveals — among many, many other things — Spears’ candid thoughts about the four months she spent on the panel with Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato and L.A. Reid.
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On sale now, The Woman in Me reveals — among many, many other things — Spears’ candid thoughts about the four months she spent on the panel with Simon Cowell, Demi Lovato and L.A. Reid.
More from TVLineHow to Watch the 2023 World Series Live Without CableRatings: Sunday Night Football Down 24% With Bills/Giants Match-UpJon Hamm's Grimsburg...
- 10/24/2023
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Britney Spears is giving insight into her life in the memoir The Woman in Me and making some surprising revelations. The pop star is opening up about what really happened during her heavily criticized 2007 MTV VMAs performance and why she didn’t like her time judging on The X-Factor USA.
Spears performed “Gimme More” in Las Vegas at the VMAs and was panned by viewers at home as it seemed the star was completely out of it. A few years ago a video of her rehearsal leaked online where Spears performed her musical number flawlessly in contrast to the live performance. Now Spears is revealing she had an awkward encounter with her ex Justin Timberlake that affected her emotionally.
“It had been a while since I’d seen him. Everything was going great in his world. He was at the top of his game in every way, and he had a lot of swagger.
Spears performed “Gimme More” in Las Vegas at the VMAs and was panned by viewers at home as it seemed the star was completely out of it. A few years ago a video of her rehearsal leaked online where Spears performed her musical number flawlessly in contrast to the live performance. Now Spears is revealing she had an awkward encounter with her ex Justin Timberlake that affected her emotionally.
“It had been a while since I’d seen him. Everything was going great in his world. He was at the top of his game in every way, and he had a lot of swagger.
- 10/24/2023
- by Armando Tinoco
- Deadline Film + TV
Clarence Avant, the trailblazing record executive known as the “Godfather of Black Music,” has died at the age of 92.
Avant passed away on Sunday, August 13th, according to a statement from his family. “It is with a heavy heart that the Avant/Sarandos family announce the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant. Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘The Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports. Clarence leaves behind a loving family and a sea of friends and associates that have changed the world and will continue to change the world for generations to come. The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.”
The North Carolina native rose the ranks to become one of the preeminent Black executives in music. After managing local jazz musicians in New Jersey, he relocated to Los Angeles to assist clients in the increasing lucrative field of movie soundtracks.
Avant passed away on Sunday, August 13th, according to a statement from his family. “It is with a heavy heart that the Avant/Sarandos family announce the passing of Clarence Alexander Avant. Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘The Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports. Clarence leaves behind a loving family and a sea of friends and associates that have changed the world and will continue to change the world for generations to come. The joy of his legacy eases the sorrow of our loss.”
The North Carolina native rose the ranks to become one of the preeminent Black executives in music. After managing local jazz musicians in New Jersey, he relocated to Los Angeles to assist clients in the increasing lucrative field of movie soundtracks.
- 8/14/2023
- by Scoop Harrison
- Consequence - Music
Clarence Avant, who was dubbed the “Godfather of Black Music,” died Sunday in Los Angeles, his family has confirmed. He was 92.
A statement provided by his family including son-in-law Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-ceo, announced Avant’s passing “with a heavy heart,” and said he had “passed away gently.”
“Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘the Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports,” the statement said. “Top artists and executives like Quincy Jones, JayZ, Whitney Houston, Pharrell Williams, Lionel Richie, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Sean Combs, L.A. Reid, Suzanne de Passe, Kenny ‘Baby Face’ Edmonds, Jon Platt, Irving Azoff, Snoop Dogg Reginald Hudland, Benny Medina and Queen Latifah all credit Avant for his inspiration and guidance.”
The news comes almost two years after the shooting death of his wife, Jackie Avant, during a break-in at the family’s Beverly Hills home...
A statement provided by his family including son-in-law Ted Sarandos, Netflix’s co-ceo, announced Avant’s passing “with a heavy heart,” and said he had “passed away gently.”
“Through his revolutionary business leadership, Clarence became affectionately known as ‘the Black Godfather’ in the worlds of music, entertainment, politics, and sports,” the statement said. “Top artists and executives like Quincy Jones, JayZ, Whitney Houston, Pharrell Williams, Lionel Richie, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Sean Combs, L.A. Reid, Suzanne de Passe, Kenny ‘Baby Face’ Edmonds, Jon Platt, Irving Azoff, Snoop Dogg Reginald Hudland, Benny Medina and Queen Latifah all credit Avant for his inspiration and guidance.”
The news comes almost two years after the shooting death of his wife, Jackie Avant, during a break-in at the family’s Beverly Hills home...
- 8/14/2023
- by Max Goldbart
- Deadline Film + TV
The X Factor, created by America’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell, was a popular singing competition in the U.K. from 2004 to 2018. Cowell attempted an American version of the show, sometimes known as The X Factor USA, but it came to an end after just three seasons. However, ever since the finale, there have been talks of a revival. Cowell once again hinted at The X Factor USA coming back in an interview in December 2022. Here’s more on the original series and what we know about its future.
Kelly Rowland, Demi Lovato, Paulina Rubio, and Simon Cowell on ‘The X Factor USA’ Season 3 | Ray Mickshaw/Fox Image Collection via Getty Images What happened to ‘X Factor USA’?
The X Factor USA first aired on Fox in 2011. Cowell served on the original judges’ panel, along with fellow American Idol judge Paula Abdul, Cheryl Cole, and L.A. Reid. Nicole Scherzinger and Steve Jones served as co-hosts,...
Kelly Rowland, Demi Lovato, Paulina Rubio, and Simon Cowell on ‘The X Factor USA’ Season 3 | Ray Mickshaw/Fox Image Collection via Getty Images What happened to ‘X Factor USA’?
The X Factor USA first aired on Fox in 2011. Cowell served on the original judges’ panel, along with fellow American Idol judge Paula Abdul, Cheryl Cole, and L.A. Reid. Nicole Scherzinger and Steve Jones served as co-hosts,...
- 4/8/2023
- by Elise Nelson
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Before becoming the longest-running cast member on The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Xscape member Kandi Burruss was already a successful force in the music industry. Outside of the success attained within her group, she wrote massive hits for the likes of TLC, Whitney Houston, Alicia Keys, Mariah Carey, and others. As fate would have it, she met Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes of TLC years before she penned their hit, “No Scrubs.”
Xscape and TLC | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images Kandi Burruss met TLC’s Left Eye before signing with Jermaine Dupri
Burruss began taking a career in music seriously when began attending a performing arts high school. After becoming a member of the group Xscape while going to school, the group began performing at local shows around Atlanta in hopes of getting a record deal. At the time, Atlanta was becoming a major player in the music industry, with Laface Records...
Xscape and TLC | Raymond Boyd/Getty Images Kandi Burruss met TLC’s Left Eye before signing with Jermaine Dupri
Burruss began taking a career in music seriously when began attending a performing arts high school. After becoming a member of the group Xscape while going to school, the group began performing at local shows around Atlanta in hopes of getting a record deal. At the time, Atlanta was becoming a major player in the music industry, with Laface Records...
- 3/23/2023
- by Brenda Alexander
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
Usher’s got it bad for Las Vegas.
The Grammy-winning star, who is currently performing in Sin City for Usher: My Way The Vegas Residency, says he’s moved to Vegas for music — and also for his family.
“I began to curate my own little world here, so much so that I’ve actually put a flag in the ground. I’ve actually moved here,” he told THR. “For one year I’ve been here. I’m not saying that this is the end-all-be-all, but I have a place here so I can accommodate my family.”
The residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM has earned rave reviews, and he returns to the stage Friday. And this week he announced 15 new dates for June and October, with tickets going on sale Saturday.
“I’m trying to figure out how to create balance between my normal life of taking care of...
The Grammy-winning star, who is currently performing in Sin City for Usher: My Way The Vegas Residency, says he’s moved to Vegas for music — and also for his family.
“I began to curate my own little world here, so much so that I’ve actually put a flag in the ground. I’ve actually moved here,” he told THR. “For one year I’ve been here. I’m not saying that this is the end-all-be-all, but I have a place here so I can accommodate my family.”
The residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM has earned rave reviews, and he returns to the stage Friday. And this week he announced 15 new dates for June and October, with tickets going on sale Saturday.
“I’m trying to figure out how to create balance between my normal life of taking care of...
- 2/22/2023
- by Mesfin Fekadu
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
There isn’t a stage too big or too much Rihanna can’t do. She’s a Grammy-winning recording artist, a Super Bowl halftime performer, an actor, a philanthropist, a fashion designer, and a beauty mogul. And in 2021, she became a billionaire making her the wealthiest female musician in the world. Today, the “Only Girl (In the World)” singer is also a mother to a son who she and her partner Aap Rocky welcomed in May 2022.
Here are a few other facts about the mega-star including how tall she is and who in the entertainment industry was her biggest influence.
Rihanna poses onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl Lvii Halftime Show Press Conference | Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation Rihanna said this star was her biggest influence
Rihanna was discovered after her demo tapes were sent to Def Jam Records. She eventually auditioned for Jay-Z when her was...
Here are a few other facts about the mega-star including how tall she is and who in the entertainment industry was her biggest influence.
Rihanna poses onstage during the Apple Music Super Bowl Lvii Halftime Show Press Conference | Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Roc Nation Rihanna said this star was her biggest influence
Rihanna was discovered after her demo tapes were sent to Def Jam Records. She eventually auditioned for Jay-Z when her was...
- 2/13/2023
- by Michelle Kapusta
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The X Factor may be coming back the U.S. television, as creator and judge Simon Cowell appears to be in talks to revive the singing competition series on NBC.
Cowell said that the network had “offered us to make the show” during an interview with The Sun, adding: “Which means we’ll make the show here.”
Sources tell Deadline that the deal isn’t done yet. It would likely fall under Cowell’s expanded deal with NBCUniversal, which he signed last year.
It is unclear how The X-Factor would fit alongside NBC’s existing singing competition flagship The Voice, which currently airs two installments a season, as well as Cowell’s variety hit America’s Got Talent, a summer staple, which also has spawned a winter All-Stars spinoff.
When Fox carried both American Idol and The X-Factor, they each aired one installment per season — The X-Factor in the fall, and American Idol in the spring.
Cowell said that the network had “offered us to make the show” during an interview with The Sun, adding: “Which means we’ll make the show here.”
Sources tell Deadline that the deal isn’t done yet. It would likely fall under Cowell’s expanded deal with NBCUniversal, which he signed last year.
It is unclear how The X-Factor would fit alongside NBC’s existing singing competition flagship The Voice, which currently airs two installments a season, as well as Cowell’s variety hit America’s Got Talent, a summer staple, which also has spawned a winter All-Stars spinoff.
When Fox carried both American Idol and The X-Factor, they each aired one installment per season — The X-Factor in the fall, and American Idol in the spring.
- 12/31/2022
- by Katie Campione
- Deadline Film + TV
Having made quite a career out of telling people what he thinks about them, it appears that Simon Cowell will once again be deciding who has The X Factor, as the reality competition makes its way back to the States — possibly on NBC.
“I have a saying in life that’s ‘Always go where you’ve got the best invitation,’ and NBC has offered us to make the show here,” Cowell shared with The Sun earlier this week while out promoting NBC’s AGT: All Stars.
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“I have a saying in life that’s ‘Always go where you’ve got the best invitation,’ and NBC has offered us to make the show here,” Cowell shared with The Sun earlier this week while out promoting NBC’s AGT: All Stars.
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- 12/30/2022
- by Matt Webb Mitovich
- TVLine.com
Naomi Ackie gives audiences a glimpse into the life of Whitney Houston in director Kasi Lemmons’ new biopic “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” and the new film is packed with a number of Houston’s hits.
Working with movement coach Polly Bennett and vocal coaches Tangela Large, Bridgette Jackson and Denise Woods, Ackie also underwent physical transformation with the help of numerous wigs and false teeth to cover the natural gap in her two front teeth.
Ackie doesn’t sing most songs in the film — she lip syncs to Houston’s perfect tracks instead — but she mimics Houston’s style of singing with great detail. She steps in for performances by Houston that were not recorded, such as “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah” and “Jesus Loves Me” from her choir-singing days. Ackie also portrays a nervous Whitney who is thrust onstage by her mother, who knows Clive Davis is in attendance,...
Working with movement coach Polly Bennett and vocal coaches Tangela Large, Bridgette Jackson and Denise Woods, Ackie also underwent physical transformation with the help of numerous wigs and false teeth to cover the natural gap in her two front teeth.
Ackie doesn’t sing most songs in the film — she lip syncs to Houston’s perfect tracks instead — but she mimics Houston’s style of singing with great detail. She steps in for performances by Houston that were not recorded, such as “Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah” and “Jesus Loves Me” from her choir-singing days. Ackie also portrays a nervous Whitney who is thrust onstage by her mother, who knows Clive Davis is in attendance,...
- 12/28/2022
- by Dessi Gomez
- The Wrap
Paramount+ has announced that Sometimes When We Touch, a three-part documentary series exploring the history of soft rock music, will premiere exclusively on the service in the U.S. and Canada on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023 and will also stream in the U.K., Latin America and Australia, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and France. Sometimes When We Touch is the untold story of soft rock, whose artists dominated pop music worldwide in the ’70s, only to crash and burn in the ’80s, eventually experiencing one of the most unlikely comebacks in music history. The series presents all-new interviews with some of soft rock’s biggest legends, like Air Supply (“All Out of Love”), Dan Hill (“Sometimes When We Touch”), Kenny Loggins (“This Is It”), Ray Parker Jr. (“A Woman Needs Love”), Rupert Holmes (“Escape: The Piña Colada Song”) and Toni Tennille (“Love Will Keep Us Together”). Through candid and poignant stories, these...
- 12/13/2022
- by Hollywood Outbreak
- HollywoodOutbreak.com
Grammys flashback: Whitney Houston’s win for ‘The Bodyguard’ soundtrack wasn’t a foregone conclusion
Whitney Houston is undoubtedly one of the most legendary singers in modern recording history. Across multiple decades, she released iconic singles like “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “I Have Nothing,” and of course the legendary Dolly Parton cover “I Will Always Love You” for the movie “The Bodyguard.” That film’s soundtrack is itself one of the most successful albums ever. But just how Houston did it can tell us a lot about her massive stardom, the importance of narratives, and how the Grammys don’t always snub Black artists.
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Four other nominees filled the Album of the Year category for the 1994 Grammys. Perhaps the least likely to win was a certain Donald Fagen, who you might know better from Steely Dan, with his second solo album “Kamakiriad.” That bid was kind of weird...
SEEGrammy and Pulitzer winner Kendrick Lamar could add Oscar to his mantel with ‘We Cry Together’ [Watch]
Four other nominees filled the Album of the Year category for the 1994 Grammys. Perhaps the least likely to win was a certain Donald Fagen, who you might know better from Steely Dan, with his second solo album “Kamakiriad.” That bid was kind of weird...
- 12/2/2022
- by Jaime Rodriguez
- Gold Derby
Weeks after going viral with his NPR Tiny Desk Concert, Usher is making waves again with a new Rémy Martin partnership. The music superstar has teamed up with the cognac brand for the “Usher x Rémy Martin 1738: A Taste of Passion” global campaign, which launched last week with a limited-edition bottle and Nft. The kicker: the super exclusive collab sold out in two seconds.
Launched on the direct-to-consumer Nft marketplace BlockBar.com, the collaboration saw the release of 25 bottles of Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal, each reimagined in a jet-black...
Launched on the direct-to-consumer Nft marketplace BlockBar.com, the collaboration saw the release of 25 bottles of Rémy Martin 1738 Accord Royal, each reimagined in a jet-black...
- 8/4/2022
- by Tim Chan
- Rollingstone.com
Traci Braxton, a singer and actress who appeared with her sisters on the We tv reality series “Braxton Family Values,” died Saturday morning after a battle with esophageal cancer. She was 50.
Her older sister Toni Braxton shared the news in an Instagram post:
“It is with the utmost regret that we inform you of the passing of our sister, Traci. Needless to say, she was a bright light, a wonderful daughter, an amazing sister, a loving mother, wife, grandmother and a respected performer. We will miss her dearly.
Traci passed this morning as the snow was falling, our angel is now a snowflake.
We ask that you respect our privacy as we plan to send her home with love, celebrating her life.
We are family forever.
Love,
The Braxton Family”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Toni Braxton (@tonibraxton)
“We have come to a time where we...
Her older sister Toni Braxton shared the news in an Instagram post:
“It is with the utmost regret that we inform you of the passing of our sister, Traci. Needless to say, she was a bright light, a wonderful daughter, an amazing sister, a loving mother, wife, grandmother and a respected performer. We will miss her dearly.
Traci passed this morning as the snow was falling, our angel is now a snowflake.
We ask that you respect our privacy as we plan to send her home with love, celebrating her life.
We are family forever.
Love,
The Braxton Family”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Toni Braxton (@tonibraxton)
“We have come to a time where we...
- 3/12/2022
- by Thom Geier
- The Wrap
Freddie Combs, a minister who appeared on the second season of The X-Factor, has passed away at age 49. According to a Cocoa, Florida funeral home, Combs died on September 10 surrounded by his friends and family. His wife, Kay, who appeared alongside Combs on the TLC show Ton of Love in 2010, told TMZ that his death was a result of kidney failure following a slate of health issues. Combs featured on the singing competition show in 2012, becoming an instant fan-favorite with his rendition of Bette Midler’s 1988 song “Wind Beneath My Wings.” His performance impressed the celebrity judges, including Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, Britney Spears, and Demi Lovato, with Cowell and Reid promising they’d support him if he got healthier. The Tennessee native was escorted to the stage in a wheelchair by his wife when he appeared on the show. During his audition, he opened up about his battle with weight loss,...
- 9/17/2021
- TV Insider
Freddie Combs, whose soaring voice made him a fan favorite on television’s The X Factor music competition, has died at age 49. He died Sept. 10 at a Florida hospital from kidney failure, his wife, Kay, said.
Combs was a minister and performed in a wheelchair on The X Factor. He battled health problems for years, and his wife told TMZ that he weighed as much as 920 pounds in 2009. He was featured in 2010 on the TLC series Ton of Love and managed to get his weight down to a relatively svelte 540 lbs., which is where he was at when he appeared on the second season of Simon Cowell’s The X Factor in the U.S.
In his appearance, Combs’ version of Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings” made him stand out, and judges Cowell and L.A. Reid gave him their word they’d support him if he got healthier.
Combs was a minister and performed in a wheelchair on The X Factor. He battled health problems for years, and his wife told TMZ that he weighed as much as 920 pounds in 2009. He was featured in 2010 on the TLC series Ton of Love and managed to get his weight down to a relatively svelte 540 lbs., which is where he was at when he appeared on the second season of Simon Cowell’s The X Factor in the U.S.
In his appearance, Combs’ version of Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings” made him stand out, and judges Cowell and L.A. Reid gave him their word they’d support him if he got healthier.
- 9/16/2021
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Freddie Combs, a minister and former fan-favorite contestant on “The X Factor,” has died, according to a Florida funeral home. He was 49.
Combs’ wife, Kay Combs, told TMZ that the singer died at a Florida hospital on Friday, Sept. 10, after suffering from kidney failure. Kay added that her husband was surrounded by family and friends at the time of his death.
Combs appeared as a contestant during the second season of Fox’s “The X Factor” in 2012. He auditioned with a soaring rendition of Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings,” which earned him four yes votes from celebrity judges Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, Britney Spears and Demi Lovato.
In his audition episode, he shared his struggles with weight loss, explaining that in 2009, he had weighed 920 pounds and was close to death. Cowell and Reid vowed to support Combs, who was in a wheelchair at the time of his audition,...
Combs’ wife, Kay Combs, told TMZ that the singer died at a Florida hospital on Friday, Sept. 10, after suffering from kidney failure. Kay added that her husband was surrounded by family and friends at the time of his death.
Combs appeared as a contestant during the second season of Fox’s “The X Factor” in 2012. He auditioned with a soaring rendition of Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings,” which earned him four yes votes from celebrity judges Simon Cowell, L.A. Reid, Britney Spears and Demi Lovato.
In his audition episode, he shared his struggles with weight loss, explaining that in 2009, he had weighed 920 pounds and was close to death. Cowell and Reid vowed to support Combs, who was in a wheelchair at the time of his audition,...
- 9/16/2021
- by Madeline Roth
- The Wrap
Freddie Combs, a minister who gained notoriety for competing in the second season of Fox’s The X Factor, died on Friday, Sept. 10 at the age of 49.
Combs famously received four yeses from the show’s judges for his audition, an incredible rendition of Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings,” which he dedicated to his wife Katrina.
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According to Combs’ public obituary,...
Combs famously received four yeses from the show’s judges for his audition, an incredible rendition of Bette Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings,” which he dedicated to his wife Katrina.
More from TVLineThe Resident Adds Newbie Miles Fowler as Billie's Estranged Son in Season 5Fantasy Island Hosts a Melrose Place Reunion Gone Wrong -- Sneak PeekTed Lasso's Hannah Waddingham to Lead Voice Cast of Dan Harmon's Animated Fox Comedy Krapopolis
According to Combs’ public obituary,...
- 9/16/2021
- by Andy Swift
- TVLine.com
Freddie Combs, a minister known for singing on Season 2 of “The X-Factor,” died Sept. 10, according to a Cocoa, Fla. funeral home. He was 49.
Though he did not last on “The X-Factor” for long, Combs was a fan favorite. He auditioned in Greensboro, N.C., singing Bette Midler’s 1988 song “Wind Beneath My Wings” in front of celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Britney Spears, L.A. Reid and Demi Lovato. In his audition episode, which aired in 2012, he also shared his experiences with weight loss. In 2009, at 920 pounds, he had been hospitalized and near death. Exercise and a change in diet helped him lose close to 400 pounds by the time he appeared on “The X-Factor,” where he was escorted in a wheelchair by his wife Kay, who was his caretaker up until his death.
“My wife Kay, she’s an incredible woman. She started caring for me right after we were married in ’96, and as my weight rose,...
Though he did not last on “The X-Factor” for long, Combs was a fan favorite. He auditioned in Greensboro, N.C., singing Bette Midler’s 1988 song “Wind Beneath My Wings” in front of celebrity judges Simon Cowell, Britney Spears, L.A. Reid and Demi Lovato. In his audition episode, which aired in 2012, he also shared his experiences with weight loss. In 2009, at 920 pounds, he had been hospitalized and near death. Exercise and a change in diet helped him lose close to 400 pounds by the time he appeared on “The X-Factor,” where he was escorted in a wheelchair by his wife Kay, who was his caretaker up until his death.
“My wife Kay, she’s an incredible woman. She started caring for me right after we were married in ’96, and as my weight rose,...
- 9/16/2021
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
“The Masked Singer” has been host to a lot of professional singer contestants throughout its five-season run, and judges Nicole Scherzinger and Jenny McCarthy think yet another has joined the show: Demi Lovato.
In TheWrap’s exclusive clip from Wednesday’s episode of the Fox singing competition, Scherzinger gives her theory about the identity of the Black Swan contestant, which McCarthy ends up agreeing with.
“We saw the scale of justice, right? So I’m thinking, Ok, could it be a judge?” Scherzinger says in the video, which you can view above. “I was getting a lot of ‘X-Factor’ vibes. Could have been a judge on the ‘X-Factor,’ like Demi Lovato with those vocals.”
Hey, if anyone on “The Masked Singer” panel is going to correctly guess that a competitor is actually a former “The X-Factor” judge, it’s probably going to be Scherzinger, a former “The X-Factor” judge.
In TheWrap’s exclusive clip from Wednesday’s episode of the Fox singing competition, Scherzinger gives her theory about the identity of the Black Swan contestant, which McCarthy ends up agreeing with.
“We saw the scale of justice, right? So I’m thinking, Ok, could it be a judge?” Scherzinger says in the video, which you can view above. “I was getting a lot of ‘X-Factor’ vibes. Could have been a judge on the ‘X-Factor,’ like Demi Lovato with those vocals.”
Hey, if anyone on “The Masked Singer” panel is going to correctly guess that a competitor is actually a former “The X-Factor” judge, it’s probably going to be Scherzinger, a former “The X-Factor” judge.
- 3/31/2021
- by Jennifer Maas
- The Wrap
Producer-directors Kirby Dick and Amy Ziering, previously known for “The Invisible War” and “The Hunting Ground,” are back with another documentary about the #MeToo movement via HBO Max called “On the Record.” The Oscar contender for Best Documentary Feature predominantly centers on record producer Drew Dixon, who in December 2017 accused music mogul Russell Simmons of sexually assaulting her in the 1990s while working together at Def Jam Recordings. In the film we follow Dixon as she considers the ramifications of finally telling her story, reaching out to The New York Times and trying to process the aftermath. We also meet some of the other 19 women who came forward with accusations against Simmons.
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While Simmons may be the common thread in “On the Record,” Dick and Ziering deftly shift focus onto the women rather than the hip hop producer,...
See‘Time’: Garrett Bradley’s Sundance award-winning documentary about love and incarceration could make Oscar history
While Simmons may be the common thread in “On the Record,” Dick and Ziering deftly shift focus onto the women rather than the hip hop producer,...
- 10/19/2020
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
One of the most anticipated films at Sundance is getting a premiere on new service HBO Max Wednesday — after a highly publicized dustup in which original backers Oprah Winfrey and Apple dropped their support right before its premiere at the festival.
Helmed by veteran filmmakers Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick, On the Record was filmed largely during the height of #MeToo and takes aim at Russell Simmons, the music mogul accused by multiple women of sexual assault and harassment. (Simmons has denied all charges.)
At this year’s Sundance festival,...
Helmed by veteran filmmakers Amy Ziering and Kirby Dick, On the Record was filmed largely during the height of #MeToo and takes aim at Russell Simmons, the music mogul accused by multiple women of sexual assault and harassment. (Simmons has denied all charges.)
At this year’s Sundance festival,...
- 5/27/2020
- by Brenna Ehrlich
- Rollingstone.com
This piece originally ran as part of 2020 Sundance Film Festival coverage.
Even if you didn’t know Drew Dixon’s name, you definitely knew the fruits of her labor. The daughter of Washington, D.C., mayor Sharon Pratt and a Stanford alumna, she was an unabashed music fan. Dixon especially loved hip-hop, which is why, when she managed to secure an A&r job at Def Jam Records in the early Nineties, she felt like she’d won the lottery. Her instincts for spotting new artists were peerless; she was...
Even if you didn’t know Drew Dixon’s name, you definitely knew the fruits of her labor. The daughter of Washington, D.C., mayor Sharon Pratt and a Stanford alumna, she was an unabashed music fan. Dixon especially loved hip-hop, which is why, when she managed to secure an A&r job at Def Jam Records in the early Nineties, she felt like she’d won the lottery. Her instincts for spotting new artists were peerless; she was...
- 5/27/2020
- by David Fear
- Rollingstone.com
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