Alicia Keys is a breath of fresh air on the music scene because she’s as far from a cookie cutter pop star as one can get. This multi-talented songstress continues to impress us with her originality and heart with infectious songs and moving lyrics that touch our souls. She’s also breathing new life into fundraising and philanthropy by exposing new generations to the plight of others. Through her foundation,Keep A Child Alive, she’s raising awareness of how HIV/AIDS is impacting young people in Africa. And since today is World AIDS Day she is doing her part to bring attention to this cause. Her New York City concert will be broadcast live on YouTube tonight at 8pm and will feature songs from her forthcoming album, “The Element of Freedom” (due December 15th). But that’s not all she’s doing… Read the full story
The American Music Awards usually offers a mixed bag of entertainment—and this year was no different. While there were some great performances, there were also a bunch that made you want to grab your pillow and take a nap. But the attire is always entertaining. Last night, the sisters show up dressed as winners (well mostly). Here, some of the standouts on the Red Carpet where black seemed to be the overriding theme (with one notable exception).
We already know that a ticket to an Alicia Keys concert can be hard to come by—she sells out venues all over the country. But some lucky students will have the chance to not only hear this incredibly talented sister sing a few songs, she’ll also talk. Keys has embarked on a college lecture tour so students will actually get a chance to get a little more up close and personal with her than say most of us sitting in Radio City Music Hall. Read the full story
Singer Alicia Keys embraced her elegant side last night when she attended The Latin Grammys in Las Vegas. Her acid green gown and clutch were standout choices and probably made others green with envy (okay I couldn’t resist).
The odds were against Taraji P. Henson and Viola Davis going into the 81st Academy Awards, but still I couldn’t help hoping that there would be some kind of fluke that would result in one of these sisters winning the award for Best Supporting Actress. And we found out rather quickly that Penelope Cruz would take the prize. But in this new show configuration, it was a pretty cool way to lose (if that makes sense). I think being introduced and saluted being by such luminaries as Eva Marie Saint, Goldie Hawn, Anjelica Houston, Tilda Swinson and Whoopi Goldberg (more or her later) had each of these sisters trying to fend off the waterworks. But throughout the rest of extra-long telecast there was several opportunities for sister sightings (besides that clip of Hattie McDaniel during the same segment) Read the full story
I just ran across an interesting blog post in The Los Angeles Times by Patrick Goldstein. Basically, he wondered whether white women would go to see The Secret Life of Bees? His was a reaction to a story that will actually run in today’s paper by one of his colleagues, John Horn. Horn has described the film as being about three black sisters. And I guess if you watch the trailer, and have never read the book, you’d probably think that’s all there is. Plus, the star-studded cast (Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson) and a noted black female director (Gina Prince Blythewood of Love & Basketball fame) doesn’t do much to counter that notion. Read the full story
As you know, I believe there is a big difference between a performer and a real singer. And there is definitely room for both. I just worry when the overproduced, overchoreographed artists start to outshine folks with real talent. Lately, however, real talent is getting its due. Yesterday, Alicia Keys was nominated for five American Music Awards. And Jennifer Hudson sold over 200,000 cds her first week out of the gate. And Beyonce, who I think is a good combination of both styles commands attention with her new single. Read the full story
I know you saw the BET awards last week…WOW!!!! It was both good and bad, especially the hair.
The BET awards are the place where all the black entertainers and wanna-be black entertainers strut their stuff with fabulous clothes, makeup and hair. This year we saw a lot of quick hair changes. Some cute and others all I can say is …WHY? Read the full story
Okay, I am forcing myself to sit and watch the BET Awards and it is really painful (as all award shows are). The corny writing that takes a stab at witty banter is killing me.
Of course the young folks they have stationed near the stage seemed to be enjoying themselves but when the camera panned the audience they looked kind of dumbfounded. Kanye (and one or two other people) were standing in support. Everyone else was stunned into disbelief (at least that is what it looked like to me).
Come on Keyshia, you’ve got to admit you had an off night. I refuse to believe you are one of those singers who can’t deliver the goods live. Plus, I watched your reality show once so I can’t help but root for you. But girl, you have got to do better.
Contrast her performance with Alicia Keys who clearly prepared. She got everyone on her their feet before she the girl groups came out. SWV looked a little tentative (but two of them haven’t performed in a while), En Vogue came out strong and TLC held it down. Keyshia, I hope you were taking notes. This is how a sister is supposed to represent.
