Queen Latifah joins "Dancing with the Stars"

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

Over the years, Queen Latifah has been one of the most-recognizable faces in black entertainment. Many would state the Queen has done almost everything except for "Dancing with the Stars." Now, that can be taken off the list, as Queen Latifah announced she will be a part of the cast.

Ever since its 2005 premiere, "Dancing with the Stars" has become one of America's favorite shows. Such stars as Master P, Chad Ochocinco, Romeo, Mya, Vivica A. Fox, and others have been a part of the series. Queen Latifah is joining an already-packed cast, with many big-name reality television stars.

Among the reality show stars will be Robert Kardashian, the younger brother of the Kardashian sisters and Snooki from "Jersey Shore." The other stars include Tiffani Thiessen and Kristin Cavallari, of "Beverly Hills, 90210" and "The Hills" fame, respectively.

Read more...

Tyler Perry may launch Cable TV Network

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

In 2004, Tyler Perry made a deal with Lionsgate to turn a number of his plays into films. Each film Perry developed with Lionsgate became a box office hit. Following his 2006 films, Tyler Perry decided to create a sitcom. Perry established a deal with a syndication company and pitched to TBS.

Following the success of "House of Payne" in syndication, TBS picked up 100 episodes of the series. Quickly, Tyler Perry became one of TBS' biggest producers. On the heels of his first sitcom, came his second, "Meet the Browns." Both sitcoms were tremendous successes for Perry and TBS.

Before the premiere of "Meet the Browns," Tyler Perry announced he may launch his own television network. In 2009, there were rumors he would be partnering with Turner, the parent company of TBS, to launch this network. Having a net worth well over $300 million, Tyler Perry could easily launch his own network without the help of anyone.

Earlier this year, Tyler Perry decided to end "House of Payne," however he will soon be bringing more sitcoms to TBS. Still, there are rumors of a Tyler Perry network. Tentatively titled Tyler TV, the network will show reruns of old Perry sitcoms, along with a number of his films. There is no set launch date for this television network.

Read more...

Kelly Rowland "The X Factor UK" promo pic

Read more...

DMX's team denies Reality Show rumors

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

Years ago, before his various times behind bars, DMX had become the face of BET. At the time, BET was investing more in its original programming. DMX's reality show, "Soul of a Man," was paired with Lil' Kim's "Countdown to Lockdown." Both shows brought record views to BET, at the time.

Following his stint on BET, things went downhill very quickly for the troubled rapper. DMX had plans of putting together his second album with Columbia Records. Originally, he hoped to release the album in 2007. However, label politics eventually led to him leaving the label.

The downtime proved damaging for DMX. While he announced he was going to release two albums on the same day in 2008, no new music came. Instead, DMX was found with drugs on him. The charges quickly landed DMX in prison. After getting out of prison, DMX began serving his longer term in 2009. Immediately following his 2009 release, X was sent back in 2010.

Out of prison, for the last time, he hopes, DMX made several announcements. Repeatedly, DMX said he intended to take the rap game over again. However, there were also reports of DMX starring in a new reality show, called "X-Tended Family." The show was going to revolve around DMX reuniting with his older children and building a relationship with his younger ones. Aside from the children, DMX also was going to work on getting to a good place with his children's mothers. Now, there are reports from DMX's team that say there is no reality show.

More than likely, the "X-Tended Family" reality show is another rumor created by Yadira Borrego, the former fiancee of DMX.

Read more...

DMX plans Return to Reality Television with "X-Tended Family"

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

Former Ruff Ryders' standout, DMX, was forced out of the public eye, in 2008. DMX was arrested for several reasons and was sentenced to time in prison. In 2009, DMX began his sentence, before being released. DMX was sent back to prison last year and is a free man, once again.

This time, DMX promised his friends, family, and fans things will be different. It was stated in his "Behind the Music" segment, he cheated frequently on his ex-wife. X said, while he cheats often, no other woman would have his heart. Due to his relations with so many women, DMX has ten children, who all have issues with him.

In 2008, DMX announced he was returning to reality television. X was the star of his own reality show on BET, "Soul of a Man," in 2006. The show was the highest-rated in network history, at the time. His second reality series never came to light, due to his issues with the law. Now, free, DMX is preparing another reality show.

The latest DMX reality show will be called "X-Tended Family." As the title suggests, the show will focus on DMX regaining the respect of his older children, buidling positive relationships with his children's mother, and also getting to know his younger children. The show has yet to be picked up by a network and does not have an official release date.

Read more...

Kimbella to join VH1's "Love & Hip Hop"

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

Immediately following the first season of "Love & Hip Hop," VH1 decided to renew the series. With production for the second season set to begin soon, a new cast member has been introduced. Originally, the show was created for Jim Jones and his family, but he decided not to do the show.

Still wanting Jim Jones to be a part of the show, VH1 decided to make Chrissy Lampkin, Jones' girlfriend, a key member of their new show. Soon, Emily Bustamante, Somaya Reece, and Olivia were added to the cast of the show. VH1 named the show "Love & Hip Hop" and they made the show about the women of hip hop.

Another Diplomat girlfriend will be joining the cast of the show this upcoming season. Kimbella, the girlfriend of Juelz Santana, will be joining the show. The two met through Twitter and soon began dating. Kimbella, who happens to be a model, was already the mother of two children and gave birth to the ten-month old son of Juelz Santana.

Kimbella was recently featured on the cover of Black Men magazine. Recently, she also spoke about the most supportive people in her life. Among the most supportive people in Kimbella's life is her boyfriend, current Diplomat, Juelz Santana.

Read more...

DMX to star in New Reality Show

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

When he gets out of prison, this time, DMX promises things will be different. DMX was once the face of hardcore hip hop and the ultimate Ruff Ryder. Being the face of the streets was not all it was cracked up to be and X collapsed under the pressure. In 2003, he retired, only to return, saved, in 2006 to release a gospel single.

Despite how hard he worked, DMX could not get away from his past demons. His addiction to drugs caused him to lose relationships with his children. Aside from his addiction to drugs, his willingness to cheat on his wife led to his wife also leaving him. For the past three years, X has been in and out of trouble with the law.

On July 6, DMX will be released from prison and he has many plans. Among those plans will be pulling off a comeback. Ever since 2007, DMX has had plans of coming back. But, with a new reality show featuring himself and his fiancee`, Yadira Borrego, will show a different side of him and serve as an outlet for his comeback attempt.

The new show will be called "X-Tended Family" and is about DMX regaining his family, which includes ten children and his mother.

Read more...

Evelyn Lozada promises more drama on "Basketball Wives"

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

In the short year "Basketball Wives" has been on television, it has become a major hit in the urban entertainment market. With other shows, such as "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," on hiatus, VH1's hit has risen to become a favorite in many households.

"Basketball Wives" was created by Shaunie O'Neal, the ex-wife of the legendary Shaquille O'Neal. Their marriage had been on the rocks for years and they finally decided to call it quits. Wanting something of her own, Shaunie created "Basketball Wives."

While the splitting couple appeared to be working on finding a compromise, this went out of the window when "Basketball Wives" was announced. Shaquille O'Neal threatened to take legal action if his name was mentioned on the show.

In spite of Shaq's antics, the show still went on to become a major hit. Shaunie O'Neal is the mind behind the hit series, but Evelyn Lozada is easily the most-popular woman on the show. Never being a "basketball wife," Lozada has had an affair with Kenny Anderson and was engaged to Antoine Walker. Currently, she is dating Chad Ochocinco.

With the third season just beginning, fans are hoping to see more drama. Recently, Evelyn Lozada spoke on the new season of "Basketball Wives" and she said there is much more drama ahead, as the third season progresses along.

Read more...

"Basketball Wives 3" to premiere Tonight

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

Barely one month since the end of season two and VH1 is already gearing up for the third season of the hit series, "Basketball Wives." The show was created by Shaunie O'Neal, the ex-wife of NBA superstar, Shaquille O'Neal.

The show received much publicity even when it was only an idea. Before Shaunie O'Neal had even pitched the show to a network, Shaq was threatening to sue if his name was even mentioned in the show. The former couple reached an agreement and the show eventually began broadcasting on VH1.

Fast forward one year and "Basketball Wives" has become a major hit for VH1. The show brings in big ratings for the network, keeping things going in the post-dating show era at VH1. Not even a month's break was given between seasons for "Basketball Wives." Shaunie O'Neal discussed the upcoming season, telling viewers things will pick up where they left off after the reunion show.

For those who watched the reunion show, this means more antics from Royce Reed and more drama from the rest of the ladies.

Read more...

Oprah Winfrey says goodbye to "The Oprah Winfrey Show"

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

Five years ago, Oprah Winfrey announced she had renewed her long-running talk show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," for five more seasons. The time has come and gone very quickly and her show is now a memory. While her show has ended, the impact it has had on the world will not soon be forgotten.

May 2011 was slated to be the final month for show and it was treated as such. Winfrey lined up several high-profile guests in order to say goodbye. The NBA had to re-schedule their headlining playoff series between the Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat because Oprah was having her show at the United Center.

Featuring such guests as Beyonce and Michael Jordan, Oprah has finally said goodbye to her viewers. Today marked the final episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show." Twenty-five years of touching viewers is over, in that format, at least. Oprah Winfrey's media lives on through her O magazine and her television network OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network.

Through this network, Oprah is broadcasting several shows and she will even host a new talk show on the channel.

Read more...

Cee Lo to star in "Talking to Strangers" on FUSE

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

The past two summers have been very good to Cee Lo. For the most part, he only had a cult following. But, following the success of his "Fuck You" single, Cee Lo has been introduced to a strong international audience. This has led to him becoming a Grammy Award winner.

Cee Lo has also taken his talents to the television screen with his past show on FUSE, "Lay it Down." Fans can catch Cee Lo on the NBC series, "The Voice," as a coach. But, now Cee Lo will have another television program where fans can watch him.

Reuniting with FUSE, Cee Lo will be starring in "Talking to Strangers." The show will be similar to "Lay it Down," as it follows the same format. Cee Lo will interview artists and then they will close the show with a performance.

"Talking to Strangers" will premiere on FUSE TV on June 22, 2011.

Read more...

Shemar Moore signs on for new "Criminal Minds" season

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

Fans have gotten used to seeing Shemar Moore in front of their television screens. Moore appeared in various commercials and music videos as a male model. This was before he began playing on the popular soap opera, The Young and the Restless.

Moore became known to die hard soap fans as Malcom Winters, a role he played from 1994 until 2005. He surprised viewers when he shunned the long-running soap for a role on Criminal Minds. While remaining a part of CBS, he left their flagship soap.

Over the past six years, Shemar Moore has continued to win over new fans. Playing the role of Derek Morgan, Moore has transitioned over well into primetime. For a little while, fans feared Moore may abandon Criminal Minds the way he did Y&R.

Recently, Moore signed a new contract with the series, doubling his pay and assuring fans he will be around for at least another year.

Read more...

Romeo Miller caught Making Out with Kirstie Alley

By Mr. Hollywood
JR Staff Writer

Apparently, Romeo Miller has had his way with the women of "Dancing with the Stars." At the height of his popularity on the show, Romeo shared a kiss with his dancing partner, Chelsie Hightower. Their kiss fueled months worth of rumors, which still continue.

Upon being eliminated from the show, Romeo said he would still spend time with Chelsie Hightower. Many assumed this was their way of announcing themselves as a couple. If cast mate Kirstie Alley had anything to do with the situation, she would be in Hightower's shoes.

Yesterday, the photograph to the left leaked to the internet, showing Alley kissing the young star. Obviously, the kiss was for the camera. Alley and Romeo met outside of the practice studio of "Dancing with the Stars." The picture of them kissing was shared on Twitter.

When she saw the photo, Kirstie Alley said she and Romeo got bored, so they decided to put something together for the camera. Alley said the kiss was actually the idea of Romeo and she went along with it. After reading all of the replies, Alley tweeted that the kiss was funny. It was enough to get all of the gossip sites buzzing. While Romeo Miller was eliminated from the show, his kissing partner remains and is competing for the title in the upcoming episode.

Read more...

Jay-Z to produce Adult Swim animated sitcom

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

After taking over the music industry, Jay-Z promised he would venture into television and films. From the beginning, Jay-Z said he was not a rapper. Rapping was the vehicle he used to penetrate the entertainment industry. Currently, Jay-Z is the head of Roc Nation, one of the biggest entertainment companies.

While profiting off Rihanna, Willow Smith, J. Cole, and other big name artists, Jay-Z is working on his next plot. Jay-Z and Will Smith have already collaborated for a new film company. Their first production will be a remake of Annie, starring Willow Smith. The future seems bright for the Carter/Smith partnership.

Jay-Z has had several partners over the years, but he has gone solo for his latest venture. The Roc Nation CEO is adding television producer to his list of occupations. Recently, news was released about Jay-Z putting together an animated sitcom for Adult Swim. His show will have a focus on hip hop and will not be the first of its type to land on Adult Swim.

For the most part, Jay-Z is known more for his business acumen, as opposed to his sense of humor. This is likely why he has made himself a part of such a deal.

Read more...

Oprah explains why she is ending "The Oprah Winfrey Show"

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

In 2008, Oprah Winfrey revealed surprising news to the public in two doses. First, she announced she had partnered with independent media company, Discovery, for a new television network. In the same breath, Oprah also announced she would be ending her long-running daytime talk show.

While she announced "The Oprah Winfrey Show" was ending, Oprah assured fans they would have another three seasons to watch the show. She had agreed to a five-year extension in 2006 and even then she knew the show was over. Always planning ahead, Oprah revealed why she decided to end the show.

In 2003, Oprah renewed the show for another three years, she had planned to end the show at 20 years. But, she received an email from dying child author, Mattie Stephanek. The little girl told her she should wait five more years to end the show. To her, 25 was a better number and she said she was also a little OCD.

Sadly, the girl eventually died in 2003, but the show continued. Oprah took Stephanek's advice and renewed the show for five more years in 2006. Now, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" is done for good and Oprah is moving on with her life. During her talk, Oprah said she believes Mattie Stephanek was a messenger for our time.

Read more...

Felicia "Snoop" Perason, of "The Wire," pleads Not Guilty on Drug Charges

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

In front of the camera, Felicia "Snoop" Pearson often plays the role of a tough woman. She rose to fame for her role on the critically-acclaimed HBO series, "The Wire." On the show, Pearson played the role of a hitwoman.

Following the cancellation of "The Wire," Pearson continued to be cast in those type of roles. In 2008, she was featured as a drug-runner in Rick Ross' video, "The Boss." Throughout the summer of 2008 and into the summer of 2009, Pearson played these roles in music videos.

Things became too real, however, when Felicia Pearson was brought up on drug charges. Pearson recently appeared in court over the charges. When she pled, she pled 'Not Guilty' of the charges. Pearson refused to comment when asked about the charges.

Last month, Felicia "Snoop" Pearson was released on $50,000 bail. Because she has been cast in a movie in the middle of the charges, Felicia Pearson has been granted permission to go to Philadelphia. Aside from her work, Felicia Pearson is not allowed to leave the city of Baltimore, her native city.

Read more...

Common to play Freed Slave in AMC's "Hell on Wheels"

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

Outside of rap, Common has had several starring roles in films. His most recent movie was Just Wright, alongside fellow rap/actor, Queen Latifah. Following his role in the movie, critics agreed Common was just as good of an actor than he is as a rapper.

While he has been doing movies for some time, Common has been open to doing television shows too. The rapper has been focused on expanding ever since he started. Cable channels have been branching out of their niches for some time.

AMC was originally a channel created in order to broadcast old movies. The formula worked until people grew tired of seeing the same movies, over and over. A few years ago, the network expanded into creating original scripted programs. The network is currently marketing their new series, "Hell on Wheels."

Common has been cast in the show, playing the role of a freed slave in the series.

Read more...

Mo'Nique invites Tyler Perry and Spike Lee to her show to End Feud

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

Years of bickering between Tyler Perry and Spike Lee have hit a new peak right before the start of summer. Spike Lee has been insulting the work of Tyler Perry ever since 2008. Perry has kept silent about these comments, for the most part. But, he recently reached his wits end and told Lee to go straight to hell.

For both of their styles to be for entertainment purposes only, both men are taking things a little too seriously. Spike Lee needs to accept there are different types of black filmmakers. Instead of his constant criticism of Tyler Perry, Lee needs to get back to making his own classic films.

Yesterday, JR posted an article which stated how important both filmmakers are to the black community. Apparently, Mo'Nique feels the same way. After interviewing Tyler Perry, Mo'Nique has decided she wants to have both Perry and Spike Lee visit the set of "The Mo'Nique Show." She hopes their visit will lead to an end to their feud.

Spike Lee is known for making serious movies and he should continue to make serious movies. Tyler Perry is known for making comedy movies and he should continue making comedies. If anything, the two should collaborate on their films. Lee helped open the door for filmmakers such as Tyler Perry and Perry has taken things to the next level with his deals with Lionsgate Entertainment and TBS. The two should be mentoring the next filmmaker who will make even more history.

Read more...

Black Entertainment needs Tyler Perry

By The Critical Writer
JR Staff Writer

There are those who adore Tyler Perry, those who tolerate him, and those who hate him. However, there is not a single person who can deny him. Perry has risen to become a power player in the entertainment industry. With no business plan, Tyler Perry has become a man worth over $600 million.

Tyler Perry has made his millions telling Southern stories through film, adapted from his plays. When he was still rising in the game, many other black filmmakers supported Perry. Now that he is on top, he is in the middle of a ridiculous feud with Spike Lee. Lee was the Tyler Perry of his time.

Spike Lee's films have all been met with critical acclaim, whole all of Tyler Perry's films have been critically panned. Despite the poor response, Perry has yet to have a film not be a box office success. His films may portray black people in a less-than-desirable way, but in economic times like these, everyone needs a laugh.

The feud between Spike Lee and Tyler Perry is senseless because there is more than enough space for both of them to make their own kind of films. If there was a feud going on between Jerry Bruckheimer and Steven Spielberg, the media would be outraged. Black entertainment needs Tyler Perry because of all the records he is setting. Black entertainment also needs Spike Lee, his films are classics and more from him are needed. In addition to more Spike Lee films, black entertainment needs him to lay off Tyler Perry and focus on his own work.

Read more...

Jamie Foxx sketch comedy series approved by FOX

By TV Insider
JR Staff Writer

Outside of his own projects, Jamie Foxx is a businessman and steadily making deals. Foxx has produced several projects over the past few years. To date, his most-notable project was the MTV series, "From Gs to Gents." Now, Foxx will be trying his hand at sketch comedy with a new series.

Inspiration for the new show, titled "In the Flow," was inspired by past FOX comedy sketch, "In Living Color." Foxx was also a part of "In Living Color." The exposure on the show allowed Jamie Foxx to boost his career. Following the series, he had minor roles in movies, which led to his "The Jamie Foxx Show."

Foxx's new series will be hosted by Affion Crocket and it has been given the green light by FOX. The show will run this summer, in order to keep fans interested. Networks have been trying to change things up in order to keep fans interested in their programming all year long. Jamie Foxx's new project will be the first, among many, by FOX to keep fans interested.

The series will air six episodes this summer.

Read more...