Sherri Shepherd is on Team Breezy. The View host has been vocal in defense of Chris Brown before, so it’s no surprise that she stood up for the star in the wake of this week’s Grammy lovefest backlash . All Brown did was show up at the award show, perform and win. No controversy at all. Yet his mere presence at the event after his 2009 attack on Rihanna upset many. While Shepherd criticized female fans who Tweet about how they’d let Chris beat them all night (among other things), Shepherd defended Brown from criticism. He may even be a role model, she says. Why? Sherri Shepherd Defends Chris Brown “There may be a child in a situation of going through abuse that Chris Brown has gone through. His mother was abused right in front of his very eyes six years before this happened to Rihanna. He used to wet his pants from the fear,” Shepherd says. “He was a victim! He became an offender. He did what the courts told him to do. He went to 52 weeks, a year of domestic prevention counseling.” That’s all true, and she makes a strong case. But on the flip side, critics will point to the (perceived) utter lack of responsibility Brown has taken for his actions. Behind-the-scenes blowups, arrogance and a lack of remorse (real or otherwise) contribute to the lack of forgiveness in people’s eyes. Not heartlessness. What do you think? Is Chris Brown a role model?
‘There was so much love surrounding the making of the song,’ she says about Roman Reloaded track. By Jocelyn Vena Nicki Minaj Photo: Jason Merritt/Getty Images Nicki Minaj channels her inner pop princess for her just-released single “Starships.” The fist-pumping song dropped on Tuesday (February 14), and it’s club-ready and poised for crossover success. Thanks to its bouncy beat, Minaj’s sing-songy chorus and producer RedOne’s eye for Euro house-influenced pop music, Minaj may have a new “Super Bass.” It’s a blast of pop goodness in which Nicki raps and sings about partying and doing what feels good for you. The song is also full of signature Minaj sass and bravado. “Starships were meant to fly/ Hands up and touch the sky/ Can’t stop ’cause we’re so high/ Let’s do this one more time,” she declares on the feel-good chorus, before it repeats and evolves to a smashing, dance-floor-busting grind of beats, shouts and noises that are certain to get her Barbz on the floor. Minaj shines like a pop star the likes of Britney Spears, Katy Perry and Jennifer Lopez on the genre-busting track. But the song is also signature RedOne thanks to his keen ear for world music. That influence is felt on the song’s breakdowns, which recall smashes he’s made for J.Lo and Enrique Iglesias. “There was so much love surrounding the making of the song, because RedOne is just so sweet to work with,” Minaj told Ryan Seacrest . “He just sent me that one day and he said, ‘Hey, I got something for you!’ I was like ‘You got to be kidding me, right?’ I went to the studio and started writing … scratch that … I didn’t even write the first verse! That was just me mumbling and just saying the first thing that came to my head, and we recorded it, because I just felt like, let’s go to the beach … let’s go get away. It was just so good. It feels good!” “Starship” is the latest track to get a preview before Nicki drops Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded on April 1. On Sunday she gave fans an over-the-top taste of “Roman Holiday” when she performed it during the Grammy Awards . During the interview with Seacrest, Minaj shared that Reloaded will focus on the many sides of Nicki — and it’s clear “Starships” shows her pop side. “I’ve never had this much fun recording music in my life. My first album, I was very guarded,” she said. “I felt like I was making music to please everyone else. I had to be politically correct, but this album I am just creating music, and there’s such a big difference. Literally, in the studio we were cracking up laughing, having fun and enjoying ourselves. The music itself, you’re going to get every side that I’ve ever shown and then a little bit extra. I’ve tried to make it very, very balanced, because I don’t ever want to be boxed in, and that’s always what drives me. So I made a very diverse album.” Related Artists Nicki Minaj
And… there it is. As expected, the Catholic League has issued a statement regarding Nicki Minaj’s controversial performance of “Roman Holiday” at the Grammy Awards Sunday night, which featured choir boys, bishops, holy water, faux possessions, levitation and a confessional. Nicki Minaj – “Roman Holiday” (2012 Grammy Performance) “Nicki Minaj, fresh off looking like a fool with Madonna at the Super Bowl , showed up last night on the red carpet at the Grammys with a guy dressed like the pope. This was just a prelude of what was to come,” wrote Catholic League President Bill Donahue, adding: “Perhaps the most vulgar part was the sexual statement that showed a scantily clad female dancer stretching backwards while an altar boy knelt between her legs in prayer. Finally, ‘Come All Ye Faithful’ was sung while a man posing as a bishop walked on stage; Minaj was shown levitating.” Donahue concluded by calling out the Grammys themselves, writing: “Whether Minaj is possessed is surely an open question, but what is not in doubt is the irresponsibility of The Recording Academy. Never would they allow an artist to insult Judaism or Islam.” What is Nicki’s defense of her act? She told Ryan Seacrest it was all about an alter ego named Roman. Naturally. “I had this vision for Roman, for him to be exorcised, but people around him telling him he’s not good enough, that he’s not normal, he’s not fitting in with the average Joe,” Nicki explained. “He wanted to show that not only is he amazing and confident, but he’s never going to be exorcised and when they throw the holy water on him, he rises above it.” Well… okay then. WHAT DID YOU THINK OF MINAJ’S PERFORMANCE AT THE GRAMMYS?
It’s episode three of The Voice’s blind auditions, with Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green, Christina Aguilera and Blake Shelton back in their red-spinning seats to evaluate talent. Actually, they’ve never left those seats. They’re still in the same clothes. Busted! Seriously, this was one marathon audition day if it was chopped up into three episodes. Anyway, who stood out last night and joined Teams Adam, Cee Lo, Blake and Xtina? Let’s break down the performances of some of Monday’s top Voice auditions … Katrina Parker (below) The 34-year-old insurance worker performed “What If God Was One Of Us” by Joan Osbourne. Adam was the only one to show interest. That’s enough. Team: Adam Katrina Parker – One of Us (The Voice Audition) Pip The 19-year-old, baby faced Pip (that’s his real name), takes pride in his fashion choices … and his rendition of The Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun.” The four coaches court Pip. Christina, quoting her own songs, actually tells Pip, “I am a fighter. And I will fight for your ass!” But alas, Levine wins out. Team: Adam James Massone (below) A 23-year-old Bostonian with the accent to prove it who works in his family’s auto shop. His song of choice? Drake’s “Find Your Love.” See that coming? Christina and Blake long to hit their buttons, with Cee Lo not too far behind. Adam is the only one not to get on board, and is called out by James for it! Team: Cee Lo James Massone – Find Your Love (The Voice Audition) Jordis Unge Half-Tongan and half-Swedish Jordis Unge sings “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Paul McCartney and Adam immediately declares his love for the song. He then proceeds to sing along with Jordis, but Blake, Christina and Cee Lo turn around and Adam does not. Ouch! Still, three out of four? Solid. Team: Blake Chris Cauley (below) Atlanta native Chris Cauley, now 27, got his first guitar from his late grandmother, and sang his own slowed-down version of Bruno Mars’ “Grenade.” Team: Adam Chris Cauley – Grenade (The Voice Audition) Sarah Golden Song: “You and I” by Lady Gaga Team: Cee Lo Erin Willett (below) Song: “I Want You Back” by Jackson 5 Team: Blake Erin Willet – I Want You Back (The Voice Audition) Nathan Parrett Song: “The Joker” by Steve Miller Band Team: Adam Geoff McBride (below) Song: “High Ground” by Stevie Wonder Team: Christina Geoff McBride – Higher Ground (The Voice Audition) Brian Fuente Song: “Paris (Oh La La)” by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals Team: Blake Moses Stone Song: “Let’s Get It Started” by Black Eyed Peas Team: Christina Erin Martin (below) Song: “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s Team: Cee Lo Erin Martin – Hey There Delilah (The Voice Audition) Who did you like best on The Voice this week? Which coach’s team do you think looks the most solid so far? Share your comments with us below …
Chris Brown managed to stir up some controversy once again at the 2012 Grammy Awards … even if all the singer did was show up, perform and win. Some stars, including Miranda Lambert, wondered why the Best R&B Album winner / convicted felon was featured on not one but two performances. On Monday, the country superstar tweeted “Chris Brown twice? I don’t get it. He beat on a girl … Not cool that we act like that didn’t happen.” “He needs to listen to Gunpowder and lead and be put in his place. Not at the Grammys.” That’s a reference to Lambert’s 2007 hit “Gunpowder and Lead.” The lyrics to that song describe a woman preparing to kill her abusive husband when he gets out of jail. “His fist is big but my gun’s bigger,” she sings. Lambert isn’t the only celeb who questioned Brown’s Grammy presence. “Chris Brown … (bites tongue) have we forgiven him?” Michelle Branch asked. Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet posted, after watching Brown’s Grammy performance , “Are Chris Brown’s mom and dad CBS and Grammy Brown?” “Looks like all is forgiven (with) Chris Brown,” Sherri Shepherd tweeted. “That’s all I’ll say.” As of right now, Chris has not responded to these Tweets. “Team Breezy we have come such along way and I’m so appreciative of you guys!!!! No matter what anyone says…. WE MADE IT!!” was all he wrote. Chris infamously assaulted then-girlfriend Rihanna on the eve of the 2009 Grammys, an incident some feel should have kept him from this year’s show. Your take: Did the Grammys show Chris too much love?
From her Grammy red carpet arrival with priest in tow to her melodramatic performance, it’s clear that Nicki’s on a quest for a career that stems past hip hop. She wants to show us what else she’s good at and that’s acting. Nicki”s acting like a pop princess instead of a hip hop queen these days and maybe that’s because she wants to to know that she’s got range. Nicki’s got more fans that any of us can count and why? Is it her music, her personality or the fact that she’s unpredictable and we’re all waiting to see what she’s going to do next a la Lady Gaga? Whatever it is, Nicki’s transformation into an entertainer is proving that she’s not really about that hip hop life anymore and here’s three reasons why. 1. Dear Old Nicki There was a time when Nicki was all about hip hop. She lived it. But somewhere between claiming to be a lesbian , butt implants and making the Forbes list, she forgot that her lyricism reigned supreme. 2. Highly Educated Nicki graduated from LaGuardia High School’s drama program. Her passion is to be on screen. It’s obvious from the incredible use of her facial expressions to her multiple personalities to her mini saga videos . Has she been using her rap stardom as a foot in the door to acting. I could honestly see Nicki on Broadway–she’s got the entertainment factor on lock. 3. Real Talent–No Games, No Gimmicks After last night’s Grammy performance that mixed theater with a completely sacrilegious exorcism, Nicki’s turning into more of a gimmick than a talented MC. Lil’ Kim may have done a few things for attention, but she’s never had to go as far as offending the entire Catholic community. Here’s the thing–you don’t need all the bells and whistles when your talent is undeniable. Nicki’s always been talented, so I’m a bit confused as to why she needs the spectacle that Laurie Ann Gibson offers. Do you think Nicki should leave hip hop behind and focus on acting? Nicki Minaj Ushered Into Grammy Awards By Bishop [PHOTO] 5 Iconic Looks Nicki Minaj Should Channel Next
Brace yourselves: The trailer for Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter has arrived! Yes, this is a real movie. The subject matter of which is explained by the title. The absurd movie mash-up of historical drama and vampire horror stars Benjamin Walker as our nation’s greatest president, haunted by the death of his mother at a young age, a horrific tragedy blamed on the blood suckers … fictionally of course. We think. He devotes his life, and ends up President of the United States, as part of an all-out quest to eradicate vampires from the world. The Vampire Diaries should really consider an Abe Lincoln plot line at some point. Watch the trailer below … Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter Trailer
In the wake of Whitney Houston’s death, most celebrities are reacting with nothing but condolences and kind words about the iconic singer. Some, however, are speaking out in more detail, with Celine Dion telling Good Morning America today that the celebrity culture itself bears some responsibility for Whitney’s demise. Tony Bennett, meanwhile, has taken a different, surprising tact. At Clive Davis’ annual Grammy Awards party, held just hours after Houston passed away, the legendary artist went off on a different topic. “First it was Michael Jackson, then Amy Winehouse, now, the magnificent Whitney Houston,” he said. “I’d like every person in this room to campaign to legalize drugs. Let’s legalize drugs like they did in Amsterdam. No one’s hiding or sneaking around corners to get it. They go to a doctor to get it.” Not sure if that would have saved any of the aforementioned lives, but it’s always an interesting debate. Where do you stand? Should America legalize drugs?
Adele definitely got the best of Taylor Swift – and the entire music world – winning six out of a possible six honors at the 2012 Grammy Awards in L.A. Sunday night. Can she continue her unbeaten streak with a win in this style showdown? That remains to be seen, though the British songstress looked great on the red carpet. Adele has won praise for the fact that – like Swift – she succeeds on talent and sets a good example for fans by not parading around in no pants. So to speak. Which of these popular, talented singers’ fashion statements from last night do you like better? Vote in THG’s latest Grammy Awards Fashion Face-Off below!
