December, 2008

Singer Ashlee Simpson-Wentz (sister of Jessica Simpson) and husband Pete Wentz of the band Fall Out Boy shared the first picture of their newborn son Bronx Mowgli Wentz via an e-card. The couple wished everybody a merry Christmas and happy holiday.

Previous X Factor winner Leona Lewis and the newest winner Alexandra Burke, 20, perform for the Christmas episode of “Top of The Pops” in London, UK. “Top of The Pops” is a long-running British music chart television programme, made by the BBC.

Alexandra Burke was crowned the winner of the X Factor 2008 December 13, and had the opportunity to join Beyonce Knowles in a performance. Burke won a recording contract with Simon Cowell ’s (American Idol) Syco record label.

R&B singer Ashanti sings her new song “Shine” also featured on Will Smith’s new movie “Seven Pounds” on Fox 5’s Good Morning NY.

Chicago native and first runner-up of BET’s “Sunday Best” gospel talent show, Shari Addison, preps to release her self–titled CD “Shari Addison” on January 13, 2009.

The album “Shari Addison” will feature 10 tracks of traditional, contemporary, urban and inspirational gospel songs produced by those such as platinum music producer Percy Bady (Whitney Houston, Yolanda Adams), Daniel Weatherspoon (Darwin Hobbs, Lonnie Hunter) and Donald Lawrence (Tri-City Singers, Hezekiah Walker), amongst others.

Well known singer, celebrity and award winning actress Eartha Kitt, who’s perhaps best known for her “sex kitten” role as Catwoman in the 1960s Batman TV series has died from colon cancer. Younger audiences may recognize Kitt though for her supporting role as ‘Lady Eloise’ in the hit movie Boomerang co-starring Eddie Murphy and Robin Givens.

American Idol star Carrie Underwood, who is the only female performer in any genre to have two albums top 10 million in sales is set to perform at the 35th People’s Choice Awards on Jan. 7, 2009 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA. The singer was nominated for favorite female singer up against Alicia Keys and Rihanna, while her song entitled “Last Name” is up for favorite country song against Taylor Swift’s “Love Story”.

BET is prepping to launch a spin-off of its hit music show 106 & Park which will be called Generation Gospel. The weekly show will be hosted by Jorel Quinn from the hip hop gospel group 21:03 and Angel Taylor of the female gospel contemporary music group Trin-i-tee 5:7 and will feature a live studio audience, music videos, celebrity guests, and much more.

Country music star Taylor Swift who recently reclaimed the top spot on the Billboard charts will be hosting the GAC’s Top 50 Videos of 2008 every weeknight (8 pm ET) beginning Monday, Dec. 29 through Jan. 2.

R&B singer/songwriter Faith Evans and widow of rapper Notorious B.I.G. (Biggie Smalls) released her autobiography in August, however everyone has been somewhat quiet about what reads on the pages in this gripping book.

Music legend and the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, will be performing at President-Elect Barack Obama’s inauguration in the Nation’s Capital on January 20, congressional leaders announced Wednesday.

The Jan. 20 event on the steps of the Capitol is expected to draw as many as four million visitors to see Obama take his noontime Oath according to sources.