WATCH: Kandi Burress' New Show Coming to Bravo

"The Kandi Factory" where Kandi (Real Housewives of Atlanta) attempts to turn non-artists into artists (i.e, Kim Zolciak) is coming to Bravo on March 4. Watch a preview below:
 

Wait. These Two Are Dating??

According to Us Magazine, they are:

Toni Braxton, singer, 44, and comic actor Eddie Murphy, 50, "are seeing each other and very into it," a source tells Us Weekly, adding that the romance started up four months ago.

The Tower Heist star -- who has eight kids from previous relationships -- even cheered on the mother of two (who's been separated from singer Keri Lewis since 2009), backstage at her Feb. 19 L.A. concert. While Braxton's rep insists "Toni and Eddie are just friends and have been fans of each other's work for a long time," the insider says, "Their kids have met and everything. It's getting very serious." Click HERE to continue reading the article.

Jennifer Lopez and Her Stuff on the Cover of V Mag.

Interesting shot. Nothing else to say about it. Click HERE if you want more.

This Doesn't Look Like Katy Perry.

I rarely post about Katy Perry because I'm not really a fan (seriously. You can check. You won't find much of her on this site) but I thought this photo of her on the cover of Interview Magazine (March 2012 issue) was the hotness. Ok, Interview Mag. I see you. 

Way to make me link to your site.

The 2012 Cast of Dancing With the Stars

via HuffPo:

Here's the full list of Season 14's celebrity contestants, will you be watching?
Jack Wagner, star of "Melrose Place" (pro partner: Anna Trebunskaya)
Melissa Gilbert, star of "Little House on the Prairie" (pro partner: Maksim Chmerkovskiy)
Donald Driver, Green Bay Packers all-time leading receiver (pro partner: Peta Murgatroyd)
William Levy, telenovela star (pro partner: Cheryl Burke)
Sherri Shepherd, co-host of "The View" (pro partner: Valentin Chmerkovskiy)
Katherine Jenkins, opera star (pro partner: Mark Ballas)
Gavin DeGraw, singer (pro partner: Karina Smirnoff)
Martina Navratilova, tennis star (pro partner: Tony Dovolani)
Roshon Fegan, Disney star (pro partner: Chelsie Hightower)
Maria Menounos, TV host (pro partner: Derek Hough)
Jaleel White, URKEL! Star of "Family Matters" (pro partner: Kym Johnson)
Gladys Knight, music legend (pro partner: (pro partner: Tristan MacManus)

WATCH: Mary J. Blige Sings the Star Spangled Banner...

This was at the 2012 NBA All Star Game...
 

2012 Academy Awards: Gwyneth Paltrow

Gwyneth Paltrow wore Tom Ford on the 84th Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet.

2012 Academy Awards: Sandra Bullock

Sandra Bullock wore Marchesa on the 84th Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet.

2012 Academy Awards: Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez wore Zuhair Murad on the 84th Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet.

2012 Academy Awards: Emma Stone

Emma Stone wore a red Giambattista Valli gown (similar to Nicole Kidman's Balenciaga gown from 2007 no?) on the 84th Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet.

2012 Academy Awards: Tina Fey

Tina Fey wore a custom Carolina Herrera on the 84th Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet.

2012 Academy Awards: Kristin Wiig

Kristin Wiig (Bridesmaids) wearing J. Mendel on the 84th Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet.

2012 Academy Awards: Viola Davis

Viola Davis (The Help) wearing Vera Wang (and her natural hair!) on the 84th Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet.

2012 Academy Awards: Octavia Spencer

Octavia Spencer (The Help) wearing Tadashi Shoji on the 84th Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet.

2012 Academy Awards: Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams in a coral (her description, I thought it was red) Louis Vuitton gown on the 84th Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet.

The Details.

2012 Academy Awards: Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain (Bridesmaids) in Alexander McQueen on the 84th Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet.

2012 Academy Awards: George Clooney & Stacy Keibler

George Clooney (wearing Armani) and Stacy Keibler in Marchesa on the 84th Academy Awards Red Carpet.

2012 Academy Awards: Guiliana Rancic

Guiliana Rancic in Tony Ward at the 84th Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet. A close up of her jewelry below:

Beautiful.

2012 Academy Awards: Milla Jovovich

Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab at the 84th Annual Academy Awards Red Carpet.

Best Dressed 2011 Oscars Red Carpet ...

Anne Hathaway (who also served as host with James Franco) looked lovely in a vintage Valentino gown at the 2011 Oscars. Click over to see Hip Candy's picks for best dressed (and a couple just ok dressed) from the 2011 Oscar Red Carpet.

Scenes Just Before the 2012 Oscar Ceremony...

 With the protective plastic removed, the red carpet can now be seem lining the arrivals area outside the Kodak Theatre as preparations continue for the 84th Academy Awards in Los Angeles on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012. The Oscars will be held Sunday February 26, 2012. [photo via AP Photo] 

 
 Workers make final preparations in front of the Kodak Theatre (which will be referred to as the Hollywood and Highland Center) for the Oscars on the eve the 84th annual Academy Awards in Hollywood, California, on February 25, 2012. [photo via Getty Images]

Halle Berry Cancels Her Appearance at the Oscars

via People: Halle Berry, who was set to present at the 84th annual Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, has canceled her appearance because of her broken foot, PEOPLE has learned. 

 Berry injured herself while shooting Cloud Atlas in Spain in September. According to the movie's studio, Warner Bros., the accident occurred while "walking in Majorca on a day off from filming." But it turns out there was a little more to the story. A source told PEOPLE at the time that Berry was chasing after her 3½-year-old daughter Nahla, who was chasing after a goat across a stretch of rocky countryside.

Brandy & Monica Talk About Their Kids...

via People: A lot has happened in the 14 years since Brandy and Monica charmed the world with their Grammy-winning teen rivals hit “The Boy is Mine.” Now they’re back with a new duet – ”It All Belongs to Me” is out now — and are both mothers.

Brandy’s daughter Sy’rai, 9½ (dad is her ex, producer Robert Smith), has the talent to follow in Mom’s footsteps, but the singer isn’t ready to let her — yet.

“Rodney is a drummer,” Monica, 31, explains of her eldest son (dad is her ex, rapper Rocko Hill). “He is only 6½ and is in the third grade. He wants to go to college like [my husband] Shannon and he’s serious about musical intent — he plays his drums daily and asks for lessons.” Click HERE to read more.

Janet Jackson Super Fans Lose Their Minds With Surprise Meeting on Anderson

Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon 2012 [PICS]

ESSENCE MAGAZINE hosted its 5th annual "Black Women in Hollywood" luncheon on February 23 to honor ESSENCE March cover girl, Kerry Washington, actress Paula Patton, Oscar-nominee Octavia Spencer and iconic star, Pam Grier, along with "Grey's Anatomy" creator and executive producer, Shonda Rhimes. This annual event celebrates the brightest stars who, through their work, have helped illuminate positive images of Black women worldwide.  A couple of my favorite looks from the arrivals are below:

Jordin Sparks (wearing a DVF dress and D&G Shoes) briefly spoke
about  her  experience working with Whitney Houston on Sparkle.

I'm loving Sharon Leal's luncheon look here.

    Click HERE to see the rest of Essence Magazine's Black Women in Hollywood's "Black" Carpet Arrivals.

WATCH: House of Dereon Ad Spring Summer 2012

In Case You Missed: Pres. Obama Sings the Blues

President Barack Obama welcomed guests during the White House Music Series saluting Blues Music in recognition of Black History Month, Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012, in the East Room of the White House in Washington.

 In Performance at the White House Blues edition (B.B. King! Mick Jagger! New Orleans own Trombone Shorty!) airs on Monday February 27 at 8PM Central. Check your local listings.

Solange Knowles Covers RollerCoaster Magazine

Solange is everywhere lately looking fly. Click HERE for more... 

It's Mardi Gras Time!

Happy President's Day!

Click HERE for more Presidential impersonations.

Whitney Houston's Homegoing Service: Where To Watch.

via Time Newsfeed: Though Whitney Houston’s funeral will be an intimate affair, held Saturday in the small New Jersey church she attended and sang in as a child, her fans will be able to share in the memorial by watching along online and on television.

The decision to share the private service with the public online is a compromise, since so many fans wish to say goodbye to the legendary singer. Hollywood.com reports that only one camera from the Associated Press will be allowed in the church, and the service will be held at noon at New Hope Baptist Church in Newark.

If you’re looking for some comfort and closure: tune in on tv or online, and pay homage to the great Whitney Houston alongside some of her biggest supporters and fellow legendary voices. WHERE TO WATCH WHITNEY'S HOMEGOING SERVICES:

CNN will air the funeral live starting at 11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 PT. Piers Morgan, Soledad O’Brien, and Don Lemon will anchor the network’s coverage, which will start at 11 a.m.


E! News will be hosting a special report, Whitney Houston: The Funeral, at 11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 PT, USA Today reports. The network will also be posting live updates to its Twitter feed, and will simulcast their network coverage. BET’s special, Live: The Homegoing of Whitney Houston, will also air at 11:30 a.m. ET/8:30 PT.


Access Atlanta has rounded up some websites that will also be live-streaming the services: wsbtv.com, cnn.com/live, livestream.com/aplive, foxnews.com and majicatl.com

More and more big names are emerging as attendees and participants in the Houston’s funeral: longtime mentor and record producer Clive Davis will speak, while Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder will perform. Franklin was especially close to the singer, considering Houston her goddaughter; Houston called her “Aunt Ree.”

Kevin Costner, who was the singer’s costar in The Bodyguard, will also be speaking, People magazine reports. Houston’s publicist Kristen Foster told the Associated Press that the eulogy will be given by Marvin Winans, a close family friend and gospel singer. Ex-husband Bobby Brown received an invitation, as well as Oprah Winfrey. Also taking part in the program are Alicia Keys, Tyler Perry, Dionne Warwick, Cece Winans, Dionne McClurkin and Rickey Minor.

In honor of the singer, the flags at New Jersey’s government buildings will be flown at half-mast on Saturday, the Washington Post reports.

WATCH: Dark Tide Trailer Starring Halle Berry...

Is it just me, or does this seem like a weird role for Halle Berry? This role seems more suited for a Jessica Alba or a Kate Bosworth type to me *shrugs* Ah well, I wasn't the casting director on this movie (I am a perfect casting director for film... in my mind), so good for Halle (I guess) for landing this role. I can't promise that I'll be seeing this flick (probably not) but watch the preview below to see what you think...
 

Whitney Houston's Funeral to be Live Streamed Online.

Whitney Houston's funeral services are scheduled to take place at her childhood church, New Hope Baptist Church, in Newark, NJ Saturday, and although doors will be closed to the public, the singer's family is still allowing fans to pay their respects, albeit, from their living rooms (the services will be live streamed online). 
 CNN confirms that the "I Will Always Love You" singer's funeral will be broadcast live via livestream.com/aplive -- nice news for mourners who won't be sitting in the 1,500, invitation-only seats. Continue reading this article HERE.

Janet Jackson Speaks on Whitney Houston's Untimely Passing..

Chaka Khan Speaks Out on Whitney Houston.

Ok, you know what? I watched this when it aired and I have to say I agree with Chaka in the following clips. It seemed a little crazy that that pre-Grammy party still happened. I know Clive Davis said that Whitney would have wanted "the  music to continue" but it seemed more real when Chaka said that (the Diva) in Whitney would have wanted everything to come to a halt if she wasn't there. Whitney's body was still in that hotel as the party was going on which to me seemed all kinds of wrong. Really, everything surrounding her death is so sad. Watch the clips below to hear Chaka's take to see if you agree.

The Target, Adele Commercial Everyone is Talking About.

Watch Target's "Rolling in the Deep" Ad...
 

Ray J Talks About KK, Whitney Houston in a Recent Interview

The interview was done to promote Ray J's new relationship book, but it was also done before Whitney Houston's sudden passing. Ray J talks about his friendship with Whitney and how well she's doing (sad) I don't want to even mention the other chick by (full) name, or in the same breath as Whitney Houston, he doesn't either, so I WON'T *eye roll* Anyhoo, watch the interview below:
 

WATCH: Adele's Cute 60 Minutes Interview...

WATCH: Alicia Keys, Bonnie Raitt Pay Tribute to Etta James

2122122227 by YardieGoals

WATCH: Jennifer Hudson's Grammy Tribute to Whitney Houston

I thought Jennifer did well considering the tragic circumstances that she was even asked to do this. You can tell she was having a bit of a hard time getting through it, but I think she did Whitney proud...
 
via The Fader: Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to Whitney Houston at the Grammys, performing ’s Housoton’s rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” Released in 1992 on The Bodyguard soundtrack, the single spent over 14 weeks at number one. Houston presented Hudson a Grammy for Best R&B Album in 2009, and Hudson performed “I Will Always Love You” at 2010′s BET Honors ceremony.

Whitney Houston Remembered With A Prayer at the Grammys

WATCH: Whitney Houston, A Musical Timeline...

A musical timeline of The Voice: Whitney’s biggest hits … and her humble beginning.
 
RIP Whitney Elizabeth Houston August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012 

Jennifer Hudson to Pay Tribute to Whitney Houston at the Grammy's

Jennifer Hudson will pay tribute to her idol, Whitney Houston, at Sunday's Grammy Awards.  Houston died Saturday at the Beverly Hills Hotel. The cause of death has not yet been determined. 
 Show Ken Ehrlich said that Hudson will be featured in a "musical tribute." He said it's too fresh to do more at this time, but they had to note the Grammy-winner's amazing accomplishments. 

 Prior to the news of Houston's death, Hudson attended a pre-Grammy event Saturday where she discussed the impact Houston had on her career. 
 Hudson talked about her love for Houston's hit "I Will Always Love You" and said that she would "create duets with her because I wanted to sing with Whitney Houston." Houston actually presented Hudson with her first Grammy. Hudson said meeting her idol "almost overshadowed getting the Grammy." Watch a snippet below of Jennifer Hudson singing Whitney's "I Will Always Love You"
 

Clive Davis Honors Whitney Houston at His Pre-Grammy Party

Clive Davis and Whitney Houston at the Carousel of Hope Ball at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in 2006 / Getty

Clive Davis still held his pre-Grammy party the night before the Grammy's at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the same hotel that Whitney Houston was staying at (and ultimately found unresponsive) saying that Whitney would have wanted the music to go on...

via People: The death of Whitney Houston has shocked the industry on the eve of music's biggest night, but the show must go on – it's what she would have wanted, music mogul Clive Davis said Saturday night. 

"Whitney was so full of life. She was so looking forward to tonight," he told those gathered Saturday night at The Recording Academy and Clive Davis's pre-Grammy gala, which she was due to attend (although she was not scheduled to perform, he said, as previously reported). 

"She loved music and loved this night that celebrated music," he continued of the late singer, whose death is currently under investigation. "Whitney would have asked that the music go on. And her family said the show should go on."

Whitney Houston August 9, 1963 - February 11, 2012

This is some truly unbelievable news! She was only 48 years old! Prayers for her family...

via TMZ: Whitney Houston died this afternoon ... a rep for the singer told the Associated Press.

Look back at pics of Whitney Houston

Paramedics were called to the Beverly Hilton today when Houston was found unresponsive in her hotel room ... sources tell TMZ.

We're told police arrived to the scene within minutes and fire was already there on another call. According to our sources, paramedics performed CPR but it did not work and she was pronounced dead at 3:55 PM.

Our sources say there were signs of foul play. We're told she was ID'ed by family and friends.


WATCH Whitney Houston on Youtube

The singer famously battled drug addiction for years.

Houston won two Emmy Awards, six Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards, 22 American Music Awards during her record-breaking career. Her album "Whitney" was the first female album to ever debut at #1 on the Billboard Charts. She has sold 200 million albums world wide.

Houston holds an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from Grambling State University in Louisiana.


Stars react to Whitney Houston's death on Twitter

Houston had one child, Bobbi Kristina, with husband Bobby Brown. Houston and Brown were married from 1992-2007.

Blue Ivy Carter Makes Her Pretty Baby Girl Debut [PICS]

Beyonce and Jay Z's Baby, Blue Ivy Carter

This baby is gorgeous. Congratulations to them both again.

WATCH New York Fashion Week Stream LIVE..

Click LIVE FROM THE RUNWAY to WATCH LIVE SHOWS from 

New York Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2012 which is going on NOW.

The Answer to These Leggings is NO.

Meat leggings. Really? 

Don't do this.

[source]

Beyonce Post Baby Outing #2

via US Weekly: Beyonce made her second appearance in two nights on Tuesday, stepping out for hubby Jay-Z's benefit concert for United Way and his Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation at NYC's Carnegie Hall.

 Slipping into the venue via the garage, Beyonce (who gave birth to daughter Blue Ivy Jan. 7) looked absolutely radiant in a form-fitting Monique Lhuillier black sequin cocktail dress -- plus Gucci shoes, Chanel purse, and accessories by jeweler Lorraine Schwartz.

Jason Wu for Target Won't Be Happening For Me.

This right here is SO disgusting. I mean, you know stuff like this happens (remember Missoni for Target?) but actually seeing it happen takes it to a whole new level of GROSS. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I will NEVER pay a premium price on ebay for something that I wanted and could have gotten at the intended Target price. Won't happen honey boo boo. People who do this are beyond ridiculous and I hope they get stuck with every single last piece of it, because at this point, I'm not even checking for it. NEXT.
   
via Electric Blogarella: These people, who the mob of angry shoppers dubbed "The Vultures Who Ruined Jason Wu for Target," came in and took everything. And by everything, I mean everything except what the few of us were able to grab before he did... How was it fair that this guy was taking everything and then telling people around him they could "buy it off him outside?" The angry mob called over the management and asked them to intervene. And they did. They took him aside and told him it wasn't allowed. But a call to corporate Target told them they were not allowed to enforce such a limit on items. And then we were back to square one.

Beyonce And Her Post Baby Self Spotted Out at Jay Z's Concert

New mom Beyonce showed off her svelte body in a body-hugging Alice by Temperley dress with Ofira & Lorraine Schwartz jewelry, an Alexander McQueen clutch, and Christian Louboutin platform heels while attending her husband's Carnegie Hall Charity Concert. During the concert, Jay-Z got choked up while performing "Glory," the song he wrote for their daughter, Blue Ivy (born January 7 in NYC). 

SILLY CANDY: Terry Crews and Old Spice. LOL

Congrats to the SU Dancing Dolls on Their Madonna Superbowl Halftime Performance!

Southern University’s dance team can thank YouTube for the experience of a lifetime. The squad, known as the Dancing Dolls, performed in Sunday’s Bridgestone Super Bowl XLVI Halftime Show (you can watch Madonna's full halftime performance HERE at the 5:55 mark, but I'd hurry because it could be taken down) one of the most renowned performances in entertainment, with Madonna, an international pop music icon. 
 Lawrence Jackson, Southern University’s band director, said Madonna discovered the Dancing Dolls after watching a video of one of their performances on the popular streaming video website. “It goes to show the power of YouTube,” Jackson said with a laugh. 
My parents both went to Southern University and my mom was an SU Dancing Doll (circa 1970) and I went to Southern too before going on to Design school. What an awesome experience this had to be for these girls... I am super happy for them! 
Continue reading this article HERE.

Chicago Bound...

I'll be in the Windy City through Monday, hugging, loving and visiting my beautiful family. And even though it'll be colder than what I'm used to, I can't wait to see everyone and spend some quality time. 

I ♥ Chicago.

Hope everyone who reads this has an awesome weekend.

Chanel :)

Kerry Washington Covers Essence Mag's March 2012 Issue.

“I think it’s a really special time to be a woman of color in this business. The landscape of who has the power is changing,” she told Essence. “We are in more influential positions and are able to have a say in the stories that are told. I feel very lucky to be in the business now…”

PETA's Newest Spokesperson: Penelope Cruz

Hollywood actress Penelope Cruz is the latest star to appear on a billboard as part of PETA's ongoing anti-fur campaign. 

The 37-year-old actress condemns the use of animal fur for clothing in a billboard ad that went up Wednesday in New York's garment district near Penn Station. 

The unveiling comes just ahead of New York Fashion Week, which begins on Feb. 9.

Don Cornelius September 27, 1936 - February 1, 2012

via TMZ: Don Cornelius -- who famously created "Soul Train" was found dead in his Sherman Oaks, CA home this morning ... and law enforcement sources tell us it appears he committed suicide. We're told cops discovered the body at around 4 AM PT. Law enforcement sources tell us ... Cornelius died from a gunshot wound to the head and officials believe the wound was self-inflicted.

We're told Cornelius was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. "Soul Train" changed the landscape of television when it debuted in 1971 and ran until 2006. Officials have notified Don's family. Cornelius was 75. Watch "Why Don Cornelius Matters" on NPR.org..

Don Cornelius and wife Victoria.

Don and wife Victoria were divorced in 2010. Sources close to Don tell us ... the TV icon was plagued with health issues for years ... including a stroke and a condition that required brain surgery.