The 2009 BET Awards: A Tribute To MJ

It can't come as a surprise to anyone that the 2009 BET Awards will go down in history as being all about the legacy of one entertainer.
Guess which entertainer? Yes, you guessed correctly.

In what must have taken a monumental effort of teamwork, flexibility, and ingenuity—the annual awards program overhauled whatever original plans it had and hastily centered its entire focus on a tribute to the late Michael Jackson, who passed away unexpectedly last Thursday.
The telecast ran an extra 30 minutes in order to accommodate all of the tribute material.

The tone for the evening was set by a quote from Jackson's father, Joe, who called his son "the greatest star in the world" and told reporters outside the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, "I wish he could be here."

The pre-awards show, generally a fashion fest for stars to show off their latest designer finds, turned into a touching tribute of its own, with hosts Terrence J. and Rocsi asking everyone for their favorite Jackson moment or song.

The mega-stars of the evening seemed honored to take a backseat to Jackson's memory. Host Jamie Foxx opened the show with a request to "celebrate," providing the crowd with a shaky attempt at moonwalking and a re-enactment of Jackson's iconic "Beat It" choreography—complete with red jacket and glove.

Many of the performers of the evening incorporated homages to Jackson: Most notably, Ciara sang his "Heal The World," Best Male R&B winner Ne-Yo performed "Lady In My Life," and New Edition ran through a medley of Jackson 5 hits.
A chant of "Michael Jackson, Michael Jackson," ran through the auditorium as four-time nominee and Best New Artist winner Keri Hilson performed.

Winners of the awards thanked the late Jackson in their speeches, as well. Five-time-nominated Beyonce, who won for Best R&B Female Artist, called Jackson her "hero."
Legendary R&B band the O'Jays, whose classic music won the Lifetime Achievement award, even graciously shared their moment and paid their respects, as singer Eddie Levert touchingly noted how much he'd miss Jackson.

In a tremendous surprise, Jackson's sister Janet took the stage, making her first public appearance sincer her brother's death, and spoke on behalf of her entire family, thanking fans for their love and support. Following her appearance, Ne-Yo and Jamie Foxx took the stage to perform the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There."
List of winners:
• Male R&B Artist: Ne-Yo.
• Female R&B Artist: Beyonce.
• Group: Day 26.
• Collaboration: "Blame It," Jamie Foxx featuring T-Pain.
• Male Hip Hop Artist: Lil Wayne.
• Female Hip Hop Artist: M.I.A.
• New Artist: Keri Hilson.
• Gospel Artist: Mary Mary.
• Video of the Year: "Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It)," Beyonce.
• Video Director of the Year: Benny Boom.
• Actor: Will Smith.
• Actress: Taraji P. Henson.
• Female Athlete: Serena Williams.
• Male Athlete: LeBron James.
• Centric Award: Jazmine Sullivan.
• Viewer's Choice Award: "Live Your Life," T.I.
• Humanitarians of the Year: Alicia Keys and Wyclef Jean.
• Lifetime Achievement Award: O'Jays.

New album due from Bassekou Kouyate

Out here records announce the forthcoming release ofBassekou Kouyate & Ngoni ba"I speak fula"(OH 013)UK release date: 21 September 2009The band labelled ",the best rock n roll band in the world." by The Independent will release the follow-up to their critically-acclaimed and award-winning debut "Segu Blue" on 21 September on Out Here Records. The new album, entitled "I speak fula", was produced in Bamako by Lucy Duran and Jerry Boys, and features guest appearances by Toumani Diabate, Zoumana Tereta, Harouna Samake and Vieux Farka Toure.

Music-News.com

Rocking the Former Red-Light District: Hamburg's Reeperbahn Festival 2009

Rocking the Former Red-Light District - Hamburg’s Reeperbahn Festival 2009Now in it’s fourth year, the Reeperbahn Festival is a club-festival synonymous with great bands and entertainment throughout Europe. From September 24th - 26th 2009, up to 200 new international bands, solo artists and indie stars will meet audiences in and around in Germany’s bustling music metropolis of Hamburg.The Reeperbahn. Once commonly known as the "Wicked Mile", it is now a world famous entertainment boulevard, atmospherically dense and lined with countless cutting-edge music clubs, cool cafés and boho restaurants.This years line-up highlights include the neo-post-punk quartet Editors and underground legends Dinosaur Jr, who join Germany's chart-topping techno-rap party monsters Deichkind. Currently, Britain is represented by the dark melodic tones of the Cinematics, hotly-tipped The Sea, wild rockers Lowline and the BBC's "Unsigned Band Of The Week", Bleech. Other European neighbours are also offering their best home-grown talents. E.g. Sweden offers melancholic songwriters like Björn Kleinhenz, Norway brings the female four-piece Katzenjammer who reputably sound like a 'fantastical hord of drunk farmers from the Balkans’. Canada's Ohbijou enchant with sweet acoustic pop, while Germany's own Frittenbude and Egotronic hit the dance floor with driving electro beats. American band, Slightly Stoopid, glide in on relaxed reggae grooves, enriching the extremely diverse Reeperbahn Festival line-up, which will be constantly added to throughout the summer."Similar in set-up to Texas’ annual SXSW festival, and Cannes’ Midem, Reeperbahn Festival offers both an international showcase platform for emerging bands to play to influential music industry professionals and fans alike, and also an important meeting ground for the creative industries at large, in the form of seminars and workshops, addressing key factors currently affecting their industries."This 'industry’ side of the festival will be known as 'Reeperbahn Campus’.This year, running alongside the Reeperbahn Festival, 'Reeperbahn Campus' opens it's doors to representatives of the international music, film, IT and games industries. A perfect alternative to the recently cancelled music industry trade fair Popkomm, Reeperbahn Campus offers a new communication platform to an expert audience in an attractive setting beyond conference rooms and fairground halls from September 24th - 26th. Additionally, panels and talks will focus attention on the challenges and trends resulting from the constant merging of the "Creative Industries".
Music-News.com

Johnny Depp plays at Glastonbury

JOHNNY DEPP stunned revellers at Britain's Glastonbury Festival when he performed an impromptu musical set.After appearing on David Letterman's U.S. TV talk show in New York on Thursday, the actor flew to the UK to attend the festival and treated festival-goers to a display of his guitar skills. An MTV reporter was one of just dozens to have caught the actor - currently promoting his new movie Public Enemies. The journalist wrote, "Johnny Depp is playing in a tiny cafe... about 30 people here. Crazy!"

Music-News.com

Josh Duhamel Talks Post 'Transformers' Career & Having Kids With Fergie

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Josh Duhamel returned to the world of battling shape-shifting robots in "Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen," on Wednesday. And in a new interview with the July 2009 issue of Men's Health magazine, the actor said he's finally reached the point in his career he'd always dreamed about.
"It's starting to happen. It's been 12 years. And I feel like I'm finally starting to get looks at some of the things I've always wanted to do," he told the mag. "I have a lot more flexibility I can show. That's what makes it fun. That's why I love this business. I don't want to do things just to prove to people 'Look how dark I can be.' It's about the story. It has to be a good story."

And though he's at the top of his acting game, he's also looking forward to starting a family with wife Fergie, whom he wed in January.
"I want to do good work, but having kids and a life outside of that is important. If you don't have anybody around who loves you, then what's it all for? You're just lonely in the end," he explained. "It's all about whatever enriches you. If you decide to go the domestic route and get married and all those things, it makes you a better actor."

And when the couple does decide to start a family, the world will know.
"We try to stay away from the places where the paparazzi hang out," he continued. "Still, they're outside the house every morning."
And though he might be starring in one of the summer's hottest movies and the object of the hungry paparazzi, the North Dakota native knows that nothing in Hollywood is ever a sure thing.

Yahoo.com

Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Running Time:2 hr. 24 min.
Release Date:June 24, 2009
Starring:Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox, Josh Duhamel, Tyrese Gibson, John Turturro, Matthew Marsden
Directed by:Michael Bay
What's The Story?
When Sam Witwicky finds out some crucial information about the Transformers' creation and their history on our planet, the Decepticons set out to catch him and pick his brain. Optimus Prime must join forces with armies from nations all over the world in order to stage an epic battle against the Decepticons in the enigmatic land of Egypt. Many secrets about both human and Cybertronian history are revealed amid spectacular clashes of robot vs. robot.

Three Good Reasons:

1.If it ain't broke; don't fix it: Michael Bay and Steven Spielberg are back as director and producer, and stars Shia LaBeouf, Megan Fox and John Turturro also return.
2.The sequel treats its audience to giant explosions in a number of new settings, including picturesque Egypt, and introduces some new and even bigger Transformers to the mix.
3.Taking a cue from The Dark Knight, Bay shot three action scenes on IMAX cameras, so the image will fill the entire eight-story screen. So you'll see Optimus Prime at more that double the size he'd be in real life.

Yahoo Movie

It's Official! Kendra Wilkinson Marries Hank Baskett

The Girl Next Door has become the blushing bride.
Kendra Wilkinson and her Philadelphia Eagle honey, Hank Baskett, tied the knot Saturday night at the Playboy Mansion, E! News has confirmed.
Security was tight as guests—including man of the house Hugh Hefner and Wilkinson's roommates turned bridesmaids, Holly Madison and Bridget Marquardt—witnessed the duo exchange vows on the mansion's front lawn, next to the famed wishing well.
Baskett popped the question in November after a fairly short courtship, and the betrothed duo happily confirmed to E! News earlier this month that they're expecting their first child together in the fall.
"We don't officially know, but we keep saying he because we don't want to say it," Wilkinson told the Awful Truth this week. "The doctor kind of said he thinks it's a boy. But we don't know for sure yet."
And just because there's a baby on the way doesn't mean Kendra isn't a gal who still likes to have a little fun.
On June 18, her girlfriends treated her to a bridal shower at the Hollywood club Guys and Dolls, where they sipped cocktails (nonalcoholic for the mom-to-be), chowed down on gourmet comfort food and shared tips on love, sex and marriage.
All while clad in lingerie and licking frosting off each other, of course.
Baskett got to have his fun, too. While Wilkinson and her pals indulged in spa treatments on Wednesday, he and his buddies spent the day golfing. Then he and his future missus were guests of honor at a joint bachelor-bachelorette dinner party at MyHouse, a Hollywood bar furnished to look like a swanky private residence.
The couple had their rehearsal dinner Thursday night—a decidedly down-to-earth affair at Dave & Buster's, a fun-for-all-ages restaurant where everyone from Kendra's grandma to her Bunny-studded bridal party hit the adjacent arcade.
But the affair tonight was the one to remember, all glitz and glam.
The newlyweds have kept their honeymoon plans quiet—all Kendra has offered in the way of a hint is that it's an island where they're going to "be able to walk around naked."

Jennifer Lopez Sticks Sweetface in the Closet

In these rough economic times, it's hard to put on a happy face, let alone a pretty assortment of Sweetface.
Jennifer Lopez is temporarily pulling the plug on her 6-year-old brand of high-end sportswear and accessories (aka about-town clothes to suit the diva within), WWD.com reports.

Sweetface's spring 2009 collection, which is currently in stores, will be the brand's last—until the rebuilding period is over, that is.
"In light of new company strategies, we have decided to put the Sweetface line on hiatus while we prepare to reintroduce the brand in the near future with new messaging points and an entirely new fashion point of view," the company said in a statement.

This bit of strategery takes the Wedding Planner star out of the fashion business in the U.S. Her JLO by Jennifer Lopez line is currently only sold internationally.

Eonline.com

Kendra Goes Antiglam, Keeps it Real for Down-Home Rehearsal Dinner

Dave & Buster's. Sounds like a place your average girl next door would frequent for food, drinks and good cheer.
And that's exactly what Kendra Wilkinson got by holding her dream rehearsal dinner at the family-friendly restaurant-arcade in Glendale, Calif.

The theme of which was, "Keepin' It Real," according to Kendra executive producer Kevin Burns.

"She wants the wedding to be gorgeous and glamorous, a fairytale-princess wedding," he said. But she and her NFL-player fiancé Hank Baskett wanted the rehearsal to be about "who they are and where they come from."

It isn't just D&B's Million Dollar Midway that tells you what's important to Kendra, however.
"She was atually sitting at a Dave & Buster's when Hef called her when he invited her to come live at the mansion," Burns said.
Aw. Life-changing moment, indeed.
But don't worry, the new No. 1 man in Kendra's life got to have his fantasy cake and eat it, too—literally.
"He is a Transformers nut—so Hank got a Transformers cake," Burns said.

Sounds like there just might be more than meets the eye to this increasingly cute couple, who are tying the knot Saturday night at the Playboy Mansion.

Eonline.com

Gisele Bundchen is Naked, Sexy, and Just a Litlle Disappointing

TurkYurdu.com

Celebs Talk About Mıchael

Dame Elizabeth Taylor

"My heart…my mind… are broken. I loved Michael with all my soul and I can’t imagine life without him. We had so much in common and we had such loving fun together.

"I was packing up my clothes to go to London for his opening when I heard the news. I still can’t believe it. I don’t want to believe it. It can’t be so.
"He will live in my heart forever but it’s not enough. My life feels so empty. I don’t think anyone knew how much we loved each other. The purest most giving love I’ve ever known.

"Oh God! I’m going to miss him. I can’t yet imagine life with out him. But I guess with God’s help... I’ll learn. I keep looking at the photo he gave me of himself, which says, 'To my true love Elizabeth, I love you forever.' And, I will love HIM forever."

Madonna

"I can't stop crying over the sad news.

"I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."

Brooke Shields

“My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael. He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world," Brooke Shields added to the outpouring of grief."I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing.”

Usher

“This loss has deeply saddened me, with a heavy heart I composed this statement."May God cover you Michael. We all lift your name up in prayer. I would not be the artist, performer, and philanthropist I am today without the influence of Michael."I have great admiration and respect for him and I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to meet and perform with such a great entertainer In so many ways he transcended culture."He broke barriers, he changed radio formats! With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled Michael Jackson will never be forgotten."

Ne Yo

"The energy of Michael Jackson will live forever thru the thing that he put all of his life energy into, his music."I will do my part to keep the melody alive, to keep the energy forever changing form, but never ever dying! Long live Michael Jackson."

Justin Timberlake

"I can't find the words right now to express how deeply sadden [sic] I am by Michael's passing."We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only Pop music, but of all music."He has been an inspiration to multiple generations and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones."

Beyoncé

“This is such a tragic loss and a terrible day. The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music. He was magic. He was what we all strive to be.

"Life is not about how many breaths you take, but about how many moments in life that take your breath away," she added. "For anyone who has ever seen, felt, or heard his art, we are all honored to have been alive in this generation to experience the magic of Michael Jackson. I love you Michael.”

Diana Ross

“I can't stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family.”

Ok!Magazine

Michael Jackson dead at 50

Ralph Ueltzhoeffer

Michael Jackson has died, according to stunning reports from Los Angeles. The 50 year old suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Holmby Hills, Los Angeles on Thursday and paramedics were called to the scene. Reports suggest the King of Pop was unconscious and not breathing. The medics had to perform CPR on the superstar as they rushed him to UCLA Medical Center. TMZ.com claims the Thriller singer has since died.

Update 18.07 EST: Jackson’s father Joe has confirmed the singer suffered a heart attack. More news to follow…

Update 18.26 EST: The LA Times is now confirming Jackson is dead. From The LA Times: Pop star Michael Jackson was pronounced dead by doctors this afternoon after arriving at a hospital in a deep coma, city and law enforcement sources told The Times.

Update 19.33 EST: Jackson family friend, attorney Brian Oxman has called into CNN from the UCLA Medical Center. He’s refusing to confirm Jacko’s death but suggests all reports are true. He has been “hugging and crying” with Jackson’s siblings Randy, Jermaine and LaToya and awaiting father Joe Jackson, who is on his way from Las Vegas. Intriguingly Oxman suggests Jackson was on “extensive medication” at the time of his death and cold have been the victim of an Anna-Nicole Smith scenario. He tells CNN: “This family has been trying for months and months and months to take care of Michael Jackson. The people who have surrounded him have been enabling him. “If you think the case of Anna Nicole Smith was an abuse, that is nothing compared to what has taken place in the life of Michael Jackson.” “I do not know what medications he was taking, but the reports that we have received within the family are that they were extensive. “I don’t know the cause of all this. But this is something that I feared. This is a case of abuse of medications, unless the cause is something else.”

Update 20.05 EST: The coroner at UCLA has confirmed the death. R.I.P Michael Jackson.

Wenn.com

Lisa Marie: Michael Worried He'd Meet Elvis' Fate

Lisa Marie Presley, who was married to Michael Jackson in 1994 before divorcing after two years together, has opened up on her MySpace blog about her ex-husband's early demise. She writes that MJ once told her he was afraid of dying like her father, Elvis Presley.

Lisa Marie's full blog reads as follows:

June 26, 2009

He Knew. Years ago Michael and I were having a deep conversation about life in general. I can't recall the exact subject matter but he may have been questioning me about the circumstances of my Fathers Death. At some point he paused, he stared at me very intensely and he stated with an almost calm certainty, "I am afraid that I am going to end up like him, the way he did."I promptly tried to deter him from the idea, at which point he just shrugged his shoulders and nodded almost matter of fact as if to let me know, he knew what he knew and that was kind of that. 14 years later I am sitting here watching on the news an ambulance leaves the driveway of his home, the big gates, the crowds outside the gates, the coverage, the crowds outside the hospital, the Cause of death and what may have led up to it and the memory of this conversation hit me, as did the unstoppable tears. A predicted ending by him, by loved ones and by me, but what I didn't predict was how much it was going to hurt when it finally happened. The person I failed to help is being transferred right now to the LA County Coroners office for his Autopsy. All of my indifference and detachment that I worked so hard to achieve over the years has just gone into the bowels of hell and right now I am gutted. I am going to say now what I have never said before because I want the truth out there for once. Our relationship was not "a sham" as is being reported in the press. It was an unusual relationship yes, where two unusual people who did not live or know a "Normal life" found a connection, perhaps with some suspect timing on his part. Nonetheless, I do believe he loved me as much as he could love anyone and I loved him very much.I wanted to "save him" I wanted to save him from the inevitable which is what has just happened. His family and his loved ones also wanted to save him from this as well but didn't know how and this was 14 years ago. We all worried that this would be the outcome then. At that time, In trying to save him, I almost lost myself. He was an incredibly dynamic force and power that was not to be underestimated.When he used it for something good, It was the best and when he used it for something bad, It was really, REALLY bad. Mediocrity was not a concept that would even for a second enter Michael Jackson's being or actions. I became very ill and emotionally/ spiritually exhausted in my quest to save him from certain self-destructive behavior and from the awful vampires and leeches he would always manage to magnetize around him. I was in over my head while trying. I had my children to care for, I had to make a decision. The hardest decision I have ever had to make, which was to walk away and let his fate have him, even though I desperately loved him and tried to stop or reverse it somehow.After the Divorce, I spent a few years obsessing about him and what I could have done different, in regret. Then I spent some angry years at the whole situation. At some point, I truly became Indifferent, until now. As I sit here overwhelmed with sadness, reflection and confusion at what was my biggest failure to date, watching on the news almost play by play The exact Scenario I saw happen on August 16th, 1977 happening again right now with Michael (A sight I never wanted to see again) just as he predicted, I am truly, truly gutted. Any ill experience or words I have felt towards him in the past has just died inside of me along with him. He was an amazing person and I am lucky to have gotten as close to him as I did and to have had the many experiences and years that we had together. I desperately hope that he can be relieved from his pain, pressure and turmoil now.He deserves to be free from all of that and I hope he is in a better place or will be. I also hope that anyone else who feels they have failed to help him can be set free because he hopefully finally is. The World is in shock but somehow he knew exactly how his fate would be played out some day more than anyone else knew, and he was right. I really needed to say this right now, thanks for listening.

~LMP

Ok!Magazine

Remembering Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson passed away June 25 at the age of 50, after being rushed to the hospital. Throughout his more than 4o-year career, the King of Pop thrilled audiences around the world. He will be dearly missed.

OkMagazine.com