Martin, McDonald, Porter join stars in telethon for Ukraine
A roster of film, TV and theater all-stars — including Steve Martin, Annette Bening, Billy Porter, Audra McDonald, Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Chenoweth, David Hyde Pierce and Rosie Perez — have signed up for a 10-hour telethon to raise money for the victims of the war in Ukraine.
Billy Porter: "Dream the impossible, because the impossible is possible"
The Tony-, Emmy- and Grammy-winning actor-dancer-singer-director (and now author, of the memoir "Unprotected") talks about a childhood filled with years of rejection, doubt and abuse – and about how he survived and triumphed.
cbsnews.comBody found in Wyoming believed to be Gabrielle Petito
Authorities say a body discovered Sunday in Wyoming is believed to be Gabrielle "Gabby" Petito. The FBI said the body was found by law enforcement agents who had spent the past two days searching campgrounds. CBS News' Tom Hanson reports.
news.yahoo.comBiden signs law making Juneteenth a federal holiday — but some remain unimpressed
Exclusive: How will Washington quell the disdain in the Black community over Juneteenth becoming a federal holiday when voting rights and police reform bills remain in jeopardy? Tune in as I sign the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law.
news.yahoo.comGOP opposes Jan. 6 panel, McConnell hits 'pause'
House GOP Leader Kevin McCarthy says he will oppose a proposal to form an independent, bipartisan commission to investigate the deadly Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol. The Senate GOP Leader Mitch McConnell said he's "pushing the pause button." (May 18)
news.yahoo.comWildest celebrity fashion
Wildest celebrity fashionKevin Mazur/Getty Images The coronavirus pandemic has affected America in big and small ways. The actor and singer wore a black velvet Christian Siriano gown with a matching tuxedo jacket. Hats off to Pharrell Williams Larry Busacca/WireImage The "Happy" singer wore a vintage Vivienne Westwood hat at the 2014 Grammy Awards. During Milan Fashion Week 2019, Lopez closed the Versace show in a similar green dress inspired by the now-iconic fashion house design. Mindy Kaling: Golden girl Dia Dipasupil/FilmMagic The "Never Have I Ever" creator sparkled in a golden sequined Moschino gown at the 2019 Met Gala, where the theme was "Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion."
cbsnews.comPatti Smith returns to singing live with Brooklyn concert
CORRECTS DAY OF CONCERT - FILE - Patti Smith attends a special screening of "Pavarotti" at the iPic Theater in New York on May 28, 2019. Smith performed six songs as well as read poetry and excerpts from her book “Just Kids” in the Beaux-Arts Court at the museum, her voice bouncing off the skylight 60 feet above. It was a concert to also honor museum workers and drew just under 50 people, all socially distanced in widely spaced chairs. The Smith concert came on the same day in 1989 that Mapplethorpe died at age 42. It also marked the one-year anniversary of when Smith last performed live, at The Fillmore in San Francisco.
Joe and Jill Biden to appear on 'New Year’s Rockin’ Eve'
FILE - In this May 14, 2019 file photo, Ryan Seacrest attends the Walt Disney Television 2019 upfront in New York. This week, he will return to New York's Times Square to host Dick Clark New Years Rockin Eve. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – Ryan Seacrest will have a special pair of guests alongside the music stars at this year's New Year's Eve celebration on ABC — the president-elect and the future first lady. President-elect Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden are scheduled to give “their last interview of the year” in New York’s Times Square on “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2021.”The Bidens will "share an inspiring message as we come together to close out 2020 and look ahead with hope to 2021,” according to a statement by the producers. “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2021" will run until 2 a.m. Eastern on Jan. 1.
Gloria Gaynor to perform at Times Square New Year's Eve
Gaynor will sing her anthem, "I Will Survive" during the New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square as a celebration of perseverance, honoring essential workers. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK – The New Year's Eve celebration in Times Square will be a celebration of perseverance, honoring essential workers and featuring Gloria Gaynor singing her anthem, “I Will Survive," organizers said Tuesday. The broadcasts that usually set up shop in Times Square will be there, including “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2021,” which will have a performance from Jennifer Lopez. Organizers said they would be honoring essential workers as the “Heroes of 2020" and designate a group of them as Special Guests, an annual tradition since the 1990s. Tim Tompkins, president of the Times Square Alliance, said in a statement, “This year, it feels most appropriate to shine a spotlight on the individuals who are tirelessly leading our nation through hard times with unshakable strength, determination and poise.”
J. Lo, Billy Porter to perform at 'New Year’s Rockin’ Eve'
NEW YORK – Jennifer Lopez will help bring in the New Year with a headlining performance in New York’s Time Square for “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2021." Other performers include Cyndi Lauper, Billy Porter and Jimmie Allen. Lauper and Porter collaborated on the Broadway musical “Kinky Boots" and they will join forces for a special performance during the TV special, which will air on ABC at 8 p.m. Eastern. “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2021" will run until 2 a.m. Eastern on Jan. 1. Seacrest is returning to host the event for a 16th year, and he will be joined by Porter and Lucy Hale in New York.
Despite bleak 2020, celebrities make effort to brighten year
(AP Photo)LOS ANGELES – Yes, 2020 may seem like a complete fail with all the constant bad news and tragic moments. It’s been filled with gloom and doom(scrolling), but some celebrities and those inspired by them have tried to brighten a bleak year. He reassigned his 10 seamstresses in New York to produce thousands daily for health care workers on the frontlines. The singer and husband Emilio Estefan's restaurant Estefan Kitchen served up homemade meals for health care workers in Miami. The challenge coordinated offers by celebrities and athletes to raise funds to feed those in need during the pandemic.
Billy Porter to join New Year's Eve show from Times Square
Last New Year's Eve, Billy Porter was working in New Orleans. This year he'll still be working — but in New York City. The “Pose” star will join Ryan Seacrest and Lucy Hale on ABC in Times Square on Dec. 31 for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020.” The broadcast is closed to the public due to the pandemic. “2020 has been a trying year for the world and I’m thrilled to have Billy and Lucy join me in ushering in a new year with fresh beginnings,” said Seacrest in a statement. As with last year, Ciara will once again oversee the Los Angeles festivities.
Voting history of Detroit woman, 103, dates back to FDR
Talu Massey speaks about voting from her home in Detroit, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020. But this is far from the Detroit resident's first election. The 103-year-old is proud of her lengthy voting record, saying it's every citizen's "civic duty" to take part in the process. The 103-year-old is proud of her lengthy voting record, saying it’s every citizen’s “civic duty” to take part in the process. Massey voted absentee in September, eight decades after she cast her first presidential ballot — for President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Golden Globes group gives $5.1 million in grants
Kidman was among the entertainers who appeared to discuss the charities that benefit from HFPA grants. More than $5.1 million in funds were given to over 70 nonprofit organizations during the “HFPA Philanthropy: Empowering the Next Generation” virtual event on Tuesday. The event, formerly known as the Grants Banquet, celebrated some of the organizations with aspiring artists, filmmakers and storytellers. The organization is known for putting on the Golden Globes. Salma Hayek paid homage to the Las Fotos Project, a nonprofit organization that inspires teenage girls through photography.
The 'Pandemmys' were weird and sometimes wonderful
(The Television Academy and ABC Entertainment via AP)It was Regina King, winning her fourth career Emmy on Sunday, who perhaps summed up the proceedings the most succinctly — and accurately: “This is freaking weird." Nobody was more thrilled than Daniel Levy, son of best actor winner Eugene Levy; the younger Levy won the award for comedy writing, shared a directing award and captured the supporting actor trophy. A CALL TO THE BOOTHLevy used some of his considerable mic time to urge viewers to vote in November. “I know this seems like a really weird time to be celebrating,” Zendaya said. Sterling K. Brown gave out the show’s final award, best drama, in a Black Lives Matter shirt.
With picnic baskets, Christian Siriano puts on backyard show
For the rest of the fashion industry, Siriano livestreamed the show on a sunny, mild day, with his garden as backdrop and his grass as runway. It was a rare New York Fashion Week show to include physical guests, something he said both he and his clothes sorely required. His comic books became gray and black cartoon panes on a trouser and jacket set. Gone this fashion week were the hordes of celebrities and influencers usually seated on front rows. The designer and “Pose” star bonded at last year's Academy Awards when Porter took to the red carpet in a huge tuxedo gown Siriano designed.
In NYC, marking 50th anniversary of Pride, no matter what
(AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews)NEW YORK – There were protests, rainbow flags and performances — it was LGBTQ Pride, after all. With the city’s massive Pride parade canceled, Sunday's performances were virtual, the flags flew in emptier than normal spaces and the protesters were masked. The disruption caused by the virus would be an aggravation in any year, but particularly in this one, the 50th anniversary of the first Pride march in New York City. The organizers are activists who held a protest march last year as an alternative to the main Pride parade, saying it had become too corporate. Other parades canceled this spring included the St. Patrick’s Day parade and Puerto Rican Day parade.
BET Awards highlight Black voices as artists went political
The BET Awards served as an extension of the voices of Black people protesting in the streets about the inequalities Black people face daily, as artists used their performances to highlight the Black Lives Matter movement, civil rights and the lives of those lost because of police officers, including George Floyd. The BET Awards kicked off with Black artists rapping and singing anthems about the Black experience and fighting for equal rights. Nipsey’s family, we love you.”The BET Awards, one of the first awards shows to air virtually, featured performances that were sharp with artsy stage production, giving extra life to the songs being performed. “I used to watch the BET Awards all the time thinking, ‘One day that’s going to be me going up there accepting my award’ — and now it is.”Though the BET Awards are technically about handing out trophies, the awards were an afterthought. Beyoncé won the BET HER award for “Brown Skin Girl,” shared with daughter Blue Ivy Carter as well as Wizkid and Saint JHN.
Shakira, Dwayne Johnson highlight coronavirus equity concert
NEW YORK Dwayne Johnson will host and Shakira, Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Hudson will perform on a globally broadcast concert calling on world leaders to make coronavirus tests and treatment available and equitable for all. The advocacy organization Global Citizen and the European Commission announced Monday that Global Goal: Unite for Our Future The Concert will air on June 27. The concert will also feature appearances from Billy Porter, Charlize Theron, Chris Rock, Kerry Washington, Salma Hayek and David Beckham. It will be broadcast on NBC in the U.S. and other television stations, radio stations, websites and streaming outlets around the world. The event aims to lift up the global community that is tackling equitable access to healthcare, and other enormous injustices facing our world, Johnson said in a statement.
Beyonc to give graduation speech alongside the Obamas
NEW YORK Beyonc has been added to the list of guest speakers for YouTube's virtual commencement ceremony that will also feature the Obamas. YouTube announced Tuesday that Beyonc will deliver an inspirational message to the 2020 class for its Dear Class of 2020" event, which will take place June 6 at 3 p.m. EDT and will stream on YouTube. Barack and Michelle Obama will also speak at the virtual celebration, which will include appearances from Taylor Swift, Lady Gaga, Bill and Melinda Gates, Jennifer Lopez, Billy Porter, Malala Yousafzai, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, Zendaya, Alicia Keys, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Demi Lovato, Hasan Minhaj and more. Dear Class of 2020" will include music performances from BTS, Lizzo, Doja Cat, Megan Thee Stallion, Chloe x Halle, Maluma, CNCO and Camila Cabello.
Diddy calls out Grammys and demands change in fiery speech
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. – Sean “Diddy” Combs called out the Grammy Awards for dissing rap and R&B stars in its major categories in a blazing speech that earned him a standing ovation from Beyoncé, Jay-Z and several other music industry players. “So I say this with love to the Grammys, because you really need to know this, every year y’all be killing us man. “In the great words of Erykah Badu, ‘We are artists and we are sensitive about our (expletive).’ We are passionate. Last year’s Grammys marked the first time a hip-hop song was awarded song and record of the year when Childish Gambino’s “This Is America” achieved the feat. “You’re in the music industry.
Post Malone to headline Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve
NEW YORK, NY – You can ring in the New Year with Post Malone: The rap-pop star will perform at “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2020” in New York City on Dec. 31. Dick Clark Productions announced Tuesday that K-pop group BTS, country singer Sam Hunt and singer-songwriter Alanis Morissette — joined by the cast of Broadway’s “Jagged Little Pill” — will also perform at the event, which will air live from Times Square on ABC at 8 p.m. Eastern. The annual New Year’s Eve affair will include celebrations from multiple cities. Performers from Hollywood include Green Day, Paula Abdul, Dan + Shay, Dua Lipa, Megan Thee Stallion, Salt-N-Pepa and Ciara, who will host the event. Usher, Sheryl Crow and “Pose” star Billy Porter — who will host — will perform in New Orleans.
After wind scare, balloons fly in Macys Thanksgiving parade
The beloved balloons flew, but lower than usual, in a windy Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade after an anxious weather watch. As the parade continued even while city emergency officials sent out a public alert about wind gusts handlers struggled with some giant balloons and pulled them close to the ground. Meanwhile, winds did keep giant balloons out of Philadelphia's Thanksgiving Day parade. The Macy's parade balloons might have been lowered, but Susan Koteen's spirits weren't. "This was really a bucket list item for me, Macy's Day Parade in New York City," the 23-year-old said.
chicagotribune.comBilly Porter Reveals He's Starring in Live-Action Cinderella Adaptation
Billy Porter just confirmed that he's going to be the fairy godmother in the upcoming live-action adaptation of Cinderella. The Pose star was at the New Yorker Festival on Saturday, where he shared the exciting casting news via the prestigious magazine's Instagram Story. "I'm gonna be playing the fairy godmother in the new Cinderella movie with Camila Cabello." In April, ET learned that Cabello was going to make her film debut in fairytale remake. The film is based on an original idea from James Corden, who will be producing alongside Leo Pearlman of Fulwell 73.
Billy Porter and Lin-Manuel Miranda Make Epic 'Saturday Night Live' Cameos in CNN Town
After being put in the hot seat about a problematic op-ed he wrote years ago, he less-than-gracefully just walked off. Later in the sketch, Saturday Night Live corrected a complaint they received over an earlier episode in which Julian Castro was left out of a debate sketch. Porter exclaimed as Lin-Manuel Miranda walked out perfectly embodying Castro. "I'm sorry I'm not gay, In the future, I'll try to do better. Eddie Murphy on Returning to Movies and 'Saturday Night Live' | Full Interview Embed Code RestartRELATED CONTENT:Jennifer Aniston Reveals Why She Turned Down a Spot on 'SNL''Saturday Night Live': Matthew Broderick Channels Ferris Bueller in Impeachment-Focused Cold OpenPhoebe Waller-Bridge Just Can't Part With Her Emmys While Rehearsing for 'SNL'
Emmys 2019: That Felicity Huffman Joke and More of the Shadiest Moments
The 2019 Emmy Awards was fun-filled night, but it had its fair share of moments that were filled with subtle and not-so-subtle shade. During the telecast, the comedian cracked a joke about Felicity Huffman, who recently got sentenced to two weeks in prison for her involvement in the college admissions scandal. The drama between RuPaul and Billy Porter has all the gays SHOOK!#Emmyspic.twitter.com/ZmNwWN0wTU Mario (@mtehuitz) September 23, 2019See more from the Emmys, below. RELATED CONTENT:Did Kim Kardashian and Kendall Jenner Get Laughed at While Presenting at 2019 Emmys? Emmys 2019: Bill Hader Addresses 'Saturday Night Live' Firing Shane GillisEmmys 2019: 'Game of Thrones' and 'Fleabag' Win the Night's Top Awards