Entertainment
From Green to Pink: Ariana Grande’s Audition Twist For Wicked
Ariana Grande, who stars as Glinda in the film adaptation of Wicked, initially auditioned for the role of Elphaba, the green-skinned witch.
The pop superstar sang Elphaba’s songs during her audition, a move that surprised director Jon M. Chu.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Chu revealed, “I assumed she was coming in for Glinda, but my casting director said, ‘No, she’s auditioning for Elphaba.’ Though unexpected, we let her go for it. She was wonderful, but in my mind, she was always Glinda.”
Grande confirmed the confusion during the Sentimental Man podcast, admitting, “I always felt in my heart that Glinda was my role. But when I heard I might read for both, I thought it was because people weren’t sure if my voice fit Glinda better than Elphaba.” She added, “I secretly knew I was meant to play Glinda.”
The highly anticipated adaptation, directed by Chu, tells the story of Glinda and Elphaba’s complex friendship before it’s torn apart by the manipulative Wizard of Oz. The cast includes Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, alongside Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, and Ethan Slater.
To bring authenticity to their performances, Grande and Erivo insisted on singing live during filming. “It was an immediate no-brainer,” Grande told E! News. Erivo agreed, saying, “There’s something special about live music in a room—it brings an unmatched energy.”
Wicked hit the theaters on November 22, 2024.
Entertainment
One Direction Stars And Loved Ones Attend Liam Payne’s Emotional Funeral
Liam Payne’s One Direction bandmates were among the mourners at his funeral on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, following his death at 31 in Buenos Aires on October 16.
The service, held at St Mary’s Church in Amersham, southeast England, was attended by Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson.
Liam’s former partner, Cheryl, who shares a son, Bear, with him, attended the service with her Girls Aloud bandmates Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh. Cheryl, 41, had been in a relationship with Liam from 2016 to 2018 and described her love for him as “unconditional and complete” after his passing.
Also at the funeral was Kate Cassidy, Liam’s girlfriend since October 2022, who was joined by Damian Hurley, son of actress Elizabeth Hurley. Kate had been with Liam in Argentina shortly before his death.
Music mogul Simon Cowell, who helped launch One Direction’s career after they appeared on The X Factor in 2010, attended with his partner Lauren Silverman.
Liam’s bandmates had previously expressed their devastation over the loss of their friend and bandmate.
Entertainment
Diddy Accused Of Manipulating Witnesses from Custody
Rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs, awaiting trial for racketeering and sex trafficking in 2025, has been accused of tampering with witnesses from prison.
Federal prosecutors allege that Combs used other inmates’ phone accounts, third-party services, and three-way calls to contact witnesses, violating prison regulations.
A recent motion claims Combs directed his family to reach out to witnesses and used a call with his son to imply attempts at blackmailing victims into silence or favorable testimony. He’s also accused of leveraging social media to influence potential jurors.
The charges against Combs are among the most serious faced by a high-profile figure in recent years. In October, over 100 individuals, including children, alleged rape, sexual assault, and exploitation at Combs’ hands, with many preparing lawsuits. These accusations have added to a mounting legal battle for the music mogul.
If convicted, Combs could receive a life sentence, marking a dramatic fall from grace for one of hip-hop’s most successful figures. Despite the gravity of the charges, Combs’ legal team continues to deny all allegations, labeling them as baseless and defamatory, while insisting on his innocence.
Entertainment
South Africa’s Tyla Sweeps MTV EMAs With Three Major Wins
South African pop star Tyla was a standout at the 2024 MTV Europe Music Awards in Manchester, winning three major accolades: Best Afrobeats Act, Best African Act, and Best R&B Act.
She was nominated in four categories, including Best New Act.
The Truth or Dare singer, known for blending genres, became emotional during her acceptance speech for the R&B award, where she acknowledged the influence of her idol, Aaliyah. Tyla also paid homage to the late icon by wearing a dress inspired by Aaliyah’s iconic 2000 VMAs look. “Winning this in her dress is just unbelievable,” she said through tears.
Tyla shared the stage with her sister Sydney Seethal to accept the Best Afrobeats award, expressing her gratitude and admiration for her fellow nominees. She also performed her hit Water and her latest single PUSH 2 START, electrifying the audience.
The evening’s top winner was Taylor Swift, while host Rita Ora delivered a heartfelt tribute to Liam Payne, who passed away in October. Tyla’s wins marked another milestone in her meteoric rise as a global music force.
-
A Chat With3 years ago
A MOMENT WITH SHARON WENDO, FOUNDER OF EPICA JEWELLERY
-
Entertainment2 years ago
Kenyan Movie Disconnect: The Wedding Planner Is Now Streaming On Netflix
-
A Chat With2 years ago
Find out why ‘mutura is not a street food’ as Wanjira Puts it!
-
A Chat With2 years ago
Are men allowed to cry?
-
A Chat With2 years ago
A chat with one of the biggest female Djs right now, Dj Redbone
-
A Chat With2 years ago
Kenyans make the best music in the world, Ayrosh
-
A Chat With2 years ago
A chat with Atieno: A young radio personnel doing her thing behind the mics
-
A Chat With2 years ago
They Hooked Up With Their First Serious Boyfriends