TRACEE ELLIS ROSS TALKS ‘BLACK-ISH’ WITH ELLE MAGAZINE

Actress Tracee Ellis Ross, star of ABC’s family comedy “Black-ish,” is featured in the February issue of Elle magazine, which celebrates 2015’s most note-worthy ‘Women in TV.’

Tracee, whose last television role was in the short lived BET comedy “Reed between the Lines,” says taking on the role of anesthesiologist Rainbow ‘Bow’ Johnson was a no-brainer, citing the opportunity to work alongside Anthony Anderson and Laurence Fishburne as her main reason for taking the part when it was offered to her.

“Black-ish,” which explores the inner workings of a middle-class African American family, was an immediate hit for ABC when it debuted last fall, garnering nearly 10 million viewers and a host of accolades.

Speaking on the show’s success, Ross says “’Black-ish’ sets its own rules and turns established ones on their ear. In 1950 the black experience was specific, but in this day and age, it isn’t. Race, culture, family, tradition, socioeconomics- the show is pulling from all those places and moving the conversation forward.”

Tracee’s classy photo shoot with photographer Nagi Sakai, and don’t forget, you can catch Ross on “Black-ish” every Wednesday night at 9:30|8:30c.

CIARA SIZZLES IN L’UOMO VOGUE

Ciara is slaying on the cover of L’Uomo Vogue. The flawless fashionista starts off the new year in a fashion spread for the Italian magazine’s “Big in 2015″ issue. In the photos shot by Francesco Carrozzini, the 29-year-old singer models a designer wardrobe while serving some fierce looks.

The cover girl rocks wild hair and a Gucci trench coat, and holds a big dog on a leash while clad head-to-toe in Givenchy. She also seduces in an Agent Provocateur slip and silky Valentino pantsuit.

“I love to express my sensuality, it makes me feel good. I think that goes for all women, we all want to express our sexuality,” she tells the magazine. “It is a form of power, it makes you feel self assured, in control. Every woman wants to feel sexy, and I like to play with hints and suggestions, turn it into a performance.”

So Excited To Share My #LuomoVogue Cover Shoot With You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! @francasozzani You're… http://instagram.com/p/xzIPc_yHsv/ 10:18 AM - 13 Jan 2015

 Ciara has been in the studio with Dr. Luke, Polow Da Don, and Diane Warren working on her sixth album for release this spring.

“It will be an authentic album, real. I talk openly and honestly about my emotions as a woman, mother, about my ambitions, but also my vulnerability, my happy moments and my sad moments.”

But her most important job is being a mom to her eight-month-old son, Future Zahir Wilburn. “You know, now that I have Future with me, my angel, I am happy,” she says. “For him I want to be the best mother in the world, and also the best business woman. I want to realize all my ambitions, and I know deep down in my heart that I will.”

BEYONCÉ, THE WEEKND JOIN ‘FIFTY SHADES OF GREY’ MOVIE SOUNDTRACK

The wait is almost over, music’s biggest stars are aligning for Fifty Shades of Grey. Beyoncé and The Weeknd are among the featured artists on the soundtrack to the erotic thriller.

Queen Bey contributes a remix of her 2003 hit “Crazy in Love” as well as the Michael Diamond Remix of “Haunted,” which can both be heard in the film’s trailer.



The Weeknd pens two original tracks including “Where You Belong” and the single “Earned It.” The 16 tracks also include music from The Rolling Stones, Frank Sinatra, and Annie Lennox as well as new and previously unreleased material from Ellie Goulding, Skylar Grey, Sia, and Jessie Ware.


The soundtrack arrives on Feb. 10, three days before the film hits theaters. The movie, based off E. L. James’ erotic romance novel, stars Jamie Dornan, Dakota Johnson, and Rita Ora, who plays Christian Grey’s sister.

See the tracklisting below.

FIFTY SHADES OF GREY TRACKLISTING

1. “I Put a Spell on You (Fifty Shades of Grey)” – Annie Lennox
2. “Undiscovered” – Laura Welsh
3. “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)” – The Weeknd
4. “Meet Me in the Middle” – Jessie Ware
5. “Love Me Like You Do” – Ellie Goulding
6. “Haunted (Michael Diamond Remix)” – Beyoncé
7. “Salted Wound” – Sia
8. “Beast of Burden” – The Rolling Stones
9. “I’m on Fire” – AWOLNATION
10. “Crazy in Love (2014 Remix)” – Beyoncé
11. “Witchcraft” – Frank Sinatra
12. “One Last Night” – Vaults
13. “Where You Belong” – The Weeknd
14. “I Know You” – Skylar Grey
15. “Ana and Christian” – Danny Elfman
16. “Did That Hurt?” – Danny Elfman

USHER ENGAGED TO OLDER LONGTIME BUSINESS MANAGER

He has a type...Getting married: Usher and his girlfriend Grace Miguel, shown on Saturday in Los Angeles, have gotten engaged.  It wasn't just the (fairly sizeable) rock on Grace Miguel’s hand that caught our eye in the pictures of her with new fiancée Usher. We were also lusting after that amazing Chanel metallic reptile clutch bag, complete with chain detailing and hand strap.

36 year old Usher and 47 year old Grace looked cosy on Saturday while attending the Golden Globes Art of Elysium Heaven Gala in Los Angeles.

Grace flashed a gigantic diamond engagement ring while at the event. The couple also were spotted ringing in the new year at a Miami nightclub and Grace also displayed the big ring while out for a stroll with Usher.

'You wouldn't think it was an engagement ring because it's so big,' PageSix commented on it.

Usher and Grace got together immediately after his split from ex-wife Tameka Foster in 2009.
The singer recently started opening up about his relationship with Grace
.

'I have an incredible partner and manager. She has helped me through some of the hardest times in my life and my career,' he told Billboard magazine in October 2014.

Usher was previously married to stylist Tameka from 2007 to 2009 and they had children Naviyd Ely, six, and Usher Raymond V, seven, together.

Following their divorce, Usher and Tameka were involved in a high-profile custody battle over their sons, with the singer being awarded primary custody in 2012. 

MORE GOLDEN GLOBES AFTER-PARTIES: 50 CENT, JENNIFER LOPEZ, RITA ORA, TAMAR BRAXTON, & AMBER ROSE

After the show it’s the after-party. After all the awards were handed out at Sunday’s Golden Globes, the winners (and losers) turned up at the Beverly Hilton. Hollywood A-listers popped Moët and mingled with rap superstars and pop divas at celebrations hosted by HBO, Warner Bros., and Netflix.

Following their win for Best Original Song for “Glory,” Common and John Legend hit the party circuit with trophy in hand.

“I have never been so proud in my life,” said Chrissy Teigen, who kissed her husband after his win. The couple met up with Best Actress (Drama) winner Julianne Moore before heading home to celebrate with their dogs over Jack and the Box.

An overjoyed Common toasted with Larenz Tate and 50 Cent, who congratulated him on his win.

“Common is cool, his energy was amazing he had that we won (I can’t believe It), thing going on I was just happy to see it happening,” said 50, who also caught up with Jake Gyllenhaal.

Jennifer Lopez snapped selfies with glamour girls Rita Ora and Cara Delevingne at The Weinstein Company & Netflix’s after-party.

While she may have lost her award to Common and John Legend, Lorde still had a blast with her girlfriends Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez at the InStyle and Warner Bros. post-party.

Tamar Braxton was seen at the same soirée with pals NeNe Leakes and her “Real” co-host Tamera Mowry-Housley, while Amber Rose stepped out in all white to NBCUniversal’s bash.

COMMON AND JOHN LEGEND WIN BEST ORIGINAL SONG AT GOLDEN GLOBES

It was a glorious moment for Common and John Legend at Sunday’s Golden Globe Awards. The rapper and singer took home the prize for Best Original Song for “Glory,” their contribution to the civil rights movie Selma.

They beat out the competition including Lana Del Rey’s “Big Eyes” from Tim Burton’s movie of the same name, Lorde’s “Yellow Flicker Beat” from The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1, Sia’s “Opportunity” from Annie, and Kronos Quartet and Patti Smith’s “Mercy Is” from Noah.

Prince presented the award to them during the 72nd annual ceremony at the Beverly Hilton. During his powerful acceptance speech, Common thanked director Ava DuVernay and producer Oprah Winfrey.

“Selma has awakened my humanity,” said Common, who also stars in the film. “We look to the future and we want to create a better world. Now is our time to change the world. Selma is now.”

John Legend acknowledged those who are still fighting for justice today. “I’m so honored to be a part of this amazing film that honors such amazing people that did great work and is so connected to what’s happening right now,” he said. “We still are in solidarity with those that are out there fighting for justice right now and we’re so grateful to write this song hopefully as an inspiration to them.”

Their peers including Jay Z, Juicy J, Big Sean, and Ciara congratulated them on the win.

BEYONCE PREGNANT WITH BABY NO. 2?

Her husband Jay Z hinted at a second pregnancy back in September.
And now Beyonce Knowles is stirring the pot once again.

The 33-year-old singer took to Instagram on Sunday to share a snap of herself covered in sand, appearing to have created a bit of a baby bump.

While it’s unclear if she has a bun in the oven, her followers definitely took notice. Her Instagram comments were flooded with fans who questioned if the “Flawless” singer is pregnant with her second child.

“Pregnant?” wrote one, while another added, “Very creative announcement.”

Earlier this week, Blue Ivy celebrated her third birthday. 

FIGHT NIGHT: JAY Z, RIHANNA, & FABOLOUS ATTEND ROC NATION SPORTS THRONE BOXING

Mogul...The Roc was in the building for the debut of Roc Nation Sports throne boxing at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in NYC on Friday (Jan. 9). During the main event, which broadcast live on FOX Sports 1, Roc Nation’s own Dusty “The Beltway Boriqua” Hernandez-Harrison defeated Long Island’s Tommy “The Razor” Rainone for the vacant WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Championship.

Roc Nation’s leading lady Rihanna cheered alongside Jake Gyllenhaal and congratulated bossman Jay Z on a knock-out night.

The fashionista was decked out in a denim coat, but it was Fabolous’ fashion that turned the most heads. The Brooklyn rapper and newest member of the Roc, channeled notorious drug dealer Frank Lucas in a chinchilla hat and coat as he performed “Lituation” and his remix to “Hot Ni**a” inside the ring.


Justine Skye sang the national anthem before the festivities as CC Sabathia, Santigold, Angie Martinez, and Rosie Perez looked on.

Earlier in the day, Roc Nation signed its newest boxing client, Andre Ward.