The Fresh Prince star Tatyana Ali sues company
“The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” actress Tatyana Ali says she was cheated out of $45,000.
Ali filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles alleging her and her sister invested money into a Internet show that featured Ali.
Ali said she filmed one episode, and then the company quit the show without paying her. The show was named “Buppies.”
Ali appeared as Ashley Banks on “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air” from 1990 to 1996. She most recently appeared on 21 episodes of the soap opera “The Young and the Restless.”
Ali is seeking to recover her $45,000.
Tim Henley
Jessica Simpson’s new reality show
Jessica Simpson is making a return to the world of reality television. Her new show “The Price of Beauty” will begin airing on VH1 in early 2010.
In a press release to US Weekly magazine, Simpson said “I have always believed that beauty comes from within and confidence will always make a woman beautiful, but I know how much pressure some women put on themselves to look perfect.”
“I am really looking forward to discovering how beauty is perceived in different cultures and participating in some of the crazy things people do to feel beautiful. I know we will all learn a lot on this journey and I am so excited that VH1 is coming along on what I’m sure will be a wild ride.”
Basically, the reality show will be about Simpson traveling around the world finding out what different people consider beautiful and their reasons why.
I’m not sure I fully understand the premise of the show, and it doesn’t sound interesting to me either. It’s sounds very boring. However, I will reserve judgement until I actually see the show.
Simpson’s first reality show “Newlyweds” aired on MTV from 2003 to 2005. The show also featured Simpson’s then-husband Nick Lachey.
Tim Henley
Supermodel Rachel Hunter’s engagement was called off
Just because you’re a supermodel, that doesn’t prevent you from having to check into the Heartbreak Hotel.
Supermodel Rachel Hunter is learning this lesson the hard way. Hunter’s fiance Jarret Stoll emailed friends and family and told them his wedding to Hunter is off.
The couple was supposed to get married in August. The reason for the split is unknown. Stoll is hockey player from Canada. They have been dating for two years.
Nick Jonas testifies in the Senate
Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J. meets with Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers to discuss juvenile diabetes.
- Nick Jonas of The Jonas Brothers, from right, boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard and actress Mary Tyler Moore testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on Type 1 diabetes research
- Nick Jonas from The Jonas Brother waves to a group of children after he testified on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on Type 1 diabetes research.
Ginuwine tried to commit suicide several years ago
R&B singer Ginuwine first burst onto the music scene 1996 with his hit song “Pony.” Since then, his career has had a series of ups and down. Some unfortunate events in his personal life caused his to try to commit suicide more than once.
In an interview with Essence Magazine, Ginuwine opens up about his suicide attempt and the tragedy he faced. An excerpt from the interview is posted below. His latest CD “A Man’s Thought” was released Tuesday (June 23). His latest single is titled “Last Chance.” The video is posted at the bottom.
ESSENCE: Welcome back, G! Your new album, “A Man’s Thoughts,” is a 14-track labor of love. Was it difficult getting back in the swing of things after being away so long?
GINUWINE: (Laughs.) “Well, I wrote 45 songs in all. I believe you can listen to my album from beginning to end. Of course, some might love certain songs better than others, but overall I’m proud of it. Plus, I have everyone from Timbaland to Missy to Bun B and Brandy on it.”
ESSENCE: Your album is typically you with an all-star lineup, but folks are accusing you of swagger-jacking Justin Timberlake because of the Timbaland-produced anthem “Get Involved.” How do you feel about that?
GINUWINE: (Laughs.) “Are you serious? If that’s copying Justin Timberlake I want to know whether people say the same thing about him when he hooked up to work with Tim, whom I’ve worked with for years? People are real funny.”
ESSENCE: On a more serious note, you lost both your parents in 1999 and 2000. How have you been coping?
GINUWINE: “After my father shot himself to death and my mother died from cancer less than a year later, I really didn’t want to be here anymore, I didn’t want to live and tried to commit suicide more than once. There was no one around that I really loved at the time, so I turned to the drinking and drugs like weed and ecstasy. I was done mentally and emotionally to the point that I had to go see a psychiatrist, but that didn’t do any good because I wasn’t interested. In fact, the two times I visited him I was high. I was depressed and felt like I had nobody to talk to that could relate to me.”
ESSENCE: Wow. What was the turning point for you?
GINUWINE: “I had one friend who intervened and begged me to get help. Even though I didn’t continue with my therapy, I went to church and received counseling from my pastor and got straight spiritually. I was able to turn away from all those things that were destroying me and finally think clearly. I had to ask myself whether or not I wanted to go out like my dad and have my kids hurt the way I was hurting. I’ve been clean for about seven years. Now, I keep all that stuff away from me, especially when I’m on the road. ”
ESSENCE: Despite your adversity you’ve remained positive and are working with the mentally disabled.
GINUWINE: “My wife and I own mentally disabled homes in Kansas City where the mentally disabled board through a program called SPRUCE (Special People Requiring Unique Care Equally). Many people don’t realize that once they turn18 they are often thrown out the house and are homeless. At the home, they are able to learn the basic fundamentals of life, like finding a job, how to take care of themselves, clean their rooms, and other things. My heart always likes to give, and if I’m going to help somebody it might as well be someone who can’t help themselves.”
Billboard top 10 albums
Billboard top 10 albums (week of June 24)
1. Lines, Vines and Trying Times by Jonas Brothers – 247,000 copies
2. The E.N.D. by Black Eyed Peas – 148,000 copies
3. Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King by Dave Matthews Band
4. Relapse by Eminem – 72,000 copies
5. Monuments and Melodies by Incubus – 70,000 copies
6. The Fame by Lady GaGa – 47,000 copies
7. Chickenfoot by Chickenfoot – 43,000 copies
8. Hanna Montana soundtrack by Various Artists – 42,000 copies
9. 21st Century Breakdown by Green Day – 40,000 copies
10. Fearless by Taylor Swift – 38,000 copies
Cameron Diaz gets a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Actress Cameron Diaz, 36, received her own star this week on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star is given to individuals who made an impact in the entertainment industry.
Diaz was the 2,386th person to have a star on the Walk of Fame. Diaz is one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood. Photos from the ceremony are posted below from the Associated Press.
Tim Henley
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes attended a ceremony honoring actress Cameron Diaz with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. (Associated Press photo)
Actress Cameron Diaz, right, gets a hug from actress Sophia Vassilieva during her cermony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Joan Rivers calls Johnny Carson a bastard
Joan Rivers appeared on MSNBC to discuss the death of television personality Ed McMahon. Rivers had several kind things to say about McMahon.
However, when anchorwoman Contessa Brewer mentioned the late Johnny Carson’s name, Joan didn’t have anything positive to say. Rivers said Carson was nasty, and she called him a bastard.
The video clip is posted below. Before you watch it, here is the brief back story.
Joan Rivers used to substitute for Johnny Carson on “The Tonight Show.” They eventually had a fallen out, and they never spoke to each other again.
The clip of Joan calling Johnny a bastard on MSNBC is posted below.
Celebrities react to the Chris Brown plea deal
Celebrities are giving their opinion regarding Chris Brown’s plea agreement. Brown pleaded guilty to assault charges June 22, and he was sentenced to five years probation.
Several celebrities spoke to MTV cameras about the court ruling while walking on the red carpet at the premiere for “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.”
Their comments are posted below their photos. (All photos are from the Associated Press)
Former Danity Kane singer Aubrey O'Day said "Violence is never the answer, even if provoked. But with bigger issued like war, we just need to let go and forgive. Let people move on. He's incredibly talented. Regardless of his personal decisions, I will always support his music."
R&B singer Ciara said "I support both artists. It's a very personal process."
"Gossip Girl" actress Taylor Momsen said "I wish Chris Brown Luck. People like to obsess over personal lives. So, I'm sure it's not the end."
Oklahoma native Nick Wheeler from the rock band All-American Rejects said "If it was just a regular dude, would the sentence have been the same?" "No one should turn a blind eye to abuse. He should get what he gets. "We did a show with Rihanna a couple years ago and she was nice."
Actor Anthony Anderson said "I wish them well. I'm not going to let a personal instance taint my opinion of someone musically."
Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo broke up
Celebrity couple Nick Lachey and Vanessa Minnillo have split up.
The couple’s publicist told People magazine “They have amicably split but remain good friends who still greatly care for one another.”
Lachey (a singer) and Minnillo (an entertainment journalist) began dating in 2006 shortly after Lachey’s divorce with Jessica Simpson.
During the past year, gossip columnists speculated the couple’s relationship was suffering. However, Lachey and Minnillo repeatedly denied anything was wrong.
I don’t buy the statement the publicist released above. If they really are still good friends, and if they really do still greatly care for each other, they never would have broke up.
Tim Henley
American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi is engaged
American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi will have a new husband this summer.
DioGuardi appeared on “Live With Regis and Kelly” and said she is engaged to be married to Mike McDuddy in about two weeks.
The story of how they met is interesting. McDuddy is a contractor who worked on a house next door to DioGuardi’s home in Maine.
She went next door to complain to McDuddy that the house he was building was too close to hers, and she thought he was attractive when she saw him. The rest is history.
DioGuardi declined to say where she will be married. I’m guessing she wants to avoid the papparrazzi.
I doubt if the papparrazzi would ever stalk her wedding anyway. She’s not that famous, and nobody cares.
Tim Henley
Ed McMahon died at age 86
Television personality Ed McMahon has died at age 86 at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Most people will always remember McMahon as Johnny Carson’s sidekick on the “The Tonight Show” from 1962 to 1992.
However, I will always remember McMahon as the host of the talent show “Star Search” from 1983 to 1995, which I watched every week with my family. The show was a precursor to “American Idol.”
“Star Search” helped launch the careers of several celebrities including Christina Aguilera, Drew Carey, Destiny’s Child, Britney Spears, Martin Lawrence, Dennis Miller, Rosie O’Donnell, Alanis Morissette, LeAnn Rimes, Ray Romono, Adam Sandler, Justin Timberlake and Usher.
McMahon was hospitalized in February with pnemonia and bone cancer.
Tim Henley
Chris Brown pleaded guilty
Chris Brown, left, and attorney Mark Geragos are seen during the preliminary hearing in the Chris Brown's felony assault case. (AP photo)
R&B singer Chris Brown pleaded guilty in court June 22 on a felony count of assault.
Brown was accused of beating up his girlfriend singer Rihanna.
As part of the plea agreement, Brown will serve five years probation and perform 1,400 hours of community labor.
He avoided serving any jail time, but it’s unknown whether this scandal will have an effect on his musical career.
He’s currently in the studio recording a new CD.
Tim Henley
Perez Hilton said Will.I.Am attacked him
Flamboyant celebrity blogger and television personality Perez Hilton claims he was assaulted by Will.I.Am, a member of the group Black Eyed Peas.
Perez said he was at a hotel when Will.I.Am and his bodyguards manhandled him.
However, Will.I.Am had a different version of events.
In a video posted on the DipDive Web site, Will said “Tonight was a good night and a crazy night.I’m DJing at a club called Ultra, and Fergie approaches Perez Hilton and says, ‘Hey, do you have a problem with me?’ and Perez says, ‘No, I just don’t like your record,’ which is cool.”
“But he just really disrespects her. He, like, digs in and hurts her feelings. Like, it’s one thing to tell your opinions, and it’s another thing to go overboard and be blatantly rude for no apparent reason. Fergie then comes to me, very emotional, and it makes me emotional because that’s my sister and that’s a dear friend to me.”
”Our party is over with so I go to another afterparty … and then I see the guy. And I go up to him and I say, ‘Hey can you do me a favor Perez? … Can you not be blatantly rude with our group on your Web site?’ And he said, ‘I don’t respect you.’ And I’m like, ‘What? OK, if you don’t respect me that’s cool.’… So this dude walks away, I leave and then he says, ‘You know, that was very f—-t of you for coming at me like that.”
“This dude says in front of a whole bunch of people, fans outside, ‘You’re a f—-t, Will.I.Am.’ … So all these fans are like, ‘You gonna let him talk to you like that?’ and I’m like, ‘Yo, it’s cool, dude, that’s just how that dude is.’ So he walks away and one of the fans gets all crazy and they start some stuff with Perez Hilton, and I’m just sitting there just minding my own business waiting for a car and whatnot. But it just goes to show you how crazy things can get.”
Not one to be outdone. Perez Hilton posted his own video explaining what happened.
Perez said, “Violence is never the answer,” Hilton said. “No matter what anyone says, another person should never be hit. I know that I say things that can really upset people. That’s never a reason to hit someone. I’ve been doing this for five years now, and nothing like this has ever happened to me.”
“I’ve never had someone attack me like this. It’s wrong, and I’m not going to stand for it. And Will.I.Am made a video and he lied. Will.I.Am is a coward and a disgusting human being for lying. And I’m making this video because I want to make it clear that I would never make up something like this. I would never lie about something so serious.”
“Will.I.Am comes into the club, sees me and, like a heat-seeking missile, comes directly towards me and he says, ‘Yo I need you to do me a favor, I need you to never write about my band on your Web site again,’ right in my face, he was saying this, very aggressively. I was not wanting to antagonize him.”
“He was screaming, and I said ‘Listen, I can’t make any promises, but I’ll try,’ ” Hilton said. “And then he says ‘Why are you disrespecting me?’
“And that’s when I made the split-second decision that I was going to say what I thought was the worst possible thing that a thug would ever want to hear.
“I told him, ‘And you know what, I don’t need to respect you … and you’re a f–. You’re gay and stop being such a f—-t.’ And I knew that was going to set him off, but I didn’t want to get into a fight with this person, so we leave. He followed me outside of the club.”
“Then his manager, Polo, whom I have met before, from behind, comes up to me, clocks me in the eye and punches me two or three times. I am in shock. I just did not know what to do.”
I don’t know who’s story to believe. We all know Perez is crazy, and he will say anything to cause controversy.
However, that doesn’t give Will.I.Am, or his bodyguards or fans to assault him. (if that is what actally happened).
I predict there will be several lawsuits filed in this incident. Also, that picture of Perez posted above was taken after the altercation.
It looks like Perez is trying to earn sympathy points with the public. The fact that he’s trying to look like the innocent victim in that photo does NOT make me feel sorry for him whatsoever.
Tim Henley
The 2009 BET Awards nominations
The 2009 BET Awards will air at 7 p.m. Sunday (June 28) (Central Time) . Jamie Foxx will host the ceremony. The nominations are below.
BEST R&B FEMALE ARTIST
Beyonce
Keyshia Cole
Keri Hilson
Jennifer Hudson
Jazmine Sullivan
BEST R&B MALE ARTIST
The Dream
Jamie Foxx
Ryan Leslie
Ne-Yo
T-Pain
BEST GROUP
Day 26
GS Boyz
N.E.R.D.
The Roots
Three 6 Mafia
BEST COLLABORATION
Blame It by Jamie Foxx and T-Pain
Turnin Me On by Keri Hilson and Lil Wayne
Pop Champagne by Jim Jones, Ron Browz and Juelz Santana
Live Your Life by T.I. and Rihanna
Ain’t I by Yung LA, Young Dro and T.I.
BEST MALE HIP HOP ARTIST
Lil Wayne
Rick Ross
T.I.
Kanye West
Young Jeezy
BEST FEMALE HIP HOP ARTIST
Lil Mama
M.I.A.
Trina
BEST NEW ARTIST
Keri Hilson
Kid Cudi
Ryan Leslie
M.I.A.
Jazmine Sullivan
GOSPEL ARTIST
Regina Belle
Shirley Caesar
Mary Mary
Trin-I-Tee 5:7
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
If I Were A Boy by Beyonce
Single Ladies by Beyonce
Blame It by Jamie Foxx and T-Pain
Live Your Life by T.I. and Rihanna
Heartless by Kanye West
VIDEO DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR
Benny Boom
Rik Cordero
Gil Green
Chris Robinson
Hype Williams
BEST ACTOR
Common
Idris Elba
Samual L. Jackson
Will Smith
Jamal Woolard
BEST ACTRESS
Angela Bassett
Rosario Dawson
Taraji P. Henson
Jennifer Hudson
Beyonce
BEST FEMALE ATHLETE
Tamika Catchings
Lisa Leslie
Candace Parker
Serena Williams
Venus Williams
BEST MALE ATHLETE
Kobe Bryant
Reggie Bush
LeBron James
Dwayne Wade
Tiger Woods
BETJ AWARD
Musiq Soulchild
Raphael Saadiq
Seal
Jazmine Sullivan
VIEWERS CHOICE AWARD
Beyonce
Keri Hilson
Soulja Boy
T.I.
T-Pain
Lil Wayne
Kanye West
Top 10 box office movies
"The Proposal" starring Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds
Top 10 box office movies (weekend ending June 21)
1. The Proposal – $34.1 million
2. The Hangover – $26.8 million
3. Up – $21.3 million
4. Year One – $20.2 million
5. The Taking of Pelham 123 – $11.3 million
6. Night At The Museum – $7.3 million
7. Star Trek – $4.7 million
8. Land of the Lost – $3.9 million
9. Imagine That – $3.1 million
10. Terminator Salvation – $3 million
LeAnn Rimes denies divorce rumors
LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian on the set of their film "Northern Lights"
Despite allegations of marital problems, country singer LeAnn Rimes said she is not getting a divorce from her husband Dean Sheremet.
The rumor started after LeAnn was caught on camera in a restaurant holding hands and kissing her “Northern Lights” costar Eddie Cibrian in March.
Cibrian’s wife called LeAnn a shameful stalker who won’t leave them alone.
In the July issue of Shape Magazine, LeAnn said “I’ve been in the public eye since I was 14, so I have a tough skin. It’s fine dragging me through the mud, but don’t drag my loved ones through it. They’re my family, and it hurts them. All I’ll say is, I know what’s in my heart and what’s true.”
“I feel like people are looking and pointing at me like I’m in a fishbowl. I’ve learned to let it roll off my back, but it’s super hard, and it really hurts.”
Well, of course people are staring at you and pointing at you LeAnn. That’s what happens when you’re caught kissing a married man.
In case you don’t remember, the video clip is posted below. LeAnn and Eddie are on the left side sitting at the table. Fast forward the video to 1:35 and you will see them kissing.
Tim Henley
Beyonce’s new album
Beyonce has a new album in stores. The album titled “Above and Beyonce” featurs a CD of remixes and a DVD with behind-the-scenes footage and seven music videos, including “Single Ladies” and “Ego.”
The album can only be purchased at Wal-Mart stores. Beyonce is currently on a world tour to promote “I Am Sasha Fierce.”
The tour dates are posted below.
Jun 21 2009 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Jun 22 2009 New York, NY Madison Square Garden
Jun 23 2009 Baltimore, MD First Mariner Arena
Jun 24 2009 Washington, D.C. Verizon Center
Jun 26 2009 Philadelphia, PA Wachovia Center
Jun 27 2009 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Jun 29 2009 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Bank Atlantic Center
Jul 1 2009 Atlanta, GA Phillips Arena
Jul 3 2009 New Orleans, LA Superdome (Essence Music Festival)
Jul 4 2009 Houston, TX Toyota Center
Jul 5 2009 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
Jul 7 2009 Phoenix, AZ US Airways Center
Jul 9 2009 Sacramento, CA Arco Arena
Jul 10 2009 Oakland, CA Oracle Arena
Jul 11 2009 Anaheim, CA Honda Center
Jul 13 2009 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center
Jul 16 2009 Minneapolis, MN Target Center
Jul 17 2009 Chicago, IL United Center
Jul 18 2009 Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills
Jul 20 2009 Toronto, Ontario, Canada The Molson Amphitheatre
Jul 21 2009 Montreal, CAN Bell Centre
Jul 23 2009 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun
Jul 24 2009 Meadowlands, NJ Izod Center
Jul 30 2009 Las Vegas, NV Encore Theater, Wynn Las Vegas
Jul 31 2009 Las Vegas, NV Encore Theater, Wynn Las Vegas
Aug 1 2009 Las Vegas, NV Encore Theater, Wynn Las Vegas
Aug 2 2009 Las Vegas, NV Encore Theater, Wynn Las Vegas
Sep 12 2009 Brisbane, Australia Entertainment Centre
Sep 13 2009 Brisbane, Australia Entertainment Centre
Sep 15 2009 Melbourne, Australia Rod Laver Arena
Sep 16 2009 Melbourne, Australia Rod Laver Arena
Sep 18 2009 Sydney, Australia Acer Arena
Sep 19 2009 Sydney, Australia Acer Arena
Sep 20 2009 Sydney, Australia Acer Arena
Sep 22 2009 Adelaide, Australia Entertainment Centre
Sep 24 2009 Perth, Australia Burswood Dome
Adam Lambert album release this summer
Adam Lambert came in second place on “American Idol” this year, but he will be the first contestant from the current season to release an album.
Lambert’s debut album titled “On With The Show” will be released this summer. Before you Lambert fans get too excited, you should know the song on the album are old. They were recored four years ago, before he competed on “American Idol.”
Also, Lambert says he will not support that album because he doesn’ t want the album released.
Lambert said in a press release, “Back in 2005 when I was a struggling artist, I was hired as a studio singer to lend my vocals to tracks written by someone else. I was broke at the time and this was my chance to make a few bucks, so I jumped at the opportunity to record for my first time in a professional studio.”
“The work I did back then in no way reflects the music I am currently in the studio working on. I’m thrilled to be working with some of today’s hottest songwriters and producers and can’t wait for people to hear what my music really sounds like.”
Instead of purchasing those old songs, Lambert wants his fans to focus on his album that will be released in the fall on RCA records.
Tim Henley
Ryan Seacrest partied with Lindsay Lohan
Paparazzi cameras filmed “American Idol” host Ryan Seacrest and Linsday Lohan hanging out together at various nightlife locations in Los Angeles.
When asked by a TMZ cameraman why he’s hanging out with Lohan, Seacrest replied “I’m trying to, you know, give her guidance. She wants to sing. She loves to sing. Dude, you know she’s a singer. Come on.”
Seacrest also said he’s impressed with Lohan’s singing ability.
The court system couldn’t successfully give Lohan “guidance,” and neither could the rehab counselors. I seriously doubt if Ryan Seacrest can give her guidance.
Also, he’s lying through his teeth when he said he’s impressed with Lohan’s singing ability. I’ve her sing too, and she cannot sing whatsoever.
Tim Henley
Carly Smithson joins Evanescence group members
She might have been kicked off of “American Idol” too soon during season seven, but Irish vocalist Carly Smithson is joining members of the rock group Evanescence.
However, the group will no longer be called Evanescence. They are changing the group name to The Fallen.
Smithson will take over as the lead singer since Amy Lee left group.
Tim Henley
New music video: Fire Burning by Sean Kingston
Gossip Girl star Leighton Meester has a sex tape
Good news for all the guys out there who find “Gossip Girl” star Leighton Meester attractive.
Her sex tape is about to be released all over the Internet. The tape features her and her boyfriend. It was made in 2006.
An Internet company is in the process of purchasing the rights to tape.
This might be embarrassing for Meester at first, but I think it will help her career in the long run
Meester played Blair Waldorf on “Gossip Girl” since 2007. She not very well known yet, but this tape will definitley help her career and get her name out there.
Think about it. No one knew Paris Hilton or Kim Kardashian until their sex tapes were leaked on the Internet. Maybe Meester can successfully follow in their footsteps.
Tim Henley
T.R. Knight is leaving Grey’s Anatomy
Good news and bad news for “Grey’s Anatomy” fans.
Let’s start with the bad news first. T.R. Knight is leaving the show after his contract negotiations fell through.
Knight has portrayed George O’Malley on the show since 2005.
In a press statement, Knight said “Leaving Grey’s Anatomy was not an easy decision for me to make. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to play this character and will miss my fellow cast and crew very much. I continue to wish them the very best, and wholeheartedly thank all of the fans who have supported me and the show with such passion and enthusiasm.”
The good news is Katherine Heigl will return for another season as Dr. Izzie Stevens.
Tim Henley
Shania Twain’s letter to her fans
Country singer Shania Twain hasn’t released a CD of new music since 2002. Since then, she’s had a baby, and she’s gone through a divorce. Shania posted a lengthy letter to her fans on her Web site apologizing for not releasing new music during the past seven years.
She goes into detail about why she has been delaying her music. The complete letter is posted below. It’s extremely lengthy and long-winded. So, if you’re not a Shania Twain, you will probably be bored if you read it below……
Dear Friends,
I am so excited to be writing to you personally again after so long.
First I want to apologize for the delay in releasing new music. Music is the basis of our relationship, after all, and I realize I’m not holding up very well on my end of the relationship! But music has a mind of it’s own, and is ruled by a writer’s emotions and state of mind, not by a time frame or wishful thinking.
I wish like crazy that I had new music by now since I dream of how fun it would be to see you all again out on tour with new songs to sing, but as most of you know, I have been side-tracked slightly over this past year.
The personal issues that took place just over a year ago have been well documented, and there’s no need to go into more detail here. Since then, I’ve been inspired by my pain to write and use writing as a therapy through the suffering. 
I truly wouldn’t wish this on anybody as a means to get inspired, but it’s been a productive period with so much emotion trying to find it’s way out. However, there is no telling how long it will take me to actually finish these songs and record them so they can get out to you.
As many things as there have been to write about through this difficult time in my life, healing is serious business and has taken a lot of the wind out of my sails, slowing me down at times. As you know, I am a mom and all my energy goes to making sure my little man is healthy and happy in every way. This is a full time job, as any parent understands, but especially difficult when you are battling your own personal crisis at the same time while trying to spare your child of being affected by your own suffering.
One time when I was having a weak moment listening to some sad music and sobbing and slobbering over my computer’s keyboard, Eja walked up behind me and asked me why I was crying. He wasn’t sad at first–just totally surprised to see his mom crying (he is seven and never saw me cry before), and didn’t know what to make of it.
During this intense period, I was managing to hide my devastation from Eja and cried only when I was alone; but this one time was just too hard for me to control and I broke down. I was quick on my feet to answer him though and told Eja that music was very powerful and can make people quite emotional. It can make you want to dance, feel angry, happy or sad and that THIS this song was sad and made me cry. He accepted this, hugged me and went back to what he was doing. Phew, that was tough!
The energy it has taken me to deal with my personal life and managing to still be a responsible parent has been challenging, and while I have been putting what energy I have left at the end of each day into my writing, it’s been hard to put it all together into song format.
Please be patient and I will do my best to continue working on a finished album! Each morning I put my son on the school bus, feed our two dogs Sony and Dolly, drink my orange juice and sit down at the computer to write.
I spend most of my time working with lyrics right now, sorting thoughts, expressions and concepts. It often comes out in the form of poetry, diary notes or e-mails to friends. My friends are great listeners and are very patient and generous about it. I often go back to my e-mails for song ideas. When I write in letter form, I don’t hold back. I just write it as it comes without considering format, topic, manners, etc. Some of my best songwriting ideas are coming this way.
Time has a way of making everything right, and it is my hope that good music will eventually come out of it. I say “good music” since I don’t want to just throw anything at you, just for the sake of hurrying up to get it out. I want my new music to be something I’m personally satisfied with and proud to share with you.
I have friends and family around constantly coaxing me to focus on my music. “Your fans miss you. They want new music. It’s been too long.” They’re all dying for something new too, so they are pretty relentless about it! I know you certainly all do deserve new music and tour dates; not only because it’s been so long, but also because of the HUGE support you’ve all given me during this period. The many blogs and e-mails have warmed my heart, strengthened my confidence, given me courage, and have often even made me laugh out loud…in a good way! I know I am not alone and realize through your support that you are all rooting for Eja and I, and our well-being. Thank you!
The other day I started writing a few pages about being hungry as a kid. Some of it was painful to think about but it also made me laugh at the funny times. Reflecting on that period of my life, I realize how true it really is to learn to take the good with the bad. To appreciate that you can’t have one without the other. The trick is to give the “good” at least as much of your energy as the “bad” and not to get stuck focusing more on the “bad”. I decided to start writing about other stages of my life to help take my focus off the current phase I’m going through. When I’m feeling down, I figured changing my focus to write about other periods of my PAST would help pull me out of the sadness and on to new chapters in my life. It works.
I will sign off now but I look forward to my next letter/blog to you. I just wanted to fill you in a bit on what’s going on with me and music, as well as extend my thanks for all of the support that you have given me over this last year and for all these years; and to assure you that I’m fine and managing very well, in fact. I’m enjoying my child, friends and family like I haven’t in years, and it’s great.
I’ve been experiencing and seeing new things every day, living life with a different and more optimistic attitude. I’ve jumped out of an airplane at 10,000 feet, I’m riding Spanish and Arabian horses, traveling to exotic places, I’ve been deep sea diving for the first time! I pull the odd all-nighter, read more books, listen to Eja’s favourite music with him, LOUD [ironically his favourite band is AC/DC] and basically I’m enjoying life.
Till next time, my friends. Be well, and peace and happiness to all of you.”
Love,
Shania…..
I told you it was a long-winded letter. Now, if you actually read her entire letter, then sadly, you need to get a life. Ha.
