Tag: Fantasia
BET RALLIES TO SUPPORT COMMUNITIES OF COLOR MOST IMPACTED BY COVID-19
BET RALLIES TO SUPPORT COMMUNITIES OF COLOR MOST IMPACTED BY COVID-19 PANDEMIC WITH NEW TELEVISION SPECIAL, RELIEF FUND, DIGITAL NEWS PROGRAMS, AND COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
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“SAVING OUR SELVES: A BET COVID-19 RELIEF EFFORT,” SPECIAL CO-HOSTED BY KELLY ROWLAND, TERRENCE J, AND REGINA HALL, SET TO AIR ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2020 AT 8 PM EST
SPECIAL GUESTS FOR THE SPECIAL INCLUDE DJ KHALED, CHARLIE WILSON, CHANCE THE RAPPER, KIRK FRANKLIN, FANTASIA, MELVIN CRISPELL III and MANY MORE
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BET HAS PARTNERED WITH THE UNITED WAY TO CREATE A RELIEF FUND TO RECEIVE FINANCIAL DONATIONS THAT WILL BE DISBURSED TO LOCAL CHARITIES THAT PROVIDE FOOD AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE TO THOSE WHO NEED HELP MOST
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#BETCOVIDRELIEF
Today, BET announces an array of high impact initiatives to support communities of color impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Black Americans are being disproportionately harmed by the health and financial devastation wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. BET, in partnership with the NAACP, United Way Worldwide, leaders in the African American creative, civil rights and business communities will provide critical financial, educational and community support directly to the African Americans hardest hit by this crisis.
These initiatives include the “Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort” broadcastspecial; the creation of a relief fundin partnership with United Way Worldwide to assist people of color most impacted by this health and financial crisis, and our support of the NAACP’s Town Hall Series.
For 40 years, BET has been rooted in a legacy of helping afflicted communities of color, raising $12 million for Katrina victims and millions more for Haiti earthquake victims. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, BET will use their global platform to provide critical educational and financial resources directly related to the African American community.
"The COVID-19 pandemic is savagely compounding the profound health and financial vulnerabilities many Black Americans face. Every day, there are new reports of how this pandemic is killing African Americans at much higher rates than other communities.” said Scott Mills, President of BET. “BET is using all of our resources – our capital, our media platforms, our relationships with the creative community, sponsors, businesses and charitable organizations to support our community in this time of crisis.”
The “Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort” broadcastspecial, will air on Wednesday, April 22nd at 8 pm EST. The special, co-hosted by Grammy Award-Winning singer and actress Kelly Rowland, TV personality Terrence J, and actress Regina Hall; will feature virtual appearances and musical performances from some of the biggest names in music and entertainment as they share tips on how to manage, cope and help during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Celebrity guest appearances and performances will include DJ Khaled, Charlie Wilson, Chance the Rapper, Kirk Franklin, Fantasia, Melvin Crispell III, and many more. The special will give up-to-date information and drive viewers to needed resources during this unprecedented time. In partnership with United Way, proceeds are being donated to African American communities severely impacted by COVID-19.
“Our goal for this special is to come together in a collective spirit of strength, community and hope. As we unite in harmony and compassion, through the collective healing power of music, comedy and entertainment, we can bring restoration and inspire the world that our brightest days are ahead,” said Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET.
Connie Orlando, EVP Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy at BET will serve as Executive Producer for the “Saving Our Selves: A BET COVID-19 Relief Effort” broadcast special along with Jesse Collins, CEO of Jesse Collins Entertainment.
To support these initiatives, BET has established a COVID-19 relief fund in partnership with United Way Worldwide to support African Americans that have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. United Way, the largest private funder of human services in the U.S., has a presence in 95% of communities across the country, and has, for more than 130 years, mobilized the caring power of the community to advance the common good. United Way is unparalleled in its power to convene local partners, providers and resources to address the needs of vulnerable communities on the ground.
Financial donations from the joint fund will allow United Way to disburse resources to local organizations under United Ways in New York City, Atlanta, New Orleans, Detroit, Los Angeles and Chicago, regions that have been most impacted by this crisis. There are long-term plans to expand these resources to other markets going forward. In particular, United Way will be supporting families in crisis who are experiencing food insecurity and are in need of emergency assistance.
“United Way is deeply embedded in communities across our country, and our ‘local-ness’ means we know the needs on the ground and how to get the right kind of help to those who need it most,” said Stan Little, Chief Experience Officer of United Way. “We look forward to partnering with BET to bring much-needed relief and long-term recovery to already vulnerable communities that are being hit especially hard because of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
BET is also providing resources and content on COVID-19 across multiple digital platforms including a four-part virtual town hall series in partnership with the NAACP. On Wednesday, April 8, at 8 PM ET/ 5 PM PT, “Unmasked: A COVID-19 Virtual Town Hall Series Powered by NAACP & BET” willstream on NAACP.org and focus on how the pandemic is affecting African Americans and what steps the community can take to build an action plan for positive change. The first town hall will focus on the health, emotional, economic toll, congressional response and how activists can apply pressure to ensure legislation is equitable. Additionally, BET.com is reporting daily on what the African American community needs to know about COVID-19, and how it is impacting our lives.
You can donate to the fund beginning Friday, April 10th. More information on BET’s partnership with UWW and additional extensions of our relief efforts are forthcoming. For further details, please visit BET.com.
BET NETWORK’S “SUNDAY BEST” ANNOUNCES SEASON 9 FINALISTS
Photo Credit: (left to right) Melvin Crispell III, Kirk Franklin, Joshua Copeland face the audience as finalist announced. (Photo: Nathan Bolster/BET)[/caption]BET NETWORK'S “SUNDAY BEST” ANNOUNCES SEASON 9 FINALISTS - JOSHUA COPELAND AND MELVIN CRISPELL, III - BET SET TO CROWN SEASON 9 WINNER OF “SUNDAY BEST” ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 25TH AT 8PM ET/PT
“ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE” AND “NOT THE END OF YOUR STORY” FROM JOSHUA COPELAND AND MELVIN CRISPELL, III NOW AVAILABLE THROUGH RCA INSPIRATION SEASON 9 FINALE WILL FEATURE PERFORMANCES BY TASHA COBBS LEONARD, VASHAWN MITCHELL, KELLY PRICE, AND JONATHAN MCREYNOLDS + ERICA CAMPBELL TO DEBUT NEW SINGLE “PRAYING & BELIEVING” VOTING OPEN NOW AT BET.COM/VOTESUNDAYBEST After making a triumphant return from its four-year hiatus earlier this summer, BET’s inspirational singing competition, “Sunday Best,” moves closer to crowning a new gospel superstar. Last night, the Grammy Award-winning songstress, Fantasia heated up the stage with a debut performance of “Looking For You,” from her forthcoming album Sketchbook. She later joined the judge’s panel, kicking off an emotional night full of surprises which ended with Joshua Copeland and Melvin Crispell, III moving forward to the finale episode airing on August 25, 2019 at 8PM ET/PT. Fans are now encouraged to vote for their favorite contestant at: BET.com/VoteSundayBest. Challenged with connecting with their inner selves this week, each contestant had to perform twice. For the first performance, the contestants chose a personal song and Kirk surprised them with a close family member for motivation. Joshua selected Tasha Cobbs’ “I’m getting Ready,” while Melvin, performed Hezekiah Walker’s “Wonderful Is Your Name,” which was written by his late father Melvin Crispell II. For their second performance of the night, the competitors performed original songs created by a team of heavy hitters, including GRAMMY®-nominated mega-hit wonder Makeba Riddick-Woods (Rihanna, Beyoncé, Tamar Braxton, Koryn Hawthorne) and six-time GRAMMY®-winning powerhouse Aaron Lindsey (Israel Houghton, Marvin Sapp, Kenny Lattimore, Smokie Norful). What resulted was two awe-inspiring gospel singles “Anything is Possible” by Joshua Copeland and “Not The End of Your Story,” by Melvin Crispell III; both songs featured production by Lindsey and were co-produced by GRAMMY®-winner Myron Butler. Today, RCA Inspiration releases these two new songs, as the first installment of their partnership with BET to spotlight new music from the hit gospel competition series. Both songs are now available at digital music providers. The season 9 winner will receive a recording contract with RCA Inspiration, a cash prize of $50,000 and the title “Sunday Best.” BET will crown the season 9 Sunday Best winner on Sunday, August 25th at 8:00 PM ET/PT. The finale episode will feature special performances from GRAMMY Award®-winner Tasha Cobbs Leonard, multiple Stellar Award-winner VaShawn Mitchell. Fans will also see soul-stirring performances from judges Jonathan McReynolds, Kelly Price, and Erica Campbell debuting her new single “Praying & Believing.” For updates and more information about “SUNDAY BEST”, please visit BET.com/SundayBest. Join the conversation on social media by using the hashtag: #BETSundayBest. [caption id="attachment_236177" align="alignnone" width="1800"]
Joshua Copeland behind the scenes of BET's "Sunday Best" episode 903. (Photo: Nathan Bolster/BET)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_236178" align="alignnone" width="1800"]
Melvin Crispell III behind the scenes of BET's "Sunday Best" episode 903. (Photo: Nathan Bolster/BET)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_236179" align="alignnone" width="1800"]
Still from BET's "Sunday Best" episode 902. (Photo: Nathan Bolster/BET)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_236180" align="alignnone" width="1920"]
Still of Melvin Crispell III from BET's "Sunday Best" episode 902. (Photo: BET)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_236181" align="alignnone" width="1920"]
Still of Joshua Copeland from BET's "Sunday Best" episode 902. (Photo: BET)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_236182" align="alignnone" width="1800"]
Still from BET's "Sunday Best" episode 905. (Photo: Nathan Bolster/BET)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_236183" align="alignnone" width="1800"]
Still from BET's "Sunday Best" episode 905. (Photo: Nathan Bolster/BET)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_236184" align="alignnone" width="1800"]
Still of Joshua Copeland from BET's "Sunday Best" episode 907. (Photo: Nathan Bolster/BET)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_236185" align="alignnone" width="1800"]
Still of Melvin Crispell III from BET's "Sunday Best" episode 907. (Photo: Nathan Bolster/BET)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_236186" align="alignnone" width="1800"]
Still of Melvin Crispell III from BET's "Sunday Best" episode 907. (Photo: Nathan Bolster/BET)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_236187" align="alignnone" width="1800"]
Still of Joshua Copeland, Chelsey Barnes, Keyla Richardson, Tiffany Andrews, and Melvin Crispell III from BET's "Sunday Best" episode 907. (Photo: Nathan Bolster/BET)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_236188" align="alignnone" width="1800"]
Still of Keyla Richardson, Joshua Copeland, Chelsey Barnes, Tiffany Andrews, and Melvin Crispell III from BET's "Sunday Best" episode 907. (Photo: Nathan Bolster/BET)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_236189" align="alignnone" width="1800"]
Still of Joshua Copeland from BET's "Sunday Best" episode 909. (Photo: Nathan Bolster/BET)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_236190" align="alignnone" width="1800"]
Still of Melvin Crispell III from BET's "Sunday Best" episode 909. (Photo: Nathan Bolster/BET)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_236191" align="alignnone" width="1174"]
Still of Melvin Crispell III from BET's "Sunday Best" episode 909. (Photo: Nathan Bolster/BET)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_236192" align="alignnone" width="1800"]
Still of Melvin Crispell III from BET's "Sunday Best" episode 909. (Photo: Nathan Bolster/BET)[/caption] [caption id="attachment_236193" align="alignnone" width="1800"]
Still of Melvin Crispell III, Tiffany Andrews, and Joshua Copeland from BET's "Sunday Best" episode 909. (Photo: Nathan Bolster/BET)[/caption]
Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage Cruise Presented by Ford Never Dissapoints
This past week, I had the most amazing time on board the 17th Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage cruise. It was the cruise that almost wasn't for me because I left my passport at home and did not discover this until I was four hours away from boarding. One of the people I was with mentioned something about a passport just in time. I was able to use my birth certificate and THANK GOD I had just run across it the week before and made a mental picture of where I put it or I probably would not be telling you how the cruise was, I would be telling you how it WASN'T. (Reminder, if you travel often and use some of the same luggage, just put your passport in it and leave it. You really can't use a copy of your passport to board a cruise but you can use a copy of a birth certificate) The cruise was on a different ship this time, The Carnival Dream, which was very similar to The Carnival Breeze, but with subtle differences. We left from New Orleans instead of Miami and boarding was much more efficient this time. I have not been to New Orleans since pre-Katrina so I came a day early. Downtown NOLA reminds me of NYC and I walked up and down Bourbon street with friends before we left the following day. Usually, once on the cruise, I take a nap and miss the opening talent and this year was no different so I missed Ice Cube and a few other acts but I did get to see most of the other shows. The lineup this year was the best yet, since I've been attending (this is year three). Solid performances from Fantasia, (a crowd favorite) who performed three nights in a row. Ruben Studdard was overlapping in the same time span as Frankie Beverly and Maze but both shows still packed the house. Mary J Blige followed BBD, who gave a GREAT performance and even threw the crowd off when they brought Bobby Brown on stage to do a couple of New Edition songs. BBD also backed Bobby on a couple of his solo hits. Of course, then people wanted to see Ralph and Johnny Gill too but they were till thrilled with BBD and Bobby. CeCe Penniston, Evelyn "Champagne" King, Anita Ward, Trina, Trick Daddy, the boy band nights with Sylk, Dru Hill, Troop and more and numerous comedians filled the stages over the 8-day voyage and the stops were also a crowd pleaser. We stopped in Cozumel, Mexico (where we had the added benefit of using our US phone plans free of charge) Belize and the most exciting and beautiful Mahogany Bay, Isla Roatan where the legendary water fight took place. Tom even invited the inventor of the Super Soaker water gun, Lonnie Johnson (a black inventor who sued Hasbro and won 72 Million for taking credit for his invention) and he spoke to the audience on the beach about his invention. On the ride over to NOLA from LA, I shared seating with Sherri Shephard who was not happy with the fact that my coffee spilled on her (lol). We were good after that and laughed about it on the cruise. I truly admire people who on very rare occasions can admit their shortcomings and take responsibility instead of pointing the finger at someone else. She did a great job of hosting a few of the segments on the cruise. I'd also like to say hello to Deborah Owens who did an amazing job of talking about finances on the cruise. I learned a LOT from her and will be featuring her in a "Pennies from Kevin" podcast as well as a feature story soon. The staff of Reach Media put the final issue of Radio Facts Magazine (the magazine name is changing to "All Urban Media") in all the cabins and it was great to hear people talking about it as well as articles they found very interesting (the entire issue will be online this week). Tom and staff also invited me to a special luncheon for the VIPs and Cients where I was treated like a king. Unable to sit down for more than a few minutes to constantly take pictures with industry legends and corporate clients, I didn't mind at all and we very grateful. I not only look forward to next year's cruise and presenting the magazine for the 18th Tom Joyner Fantastic Voyage Cruise Presented by Ford, but we will also be present at the Family Reunion event in Ocotober of this year with another magazine to be distributed to attendees. This was the most time I got to spend with Cathy Hughes since I have known her and I finally met industry legend Dyana Williams too who I have been talking to for years. I got to see Cathy's TV One show "Media" via a screening on the cruise and I can see the growth potential and the development of the characters coming. I look forward to watching more episodes. I'd like thank Tom Joyner , Marty Rabb, Dave Kantor and Reach Media once again for an amazing time. More pics coming 
Fantasia Debuts High On The Charts With Her Fifth Studio Album “The Definition Of…!”
Fantasia Debuts High On The Charts With Her Fifth Studio Album “The Definition Of…!”
FANTASIA’S THE DEFINITION OF… DEBUTS AT #1 ON THEBILLBOARD R&B CHART #2 ON THE OVERALL ALBUMS AND R&B/HIP-HOP CHARTS; #6 ON THE BILLBOARD 200 CHART “…fifth LP is full of the soulful R&B that shot her to fame… she’s the definition of a star.” – PEOPLE MAGAZINE
Grammy Award and third season American Idol winner FANTASIA’s fifth studio album, The Definition Of…, debuts this week at #1 on Billboard’s R&B Album chart, #2 on the Overall Albums and R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts, and #6 on theBillboard 200 chart, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The high chart entries mark Fantasia’s third consecutive #1 R&B album debut and her fourth top ten debut on the Billboard 200 chart. The Definition Of… received rave reviews from critics and fans across the country. People magazine declares Fantasia’s “…fifth LP is full of the soulful R&B that shot her to fame. Channeling Tina Turner…, she’s the definition of a star.” Entertainment Weekly states “There’s more of that smoky, jazzy vibe throughout the LP, with Fantasia presiding over the affair as its soulful chanteuse.” Fantasia’s recent television performances on Good Morning America, BET’s new live concert series and American Idol, showcased the depth and range of the award-winning songstress’ latest LP. The Definition Of… features collaborations with acclaimed soulstress Stacy Barthe and gospel great Tye Tribbett, as well as chart-topping producers Ron Fair, R. Kelly, Brian Kennedy, Neff-U, Jerome “J-Roc” Harmon, GRADES and more. For the latest Fantasia news, follow her on:Grammy Award Winner Fantasia Releases Music Video For “Sleeping With The One I Love”
“The Definition Of…” Available Everywhere 7/29<
@TasiasWord @fantasia @RCARecords #tasiasword [New York, NY – June 27, 2016] Grammy Award and third season american idol winner Fantasia releases her new music video for “Sleeping With The One I Love.” Fantasia premiered the video last night during the BET Awards Red Carpet telecast. Click here to watch the video. Directed by famed photographer Derek Blanks, the video showcases Fantasia’s acting skills as she portrays multiple characters in a compelling plot twist. Written and produced by R. Kelly, “Sleeping With The One I Love” is one of several great songs on Fantasia’s fifth studio album, The Definition Of…, set for release on July 29 via 19 Entertainment/RCA Records. The album will feature collaborations with acclaimed soulstress Stacy Barthe and gospel great Tye Tribbett, as well as chart-topping producers Ron Fair, Brian Kennedy, Neff-U, Jerome “J-Roc” Harmon, GRADES and more. The Definition Of… is currently available for pre-order at all digital music providers. Fans who pre-purchase the album will receive instant downloads “Sleeping With The One I Love,” “So Blue,” “Ugly,” which she performed live on the series finale of American Idol, and her latest Top 10 single “No Time For It.” More About FANTASIA: In 2004, the High Point, North Carolina native became the season three winner of Fox’s American Idol. Later that year, Fantasia released her platinum-selling debut album Free Yourself and became the first artist in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 chart to debut at #1 with her first single, “I Believe.” Fantasia’s second single, “Truth Is,” spent 14 weeks at #1, making her the first singer to simultaneously have two of the top three songs on the Billboard chart. Fantasia’s 2006 eponymous second album featured the #1 R&B single, “When I See U,” and reached gold status. In 2010, Fantasia released the critically acclaimed Back To Me, which featured the hit single “Bittersweet” that earned her first ever Grammy Award for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and a NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Song. Back To Me debuted at #1 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart, #2 on Billboard’s Top 200 Albums chart, and not only marked Fantasia’s first #1 R&B album but also her highest Billboard Top 200 chart ranking. In 2013, Fantasia released her fourth studio album, Side Effects of You which debuted at #1 on the Billboard R&B Albums Chart and #2 on the Billboard Top 200, marking her second consecutive positions on these charts. In addition to being a mainstay in music, Fantasia adds author and actress to her growing list of accomplishments. In 2006, she released her New York Times bestselling memoir, Life Is Not a Fairytale, and starred as herself in the Lifetime movie of the same name. In 2007, Fantasia landed the coveted role of Celie in Broadway’s The Color Purple for which she won a Theater World Award. Fantasia returned to Broadway in 2013 as the first celebrity engagement in After Midnight, a dance-focused musical that celebrated Harlem’s iconic Cotton Club during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920’s and 1930’s. After receiving rave reviews, Fantasia joined the cast of After Midnight for a second run in May 2014. Pre-order links: Apple Music: https://smarturl.it/iDefinition Amazon: https://smarturl.it/aDefinition Google Play: https://smarturl.it/gDefinition Spotify: https://smarturl.it/sDefinition For the latest Fantasia news, follow her on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/TasiasWord Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Fantasia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tasiasword/
