State Mississippi Showbiz Latest News and Updates

Charna Flam A roof collapse at the Apollo Theater in Belvidere, Ill. left at least one concertgoer dead and dozens more injured on Friday evening. The Apollo Theater was hosting “The United States of Terror” tour, headlined by four heavy metal bands — Crypta, Revocation, Skeletal Remains and Morbid Angel. After Crypta’s set, the venue made an announcement that the show would need to take a brief pause before Morbid Angel took the stage, due to the ongoing extreme weather conditions. Minutes after the initial announcement, the full roof collapsed on top of the concertgoers, per the New York Times. The venue was hosting roughly 260 patrons. More than 40 people were hospitalized, with five people suffering severe injuries. At least one person died in the incident. Belvidere Fire Chief Shawn Schadle reported that two of those impacted are suffering with life-threatening injuries.

was sold at auction for $15,300.It was famously struck by an upside-down Tina Turner — who used her feet to bang it — when she was a guest video jockey on the network in 1986.The Paiste steel-hammered lot has the iconic MTV logo emblazoned on its front.It is believed to be one of two gongs made for the 24-hour cable channel, the first solely dedicated to music when it launched in the Big Apple in 1981.The iconic piece of MTV history was sold by Bonhams, a privately owned international auction house, as part of its online music auction, which ended Friday afternoon. Among the other memorabilia included in the sale was a black Texas Hatters Hi-Roller hat worn by Lynyrd Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant in 1976, the year before he, two bandmates, a road manager and two pilots tragically died in a plane crash in Mississippi.

Gladiators, has died aged 59.The news was announced by Rick Jango, the partner of Hunt’s older sister, who confirmed she had died following a battle with cancer.In a Facebook post, he wrote: “It is with great sadness that I have to tell you of my partner’s younger sister Bernadette Hunt. Most people will remember her as Falcon from the hit TV show Gladiators.“I had the privilege to be in her company a few times and I have to say she was one of the most loveliest people I have ever met.

Most stereotypes of the American South have their genesis in a Tennessee Williams’ play. Blanche DuBois, from Streetcar Named Desire, is the quintessential debutante, hopelessly relying on the kindness of strangers, whose overwrought naivety has served as a template for many characters since. Meanwhile, in Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, there’s Big Daddy.

SPOILER ALERT! This post contains details from the Season 7 premiere of The CW’s Riverdale.

Barbie Bassett has not been on air for the NBC affiliate WLBT since March 8, when she and other employees were discussing Snoop Dogg’s addition to his wine line on air.

EXCLUSIVE: Actor, professional dancer and content creator Woody McClain has signed with M88 for representation. M88 will create and develop opportunities for McClain in the entertainment and strategic partnership spaces.

Snoop Dogg live on air earlier this month.Meteorologist and news anchor Barbie Bassett has not been seen on air for the NBC affiliate WLBT since 8 March, according to Deadline (as reported by The Independent). The website claims that during her last appearance on the channel’s morning show Bassett caused controversy while she and other team members were discussing Snoop Dogg.Joining in a chat about Snoop’s line of wines, Bassett is reported as quoting the rapper, saying: “Fo shizzle, my nizzle.” The reference came up when the idea of a collaboration between the ‘Doggyland’ rapper and a newsroom journalist was raised – see the tweet below for a video clip of the incident from Huffpost’s Philip Lewis.Longtime Mississippi news anchor appears to no longer be employed with the news team after saying, "Fo shizzle, my nizzle" on airhttps://t.co/O5tFTsac1g pic.twitter.com/hs01IyVQaL— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) March 24, 2023“Nizzle” is commonly cited as slang for the N-word.This was not the first time that Bassett has caused controversy either, according to reports.

Kentucky Gov. Any Beshear, at a bill signing on Wednesday, vetoed a sweeping GOP bill on Friday that would have regulated the lives of trans youths, including banning access to gender-affirming health care and restricting the bathrooms they can use. The bill also would have also banned discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools with students of any age and allowed teachers to refuse to refer to transgender students by the pronouns they use. Photo: Gov. Andy Beshear Flickr page

Legendary drag queen Darcelle has died at age 92.

There has been no sign of a Mississippi morning news anchor woman since she voiced a Snoop Dogg phrase on air earlier this month. 

Kentucky Gov. Any Beshear, at a bill signing on Wednesday, vetoed a sweeping GOP bill on Friday that would have regulated the lives of trans youths, including banning access to gender-affirming health care and restricting the bathrooms they can use. The bill also would have also banned discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools with students of any age and allowed teachers to refuse to refer to transgender students by the pronouns they use. Photo: Gov. Andy Beshear Flickr page

a popular Snoop Dogg phrase on air earlier this month.Barbie Bassett has not returned to the anchor desk at NBC affiliate WLBT since the March 8 broadcast and is no longer listed as a member of the news team on the station’s website, the Clarion Ledger reports.The Post reached out to Bassett, WLBT and Snoop Dogg for comment.“As I am sure you can understand, WLBT is unable to comment on personnel matters,” Ted Fortenberry, the station’s regional vice president and general manager, told The Post in an emailed statement Saturday.The gaffe was made during a discussion about Snoop Dogg’s latest addition to his Cali wine line.Bassett said, “Fo shizzle, my nizzle,” when the idea of a Snoop collaboration with a newsroom journalist was raised.“Nizzle” is slang for the N-word. Bassett, who is white, also tweeted the phrase in 2011.This is not the first time Bassett, who boasts being the first chief meteorologist in WLBT’s history, has landed in hot water for her comments.The Mississippi native apologized in October 2022 after referencing a black reporter’s “grandmammy” on air.“Though not intentional, I now understand how my comment was both insensitive and hurtful.

WATCH: WTVA meteorologist Matt Laubhan overwhelmed as major tornado hits Amory, Mississippi pic.twitter.com/JDd8n46X31

Well, this is an odd turn in the Bryan Kohberger case…

Joe Otterson TV Reporter Best-selling author James Patterson has signed an exclusive first-look deal with Skydance Television. Under the terms of the deal, Patterson will develop television adaptations of his best selling book series “Women’s Murder Club” and Michael Bennett books, as well as book series “Private” and the soon-to-be published books “Jane Smith” and “Holmes, Miss Marple and Poe.” “In speaking with David Ellison, Dana Goldberg and the team, it quickly became clear Skydance is only interested in making quality entertainment with top talent,” said Patterson. “This kind of partnership is exactly what we have been seeking for James Patterson Entertainment, as we continue to grow our brand across every area of the business.”

Skydance Television announced an exclusive, first-look deal with world’s best-selling author James Patterson to develop a slate of premium series based on his top selling book series “Women’s Murder Club” and “Michael Bennett” Tuesday morning.The “Womans Murder Club” series watches a group of women with different jobs investigate crimes and team up to solve murders. “The “Michael Bennett” series follows an NYPD detective who solves crimes while simultaneously raising 10 adopted children.Other projects include adapting the internationally acclaimed book series “Private” and the soon-to-be published books “Jane Smith” and “Holmes, Miss Marple and “Poe.” “Private” follows an elite private investigation agency run by Jack Morgan, a former CIA agent.

EXCLUSIVE: Universal Pictures Platinum Dunes Producers Michael Bay and Brad Fuller continue to stay busy on the banners new overall deal as sources tell Deadline Universal will develop Lure with Platinum Dunes producing. Corin Hardy has signed on to direct the project currently being written by Chris Bernier, which is based on the true story of the haunting of King’s Tavern. 

This is horrifically upsetting in so many ways… In late September 2022, Rashee

Following Morgan Freeman’s onstage appearance at the 2023 Oscars, viewers took to Twitter sharing messages of concern over the actor’s glove worn on his left hand.

Out on Film and Atlanta Pride have announced the lineup of films for a special Out on Film Spring Fest, taking place April 3-6 at the Landmark Midtown Art Cinema. Featuring films that have already made an impact on this year’s film festival circuit, titles will include Lisa Cortes’ Little Richard: I Am Everything, Maryam Touzani’s The Blue Caftan, Georgia Oakley’s Blue Jean, D. Smith’s Kokomo City, and Eva Vitija’s Loving Highsmith.

EXCLUSIVE: We hear that Apple has won a multiple studio bidding war for Cin Fabré’s novel Wolf Hustle about a young Black woman’s ascent in the male dominated Wall Street. Till filmmaker Chinonye Chukwu is adapting as a feature, directing and producing under her Where’s the Fire banner alongside Entertainment 360.

seven broad issues including schools and education, healthcare, free speech, access to accurate IDs, public accommodations, weakening of civil rights laws, marriage, and more. The number of anti-LGBTQ bills introduced has more than tripled since mid-January, and far exceeded the total number of bills introduced in all of 2022, which was 278.Oklahoma has the most anti-LGBTQ bills so far at 35, followed by Missouri (34), Texas (29 bills), Tennessee (26), Iowa (28), Mississippi (24), Indiana.

Tessa Thompson recently reminisced and reflected on the roles that made her a big star in an “ELLE” interview. From “For Colored Girls” and “Passing” to her most recent film, “Creed III,” Thompson spoke about all.

Faith Hill is a doting mom to three grown-up daughters - and she's supporting them and their passions.The country star recently co-hosted a high-profile climate change event at the United Nations in New York City, with her daughter Maggie McGraw, 24, who studied Sustainability Science and Practice at Stanford University.Maggie - who is notoriously private - is incredibly passionate about climate change, and ahead of the event - which was also co-hosted by activist Sophia Kianni - she shared a passionate message on social media.VIDEO: Tim McGraw and Faith Hill's incredible love story It read: "Really looking forward to my conversation with @faithhill and @sophiakianni at the @unitednations tomorrow."The health of our planet—especially the ocean—is integral to everyday life for so many people. It's not yet too late to join the conversation because climate action is ALWAYS timely.MORE: Tim McGraw's model daughter wows in crop top in new mirror selfieREAD: Audrey McGraw looks identical to mom Faith Hill with bold new transformation"Thank you @una.usa for the opportunity."A post shared by Faith Hill (@faithhill)Faith Hill's daughter Maggie joined her at a recent talk about climate change at the United NationsFaith - who has a close bond with her middle daughter - also shared a message on her own Instagram account.

It’s Blake Shelton’s final season on “The Voice”, but he’s not getting choked up just yet!

Blake Shelton's final season on, but he's not getting choked up just yet!«I'm having a blast!» The Cowboy said as the singing competition kicked off season 23 on Monday with the first round of Blind Auditions. And with the talented performers came a few surprises for Blake, who received not one but blasts from his past as singers shared their unexpected connections with the country star.First up, Holly Brand proved she was a truly talented «Mississippi Girl» with her performance of the Faith Hill hit that unfortunately turned every chair but Blake's.«What is wrong with you!» Kelly Clarkson shouted in disbelief, as Blake apologized for not turning his chair — especially when he heard that Holly had opened for him in concert when he was just 10 years old.«I actually have a really cool story...I brought something that I want to show you,» she said.«Is this an Ancestry.com test?» Blake joked, before taking a look at the picture of the two from the past.Later in the show, Emily Rhyne failed to get a coach to turn their chair for her Audition, but shared with Blake that she was from his hometown of Ada, Oklahoma, and even performs at his venue, Ole Red.Emily also had a surprise for Blake — and his fellow coaches — a recording of the country from when he was just 13 years old!«My grandpa was a musician, and when Blake was just 13 years old, he asked his mama for his birthday if he could go to the recording studio and lay down some tracks,» she shared.Emily then played the track, much to the delight of Kelly, Chance the Rapper and Niall Horan, who laughed at Blake's young-sounded voice, which was even more twangier than it is today!«I feel terrible,» Blake said of not turning for the young performer.

Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington died Sunday. He was 71. The band's representative confirmed Rossington's death with Fox News Digital.

debunked theory that claims young people — especially those assigned female at birth, and those who claim to have so-called “autism” or similar neurological or developmental disorders — will identify as transgender due to “social contagion” or peer pressure. The newly enacted law makes Mississippi the sixth state to pass either a complete or partial ban on gender-affirming care, although complete bans in other states, such as Alabama and Arkansas, have been halted as lawsuits challenging those laws work their way through the courts.Other states, such as Utah and Arizona, have enacted partial bans, blocking all surgical treatments on minors. Utah’s law also imposes a permanent moratorium on puberty blockers for any youth who has not already been receiving hormonal interventions for at least six months.The passage of the Mississippi law continues the trend of Republican-dominated legislatures and Republican governors taking aggressive action to prohibit doctors from providing gender-affirming care to trans-identifying minors.A similar law signed by South Dakota Gov.

When one thinks of women and Elvis Presley, it’s either his widow Priscilla, his late daughter Lisa Marie, or the legion of ladies left weak in the knee when the badass kid from Tupelo, Mississippi began shaking that moneymaker. In the case of the eight-time Oscar-nominated film Elvis, the front men are writer/director Baz Luhrmann, Austin Butler and Tom Hanks. Behind the camera, the film was entirely made possible by a chorus of women, many of whom are nominated. They include Luhrmann’s partner Catherine Martin, who’s up for the Production Design Oscar with cohorts Beverley Dunne and Karen Murphy; Mandy Walker, for Cinematography; Gail Berman for Best Picture with Martin, Luhrmann, Patrick McCormick and Schuyler Weiss; and Martin again for Costume Design.

Pink claims the biggest Trending track in the country this week with TRUSTFALL.

Poor Miles Teller!

NAACP Image Awards did the thing! After its regular week-long, non-televised celebrations, the annual awards ceremony concluded with its main ceremony on Saturday night. Hosted by GRAMMY, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress and producer Queen Latifah, Saturday's ceremony included Janelle Monae, Taye Diggs, Kerry Washington, Jonathan Majors, Zendaya and more presenting awards to their peers, while also highlighting the accomplishments of political leaders and activists.Jennifer Hudson, Quinta Brunson, Keke Palmer and more scored wins during the pre-awards festivities, while Saturday's ceremony saw Angela Bassett, Viola Davis, Will Smith and more honored for their artistic contributions. This year's Activist of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Derrick Lee Foward, president of the Dayton Unit of the NAACP and a vice president of the Ohio NAACP, and the Youth Activist of the Year Award honored to Bradley Ross Jackson, the president of the youth council of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP in Bloomington, Indiana.

Another day, another youth pastor grooming a young girl in his care. Are Christian conservatives going to defend this one, too? Ugh, don’t answer that…

Trying to keep up with this week’s new music? Every Friday, we collect new albums available on streaming services on one page. This week, check out Yeat's Aftërlyfe, Gorillaz's Cracker Island, Miss Grit's Follow The Cyborg, and more.

NAACP Image Awards has officially kicked off its week-long, non-televised celebrations ahead of its annual ceremony this weekend! Jennifer Hudson, Quinta Brunson, Keke Palmer and more have scored wins during the pre-awards festivities, which precede the main ceremony airing Feb. 25 on BET.Hosted by GRAMMY, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress and producer Queen Latifah, Saturday's ceremony will include Janelle Monae, Taye Diggs, Kerry Washington, Jonathan Majors, Zendaya and more presenting awards to their peers, while also highlighting the accomplishments of political leaders and activists.This year's Activist of the Year Award will be presented to Dr. Derrick Lee Foward, president of the Dayton Unit of the NAACP and a vice president of the Ohio NAACP, and the Youth Activist of the Year Award will be presented to Bradley Ross Jackson, the president of the youth council of the Bloomington-Normal NAACP in Bloomington, Indiana.