Posts Tagged ‘inauguration’

Etta James “Can’t Stand” Beyonce

February 4th, 2009

Wow! There’s a new celebrity feud circulating around Hollywood. The latest is between legendary singer Etta James and Beyonce.

James, known for her rendition of the classic song "At Last," lashed out at Beyonce during a recent concert, criticizing her Inauguration performance during which she sang "At Last" for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama.

 

At a concert this week in Seattle, James said: "You guys know your president, right? You know the one with the big ears? Wait a minute, he ain’t my president, he might be yours, he ain’t my president. You know that woman he had singing for him, singing my song – she’s going to get her ass whipped."

James continues, "The great Beyonce. I can’t stand Beyonce. She has no business up there, singing up there on a big ol’ president day, singing my song that I’ve been singing forever."

While Etta James wasn’t the first person to make "At Last" famous, it’s her rendition of it that’s most well-known. Beyonce, who let’s not forget played Etta in the film Cadillac Records and has performed the tune many times including in front of the singer herself, was asked to perform it at the Inauguration.

This isn’t the first time Beyonce has stepped on toes more legendary than her own. Last Feb., she rubbed Aretha Franklin the wrong way when she listed her among the singers she considered beneath Tina Turner, during a speech to present Tina at the Grammys.

 

Is it a case of jealousy on the part of these older singers or is Beyonce displaying some diva-ish behavior?

Cover Story: The Obama Express

January 20th, 2009

Some came from miles away, others from mere city blocks–a sea of humanity 400,000 strong that filled the National Mall, bundled against the bitter chill but warmed by history and hope.

They were there for We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration at the Lincoln Memorial on Jan. 18. It was a uniquely American event suited to our particular moment in history with its engaging blend of patriotism and pop culture.

From Bruce Springsteen, to Beyonce, to U2, celebrities performed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. Watching below from the front row, President Barack Obama’s daughter, Malia, excitedly snapped pictures of the performers.

But the star wattage couldn’t outshine the 47-year-old man of honor, America’s first African-American Commander-in-Chief, as he stood before the marble statue of his hero, warning of the challenges ahead, but proclaiming himself "hopeful as ever" that America will prevail.

For OK!’s special 8-page spread of President Barack Obama’s Inauguration, pick up the new issue–on newsstands everywhere on Thursdaay!

Stars Pledge Allegiance to Obama

January 19th, 2009 / Author: OK! Staff

On the eve of President-elect Barack Obama’s Inauguration, some of Hollywood’s hottest stars are rallying behind his message of change.

In a series of moving videos directed by Demi Moore, MySpace Celebrity and Ashton Kutcher’s Katalyst Media asked celebs including Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, Aaron Eckhart, Alyssa Milano, Courteney Cox and David Arquette, Tobey Maguire, Dakota Fanning, Eva Longoria and more to pledge service to the President-elect. The moving videos represent ways in which each star plans to take actions that lead to the nationwide change motivated by Obama’s campaign.

"We are honored to be working with MySpace to rally the entertainment industry to answer President-elect Barack Obama’s call to service," said Kutcher. "The Presidential Pledge is a platform for people across the nation and throughout the world to make a first person committment of service to our new President."

Be sure to pick up the latest issue of OK! for eight pages of exclusive inauguration coverage and photos!

Oprah’s Private Dinner With Obama

January 19th, 2009

The Inauguration Night gossip is starting to pour in!

And here’s a very juicy bit to kick it off: apparently Oprah Winfrey shared a "top, top secret" private dinner with President Elect Barack Obama last night.

Entertainment Tonight reports that the high-powered pair were among 100 people at a closed-doors banquet at Blair House, across the street from the White House.

Oprah’s close friend Gayle King, who was also at the dinner, confirmed the rumor to ET.

"It was a buffet dinner, so everything you’d expect in a buffet was there - as someone who’s trying to fit into a red hot inauguration dress, a buffet is not my friend," Gayle said.

She added that she wasn’t sure what Oprah would be wearing to the inauguration on Tuesday, but said, "she will look stunningly gorgeous whatever color or designer she chooses."

Gayle herself said she will be wearing something red from designer Angel Sanchez, according to ET.

J. Lo Loves Obama… Now

January 12th, 2009

Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony seem to be big supporters of President-elect Barack Obama – now that there’s an inaugural performance in the works.

 

The New York Post’s Page Six column reports that Marc will be performing at the Latino Inaugural Ball on Jan. 18 in D.C. and that J. Lo has agreed to speak. Sounds good, right? However, some aren’t so happy that the couple is backing Obama now, since they didn’t donate to his campaign and didn’t publicly support him until he won.

 

One source quoted by the column calls them "vile opportunists for worming themselves into anything Obama related even though they had nothing to do with his win."

 

Others say Marc wouldn’t perform for Obama at a voting event crucial to the Latino demographic in Orlando, Fla. weeks before the election, and that Jennifer wouldn’t support the Democratic candidate unless he called her personally—which he didn’t.

 

A J. Lo/Marc source defends the power couple, saying, "A lot of celebrities are showing up as guests of magazines or political people and not paying anything or doing anything. Marc and Jennifer shouldn’t be reviled for that."

 

So far the couple’s reps haven’t responded to requests for comment from the Post.

Oprah Won’t be Hosting Inaugural Party

January 7th, 2009

Contrary to reports, Oprah Winfrey will not be hosting an Inaugural party for Barack Obama this month.

The Insider has confirmed that the daytime diva will be at the Inauguration, but won’t be sponsoring any Inaugural activities.

In a recent interview, Oprah said, "Everybody’s calling me about a party. I’m like, ‘Isn’t somebody else having a party?’ …I don’t know about the party thing yet…There is extreme party confusion. I’m trying to get to the bottom of it myself!"

 

And there you have it!

J.Hud Won’t Sing at Inauguration

January 5th, 2009

Jennifer Hudson will not be singing at Barack Obama’s Inauguration on Jan. 20, her rep has confirmed.

"There is no truth to this," the Oscar winner’s rep told Access Hollywood, adding that Hudson has no plans to participate in any inaugural activities. Hudson, who sang the national anthem the night Obama accepted the Democratic presidential nomination in August, has not appeared on stage since the tragic murders of her mother, brother and nephew in Oct., 2008.

The New York Post reported that Hudson was in talks to sing "The Star Spangled Banner" at the Inauguration ceremony. Her first performance will, instead, be on Feb. 6, at the MusiCares Person of the Year event in L.A. honoring Neil Diamond.

 

Hudson was recently nominated for several Grammys for her self-titled debut album.

Oprah Goes to Washington

November 20th, 2008

As President-Elect Barack Obama gets ready to take office, one of his most loyal supporters, Oprah Winfrey, is getting ready to throw him the best presidential kick-off party ever!

According to the Washingtonpost.com, Winfrey has asked to reserve the Kennedy Center for one of three shows she plans to broadcast from D.C. during inaugural week.

The paper also says Oprah’s people have been scouting ballrooms for a giant bash she plans to host as well!

Winfrey hinted early on that she planned to be in Washington for Obama’s inauguration. In a radio interview on the morning of Election Day she revealed that she had already bought her dress.

No comment from Harpo Productions.

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