CELEBRITY INTERVIEW: ANIKA NONI ROSE

CHECK OUT THIS INTERVIEW WITH ANIKA ROSE, OF STAGE AND DREAMGIRLS FAME. SHE’S ALSO STARRING IN THE JILL SCOTT HBO DRAMA, THE NO.1 LADIE’S DETECTIVE AGENCY. SHE’S DEFINITELY SEIZING THE MOMENT & TAKING ADVANTAGE OF EVERY OPPORTUNITY. CHEERS TO HER. ENJOY

Disney Princess Talks Emmys and Jennifer Hudson

Marc Malkin

Los Angeles (E! Online) – Anika Noni Rose must have wished upon a star, because her dream really came true. Ms. Rose is the starring voice in Disney's upcoming animated flick The Princess and the Frog.

"It's the most thrilling thing," says Rose, the Tony Award winner who you're likely to remember from her work as Lorrell opposite Jennifer Hudson and Beyoncé in Dreamgirls. "It's been a dream of mine since I was a little itty-bitty person to be a Disney voice."

It's also a history-making flick, with Disney's first African-American princess…

It must be a pretty intense feeling knowing you're the first African-American princess.

It's pretty amazing. For me, it means even so much more, because I have a nephew who is only 3 years old, and I will be the first princess he sees.

Are you hoping for a White House screening of the movie?

I'm ready! I mean, you look at those two little girls and they are the most beautiful creatures. You want to run up and hug them.

Let's talk about The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. Did you read the books before getting the part of Grace Makutsi?

I had! I had read about three of the books, just randomly someone gave them to me and was like, "I think you'll like these."

What was it like filming in Botswana?

It was fantastic. [Director Anthony Minghella] had us there a lot longer than we needed to be. I was there for two months, but I only shot for 12 days. I was living in a hotel that used to be someone's house. The fact that he allowed me to be there for that amount of time really allowed me to take in what was around me.

You've won a Tony, were part of the Oscar-winning Dreamgirls and now there's Emmy buzz for No. 1 Ladies'. Are you like a good luck charm or something?

I do have to say that I'm very honored that HBO has decided to push it forward for this, because it's such a labor of love. It's nice to have someone standing behind you saying, "Look at this, pay attention to this, we love what they did."

Do you know yet if there's going to be a second season?

We don't know. I've gotten to the point where it doesn't worry me. About four or five years ago, I would have been like, "Ahh," but now I really feel like things don't always work out the way you plan, but they always work out.

Your No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency costar Jill Scott just had a baby, and your Dreamgirls costar Jennifer Hudson is pregnant. Have you offered to babysit for them already?

What is that? [Laughs] Everybody is popping out little ones. I'm just ready to bite a foot and a thigh. I love a baby thigh and foot in front of me so much.

How do you think they'll be as moms?

For a baby to come into a home where they are wanted, and they are wanted before they got there, that's a wonderful thing.

I've been a Jennifer Hudson fan since before Dreamgirls.

It's been a hell of a year for her. I'm happy for her and that her life is moving forward.

SOURCE: CLUTCH MAGAZINE

POP CULTURE: NEIL PATRICK HARRIS TO HOST THIS YEAR'S TONY AWARDS

FUNNY MAN EXTRAORDINAIRE NEIL PATRICK HARRIS HAS BEEN PEGGED AS THE HOST OF THIS YEAR’S TONY AWARDS. I CAN ONLY THINK OF TWO WORDS TO DESCRIBE THIS MATCH: PERFECT FIT. IT SHOULD BE A BLAST TO WATCH. MAKE SURE YOU CHECK IT OUT. ENJOY

Neil Patrick Harris to Host 'The 63rd Annual Tony Awards'

The awards show is to be broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall in New York on Sunday, June 7 on CBS.

Neil Patrick Harris, star of the CBS comedy "How I Met Your Mother," will host "The 63rd Annual Tony Awards the most anticipated evening in American theater, to be broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall in New York, Sunday, June 7 (8:00-11:00 PM, live ET; delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network.

"The discipline of live theater - doing the same perfect thing night after night, eight times a week - never ceases to amaze me," said Neil Patrick Harris. "I'm truly honored to have been chosen as the Master of Ceremonies for this year's Tony Awards, and I hope to help provide a first-class evening for all."

"Neil Patrick Harris is the perfect triple threat in Entertainment - a star of television, stage and film - which makes him an ideal host for The Tony Awards," said Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music and Live Events, CBS Entertainment. "The theater community respects him and the television audience loves him."

"We are thrilled to be working with Neil on the most important theater night of the year," said Executive Producer Glenn Weiss. "His love for Broadway and great knowledge of theater combined with his on-stage presence makes him the perfect person to guide us through what is sure to be a great night," said Executive Producer Ricky Kirshner.

Equally successful on stage and screen, Neil Patrick Harris's role as Barney Stinson in the hit CBS comedy series, "How I Met Your Mother," recently garnered him a 2009 Golden Globe nomination and two consecutive Emmy Award nominations. From his film debut opposite Whoopi Goldberg in "Clara's Heart" and his seminal role as the beloved titular character in "Doogie Howser, M.D.," to his recent turn in Joss Whedon's online sensation, "Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog," Harris has enjoyed a successful career spanning more than 20 years in the industry. Among his many theatrical credits include the dual role of The Balladeer/Lee Harvey Oswald in the Tony Award-winning production of "Assassins," as well as acclaimed performances in the Broadway productions of "Cabaret" and "Proof."

The ceremonies, presented by Tony Award Productions, a joint venture of the League of American Theatres and Producers and the American Theatre Wing, have been broadcast on CBS since 1978. The Tonys were founded in 1947 as a memorial to Antoinette ("Tony") Perry, the American Theatre Wing's World War II chairperson.

This will mark the 12th year that the historic Radio City Music Hall is home to the Tonys.

Ricky Kirshner and Glenn Weiss of White Cherry Entertainment return as executive producers. Weiss, who won an Emmy Award for the 2005 broadcast, will also serve as director for the ninth consecutive year.

SOURCE: POPTOWER

CELEBRITY SPOTLIGHT

ENJOY THIS PROFILE ON FANTASIA. I’M A FAN OF HER MUSIC. I’M NOT SURE ABOUT WHAT SHE’S BEEN GOING THROUGH LATELY, BUT ASIDDE FROM ALL OF THE PERSONAL ISSUES, SHE IS UNDENIABLY TALENTED. NO ONE CAN DISPUTE THAT. IT APPEARS AS IF SHE’S BACK ON TOP OF THINGS. ENJOY.

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Former "American Idol" star Fantasia Barrino will return to reality television in a new unscripted series on VH1.

The nine-time Grammy nominee has received a series commitment from the network for a show, as yet untitled, that will premiere in early 2010.

The project will chronicle Fantasia's life as a recording artist and young single mother.

The North Carolinian rose to fame as the winner of the third season of "Idol" and has gone on to a successful career as a recording artist. Her autobiography, "Life Is Not a Fairy Tale," led to a Lifetime movie in which she played herself.

(Editing by Sheri Linden at Reuters)

First "Rudy Huxtable" gets her own show, now "Tasia Mae" is reportedly getting one too:

Fantasia Barrino must have loved being on reality TV. The former American Idol star will be back in the game come early 2010 – starring in a new unscripted series on VH1.

"Fantasia has one of the most fascinating stories in show business, from her tough upbringing to her meteoric rise on the national scene thanks to American Idol,'" Jeff Olde, executive vp original programming at VH1, tells the Hollywood Reporter.

"Her challenges from fame and her unwillingness to fail have combined to create a larger-than-life talent who appeals to music lovers around the world. So many people wanted to work with her on this, but Fantasia is now part of the VH1 family, and we're so happy to have her."

The nine-time Grammy nominee, who has also been on Broadway and played herself in the Lifetime movie version of her autobiography Life Is Not a Fairy Tale, will chronicle her life as a recording artist and young single mother on the series.

"Fantasia's life has been an open book, but at 24 years old, her story has just begun," executive producer Randy Barbato said, according to the Reporter. "We look forward to smashing expectations and revealing the fresh, funny and unexpected side of this one-of-a-kind country girl and superstar."

TV Review: Fantasia's fairy tale an uplifting TV movie

Thursday, August 17, 2006

By L.A. Johnson, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Fantasia Barrino's spirit-affirming, A+ life story is better than the B/B- Lifetime movie that's been made about it.

"The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life Is Not a Fairy Tale," which premieres at 9 p.m. Saturday on Lifetime (with replays at 8 p.m. Sunday and 9 p.m. Monday), is a typical woman-triumphing-over-adversity Lifetime film.

Loosely based on her New York Times best-selling autobiography, "Life Is Not a Fairy Tale," the two-hour, made-for-TV movie follows Fantasia's rise from a pint-sized singing standout in her family's gospel group through her turbulent high school years -- during which she was raped, dropped out and had a baby -- on to her victory in the 2004 season of "American Idol" as a powerful and stylized singer with a most uncommon voice.

The film opens with Fantasia singing "Chain of Fools" on an "American Idol" episode, then being approached backstage by "Idol" producers, who tell her some in the public doubt she's "Idol" material because she's a high school dropout and a single mother. They tell her she can quit the show if she wants to, and there would be "no shame" in walking away. Of course, she soldiers on.

Angered by the film's opening scene, real-life "American Idol" executives told the New York Post nothing like that ever happened. There have been nothing but crickets-in-the-forest sounds from Lifetime about whether that scene is based on true events or the writers simply took dramatic license.

In a scene reminiscent of the film "The Color Purple," when prodigal daughter Shug Avery makes a cathartic, gospel-filled return to her father's church, a pregnant Fantasia returns to her grandmother's church for a tearful, spiritual healing and rebirth.

Despite her limited acting experience, Fantasia does a commendable, natural and believable job playing herself, and multitalented stage and screen veterans support her well in her inaugural film role.

The divine Loretta Devine, of the original Broadway cast of "Dreamgirls," the motion picture "Crash" and the TV show "Grey's Anatomy," does a fine turn as a stalwart and steady family matriarch, playing Fantasia's minister grandmother, Addie Collins. Viola Davis, who has won numerous stage awards including a 2001 Best Featured Actress in a Play Tony for August Wilson's "King Headley II," does a good job as Fantasia's mother, Diane Barrino. Kadeem Hardison, of "A Different World" fame, puts in a solid performance as her father, JoJo Barrino, and Jamia Simone Nash of "My Wife and Kids" is cute and credible, using her own power-packed voice in her portrayal of the young Fantasia.

Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning director, choreographer, producer and actress Debbie Allen directs the film and does a funny cameo as an "American Idol" contestant at one of the early cattle-call auditions.

Fantasia made recording history when her first single, "I Believe," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Her first album, "Free Yourself," sold more than 2 million copies, and her sophomore effort, tentatively titled "Young Girl, Old Soul," is due out in the fall.

"The Fantasia Barrino Story: Life Is Not a Fairy Tale" is a good movie based on a great story. Fantasia's "American Idol" fans are sure to enjoy it, as will anyone who loves a true rags-to-riches-feel-good-American success story.

About Fantasia:

Fantasia Barrino began singing at the prodigious age of five before small audiences at her church in Highpoint, North Carolina. Music has been her main source of joy ever since-she toured with her mother, father and brothers all around the South, recorded two gospel albums with her family, and at the age of 19 became an American Idol winner. Her first album, Free Yourself, was released on November 23, 2004.

About "Life Is Not a Fairy Tale"

About Her Book:

In Life is Not a Fairy Tale, Fantasia Barrino shares her fascinating and compelling personal story and turns her struggles and success into life lessons. With her sassy, self-confident style, Fantasia has worked through many mistakes to develop a keep-it-real, down-to-earth wisdom. After a childhood anchored by family, church and gospel music, Fantasia fell into the common teenage trap of trying to grow up too quickly. At the age of 17, she found herself quitting school, pregnant and in an abusive relationship. Though she could have surrendered to such hardships, Fantasia persevered. She rediscovered her faith in God and in herself, promising to work hard to create a better life not only for her daughter, but because she deserved one.

Fantasia's book shares the mottos of faith and strength that helped her to find her way off of the unfortunate path that she had taken and on to one of unlimited potential and success.

Fantasia's life lessons include: You Make Your Bed, You Lie in It Cultivate Your Gift Never Give Up Get Your BoBo On Keep Your Head Up Give Props Where Props are Due Like Mother, Like Daughter Learn from Your Mistakes Know Who Your Real Friends Are Don't Be a Hoochie Mama It Aint' About the Bling Keep It Real

Fantasia's story inspires all who read it to believe in themselves, their talents and their dreams. Fantasia's unique voice enlivens her book with attitude and sincerity, while her story proves that confidence, dedication and faith are enough to pull anyone up from the lowest points in their lives and move them towards their greatest potential