Keepingitreal

RCA Music Group Wins 5 Grammy Awards!

RCA Music Group Wins 5 Grammy Awards! Kings of Leon, Jamie Foxx, and Imogen Heap take home awards   Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, and Dave Matthews Band deliver unforgettable performances. 

[Los Angeles, January, 31st, 2010] – RCA Music Group received a total of 5 Grammy awards at this year’s 52nd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony held this evening at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Multi-platinum rock group Kings of Leon took home 3 Grammys for Best Rock Performance By A Duo or Group, Record Of The Year, and Best Rock Song for their platinum hit single “Use Somebody” from their 4th studio album Only By The Night (RCA Records).  This brings the Nashville natives’ Grammy count to four.  The band previously won their first Grammy for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Sex On Fire," which also appears on their critically-acclaimed album Only By The Night and was #1 on Billboard’s Modern Rock chart for nine weeks in a row.  Only By The Night has sold over 6 million worldwide.   Academy award-winner Jamie Foxx, won his first Grammy this evening for Best R&B Performance By A Duo or Group with Vocals for his hit single “Blame It” featuring T-Pain, which appears on his platinum selling album Intuition (J Records). Foxx is currently in the studio working on his follow up album due for release this spring.   British singer-songwriter producer and two-time Grammy nominee, Imogen Heap, received her first Grammy award tonight for Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical for her 3rd solo effort Ellipse.  Ellipse (RCA Records) debuted at #5 on the Billboard Top 200, #1 on the Internet Album Chart and #2 on the Digital Album chart. The release is Heap's first Top 5 record and marks her highest-ever chart position.   The show's highlights included Jamie Foxx’s electrifying performance of his hit single “Blame It.” Foxx was joined by T-Pain, Doug E. Fresh, and Slash.  Jennifer Hudson joined Usher, Carrie Underwood, Celine Dion and Smokey Robinson for a riveting performance of “Earth Song” in tribute to the late Michael Jackson.  Dave Matthews Band delivered a spectacular performance of “You and Me” from their critically acclaimed album Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King.  This was the band’s first performance on the Grammy stage since 2002.Additionally, pop sensation Ke$ha, whose debut album Animal has taken the world by storm, was joined by Justin Beiber to urge voters to continue voting in the Grammys special interactive "You Pick It, They Play It!" fan contest to select the song that Bon Jovi would perform during their segment on tonight’s telecast. Carlos Santana was joined by John Legend to present Album of the Year to Taylor Swift to close out this evening’s broadcast.   

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LeBron James' costly temper tantrum

I joked about LeBron James' "Waterplate scandal" earlier Friday — completely unaware that we were working with a full tray of Gatorade cups, by the way — but here's video of the wet-and-wild temper tantrum he threw at the end of the first quarter in the Cavaliers' win over the Timberwolves on Wednesday.

Ah, see, now it's easier to understand why Stu Jackson, the league's executive vice president of basketball operations, slapped LeBron with a $25,000 fine. LeBron launched those cups right into the faces of unsuspecting patrons! Heck, they probably got wet! With water! Cold, refreshing water!

I'm being facetious. As Brian Windhorst of The Plain Dealer correctly point outs, sending anything into the stands is against the rules, so really LeBron is lucky the refs didn't see him play angry Flippy Cup.

(Quick note: From the camera angle above, it's difficult to tell whether LeBron slapped the tray of Gatorade cups with his hand, or, as Windhorst and the Associated Press put it: kicked the water bottle/cooler with his foot, which then sent the tray of Gatorade cups flying. I think it was the latter.)

Regardless, had the refs seen it, LeBron likely would have been ejected from the game immediately.

Good catch by NBA officials. CHECK OUT THE VIDEO

State of the Union Not Immune From Racial Innuendo

As pundits and politicians alike reflect and analyze President Obama's first State of the Union speech, one topic not included in the address has surfaced -- his race. MSNBC host Chris Matthews' off-the-cuff comment that he "forgot he was black for an hour" during a post-speech analysis quickly raced around the Internet and was met with some incredulity and, from The New Republic's Michael Crowley, "Huh?" Matthews quickly tried to clarify his comments on "The Rachel Maddow Show" by saying he was simply proud that race seemed to have no place in Wednesday's address, but the initial comment reflects the racial taunts and innuendos that have punctuated Obama's first year in office.

The offenses against the first black president have ranged from crude to subtle, and offenders have ranged from the unknown to elected officials. Even Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, an Obama ally, had to apologize for what many considered to be insensitive, denigrating language while referring to Obama. Poll numbers suggest most voters are not judging Obama's presidency based on the color of his skin, but the issue has continued to surface in Obama's presidency with disheartening regularity.

The president's image has been altered to look like an African witch doctor, his wife's to look like a gorilla. The idea of having a black family in the White House was initially so sensitive to some that even simple acts like a fist bump or a pat on the behind between husband and wife, were analyzed for possible racial undertones. Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia's Center for Politics, said he has seen evidence, albeit anecdotally, that Obama's race has become significantly less of a factor for most Americans since he took office, "in spite of an increase in vicious, mean comments from a small minority." Poking fun at the president is an inevitable tradition, almost a national pastime. President George W. Bush was skewered by opponents who believed him to be unintelligent and inarticulate. And for years, President Clinton's libido was the prime target for late-night comedians.

But for many, criticism based solely on the color of Obama's skin crosses a line. "Some of the attacks the president has taken have been unusually harsh for an American president," the Rev. Jesse Jackson told ABCNews.com. CONTINUE READING...

Is black the new black?

By: Keith Boykin ~ Blame the good people in the fashion industry for creating the endless trend of supposedly cute and catchy phrases about what is "the new black." The black they refer to, of course, is the always useful and timelessly classy color used in fabrics.

Whenever a new color arrives -- magenta, teal, navy blue or whatever -- it quickly replaces "black" as the new "black." In other words, it's the color or look that everyone should be wearing that season, if you believe the hype.

Now blame the pop culture commentators and trendy social critics for cleverly expanding the sartorial sense of color consciousness to race and identity consciousness as well. And with that volatile mix, you have the makings of a new controversy every year or so as each disenfranchised group -- the gays, people with disabilities, those who are overweight -- lays claim to the dubious title of most likely to be oppressed, or in other words, "the new black."Never mind the way in which this discussion trivializes entire cultures by reducing them to mere fashion symbols, the notion of forcibly identifying a vast group of disparate people by a single name makes no sense.

Today's African Americans were yesterdays coloreds, Negroes and blacks, and there's no one term that will satisfy everyone. That's why it's odd that author John McWhorter would suggest in The New Republic this week that it's time to "retire" the term "African American." He argues that using the term "African American" is "illogical" and borderline "disrespectful" to African immigrants. CONTINUE READING...

New Docu-Drama Chronicles Step Teams Contest

Get out the crimson and cream and the pink and green. Get ready to “skee-wee” or “ooo-ooop.” The best fraternity and sorority step teams around the nation are competing at the "Sprite Step Off," the largest step competition ever held, with $1.5 million in scholarships up for grabs. And MTV2 will be there, right up until the contest is decided on Feb. 20th in Atlanta, GA.Premiering on MTV2 on Sunday, Jan. 31, at 3 p.m. EST, “Sprite Step Off” is a six-episode documentary will follow six step teams around the country as they lead up to the main event. Rapper/actor Chris “Ludacris” Bridges will host.“I love that MTV2 and Sprite are giving a step competition national exposure and introducing this creative dance form to an audience outside of the urban college landscape," says Ludacris. "The teams competing on the show are not only dedicated but diverse and will take step competitions to a new level."If you attended a black college, are part of one of the nation’s historically black fraternities and sororities or if you saw the feature films “School Daze,” “Stomp The Yard,” or “Drumline,” you already have some idea what stepping is all about.The major black fraternities and sororities, founded for the most part because blacks on white campuses were excluded from white organizations, have long had a tradition of stepping. Stepping is simply a choreographed set of dance steps incorporating many historical African-American dances and cadences and from which each sorority or fraternity has created their signature moves.While college and universities nationwide hold regional step competitions every year, and there has been a national step competition in the past, the "Sprite Step Off" is one of the largest of its kind ever produced. The scholarship money riding on it is certainly a huge upgrade from the traditional step shows.“This step competition promises to be the hottest dance challenge to hit college campuses and cities this year,” said Chris McCarthy, senior vice president of strategic development and digital TV networks for MTV. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Sprite to bring these student performances to television as part of our new original series lineup for MTV2 and to provide a platform for the rich and historic tradition of college stepping.” CONTINUE READING...

Black Eyed Peas accidentally named best international group winners at France's NRJ awards

Someone phunked with the Black Eyed Peas' heart today. At France's NRJ awards, the country's top music awards show, the band were incorrectly announced winners of best international group. Sexy singer Ke$ha and French choreographer Kamel Ouali initially named Fergie's band the victors, but no one stepped on stage to pick it up. In fact, the German band Tokio Hotel had won. The presenters got a little red in the face when they realized their error. Ouali apologized and the crowd booed as he explained that he had been confused by the fact that the card listed the other nominees as well as the winners. A man who appeared to be the host of the show said: "It happens!"

Ouali told the audience they had a reason to be mad but that the NRJ folks should have only included the names of the winners. The Peas ultimately won what could be deemed a consolation prize. They were given the award for best international song for "I Gotta Feeling" off 2009's "The E.N.D." album. Meanwhile at the same ceremony, Rihanna took a little tumble after her performance of "Russian Roulette."

The songstress fell off a platform at the back of the stage but brushed it off like the professional she is. Please don't stop the music, indeed. NRJ has a history of making embarassing mistakes. Just last year, Katy Perry accepted the award for best international song, which was supposed to go to Rihanna.

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2010/01/24/2010-01-24_black_eyed_peas_accidentally_named_winners_of_best_international_group_at_france.html#ixzz0depMlZ3e

No Mortgage, Still Foreclosed? Bank of America Sued for Seizing Wrong Homes

Some 2.8 million homeowners faced the threat of foreclosure last year, but it wasn't supposed to happen to Charlie and Maria Cordoso. In 2005, the New Bedford, Mass. couple paid in full -- in cash -- for a house in Springville, Fla., and rented it out with plans eventually to use the home as a retirement getaway.

They said they were shocked to learn earlier this month that Bank of America had locked them out and removed their clothing and furniture from the property.

"All the love I put in that house -- I fix things up every time I go there," Charlie Cordoso, a construction worker, told ABC affiliate WCVB Boston. "Bank of America or somebody should apologize."

The Cordosos, Portuguese immigrants who are in their 50s, are now suing Bank of America for allegedly seizing the wrong home, and they're not alone: Two other homeowners, one earlier this month in Texas and another last October in Kentucky, also have filed lawsuits alleging that Bank of America attempted to foreclose on their homes even though the bank did not own or service mortgages for the properties.

New Orleans Saints in the 31-28 overtime defeat

NEW ORLEANS — For once, Brett Favre looked his age after the Minnesota Vikings’ loss Sunday in the National Football Conference championship game. After being battered by the New Orleans Saints in the 31-28 overtime defeat, the 40-year-old Favre struggled to dress in the locker room. He winced as he put a tennis shoe on his left ankle, which was injured in the third quarter when he was high hit by Saints defensive tackle Remi Ayodele and low by defensive end Bobby McCray. But Favre had a question for nearby reporters about the hit: “Did it look bad?” Told by one reporter that it looked terrible, Favre acknowledged that he thought he had broken his ankle. “I can’t even move,” Favre said, adding that he felt 49 years old. But in typical Favre fashion, he stayed in the game, only to throw a costly interception near the end of regulation with his team close to field-goal range. Before the third-and-15 play from the New Orleans 38, Minnesota was flagged for a 5-yard penalty for having 12 players in the huddle. The penalty moved the Vikings out of field-goal range. The play was supposed to go to Minnesota wide receiver Bernard Berrian in the flat, but the Saints changed their coverage. So instead Favre made a late throw to Vikings wide receiver Sidney Rice that was intercepted by New Orleans cornerback Tracy Porter at the New Orleans 22-yard line with about 19 seconds left. Instead of throwing the ball, Favre said he should have run. He did not get a chance to redeem himself because Minnesota did not get the ball in overtime. CONTINUE READING...

Colts book return trip to Miami

With the largest home crowd in Indianapolis Colts history on its feet, counting it down, 3 . . . 2 . . . 1, and the glitter guns along the sidelines about to fill the air with blue and white sparkles, coach Jim Caldwell stood in front of the Colts bench, shoulder to shoulder with quarterback Peyton Manning.If you had the run of the house Sunday evening at Lucas Oil Stadium, where else would you want to be?

"He performs best in the most difficult situations," Caldwell said of Manning after the glitter had settled on the Colts' 30-17 AFC Championship Game victory against the New York Jets. "We faced as fine a defense as we've faced all year and he takes his game to different level."

Wow. Manning completed 26-of-39 passes for 377 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions against the NFL's No. 1 defense. He brought the Colts (16-2) back from an 11-point deficit. The league's only four-time Most Valuable Player strutted his stuff.

His next opportunity will come Feb. 7 in Super Bowl XLIV. The Colts are going back to Miami, back to Sun Life Stadium, where they won Super Bowl XLI following the 2006 season, this time to meet the New Orleans Saints, who beat the Minnesota Vikings 31-28 in overtime Sunday night in the NFC Championship Game.

Sunday, when three mistakes put the Colts down 17-6 with two minutes to play in the first half, Manning flashed back to that 2006 season.

"It really reminded me of our championship game against New England," he said.

The Colts trailed 21-3 late in the first half that day. They came back to win 38-34.

This time, through the guts of the game, with the crowd of 67,650 roaring and the Jets reeling, the Colts had five possessions and scored on four. Manning was 17-of-23 for 236 yards and three touchdowns on those four series. CONTINUE READING...

Thousands Mourn Pendergrass at Philly Service

Pendergrass is best known as the singer of "If You Don't Know Me By Now" and other hits. He died Jan. 13 at age 59 after a battle with colon cancer. A 200-member gospel choir sang at Saturday's service at Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church. Singers such as Melba Moore and Tyrese Gibson performed. About 4,000 people attended, including actor Ben Vereen and singer Stephanie Mills. Pendergrass was later laid to rest at a private burial service. Pendergrass was left paralyzed from the waist down following a 1982 car crash but continued to record music. Music producer Kenny Gamble says after Pendergrass was injured, "His life changed and he started to really give to others."

CHECK OUT DANIEL MERRIWEATHER'S RAVE LIVE REVIEW IN VARIETY! DEBUT ALBUM LOVE & WAR IN STORES FEBRUARY 23, 2010

  " By the show's encore, "Red," there was no doubt that a new star was born. " 

(Troubadour; 500 capacity; $15) Presented by the Troubadour. Musicians: Daniel Merriweather, Tim Van Der Kuil, Hagar Ben Ari, Felix Bloxsom, Barney McAll. Opening act: Samantha Ronson. Reviewed Jan. 20, 2009.
 

By STEVE CHAGOLLAN

As L.A. debuts go, this one is destined for the archives. Already a sensation in the U.K., where he hitched his wagon to red-hot producer Mark Ronson's star, Daniel Merriweather wowed a packed house Wednesday night at the Troubadour, where such legends as Elton John broke in the U.S. And if the strength of Merriweather's debut disc, "Love and War" -- long on stylistic ambition and old-school instrumentation -- is any indication, Merriweather's West Coast maiden voyage could achieve similar historic significance.

Granted, Merriweather's aesthetic is more derivative than original, but for those who value rangy, powerhouse vocals, rock-solid songcraft and top-flight musicianship, this Aussie represents a rare breed -- respectfully making plain his R&B influences while forcefully commanding his own star in the neo-soul firmament.

From the show's opener, "For Your Money," also the first track on the new album, set for release Stateside Feb. 23 (it entered the U.K. charts at No. 2 in June), Merriweather led the audience through a veritable history of R&B: From gospel to Jackie Wilson and Sam Cook to Motown, up to the present day, when Ronson's retro-soul stylings have helped boost the careers of such artists as Amy Winehouse and Adele. And while "American Idol" has made legato, vibrato and moxie as generic a combo as a Happy Meal at McDonald's, with the same amount of empty calories, Merriweather emerges as the genuine article.

The singer-songwriter cites Stevie Wonder and Prince as key influences, but his smoky, sand-paper vocals most recall Terence Trent D'Arby, that late '80s/early '90s R&B pop auteur whose ego and eccentricity made him a punching bag of sorts, but whose talent was undeniable. As with D'Arby, Merriweather's themes of star-crossed romance and hard-won salvation provide a throughline in his music.

At the Troubadour, Merriweather was backed by a highly proficient, all-Aussie quartet capable of the kind of funk stylings that have become Ronson's trademark. Barney McAll doubled on piano and organ with groove-oriented assurance, particularly noteworthy on "Chainsaw," which Merriweather described as "a song about drinking too much" but could just as easily be about the corrosive effects of unrequited love. And Tim Van Der Kuil's proved equally adept on electric guitar as on acoustic, such as on "Cigarettes," a breakup song equally appropriate for a honkytonk saloon.

One of the evening's showstoppers was the Smiths cover "Stop Me if You Think You've Heard This One Before," originally a 2007 hit collaboration with Ronson in England, which Merriweather morphed into the Supremes' "You Keep Me Hangin' On." Another cover, of Paul McCartney's "Baby I'm Amazed," not only infused the song with added dimension but underscored the strength of the song's lyrics and the original creator's own gut-wrenching vocal prowess.

By the show's encore, "Red," there was no doubt that a new star was born.

For 90 minutes prior to the headliner's set, DJ Samantha Ronson, Mark's younger sister, proved why mixmasters have become A-list talents in their own right, plying her craft with the concentrated intensity of an air traffic controller.

Renowned Hiero Imperium Records Ready To Extend Legacy In 2010

Critical Praise for Montezuma's Revenge:

"...this has the makings of a brand new classic set to shake things up all over again. 9/10" - RapReviews.com

"...Souls Of Mischief's Montezuma's Revenge is a solid testament to their staying power, and also should be used as a blueprint for up-and-coming groups that strive for longevity—because learning from a collective that’s been doing it since "93" isn't a bad studying block to start from." - ihiphop.com


(January 22, 2010 - Brooklyn, NY) 2009 may not yet be a distant memory, but Hiero Imperium Records is already looking to the future with their energetic plans for the new year. The Oakland based label is poised to be at the forefront of underground hip-hop in 2010 with releases from Tajai, Chosen Few, Opio, Pep Love, Casual, and more.

Hiero Imperium Records triumphed in 2009 with the celebrated album, Montezuma's Revenge from West Coast legends, Souls of Mischief. The album, lauded by both fans and critics alike, not only cemented Souls of Mischief's stature in the hip-hop community but also sparked off a string of successful global tour dates. Fans were also enthusiastic to show their love for the Soul's legacy, as a '93 Til Infinity' inspired tee shirt made in conjunction with streetwear staple Adapt sold out within 24 hours of its release. Eager to build upon its hip-hop hot streak, Hiero is now gearing up for an equally successful 2010 with an extensive slate of offerings from its famed roster.

The new year kicks off with music from trio Chosen Few, who will dropping the Opio laced single "Elevation" on February 9th, followed by the release of their debut album New World Symphony on April 6th. Fans will be excited to learn that the Opio extravaganza continues with the summer release of his highly anticipated album, Vulture's Wisdom Volume 2, sure to extend the emcee's linguistic legacy. Label-mate Pep Love plans on keeping busy in 2010 with a one-two sonic combo in form of pre-album project, The Rigamarole, and full-length album, Reconstruction, while Phesto Dee readies the release of his long-awaited Background Check for the masses.

Also on deck for Hiero is a new Casual project and a release from Tajai, who plans on dropping Rap Noir by years end. Not content to rest on their lyrical laurels, the label is also looking to unite its hip-hop superpowers and put out a Heiro-crew album, and, to top it all off, Tajai promises that more surprises are soon-to-come courtesy of the mighty Souls of Mischief. "2009 was a fantastic year, and we're thankful for that," explains Tajai. "There's plenty more goodness to come in 2010 from the legendary Hiero Imperium Records."
Souls Of Mischief - "Proper Aim": http://media.audibletreats.com/Souls_Of_Mischief-Proper_Aim.mp3
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W064ZFxJtR4

SARAH MCLACHLAN RELEASES NEW SINGLE "ONE DREAM"

(New York - January 22, 2010) Grammy-winning singer/songwriter and Vancouver native Sarah McLachlan has written and recorded a new song, "One Dream," to be used as a unique part of NBC's marketing campaign for the Vancouver Winter Olympics beginning February 12. See the broadcast television premiere of Sarah McLachlan's video for "One Dream" this Sunday, January 24 at 9/8c during the 2010 AT& T U.S. Figure Skating Championships on NBC.     Written in the spirit of the Olympics, "One Dream" is inspired by the athletes of the world as they strive to reach their Olympic goals. Reflecting on the 2010 Vancouver Olympics Games, McLachlan remarks, "I am thrilled to be a part of the Olympics celebration. The games will provide the perfect opportunity to share with the world the hometown I love!" Check out the new video HERE   "One Dream" is now available for sale at all digital retailers.

Today's Papers 01.22.10

1. Toyota Recalls Millions More Cars
   Months after the largest auto recall in U.S. history to fix acceleration problems, Toyota is increasing that recall by another 50 percent.
   Read original story in ABC News | Friday, Jan. 22, 2010

2. Plane Hijack Alert in India
   All airlines and airports were immediately alerted after intelligence was received that militants linked to al Qaeda planned to hijack a plane today.
   Read original story in The Wall Street Journal | Friday, Jan. 22, 2010

3. China Says Accusations Will Hurt U.S. Relations
   The foreign ministry released an official statement that calls Secretary of State Clinton's charges--that the state restricts Internet freedom--"groundless" and says they will hurt China-U.S. relations.
   Read original story in The Guardian | Friday, Jan. 22, 2010

4. Chinese Media Censors Own Criticism
   Some were quick to criticize Hillary Clinton's speech urging China to investigate the Google cyberattacks, but the columns have disappeared without explanation.
   Read original story in Reuters | Friday, Jan. 22, 2010

5. Oprah Biography Coming in April
   Crown will run an initial 500,000 copies of the unauthorized account from scandalous celebrity biographer Kitty Kelley.
   Read original story in CNN | Friday, Jan. 22, 2010

6. Bad--or Lack of--Weather for Olympics
   Vancouver is just about ready for the Olympics, which are scheduled to begin next month. The only thing they're missing is the snow.
   Read original story in The New York Times | Friday, Jan. 22, 2010

7. Microsoft Patches IE Security Hole
   An emergency fix was rushed out yesterday to deal with a vulnerability in the Internet Explorer browser that allowed Chinese hacks on major U.S. companies.
   Read original story in Mashable | Friday, Jan. 22, 2010

8. Pelosi: Health Care Reform Doesn't Have the Votes--Yet
   Nancy Pelosi dashed hopes of a quick resolution for health care reform on Thursday by telling reporters that she "doesn't see the votes."
   Read original story in Politico | Friday, Jan. 22, 2010

9. Bristol Palin Wants Levi's Playgirl Money
   The daughter of the former vice presidential candidate wants her baby's father to step up and fork over some child support.
   Read original story in TMZ | Friday, Jan. 22, 2010

10. Sully's Plane Hits the Auction Block
    The plane that Sullenberger landed in the middle of the Hudson River, avoiding an emergency landing in New York City and saving the lives of 155 passengers, will go the highest bidder.
    Read original story in WIRED | Friday, Jan. 22, 2010

11. Leno to Keynote Correspondents Dinner
    The most unpopular stand-up comic this week, Jay Leno, will speak at the May 1 gathering.
    Read original story in The Washington Post's TV Column blog | Friday, Jan. 22, 2010

12. Air America Goes Silent
    The radio network that launched in 2004 with a mission to defeat George Bush and hosted shows from now-Senator Al Franken and now-MSNBC host Rachel Maddow, has closed operations.
    Read original story in TIME | Friday, Jan. 22, 2010

Decision Day in Massachusetts

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Pacquiao, Clottey to rumble at Cowboys Stadium

ARLINGTON, Texas - Guys wearing jeans and cowboy hats ran through dry ice and past the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders, sparklers firing from the tips of the flagpoles they carried. Michael Buffer gave his signature introduction, the music blared, the highlights rolled and, finally — walking through the same tunnel the Cowboys use to enter and exit their home turf — out came boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao. No, this wasn't a test run for Pacquiao's March 13 welterweight fight against Joshua Clottey in the $1.2 billion Cowboys Stadium. CONTINUE READING...

Jackson wants 'Idol' focus on talent, not judges

NEW YORK — It seems as if all the buzz about "American Idol" has been on the status of the judges and not the talent, and Randy Jackson says that needs to change.

"A lot is being made about us and what we do, how we judge, who's on, who's not on, what's happening, all of that," he said in an interview Tuesday.

"It's really about those contestants, really. They're going to go on because it's them taking the rocket ship to try and get their fame started ... I mean, so much is being made about us or whatever."

That's because the changing faces of the judges have provided the biggest news.

Simon Cowell recently announced he's leaving "Idol" for the U.K.-based competition series, "The X Factor," and Paula Abdul left after her contract deal fell through.

Jackson, along with Kara DioGuardi, Cowell and various guest judges, kicked off the ninth season of "Idol" last week. Ellen DeGeneres will begin her stint on Feb. 9, when the contestants who received the golden ticket compete in Hollywood. CONTINUE READING...

Mo'Nique moves to top of Oscar's supporting actress list

Mo'Nique won the supporting-actress Golden Globe Sunday for her role as a loathsome, abusive welfare mother in the Harlem drama Precious, while the blockbuster Up came away with the award for animated film.

The prize marks a dramatic turning point for Mo'Nique, who was mainly known for lowbrow comedy but startled audiences with her ferocious performance in Precious: Based on the Novel Push By Sapphire.

The Globe win could boost Mo'Nique's prospects at the Academy Awards, whose nominations come out Feb. 2.

"First let me say, thank you, God, for this amazing ride that you're allowing me to go on," the tearful Mo'Nique told the crowd.

She went on with gushing praise for Precious director Lee Daniels and newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, a best dramatic actress nominee at the Globes with her first film role, playing Mo'Nique's abused, illiterate daughter.

"Lee Daniels, the world gets a chance to see how brilliant you are. You are a brilliant, fearless, amazing director who would not waver, and thank you for trusting me," Mo'Nique said. "To Gabby, sister, I am in awe of you. Thank you for letting me play with you." CONTINUE READING...

San Diego shocker: Jets take down Rivers, Chargers 17-14

SAN DIEGO (AP) — Maybe Rex Ryan already knows the score of the AFC championship game, too.

The rookie coach who, at one point, didn't know his Jets were still in playoff contention, then declared them Super Bowl favorites, will need some more bold predictions.

His Jets are still playing.

PHOTOS: Divisional playoffs highlights

ROAD TO THE SUPER BOWL: Results, schedule

Rookies Mark Sanchez and Shonn Greene led New York to a stunning 17-14 upset of San Diego in the divisional playoffs Sunday, each providing a touchdown in the fourth quarter that marked another Chargers postseason pratfall.

BOX SCORE: Jets 17, Chargers 14

"It's a big win for our franchise," Sanchez said, "and we're not done."

Sanchez threw a go-ahead, 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Dustin Keller three plays into the fourth quarter, then Greene gave the Jets some breathing room with a 53-yard scoring run on their next possession.

The upstart Jets (11-7), who have won seven of their last eight, advanced to the AFC championship game for the first time since 1999. They'll play at top-seeded Indianapolis next Sunday.

"A matchup that probably nobody wanted, but too bad," Ryan said. "Here we come!"

Of course, it was the Colts who pulled Peyton Manning and other starters in the second half of their Week 16 game against the Jets, who rallied for a victory that put them in control of their playoff destiny.

Before that game, Ryan said his holiday wish was for the Colts to rest Manning & Co.

"I don't know if Santa Claus will be that good to me again," Ryan said. "But I will say that I'd like to see Peyton Manning play this week."

After the Jets finally did clinch a playoff spot by routing Cincinnati the following week, Ryan, their rookie head coach, created a postseason itinerary for his players that included the Super Bowl in Miami followed by a parade two days later. CONTINUE READING...

Rice, Rice, baby: WR Rice ties playoff mark with 3 TD catches for Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS — Sidney Rice has always shared a last name and a position with one of the best to ever play the game.

Now he shares a record with Jerry Rice, too.

He had six receptions for 141 yards and tied a playoff record with three touchdown catches to help the Minnesota Vikings to a 34-3 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC divisional playoffs Sunday.

He had scoring catches of 47, 16 and 45 yards from Brett Favre to help the Vikings (12-4) earn their first trip to the NFC title game since 2001.

It was the 15th time in NFL history that a player has hauled in three touchdown receptions in a game. Jerry still has the edge on Sidney, though. He did it three times in his brilliant career.

"It feels good," Sidney Rice said of the record. "But at the same time, I'm just happy for this team. We came out and fought hard, all three phases. It was a great team victory for us."

The monster performance was the culmination of a banner third season for the former second-round pick out of South Carolina. After a quiet first two years, Rice emerged as one of the rising young stars in the league. He led the Vikings with 83 catches for 1,312 yards and eight touchdowns to earn his first trip to the Pro Bowl.

Of course, a certain 40-year-old quarterback has had something to do with that.

Rice worked harder in the off-season than he ever had before, participating in a demanding program with Cardinals All-Pro Larry Fitzgerald, former Vikings great Cris Carter and several of the other top receivers in the league. Then Favre arrived in August, and the two quickly became a playmaking tandem.

"With the addition of No. 4, it's been huge for me," Rice said, referring to Favre. "It's been great for me, and I'm thankful for that."

As good as Favre has been for Rice, the reverse also applies. In Rice, Favre has a six-foot-four leaper who towers over most defensive backs and makes even some of the toughest catches look routine.

And now that he has learned the art of body positioning and getting off of press coverage, Rice has solidified himself as a true No. 1 receiver.

"I've said that from Day 1, Sidney is that type of player," Favre said. "I hate to compare him or put him in categories, because I think he is in a category by himself."

He did a little bit of everything Sunday.

Rice set the tone early when he got behind Dallas safety Gerald Sensabaugh on a go route and reeled in a perfect throw from Favre for a 47-yard score to put the Vikings on top in the first quarter. CONTINUE READING..