There is an interesting cast of characters lined up for Donald Trump’s reality series, “Celebrity Apprentice,” which premieres March 14 on NBC. Former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich, comedian Sinbad, actress Holly Robinson Peete and pop star Cyndi Lauper are a part of the cast this time around. Other contestants include: “Rock of Love” Bret Michaels, Sharon Osbourne, lingerie model Selita Eubanks, track and field Olympian Michael Johnson and former baseball star Darryl Strawberry.
The third season American Idol winner, Fantasia Barrino is getting her own reality show. “Fantasia for Real” premieres Jan. 11 on VH1 and will follow the life of the 25-year-old singer and single mother. Barrino’s eight-year-old daughter Zion as well as her famous first cousins K-Ci and JoJo of Jodeci will also be featured in the show.
“It’s just the truth,” Barrino told the New York Daily News. “Celebrities can be untouchable sometimes, but I’ve always given my story straight because I’m proud of myself and I’m proud that I can talk about what I’ve been through. People can relate to me. There are things going on with Fantasia that are probably going on with another family right around the corner.” </p>
Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon will be on the small screen Sunday night with the premiere of the new A&E reality show, “The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty.” The six-episode series will follow the brothers as they prepare for a reunion concert tour. It will also reveal how they are dealing with the death of their brother, Michael.
Shaunie O’Neal, estranged wife of Shaquille O’Neal, will be a star and executive producer of the VH1 reality series, “Basketball Wives.” Premiering March 5, the show will showcase the lives of wives and girlfriends of professional basketball players. The cast includes Jennifer Williams (wife of Eric Williams), Evelyn Lozada (ex-fiance of Antoine Walker), Mesha O’Neal (wife of Jermaine O’Neal), Royce Reed and Faith Rain (Udonis Haslem’s girlfriend).
“I have always recognized that behind every NBA star is a strong, exceptional woman, one who must deal with the unique challenges of being married to the game as well as the player,” O’Neal said about the eight episode series.
This is going to be interesting!
Gospel greats Donnie McClurkin, Kim Burrell and Kirk Franklin will audition singers Dec. 6 in Lagos, Nigeria for the third season of the BET’s series “Sunday Best.” The overseas tryouts commemorate the one-year anniversary of the network’s launch in 30 countries in Africa. The best performers will then compete in the United States auditions, which have not been announced.
“I’m pleased to mark BET’s one-year celebration … with this unique opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s remarkable gospel singing talent for the millions of SUNDAY BEST viewers around the world,” said Michael D. Armstrong, BET Senior Vice President and General Manager.
Check out NeNe, Kim, Sheree, Lisa and Kandi in their alter-ego photos.
[HTML1]
It’s official! Ellen DeGeneres will be the permanent replacement for Paula Abdul as a judge on American Idol. She will join other judges Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson once the auditions are complete. The talk show host will also continue her day job.
“Hopefully I’m the people’s point of view, because I’m just like you,” DeGeneres said on her talk show Wednesday. “I sit at home and I watch it…I’m not looking at it in a critical way, from the music producer’s mind. I’m looking at it as a person who’s going to buy the music, and who’s going to relate to that person. So I’m hopefully going to be the voice of what we’re all doing at home.”
No, it is not Marilyn Manson. “Keeping up with the Kardashians” star Kim Kardashian went goth for a recent photo shoot for YRB magazine. The reality star stated on her website:
I really love the transformation and the clothes were amazing!!! This has got to be one of the most unique shoots I’ve ever done! Not sure I’ll ever go for a permanent short cut, but it definitely works for this shoot.
The nation’s no. 1 show returns to Chicago Monday and Tuesday to continue auditions. “American Idol” previously visited the Windy City this past June. Filling in for ex-judge Paula Abdul will be country singer Shania Twain. The reality competition series will premiere in January.
Did anyone know that former “Cosby Show” star Tempestt Bledsoe and “A Different World” actor Darryl Bell have been together for 16 years? The couple are cast members of the new Fox Reality Channel series, “Househusbands of Hollywood,” which began Aug. 15.
The show focuses on the lives of stay-at-home husbands. The cast includes former Los Angeles Dodger Billy Ashley, whose wife is a celebrity makeup artist and former Marine sniper Grant Reynolds, who is married to FOX 11 morning news show host Jillian Reynolds.
“I think the thing that most people will be surprised about is that we are on the show,” said Bledsoe, who is a Chicago native. “Not only do we not talk about our private life, we don’t do this type of show. We don’t fit into the mold of show, so I constantly get that question. I hope people will get past the title and see what these men are doing: pursuing their careers, taking care of their children. I have nothing but respect for that.”
Click here to see more of the couple’s interview with Entertainment Tonight.