Inside the Grammys: Five Awards Categories to Take Notice
February 8th, 2013 by Lifestyle StaffThis week officially started the countdown to the 55th annual Grammy Award Show! Anticipation is an understatement for this event for several reasons. Two-time Grammy winner LL Cool J returns to host the ceremony, and performances from Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Kelly Clarkston, Frank Ocean, Alicia Keys and more are among top reasons. Also along with Justin Timberlake‘s comeback performance and more Beyoncé - the Grammys has the right recipe for excitement and pure entertainment! The 16-time Grammy award winner will not only be a presenter this year, but also a performer which was recently announced after this past Bey Bowl.
As usual the Grammy’s will highlight several A-list celebrities and announce the most anticipated awards such as Record of the Year and Album of the Year. With all of this and more that is expected, here is a list of awards you should take notice of and get even more amped about the 2013 Grammy Awards Ceremony!
1.BEST NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Every artist describes their first Grammy award as nothing less than the greatest moment of their career. In this category these artists have hopes for their first chance to experience that feeling. Among the nominated in this category is the R&B artist Frank Ocean with his debut album, Channel Orange. Despite the homophobic culture of the industry and his open confession of his same-sex love, his album was more than well received- landing him a nomination for this category.
-
2.BEST SPOKEN WORD ALBUM
Can Michelle Obama be anymore awesome? Yes she can! Our First Lady, Michelle Obama has been nominated for the audio version of her book, “American Grown: The Story of The White House Kitchen Garden and Gardens Across America”. This book is her first book that promotes her campaign against obesity highlighting the garden in the White House and several other gardens around the nation.
3. BEST COMEDY ALBUM
Success on success on success! Who says making people laugh can’t be notable?! The late night host, Jimmy Fallon, along with other great comics compete for a title that was recently reinstated in 2004 acknowledging some of history’s best such as Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby, George Carlin and Chris Rock. Definitely a distinguishing and notable category!
4. BEST POP VOCAL ALBUM
This is clearly a great year for pop artist/American Idol Kelly Clarkson. From her performance during the 2013 Presidential Inauguration to her 2012 Greatest Hits: Chapter One album release, along with her nomination for her album titled “Stronger”(2011) and her performance at this year’s Grammy’s, let’s take notice.
5. BEST TRADITIONAL R&B PERFORMANCE
At age 55 and with a 30 year career, the eight-time Grammy award winner/R&B icon Anita Baker adds this nomination to her 16-time Grammy nominated career. The single, “Lately”, which recently hit #1 on Billboards Adult R&B charts has outdone itself even topping Whitney Houston’s record for longest span of number one hits. Congratulations Anita Baker!
Did you know that you can hedge your Grammy prediction bets with Spotify? Based on streaming data, Spotify users predict the coveted Record of the Year prize will go to Gotye’s ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’; Mumford & Son’s second album ‘Babel’ predicted to pick up Album of the Year. Check out additional Grammy winner predictions below…
Predictions for Winners by GRAMMY Category, Based on Spotify Streams
Album of the Year
- · The Black Keys – El Camino
- · Fun. – Some Nights
ü Mumford & Sons – Babel
- · Frank Ocean – Channel Orange
- · Jack White – Blunderbuss
Record of the Year
- · The Black Keys – “Lonely Boy”
- · Kelly Clarkson – “Stronger”
- · Fun. feat. Janelle Monae – “We Are Young”
ü Gotye feat. Kimbra – “Somebody That I Used to Know”
- · Frank Ocean – “Thinkin Bout You”
- · Taylor Swift – “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”
Best New Artist
- · Alabama Shakes
- · Fun.
- · Hunter Hayes
ü The Lumineers
- · Frank Ocean
Best Country Song
ü Carrie Underwood – “Blown Away”
- · Ronnie Dunn -”Cost of Livin’ “
- · Eli Young Band – “Even If It Breaks Your Heart”
- · Alan Jackson – “So You Don’t Have to Love Me Anymore”
- · Eric Church – “Springsteen”
Best Pop Solo Performance
- · Adele – “Set Fire to the Rain (Live)”
- · Kelly Clarkson – “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”
ü Carly Rae Jepsen – “Call Me Maybe”
- · Katy Perry – “Wide Awake”
- · Rihanna – “Where Have You Been”
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
- · Florence and the Machine – “Shake It Out”
- · Fun. – “We Are Young”
ü Gotye feat. Kimbra – “Somebody That I Used to Know”
- · LMFAO – “Sexy and I Know It”
- · Maroon 5 – “Payphone”
For more information and full details of nominations visit the official site of the Grammy’s.
-
-
What Grammy category and/or celebrity appearance are you most looking forward to? Tell us below…
The Oscars 2013 Preview: Who’s Nominated, Who Should Win And Why You Should Watch?
January 15th, 2013 by Lifestyle StaffAward season is officially here! The 2013 Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, are approaching with the nominations recently revealed for each category. This award ceremony acknowledges excellent achievements in cinematography and its prestigious reputation dates back to 1929. The Oscars will premiere Sunday, February 24, 2013 on ABC hosted by Family Guy’s voice and creator Seth McFarlane. Whether you love it for the the red carpet fashion, the movie recaps, or seeing the masters of ceremony and hearing great speeches, we have a few highlights of this year’s Oscars’ nominees, movies, and what to expect on this year’s red carpet.
Best Movie
After creating quite a buzz for the latest release of his movie last year, Quentin Tarantino’s Django is nominated for Best Movie, Cinematography, and sound editing. Let’s see if this outstanding production will take home just one, or all three. It’s unfortunate and a bit surprising, however, that Jamie Foxx nor Kerry Washington are nominated for their roles, as they were pivotal supporting characters and heavy promoters for the leading film.
Best Actor
Shedding that tear during the movie Flight meant something. That riveting performance by Denzel Washington set him in place for the sixth Best Actor Award nomination of his career and a chance to win this award for the third time. If you seen any of his phenomenal films, you know that Denzel almost never disappoints.
Best Actress
History was made with the announcement of this young actress, Quvenzhane’ Wallis, as the youngest nominee ever for the Best Actress Award. At the age of only 5, she auditioned for the role of Hushpuppy in the movie Beasts if Southern Wild; now 9 years old planning to make her appearance at the Oscars. Little people doing BIG things!
Best Supporting Actor
Considering the fact that every Best Supporting Actor nominee this year has won an Oscar, to see Robert DiNero take another one home wouldn’t be less deserving, especially for those still impressed by his award winning role in the movie Godfather. Robert DiNero is nominated for his role as Pat Sr., the sports-obsessed father of a man recently released from a psychiatric hospital in the movie Silver Linings Playbook.
Best Supporting Actress
This nomination isn’t for her role as Cat Woman in the movie Batman the Dark Knight Rises, but we can still be excited that Anne Hathaway was recognized for her second Oscar nomination of her career for the role as Fantine, a young mother who loses her job in a factory and struggles to take care of her daughter in Les Miserables. The movie is considered an Oscar glory already with more than four nominations.
The Red Carpet
Pictured below are a few of last year’s best dressed gowns. Every year, the audience is wowed by flowing gowns as artists parade in their best dress for this special occasion. Long splits and creative ways to show skin without wearing a cocktail dress is what excites most and gets people talking. This year, like every year, the standards are higher as the leading ladies of Hollywood strive to out do last year’s best dressed.
Angelina Jolie strikes a pose with some peek-a-boo leg action that drove fashion critics wild last year. What will she do next?
Michelle Williams and Penelope Cruz looked stunning on the Oscars Red Carpet last year. Who will take the coveted ‘Best Dressed” title this season?
Who do you look forward to seeing on the red carpet? What fashion trends would you like to see? We want to know!
American Music Awards 2012 – 40th Anniversary Fashion Winners (and Losers)
November 19th, 2012 by ChristenThe 40th Anniversary of the American Music Awards aired Sunday night on ABC with memorable performances, award wins, fashion wins and notable fashion losses. Here’s a rundown of the winners with a few fashion winners and losers below… (you be the judge…)
Jordin Sparks hits the red carpet at the 40th annual American Music Awards showing off her killer bod in a sexy, skin-baring printed dress layered over black fishnet. Paired with a slick ponytail, Sparks is giving a majorly sleek, just-vampy-enough look.
Kerry Washington arrives on the 2012 American Music Awards red carpet. Gladiators REJOICE! ’Scandal’s Olivia Pope, looked gorgeous on the red carpet wearing a yellow lace dress from Stella McCartney. What do you think of her look?
Golden delight or Not Quite Right? R&B Songstress Brandy and Pop’s Provocateur Pink arrive dazzling in gold, but something is missing with both looks. Brandy’s look is far from “gold star” rating while Pink’s look is giving some sort of modern day Roman-esqe soldier.
Maybe Pink coordinated her look from an unlikely source….like Kim Kardashian? After all, Kim did debut a similar Kardashian look in blue earlier this year…
Who do you think rocked this stylish, floor length frock better? Pink or Kim Kardashian?
Nicki Minaj has the internet buzzing over this neon green gown. This look is a bit more mature for Nicki who’s known for donning multicolored hair and hot pink chicken wing necklaces. But alas, it is the American Music Awards. What do you think?
Taylor Swift arrives wearing a long-sleeved Zuhair Murad mini featured a seriously sexy open back and gorgeous gold detailing. While the star may have stayed away from her signature, (a shimmering, strapless gown silhouette), she still opted for a little gold sparkle, giving us a hint of Taylor in a whole new sexy style.
Carrie Underwood opted for a wine colored Abed Mahfouz frock for the red carpet and walked away looking stunning…
“Call Me Maybe” singer Carlie Rae Jepson opted for more all-over shimmer in a halter dress by Gomez Gracia. With a floor-skimming length and a body-hugging silhouette, she manages to work the formal number without making it look like she’s on her way to prom.
Kelly Rowland went for a subtile icy look with Naeem Kahn on the red carpet. The “Ice” singer went for an overall sleek look to combat the graphic detail dress.
photos via Jason Marritt, Kevork Djansezian/AMA2012/Getty Images
BET Hip Hop Awards 2012: Fellas, Fashion & A Few Tech Fetishes
October 2nd, 2012 by TiffanyBefore the confirmed fights, chain snatchings and melees was the BET Hip Hop Awards Red Carpet interviews. Since the BET Hip Hop Awards took place in none other than the heart of Southern hip hop music, Atlanta, GA. it’s only right that the talent as well as the fashion here is definitely in a league of its own. We hit the red carpet to find out what fashions, trends, and gadgets a few of Hip Hop’s rising stars & celebs just can’t live without!
Diggy says when it comes to fashion he’s an accessories kind of dude. “I like neck wear and bracelets a lot, but definitely love kicks a lot too.” One gadget he can’t leave the house without “My iPhone! I’ll turn around for that.” I just knew Diggy had the iPhone 5, but looks like his schedule hasn’t allowed for it yet. “I’ve been traveling everywhere so much since it came out that I haven’t been able to make it to the AT&T store, but I’m going to get it though.”
–
We spoke to Mr. “Snapback and Tattoos” himself, Driicky Graham. To my surprise snapbacks are not his fashion must-haves on a daily basis. “Fox tails and I love Louie V. belts, I got one on right now actually.” He doesn’t have the iPhone 5 yet either, but says he’s still “rocking with Siri on the 4S, so I’m good for now, but I’m definitely going to check out the 5.” He will be one of the many rappers part of the this year’s Cyphers.
Super producer Mr. Bangladesh (left) definitely gets my vote for most interesting style and outlook on technology. The Grammy winning producer has worked with names like Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Lil’ Wayne, and his latest project with Brandy. When asked about his fearless style he says– “This is just me, I came out of the womb with {style like} this.” I asked if he was as advanced in technology as he was in fashion and had the iPhone 5? He definitely gave the most interesting answer unlike any other celeb– “No, I’m not into the hustle. One thing about Bang, you’re not going to hustle Bang. Technology is the hustle world. There’s nothing different in the iPhone 5 that they couldn’t have put in the iPhone 4 or the 1. Apple has these smart technicians- you can’t tell me that they didn’t think about making the picture clearer before the next one was created. You know what I’m saying? It’s a hustle. I have the old iPhone not because I wanted it but because I was in the U.K. and they told me I needed it. I’m not for the hustles.”
His newest artist Fast Life (above right) says he prefers to get his clothes from all over the world. ” I got some Balenciaga, Fendi, and vintage Valentino type . But my favorite piece I’d have to say is my gold… I can’t leave the house without my gold.” He has a mixtape coming soon and is striving to be the next big name under Bangladesh Records.
Looks like the iPhone 5 is still on many celeb’s to-do list, while others refuse to be “hustled” by it. So WHO was the first to boast having the iPhone 5 on the red carpet?
Q Parker from the Atlanta based singing group 112 was the first one on the red carpet that could boast of having the newest iPhone.
“I don’t really have a style, I just like to be expressive. I’m not afraid of textures or colors.” That was clear considering he was the only male on the red carpet wearing sequins. “However I feel that’s what I do.” So what does Q look for a lady to have as a part of her style package? –”I don’t really get into that. I just really like for a lady to be confident in whatever she puts on and know that she’s sexy. If she knows it, I know it. Confidence is the whole package.” Ladies take notes!
When I told Q he was the first one I’ve come across with the iPhone 5 he said–”You know a lot of people don’t have it because they’re letting the glitches get out of it. A lot of people have been having problems with the new operating system. Luckily I haven’t had any problems and I love the new iPhone.”
Here are a few more red carpet surprises, show downs, show outs:
Rapper 2 Chainz showed up on the red carpet looking like a bag of skittles, but also like a dad. He brought along his daughter and expecting partner as well. Who would have known he was a family man?
We’re still left to wonder who showed up as the Ninja Turtle squad…
Cash Out and his Chucky doll accessory was the loudest fashion statement on the red carpet by far. This is definitely a red carpet first.
Fans can look forward to another year of Hip Hop greats & hot acts rocking the Atlanta stage next week. Rapper LL Cool J spoke in a tribute to hip-hop manager Chris Lighty, who committed suicide last month behind his Bronx townhouse. Q-Tip, Fat Joe, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliott and 50 Cent took the stage to perform, as did Rick Ross, P. Diddy, 2 Chainz and Future.
Check out more photos from the Hip Hop Awards red carpet below… You can check out the 2012 BET Hip Hop Awards & Performances Tuesday 10/9 at 8P/7C. Only on BET!
Voting Season Is Here & We’re Nominated! (Vote D&D)
September 17th, 2012 by Tech Staff
Over the weekend, we were pleasantly surprised to be nominated for not one but TWO tech awards from two different entities. DivasandDorks.com is delighted to share that we’ve been nominated by the BlackWeblogAwards.com in the following categories:
Best New Blog
Best Fashion Blog
Best Technology or Science Blog
We have also been nominated by WishFree.com in the Best Technology Awards for Best Tech Blog too!
Now as happy as we are to be nominated, we’d be even more thrilled if we actually WIN! This is where you (our loyal readers, come in…)
If you’ve ever learned anything new by reading DivasandDorks.com… WE NEED YOUR VOTES!
If you love the idea of fashion + technology all in one place on the web… WE NEED YOUR VOTES!
If you’ve ever enjoyed a tweet, Facebook post, Fashion Week, Travel or regular snarky commentary… WE NEED YOUR VOTES!
VOTE BELOW
(NOTE: You must be logged into Facebook or Twitter for your vote to count!)
VOTE FOR DIVASANDDORKS.COM – BEST NEW BLOG | BEST FASHION BLOG | BEST TECH BLOG HERE!
(We humbly thank you in advance for your vote 
MTV’s Video Music Awards Fashions Night Of Highs & Lows
September 7th, 2012 by Fashion StaffMissed out on the VMA’s because you were enjoying Fashion’s Night Out festivities or attending a DNC viewing party? Here’s your snapshot of all the details, fashions highs/lows and more for you below…
Rihanna opened up the VMAs coming out of a serpent’s mouth, amazing performance of her songs “Cockiness Remix ft. ASAP Rocky” (ASAP Rocky exiting mid performance hugging & squeezing Rihanna’s butt) and “We found Love”. Kevin Hart escorted to the VMA stage with secret service midgets to presidential music which later switches over to Young Jeezy’s “My president’s is black” song. Katy Perry presented the first award of the night- “Best Pop video”- Winner: One direction “Beautiful”. Demi Lovato & Rita Ora presented- “Best Male Video”- Winner: Chris Brown, “Turn up the Music”. Zoe Saldana presented singer Frank Ocean, he performed his song “Thinking About You”- the performance was perfect. (Frank Ocean stole the show), Very deep, emotional and passionate performance. Rashida Jones & Andy Sandberg presented- “Best Hip Hop Video”- Winner: Drake ft Lil Wayne, “HYFR”. Wanted & Rebel Wilson presents” Best Female Video”- Winner : Nicki Minaj “Starships”. Ke$ha & Wiz Khalifa presents “Best New Artist ”- Winner: One Direction. Alicia Keys ft. Nicki Minaj performs her song “ Girl on Fire Remix” with Gabby Douglas showing her skills with some back flips. Kevin Hart presents the “Video of the year”- Winner: Rihanna “We found Love”. Final Performance: Taylor Swift performs “We are never getting back together”; Taylor Swifts closes out the VMAs.
MTV VMAs Red Carpet Baby Announcement with a pregnant Amber Rose & Fiance’ Rapper Wiz Khalifa
Olympians Gabby Douglas and Missy Franklin celerate at VMAs
Chick Stole My Look: Pink & Miley Cyrus Twins MTV VMAs Red Carpet
Worst Dressed:
We can’t decide which bodysuit was the biggest disaster – Nicki Minaj in this sheer/red number or Rita Ora’s deep sheer v-neck suit. They’re both equally dreadful in our opinion.
Best Dressed contenders:
Strutting in Silver Pink & Alicia Keys at VMAs
Pink & Miley Cyrus Twins MTV VMAs Red Carpet
What did you think of last night’s VMA red carpet looks? Let us know below…
Celebrities Celebrate Everyday Heroes At McDonalds #365Black Awards
July 9th, 2012 by Christen
Tamia & Grant Hill accepts their award at the McDonald’s 365Black Awards
As apart of my Essence Music Festival experience in New Orleans this past weekend, I got the opportunity to celebrate phenomenal, everyday heroes at the McDonald’s® 365Black® Awards. Entertainers, professional athletes, political figures and hundreds of citizens from across the nation packed the Mahalia Jackson Theater in New Orleans Friday for the 2012 McDonald’s 365Black Awards, an annual event honoring outstanding African-Americans who are making positive contributions to the community. Hundreds of guests attended the ninth annual ceremony honoring multi-platinum and 10-time GRAMMY® winning recording artist Chaka Khan; global humanitarian, best-selling inspirational author/entrepreneur Bishop T.D. Jakes; GRAMMY-nominated R&B singer/songwriter Tamia and husband, All-Star NBA® player, Grant Hill; teenage medical innovator Tony Hansberry, II; youth empowerment activist Mary-Pat Hector; and McDonald’s owner/operators, Tina and Harold Lewis.
Chaka performs at 365Black Awards
“Helping others and giving back are critical components to making our community stronger, and it was moving to witness the number of celebrities and community members who supported the event,” said Chaka Khan, founder of The Chaka Khan Foundation. “I am humbled I was chosen to receive the 365Black Award with such an amazing group of individuals who also embrace community service. I commend McDonald’s for their ongoing efforts to make community service a priority.”
Khan closed the ceremony with a surprise performance. Singer/songwriter Marsha Ambrosius, national television journalist Roland Martin, entertainment correspondent Janell Snowden and R&B singer Tank were among celebrities on-hand at the ceremony hosted by actor Laz Alonso. GRAMMY winning gospel star Fred Hammond, GRAMMY-nominated artists Melanie Fiona and Eric Benet, and hip-hop legend Doug E. Fresh also performed to help pay tribute to the honorees. A great time was had by all!
-
- TD Jakes Accepts 365Black Award
-
- McDonald’s 365 Black Awards Red Carpet
-
- Al Sharpton & Honoree Mary-Pat Hector
-
- Melanie Fiona Performs at 365Black
-
- Marsha Ambrosius on Red Carpet
-
- MC Lyte on Red Carpet
-
- Tamia & Grant Hill accepts their award at the McDonald’s 365Black Awards
-
- Fred Hammond sings during McDonald’s 365 Black Awards
-
- McDonalds 365 Black Awards Banner
-
- Chaka performs at 365Black Awards
-
- R&B Singer & 365 Awards presenter Tank
-
- Laz Alonso Hosts 365Black Awards
Photo Credit: Chris Mitchell & DivasandDorks.com
Essence Beauty Awards: The Bold & The Beautiful!
May 14th, 2012 by Christen
ESSENCE Beauty Director Corynne Corbett; Vice-President of Marketing for Johnson & Johnson, Janis Smith-Gomez; celebrity manicurist Lisa Logan; celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson, L’Oreal chemists Balanda Atis and Janine Cherette; celebrity stylist June Ambrose; ESSENCE Associate Publisher Stella Araya Weil and ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief Constance White
ESSENCE, the preeminent lifestyle publication for African-American women, announced the winners of the ESSENCE Best in Black Beauty Awards, Tuesday, May 8th. ESSENCE Beauty Director Corynne Corbett and celebrity stylist June Ambrose served as co-hosts of the ultimate beauty conversation during this invitation-only event.
Q Parker of 112 attends the ESSENCE Best in Black Beauty Awards at the Dream Hotel in New York City.
The ESSENCE Best in Black Beauty Awards honored beauty innovators who are influencing what’s now and next. The honorees were: Balanda Atis, Group Leader, and Janine Cherette, Color Cosmetic Scientist, of the L’Oréal USA Research and Innovation team; Ted Gibson, celeb hairstylist to the stars and head stylist on What Not To Wear; Janis Smith-Gomez, Vice-President of Marketing for Johnson & Johnson; Lisa Logan, go-to manicurist for Beyoncé; and Pat McGrath, makeup artist who masterminds the runway’s most sought-after looks from New York to Milan. Grammy-nominated artist Janelle Monáe—who is known for her own groundbreaking sense of style—also shared in the awards presentation.
In addition, the evening featured a “live gift wall” showcasing the winning products from the ESSENCE Best in Black Beauty Awards 2012 listing—highlighted in the magazine’s May 2012 issue—in which ESSENCE’s beauty editors and a team of experts highlighted the best makeup, skin care, nail, fragrance and hair picks. Attendees even had an opportunity to sample the products on-site. For more information and to vote for your beauty favorites, which will be revealed as “Readers’ Choice Awards” winners in the October issue of ESSENCE magazine, visit www.essence.com/beautyawards/
Photos: N. Melton / M. Rowe / Essence.com
For more photos visit Essence.com
