Entertainment
Ciara’s Gospel Performance Sparks Critics’ Backlash, Monica, Tina and More Call for Her Defense
Pop-R&B singer Ciara guest-starred this month on the gospel song “Altar (Remix)” by Christian hip-hop artist Hulvey.
While this turned out to be one among CiCi’s “favorite features” she’s ever done, web fans aren’t too pleased with the seemingly secular artist singing to the Lord.
However, despite the questionable comments, fans and friends, including fellow singers Monica and Tameka “Tiny” Harris, stepped in to defend her and have a good time the brand new song.
One he said“I really like this song. She has to sing and perform this song, God, you are as wonderful as I am.” Another wrote: “Oh my god!!! @ciara we need more stuff like this from you! So cool, so beautiful! This is a hit.”
“Altar Remix with Hulvey and Ciara is not good! Light cannot have fellowship with darkness. They confuse infants in Christ!” one person wrote on X.
Spiritual Word sent in regards to the response, during which many individuals suggested that the “Goodies” singer had “nothing to do with gospel songs.”
The second post read: “We hear Hulvey and Ciara working together, Ciara MUST disown and condemn every ungodly Dirty Dancing music video and social media post for starters. We should not ignore her being a stumbling block and cause confusion for young people, adults and the Body of Christ.”
Some read the criticism and asked who died and made them Peter on the Pearly Gates.
“The debate on whether someone (can) praise God or not is crazy to me! As far as I remember, there were no perfect people in the Bible,” one person wrote, while one other asked, “But Michelle could? You choose,” referring to Destiny’s Child singer and gospel artist Michelle Williams.
One fan said: “Snoop (Dogg) did an entire gospel album and you guys didn’t even bat an eyelid at it. LEAVE YOUR AUNT ALONE.”
Another listener added, “Well, don’t ask her to pray then, since y’all are so dense,” referring to the prayer that led Ciara to her husband, Russell Wilson. She and the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback have been married for seven years and have three biological children, in addition to Ciara’s son from a previous relationship.
However, the 2 Atlanta legends took to social media to have a good time their friend’s song.
Tiny, who co-wrote the Grammy-winning song “Scrubs,” responded to a video post Ciara product of her singing the hit song: “I absolutely love this song!!!”
“People these days have a problem with everything,” wrote Monica, also referred to as “Goonica,” who honed her skills as a church singer. “That’s why you have to do what works for you, and that’s what she did, and that’s why she continues to excel! Have a great Sunday. Have a great day, you deserve it!”
Adrienne Bailon-Houghton, former Cheetah Girl and R&B singer 3LW, now married to gospel superstar Israel Houghton, also spoke out, posting three “hallelujah” hand emojis and writing again, “That’s right (fire emoji).”
Ciara and Russell have been very open and demonstrative about their faith. While talking about his relationship together with his wife’s oldest son in an interview, Wilson said he believes God told him to be in young Future’s life when he first met him when he was just a few months old.
At the identical time that God was talking to Wilson, he also appeared to be talking to Ciara. In 2019, the singer who topped the chart with “Promise” told Angie Martinez how she prayed for Wilson.
“I prayed for a God-fearing man. I prayed for discernment. I prayed for wisdom, to really learn from the wisdom that I have gained from the experience that I am going through,” she shared.
Oh @ciara & @DangeRussWilson I didn’t should eat @Vanity fair The Oscar party rug looks like this! 😩🙌🏽🖤 pic.twitter.com/uwR11lZX7n
— neat ηick (@Creat1ve) March 13, 2023
She continued, “I prayed for a man who loved children, because of course I have a son, if you want to love me, you have to love him. I prayed for a man who was also worldly. Because I love exploring, someone who would build my world was important to me. I was ready to get promoted!”
Another way Ciara shows her faith is by consistently praising God for her seemingly blissful marriage and family. Last July, the 2 celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary with a romantic trip to Japan. On that day, she shared a post noting how essential their bond was.
“In the Bible, the number 7 represents the complete and complete world. My heart is complete and stuffed with gratitude for the love we share. I even have the whole lot I need and need in you. Happy seventh anniversary @DangeRussWilson. Thank you for loving me the best way you do. I really like you very much,” she said he wrote.
Wilson has at all times kept his fingers crossed for his wife, who was heavily criticized in 2023 for wearing a sheer mesh dress to Vanity Fair’s 2023 Oscars party.
Oh @ciara & @DangeRussWilson I didn’t should eat @Vanity fair Such a carpet on the Oscars! 😩🙌🏽🖤 photo.twitter.com/uwR11lZX7n
— clever ηick (@Creat1ve) March 13, 2023
“Keep the pressure on the baby,” he wrote in her comments section after heavy online mockery.
But surprisingly, this is not the primary time Ciara has appeared on a Christian song.
In addition to “Altar (Remix)”, she also appeared in “Despite me” in 2020 and Maverick City”Inclusive and One”, which also featured American drummer Harolddd and rapper Rapsody in 2021.
Entertainment
An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit
Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.
Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”
She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.
Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.
On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”
One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.
Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.
Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, Lauren Sanchez, cropped a photograph of him in a jumpsuit and then set Instagram on fire with her look.https://t.co/n7YNGctQFE pic.twitter.com/DNKP2i9o9C
— Sean Joseph (@sjoseph_sports) December 2, 2024
When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.
Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”
Lauren Sanchez 2003 vs. Lauren Sanchez 2024
Nothing to see here, people, move on#LaurenSanchez pic.twitter.com/mgr4vj6mFq
— Occam was right (@OccamWasRight) November 21, 2024
Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”
Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.
Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.
Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.
Entertainment
Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape
India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.
“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”
Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.
Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.
Name:
India Shawn
Hometown:
Los Angeles
Artistic soundscape
Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric
The oldest musical memory
Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.
Influences
For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.
Creative process
Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”
Challenges and development
As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”
Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.
Current project
“There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”
Entertainment
ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence
With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.
Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.
From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.
In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.
-
Press Release8 months ago
CEO of 360WiSE Launches Mentorship Program in Overtown Miami FL
-
Press Release8 months ago
U.S.-Africa Chamber of Commerce Appoints Robert Alexander of 360WiseMedia as Board Director
-
Business and Finance6 months ago
The Importance of Owning Your Distribution Media Platform
-
Business and Finance9 months ago
360Wise Media and McDonald’s NY Tri-State Owner Operators Celebrate Success of “Faces of Black History” Campaign with Over 2 Million Event Visits
-
Ben Crump8 months ago
Another lawsuit accuses Google of bias against Black minority employees
-
Theater9 months ago
Telling the story of the Apollo Theater
-
Ben Crump9 months ago
Henrietta Lacks’ family members reach an agreement after her cells undergo advanced medical tests
-
Ben Crump9 months ago
The families of George Floyd and Daunte Wright hold an emotional press conference in Minneapolis