Entertainment
Mary J. Blige Announces 2025 ‘For My Fans Tour’ Dates – Essence
Photo credit: Will Sterling
Mary J. Blige continues to reign as some of the influential voices in music, and her emergence proves her endurance. With a profession spanning many years, the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul” has no intention of slowing down as she also prepares to rejoice her recent album, thus expanding her already iconic catalogue.
The 27-city tour, produced by Live Nation, will kick off on January 30 on the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina, and can feature special guests NE-YO and Mario. Blige will visit major cities including Atlanta, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New York and more, concluding on April 14 at Boston’s TD Garden.
“I’m very excited to start this tour. I have amazing fans and I am so grateful for all the love and support they have shown me over the years,” Blige shared in a statement. “This tour is for them and I can’t wait to go to all these cities and meet everyone. Right now, I am in a place of great gratitude and peace.”
Blige’s upcoming album shall be released on November 15 and can feature the one “Respiratory” featuring Fabolous. The tour and album represent her journey towards peace and recognition, making 2025 a milestone yr for the artist. Additionally, Blige shall be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on October 19 in Cleveland to honor her legacy as a music pioneer.
Tickets shall be available with an artist pre-sale starting on Tuesday, October 1. Additional pre-sales will run throughout the week prior to the final sale starting Friday, October 4 at 10 a.m. ET LiveNation.com AND Ticketmaster.com.
You will find all of the dates below.
- January 30 – Greensboro, NC on the Greensboro Coliseum
- January 31 – Raleigh, NC on the Lenovo Center
- February 3 – Atlanta, Georgia at State Farm Arena
- February 6 – Charlotte, NC on the Spectrum Center
- February 8 – Tampa, FL at Amalie Arena
- February 11 – Hollywood, FL @ Hard Rock Live
- February 14 – New Orleans, Louisiana at Smoothie King Center
- February 18 – Houston, Texas at Toyota Center
- February 21 – Ft. Worth, Texas at Dickies Arena
- February 25 – Denver, Colorado at Ball Arena
- March 1 – Los Angeles, California on the Intuit Dome
- March 7 – San Francisco, California at Chase Center
- March 8 – Sacramento, California, Golden 1 Center
- March 12 – St. Louis, Missouri on the Enterprise Center
- March 14 – Chicago, Illinois on the United Center
- March 16 – St. Paul, Minnesota, Xcel Energy Center
- March 19 – Detroit, Michigan, Little Caesars Arena
- March 22 – Buffalo, New York at KeyBank Center
- March 24 – Toronto, Ontario at Scotiabank Arena
- March 26 – Washington, DC at Capital One Arena
- March 28 – Atlantic City, New Jersey at Boardwalk Hall
- April 2 – Columbus, Ohio at Nationwide Arena
- April 4 – Baltimore, Maryland at CFG Bank Arena
- April 6 – Newark, New Jersey, Prudential Center
- April 10 – New York, New York at Madison Square Garden
- April 11 – Elmont, New York at UBS Arena
- April 14 – Boston, Massachusetts at TD Garden
Entertainment
Martha Stewart pushes Drew Barrymore away after the talk show host repeatedly touched her during a job interview
Martha Stewart (83) didn’t prefer it when 49-year-old Drew Barrymore invaded her personal space on TV.
During a recent appearance on “The Drew Barrymore Show,” Stewart pushed Barrymore away after the “Charlie’s Angels” star became very touchy-feely with her guest.
– But what makes you soft and sticky? Barrymore asked the lifestyle guru during his job interview. Stewart expressed confusion about this query.
Barrymore then said: “Soft and sticky treatment – when you’re treated like a lady.” The former child star also rubbed Stewart’s arm and back as she spoke.
“You’re the wrong gender,” Stewart said, playfully pushing Barrymore away from her on the couch. The live audience laughed and clapped.
Barrymore jokingly responded by saying, “I do know. Although, because it is with men, Martha, I’m not so sure.
While Stewart didn’t seem enthusiastic about petting, the self-made businesswoman did hug Barrymore after learning on the show that Nutley, New Jersey named a street in her honor.
Footage of the awkward moment between Stewart and Barrymore has gone viral on social media. For example, The Jasmine Brand shared a clip on the store’s Instagram page.
“Didn’t anyone tell her to back up? Not everyone likes to be touched in their space. I wouldn’t care if her feelings were hurt. “Go back,” one person said in the comments section.
Another commenter wrote: “I even have a hard time understanding why Drew is so open to people. It’s so sad. I do know he means well, but he doesn’t understand boundaries and it’s driving me crazy.
A 3rd Instagram user wrote: “Drew does an excessive amount of. All this couch, right below the guests. Someone else added: “Marta is at the age where she doesn’t give high fives and I find it irresistible. A LOT OF LAUGHTER!”
One woman joked, “I told you all that Marta was an original city girl.” Additionally, one commenter wondered, “Didn’t Drew apologize for being too sensitive and about the guest’s personal space?”
In August, Barrymore admitted to “Entertainment Tonight” correspondent Denny Directo that she needed to avoid the close-contact interview style.
“Well, I’ll try to practice physical distancing, which is not my strong suit,” she replied when asked about the changes she plans to introduce in the latest seasons of her talk show.
Barrymore continued: “Do you know how hard the (COVID-19) pandemic has been on me? I was alone in the studio! I like being around people!”
The daughter of actor John Drew Barrymore and actress Jaid Barrymore also admitted that individuals complained about her hands-on approach.
“Not everyone likes him, but I feel sorry for those people,” Barrymore said. “We will always focus on joy, laughter and well-being.”
Stewart had previously sat on the December 2023 episode “The Drew Barrymore Show” without ever crossing the line. She talked about her close friendship with hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg.
Fellow rap star 50 Cent has done it appearance on Barrymore’s talk show. The “In Da Club” hitmaker didn’t seem concerned about physical contact with the “Little Girl Lost” creator.
In September 2024, 50 Cent shared a photo with Barrymore from a TV taping on Instagram. The photos showed them holding hands, with the multiple Emmy nominee also shaking hands with the Fifties.
“Here I’m keeping good company @thedrewbarrymoreshow and I don’t have 1000 bottles of lube at home,” 50 captioned the photo.
The New York resident sharply criticized his longtime rival Sean “Diddy” Combs, citing federal law enforcement authorities who seized greater than a thousand bottles of baby oil and lubricant from Diddy’s home.
Paramount announced that “The Drew Barrymore Show” has been renewed for a sixth season on CBS stations in markets including New York, Dallas and Boston. The show may even air on KPRC, the NBC affiliate, in Houston.
“Drew is a one-of-a-kind talent who is an integral part of the CBS and Paramount family,” said Wendy McMahon, president and CEO of CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures.
McMahon added: “This early renovation and enhancements are a testament to our commitment to The Drew Barrymore Show and its loyal audience who watch Drew’s warmth, curiosity and spontaneity each day.
Stewart appeared on “The Drew Barrymore Show” to advertise “The Cookbook: 100 Favorite Recipes” and the film directed by RJ Cutler “Marta” documentary on Netflix. The documentary describes the life and profession of the New York Times best-selling creator.
Entertainment
Outraged Beyoncé fans reveal shocking Instagram page using AI videos to impersonate singer’s 11-year-old daughter Blue Ivy
Fans in Beyoncé’s devoted Beyhive are screaming in outrage after discovering an Instagram page impersonating Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s older daughter.
According to many Platform X users, “bluebabyivy” account posts photos, videos and captions as in the event that they got here from the 11-year-old herself, which many fans consider a transparent invasion of her privacy. The page is already followed by over 111,000 people.
Queen Bey’s supporters quickly rallied on social media, calling on Instagram to remove the fake account, with some expressing frustration with the repeated intrusions into Blue’s personal life and the way inappropriate the positioning is.
One fan said: “This AI Blue Ivy Instagram page is so damn weird that I tried to report it but I don’t know what category it falls into.”
This AI Blue Ivy Instagram page is so rattling weird that I attempted to report it but I do not know what category it falls into
— F ✨𐚁 (@Beysionnaire) November 15, 2024
“Can you report this site” – one other user X he said in a call sent to the web army.
Someone else he replied“I reported them three times one day. I’m sure countless others have reported them as well. The Meta reporting team is just garbage and that’s how it’s planned, we’re really starting to think this is not the way to shut them down. We need to find a way to involve Parkwood/RN, it would be more effective.”
Disgusted, fourth commenter he asked“First of all, why does the Blue Ivy Ai account exist and why does er*kah b*du follow it????” Another fan replied explaining why Beyhive says the account is problematic, writing: “Maybe she thinks it’s actually blue? it’s so weird.”
One fan suggested the mother take motion, writing on Twitter: “Is this Blue…. How disgusting is this, Bey has to sue them into oblivion?”
Beyoncé was extremely protective of her three children, not allowing them to have social media accounts and frequently monitoring their contact with the general public.
This is just not the primary time Blue Ivy has found herself at the middle of public discourse centered around people violating her privacy.
Recently, when the teenager was together with her friends, the paparazzi took a photograph of her. They were shocked by how mature she looked, but still kicked her in a really low-key way, wearing a demure denim outfit, long brown hair, sunglasses, and a pair of varsity black and white Air Jordan 1 Retro Highs.
Another time, a video of a brand new Disney star playing volleyball at college was leaked and went viral. This sporting event must have been low-key entertainment for personal school students, but it surely went viral on various social media platforms after a baby attending the identical game excitedly posted about playing against Blue.
Critics and fans alike questioned the ethics of the center school student who seemed to be an enormous fan of Beyoncé’s daughter filming and sharing the moments, with many saying it was crossing the road and endangering the famous child.
Some of the identical protesters when web trolls teased Blue Ivy when she first began her tour as a background dancer on Beyoncé’s Renaissance world tour. Despite the chatter, Blue consistently refused to quit, winning over the crowds together with her confidence, poise and determination to grow to be higher.
Still, such incidents only increase fans’ concerns about how much attention and a spotlight the star’s children receive, although her parents try to give her as normal a childhood as possible.
The Beyhive’s response to the fake Instagram account reflects a broader desire to protect Blue Ivy from the downsides of fame and respect her boundaries as she grows up. While Beyoncé and Jay-Z have yet to comment on the matter, it is evident that their fans remain committed to protecting their “princess” from unnecessary abuse.
Entertainment
MAGA Trolls Criticize Gabrielle Union and Her Shocking Decision to Leave X Amid ‘Last Straw’ With Elon Musk
Gabrielle Union has joined a growing list of individuals fleeing Twitter because the social media platform becomes a digital headquarters for MAGA supporters and the unchecked exploitation of user content for artificial intelligence purposes. Union announced her departure on November 15.
“There are decisive moments in life when we must declare that enough is enough. And for me today is that day,” her statement reads: “It was real.”
She continued: “Platforms like X are built on authentic connections, true engagement and creative expression, all anchored in respect for user privacy and trust. However, with recent and upcoming changes to terms of service and the return of volatile numbers, I find myself at a crossroads and looking in a direction that I can no longer fully support.”
The “Perfect Find” actress will remain present on other social spaces like Instagram and Facebook, where she says “inclusion, respect and honesty” are truly valued. The “end of an era” news was met with 1000’s of reactions starting from replies, retweets, likes and shares.
The mass exodus occurred as latest terms of service got here into force that day. In part, Twitter, after changing its name to X, assumes that users agree to the next terms:
“By submitting, posting or displaying content on or through the services, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license (with the right to sublicense) to use, copy, reproduce, process, adapt, modify, publish, upload, display, transmit, download and distribute such content in any media or distribution method now known or later developed for any purpose.”
the top of an era ✌🏾 pic.twitter.com/DfUxoGz2HX
— Gabrielle Union (@itsgabrielleu) November 15, 2024
The app may also use tweets to train artificial intelligence, a hot topic that has led to actor and author strikes in Hollywood, in addition to many other debates in regards to the dangerous consequences of using technology in almost every aspect of life. Elon Musk bought Twitter for $44 billion in 2022.
The billionaire tech mogul was a outstanding supporter of Donald Trump, donating thousands and thousands of dollars to his re-election PAC and also being appointed to a quasi-cabinet member within the president-elect’s administration when he takes office in January.
The business tycoon was entrusted with saving the country’s money by cutting federal spending as co-chair of Trump’s newly created Department of Government Efficiency, DOGE – the acronym reflects the name of a Musk-backed cryptocurrency – however the group shouldn’t be actually an actual creation of the brand new department.
Incentives matter. There needs to be rewards for spending properly, but those that waste taxpayer funds can’t be allowed to proceed doing so without consequences. https://t.co/5qupZtMHUC
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 13, 2024
Much of the interaction in Union’s exit tweet got here from MAGA celebrities. “Don’t let the door hit you,” one user said he replied. The second response was: “You can expect the losers of the culture war to give up and run away to lick their wounds. All along, they were cowards who only wanted to fight when the odds were stacked in their favor. Get rid of the weak sauce.”
Another tweeter asked: “All because Elon campaigned for Trump?” The person was instructed by someone who explained: “Can’t you see the hate and racism that has been rampant here since Elon took it over? Haven’t you read that the new terms and policies will be different? This isn’t about Musk’s campaign for Trump. This is about enabling freedom and a platform for hate.”
I cannot emphasize enough what you might be signing up for whenever you stay on this site the day after tomorrow. This is only one piece of the brand new Terms of Service. You agreed to let Musk SUE YOU FOR MONEY for violating terms of service that nobody reads. pic.twitter.com/Fl82VcZiVF
— Caroleeena 🍉 (@Caroleeenalala) November 14, 2024
Like Union, a horde of public figures have signaled their jump ship with the X. These famous names include Quinta Brunson, Chuck D, Yvette Nicole Brown, Mark Cuban, Senator Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Don Lemon, British newspaper The Guardian, Berlin Film Festival, and the list goes on.
Novelist Stephen King he tweeted November 14: “I’m leaving Twitter. I attempted to stay, however the atmosphere became too toxic. Migration to Bluesky, which has a Twitter-like aesthetic, has exploded and the platform’s user population has surpassed 15 million within the wake of Trump’s controversial victory over Vice President Kamala Harris.
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