Before we head into the weekend, we’ve got to talk about what’s new in music, TV and movies.
Alexandra Shipp, star of the Drumline sequel and Lifetime’s Aaliyah biopic, is going to blow you away with her next role. Literally. The actress is slated to play a young Storm in the the upcoming X-Men prequel. The original film featured Halle Berry as the weather manipulating heroine. X-Men: Apocalypse is set to premiere in May 2016. [Access Hollywood]
Paula Abdul is getting back into the reality TV judging chair. The former American Idol judge will join the panel on So You Think You Can Dance this summer along with “Talk Dirty” singer, Jason Derulo. Auditions for the talent show begin this Saturday. [Access Hollywood]
R&B Divas star Monifa Carter has snagged a 2015 GLAAD Media Award nomination. Carter made history last summer by airing her wedding to her longtime girlfriend Terez Mychelle on national television. Other GLAAD Awards nominees include Laverne Cox, How To Get Away With Murder, and ESSENCE Magazine.Rihanna has walked away victorious after winning her lawsuit against Topshop. The pop star sued the British retailer for $5 million dollars after they used her image on one of their shirts without her permission. The judge ruled that the shirts were damaging to her “goodwill” and represented a loss of control over her reputation in the “fashion sphere.” Good for you, Ri Ri! [Hello Beautiful]Toyota is good for more than making cars. The car manufacturing company spread the wealth by donating $50,000 to five Historically Black Colleges and University (HBCUs) in honor of Martin Luther King Junior’s legacy. “To help further the principles he so effectively championed, and in keeping withToyota Financial Services’ deeply rootd commitment to diversity and inclusion, TFS is honored to support the mission od HBCUs and the dreams they help make possible,” TFS President and CEO Micke Groff said. [Black Enterprise]
