See what we’re chatting about over hot chocolate:
• The 2014 Grammy Hall of Fame class has been announced and The Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” and Run DMC’s “Walk This Way” are among the 27 songs selected for entry. “Spanning the 1930s or the 1980s, this year’s Grammy Hall of Fame entries represent a diverse collection of influential and historically significant songs,” said President/CEO of The Recording Academy Neil Portnow. “These recordings are proudly added to our growing catalog—knowing that they have become part of our musical, social and cultural history.” Other songs by James Brown, Miles Davis, Dolly Parton and more will be added to the canon. [Grammy]
• Ruben Studdard was eliminated for the second time from NBC’s The Biggest Loser. He was let go after having the lowest weigh-in amongst his red team members. He lost just two pounds in the last week. However, Studdard has lost a whopping 70 pounds overall. “I’m very proud that I lost 70 pounds,” said the singer. “Those pounds were hard fought. i earned every one of them.” [Today]
• Usher is truly committed to his new movie, Hands of Stone. it’s a biopic about boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard. For the role, Usher dropped about 20 pounds, taking his weight down from his usual 180 pounds to 146 pounds—the exact weight Leonard fought at. “My commitment to this character demands that I not only physically get ready, but also become him,” said Usher. [EURweb]
• Teyana Taylor has been dropped from her partnership with Adidas. When asked if the decision to let her go stemmed from her Twitter feud with Rihanna the company said, “…Adidas partners with athletes and artists who blend well with our brand values. We evaluate our relationships with partners based on the values we hold as Adidas and we don’t condone violence of any kind.” [Madame Noire]