Month: April 2024

Beyoncé’s new country-inspired album, “Cowboy Carter” has broke the Spotify record for the most-streamed album in a single day in 2024 so far, with Spotify posting on its social media accounts: “This is also the first time a country album holds the title this year.” The 27-track album was released last Friday.

The lead single off Cowboy Carter, “Texas Hold ‘Em,” was streamed on the platform over 200 million times, sending it to the top spot on the US Top 50 chart. According to Billboard, that achievement makes Beyoncé the first woman – and first Black woman – to have topped both the Hot Country Songs and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs since the lists began in 1958.

Cowboy Carter features a host of Black country musicians, as well as appearances from the legendary Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, as well as collabs with Post Malone and Miley Cyrus. In addition, Beyoncé and JAY-Z’s 6-year-old daughter, Rumi, has a guest spot on the track, “Protector.”

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Lionsgate and Universal Pictures announced additional cast members for the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic Michael from director Antoine Fuqua, per Deadline. According to the filmmakers, Michael will give “a riveting and honest portrayal” of the life and career of Jackson, who died at age 50 in 2009.

New casting additions include Larenz Tate, who will play Motown Records founder Berry Gordy, with Kendrick Sampson set to portray Grammy-winning songwriter, composer and music producer Quincy Jones. Kat Graham and Liv Symone have been cast as legendary singers Diana Ross and Gladys Knight, respectively, while Jessica Sula will play Jackson’s sister, La Toya Jackson. In addition, KeiLyn Durrel Jones will portray Bill Bray, who was hired by Joe Jackson in the 1970s as security for the Jackson 5, with Kevin Shinick cast as Dick Clark, who hosted American Bandstand when the Jackson 5 made a legendary early appearance.

Previously announced casting includes Jaafar Jackson (Jackson’s nephew) as Michael Jackson, Colman Domingo as Joe Jackson, Nia Long as Katherine Jackson, and Miles Teller as John Branca. Prince Jackson, Michael Jackson’s eldest son, is working with the filmmakers on set, on behalf of his siblings.

Producer Graham King said in a statement: “I’m thrilled that we were able to bring together such a gifted group of actors for this film. What they bring to these key roles provides a rich backdrop for the movie, adding to the extraordinary ensemble.” In addition to King, producers include the co-executors of the Michael Jackson estate, John Branca and John McClain.

Michael will open worldwide in theaters on April 18, 2025.

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Academy Award winner Louis Gossett Jr. has died at age 87.  Gossett Jr.’s family said in a statement obtained and shared by PEOPLE: “It is with our heartfelt regret to confirm our beloved father passed away this morning. We would like to thank everyone for their condolences at this time. Please respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.”

Gossett’s first cousin Neal L. Gossett told The Associated Press that the actor died in Santa Monica, California, with a statement from the family sharing that Gossett died Friday morning. No cause of death was revealed, however, Gossett battled prostate cancer and respiratory illness caused by toxic mold in his former home prior to his death.

Gossett was best known for his Emmy award winning work in Roots and for his Oscar-winning performance in the 1982 film An Officer and a Gentleman, in which he portrayed Sgt. Emil Foley.  Gossett’s win for Best Supporting Actor made him the first Black man to earn an Academy Awards in that category. Other notable roles include  his Golden Globe-winning performance as Sidney Williams in the HBO film The Josephine Baker Story.

Gossett’s most recent credits include Will Reeves in the HBO series Watchmen and Ol’ Mister in the 2023 adaptation of The Color Purple.  Gossett was married three times and is survived by two sons — Satie, a producer-director from his second marriage (to Christina Mangosing, which ended in divorce in 1975), and son Sharron, a chef whom Gossett adopted at 7-years-old. Gossett is also survived by his first cousin, actor Robert Gossett.

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Actor Chance Perdomo, star of the “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” and “Gen V,” has died following a motorcycle accident. He was 27.

Perdomo’s publicist confirmed the actor’s death in a statement to Variety: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Chance Perdomo’s untimely passing as a result of a motorcycle accident. Authorities have advised that no other individuals were involved. His passion for the arts and insatiable appetite for life was felt by all who knew him, and his warmth will carry on in those who he loved dearest. We ask to please respect the family’s wish for privacy as they mourn the loss of their beloved son and brother.”

Perdomo played Ambrose Spellman in all four seasons of Netflix’s “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” which starred Kiernan Shipka in the title role.  The actor also starred in Prime Video’s Gen V in the role of Andre Anderson, a popular student and Luke’s best friend with magnetic manipulation capabilities. He appeared on the superhero series, a spinoff of The Boys, alongside Jaz Sinclair, Lizze Broadway, Maddie Phillips and London Thor. Per Deadline, in light of Perdomo’s death, production on Season 2 will be pushed back.

Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television issued a statement regarding Perdomo’s tragic death: “The entire Gen V family is devastated by the sudden passing of Chance Perdomo. Amazon MGM Studios and Sony Pictures Television extend our heartfelt thoughts and support to Chance’s family and all who loved him at this difficult time”.  The producers of ‘Gen V’ also shared the statement: “We can’t quite wrap our heads around this. For those of us who knew him and worked with him, Chance was always charming and smiling, an enthusiastic force of nature, an incredibly talented performer, and more than anything else, just a very kind, lovely person. Even writing about him in the past tense doesn’t make sense. We are so sorry for Chance’s family, and we are grieving the loss of our friend and colleague. Hug your loved ones tonight.”

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