Tapings of episodes of The Wendy Williams Show and Nick Cannon have been canceled because of the rise in cases of COVID-19 in New York City. Williams has been off the show since September as she focuses on her health issues — the talk show host has Graves disease. Guest hosts have been filling in for her while she is away.

The talk show’s Instagram account posted: “Due to the growing number of new COVID-19 cases and to ensure a safe return for our crew members and staff, “The Wendy Williams Show” will now return with new live episodes on Monday, January 10, rather than Monday, January 3, as previously scheduled. @MichaelRapaport, @KymWhitley & @FinesseMitchell and @sherrieshepherd will guest host the shows as previously announced. We continue to observe all relevant New York City health and safety protocols, and wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.”

Cannon posted on Instagram: “Due to the growing number of new COVID-19 cases and to ensure a safe return for our crew members and staff, “Nick Cannon” will now return with new episodes on Monday, January 10, instead of Monday, January 3, as previously scheduled. We continue to observe all relevant New York City health and safety protocols, and wish everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.”

FOX also announced it has canceled its planned live broadcast of the New Year’s special, Toast & Roast 2022 starring former Community castmates Ken Jeong and Joel McHale.  Six and The Lion King were the latest Broadway shows to cancel performances until after Christmas because of COVID-19. They join a list that includes Dear Evan Hansen, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, Ain’t Too Proud and Hadestown.

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HBO Max has shared the trailer for the new special ‘Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts,” featuring Harry Potter stars Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint.

The preview shows Radcliffe, Watson, Grint and other cast members reflect and reminisce on the Harry Potter film series and the franchise’s legacy. Says Radcliffe: “The thing that scared me the most was the implication that the most meaningful thing in our life was done, and there’s something so joyous about seeing everyone and be like, ‘It wasn’t, though.’”  Adds Watson: “When things get really dark, and times are really hard, there’s something about Harry Potter that makes life richer.”

Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Robbie Coltranr, Jason Isaacs, Gary Oldman, Imelda Staunton, Tom Felton, James Phelps, Oliver Phelps, Bonnie Wright, Matthew Lewis and Evanna Lynch will also take part in the special, which celebrates the 20th anniversary of the first film, ‘Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.’  The special will “tell an enchanting making-of story through all-new, in-depth interviews and cast conversations.”

Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts will premiere Jan. 1, 2022, on HBO Max.  Take a look at the trailer – here.

https://ew.com/movies/harry-potter-20th-anniversary-return-to-hogwarts-reunion-trailer/

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Mary J. Blige made her return to the music scene earlier this month with two new tracks: “Good Morning Gorgeous” and “Amazing”. The legendary artist dropped the visual for “Good Morning Gorgeous” a short time ago, is Blige is now sharing the music video for “Amazing,” featuring assistance from DJ Khaled.

The video shows Blige and Khaled having a party in a mansion, and also feature cameos from Diddy and stylist Misa Hylton.

Take a look at Mary J. Blige’s video for “Amazing” – here.

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The late Juice WRLD has earned his fourth No.1 on Billboard’s Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart with “Fighting Demons.”  The album is the fourth consecutive leader and fifth overall chart appearance for the late rapper-singer, who died in December 2019 of an accidental overdose.

Juice WRLD’s debut effort, Goodbye & Good Riddance, peaked at No.3 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums in August 2018, a few months before his first chart-topper, Future and Juice WRLD Present…WRLD on Drugs, debuted at No.1 that November. His next release, 2019’s Death Race for Love, topped the charts for two weeks, while his first posthumous LP, 2020’s Legends Never Die, sat at No. 1  for three weeks.

Billboard also reported that Demons debuted at No.1 on the Top Rap Albums chart and at No.2 on the all-genre Billboard 200, behind Adele’s 30.  You can buy or stream ‘Fighting Demons’ at the link – here.

https://www.billboard.com/pro/juice-wrld-fighting-demons-number-1-rb-hip-hop-albums-chart/

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Apple TV+ has released an animated short film featuring the voice talents of the Ted Lasso cast in “The Missing Christmas Mustache.”

In the four-minute piece, the AFC Richmond team, along with Rebecca and Keeley, help Ted search for a lost item that ultimately leads him to realize the meaning of the holiday season. The short features the voices of Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, Brendan Hunt, Jeremy Swift, Juno Temple, Brett Goldstein, Phil Dunster, and Nick Mohammed.

The special comes on the heels of Ted Lasso winning multiple Emmy Awards and being named an AFI Television Program of the Year. Two seasons of Ted Lasso are available on Apple TV+, and the third season is set to be in production in February.

Take a look at the animated short The Missing Christmas Mustache – here.

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Actress Alicia Witt announced that her parents were found dead in their home, after a relative performed a welfare check on them after Witt hadn’t heard from them ‘for several days.’

Witt, 46, said in a statement: “I reached out to a cousin who lives close to my parents to check on them. Sadly, the outcome was unimaginable. I ask for some privacy at this time to grieve and to wrap my head around this turn of events, and this surreal loss.”  Witt asked the family member to check on her mother, Diane Witt, and her father, Robert Witt, at their Worcester, Massachusetts, home on Monday, December 2oth.  Alicia’s relative called the police to ask for assistance in checking on the Witts. Once officers entered the house, they found the couple deceased but discovered no obvious causes of death. The police listed Robert’s age as 87 and Diane’s as 75.  The fire department also visited the residence to check on the home’s air quality, but firefighters found no evidence of carbon monoxide or other dangerous gases. The Massachusetts medical examiner will perform autopsies to determine the Witts’ cause of death.

Witt made her acting debut at age 7 in 1984’s “Dune”and has also appeared in “Orange Is the New Black,” “Twin Peaks” and “The Walking Dead.”

https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2021/12/22/alicia-witt-parents/6591640187128/

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Memphis rapper Young Dolph was tragically shot and killed in his hometown last month, and now Gucci Mane — one of Young Dolph’s closest friends — is paying homage to the late rapper with a new song called “Long Live Dolph”.  Gucci just unveiled a music video for the track, which features some old clips of Young Dolph, as well as footage from his memorial service.

The song is produced by Metro Boomin & Zaytoven, and appeared on Gucci Mane’s new project “So Icy Christmas“.

Watch the visual for Long Live Dolph at the link – here.

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Lil Wayne, Foo Fighters, The Smashing Pumpkins and Three 6 Mafia will headline the 2022 lineup of the “Beale Street Music Festival.” The event, which returns after two years off due to the pandemic, will be held at Memphis Fairgrounds April 29 – May 1, 2022 while its usual home of Tom Lee Park is redesigned.

DaBaby, Moneybagg Yo, Modest Mouse, Lindsey Buckingham, and The Glorious Sons are also aboard for Beale Street Music Festival 2022. Toad the Wet Sprocket, Sarkodie, Dirty Honey, Soccer Mommy, Trigger Hippy, Sue Foley and Kenny Brown round out the event’s initial lineup.

The full lineup featuring over 60 artists will be announced in early February. Beale Street Music Festival 2021 ticket packages are on sale now here.

Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, And More Announced For 2022 Beale Street Music Festival

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Rapper Lil Durk and Morgan Wallen shut down Lower Broadway and Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar in the music video for their viral single, “Broadway Girls.”

Wallen first teased “Broadway Girls” in early October with a snippet of the track on social media. On Monday (Dec. 20), the GRAMMY-nominated rapper and country hitmaker surprised fans with the release of the new music video, directed by Jerry Productions and Justin Clough.

Take a look at the video for “Broadway Girls” – here.

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46-year-old television and radio personality Ryan Seacrest has signed a multi-year deal extension with MRC Live & Alternative to host and executive produce ABC’s Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve for years to come. 2021 will mark Seacrest’s 17th year as host and the special’s 50th anniversary. This year’s show will air Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

Seacrest said: “It’s been a privilege to spend the last 17 years ringing in the new year on Times Square with friends in person and at home. I’m looking forward to continuing the traditions and making new memories as we go into this next chapter. I’m grateful I get to do what I love every year and collaborate with the best-in-class teams at MRC and ABC on this annual event.”

Seacrest first joined the special in 2005 after creator and original host Dick Clark had a stroke. Clark served as co-host until his death in 2012. This year, Seacrest will host the New York special in Times Square; and Billy Porter and Ciara will host the New Orleans and Los Angeles celebrations, respectively.

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