::THE SLICE REPORT WITH MONA AUSTIN

By Mona Austin The Aretha Franklin estate has released a statement correcting shady critiques from day-time talk show host Wendy Williams,  who criticized an upcoming movie of the iconic singer's 1972 Gospel concert recording, "Amazing Grace."  The event was a match made in heaven between "The Queen of Soul" and the "King of Gospel," Rev. James Cleveland and his choir. Recorded at New Temple Missionary Baptist Church located in the Watts neighborhood of Los Angeles, this record is the top-selling live gospel recording of all time. The long-delayed documentary film is finally being released on April 19, having been in the vault for 46 years.  Williams showed a clip from Franklin's performance, dissed her appearance and the quality of the footage, assuming Franklin would not have wanted the film to be released. VIEW THE AMAZING GRACE TRAILER The estate said Williams' commentary “indicates that she has neither seen the documentar...

Talk Show host Wendy Williams is taking an indefinite absence from her duties in her 10th anniversary year.  Williams. 54 has had some health struggles that require she is hospitalized. A statement for her family follows: As Wendy Williams Hunter previously shared, she fractured her shoulder and has been on the mend. Over the past few days, Wendy has experienced complications regarding her Graves’ Disease that will require treatment. Wendy will be under the strict supervision of her physicians, and as part of her care, there will be significant time spent in the hospital. Despite her strong desire to return, she is taking a necessary, extended break from her show to focus on her personal and physical well-being. Wendy thanks everyone in advance for their well-wishes and for respecting her and The Hunter Family’s privacy during this time.” Statement from Debmar-Mercury For over ten years, Wendy has been a vital part of the Debmar-Mercury family. We wholeheartedly support...

buzzz worthy. . . Fashion insiders Lloyd Boston, Bevy Smith and Robert Verdi will join Wendy to break down the red carpet fashions of major awards shows NEW YORK, NY – BET Networks launches a new one-hour red carpet fashion specials series,  WENDY’S STYLE SQUAD , that will break down the red carpet fashions of major awards shows. Join fashionista and host of  “The Wendy Williams Show” Wendy Williams  as she brings her “Say It Like You Mean It’ approach to all things fashion, from the gowns and jewels to the red carpet attitude!  Wendy  will be joined by a panel of fashion insiders -  Bevy Smith ,  Lloyd Boston , and  Robert Verdi  for  WENDY’S STYLE SQUAD premiering Tuesday,  February 16, at 9 PM ET/PT  and will highlight the fashions from this year’s Grammy Awards®. Following the premiere, BET will air five additional episodes surrounding some of the biggest fashion and pop culture events, including the BET Awards®, ...

buzzz worthy. . . CENTRIC has announced the nominees for SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2014, which will celebrate and honor R&B’s finest and most soulful artists on November 7, 2014 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas.  Hosted by Wendy Williams, this year’s fete will take Vegas by storm with not -to-be missed moments, including unforgettable performances, iconic tributes, and appearances by today’s leading musicians. The SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2014 will air on CENTRIC and BET on November 30, 2014 at 8PM ET/PT. SOUL TRAIN AWARDS 2014 will honor artists in 12 different categories. R&B star Chris Brown leads the pack with seven nominations, including Best R&B/Soul Male Artist, Song of the Year for “Loyal” featuring Lil Wayne and Tyga, and Video of the Year for “New Flame” featuring Usher.  Beyoncé follows with six nominations, including Best R&B/Soul Female Artist, and Pharrell Williams is next in line with five nominations, including Best R&B/Soul Male Artist of the Yea...