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buzzz worthy. . . As a part of its rebranding efforts the Gospel Music Channel (GMC) will change its name and logo to UP TV this June. The network decided to move the name change from September to June due to positive feedback from advertisers and viewers. In the past, the name has been somewhat a hindrance Siegel said the network decided to move up the re-branding of the network’s name and logo to June after receiving positive feedback from viewers and advertisers on the new moniker. He added that recent network research has found that network non-viewers are 116% more likely to watch the network with UP as its name rather than GMC. “The name was a bit of a barrier for the network, so we’ve removed that barrier and we think we’ll see tremendous results just with the rebrand,” Siegel said. The network also announced it will be running 66 original programs over the enxt rtwo years. That includes On the programming front, the network will launch 40 original movies, 22...

buzzz worthy. . . Sen. Rand Paul  (R-KY) changed his position on the Civil Rights Act when responding to a question at an event that was held at Howard University yesterday. It’s a mischaracterization of my position. I’ve never been against the Civil Rights Act, ever, and I continue to be for the Civil Rights Act as well as the Voting Rights Act. There was a long, one interview that had a long, extended conversation about the ramifications beyond race, and I have been concerned about the ramifications of certain portions of the Civil Rights Act beyond race, as they are now being applied to smoking, menus, listing calories and things on menus, and guns. And so I do question some of the ramifications and the extensions but I never questioned the Civil Rights Act and never came out in opposition to the Civil Rights Act or ever introduced anything to alter the Civil Rights Act. MSNBC host Rachel Maddow said Paul is flat out lying: “I remember [ the interview ] because it...

buzzz worthy. . . This Sunday on "Married to Medicine"  a fight turns a black tie affair into a black eye brawl. Mariah Huq and  Kari Wells, despite having a fall out during a wine-tasting in the last episode, hosted a swank joint party for their husbands Aydin and  Duncan respectively .  The blow up happens when Toya confronts Mariah about her mom's rude treatment at the event. Mariah was already infuriated with Toya for revealing a secret and talking about her mom caused her to snap.  Before Quad, Mariah's sidekick, rushes over to break up the vicious fight, a glass of wine is tossed and  and a purse is flung.  Apparently, it gets nasty because a voice in the background asks for a doctor.  Check out the previews of the ladies exchanging punches by the pool-side.  "Married to Medicine" airs on Bravo on Sundays at 9-10 p.m. (EST). Mariah Huq stars in and produces the doc-series "Married to Medicine" Toya Bush-Harris ...

If Barbie could talk she'd sound like Valerie Lukyanova.  A 21-yer-old from the Ukraine, she looks just like a human Barbie doll.  From her perfect skin tone, to the tiny waist and wide, winged eyes she has achieved a doll-like look that is so convincing she seems to be unreal. Lukyanova was discovered sharing make-up tips on Youtube.

  Greater Than  In Stores June 4 Tribbett Performed on BET’s Celebration of Gospel (Nashville, TN – April 8, 2013) – Motown Gospel/Kingdom Music recording artist Tye Tribbett’s new single “If He Did It Before…Same God” enters at #1 on iTunes. The single is also #17 on  Billboard ’s Hot Gospel Singles chart. And his Motown Gospel debut project,  Greater Than , will be in stores on June 4 (see attached CD cover). On the historic night of the launch of Motown Gospel at the Arc Theatre in Los Angeles, GRAMMY ® - nominated and multiple Stellar Award-winner, Tye Tribbett performed “If He Did It Before…Same God” and other new music from his Motown Gospel debut album,  Greater Than , for a standing room audience of over a 1,000 industry VIPs and supporters from all over the country. With additional performances by Tribbett’s label mates Smokie Norful, Kierra Sheard and Tasha Cobbs, the Motown Gospel showcase was streamed live to nearly 200,000 viewer...

buzzz worthy. . . The 27-year-old son of "Purpose Driven Life" pastor and author Rick Warren has committed suicide .  Saddleback Church announced the death of Matthew Warren in a statement.  It said he dies  Friday night.  Described as a "gentle, King and compassionate" young man. Matthew struggled with mental illness that led to years of depression and  suicidal thoughts.  The family sought the est medical attention to help him according to the statement.

buzzz worthy. . . Leandria Johnson and Forest Walker are celebrating their nuptials this weekend. According to a source involved in the event, Johnson announced she was getting married on April 5 during a Palm Sunday concert at Showers of Blessings Church in Shreveport, LA. Walker is Johnson's longtime beau and musician. He plays keyboards in her band called The Band of Life.  They share a son, Caelington Forest Walker, who was born last year. Days ago, The Slice was the first to report about the pending marriage.  Johnson posted an "I Said Yes" video on Socialcam, but did not spill any details. So we did some research and are happy to be among the first to congratulate the newlyweds!

buzzz worthy. . . LOS ANGELES (April 2, 2013) --  This is an exciting time for recording artist  JAVEN  with his recent signing at Tysot Records and also the debut of his new radio single  "Worshiper In Me,"  which officially released everywhere today,  Tuesday, April 2nd .   "Worshiper In Me"  is a great lead single for his upcoming live album release,  "Worship In The Now,"  which he describes as more than a project, but a movement. Penned by  JAVEN  and  Jonathan Nelson ,  "Worshiper In Me"  is a transparent worship song which lyrically and musically grabs your attention with its authenticity.   It's lyrics speak directly to the open, willing and submitted heart to come forth as a true worshiper of Christ.   As a singer, songwriter and worship leader,  JAVEN  through his own heart of submission, calls the worshiper to come forth through the lyrics,  "With everything I...

buzzz worthy. . . It's true: Jimmy Fallon will succeed Jay Leno as the host of the The Tonight Show, NBC confirmed today in a press release. This shift was rumored to have been in the works for a while.  The late night program will move from Hollywood and Burbank, CA to the East Coast and be produced by Saturday Night Live's  Lorne Michaels.  Leno's departure is planned to occur following the conclusion of the  Winter Olympics in the Spring of 2014. Leno, 62, has been a late night television host since 1993.  September 2009, Leno started a primetime talk  The Hollywood reporter indicated   that  Saturday Night Live  's  Seth Meyers  is being eyed as Fallon's  Late Night  replacement .

(NEW YORK, NY)  Nederlander Presentations, Inc., Independent Presenters Network, Chunsoo Shin, Luigi Caiola  and  Stewart F. Lane/Bonnie Comley  are pleased to present the new Broadway production of international musical sensation  JEKYLL & HYDE , starring Tony Award nominee Constantine Maroulis  in the dual title role of 'Dr. Henry Jekyll' & 'Edward Hyde' and Grammy-nominated R&B superstar  Deborah Cox  as 'Lucy'. Following the completion of its current national tour, the 13-week limited Broadway engagement of  JEKYLL & HYDE  will begin previews on Friday, April 5, 2013 and open on Thursday, April 18, 2013, at the  Marquis Theatre  (1535 Broadway). Tickets are now on sale to the general public via  www.ticketmaster.com  /1-800-745-3000. After four thrilling, chilling years on Broadway and multiple worldwide tours, this dark and dangerous love story returns in a stunning new production that...

buzzz worthy. . . Leandria Johnson is engaged.   .  . right?  After midnight, the Grammy winning gospel artist posted a brief "I said yes" video on Socialcam showing off a ring. "I said  yes.  Can you believe it Socialcam?. . the newness?"  We see the ring, the big smile and the gleam in her eye, but Johnson never says "I am getting married" or "I am engaged." A source close to the singer  informed me that marriage was in the plans with the father of her last child, Caelington who was born last September 12.    This could be the moment. We are awaiting confirmation of this "presumptive posting" from Johnson or an official party. We hope it is in fact an engagement announcement and wish the couple well.  If they are indeed tying the knot I will let you know when the church bells will be ringing.