‘Little Big Shots’ Gets Season 2 Renewal on NBC After 2 Episodes

It only took two episodes for NBC to renew Little Big Shots for a 13-episode second season!

According to Deadline, the network expected that the show would do well, and already it’s been great to watch! Host Steve Harvey said, “I’ve been amazed at how smart and talented these kids are.” Ellen DeGeneres, who is executive producer of the series along with Steve, added,  “They may be small in stature, but they’re giants in what they’re able to do.”

The Sunday premiere of the show averaged a 2.8 rating in adults 18-49 and 14.8 million viewers overall in Live and Same Day, making it NBC’s most-watched regularly scheduled Sunday entertainment program since March 2005, excluding post-Super Bowl shows. 

The high ratings and high anticipating has paid off and granted the show another season! You can catch these little singers, dancers, and more every Sunday on NBC 8:00 p.m. EST!

Image via NBC

REVIEW: The Wiz Live!

The Wiz Live!, a live remake of the Broadway version of The Wiz, aired on just hours ago on NBC, and EVERYONE is talking about it!

The cast was jam-packed with great talent including Elijah Kelley (Scarecrow), Ne-Yo (Tin Man), David Alan Grier (Cowardly Lion), Queen Latifah (The Wiz), Mary J. Blige (Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West), Uzo Aduba (Glinda, the Good Witch of the South), Amber Riley (Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North), Stephanie Mills (Aunt Em), Common (The Bouncer) and introducing Shanice Williams (Dorothy). Of course, we all know the story. It follows Dorothy who, after getting swept in a tornado, attempts to find the Wiz with new friends to make it back home. She, Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion learn a lot about themselves during the journey. Of course, The Wiz has a lot more flavor than the original, and this live version stays true to that.

Of course, we know there were great expectations with this musical, seeing as The Wiz is considered a classic, especially in the black community. However, I watched it as if I was watching it for the very first time, because trying to compare would have sucked the fun out of it. With a star-studded cast, special effects, great choreography and music, vibrant costumes, and the fabulous Cirque du Soleil, The Wiz Live! truly shined. It was an incredible musical to watch at home, perfect for the family, and it left me so moved and inspired!

What I loved about this version of the musical is that it sticks to the original plot and feel of The Wiz, but still manages to include modern technology, slang, music, and even dances (I know y’all saw Ne-Yo with the Dab!). It was seamless combining the feel of both the original and new eras. The songs and choreography were awesome (shout out to choreographer Fatima Robinson). The sets and costumes were bright and beautiful, and the visual effects were great. And what can I say about the Cirque du Soleil performers and background singers?! They were such a great addition to this production.

The cast themselves had great chemistry!  Everyone shined in their moments on stage. Shanice, in her debut, held her own with these well-known talents, giving solid, clear vocals and showcasing her training in musical theater. I think she has a little bit more growing to do in the acting field, but she definitely made her mark tonight. Mary J. did pretty well, though, at times, I didn’t believe her in her role as Evillene. It seemed a tad bit forced. Overall though, I enjoyed the cast

The music. I must talk about this music. Now, I’ve loved me some Amber since back when Glee first aired, and Elijah since his role as Seaweed in Hairspray, so I know their talent as singers.  Of course, Queen, Ne-Yo, and Mary can sing, and Stephanie Mills, who was Dorothy in the original play, is legend. They all did well. However, David’s passion in his voice took me for a great surprise! He really stood out in this role, especially when he sang. But it was Uzo’s version “Believe in Yourself, and Shanice’s “Home,” that BROUGHT DOWN THE HOUSE! I knew that Uzo was trained at Julliard and heard she could sing, but had just never heard her before. Her voice and appearance was stunning, and a complete 180 from her role as Crazy Eyes in Orange is the New Black. Shanice, as a newcomer, had something to prove, and she did so by closing the show with that classic song. Her vocals are pretty distinct, and, with her enunciation and tone, you can tell she was trained in the theater. She did a great job. Unfortunately, the soundtrack isn’t available until December 11th (at least on iTunes), but you can preorder now. 

The Wiz Live! boosted my spirits and gave me inspiration and motivation. I know that’s probably odd to say about a musical, but there were so many great words of wisdom in the script as well that stuck with me. Plus, as a black woman, to see this entire production of black people giving their all on a stage was so beautiful to me. It really was watching black excellence. I was really proud.

I read on the New York Times website, that this play is a test run for a Broadway revival! From what I’ve read on social media, people loved it, so we’re able to go see it in New York! I would definitely make that trip.

RATING: ★★★★ ½ (Four and a half stars)

What did you think of The Wiz Live?

Images via NBC

Arnold Schwarzenegger Will Replace Donald Trump on Celebrity Apprentice

NBC has announced a new “CEO” for Celebrity Apprentice—Arnold Schwarzenegger!

According to Entertainment Weekly, the former California governor and actor will lead the series, set to return in 2016. He takes the reins from Donald Trump, who was fired himself from the show back in June, when NBC reportedly cut ties with him after his derogatory remarks towards Mexican immigrants.

“We are thrilled to be opening a powerful new chapter in the story of the Apprentice franchise,” said Paul Telegdy, president of alternative and late night programming for NBC Entertainment. “Arnold Schwarzenegger is the epitome of a global brand in entertainment and business, and his accomplishments in the political arena speak for themselves. It was Arnold’s personal passion for the format that Mark Burnett and Donald Trump built over the last decade, as well as his fresh take on how to take it to new heights for today’s audiences, that made him the man to hire. The Celebrity Apprentice … will be back!”

“I have always been a huge fan of The Celebrity Apprentice and the way it showcases the challenges and triumphs of business and teamwork,” Arnold said in a statement. “I am thrilled to bring my experience to the boardroom and to continue to raise millions for charity. Let’s get started!”

I’m not a huge fan of the show myself, but I’m intrigued to see  how Arnold will be as a host. Guess we’ll see next year!

Image via Johannes Simon/Getty Images

Full List of Winners at the 2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards

The 2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards aired on NBC last night, March 29. Of course, as previously reported, Justin Timberlake took home the Innovator Award for his creative work in the industry. However, did your favorite celebs win anything?

Check out the full list of winners below (via Us Weekly)!

Best Lyrics
“All of Me” — John Legend
“Blank Space” — Taylor Swift — WINNER
“Counting Stars” — OneRepublic
“Habits (Stay High)” — Tove Lo
“Stay With Me” — Sam Smith
“Thinking Out Loud” — Ed Sheeran

Hip Hop/R&B Song of the Year
“Don’t Tell ‘Em” — Jeremih featuring YG — WINNER
“Drunk in Love” — Beyonce featuring Jay Z
“Flawless” — Beyonce
“Loyal” — Chris Brown featuring Lil Wayne and Tyga
“New Flame” — Chris Brown featuring Usher and Rick Ross
PHOTOS: The funniest awards show audience reactions

Best New Artist
Iggy Azalea
Bastille
Sam Smith — WINNER
Cole Swindell
Meghan Trainor

Country Song of the Year
“Bartender” — Lady Antebellum
“Burnin’ It Down” — Jason Aldean — WINNER
“Dirt” — Florida Georgia Line
“Give Me Back My Hometown” — Eric Church
“Play It Again” — Luke Bryan

Best Fan Army
5SOSFAM — 5 Seconds of Summer — WINNER
Arianators — Ariana Grande
Bey Hive — Beyonce
Team Breezy — Chris Brown
Sheerios — Ed Sheeran
Church Choir — Eric Church
Directioners — One Direction
Selenators — Selena Gomez
Mendes Army — Shawn Mendes
Swifties — Taylor Swift

Best Collaboration
“Bang Bang” — Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj — WINNER
“Dark Horse” — Katy Perry featuring Juicy J
“Fancy” — Iggy Azalea featuring Charli XCX
“Problem” — Ariana Grande featuring Iggy Azalea
“Talk Dirty” — Jason Derulo featuring 2 Chainz

Renegade
Iggy Azalea
Charli XCX
Brantley Gilbert — WINNER
Hozier
Meghan Trainor

Dance Song of the Year
“Animals” — Martin Garrix
“Blame” — Calvin Harris featuring John Newman
“La La La” — Naughty Boy featuring Sam Smith
“Summer” — Calvin Harris — WINNER
“Waves” — Mr. Probz
PHOTOS: Rockstar romances

Alternative Rock Song of the Year
“Come With Me Now” — KONGOS
“Do I Wanna Know?” — Arctic Monkeys
“Fever” — The Black Keys
“Something From Nothing” — Foo Fighters
“Take Me to Church” — Hozier — WINNER

Song of the Year
“All About That Bass” — Meghan Trainor
“All of Me” — John Legend
“Happy” — Pharrell Williams
“Shake It Off” — Taylor Swift — WINNER
“Stay With Me” — Sam Smith

Artist of the Year
Iggy Azalea
Luke Bryan
Ariana Grande
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift — WINNER

Image via Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for iHeartMedia

Yaya Dacosta Snags Lead Role in Upcoming NBC Drama

Yaya Dacosta is really making a name for herself as an actress! The star has snagged a lead role in an upcoming NBC drama!

According to That Grape Juice, Yaya will appear as a character in the 19th episode of NBC’s Chicago Fire this season, which will launch the show’s spinoff Chicago Med. Yaya will play Maggie Seaver, a nurse with romantic ties to Chicago Fire’s Kelly Severide, who is played by Taylor Kinney. 

The Chicago Med  episode was created and written by Chicago Fire creators/executive producers Derek Haas and Michael Brandt, executive producer Matt Olmstead and executive producer Dick Wolf, according to Deadline.

It’s great that we’re seeing all these great shows with strong black female leads! Yaya will join the ranks of Kerry Washington, Viola Davis, Jada Pinkett Smith, Taraji P. Henson, and Nicole Beharie, who all have a starring role in top network shows.

Image via That Grape Juice

Full List of Nominations for 2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards!

The 2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards are coming! The award show will air live on NBC at L.A.’s Shrine Auditorium on March 29 from 8-11 pm ET! According to E! Online, it will also be broadcast simultaneously on iHeartMedia stations nationwide and across the iHeartRadio digital music platform.

The list of nominees have officially been released, and, at no surprise (at least to me), Iggy Azalea and Sam Smith lead the pack with five nominations each! Ariana Grande and Taylor Swift both received four nominations themselves. Can’t say I’m in total agreement with the list, but there’s a lot of deserving artists!

Fans will get to be involved in the selection of the winners in the Best Fan Army and Best Lyrics categories, as well as for the first-ever Renegade Award, sponsored by Jeep. Voting begins March 2 and ends March 20. 

Check out the full list of nominees below!

Artist of the Year

Iggy Azalea

Luke Bryan

Ariana Grande

Sam Smith

Taylor Swift

Song of the Year

“All About That Bass” — Meghan Trainor

“All of Me” — John Legend

“Happy” — Pharrell Williams

“Shake It Off” — Taylor Swift

“Stay With Me” — Sam Smith

Best Collaboration

“Bang Bang” — Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj

“Dark Horse” — Katy Perry featuring Juicy J

“Fancy” — Iggy Azalea featuring Charli XCX

“Problem” — Ariana Grande featuring Iggy Azalea

“Talk Dirty” — Jason Derulo featuring 2 Chainz

Best New Artist

Iggy Azalea

Bastille

Sam Smith

Cole Swindell

Meghan Trainor

Country Song of the Year

“Bartender” — Lady Antebellum

“Burnin’ It Down” — Jason Aldean

“Dirt” — Florida Georgia Line

“Give Me Back My Hometown” — Eric Church

“Play It Again” — Luke Bryan

Hip Hop/R&B Song of the Year

“Don’t Tell ‘Em” — Jeremih featuring YG

“Drunk in Love” — Beyoncé featuring Jay Z

“***Flawless” — Beyoncé

“Loyal” — Chris Brown featuring Lil Wayne and Tyga

“New Flame” — Chris Brown featuring Usher and Rick Ross

Dance Song of the Year

“Animals” — Martin Garrix

“Blame” — Calvin Harris featuring John Newman

“La La La” — Naughty Boy featuring Sam Smith

“Summer” — Calvin Harris

“Waves” — Mr. Probz

Alternative Rock Song of the Year

“Come With Me Now” — KONGOS

“Do I Wanna Know?” — Arctic Monkeys

“Fever” — The Black Keys

“Something From Nothing” — Foo Fighters

“Take Me to Church” — Hozier

Best Lyrics

“All of Me” — John Legend

“Blank Space” — Taylor Swift

“Counting Stars” — OneRepublic

“Habits (Stay High)” — Tove Lo

“Stay With Me” — Sam Smith

“Thinking Out Loud” — Ed Sheeran

Best Fan Army

5SOSFAM — 5 Seconds of Summer

Arianators — Ariana Grande

Bey Hive — Beyoncé

Team Breezy —Chris Brown

Sheerios — Ed Sheeran

Church Choir — Eric Church

Directioners — One Direction

Selenators — Selena Gomez

Mendes Army — Shawn Mendes

Swifties — Taylor Swift

Renegade

Iggy Azalea

Charli XCX

Brantley Gilbert

Hozier

Meghan Trainor

Who do you hope will win?

Image via Brian Steffy/Getty Images