“…This year, the 2019 BET Awards featured a blue carpet to honor the late Nipsey Hussle. It’s sentiments like these that make awards shows all the more special in 2019, especially seeing as this particular program is all about celebrating black excellence.

“But not only is Nipsey being remembered by the seams of the blue carpet, but he’s also an honoree for the Humanitarian Award for all his work in supporting L.A. communities… In many instances, the rapper used his own earnings from his craft to fuel opportunities for released prisoners and people who were previously homeless, by creating spaces such as a coworking building, a barbershop, and multiple restaurants.

The late Nipsey Hussle performing at the BET Awards 2018 Pre Show

“To show even more gratitude for Nipsey’s grind, there will also be an upcoming star-studded tribute performance featuring DJ Khaled, YG, and John Legend during tonight’s show. With all that said, it’s quite clear that Nipsey has left an unforgettable mark as a philanthropist in the lives of those who witnessed his journey.”

Read more on Bustle.com

Lizzo rocking a “custom LEWK” on the blue carpet

Credit: Packages and Live Show Assistant Editor

Watch the video on The Frontlash website.

“Director and photographer Bec Lorrimer has a relaxed Australian charm that shines through in her work but belies her enormous passion for ethics, the environment, and sustainable fashion.” Read the full article here.

Credit: Editor

“Memphis got a friendly buzz in the national media following singer Miley Cyrus’ surprise performance Saturday. Social media giant Facebook dispatched the Nashville artist to the Beale Street Music Festival to help launch its new brand campaign. Hardly anyone in the city or on the festival grounds at Tom Lee Park knew she was coming. Facebook made sure everyone who did know stayed mum. After she got up on the stage and sang, Memphis suddenly was all over the celebrity news sites.”

Read the full article on Commercial Appeal

View the full video here

Credit: Lead Assistant Editor

“The 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees are Stevie Nicks, Radiohead, Janet Jackson, Def Leppard, The Cure, and The Zombies.

“Presenters include Harry Styles for Stevie Nicks, Brian May (Queen) for Def Leppard, Janelle Monáe for Janet Jackson, Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails) for The Cure, David Byrne for Radiohead, John Taylor & Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran) for Roxy Music and Susanna Hoffs (The Bangles) for The Zombies.”

Read more at HBO.com

“ ‘I have a lot to say about this,’ Nicks said in a statement, ‘but I will save those words for later. For now I will just say, I have been in a band since 1968. To be recognized for my solo work makes me take a deep breath and smile. It’s a glorious feeling…’

“Joe Elliott of Def Leppard is equally thrilled by the news. ‘Now we can stop holding our breath,’ he tells Rolling Stone. ‘How wonderful to be in the same club as the Rolling Stones and the Beatles and the Who and Queen. . . . It’s a nice badge of honor.’

“For Colin Blunstone of the Zombies — who have been eligible since 1989 and have appeared on three previous ballots — this was the result of incredible patience and persistence. ‘You do start to doubt that it could happen… This is a career-defining [and] life-defining moment.’

“His longtime bandmate Rod Argent echoed Blunstone’s sentiment. ‘I know it’s fashionable in some circles to say, ‘I don’t mind whether I get into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or not,’ he tells Rolling Stone. ‘But that is not how I’ve ever felt. When we were first nominated, that felt like a huge honor in its own right. And this time, to turn the corner and get inducted feels fantastic. . . . I’m just so delighted.’ ”

Read more at RollingStone.com

Credit: Junior Editor / In Memoriam Editor

“Maroon 5, led by frontman Adam Levine, was picked to helm this year’s show. The band was rumored to be the pick as far back as September, but wasn’t officially confirmed until Jan. 13. Maroon 5 will be joined by Travis Scott — whose involvement was rumored back in December. Atlanta native and Outkast rapper Big Boi will also be performing.”

“The game, which is being held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, will be televised on CBS and streamed for free on CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports app.”

“Super Bowl LIII has been marred in controversy since conversations began, largely due to the NFL’s handling of peaceful protests from former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The former football star became a political icon after he took a knee during the National Anthem in protest of police brutality. Many believe that the silent statement led the league to effectively bar Kaepernick from the NFL.”

“Once Maroon 5, Travis Scott and Big Boi were confirmed, they all faced social media backlash for accepting the job. According to a Variety report, Scott agreed to perform after he announced that he, along with the NFL, would donate $500,000 to Dream Corps, a non-profit social justice organization. According to Variety, Scott and Kaepernick “had at least one phone conversation” before Scott accepted the job. ‘While the two did not necessarily agree, they emerged from the conversation with mutual respect and understanding,’ the report said.”

Read the rest of the article on Entertainment Tonight

Pictures from the Chicago Tribune

Credit: Assistant Editor

“The annual show returned to New York City after spending two years abroad with international romps in Paris (2016) and Shanghai (2017).

“The night marked the end of an era for one Victoria’s Secret Angel: Adriana Lima. The supermodel hung up her wings with an emotional tribute, retiring from the fashion show that made her a household name.”

“The show paid a special tribute to Lima, featuring a video montage of clips from her past iconic Victoria’s Secret moments. The video ended with a ‘thank you’ message to Lima before the catwalk darkened and the model herself came out.

“Lima, 37, strutted solo down the runway, visibly tearing up when she reached the end of the runway while the crowd rose to their feet to cheer for the supermodel as she walked in her 19th and final VS show.”

Read the full article on USA Today

Credit: Union Assistant Editor