News

A federal judge appears poised to take a wrecking ball to Miley Cyrus’ motion to dismiss the copyright infringement lawsuit filed over her Grammy-winning hit “Flowers.”

At a court hearing in downtown Los Angeles today, U.S. District Judge Dean D. Pregerson repeatedly indicated he believes plaintiff Tempo Music Investments has adequate standing to move forward with its lawsuit against Cyrus and her co-defendants after Tempo purchased a fractional share of the Bruno Mars song “When I Was Your Man” from one of that song’s four co-authors, Philip Lawrence.

Warner Music Group (Wmg), led by CEO Robert Kyncl, said on Thursday that it has acquired a controlling stake in Tempo Music Investments, an investment platform for premium music rights, from Providence Equity Partners.

Financial terms weren’t disclosed. “Providence will remain a minority investor in Tempo and continue to work with Wmg in an advisory capacity,” the companies said. “Wmg’s investment will also become more accretive over time, as other rights revert to Tempo, and expand the scope of Wmg’s administration and distribution.”

Wmg and Providence partnered to launch Tempo in 2019, combining Providence’s capital and investment expertise with Wmg’s music industry expertise and network to “support, promote, and build value around artists and songwriters globally.” Through a disciplined approach to investments and collaborative work with creative talent, “Tempo has amassed a diverse portfolio that focuses on empowering artists and songwriters, while delivering compelling financial results,...

Miley Cyrus is one of the most influential pop icons of all time. Her ever-evolving artistry and vocal styles continue to win the hearts of fans worldwide all the while landing her with all the praise and accolades she deserves. The song Flowers from her latest eighth studio album Endless Summer Vacation, for one, holds a record that even Taylor Swift can’t beat.

But as much of a fan-favorite this track has gone on to become, winning the Teen Queen of the 2000s yet another Grammy in her long list of awards, it has earned her the limelight for the wrong reasons as well. For one, the 32-year-old singer was reportedly sued with allegations that this respective song of hers was copied from Bruno Mars’ When I Was Your Man.

Miley Cyrus. | Credits: @mileycyrus / Ig.

According to reports, the lawsuit filed against the song that raged on the Billboard...

Miley Cyrus has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit alleging her chart-topping single “Flowers” borrows elements from Bruno Mars’ 2013 hit, “When I Was Your Man.”

The lawsuit, initiated in September by Tempo Music Investments, accuses Cyrus and her co-writers of replicating melodic, harmonic, and lyrical features of Mars’ song without authorization.

Tempo Music’s Claims

Tempo Music, an investment firm that owns a share of the copyright for “When I Was Your Man” via songwriter Philip Lawrence’s catalog, argues that “Flowers” duplicates key musical components. These include the verse’s melodic pitch design, connecting basslines, sections of the chorus, and specific chord progressions.

Tempo asserts that the similarities are undeniable and claims that Cyrus’ hit “would not exist without ‘When I Was Your Man.’”

The lawsuit also highlights the massive success of “Flowers,” released in January 2023 as part of Cyrus’ Endless Summer Vacation album. The track became a...

Miley Cyrus is calling for the immediate dismissal of a lawsuit alleging she and her fellow songwriters copied portions of a Bruno Mars single when they wrote her Grammy-winning banger “Flowers.”

In a new dismissal motion filed in federal court in Los Angeles, Cyrus and her co-songwriters reject any claim they copied protectable elements of Mars’ 2013 Hot 100-charting song “When I Was Your Man” when they penned “Flowers.” But they claim the case has a more pressing “incurable defect,” arguing that the investment firm behind the lawsuit has no right...

Miley Cyrus‘ legal team made a case for the “Flowers” copyright lawsuit to be thrown out of court.

If you were unaware, the 31-year-old Grammy winner and her co-writers were sued in September amid allegations that the chart-topping song copied elements of Bruno Mars‘ hit “When I Was Your Man.”

Bruno was not involved in the lawsuit, which was filed by a company called Tempo Music Investments. They purchased a portion of the the song’s copyright from co-writer, Philip Lawrence.

In newly filed documents, Miley‘s team addressed the suit and explained why it did not hold up in court.

Keep reading to find out more…

According to court documents obtained by Billboard, Miley‘s team argued that the suit could not proceed since Bruno and two of his co-writers were not involved in it.

“Plaintiff unambiguously [says] that it obtained its claimed rights in the ‘When I Was Your...

Keep Music Alive is excited to be working alongside the animated series phenomenon, Bluey, to help inspire more young music makers around the world for Kids Music Day on Friday October 4th.

Keep Music Alive is excited to be working alongside the animated series phenomenon, Bluey

Over 1,200 locations in all US, Canada, UK, Australia and a dozen other countries will this year participate in the 9th Annual Kids Music Day with special events and promotions that benefit and celebrate kids playing music.

As part of the celebration, Bluey digital channels on social media would like to hear fans across the world to create their very own video renditions of the iconic Bluey theme tune. The catchy title track, accompanied by a musical sheet note, will be available on www.Bluey.tv from 4th October, showing everyone how they can be part of Kids Music Day by uploading their musical talents...

Miley Cyrus has been sued for allegedly ripping off Bruno Mars’ “When I Was Your Man” for her Grammy-winning hit song “Flowers.”

The lawsuit, filed in California federal court on Monday, was brought by Tempo Music Investments, which acquired in 2020 a share of the copyright to the Mars track from songwriter Philip Lawrence. It accuses Cyrus of “intentional copying” constituting infringement.

Songwriters Gregory Hein and Michael Pollock, who cowrote the song with Cyrus, Sony Music Publishing, and distributors of the song, including Apple, Live Nation and Amazon, were also named in the complaint, which doesn’t involve Mars on either side.

“Flowers,” written after Cyrus’ divorce with Liam Hemsworth, became an overnight hit when it debuted in January 2023 at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, where it stayed for eight weeks. A year later, it earned Cyrus her first Grammy.

Similarities between the two tracks were immediately apparent. Cyrus...

Miley Cyrus is facing a lawsuit.

The suit claims she and co-songwriters Gregory Hein and Michael Pollack copied portions of a Bruno Mars single when they wrote her Grammy-winning smash “Flowers,” via Rolling Stone.

The lawsuit was filed Monday (September 16) in Los Angeles by Tempo Music Investments, which claims “Flowers” includes unauthorized “exploitation” of several elements of the 2013 Bruno Mars hit, “When I Was Your Man.” The suit also names Sony Music Publishing, Apple, Target, Walmart, and other companies as defendants accused of distributing “Flowers.”

Keep reading to find out more…

Tempo owns part of the U.S. copyrights to the Bruno song, which it acquired from co-writer Philip Lawrence. Bruno, and co-writers Ari Levine and Andrew Wyatt, are not named as plaintiffs in the suit, notably.

The lawsuit additionally notes that co-writer Michael Pollack “refused to comment” on the “Flowers’” similarity to “When I Was Your Man” in an...

Miley Cyrus has been hit with a new lawsuit alleging she and her fellow songwriters copied portions of a Bruno Mars single when they wrote her Grammy-winning banger “Flowers.”

In a new lawsuit filed Monday in Los Angeles federal court, a company called Tempo Music Investments claimed “Flowers” includes unauthorized “exploitation” of several elements of Mars’ 2013 Hot 100-charting song “When I Was Your Man.” The suit also names Sony Music Publishing, Apple, Target, Walmart, and several other companies as defendants accused of distributing “Flowers.”

Tempo Music said that it owns a portion of U.

Earlier this month, Disney confirmed the return of Disney After Hours, a special ticketed event that allows guests to enjoy the parks for three hours after closing. During this time, guests can enjoy shorter wait times for attractions, free snacks and, if you're headed to Magic Kingdom, the return of the nighttime fireworks spectacular Disney Enchantment.

The Disney Enchantment nighttime fireworks spectacular was created specially for Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary. It featured fireworks, projection mapping onto the castle, classic and reimagined Disney songs as well as an original song by 7-time Grammy award-winning songwriter Philip Lawrence. It ran from October 2021 until April 2023.

The show was fine, but as a 50th-anniversary celebration, it felt lacking. Many criticized that it failed to show the significant history of Walt Disney World within the show. In August 2022, it was updated to include a new opening sequence featuring Walt Disney, Roy O. Disney,...

Click here to read the full article.

Danny Trejo will soon be an award-winning memoirist.

The veteran actor, restauranteur and Los Angeles superstar will be honored by Writers In Treatment with an Experience Strength and Hope Award for his book Trejo: My Life of Crime, Redemption, and Hollywood. The honor — named after a well-known saying in 12-step groups — is doled out annually “to an individual who has written a memoir about their career and brutally honest journey from addiction to clean and sober living.”

Last year’s recipient, Ktla anchor, Courtney Friel, will present to Trejo. Also on the program are host Ed Begley Jr., headlining comedian Paula Poundstone, performer Philip Lawrence, presenter Joanna Cassidy and actor James Black who will deliver a spoken word performance. Tony Denison, star of TNT’s Major Crimes, will present the annual Reel Recovery Film Festival’s audience favorite award for Fruckus to filmmaker Evan York.

Eight-time Grammy winner Philip Lawrence to compose score.

Sales agent Foxglove Entertainment, a sister company to Priscilla Ross Smith’s The Coven, is at Mipcom talking to buyers about the documentary Tiny Hearts which follows paediatric cardiac surgeon Dr. William Novick.

The surgeon travels the world operating on children in struggling or war-torn countries and trains local medical teams to provide ongoing care after his departure. Scroll down for the first-look trailer.

Chris dela Cruz, who has previously directed short documentaries, digital campaign ads and music videos, is directing Tiny Hearts and accompanied Novick to Ukraine earlier this year in...

Who will come out on top in the first season of the Come Dance with Me TV show on CBS? As we all know, the Nielsen ratings typically play a big role in determining whether a TV show like Come Dance with Me is cancelled or renewed for season two. Unfortunately, most of us do not live in Nielsen households. Because many viewers feel frustrated when their viewing habits and opinions aren't considered, we invite you to rate all of the first season episodes of Come Dance with Me here.

A CBS family competition series, the Come Dance with Me TV show is hosted by Philip Lawrence with judges Jenna Dewan, Tricia Miranda and Dexter Mayfield. In the program, exceptionally talented young dancers from across the country invite one untrained family member (or another adult who has supported their dance...

TV fans preferred whooping to hooping early on Friday night. But that old crime story standby, the “Damsel in Distress,” also brought in the eyeballs later in the evening.

Fox’s WWE Friday Night SmackDown topped the NBA Playoffs in the demo wars, coming in with an 0.4 to edge out basketball’s 0.3 for ABC.

The wrestling win was surprising, in that the 2022 NBA playoff viewership continues to run well ahead of the past three years.

Coverage of the NBA Playoffs on ESPN, ABC and TNT through Thursday is up 23 from last year and up 29 from 2019, the previous postseason to begin in the month of April (2.80M). Viewership is also up 102 from the months-delayed postseason two years ago.

CBS saw the premiere of reality show Come Dance With Me, which teams young dancers with less athletic family members, score an 0.3 to kick off its night. The show is hosted by Grammy Award-winning songwriter Philip Lawrence.

Vulture Watch

Which novice dancers bring enough fancy footwork to stay in the game? Has the Come Dance with Me TV show been cancelled or renewed for a second season on CBS? The television vulture is watching all the latest cancellation and renewal news, so this page is the place to track the status of Come Dance with Me, season two. Bookmark it, or subscribe for the latest updates. Remember, the television vulture is watching your shows. Are you?  

What's This TV Show About?

Airing on the CBS television network, the Come Dance with Me TV show is hosted by Philip Lawrence with judges Jenna Dewan, Tricia Miranda, and Dexter Mayfield. In the program, exceptionally talented young dancers from across the country invite one untrained family member (or another adult who has supported their dance dreams) to become their dance partner for...

The other networks have been airing dance and talent competitions for years so, it's no surprise that CBS would want to get into the act with Come Dance with Me. Can this new series break through and become a ratings success? Will Come Dance with Me be cancelled or renewed for season two? Stay tuned.

A family competition series, the Come Dance with Me TV show is hosted by Philip Lawrence with judges Jenna Dewan, Tricia Miranda, and Dexter Mayfield. In the program, exceptionally talented young dancers from across the country invite one untrained family member (or another adult who has supported their dance dreams) to become their dance partner for a chance to strut their stuff for a grand prize. The pairs are assisted by professional choreographers and learn different styles of dance, from hip hop and ballroom...

Network: CBS

Episodes: Ongoing (hour)

Seasons: Ongoing

TV show dates: April 15, 2022 -- present

Series status: Has not been cancelled

Performers include: Philip Lawrence (host) with judges Jenna Dewan, Tricia Miranda, and Dexter Mayfield.

TV show description:

A family competition series, the Come Dance with Me TV show was created by Reinout Oerlemans, LL Cool J, and Chris O'Donnell.

In the program, exceptionally talented young dancers from across the country invite one untrained family member (or another adult who has supported their dance dreams) to become their dance partner for a chance to strut their stuff for a grand prize.

Read More…...

The kids are ready to do-si-do. Their parents…well, they’re more of a do-si-don’t. This fun new competition — executive produced by NCIS: Los Angeles stars Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J, who share plenty of daddy-daughter dance experience between them — takes 9- to 15-year-olds with all the right moves and pairs them with less agile family members for a chance to win 100,000. That’s if the grown-ups don’t break an ankle first: Participants attempting styles from ballroom to hip-hop include an interior designer, a social media consultant and the drummer for Limp Bizkit! Notes O’Donnell: “There’s something about seeing people put themselves out there on national TV for the love of their kids and go for it.” Step Up’s Jenna Dewan is one of the trio of judges, and Grammy-winning songwriter Philip Lawrence hosts. Come Dance With Me Series Premiere, Friday, April 15, 8/7c, CBS...

The last thing people might have expected from “NCIS: LA” stars Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J is a reality series where professional child dancers invite their parents onto the dance floor, but it turns out the heartwarming “Come Dance With Me” competition, which premieres April 15 on CBS, is very much in their wheelhouse.

During a virtual CBS panel on Wednesday, O’Donnell revealed he’s been working on the idea for a few years with Reinout Oerlemans at 3 Ball Productions, and that his crime-solving partner on TV wanted in on the project.

“Chris came to me with this germ of an idea and I immediately gravitated towards it, “said Cool J. “I thought it was an incredible idea. I thought it was really fun. I thought the energy was right. This was pre-pandemic, but even at that time, I felt like the world could use a nice family...

Chris O’Donnell was on set at “NCIS: Los Angeles,” checking his emails, when co-star LL Cool J started looking over his shoulder. O’Donnell happened to be reading about a reality TV idea that his buddy Reinout Oerlemans had just pitched.

The concept is what would become “Come Dance With Me,” a new family-oriented dance competition that premieres April 15 on CBS. But at that moment, O’Donnell wasn’t quite sure he was up for working on a competition show.

“[LL] says, ‘What are you looking at?’” O’Donnell recalled. “I told him it was my friend’s idea for a new show. He goes, ‘I think that thing’s hot! You should do it. This is up your alley.’ And then he was like, ‘I’ll do it if you do it!’”

O’Donnell replied to Oerlemans: “So good news, not only will I do it, but my buddy Todd will do it too!

Come Dance with Me is coming to CBS in April. The network has set a premiere date for the dancing competition series, which comes from LL Cool J and Chris O'Donnell (NCIS: Los Angeles). Philip Lawrence is hosting the series with Jenna Dewan, Dexter Mayfield; and Tricia Miranda on the panel of judges. In the series, kid dancers will try to teach one of their adult family members how to dance with complex routines.

Read More…...

The latest dance competition coming to television is one for the entire family — both on and off-screen. Come Dance With Me, from creators and executive producers Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J, will premiere on Friday, April 15 on CBS. Grammy Award-winning songwriter Philip Lawrence serves as host, while dancer and actress Jenna Dewan, professional celebrity dancer Dexter Mayfield, and renowned hip hop choreographer Tricia Miranda are the judges. 5⃣-6⃣-7⃣-8⃣ Don’t miss our new series #ComeDanceWithMe premiering April 15th on CBS. These kids are taking the lead with the most unlikely partner by their side…their parents. pic.twitter.com/1kHuoV6l9j — CBS (@CBS) February 24, 2022 “Come Dance With Me is a fun show with a big heart,” O’Donnell and LL Cool J said in a statement. “The show is about being creative, having a good time and bringing families together through dance. We can’t wait...

CBS has set an April premiere date for Come Dance With Me, the new family dance competition series from NCIS: Los Angeles stars Chris O’Donnell and LL Cool J. The series will debut Friday, April 15 at 8 Pm, succeeding Undercover Boss in the timeslot. It also will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

Created and executive produced by O’Donnell and LL Cool J, Come Dance With Me features exceptionally talented young dancers from across the country who invite one untrained family member who has supported their dance dreams to be their partner, for a chance to strut their stuff for a grand prize. Each week, the kids will share their love of dance with their mother, father, grandparent or other hero on an uplifting and emotional journey to learn and perform challenging routines, with the assistance of professional choreographers, in a competition with other duos.

Paramount Plus has announced that its upcoming live-action “The Fairly Oddparents: Fairly Odder” series will premiere March 31.

Season 1 of “The Fairly Oddparents: Fairly Odder” will be made up of 13 episodes. The series follows Nickelodeon’s animated “The Fairly OddParents” program, which ran from 2001-2017 and focused on the adventures of Timmy Turner and his fairy godparents, Wanda and Cosmo, who magically granted wishes.

The latest chapter is set to focus on Timmy’s cousin, Vivian “Viv” Turner (Audrey Grace Marshall), and her stepbrother, Roy Raskin (Tyler Wladis), as the two face life in Dimmsdale with the help of the fairy godparents. In addition to Marshall and Wladis “The Fairly Oddparents: Fairly Odder” will also star Laura Bell Bundy as Rachel Raskin, Ryan-James Hatanaka as Ty Turner and Imogen Cohen as Zina Zacarias. Original voice cast Susanne Blakeslee and Daran Norris return to voice Wanda and Cosmo (who remain animated in the new series), respectively.

Eight-time Grammy winning songwriter and record producer Philip Lawrence, who’s worked with Adele, Flo Rida, Wiz Khalifa and CeeLo Green, but is best known for his hitmaking association with The Smeezingtons — a no-longer-together songwriting team comprising Lawrence, Ari Levine and Bruno Mars — has hoisted his glamorously appointed apartment in New York’s Lincoln Square area on the market at $8.25 million.

Lawrence, also part of Shampoo Press & Curl — another Grammy-winning songwriting/producing team with his wife, celebrity stylist/fashion designer Urbana Chappa Lawrence, and Bruno Mars — purchased the 38th floor aerie about 2.5 years ago for not quite $7.568 million and subsequently had it worked over in high style by Los Angeles-based designers Patrick Dragonette and Charles Tucker. Notable details of the almost 3,100-square-foot, four-bedroom and four-and-a-half-bath condo include motorized window treatments, custom closets, a built-in safe, camera-equipped security and a comprehensive home automation system.

Light pours in through floor-to-ceiling windows and...

Exclusive: Sanaz Yamin is moving from management into production.

Yamin, who was a partner at management company Mainstay Entertainment, which represents Trevor Noah, has been named as President of The Daily Show host’s production company Day Zero Productions.

Yamin’s appointment comes after Haroon Saleem, who was President of Production at Day Zero, left the company, as revealed by Deadline, last month.

It’s one of a number of personnel moves at Noah’s firm, after former Marvel TV exec Devon Quinn joined as SVP of Television to oversee live-action and animated TV development and production. Quinn, as well as VP, Development Ashley Dizon report to Yamin.

Yamin is an executive producer on the movie adaptation of Noah’s autobiography Born a Crime as well as the reboot of classic The President’s Analyst, both in development at Paramount. Other producing credits include the Emmy nominated Kid Of The Year special,...

Exclusive: Senior UTA talent and packaging agent Rob Lee is segueing to the talent management side of the business. Lee is joining Mainstay Entertainment’s founding partners, Norman Aladjem, Ray Moheet, Derek Van Pelt and Sanaz Yamin, as a partner. Lee already shares several clients with Mainstay including creator Dan Patterson and eight-time Grammy winner Philip Lawrence (Come Dance With Me).

During his career Lee has represented many prominent names in the industry, most recently Tyra Banks, Eugenio Derbez, and Jon Taffer, among others. He also represents several U.S. and international production companies, documentary filmmakers and showrunners.

Lee recently initiated and packaged the HBO hit series House Of Ho, the new CBS primetime series House Calls with Dr. Phil, and the international hit series De Viaje Con Los Derbez among others. Lee, a seasoned television executive is also an award-winning producer whose credits include Enslaved with Sam Jackson, Americas Best Dance Crew, Millionaire Matchmaker, the feature film Crossroads starring Britney Spears and the miniseries Dean Koontz’s Mr. Murder.

Said Lee, “After many productive and wonderful years wearing various hats in this business, including my most recent and rewarding experience at UTA, I can honestly say that joining Mainstay feels like coming home. I can continue to represent great talent and also make a more significant creative contribution. I’m honored to be joining such an expert and dedicated group who are working with some of the industry’s most talented and respected artists”.

Mainstay CEO Norman Aladjem stated, “Rob and I have been good friends forever and I’ve always admired his passion, creative spirit, and expertise across the entire entertainment landscape. Not only will Rob help augment both our management business and our production arm, but as a human being he’s a perfect fit for our company culture.”

David Kirsch and Geoff Suddleson, UTA Partners and Co-Heads of Unscripted Television, said “Rob has played an integral role on our team at UTA, and we value everything he has contributed to help grow our department. We look forward to working with him in his new capacity.”

Mainstay Entertainment represents clients including Lupita Nyong’o, Trevor Noah, Katherine Heigl, Aaron McGruder, Jennette McCurdy, Maz Jobrani, Roy Wood, Jr., and Emmy nominated director David Paul Meyer.

On the feature film production side, Mainstay most recently produced the independent feature film Before I Go written and directed by Eric Schaeffer and starring Annabella Sciorra and Robert Klein, currently in release, as well as A Simple Wedding, starring Tara Grammy, Rita Wilson and Academy Award nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo, which premiered at the Los Angeles Film Festival. Among the Mainstay features in development are the film adaptation at Paramount of Trevor Noah’s bestselling memoir Born a Crime with Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o set to star in and produce and Liesl Tommy attached to direct, and the vampire Western Sun Always Sets in the West with Danny McBride and Rough House Pictures at Lionsgate.

On the television side, Mainstay most recently produced the Emmy nominated Kid of the Year for Nickelodeon and Time Studios, and a number of comedy specials for Trevor Noah, Roy Wood Jr., Maz Jobrani and Josh Johnson. Mainstay also produced Black Jesus from creator Aaron McGruder and is currently in production on the reboot of The Boondocks.

Cmnty Culture Films, a sub-division of Philip Lawrence’s Cmnty Culture, announced that they will be the lead production company on “The Last Plantation.”

The film, which marks the company’s debut project, follows the untold true story of a Black soybean farmer, John Boyd Jr., and white accident attorney, James Farrin, as they overcome long odds and Washington gridlock to obtain $1.25 billion for over 18,000 Black farmers who had been discriminated against by the U.S. government. Boyd Jr. and Farrin took on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (Usda) — which had been nicknamed “the last plantation,” after decades of reported unjust treatment of Black farmers — with the case ultimately resulting in one of the largest civil rights settlements in history.

“The Last Plantation showcases everything that Cmnty Culture stands for with its underlying themes of racial justice and social equity,” Lawrence said, announcing the project. “It’s an important story to tell,...

CBS' Come Dance with Me has its host and one of its judges in place. Dancer/actress Jenna Dewan (above) and songwriter and producer Philip Lawrence have joined the upcoming competition series. A premiere date for the new show has not been announced as yet.

revealed more about the additions in a pair of short press releases.

“Eight-time Grammy Award winner Philip Lawrence joins Come Dance With Me as host of the new CBS family dance competition that showcases exceptionally talented young dancers from across the country. Performing since the age of four and writing songs since his early teens, Lawrence is now best known for his long-time partnership with Bruno Mars as his co-producer and co-writer. From executive producers LL Cool J and Chris O'Donnell, the series features young dancers who invite one inspirational,...

Exclusive: CBS is continuing to set the stage for its upcoming dance competition series Come Dance with Me.

The network has set Philip Lawrence, best known for his songwriting partnership with Bruno Mars, as host of the show.

Lawrence, who recently starred in Netflix’s Christmas film Jingle Jangle, which he co-wrote and co-produced the music, has been a co-writer and co-prodcuer with the Grenade star for a number of years. He has won eight Grammys including Album of the Year for Mars’ 24K Magic and performed with Mars at the Super Bowl halftime show.

He also runs Cmnty Culture, a music and entertainment company which includes a record label that operates out of Lawrence’s recording studio, The Record Plant.

It comes after Deadline revealed that World of Dance host Jenna Dewan was set as one of the judges for the series.

The series, which is exec produced by...

Predicting the nominees for Best Original Song at the Oscars is made more difficult by the three-stage process. In years past, many seemingly sure-fire contenders were deemed to be ineligible. Even those ditties that clear this hurdle then have to pass muster with the nearly 400 members members of the music branch of the academy. In recent years, upwards of 75 songs have been in the running. (Scroll down for the most up-to-date 2021 Oscar predictions for Best Original Song.)

To be even eligible for consideration, a tune must meet these criteria:

It must be an original song with words and music, both of which were original and written specifically for the film;

It must be the result of a creative interaction between the filmmaker(s) and the songwriter(s) who have been engaged to work directly on the film; and

There must be a clearly audible, intelligible, substantive rendition (not necessarily visually...

Of course, 2020 was a year like no other when it came to screen entertainment. As the coronavirus pandemic shut down productions across the U.S., it allowed Netflix to continue churning out content from its deep arsenal of movies and series.

Last year, Netflix put forth no fewer than eight original song contenders, including contributions from Taylor Swift and John Legend. What are the chances the streamer will dominate, and ultimately win, in the category? Two words: Diane Warren.

The legendary songwriter has been nominated for original song 11 times, but never won. If the Academy feels she’s long overdue, “Io Si (Seen),” her contribution to Netflix’s “The Life Ahead,” the Sophia Loren starrer whose song is performed in Italian by Laura Pausini, is as deserving as they come. Warren wrote the lyrics in English before it was translated. As she explains of the film’s two main characters,...

Usher and a choir of over 90 singers from around the world deliver a multilingual version of “This Day,” a song from Netflix’s recent holiday film, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey.

Usher and Kiana Ledé helmed the original version of “This Day” — written by Philip Lawrence and Davy Nathan — from the film’s soundtrack, and both appear in the new clip for the song. The video opens with some footage from the movie, featuring stars Justin Cornwell and Sharon Rose, before Usher and Ledé lead an international dubbing cast as...

As major record labels drill down on signing and breaking as many artists as possible, Cmnty Culture — a 1-year-old indie label, founded by eight-time Grammy-winning songwriter Philip Lawrence, A&r exec Malik Rasheed, and marketing executive Chief Johnson — wants to do the very opposite.

Cmnty’s goal is to cultivate a small but potent group of artists who believe in, as the label’s name suggests, community. While many other music companies are billing themselves as artist-first ventures these days, Cmnty promises that it’s deeply invested in the concept:...

Filmmaker and playwright David E. Talbert could very well be the preeminent auteur of holiday movies. In 2016, he directed Almost Christmas which was followed by El Camino Christmas in 2017. On November 13, the director will bookend his unofficial holiday trilogy with Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey on Netflix.

The musical starring Forest Whitaker, Phylicia Rashad, Keegan-Michael Key, Anika Noni Rose, Hugh Bonneville, Ricky Martin and newcomer Madalen Mills calls back to the days of old Hollywood, serving classic movie musical magic. However, it is stocked with contemporary charm with original songs by John Legend, Philip Lawrence and Davy Nathan. In addition, it’s stacked with a cast that is primarily Black — something that we have never really seen in the holiday musical genre.

Set in the town of Cobbleton, Jingle Jangle follows legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Whitaker) whose inventions are filled with whimsy. Things take a turn when his trusted apprentice...

‘Tis already the season to be jolly, as Netflix has begun to launch its 2020 slate of holiday movies, TV series and specials.

The list includes sequels like “The Princess Switch: Switched Again” and “The Christmas Chronicles: Part Two,” as well as the debuts of movies “Holidate” and “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey,” and shows “Dash & Lily” and “Holiday Home Makeover with Mr. Christmas,” and the Christmas specials/series finales for “The Big Show Show” and “Ashley Garcia: Genius in Love,” along with many more titles.

If you’re already looking ahead to next year, Netflix has revealed that its ordered a third “Princess Switch” movie starring Vanessa Hudgens, which will begin production in Scotland later this year for a holiday 2021 release.

See Netflix’s full release schedule for its new holiday content below.

Movies

“Holidate” – Oct. 28

Sloane (Emma Roberts) and Jackson (Luke Bracey) hate the holidays. They constantly find themselves single,...

Like a gorgeously decorated tree with a few too many presents stuffed under it, “Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey” is excessive but never unwelcome. An ambitious original musical packed to the gills with visual delights, it’s the kind of Christmas movie that can charm adults into looking past its flaws while turning delighted children into lifelong fans.

On the heels of his charming ensemble comedy “Almost Christmas,” writer-director David E. Talbert fearlessly marries whimsy and steampunk, sentimentality and science fiction, with big musical numbers composed by Philip Lawrence, Davy Nathan and Michael Diskint, plus one from John Legend (who executive produced the film). That this big, bright Netflix extravaganza features a principally Black cast is not insignificant in the history of cinema, particularly in the history of large-scale family musicals and of Christmas movies.

We open with a grandmother played by Phylicia Rashad, reading a Christmas story to her grandchildren from an extraordinary book,...

At this very moment, Halloween decorations are coming down, shattered Jack-o-Lanterns are being swept up, and bounties of candy are being traded by the most discerning of Trick ‘r Treaters. Yes, All Hallows’ Eve is done and November is here.

Seasonally that means warm sweaters and warmer, fuzzier movies at the cinema (or streamer in 2020 parlance). Even though we are still nearly two months away from Christmas, a glance at the upcoming November releases reveal it’s already the season to be jolly. But there’s more than feel-good cheer. There are also horror movies, awards contenders, and comedies to look forward to, whether in a theater or from the comfort of your own home.

Let Him Go

November 6 in the U.S. (December 11 in the UK)

Did you walk away from Man of Steel wishing you could just get a film about Kevin Costner and Diane Lane dealing with...

Netflix released the first full trailer for Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey on Sunday, revealing a musical adventure perfect for the holidays.

Set in the fictional Cobbleton, the David E. Talbert-directed film follows legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker) and his inventive granddaughter (newcomer Madalen Mills) as they construct a magical invention that, if they can get it to work in time for the holidays, could change their lives forever.

Keegan-Michael Key, Sharon Rose, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose, Kieron Dyer, Justin Cornwell, Lisa Davina Phillip, Hugh Bonneville star alongside Whitaker and Mills.

The film features original songs by John Legend, Philip Lawrence, Davy Nathan, and “...

Netflix released the first full trailer for Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey on Sunday, revealing a musical adventure perfect for the holidays.

Set in the fictional Cobbleton, the David E. Talbert-directed film follows legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Forest Whitaker) and his inventive granddaughter (newcomer Madalen Mills) as they construct a magical invention that, if they can get it to work in time for the holidays, could change their lives forever.

Keegan-Michael Key, Sharon Rose, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose, Kieron Dyer, Justin Cornwell, Lisa Davina Phillip, Hugh Bonneville star alongside Whitaker and Mills.

The film features original songs by John Legend, Philip Lawrence, Davy Nathan, and “...

Exclusive: Ricky Martin has been cast in Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey, with the Grammy winner and actor joining the ensemble of Netflix’s first original live-action musical film that already includes Keegan-Michael Key, Phylicia Rashad, Anika Noni Rose, Forest Whitaker and newcomer Madalen Mills.

Written and directed by David E. Talbert, the film is set in the town of Cobbleton and follows legendary toymaker Jeronicus Jangle (Whitaker), whose fanciful inventions burst with whimsy and wonder. But when his trusted apprentice (Key) steals his most prized creation, it’s up to his equally bright and inventive granddaughter (Mills) and a long-forgotten invention to heal old wounds.

Martin is donning the motion capture suit to play Don Juan Diego, a devious 12-inch matador, in the film, which will launch globally on the streamer November 13.

The film features original songs by John Legend, Philip Lawrence, Davy Nathan and “This Day” performed by Usher and Kiana Ledé.

Keep Music Alive, the music education non-profit organization, today announced that Emmy, Tony, and Golden Globe nominated star Matthew Morrison will serve as the official spokesperson for the 5th Annual Kids Music Day.

Matthew is best known for his role as Will Schuester on the Fox television show Glee from 2009-2015, as well as award-winning projects on Broadway, including Hairspray, The Light In The Piazza, and Finding Neverland. Matthew is also a recording artist with 3 studio albums including “Disney Dreamin’ with Matthew Morrison” released on Walt Disney Records earlier this year.

The 5th Annual “Kids Music Day” will be celebrated on Friday October 2nd, 2020. Each year, Keep Music Alive partners with music schools, music stores and other music organizations around the world to hold special events that benefit and celebrate kids playing music. The goal is to highlight the importance of including music in children’s education. Events held by participating locations include open houses,...

The 4th Annual “Kids Music Day” will be celebrated on Friday, October 4th, 2019.

Each year, Keep Music Alive partners with music schools, music retail and other music organizations worldwide to highlight the importance of including music in children’s education. Events held by participating locations include open houses, instrument petting zoos, student music performances, community/family jams, instrument donation drives and more. It is estimated over 750 locations worldwide will help celebrate during Kids Music Day weekend in 2019.

Over a dozen celebrity artists are showing their support for Music Education by lending their name as Kids Music Day Ambassadors including:

Julie Andrews, Jack Black, Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Michael Feinstein, Kenny Loggins, Richie Sambora, Sarah McLachlan, Vanessa Williams, Victor Wooten, Todd Rundgren, Philip Lawrence, Bernie Williams, Damien Escobar, Mandy Harvey.

Kids Music Day is also being supported by Casio Emi, Alfred Music, Remo, Conn-Selmer and the D’Addario Foundation,...

The 4th Annual “Kids Music Day” will be celebrated on Friday October 4th, 2019.

Kids Music Day Ambassadors

Each year, Keep Music Alive partners with music schools, music retail and other music organizations worldwide to highlight the importance of including music in children’s education. Events held by participating locations include open houses, instrument petting zoos, student music performances, community/family jams, instrument donation drives and more. It is estimated over 600 locations worldwide will help celebrate during Kids Music Day weekend in 2019.

A number of celebrity artists are showing their support for Music Education by lending their name as Kids Music Day Ambassadors including:

Julie Andrews, Jack Black, Ann & Nancy Wilson of Heart, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Michael Feinstein, Richie Sambora, Sarah McLachlan, Vanessa Williams, Victor Wooten, Todd Rundgren, Philip Lawrence, Bernie Williams, Damien Escobar, Mandy Harvey.

Kids Music Day is also being supported by Casio Emi, Alfred Music, Remo, Conn-Selmer and the D’Addario Foundation,...

Netflix unveiled its first unscripted music show today. “Westside,” which premieres globally on Nov. 9, is a genre-defining eight-episode series that follows the lives, loves and assorted struggles of nine aspiring artists (including former “American Idol” finalist Pia Toscano) as they pursue ever-elusive success in the modern-day music industry. Eschewing the standard competition-style format, this innovative approach intersperses raw docu-series footage with slick music videos and 20 original songs that emphasize the show’s themes and character story arcs.

The production quality of the series’ cinema-verite approach, along with a gritty, unfiltered look at the reality of struggle for success in Hollywood, makes “Westside” the polar opposite of the sanitized fantasy-like “Cinderella” story approach of a show like “American Idol.”

“Westside” also features original music written by some of today’s top hitmakers, among them Diane Warren, Philip Lawrence, Ryan Tedder, Shane McAnally, Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd, Pat Monahan, Johan Carlsson, Ross Golan,...

In today’s TV News Roundup, Sanaa Lathan has joined Jordan Peele’s “Twilight Zone” reboot and “Upload” at Amazon adds two to its cast.

First Looks

Netflix has released the trailer for “Westside,“ a new unscripted series that looks into the journeys of nine L.A. musicians as they struggle to follow their dreams. Debuting on Nov. 9, each episode features original songs and music videos. Cast members include Sean Patrick Murray, Pia Toscano, James Byous, Arika Gluck, Austin Kolbe, Caitlin Ary, Leo Gallo, Alexandra Krekorian, and Taz Zavala. Assisting them along the way are a few industry giants, including music producer Philip Lawrence, acting coach Susan Batson, and music director Keith Harrison.

Casting

Sanaa Lathan has joined the first season of “The Twilight Zone,” a CBS All Access reboot of the original CBS television show. The series hails from Jordan Peele, who will also serve as the narrator. Lathan...

Our forum posters are brutally honest. That was evidenced on the 60th anniversary of the Grammy Awards: our outspoken regulars were ready to dish out some generous praise, but also some harsh truths. Posts spanned the emotional gamut from one saying “I’ll never watch the Grammys again” in response to Bruno Mars‘s shocking sweep to proclaiming that Best New Artist winner Alessia Cara “slays.”

Take a look below for some of the best praise and shade from our forums. Read more and have your say here. And make sure to check out the complete list of winners in over 80 categories.

Album Of The Year: “24K Magic,” Bruno Mars

Eric Close: I’m never watching the Grammys again.

Lovc: Lorde deserves better!

OscarsSoWrong: I like Bruno, but this is undeserved.

Rinolo Twenty-two: It’s a good album, don’t be haters.

Record Of The Year: “24K Magic,” Bruno Mars

JGibson: I mean,...

After three previous nominations for Song of the Year, Bruno Mars is finally a winner.

The 32-year-old singer/songwriter picked up a Grammy on Sunday for “That’s What I Like,” alongside co-writers Christopher Brody Brown, James Fauntleroy, Philip Lawrence, Ray Charles McCullough II, Jeremy Reeves, Ray Romulus and Jonathan Yip.

“I’ve known these guys for over a decade,” Mars said in his acceptance speech at the 60th annual awards in N.Y.C. “All those horror stories you’ve heard about the music business, we’ve been through all of it. That’s the first time on this...

Winners of the 60th annual Grammys were revealed on Jan. 28 in a two-part ceremony. The majority of the 84 Grammy Awards were handed out in a non-televised event, the Premiere Ceremony, that began at noon Pt/3 p.m. Et and was hosted by Paul Shaffer in The Theater at Madison Square Garden.

The televised portion of the Grammys began on CBS at 4:30 p.m. Pt/7:30 p.m. Et. Winners in the top 10 categories were announced during a three-and-a-half hour concert in the main arena at Madison Square Garden that aired live nationwide. “The Late Late Show” host James Corden emceed for the second year running.

Last year Beyonce was the queen of the Grammy Awards with nine nominations. This year her husband Jay-z reaped a leading eight bids for his lucky 13th studio album “4:44.” Kendrick Lamar has seven nominations for his album “Damn” while Bruno Mars earned six for his disc “24K Magic.