Newsletter Wednesday, December 07, 2016

[LaineyGossip.com - Calling all smuthounds!] Wednesday, December 07, 2016 [Intro for December 7, 2016] Dear Gossips, As you now know, Beyoncé received 9 Grammy nominations for Lemonade yesterday, the most of any artist, and in categories ranging from rap and R&B to pop and rock, which speaks to how limitless she is as an artist. But today’s intro is not about Beyoncé. It’s about Solange. While Beyoncé is now the most nominated female artist in Grammy history, Solange earned the first Grammy nomination of her career in the Best R&B performance category for Cranes In The Sky, arguably the best song from her outstanding album A Seat At The Table (Kathleen [reviewed it here]). NPR actually named A Seat At The Table [the Best Album of 2016], ahead of Lemonade at #2. It’s perhaps the first time Solange has ever come before her sister. Who are you if you are Beyoncé’s sister? Is this an unfair question? Probably. But we ask it anyway, and often, of two people who are profoundly connected and yet exist in both perceived and self-imposed imbalance. Zadie Smith just wrote a book about that called Swing Time, about two close friends who grow up together, one more talented in the art of performance, the other more talented in the power of observation. I did think about Beyoncé and Solange while reading it. About how the narrator, who remains unnamed throughout the novel, relegates herself, for far too long, to the status of spectator instead of participant, and what ends up happening when she finally decides to become the story. The consequences are brutal but I’m not convinced there’s no promise in that kind of devastation. Which is not say that that’s an exact comparison to Solange’s personal and professional narrative. But there’s been a process at work that we were only just made aware of this year. Two years ago, in a post about Solange, I wondered how and when Solange would [find her peace and her place]. Her “Seat At The Table”. Let me admit here, in bold, that I underestimated Solange. I did not think music was how Solange would get there. But Solange delivered a masterpiece, the same year that Beyoncé delivered a masterpiece. You remember what she tweeted back in February, right after Beyoncé dropped Formation? She was talking about herself too. She just knew before everyone else. Yours in gossip, Lainey [Click here for the rest of the photos.] Posted at 2:34 PM [Smutty Social Media, December 7, 2016] [Mariah Carey switches on the Empire State Building’s Christmas lights, December 6, 2016] A sign of true friendship is being able to say “What the f-ck are you wearing?” [Note @oprah sent to my asst this am "plz tell Gayle I'm on treadmill & it's hard to focus w/the circus around your neck" I think she's WRONG thoughts?] A photo posted by Gayle King (@gayleking) on Dec 6, 2016 at 1:01pm PST Was there no way someone could have carried her up the ladder?! This was probably more of a struggle than The Revenant. [I know you can't tell from the clouds but this was a once in a lifetime, magical moment! This was taken at the very top of the #EmpireStateBuilding. I had to climb a ladder in heels to get there but it was worth it! Thank you @empirestatebldg for a great night. 🎄🌟🎅🏻☃️ . . . . [📷 photo: Jeff Kravitz @jeffkravitz]] A photo posted by Mariah Carey (@mariahcarey) on Dec 7, 2016 at 7:00am PST How did the publicist in the room explain Rita’s occupation to Kevin? This is actually a scenario where he could say “neat” and it would be appropriate. (That’s a Truth Or Dare deep cut.) [When the Bodyguard comes to life 💚] A photo posted by Rita Ora (@ritaora) on Dec 7, 2016 at 6:11am PST Jeremy Renner has been spending time with Hong Kong-based model and actress Jennifer Tse. Interestingly, she grew up in and around Vancouver, like his ex-wife Sonni. Not that this photo means he and Jennifer are dating – maybe she’s just playing tour guide. [Fun ride around town with @jennifertsetingting #hongkongtour #hongkong #harley thx for the company] A photo posted by Jeremy Renner (@renner4real) on Dec 7, 2016 at 2:05am PST [JR x JT on wheels 🕶 @renner4real #jeremyrenner #hongkong] A video posted by Jennifer Tse 謝婷婷 (@jennifertsetingting) on Dec 7, 2016 at 3:12am PST A few months ago I was in Vegas and left my hotel and the street was blocked with people crowding around a van. They were taking pictures and screaming, jumping up to get a better look – it was chaotic, even for the Strip. When I finally got through to the other side I saw who everyone was freaking out about: Craig Robinson. I thought it was Donny and Marie or something. [Mini Spamalot reunion to celebrate @christianslaterofficial's fancy @gq cover!] A photo posted by Jesse Tyler Ferguson (@jessetyler) on Dec 7, 2016 at 7:27am PST Elsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth are shooting a movie together and let’s be real it will be probably be terrible, as most movies starring real-life couples are. [Day two, Horse soldiers shooting with my on and off screen love @chrishemsworth/ segundo día de rodaje en Horse soldiers, con mi marido dentro y fuera de pantalla @chrishemsworth 👌😜😍] A photo posted by Elsa Pataky (@elsapatakyconfidential) on Dec 6, 2016 at 8:28pm PST Megan Mullally and Molly Shannon hanging out at the [Manchester By The Sea holiday party.] [@meganomullally and me. (Our husbands are in the back) #manchesterbythesea] A photo posted by Molly Shannon (@theofficialsuperstar) on Dec 4, 2016 at 3:12pm PST Busy Phillips creates the most intricate Elf on the Shelf tableaus. This is a drive-in theatre, the movie selection is Sully. I haven’t even taken my Elf out of the box yet. I don’t like the eyes follow you around the room. [Last night, the elves took all their buddies to a drive in movie theater to see SULLY, obviously. #elfontheshelf] A photo posted by Busy Philipps (@busyphilipps) on Dec 7, 2016 at 6:44am PST [Click here for the rest of the photos.] Posted at 7:44 PM [Katie’s upcoming birthday] [Katie Holmes at the New York premiere of All We Had, December 6, 2016] [Katie Holmes] is promoting the film she directed, All We Had. The premiere was last night. She looks good in this dress, presumably it’s Zac Posen, but I’m still not feeling those bangs. While doing interviews in support of the film, Katie was asked about a Dawson’s Creek reunion. Michelle Williams has already shut that down, at least for her character, Jen Lindley, and [Katie did too], saying that: “I don’t think we’re going to do a reunion. We did grow up, but we see each other every now and then. I think that the charm of the show was Kevin Williamson’s writing and it was of that time and it gave teenagers this voice. It was a very, very special time — a special show and I loved every minute of it.” I agree. Nobody needs to go back to Capeside. But you know how Entertainment Weekly does those reunion issues? And the cast members give an oral history of their shows? I don’t remember ever reading one for Dawson’s Creek. Do you? I feel like I would have memorised it. Anyway, I wonder if they’d be able to pull that together for the 20th anniversary. Which is only a year away, January 2018. On the subject of milestones and birthdays – Katie’s is on December 18th. I know this off by heart because she shares a birthday with [Brad Pitt]. And I’ve even mentioned it here before how I’ve always found this interesting, like the astrology of it. And then today, when I recalled this factoid, well the first thought that to me was… oh… what would Katie Holmes + Brad Pitt look like? Which is basically my segue to say that the reason I haven’t posted about World War Brange yet is because there are updates by the day. So for those of you asking, this afternoon I’ll have a new article. [Click here for the rest of the photos.] Posted at 6:50 PM [Ryan’s “first day out”] [Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone at the Hollywood premiere of La La Land, December 6, 2016] La La Land Hollywood premiere last night. La La Land, as you know, is a frontrunner for Best Picture, in a tight race right now with Moonlight and, maybe, Manchester By The Sea although I feel like Manchester’s big hope might be Casey Affleck, [the alleged sexual harasser]. I feel like there’s a La La Land screening every other day. Which is not unusual this time of year, during campaign season, when films try and build as much momentum and support as possible. [Emma Stone] and director Damian Chazelle have shown up for all of those events, carrying the promotion for La La Land over the last 4 months. [Ryan Gosling]’s been working on Blade Runner in Budapest. He was at TIFF and maybe a couple of other appearances but for the most part he’s been largely absent. Until now. Now when it matters most. La La Land opens next week. If it does well at the box office its chances for Oscar only get better. So here’s Ryan last night with the team, telling [The Wrap] that, “This is my first day out. I’ve been in Budapest for five months, so I’m a little bit out of the game.” You know the effect Ryan Gosling has on a crowd, right? The screaming was apparently intense. They’re hoping that they’ll be screaming all the way into the theatres next week. This is Ryan Gosling in a romance. Not a murdering romance. But a singing, dancing romance. Nobody’s saying Notebook but Ryan Gosling in The Notebook was what started the Ryan Gosling hug-pillow and the colouring books and the hysteria. And this is what I’d be leaning into if I were marketing this movie. A Ryan Gosling love story. Vs the Chris Pratt/Jennifer Lawrence love story. [Click here for the rest of the photos.] Posted at 5:55 PM [Willow and Jada’s Chanel date night] [Willow Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith attend the 'Chanel Collection des Metiers d'Art 2016/17 : Paris Cosmopolite' : Photocall at Hotel Ritz on December 6, 2016 in Paris, France] Zoe Kravitz and Lisa Bonet. Those are the only two names I could come up with when I was trying to think of another Hollywood mother/daughter duo that could pull off wearing matching outfits and look as effortlessly stylish and as straight-up badass as [Jada Pinkett Smith] and [Willow]. Last night, Jada and Willow were at Chanel's annual Chanel Collection des Metiers d'Art 2016/2017 showcase at the Ritz Paris wearing complementary black dresses, both rocking lace and fur accents. On another mother/daughter celeb combo, this would be cheesy. Willow and Jada look dope. Willow is a Chanel Ambassador. She just turned 16. This is the most grown up I’ve ever seen her look and Jada basically hasn’t aged in 20 years. Jada tweeted about the event and called it a “[Mommie Daughter night in Paris.]” Say what you will about the Smith family, but I think it’s sweet that they genuinely seem to like hanging out with each other. Pharrell, Cara Delevingne and Lily-Rose Depp were also at the event. Again, Willow is 16. At 16, I wanted nothing to do with my mother because I was a brat. At 16, if I was at an event with PHARRELL, my mother wouldn’t exist. But is it different when your mom is famous? Does that make the teenage embarrassment thing go away? Willow and Jaden used to hang out with the Jenners and we know Cara and Kendall are close. As far as I can tell, there are no pics of Willow socializing with anyone other than her mom. She took her dad [to the Chanel show in Paris in July]. It’s adorable. Is it obvious how obsessed I am with this family? On Monday, I wrote about Willow’s brother [Jaden’s potential] after the release of his new single. Willow performed her new song for the first time at last night’s event and it’s a far cry from Whip My Hair. I’m actually more into it than Jaden’s Fallen. The song is called November 9th and it’s an emotional ballad she wrote on the day of the U.S. election. [Thank You <@chanelofficial> for allowing me to perform this song live for the first time 🌟] A video posted by ≠GWEELOS≠ (@willowsmith) on Dec 5, 2016 at 12:17pm PST You can listen to the full song [here]. [Click here for the rest of the photos.] Posted at 4:43 PM [Justin Bieber gets what he wants] [Justin Bieber out in Toluca Lake, December 5, 2016] Four years ago, [Justin Bieber] was [bitterly disappointed] that his album, Believe, was not nominated for any Grammys. At the time, Grammys meant a lot to Justin. At the time, he thought he’d worked hard enough to deserve it. Last year, Justin won a Grammy for Where Are U Now, shared with Skrillex and Diplo. Yesterday Justin’s Purpose was nominated four Grammy awards, including Album of the Year, no sharing, he’s the only name. A nominee for Album of the Year. Justin Bieber. Alongside Beyoncé, Adele, Drake, and Sturgill Simpson. Holy sh-t. As always, whenever nominations are announced, no matter what the award (except maybe the People’s Choice Awards), there is complaining and controversy. David Bowie’s critically acclaimed final album Blackstar, they’re saying it was snubbed in favour of Justin’s Purpose. Wellllll… I mean if you’re looking for someone to blame, I’m not sure JB’s the first in line on that list. But then again, I liked Purpose from the beginning. Whether or not you want to admit it, it’s a solid album. Purpose gave us several hits, hits that were legitimately not just tolerable but enjoyable songs, unlike Justin Timberlake’s Can’t Stop The Feeling. Purpose will stand up in 10 years. You know what’s a weaker album than Purpose? Drake. Views. One Dance should have been nominated Song of the Year and Record of the Year, no doubt. But Views as an album overall? I don’t think it stands up to Purpose. I also don’t think it stands up to Rihanna’s Anti. That, to me, is a snub too. Anti and Purpose? Much closer together in quality. Views up against both of them? Views comes up short. And I live in Toronto where Drake is King, President, Governor, and Mayor. I’ve just committed blasphemy. Even though Drake and JB are up for Album of the Year though, I mean, come on now, that category is between two artists, two women. For JB, the nomination really is the win. He got what he wanted. So… is he happy? Justin is on a break from touring right now. He’s been open about not being happy on tour, cancelling meet and greets, sharing low moments on social media, quitting Instagram, lecturing fans… And just this week, he was on Ellen for his 26th appearance to announce a new tour – a stadium tour this time, beginning August 2017. Have you watched this interview? Check his enthusiasm at the 2:30 mark of this interview. Or, rather, HE checks his enthusiasm. I’m not sure that’s just JB fronting like he’s chill. There is, like, ZERO pump going on here at the prospect of going back out on the road to get that money. Here's Justin out in Toluca Lake the other day. [Click here for the rest of the photos.] Posted at 4:13 PM [Beckham Meets Bieber] [Cruz Beckham on Instagram ] Yesterday [it was announced] that 11-year-old [Cruz Beckham] has been signed by [Scooter Braun], most famous for being Justin Bieber’s manager (more on that later). If you keep tabs on [David] and [Victoria]’s social media, this is natural evolution for Brand Beckham; Brooklyn is a photographer and model, Romeo is a sometimes-model, and Cruz is a singer. Harper? She’s [a bitch breaker]. After the [Cups video], it was clear that it was only a matter of time before they turned “cute Cruz singing at the kitchen table” into a more formal career. But still… 11? Eleven seems young, no? Like, has his voice changed yet? “Child star” has built-in connotations – we always think of Lindsay Lohan and Corey Feldman, and never Natalie Portman. But a child star in a celebrity family is a different beast. For this, we can look to people like the Smiths for an example. Jaden and Willow were acting and singing at a young age. When asked about it, Jada said that her children didn’t have the pressure that other child stars have because the family did not rely on them for income (and I would also add, Will and Jada never needed their kids for status). That gave Willow and Jaden the freedom to choose – and turn down – projects they weren’t feeling. (Like Willow dropping out of Annie.) Jada’s argument clearly has some merit because Willow and Jaden are cooler, more interesting and more self-actualized than 95% of famous people. This is not a small thing: you just need to read [Duana’s take on Millie Bobby Brown] to be reminded about how gross stage parents can be. How gross the industry can be to minors. Children of the “right kind” of celebrities are not vulnerable to the same things – they will likely be more insulated from opportunists and vultures. And maybe that mix of power, influence, artistic curiosity and hyper self-awareness can produce Willow or Jaden Smith. Victoria and David seem like loving and devoted parents who are genuinely proud of their children. This isn’t a Dina and Michael situation. None of this is for their own ego or bank account. It’s the impatience of it that makes it a little off-putting. Why not let him develop and mature behind closed doors? He isn’t even in high school. It’s exceptionally young to start a music career so I don’t understand the rush. The opportunities of his name won’t likely change drastically in the next 4-5 years. Victoria or David could still get the meetings they need to get for him. In that time, he could go to middle school, take music lessons, and record in his state-of-the-art basement studio or something. It’s a curious move because the Beckhams are patient. They have been married 16-years and have weathered many things (affairs, divorce rumours, Victoria’s French tips, David’s cornrows) and successfully transitioned to America. Victoria has built a respected fashion brand and David has handled his retirement from football pretty gracefully. By signing with Scooter, the Beckhams have made a declaration: Cruz is open for business. Because you don’t choose Scooter unless you want the Bieber comparison. They have partnered with someone with experience taking a babyface singer to international superstardom. He’s been Justin’s protector, his mentor and at times, waiting for a text in the middle of the night, [his parent by proxy]. But if you think Scooter is just Justin Bieber’s manager, you haven’t been keeping up with Scooter Braun. He’s launched a full-service management company with music, TV and film and tech. He works with artists like Kanye (which, love him or hate him, is prestigious). The interesting thing about Cruz is that, unlike Biebs and most young singers, he comes with a built-in team that knows about record deals, endorsements, licensing, contracts, public relations… so how valuable will Scooter’s advice be? What will it be weighed against? How deep is his role? He is the person the Beckhams – who have excelled at managing their success – have chosen as their ally. It’s a deliberate decision, but I wonder how they came to it: was Simon Fuller, with whom both parents have a long-standing relationship, ever an option? Who else did they consider? Did Cruz have a say? That’s what will be interesting to watch: the push for Cruz will come, we just don’t know who the architect is quite yet. (Writing about a singing Beckham child reminds me of my favourite Ali G interview. “A singer like Mariah Carey” kills me every time.) [Click here for the rest of the photos.] Posted at 3:04 PM [Privacy Policy] - [Unsubscribe]