Consider this a spoiler alert if you weren’t tuned into the jaw-dropping season two finale of ABC’s Scandal.

The political drama delivered the show’s most-watched telecast ever as viewers continued to follow the Oliva/Fitz/Mellie love triangle, as well as that pesky, little Defiance “thing” and the attempted murder of our leading lady.

But it was the one-word kicker in the final moments of the season finale that made Gladiators across America say, “What??”

On Thursday, the cast of Scandal sat down in front of an audience at the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences in North Hollywood for their first-ever onstage table read of the show’s finale script. Deadline reports the session ended about 10 minutes into the 10 p.m. airing.

Their reaction? Priceless. And hilariously familiar.

Shonda Rhimes, we salute you.

The post Must-See: ‘Scandal’ Cast Performs Onstage Table Read Of Season Finale, Stuns Audience [VIDEO] appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of Hello Beautiful

While we’re all still obsessing over the opulence that is The Great Gatsby, we decided to inspire your summer travel plans!

RELATED: ATL: Great Gatsby VIP Screening

Book your ticket to one of these four places and have a trip that’s just as decadent as anything Jay Gatsby could put together! Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long vacay, these four sexy and luxurious destinations are all local in the U.S and will make sure you have an adventure just as swanky as The Great Gatsby.

Keep reading …

The post Wanderlusting: 4 ‘Great Gatsby’ Inspired Trips To Take This Summer! appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

First ATMs, now the Cannes Film Festival. Thieves are getting bold.

French authorities report at least million dollars worth of jewelry was stolen from Hotel Novotel earlier this week. The goods, designed by Swiss luxury jeweler Chopard, had been stored in a security box with a company employee before going missing.

The case is currently under investigation, but no suspects have been named.

A Chopard spokeswoman says the items stolen by thieves are not part of the collection of jewels that were to be worn by actresses this year.

The festival’s red carpet is well-known for its chic and extravagant entrances, such as this dramatic Fall 2012 Stéphane Rolland look that Solange Knowles sported Wednesday (pictured). Chopard’s jewels have been a sponsor at Cannes for 16 years, showcasing their bling on a world stage.

You can bet American stylists had a mini-stroke, but co-vice president of Chopard Caroline Scheufele told the Evening Standard that across the pond Europeans are far more lax about their fashion choices.

“The Americans are so organised [sic]. They know what dress they’re wearing months before and they tell us how their hair will be,” she said. “The Europeans are much cooler about the whole thing. They don’t have an entourage around them. Things can change at the last minute.”

The post Million-Dollar Jewelry Heist Hits Cannes Film Festival appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

It turns out the rumors were true: Beyoncé is pregnant with baby number two!

According to E! News, multiple sources have confirmed that the 31-year-old international superstar and hubby Jay-Z are expecting a second child to add to the Carter family bunch.

Whisperings of a bun in the oven hit a peak when the “Bow Down” singer canceled her Belgium concert on Tuesday (May 14) due to dehydration and exhaustion. Against doctors’ orders, Beyoncé took the stage on Wednesday to perform in front of a sold-out crowd, apologizing to fans along the way.

“I just have to say, I feel so good to be on this stage. I have the best fans in the world,” she said. “My doctors told me not to perform tonight. But there’s no way in the world. You all give me so much inspiration. And I just want to thank you guys.”

There is no word on what this means for her extravagant Mrs. Carter world tour, but we’re sure the super mama has it all planned out.

Congratulations to the couple!

Courtesy of Madame Noire

Blanca Francia will play an integral role in whether famed choreographer Wade Robson receives any form of compensation from Michael Jackson’s estate. If you can’t recall, Francia is the Neverland Ranch housekeeper who described, in detail, witnessing a young Robson naked in a shower with the late “King of Pop.”

According to TMZ, testimony given by Francia in April 2005, during Jackson’s molestation trial, is now being combed over by Robson’s lawyers. Francia worked at Neverland during the late ’80s. During the trial, she admitted to witnessing Jackson showering naked with a 7 or 8-year-old Robson.

Exclusive transcripts of Francia’s testimony have been obtained, where she describes seeing “Michael’s underwear on the floor outside the shower, as well as Wade’s child-sized neon green underwear,” according to TMZ.

In the transcripts, Francia says she couldn’t see what Jackson was doing because steam had fogged the shower door. But, she says she heard Jackson laughing.

During the trial, however, Francia’s character and the validity of her statements were often called into question by the public. In the end, Francia’s words also fell short of convincing the jury to find Jackson guilty. Jackson was later acquitted of the molestation charges.  In fact, Robson also testified during the trial, only to insist that Jackson never touched him.

This time around, Robson’s story has changed drastically, saying that Jackson’s companies– MJJ Productions and MJJ Ventures — were responsible for protecting him because they recruited him from Australia to work.

According to reports, Robson now wants to use Blanca’s testimony as evidence to show he was abused by Jackson. TMZ also says, they were told by Robson’s lawyers that they have reached out to Francia to see if she will take part in the new case.

Francia and her son, Jason–who also testified that he was molested–reached a $2 million settlement with Jackson that was finalized in two stages, in 1996 and 1998.

The post Blanca Francia, Key Witness In Wade Robson Lawsuit Against Michael Jackson appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of Huffington Post Black Voices

When Dorian Joyner Jr.’s dad told him that he would soon be joining him at Morehouse College, the freshman thought it meant that his father would be coming for a visit.

In actuality, his father meant that he would soon be joining him as a student at the Atlanta campus, he told WXIA-TV.

The younger Joyner and his father, Dorian Joyner Sr., will both be graduating from Morehouse College this Sunday after spending three years together on campus. President Barack Obama will be speaking at the ceremony.

While the elder Joyner initially attended the school from 1984 through 1988, he dropped out early to build his career, according to a profile on the Morehouse website. Years later, after his oldest son had began attending Morehouse, he decided he wanted to re-enroll and complete his degree.

While his son was initially shocked by his dad’s decision, he said he liked having him around on campus.

“We used to have a support system. Sometimes he would come to my room to ask about a problem or a class or a professor to take,” the younger Joyner told WXIA-TV.

In fact, the younger Joyner, an English major, said being on campus with his father, a religion major who plans to attend law school, was actually “natural.”

Continue reading here.

The post Morehouse College To Graduate Father And Son Duo This Weekend appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of Huffington Post Black Voices

Although President Obama condemned the Internal Revenue Service for singling out conservative groups in the months leading up to the 2012 election, former NAACP Chairman Julian Bond called the organization’s actions “completely legitimate.” And it was that sentiment that set conservative radio host Glenn Beck off, calling the entire organization a “joke” and an “affront” to what former black civil rights leaders stood for.

“They are a joke, and an affront to everything that Martin Luther King and anybody who ever… Booker T. Washington, Frederick Douglass, you are an affront to their memory,” Beck said.

While discussing the IRS scandal, Beck hurled insults at the Obama administration and the NAACP, saying the White House was concentrating on revenge and that the century-old African-American organization was illegitimate.

Beck went on to try to drive his point home with an even stranger defense, asserting that 20 percent of lynchings performed by the Ku Klux Klan were of white people–a point he apparently “hates to keep bringing up.” He then went on to compare those white people who were lynched to members of the Tea Party.

“You know what, I contend the white people that were lynched are exactly the kind of people that would be in the Tea Party today,” he said.

Beck’s sentiments have us scratching our heads a bit, but then again what else is new? From calling the president a girl, to saying African American is not a race we can’t say we’re all that surprised by his latest rant.

Watch the video and Beck’s complete commentary here.

The post Glenn Beck: NAACP Is A ‘Joke’, White People Were Lynched And Other Topics Of His Latest Rant appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Last night Beyonce decided to definitively put the pregnancy rumors to rest. In a not-so-subtle fashion, Beyonce protested public pressure for baby number two, by wearing a string of body hugging outfits during her performance in Milan.

Despite her recent rant on Instagram–which she later quickly deleted–Beyonce has not officially confirmed or denied the pregnancy rumors. Meanwhile, the cancellation of a show last week, where she cited “dehydration and exhaustion,” continues to serve as solid evidence for many hopefuls.

In addition, a number of news outlets insist they have confirmed Beyonce is, in fact, pregrant with a sibling for little Blue Ivy. One thing is for sure, the pop-diva revels in grand performances and show stopping announcements, as was the case with the announcement of her pregnancy with Blue Ivy–where she rubbed her budding baby bump for fans during a debut performance of the now hit single “Love on Top” at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards.

We’re sure this time around, the announcement will be no less spectacular.

The post Beyonce Attempts to End Pregnancy Rumors, Wears Form Fitting Outfits in Milan appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

By Stacey Bethel

For the past 6 years, I have pledged “I am going to Carnival next year.”  And year, after year, I never make it.  But I guess everything happens for a reason because after experiencing the United States Virgin Islands Carnival in St. Thomas this year, I am happy to say that I hooked line and sinker.  Bold statement – I know!  However the intimacy and many cultural offerings of the USVI Carnival, was perfect for a first-timer.  And here is why:

FOR MUSIC LOVERS:  Carnival Village, staged with food, liquor, fruit, candy and dessert vendors around the perimeter and anchored in the middle, the grand stage, featured nightly acts such as Destra Gracia, Spectrum, Allison Hinds, Sugar Band, T-Vice, Jam Band, Top Notch, Poizon, Shurewayne Winchester and others from neighboring islands.  The pulsating sounds of Steel Pan and Calypso music drew young and mature alike who reveled in the festivities.  Without incident, every night was a musical treat perfect for the discerning music lover.

FOR FOODIES: Equally impressive were the day time activities.  Cultural fairs showcasing island cuisine such as crab and rice, grilled lobster, conch, welks (never had before but tired for the first time and loved), curry goat, pork, goat water, mussels, fried fish, Johnny cakes, tamarind and gooseberry preserves, cakes and tarts, was just an epicurean delight.  Vendors from neighboring islands showcased their delectable offerings for food enthusiast to sample.  Tourists and locals gathered just as the sun came up to witness the variety offered and were pleased with every bite.

FOR SHOPAHOLICS: After partaking in the local cuisine, visitors strolled around Emancipation Garden to look at the wide array of handcrafted furniture, jewelry, clothing, perfume, accessories, crafts, artwork, carvings and local herbs and tonics.  There was something for everyone and no one left empty handed.

FOR PARTY LOVERS:  On Thursday April 25^th J’ouvert came alive just as the sun was coming up.  The street party was riddled with dancing and there were no short of trucks playing music.  Everyone marched in the streets – pausing for the occasional photos and patronizing the many drink kiosks.  On Friday April 26^th, the children lined the streets wearing colorful costumes.  Like little dolls they performed danced routines and showcased gymnastic and musical talents.

On Saturday April 27^th, the adult road march was an explosion of color – a masquerade ball.  Participants entertained onlookers as they marched down the brick paved streets.  Those who weren’t gyrating to the music watched with smiles or took photographs that would serve as a memory etched in their minds for years to come.  The music, the costumes, the vibe was a true showcase of the essence of Carnival.

The grand finale took place at 9:00pm with the Carnival Fireworks at Charlotte Amalie Harbor.  The 17 minute display was produced by Grucci of New York.  To their credit, Grucci has set the world record for the largest fireworks display in Dubai and has produced shows for Presidential Inaugurations and Olympics.  The 170 year old Company’ expertise was once again on grand display as their show stopping production brought everything to a standstill as everyone watched in awe and amazement – it was the perfect ending to perfect week.

If I had to use one word to describe USVI Carnival, it would be, SPECTACULAR!  See ya next year.

The post USVI Carnival – A Tropical Scene Indeed appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

LAS VEGAS — Celebs attend the 2013 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on Sunday (May 19). Check out the arrivals after the jump!

MIGUEL

Photos courtesy of Getty Images

KELLY ROWLAND

NICKI MINAJ

CHRIS BROWN

WIZ KHALIFA & AMBER ROSE

JENNIFER LOPEZ

WILL.I.AM

AKON

JASON DERULO

ROCSI DIAZ

SHAUN ROBINSON

The post 2013 Billboard Music Awards Arrivals: Miguel, Kelly Rowland, J. Lo & More [PHOTOS] appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

by Satchel Jester

Hank Baskett has never considered anything less than greatness for himself. From overcoming a childhood asthma condition to defeating an early-career Achilles tendon injury, he was determined to excel. The result? A five-season tryst with the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings, snatching 77 career catches for 1, 077 yards and six touchdowns. After retiring, Baskett had to figure out what was next—and, true to his fighter nature, “next” ended up being a whole new world.

Baskett is the costar of the hit reality show Kendra on Top—alongside his wife, former Playboy model Kendra Wilkinson, with whom he has a 3-year-old son, Henry Randall Baskett IV—and co-owner of Athletic Gaines, a premiere training facility in Los Angeles. The facility hosts a gamut of body enthusiasts, from professional athletes and A-list celebrities to everyday people, in an environment that fosters fitness as a lifestyle, with brawn and health benefits being the winning result. “We give individual attention and that makes everyone want to come back,” says Baskett. “All of our clients become a part of our Athletic Gaines family.”

How does Baskett juggle being Husband of the Year, Mr. Mom and Fitness Franchiser? “You just find a way,” he says. “There [are] never enough hours in the day. The great thing about this facility is that we’ve developed a team, from top to bottom, where everyone looks out for each other. Everyone understands that I have a family at home, the reality show and I’m running around quite a bit. My life is camera-friendly. It all coincides together.”

Next up on his already jam-packed schedule are acting, a possible new reality show and talks of having another child with his wife. “You never learn anything from fear, so I’m moving forward with conquering it all.”

Courtesy of The Associated Press

President Barack Obama will be meeting with his disaster response team, including Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, on Tuesday before delivering a statement on the devastating tornado that tore through the Oklahoma City suburbs Monday.

Obama has declared a major disaster in Oklahoma, ordering federal aid to supplement state and local recovery efforts. The president also spoke Monday with Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin and Rep. Tom Cole, whose home is in the heavily damaged town of Moore.

The White House says Obama told Cole that the American people stand behind Oklahomans as they recover from the disaster.

Federal Emergency Management Agency Director Craig Fugate is heading to Oklahoma on Tuesday to ensure that federal resources are being properly deployed.

The post President Obama To Speak On Oklahoma Disaster appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Now that Kelly Rowland has aired out her dirty laundry, the Talk a Good Game singer can move on to bigger and better things. Most recently, she has been named a judge of the popular talent competition The X Factor.

FOX revealed the news on Monday after months of speculation following the departure of L.A. Reid and Britney Spears. Pop sensation Paulina Rubio will also join the panel with existing judges Simon Cowell and Demi Lovato.

Prior to locking down the gig at X Factor, Rowland served as judge on the U.K. version of the show.

Related: Star Clique

“I am very excited to be reuniting with Simon Cowell and The X Factor family,” she said in a statement. “It feels great to be able to take this journey here at home in the States!”

Cowell added, “It’s taken more than a decade, but I’m delighted to finally be on a panel with three girls– I think! Paulina and Kelly both have great taste and massive experience in the music industry and together with Demi, this is going to be a fun panel.”

“It just feels like the time to do something different.”

Auditions will begin on Tuesday in Charleston, S.C.

Courtesy of Loop 21

As we are constantly bombarded with media and are accustomed to having our faces forever glued to our smart phones, every aspect of our lives will inevitably be affected– from the banal and superficial to the most emotional and intimate.

I’ve been with my partner since before online dating became so popular, and therefore have limited experience when it comes to relationships and the interwebs. (If I suddenly became single again, I would require an in-depth tutorial to avoid making a total ass of myself.) I must rely on others for a better understanding of all the foibles, subtleties, and hilarity of contemporary dating. This is what readers and friends have shared about the ways in which new technology influences the way we interact inside and outside the bedroom.

Changing Physical Standards and Expectations

My friend Sean says that hooking up online can sometimes lower your standards. As a gay man living in a rural part of the country, he says that many people refuse to send headshots before meeting. Not only that, many times the physical description that’s on their online profile is completely inaccurate. If someone you weren’t attracted to approached you at a bar, you’d probably just politely decline his advances. But when hooking up online, he says, this scenario often plays out– man comes to your door and is much less attractive than you imagined based on his profile. If you’re horny enough, you might just shrug and say, “Meh. Why not?”

Continue at Loop 21…

The post 5 Ways Technology Has Changed Dating And Relationships appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

“We are a nation that stands with our fellow citizens as long as it takes.” – President Obama, on the deadly tornado that hit Oklahoma on Monday.

As we continue to send our thoughts and prayers to those in Moore, we would also like to provide our readers with opportunities to reach out and help those affected by the disaster. The state medical examiner’s office has revised the death toll to 24 people, including seven children, while hundreds of homes and buildings have been destroyed.

Here are five simple ways to help Oklahoma tornado victims right now:

AMERICAN RED CROSS

Donate funds to the American Red Cross online or give blood at a local hospital or blood bank.

Supporters can also text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to send a $10 donation.

SALVATION ARMY

Supporters can donate online or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).

You can also text the word “STORM” to 80888 to make a $10 donation; to confirm your gift, respond with the word “Yes.”

OPERATION USA

The international relief agency is accepting donations online or supporters can give a $10 donation by texting the word “AID” to 50555.

SAMARITAN’S PURSE

The nonprofit organization has sent a disaster relief unit and staff to assist those affected in Oklahoma. Supporters can find ways help the team’s efforts here.

FEEDING AMERICA

The organization is currently delivering truckloads of food and water supplies to those affected. Supporters can donate here.

Courtesy of Hello Beautiful

Like Christian Louboutin shoes and ombre hair, long-term engagements seem to be a Hollywood trend that’s here to say.

Now don’t get us wrong, we expect for any mature, smart couple to cross all their “T”s and dot their “I”s before they take that walk down the aisle. But, if you’re six kids in like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, or been through thick and thin like LeBron James and his longtime boo Savannah Brinson, then maybe it’s time to make that commitment and say “I do.”

Keep reading …

Courtesy of EURWeb

Michael Vick is tired of hearing the critics.

The Eagles quarterback responded to the mile long commentary from folk he says know nothing about football.

They say he’s holding on to the ball too long and takes too long to scan the field.

“I’m really tempted right now to just say no comment to that because like I said a second ago, you don’t last 12 years in the NFL not being able to read the defense,” Vick told 97.5 the Fanatic via Sheil Kapadia of PhillyMag.com. “Those people who are talking and saying that are just ignorant, and they know nothing about football. Unless they turn on the film and watch my game and see what goes on, then they’ll replace those comments with the right comments.”

Keep reading …

The post Michael Vick Says the Critics Need to Stop Hatin’ on His Game appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.

Courtesy of The Frisky

Samantha Brick, meet Laura Fernee, another woman afflicted by the same horrid condition as you — being too beautiful. You two could start a mutual self-appreciation society. Fernee said she quit her job as a medical researcher because she’s too pretty, and her male colleagues were constantly harassing her.

Keep reading …

Oklahoma City Thunder star Kevin Durant is pledging $1 million to assist tornado victims through his family foundation, according to The Associated Press.

The gift from The Durant Family Foundation given to the American Red Cross is meant to match other donations and be an incentive for more people to give. Janienne Bella, Red Cross’s regional CEO, has thanked the 24-year-old All-Star for his unselfish gesture.

“The Red Cross relies on its donors to perform its mission in relieving human suffering following disasters,” she said in a statement. “Mr. Durant’s gift and support to Oklahoma comes at a time of great need and we’re forever thankful for his generosity.”

On Tuesday, the Thunder organization also pledged a $1 million donation.

If you’re interested in donating to Oklahoma relief efforts, check out 5 simple ways here.

The post Kevin Durant Makes $1M Pledge To Help Oklahoma Tornado Relief appeared first on UPTOWN Magazine.