Karl Rove-Backed Group's Latest Effort Unlikely, Harsh
Hal Jackson Dead At 96
IS CRACK STILL WACK?
The rumor mill was in a frenzy this week with reports about how Whitney Houston's comeback tour has come to an end -- and that the iconic singer is back on drugs.
The 'Million Dollar Bill' diva seemed poised to return to her superstar status with last year's much-buzzed-about appearance on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show' and a platinum-selling comeback album.
Now, all of that seems to be in jeopardy. The six-time Grammy Award winner pulled out of her Paris date earlier this week and has also canceled stops in Manchester and Glasgow on her European leg.
An eyewitness, Marlon David, snitched to In Touch magazine that, while at the Beverly Wilshire hotel in Los Angeles on March 10, Houston snorted a line of cocaine. The 'Didn't We Almost Have It All?' vocalist reportedly was scarily thin again and accompanied by her ex-husband, Bobby Brown. At one point, she allegedly yelled, "I want a f**king drink." Brown was said to have been sober and trying to calm Houston down, but that supposedly made her angry and she allegedly called the 'Celebrity Fit Club' star "a stupid son of a b**ch." Houston is calling the rumors of a drug relapse "ridiculous" and blames her recent hospitalization and inability to perform on an upper respiratory infection and allergies.
The 'Bodyguard' star said she is now "feeling great" and "ready to move on and continue my world tour." No word yet on when she's rescheduling her missed shows. [People/In Touch]
*****
MORE THAN DANCING?
Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson doesn't do things any other way but big. The NFL player bought his 'Dancing With the Stars' partner, Cheryl Burke, a blinged-out diamond ring as a thank you gift for her dedication to making him graceful on the hit ABC show. 
Ochocinco, who will soon star in his own dating reality show, spent $22,000 on the custom-made ring, which has an 8.51-carat white diamond band from celebrity jeweler Jason of Beverly Hills. It's anyone's guess whether the two are more than friends, but he reportedly told Jason it was for "a very special friend" and then presented Burke with the rock during rehearsal on the day of the show's taping. On the show, she said "not even any of my boyfriends have given me anything like this."
The Cincinnati Bengals star said she's earned the gift. "She has to deal with me nine hours a day. It's like a marriage, so why not give marriage gifts? I don't spend time with anyone like this -- ever," he said. Here's hoping that he at least makes the finals and that the gift was worth it. [YBF]
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TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT
Chi-town rapper Common and his tennis champ girlfriend Serena Williams rarely make public appearances together, but earlier this week, they made an exception.
The rapper normally plays the sidelines and supports Williams at her tennis matches, but this time, she supported him and his new movie as they hit the town on a very cute date night to the premiere of the Steve Carrell and Tina Fey flick 'Date Night' at the Ziegfeld Theatre in New York. And though he was once linked to Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson, the 38-year-old has clearly moved on and only has eyes for Williams.
Common plays detective Collins in 'Date Night.' Henson also stars in the movie, too. [Necole Bitchie]
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NOT HAVING IT
LisaRaye McCoy says she may be mending her relationship with her 
estranged ex-husband, former Turks and Caicos Premier Michael Missick, but don't count on her being kind to her former 'All of Us' co-star Duane Martin.
McCoy said Tisha Campbell's hubby tried introducing her ex to other women. "He introduced Eddie Murphy's ex-wife, Nicole, to my ex-husband," the Chicago beauty revealed to Jawn Murray. When LisaRaye confronted him about his matchmaker efforts, he allegedly replied that "he was going to do it anyway." Hmmm.
"Hell no! Absolutely never,"she said, will her and Martin be cool again and that ultimately she banned him from coming to her home. In other news, LisaRaye, whose new TV One reality series, 'The Real McCoy,' premiered April 8, says she's yet to see her ex's rumored mistress, '106 and Park' host Rocsi, live and in the flesh.
That encounter certainly won't be pretty. [Black America Web]
TREY DAY
Trey Songz has lots of big things poppin' in 2010. The 'I Invented Sex' singer, who has been on the road hitting arenas with Jay-Z and Young Jeezy, has another album in the works. According to former Def Jam head Kevin Liles, who is now managing Songz, the Virginia native will drop a new album on Sept.14.
Before the new music drops, the current Vibe magazine pinup will reunite with his 'Blueprint 3' tour mate Jeezy for a BET reality series.
According to Liles, "We've got the Blueprint 3 [tour experience] from the eyes of Jeezy and Trey Songz coming out." He added, "The first show airs on BET on June 27, the night of the BET Awards." [MTV News]
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MAKING A MAD DASH
Like Janet Jackson and Claudia Jordan, Stacey Dash gets added to the growing list of black women to keep their marriages pretty low-key until they file for divorce.
The 'Clueless' star filed for divorce from her estranged third husband Emmanuel Xuereb on Jan.29 and also requested a restraining order against Xuereb. Dash, who has recently been linked to Jamie Foxx, says her ex punched her in the head, face and body during a Dec. 2007 argument.
The 44 year-old actress -- who was once married to R&B crooner Christopher Williams -- also said that he once pinned her down in a violent rage and that he's destroyed family valuables. Xuereb has since been ordered to stay 100 yards away from Dash and her two kids -- at least until their next court appearance in June. [Vibe]
Since releasing her 1985 self-titled debut, Whitney Houston has become one of the best-selling female artists of all time. Though her signature voice and amazing vocal range made her a household name, this New Jersey native made headlines for her marriage to New Edition singer Bobby Brown, her alleged drug use and her recent relationship with Ray J. On the cusp of Houston's latest comeback album, 'I Look to You,' Blackvoices.com takes a look at the singer throughout the years.
BHM MEDIA NEW
While on a family vacation with Tom and Suri, Katie Holmes hit the beach near Rio de Janeiro in this blue one piece.
bauergriffinonline.com
Rihanna hits the stage at the NFL Pepsi Smash Super Bowl Concert in a pair of knee-high black boots. What do you think about the pop singer's look?
Kevin C. Cox, Getty Images for NFL
Mischa Barton wore this Elie Saab couture mint green gown to the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. Is Mischa's look a hit or miss?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Heroes star Hayden Panettiere arrives at the NBC Universal Pre-Super Bowl event at Portofino in a black tuxedo jacket and dress with a plunging neckline. Is the Hollywood starlet hot or not?
Gerardo Mora, Getty Images
Diane Kruger wore Nina Ricci for the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville. Is her dress a mess or amazing?
Eric Ryan, Getty Images
Kim Kardashian opted for this floral strapless Tracey Reese dress for the 2009 Moves Magazine Super Bowl Party at The Venue Club. Let us know what you think about Kim's look.
Tim Boyles, Getty Images
Burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese wore an ice blue Elie Saab (left) satin dress at the Fashion Dinner for Aids at the Pavillon d'Armenonville.
Dominique Charriau, WireImage
Spanish actress Penelope Cruz appeared at the the 2009 Goya Cinema Awards in Madrid in this black lace Chanel gown. Is it a win or a loss?
Carlos Alvarez, Getty Images
Amy Adams wore a Jasmine di Milo gold and silver sequin backless dress and Christian Louboutin heels to the 61st Annual Directors Guild of America Awards.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
Being thousands of miles away didn't stop Meryl Streep from celebrating the inauguration. The actress wore this Catherine Malandrino flag dress to the Paris premiere of Doubt.
Julien Hekimian, WireImage
Comments: (53)
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By: dead on arrival on 4/09/2010 6:12PM
I Project Whitney Houston to bo dead within 10yrs.I hate to say it.
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By: phyllis on 4/09/2010 7:16PM
OMG...That was just cruel.
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By: Jonah on 4/10/2010 9:30AM
Ten years??
If she keeps it up, she'll be dead in ten MONTHS.
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By: Duke of Decatur,Ga. on 4/09/2010 6:55PM
WELL, she tried to stop but fail. I understand withdrawing from heavy drugs are almost impossible. It has been done but it's alot more than a 12 step programs. There are meetings and unscheduled drug testing, i wish her well and a successful career!!!.............................
I wish Mr Common and Ms Williams well, they both were (out there) on the dating scene. Maybe it's time for them to saddle down for a long term relationship and maybe go to a higher level, hummm.............................................
Ms Lisa Raye looks good as ever regardless of the man/men she has on her arm...you go girl!.......
Mr Eighty-five, what can i say, you are a tall, dark and handsome baller. The women are going after you. So, be careful it use to be just blk women along with some white girls. Now, the asians and latins women are coming on strong!...You, i along with 99 per cent of the blk males once said, we love our blk women but do a brother have a chance with all those beautiful women chasing us!!!............................................!
I always thought Ms Dash was/is fine. She will find a good man in her future just pray to the lord and do the right thing, all love to a beautiful blk woman!
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By: "DimePiece" on 4/09/2010 6:57PM
I don't know if that eyewitness was tellin the truth or what? I did hear on the news that she was hospitalized with an upper respetory infection? Where was this Mike guy to see close-up action of her snortin it? Isn't Bobby married? What was he doin with Whitney at this hotel? I hope that there is no TRUTH to this for Whitney's sake? In my opinion, I didn't think Whitney was ready to make a come back with doin all these tours and appearances? Every time I seen Whitney on TV or heard by media, she is always out of breath, sweatin for no reason, and not singin good? Her voice is gone and I just think it was too soon to prove?
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By: goddess on 4/09/2010 9:06PM
Whitney Houston, is an older woman now. She is not that young Whitney of the 1980s and early 1990s. As one matures, the body and mind gets out of shape--especially if you are a heavy drug user, smoker, or drinker coupled with poor nutrition and lack of exercise. The tour performances are demanding it takes a lot of stamina. Traveling from country to country, dealing with all types of people 24/7, eating food from God knows where, not getting enough sleep--all of these things and so much more will take a toll.
I think Whitney needs to have a nutritionist and physical trainer, and motivational coach with her. The last person she needs with her are people that she has used drugs with in the past.
It would be very wise for Bobby to stay with the lady that he is now with, who helped save him from being totally washed up. She keeps him on the ball by helping him keep working even if the jobs are non-singing and dancing. Before that, he was with Karrine Steffans, and she put him on front street, he was staying with her and she talked about him like a dog, yet she was taking care of him, but he was still drinking and drugging. But when he hooked up with the current lady--he changed for the better.
Whitney is a winner. I believe in her always have and always will. Winners never quit.
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By: James on 4/10/2010 7:35AM
Whitney has an 'upper respiratory infection'??
Please...
Nobody's doing her any favors by pretending she isn't a crackhead.
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By: Ronni on 5/19/2010 12:01AM
I AGREE WITH YOU TOTALLY JAMES, BECAUSE NUMBER ONE,LOOKING THE WAY SHE LOOKED IS ONLY A SIGN OF A CRACKHEAD NOT A COKE SNORTER...SHE HAD LOST WEIGHT DRAMATICALLY!!..ONLY CCRACKHEADS LOOK THE WAY SHE LOOKED, SO SHE NEEDS TO COME CLEAN OR SHE WILL NEVER QUIT BECAUSE SHE'S IN DENIAL, AND BLAMING BOBBY IS NOT THE KEY BECAUSE WE ONLY DO WHAT WE WANT TO DO NOT WHAT SOMEONE TELLS US TO DO, AND FRANKLY SPEAKING SHE WANTED TO SMOKE CRACK BECAUSE SHE HAD THE MONEY TO DO SO...AND THIS STARTED WAY BEFORE BOBBY STEPPED ON THE SCENE, IT WAS ALL HIDDEN FOR SOMETIME UNTIL SHE MET UP WITH BOBBY AND THEN EVERYTHING GOT OUT OF CONTROL AND SHE DIDN'T CARE OR VALUE HERSELF ANYMORE AND I FEEL DREDFULLY BAD FOR THE DAUGHTER TO HAVE WITNESSED ALL THIS TRASH..NO RESPECT!!!...SHE WILL NEVER QUIT SHE NEEDS MAJOR HELP!!!!!!..
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By: ann on 4/10/2010 8:30AM
Well like I said before Whiteney will never be on top again. She may try and try but she has sung her last song no pun intended.
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By: Keyante on 4/10/2010 9:09AM
It is not a moral issue and case in point no human being on this planet is exempt from the "Grips of Addiction" may it be substance abuse (alcohol,cigarettes,weed,crack,meth,over the counter and prescribed pain killers,coffee,and food) or non substance abuse (sex addiction,love addiction,gambeling,shopping,and gossiping.
There is HOPE and more help than ever and there is no excuse. What people looking in on the outside at these tragic incidents is that there is always an excuse and in most cases excuse after excuse.
There are Millions if not Billions of recovering addicts who have successfully overcome there addiction and it was becuase of a few factors and I will list the most important and that is the desire to stop, the willingness to admitt and come to believe that a higher power greater than themselves can help restore them to sanity. And in order to recover they must accept and understand that they must abstain from all drugs,toxic people and places that may and will trigger the active addiction all over again. Whitney mentioned on that infamous Oprah interview that she still drinks and dont be surprised if you see her at the bar. At which point I knew that she had not surrenderd and she still was in denial and that clearly explained her messed up vocals and every misshap up to this point but Group think had all of America and abroad ingmoring that comment and enabling her to the point of hospitalization.
Get educated, attend some AA and NA meetings with an open mind becuase you never know it could be you or a loved one who is currently in the Grip's of Addiction.. Oh and one more thing addiction like anything elese in life comes in stages so keep that in mind as everyone in recovery is in different stages but always remember Just like Bobby Brown and Whitney Houston if someone claims to be recovering from substance abuse but is still drinking they are not recovering they just switched their drug of choice.
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