I've been trying to get this recap up for a while! The excitement from Beyonce's concert Monday night took over much of my week, especially Sunday night when Hollywood Exes aired! But it's here! Picking up from last week, Mayte arranges for Nelly to get a complete makeover when Mayte's dad comes over from Puerto Rico to meet Gia. Nelly hasn't seen him for over a year! After getting a fierce cut, she looks so good!

Meanwhile, Sheree and Andrea go shopping for the baby. They are genuinely happy for her, because Mayte has wanted to be a mom for so long! Of course, they end up talking about Jessica and her comments when she first saw Gia. Jessica just didn't get how a birth mother can give up her child. Even though she didn't mean it in a malicious way, it just wasn't the time or the place!


That night, Josie and Jessica cook in the kitchen, and talk about a party that Josie threw without Jessica's permission while Jessica was away. Josie has a babysitter, Nikki, who is 20. Because Nikki wants to be Josie's friend instead of authority, she allowed the party to go on, which pissed Jessica off. Jessica grounds Josie and takes away her car for two weeks!

The next day, Sheree, Jessica and Nicole try on costumes for a costume party that Nicole's friend invited them too. Too bad the costumes are terrible! Jessica is busting out of hers, and Nicole tries on some astronaut suit that's just not working! It was a funny time for them though.

Mayte's dad and aunt come to meet Gia for the first time, and are absolutely smitten. Mayte's dad tells her that her social life is going to be different with Gia, but she plans to celebrate her birthday with her girls, saying that her life doesn't have to end just because she has a child. He also tells her that Gia needs a father too. However, Mayte wants to make herself happy, and not just force something because he thinks Gia needs a dad. I think that Gia should have a strong male figure in her life, but it doesn't have to be a boyfriend or husband of Mayte's. It can be her grandfather, or a male friend of Mayte's. I definitely don't think Mayte should rush anything just to give Gia a dad.

That night, at the costume party, the ladies dress to the tee! Mayte comes as Sher, Andrea as a showgirl, Nicole as a sexy pirate, and Sheree as Nicki Minaj, booty and all! Jessica decides to let the party be a mini crusade as a vegetarian, and comes as a semi-slaughtered cow! I'll leave that alone. All of a sudden, Jose pops up in a mask, and Jessica immediately notices that it's him. The girls see that they are very flirty all night long! Obviously lingering feelings between the two!

The next day, Jessica and Nicole talk, and Nicole asks her about what happened after the party last night with Jose! Jose did stay over since he was drunk, but Jessica made up the couch for him and insisted nothing happened. Nicole doesn't buy that Jessica hasn't thought about getting back with him. Jessica says in a confessional that she might possibly consider getting back with him if Jose got his stuff together. There's still something there, even though she has a boyfriend! Jessica says that she's enjoying her guy and her new credit card he got her. Seems like she's enjoying the card more than the actual guy. If there is still a thought that you could get back with your ex, there is no reason to get as serious with another guy as Jessica is doing now!

This season officially adds on a new ex, Shamicka Lawrence, who was married to Martin Lawrence. Shamicka was with Martin for 16 years, though they were only actually married for almost two of those years, and now they are in the process of getting divorced. She goes to visit Nicole, who she was neighbors with when they were both still with their exes. Shamicka realized that the celebrity wife role wasn't for her, and thinks that she was constantly putting herself last in that life. She gets very emotional talking about it, but now Shamicka is working on being herself, and that's a great thing! Nicole talks about doing a cooking segment on Michael's show. Sheree and Jessica will go as well, and Nicole invites Shamicka to come too! It will be a good chance for her to meet some of the ladies and hear their stories.

Later, Jessica and Sheree talk about installing a monitoring app for Josie's car to know where she is in her car, if she's speeding, etc.! Sheree had the same thing for her son's car. They drive the car a few miles away from the condo, and try to install it in the car, but they are so confused! Jessica finally finds the plug where it needs to go, and they get it working. Your mama sees you Josie!

Later, Nicole's daughters Bria and Shayne go visit her. Nicole is packing to see Michael in New York. She goes every other week and she wonders if she should move out there full time. I think she should, especially since they plan on being married eventually.

That night, Mayte and Sheree have a joint birthday party. Nicole couldn't make it since she was going to NY, but the rest of the ladies show. There is tension between Andrea and Jessica, and Jessica feels very uncomfortable. Suddenly, she says that something is going on with Josie and she leaves. Though there may be something genuinely going on with Josie, the girls have their suspicions, especially when they were were only there for 10 minutes before Jessica dipped out. Mayte brings up how Jessica acted when she presented Gia, giving Andrea the perfect chance to say her piece and she goes off! She's done ignoring Jessica's mouth. Gia's mother did the ultimate sacrifice, and Andrea feels like Jessica took away from Mayte's ultimate celebration in adopting Gia by making the comments she did. Andrea will never look at Jessica the same. I understand where Andrea is coming from, but I'm so TIRED of hearing about Jessica. That's ALL she talks about now it seems. Yes, Jessica needs to learn to filter her mouth, but hell, either you like her or you don't. Either you're going to be her friend or you're not. Either way, stop letting every other word out of your mouth be about Jessica! Over it.

Check out all new episodes of Hollywood Exes on Sundays at 10 p.m. only on VH1!

Image via VH1
On The Spotlight, I am dedicated to featuring more up and coming folks in the entertainment industry, including different artists. As an avid music lover, I have respect and appreciation for artists from all genres that have a great sound and powerful message! Today, I'm happy to present Monks of Mellonwah, an alternative/indie rock band hailing from Down Under--Sydney, Australia!

The group, made of Vikram Kaushik (Vocals/Guitar), Joe de la Hoyde (Lead Guitar), John de la Hoyde (Bass), and Joshua Baissari (Drums), has an incredible sound and strong, thought-provoking lyrics that are sure   Drawing inspiration from other rock artists such Led Zeppelin, Muse, Pink Floyd, and the Chili Peppers, Monks of Mellonwah have been going strong, garnering a huge buzz not only at home, but also worldwide! Check out more about the group below!


In the past few years, the group has released two EPs, Stars Are Out, and Neurogenesis, as well as a host of music videos, such as "Swamp Groove," and "Neverending Spirit," which definitely boosted their audience and airplay across the globe! They've also gotten a lot of media coverage from networks and magazines including MTV, Big Takeover Magazine, CMJ, Kings of A&R, Noise 11 and Tonedeaf, scoring them licensing spots from various production companies in the U.S. including Discovery Networks and Bunim Murray.

Even with all of the success, the Monks show no signs of stopping! They are prepping their debut full-length album, and have signed a deal with A&R Worldwide! Their album, Turn The People, is being released in three parts, with Ghost Stories being the first volume. Blending rock, electronic, and pop, Ghost Stories is definitely a great volume of music. Filled with powerful metaphors, the EP might take a second or third listen to really get their message! I LOVE music that makes listeners think beyond just the surface! My favorite track on the EP is probably the final song, "Sailing Stones,"which is a song about sailing away to reach one's goals or desires in life. The journey may be taken without a plan, and people may not understand your blind fall, but it doesn't matter. Vikram sings "I feel alive like none before, don't break my fall / Sailing away blind of what's in store/The sun's down, time to roll the sound and let sanity take its toll." I know that, as I embark on a new journey of my own, this song hits home pretty hard!

The Monks' talent is undeniable, and Ghost Stories is definitely a strong indication of what's to come from them! Listen and check out the video for the title track, "Ghost Stories," below!


Monks of Mellonwah are currently touring throughout Australia, and plan to hit the States this fall! You can learn more about the group on their official website, and connect with the group on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube! You can also connect with their press contact, James Moore, and their band management contact, Chris de la Hoyde.


"D.C. Say 'Heyyyyy Mrs. Carter....."

If you were at The Mrs. Carter Show last night, or any night for that matter, you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about. Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter and her crew hit Washington D.C. last night, with another show going down at the Verizon Center again tonight. I've been a major stan of hers since I was a kid, but have never seen her live...until last night. I bought these tickets back in FEBRUARY, and was close enough on the side to get GREAT video! It still surprises me that I didn't end up in the nosebleeds somewhere (my fellow Beyhive members are INTENSE).

The show was INCREDIBLE. I don't care what anyone says, and I promise I'm not saying this just as a stan. Beyoncé is the greatest performer IN. THE. WORLD. Her performances that you see on YouTube or on TV don't do her total justice. You honestly won't get it until you see her LIVE. I had to share some of my experiences, photos, and video from the show for you all! Fair warning, the video contains major clips from the show (for those who still haven't seen the show and want it to be a surprise)!


The first shocker happened before the show even started when I was walking to the arena, and spotted a tall man in front of me with a huge fro, and a skateboard in hand!  I said to myself, "There's no way." But when I saw other people stopping and staring, I knew that it was one of the Les Twins. By myself, I caught up to him (I think it was Laurent), and asked for a picture, and he said, 'Yeah, but quickly love." Only I had JUST turned my phone off and couldn't find my camera!!! So embarrassing *facepalm*

I got in the doors, bought a program and posters for my sister and me, and took my seat The show had general admission on the floor, but I don't do that unless I'm one of the first ones here and KNOW that I'll be in the front. A girl has a job now outside of blogging, and can't take off of work or class to get to a concert like the good old college days anymore. Womp womp.


Luke James was the opening act, of course. I'll be honest and say that, while I know of and have heard some of his amazing vocals, I put him to the back burner a little bit. But BABY, that man is a SANGER. When you see him live, you appreciate his God-given talent just a little bit more. I'm definitely buying his debut album when it comes out, and getting those mixtapes!






















And what can I say about Mrs. Carter?!!!!!! I KNEW that show was going to be incredible, but when I actually saw her, it was surreal. I recorded a lot, as you probably knew I would, but many times I just had to stop and remind myself to enjoy this show. Here I am, in a stadium, with a woman who I have admired since I was probably 8 or 9, and she's singing her heart out, and giving her all for her fans. I had to enjoy the moment, especially when I don't know when it's going to happen again. I sang and screamed to the top of my lungs, and danced like I was the only one in the place. To me, I might as well have been, because no one else around me matter ha!

With songs including "Crazy In Love," "Naughty Girl,"and "Baby Boy," "Freakum Dress" and "Irreplaceable," "If I Were A Boy," "Diva," and "Single Ladies," and "Run The World" as the opener, as well as "I Care," and "End of Time," Bey hit all of her eras perfectly. Of course, my jam "Grown Woman" got me out of my seat acting crazy! It was just an incredible performance, and I'm so happy that I went. $280 for a seat in the first section diagonal from the stage was not bad at all!

Check out some of my clips from the show below!


LUKE JAMES 0:00-8:05
0:00-1:33-”Be Bad”
1:33-2:26-”Beautiful”
2:26-3:22-”Got To Give It Up” Covre
3:22-5:13-”I.O.U./Hurt Me”
5:13-8:05-”I Want You”

BEYONCÉ!!!!!!!
8:05-10:20-Opening
10:20-12:43-”Run The World”
12:43-14:10-”End of Time
14:10-16:02-”Flaws and All”
16:02-17:48-”If I Were A Boy”
17:48-20:00-”Get Me Bodied
20:00-21:49-”Diva”
21:49-22:57-”Naughty Girl”
22:57-24:15-”Party”
24:15-25:38-”Freakum Dress”
25:38-27:27-”I Care”
27:27-29:13-”I Miss You”
29:13-33:25-”1+1/Speechless”
33:25-35:51-”Irreplaceable”
35:51-36:49-”Survivor”
36:49-38:18-”Crazy In Love”
38:18-42:30-”Grown Woman”
42:31-47-24-”I Will Always Love You/Halo” (Finale)
About three years ago, I did one of my first spotlights on an upcoming designer, Ashley Chin. At the time, both of us were kind of new at our dreams. I was 20, and had just started Spotlight  a little over a year ago back then, and Ashley was branching out into designing. Time has flown by, and all the while, I saw Ashley's continuous tweets about how her career was growing down in Miami, and was so happy for the progress she was making in reaching her goals! So when she hit me up a few weeks ago on Twitter, it was no question that we had to do a followup! Ashley and I had the chance to catch up on her newest ventures, her styling career, as well as new upcoming boutique Vane For Decades!
Ashley has been steadily building her fashion empire down in Miami. While the area is not big on fashion (the city focuses mostly on music), Ashley revealed a little about the fashion scene in the area. "Everybody's very bright," she said, "but laidback and comfortable." I asked if she ever could see herself moving out of Miami and on to a city that's bigger in fashion, like NYC, which she believes maybe one day might be a possibility if and when she gets steady work. For now, Miami is her scene, and she's making her mark there!

Last time we spoke, Ashley had developed a t-shirt line called Dangerous Vintage. With fierce cuts and hot designs, the line was definitely one to look out for. However, since then, Ashley has moved on from the line, admitting that she still had a lot to learn back then. “I was so young when I did Dangerous Vintage, I really didn't know the sides of the fashion world. I was kind of just thinking, “Put out t-shirts,” she said with a laugh. There's a lot that goes into any venture, fashion or otherwise, if you plan on being successful, marketing correctly, having a great team behind you, etc.

After moving on from Dangerous Vintage, Ashley started styling a little after that, which really took off for her, even styling Teairra Mari and Claudia Jordan. “With styling, I felt more comfortable,” she said. “I've always had interest in it. It's just I put designing first. So now that I put something else first, I feel like it kind of opened the door for designing."

With her growing knowledge and experience in the industry, Ashley decided that it was time to start another fashion line, developing an online boutique Vane for Decades! Ashley takes her inspiration for the designs from the French fashion brand Givenchy, as well as listening to unique artists like Kimbra and Gotye. She also finds Kanye West's fashion style appealing as well. While some of us find Kanye's fashion weird to say the least, Ashley finds it unique and inspiring! Though the line will offer some tees and skullies, Ashley is determined to release quality, unique high fashion pieces that are affordable for the masses AND comfortable!  “I get to kind of form something different, something that people are really going to take to, because it’s not the ordinary," she said.

Instead of rushing to get the brand out there, the budding designer is really taking her time with this new company. “If you want quality, you have to wait, because it takes a lot of time. It takes a lot of money. You want the best of the best," Ashley said. “I’d rather make a big comeback and have people in awe!" The relaunch of VaneForDecades.com is set for September 4th, and Ashley is beyond excited, and definitely prepared for this new phase in her career! “This time around, I feel like I’m more educated, I have a better team, and I think it will be more successful,” she said.

Now Ashley balances styling and designing, which she admits can be a little overwhelming. With a new showroom opening, a new online site, and styling clients, it can all be a little much, but she's up for the challenge! “This is opening the door for my brand. The clothes that I make will be here [in the office] for my clients. Whatever I make doing styling is going straight into the brand," Ashley said. Reaching her goals require sacrifice, as all dreams do, and she is prepared to do that. Because one is opening the door for the other, it’s easier for her to make that sacrifice to balance the two.



As a designer, Ashley is proud of the fact that she's different, determined to stand out from the many designers and stylists out here. “I’m just outside the box. Even just as a person, I’m very in my own world," she said. "When I’m designing, I like to take the risks. I like for people to be like, “Her stuff is weird,” or “She’s weird” because that makes me just like, “Ok, well I’m out the box.” She's really stepping into her own, and giving her all in both designing and styling. "I want to keep everything new, fresh and exciting. I want people to guess what I'm doing," Ashley said.


In terms of her future, Ashley could see herself doing styling for the rest of her life. She hopes to see Vane For Decades go global, definitely hitting the fashion capital of the world, Paris! Ashley also plans to go to school for journalism, and possibly be a fashion editor (as a journalism major this made me smile!). And Ashley has plenty of advice for other upcoming stylists and designers! The first: TAKE A RISK. Ashley took one of her own by reaching out to a celebrity stylist on Facebook, and it turned out to be her gateway to work with Teairra and Claudia. Stay true to yourself, and pay homage to those who helped you. "Don't change for the industry, and don't expect for things to happen overnight" she added, "If you come in with that mindset, you're going to be so disappointed. It could take years before you really pop off. Everybody has their own time. Just continue working very hard." The stylist and designer also stressed the importance of reaching out to blogs and other mediums to get a buzz going! "Don't rush anything, don't feed into the negativity. Keep people around you that believe in you, and believe in yourself!" Ashley said. All great advice for anyone working towards their dreams!

I'm so excited for the work that Ashley is doing in expanding her brand! She's definitely a talented and ambitious young woman who is chasing her dreams full force! Make sure you follow her on Twitter, and check out her official website, Styled By Ash! Also, be on the look out for Vane for Decades when the site relaunches September 4th!


VH1 has released a teaser of the TLC biopic, Crazy Sexy Cool, that the network plans to release this October! The movie stars Drew Sidora as Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, KeKe Palmer as Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas, and Lil Mama as the late great Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes. Though the biopic and casting decisions were definitely questionable at first, this teaser shows that VH1 may have got right!

Check out the teaser below!



I was stunned. Actually stunned. Obviously they're no TLC, but they come pretty dang close!I was so worried when I heard who were going to be the leads, but I'm not so much anymore. People are still going to have their doubts and negativity about the whole thing, but I'm actually pretty excited to watch and review this in the fall! Looks like this film might be a great one!

In a press conference today, Chilli and T-Boz revealed that Lil Mama will be joining them on stage in place of the late Left Eye at the Mixtape Festival in Hershey Park, PA this weekend. Fans may be a little skeptical of the move, but Lil Mama has studied Left Eye to the tee, from the rhymes and choreography, to even her voice and mannerisms! We see that from the teaser!

What do you think of the teaser? Do you think Drew, KeKe, and Lil Mama will pull it off?

Image via VH1
Look who's back! After rumors of a possible Danity Kane reunion kicked off a while back, the girls might actually be pulling it off! Last night, group members Shannon Bex, Aubrey O’Day, Dawn Richard and Andrea Fimbres, hit the studio with Freshm3n 3 (producers of Chris Brown’s song ‘Love More’) for a recording session! The studio was even the same studio that their sophomore album Welcome To The Dollhouse was recorded in!

Dawn is still working on her solo career as an independent artist, planning to release her sophomore album, Blackheart, in October!

Looks like this reunion might seriously be happening! And without Diddy and Bad Boy, which I'm actually A-Ok about! I'm excited for them! I wish that D. Woods was a part, but she's chosen not to participate, which is fine. Four out of five ain't bad at all! It would definitely be a great time for them to make a comeback. Female groups are seriously lacking in music nowadawys. There are some great ones of course, but since the 2000s there has been a huge decline. Danity Kane could come back and make a great impact if they play this right!

Are you excited for a Danity Kane reunion?

Image via Aubrey O'Day
Plenty of drama on this episode of Rivals II! Picking up from last week, Derek has a very interesting confessional, in which he states that Marlon is touchy feely with him, finding out that Marlon is bisexual and they hooked up one night! In his own confessional, Marlon admits that he is bisexual and that he and Derek did fool around. The housemates are being nosy and ask Jordan about Marlon's sexuality. Because Marlon is so tough, no one really could tell that he was bi. I didn't watch his season, so I didn't know either. At the end of the day, it doesn't matter. What matters is that he holds his own in competition.

However, in a game of charades later where the housemates imitate each other, Knight does a
disrespectful imitation of Marlon, playing like he is giving a blowjob to another guy. Marlon goes off, ready to fight Knight, and it takes a crew of guys to keep him and Knight away from each other. I'm not even all that surprised. Knight has always been disrespectful, because he doesn't know where to draw the line. Later, Aneesa talks to Marlon, and tells him that he will constantly evolve as a human being. She understands his situation because she is bisexual herself. Behind the scenes, Trishelle, annoyed with Aneesa's voice, starts talking trash about her. Jemmye tells Aneesa, and Aneesa goes off! Trishelle has A LOT of mouth, calling Aneesa a stripper and saying that the girl doesn't know what she is, and on and on and on. Aneesa calls her TRASHELLE, and when Trishelle gets in her face, she promptly grabs her hair and holds her while Trishelle tries to get away! Trishelle knew better than to get in the ring with a pitbull...she's like the size of Aneesa's thigh!

The next morning, Trishelle packs her bags and quits because of the fight, leaving Sarah in the dust. Shortly after Trishelle leaves, T.J. brings the house together, and tells her that her time in Thailand is over, which sucks, because if there is any girl that deserves to be able to compete, it's Sarah. She has a huge love of competition, and always seems to get crappy partners (though she did win third with her team last season on Battle of the Seasons). Trishelle, you are completely weak, and need to not ever do a Challenge again in life. Because T.J. detests quitting, I hope that he and MTV keep you out of doing any more challenges. You're irrelevant.

At the day's challenge, the teams square off in "Mind Over Splatter." Two teams at a time have to go across two ropes suspended 30 feet over water. Each team has 10 minutes to get across the ropes or they will be disqualified. This challenge is a guys' challenge, so the guys definitely want to do well! Before they start, T.J. informs CT and Wes, as well as Knight and Preston, that they will get a 30
second time penalty for quitting the last challenge AND they have to go first. Knight and Preston do well at first, but Knight eventually falls into the water. Preston tries to hold on until Knight can get to him. They fail though. In their heat, Marlon and Jordan KILL, impressing the vets! Johnny and Frank make good time too.

The girls manage to get across the ropes fast as well. At the end of the challenge, Paula and Emily end up taking it again for the girls! They definitely are the girls' team to beat! Preston and Knight lose the challenge and head straight into the Jungle because of their DQ! T.J. reveals that the top three teams are Marlon and Jordan, Johnny and Frank, and Trey and Zach. T.J. announces Johnny and Frank as the winners, which was well deserved, even though I don't really like Frank. At all.

Back at the house, the girls deliberate and thinks that Derek and Robb should go back in. However, Derek thinks that he will be safe, and that Aneesa won't vote him in. At deliberation, most of the girls, along with Diem and Aneesa, vote Derek and Robb. With three votes, Derek and Robb get thrown in the Jungle again.

At the Jungle, T.J. reveals that the game will be "Snapper." There is a giant red circle in the center of the Jungle. One member is blindfolded will bells on his feet, and will try to break a stick over their opponent, as his team member tries to guide him Best two out of three wins! Robb and Preston are spun around. It's literally like hitting a human piñata. In the first round, Derek and Knight direct their teammates. Robb KILLS Preston with his stick. The second round, Knight and Preston come up a code word "NOLA" in which Knight will get low and strike. It works for them, because Knight takes the second round over Derek. The score is 1-1 and it comes down to Robb and Knight. Preston and Knight end up taking it, sending Robb and Derek home, which was disappointing. I was rooting for Robb and Derek to take it because I think that they are a decent team. Plus I just really don't like Knight.

Back at the house, Knight apologizes to Marlon for his tasteless joke. Marlon accepts his apology, but will definitely keep his eyes open when it comes to him. Later, Nany and Marlon talk it out, and they vibe. He has feelings for her it looks like. Nany doesn't care that he's bisexual and they hook up at the end of the night. Bisexual does have a stigma that you're just gay, but Marlon likes girls too. But who cares if he's bisexual, gay, or whatever? At the end of the day, he is a strong competitor and that's what matters on The Challenge. Everything else is secondary.

Check out all new episodes of The Challenge on Wednesday nights at 10 p.m. only on MTV!

Images via MTV


Every Tuesday is Game Day! Picking up from last week, Malik and Reece finish up their little hookup in the hot tub. Malik is doing a Derek Blanks photo shoot for his water that Reece thinks will change her dad's mind about him. All of a sudden, a rock lands in the hot tub, which was thrown by Tori's son Brandon. Tori, Malik's assistant who he has hooked up with in the past, tells Malik that she had to bring him to the job. The father promised that he would pick Brandon up but never did. Malik tells her that it's fine, that "Malik Wright Inc" is pretty lax in the HR department. She and now rap artist Franko were high school sweethearts, but Franko focused on his rap career. Now she shares custody with him, but doesn't want him anymore because of the drama he brings.


The next day, Tasha gets a call from Malik inviting her and Rick to participate in the photo shoot, but Rick doesn't want to do it. He believes that he doesn't have much of a career now, and he's ashamed a little bit. Tasha tells him that once a Laker, he's always a Laker, which he says is old. Tasha tells him that they will be in and out, just taking pics and that it will be fun! He reluctantly agrees.

At the gym, Blue asks Keira if she's mad that he was blocking her and Luke. Keira, still irritated, says that they are fine, and Luke plans to come visit her this weekend AND do Malik's photoshoot with her. Blue plans to go to the photo shoot too, and Keira tells him he should bring someone so he's not so lonely. Blue continues to tease her about Luke until she storms out, turning the lights off on him as she leaves.

At the photoshoot, Reece has hired a bunch of white folks to make the shoot look "more diverse," in her words. Tasha and Rick come as well, confident that they both look good and will knock this shoot out. Chardonnay comes along with Jason, and brings him some cheese and crackers that he asked for, but he says that he asked for cocktail weenies. Jason has definitely been suffering from memory loss, but Jason refuses to hear it.

Blue brings Ciara to the shoot, purposely trying to irritate Keira, which definitely works since she and Ciara are close. Blue teases Luke about his belt, and Keira pulls him to the side, telling him how immature he is for all of this. Immature, indeed, but he's just acting out because of how much he likes Keira.

The shoot quickly goes downhill. Derek Blanks asks Rick to spin a ball on his finger, and Rick walks out, annoyed that he would ask that. Tasha leaves, chasing after him. After Derek asks Jason to take his sunglasses off, the camera's flash really bothers Jason because of his concussion and he walks too. Chardonnay stays for a second, but then goes after him. Jason goes into a supply closet, claiming he's good. However, he realizes that his concussion may be a little more serious than he thought. Chardonnay thinks it's time for him to retire, which Jason says is not an option, but not because of the money. He tells her that he was on steroids when they won the championship, something only ex-wife Kelly and her brother Brandon knew (this happened back in Season 2). He wants to prove to himself that he can win another championship without the drugs. It's a very emotional scene for the couple, especially for Chardonnay who doesn't want to see Jason hurt anymore or worse.

The shoot continues to lose all the black folks. After Keira makes another crack at Blue, Ciara asks what is going on with them. Luke reveals they dated, and Ciara asks if Blue smashed her. Ciara gets mad at Keira saying that Blue was hers first ("I Christopher-Columbused that ass," her words!), and she walks out. Keira shortly follows along, livid with Blue, and Luke follows her. When Blue asks if he would be wrong if he stayed,  Malik tells Blue that if he stays, he's going to get his ass whooped. Malik continues on with the photoshoot with the white folks Reece hired.

Meanwhile Tori has an emergency and tells Malik she has to leave. As she is walking out, Franko arrives and reveals that he knows that Malik has been sexting Tori. Franko is PISSED, and tries to fight Malik, but Tori manages to drag him out.

Back at Tasha's, Rick comes back and Tasha wants to comfort him with sex, but he'd rather have donuts and be depressed. He feels like he's walking aimlessly in life and his best years are behind him. Tasha tells him that there has to be something else that he likes to do. Rick reveals that he has had a dream since he was young of what he could be....a stand up comedian! Tasha tells him to stop playing, but he's very serious, and shares some of his material. He's beyond corny, but Tasha fake laughs to support him.

Later, Reece and Malik look at the photos, and she tells him that the people who he is hanging out with are bringing him down. She even implies that he should fire Tasha, but knows that he won't because that's his mother. She tells him that to be the best, you have to be around the best. The words get to Malik, and he calls Tori in and fires her, with a severance package, because of the drama on the set. Malik is becoming more and more business-oriented, which I commend him for. He's come a LONG way since the beginning of this series, but I don't want to see him completely forget his friends and family just to be successful. Just....maybe don't invite them to be a part of your business ventures? I think that's better.

At the end of the episode, Blue is tempted to call Keira but puts his phone down. In her apartment, Keira tries to call Ciara but she doesn't pick up. Luke is there to comfort her as she cries. Got me in my feelings a little bit as I watched. I know that Blue and Keira have to build up to a relationship, but I just want them to be together already! I can't take this dragging out for the rest of the season.

Check out all new episodes of The Game on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on BET! Sound off on how you liked the episode below! 
Another great night of Hollywood Exes! Picking up from last week, Mayte and Nelly go on a last minute shopping trip for the new baby! Mayte has absolutely nothing for her new daughter, so she definitely has to get on it. The two are both so overwhelmed, but manage to get the bare essentials. Nelly gets a little excited and distracted with the shopping, but together, she and Mayte manage to get what they need for when the baby arrives.

Meanwhile, Sheree and her husband Terrell have officially sold the house in San Diego, with Terrell planning to move to L.A. to spend more time with his wife. Sheree goes through his stuff and wants to get rid of a lot of things, but Terrell has "quality items" he wants to keep. Sheree is going to have to get used to sharing her space again!


Later, Nicole tells her mom that she was approached by the Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies to accept an award for her work with the association. She's very nervous for her speech, though her mom tries to encourage her. Nicole definitely plans to fight past the nerves, though, because she wants to raise money and bring awareness to find a cure for cancer.  Her mom tells her that she is proud of her daughter, and that Nicole's father would be proud of her too.

Sheree goes over to Jessica's later on in the episode, because Jessica needs some advice on her boyfriend. She wonders if she should move in with her boyfriend or take it slow. She openly admits it's not like her relationship with Jose. Sheree tells her that if she doesn't have that spark right away, it might not be a good idea. Jessica wants that feeling that she had with Jose again, and believes that she should try. However, she admits that she and Jose are really comfortable with each other again, and Sheree warns her that her boyfriend might pick up on that. Personally, I think that Jessica needs to slow down and figure out exactly what she wants. She's definitely not over Jose yet, and there is no point in getting so serious with someone else until she fully moves on!

The next day, Mayte meets with a baby proofer to fix the house before a social worker comes to check out the house. Mayte was definitely nervous, because she felt like her house would probably be unsafe for a kid. The baby proofer points out different things from plants to cords, so Mayte has a lot of work to do on fixing up the house! Another stressful thing, but it will all be worth it when the baby arrives!

Meanwhile, Nicole and her mom go to get their hair done to get fabulous for the event. She drinks some champagne to try to calm her nerves, though it's not really working. Later, the girls go out to support her at the event in Beverly Hills. Nicole continues to drink her nerves away. Nicole is announced as the recipient for the Spirit of Entertainment Award, and is described as a very hands-on person with this cause. Nicole gets up to receive her award and is obviously a little tipsy, even slurring while she speaks! It's a little embarrassing, and the girls laugh a bit at her. However, Nicole manages to get through it, dedicating the award to her dad.

The next day, Mayte and Nelly go to pick up the baby!!! They struggle to get the car seat in the car but manage to get it together. Mayte is definitely really excited because she's never really been Mayte the mom. Though she had a baby when she was younger, the child, unfortunately, passed away after a week. Mayte never got to fully experience raising a child, so it's awesome that she has the opportunity now, especially after wanting a baby for so long!

Meanwhile, Jessica takes Josie to get her belly button pierced and brings Nicole, Nicole's mom and Nicole's daughter Shayne. Jessica gets her cartilage pierced and she freaks out! Nicole, her mom, and Shayne just get their cartilages pierced as well, not making as big a fuss as drama queen Jessica! Josie, spitting image of her mother, gets her belly button pierced and starts cussing up a storm in front of everybody!

At the end of the episode, Mayte has the girls over for lunch. She tells them that she has a new addition to the house she wants to show them, and brings out the baby!!! All of the ladies are excited, and the baby is soooo cute!   Jessica is shocked that it happened so fast, but the parents have signed off, so the baby is all hers! And what's even more amazing is that the baby says "Mama" already in front of them! Even Nelly is happy now that the baby is here! I'm definitely happy for Mayte and know that she'll be an amazing mom!

Check out all new episodes of Hollywood Exes on Sunday nights at 9 p.m. only on VH1!

What did you think of the episode?

Image via VH1


"When you’re soaked in tears for years, it never airs out. When you make pain look this good it never wears out"

Kelly Rowland has FINALLY released the explosive video for her latest single, "Dirty Laundry!" 

On the emotional track, Kelly sings about being on the sidelines while her former groupmate Beyonce's career took off, and how she spent years in an abusive relationship all the while. The song has garned a lot of buzz for the singer, as she laid it all out in the studio.

Check out the video below!
The video stays true to the song, and is really intense as we all figured it would be. It's definitely sad to watch, but I'm just glad that Kelly was able to move forward from this situation, and move on to a better life. If this song was a part of her healing, so be it. Proud of you Kelly!
Image via Necole Bitchie
Fabulous news for those of us on Royal Baby Watch! The Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine (Kate), and Prince William welcomed their first child today--a baby boy! Their son was born at 4:24 p.m., weighing 8 pounds 6 ounces, according to CNN. A name has not yet been announced for the child, who is now third in line to the throne.

It was reported earlier today that Kate was indeed in labor. She and Prince William traveled to the Lindo Wing at St. Mary's Hospital in England, where she had a healthy delivery!

More details to come! Congrats to the royal couple and family!

Image via CNN
Another day in The Challenge world! After last week's elimination, everybody sleeps in the living room while CT, Johnny, Anastasia, Theresa, and Trey dress up as ninjas and get everybody with water balloons! Operation Ninja Raid was a success! Anastasia can't hide the fact that she likes CT and flirts with him, even though she has the feeling that she likes him more than she should. Uhhhh....duh girl!

The next day, Anastasia and CT continues to flirt. Diem walks in, and CT pulls her aside to talk to her. He tells her that he's trying to be nice, but she keeps playing games with him. She knows that she likes him, and he sees that too, and plans to break her down to admit. I wish they both would just both admit that they are still in love with each other already. We ALL know that...well, except for Anastasia's dumb behind!

That night, the house works out to prep for the next challenge. Jordan only has one hand, which I didn't know because I haven't paid that close attention to him. However, the guy lifts weights just as great as Zach's strong self, and Sarah finds his determination sexy! Jordan thinks that Sarah is beautiful herself, he reveals in a confessional. 



CT vents to others in the house about how Diem is chasing girls away, and admits that he's trying to make her jealous. Frank and Trishelle tell him that Anastasia told them that they had sex, which irritates CT who thinks the house should mind their business. It turns into a heated argument because Frank is the biggest instigator you will ever meet in your life. He always wants to start drama, but he's only talk. Frank has NO idea who he's getting into it with, because CT will break him like a twig on the serious tip! Frank goes to vent to Johnny, who tells him not to even engage CT. 

At the challenge, the teams prep to play XXX Games, a great obstacle course down the beach with some naughty implications! Before the challenge, though, T.J. reveals Cooke's new partner (*drumroll*)...it's Cara Maria, who a lot of the people there dislike! After introductions are made, T.J. explains the course. The first section is called Woody, where they have to use a thrusting motion to saw through a log. The first place team gets a five second head start, with each team after getting a one second head start over the remaining teams. The second part of the challenge, Ball Gag, requires the teams to be attached at the torso, with one of the members being upside down while the other teammate holds them. Very naughty position! After they get through the rest of the course, the teams will find a ball on the pedestal and must retrieve it with their mouth. When they get to the sand, they will drop the ball in the sand, where their teammate will pick it up and place it in the slot on the ground.

Since it's a girls' challenge, the winner for the guys will get $1000 and get to pick the order for the next challenge! Wes quits automatically because he refuses to stick his head in CT's crotch, but CT has fun with it, competing by himself. Even though Preston and Knight take the lead from Woody,  Preston quits right before Ball Gag, refusing to be anywhere near Knight's private area. However, CT and Knight compete together just for the fun of it, but eventually get kicked off the course. Though it was a good Marlon and Jordan are fighting CT and Knight get kicked off the court. It was a tough battle for all the guys, but Zach and Trey win for the boys! 

During the girls' heat, Nany and Jonna get the first place head start, but they struggle to get each other up in the position they need to be! Meanwhile, Aneesa and Diem take off! Paula and Emily end up taking the challenge, but the rest of the girls still have to compete to not be last! Some of the girls could never get in the right position for the challenge, though, so they give up and start rolling together in the sand. Even though it was a decent effort, Anastasia and Jessica end up losing the challenge, getting a spot straight into the Jungle! T.J. announces the winners, but also announces, that since some of the guys quit, they will get a penalty on the next challenge! If you've been watching The Challenge long enough while T.J.'s been the host, you know that he HATES quitters! Bet people will think twice this season before giving up so easy!

Back at the house, the guys talk about who they will vote in against Anastasia and Jessica. Cooke and Cara are brought up, but Wes thinks that they will be a strong team to have his and CT's backs. At deliberation, T.J. lets the guys vote for the girls. Though some of the guys vote for Trishelle and Sarah, Cooke and Cara Maria get the majority of the votes, even though Cara just got there! It pisses Cooke off and she plans to get back at them if she gets back in the house. 

Afterwards Trishelle and Sarah talk about how CT voted her in. The truth is that Trishelle can be a bit of a crazy, confrontational person, which turns off other teams even though Sarah is one of the coolest people in the game. Sarah asks Trishelle if her heart's in the game. Trishelle wants to win, and that's what counts. Meanwhile, Diem and CT talk about CT's flirting. CT tells her that if she likes him then she needs to tell him! However, Diem wants to be independent and not have a guy who is her crutch. Anastasia is worried seeing them together. She talks to Theresa and realizes that she's being manipulated by him.

When CT walks in the next morning, Anastasia calls him disrespectful, and she ends up slapping him all over the room, where CT's bodyguard Knight tries to break it up. Oh, Anastasia....baby girl, sit down and have some one on one time with Brittany. CT doesn't want you. He never wanted you. You were never going to be his girlfriend, if that's what you were seriously thinking. So to act so crazy like this, over a guy you've know for a week, shows that you have a LOT of growing up to do. And don't blame it on age. Blame it on your maturity level. I know that she's watching this episode, and feels so stupid! But what's done is done. Jessica gets her together telling her that they are rookies and they have to work together and kill at this Jungle, before they get eliminated. 

At the Jungle, the teams play Hanging By A Thread. Each team will sit up on swings and Anastasia and Jessica put up a good fight, but, in spite of their efforts, they get eliminated. Immediately, Anastasia "struggles to see," and gets "lightheaded" again, being taken off the course. All of the dramatics I see here, I can only imagine how she was on Real World: Portland! Ugh, sorry to Jessica, but I'm cool with her being gone.
lower themselves upside down and try to cut their opponent's rope to drop them into the water! When the round is about to start, Anastasia gets "lightheaded" and Jessica tries to calm her nerves. T.J. tells her to just power it out and figh, which she does. Cara Maria and Cooke get a good start, but they start swinging which throws them off.

The end of the episode shows a new romance starting up. After the elimination, Jordan and Sarah flirt and hook up! They make a cute couple, and I could actually see them lasting outside of the house.

Check out all new episodes of MTV's The Challenge: Rivals II on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET only on MTV!

Images via MTV
Ready for another recap of The Game? Picking up from last week, Keira takes Blue around the set of her indie movie. Blue playfully taps her butt, but she tells him that "friends" don't do that. It's obvious that they have feelings for each other, but both of them are trying to pass it off. The next day is Blue's first official game of the season, but he still came out to support her and calm her nerves, which Keira appreciates. As Blue walks away, one of her co-stars taps her butt and Keira thinks nothing of it! In fact, she laughs, which raises an eyebrow with Blue.

Later, Malik gets fitted for a suit, when he should be working on his business pitch with Reece for her father the next day. She doesn't want him to make her look bad because he's playing around. Her dad is a hard sell, so she wants to bring him to Malik's game tomorrow to try to impress him. Malik really thinks that Reece doesn't have anything to worry about, though, convinced he'll win her dad over.

At the game, Tasha and Chardonnay make up after Chardonnay went off on her last week. Tasha's impressed by how she stood up for herself. However, Tasha says that somebody needs to knock Jason flat on his behind and knock him down a peg. Right at that moment, Jason is tackled very hard, leaving him laid out flat on the field, shocking Chardonnay and somewhat pleasing Tasha! Jason gets checked out by the team doctor, but still has to be taken to the hospital for further examination. Chardonnay is extremely emotional, but Tasha tries to calm her down, telling her that it is all a part of the game.

The Sabers, even without Jason, still win the game. Afterwards, Keira meets up with Blue, who happened to get two touchdowns! He wants to celebrate with her, but she has brought her male co-star Luke and has plans to hang out with him. Blue is definitely a little jealous. He tell them that they should go hang out at Dropbar (in hopes of seeing her for sure), but Luke has already made reservations for them at a fancy restaurant Chateaux.

Meanwhile, Malik meets up with Mr. Sheibani, and gives him the game ball signed by all of the players minus Javon. Malik tells him that he is trying to take his brand to the next level, and thinks that working with Sheibani on a new venture will do just that. However, Mr. Sheibani is not interested in working with Malik, citing the facts that he is a recovering addict and was charged of assault (which was back in probably season 2 or 3). It's clear that Sheibani doesn't take Malik seriously because he's a football player, and he figures that football players can't be good businessmen.

Later, Keira watches a movie with Luke. Luke admits that at first, he didn't want to do the film because she was cast, but he warmed up to her. He flirts with her, and kisses her. However, when he tries to go further, she runs to the bathroom and calls Blue telling him she doesn't want to have sex with him! He lets her know that Luke probably thinks that she's getting ready for it, but Blue refuses to bail her out. However, moments later, Blue knocks on the door, and comes in to break up the moment, telling them he was "locked out." Blue and Keira talk and joke, making Luke uncomfortable and wanting to leave, obviously sensing something between them. Blue runs him off by telling him that they dated only a week and a half ago. Keira sees that he's jealous, but Blue thinks that she was trying to make him jealous on purpose. Aren't they cute?

That night, Tasha comes over to visit Chardonnay with a Sunbeam concussion guide complete with medical books and energy drinks to keep herself up so that she can keep Jason from falling asleep with his concussion. Chardonnay is being very protective of him, and goes to run him a bath. Tasha tells Jason that Chardonnay loves him to death, and basically implies that he isn't as young as he used to be and maybe should slow down. However, Jason says that they both have sold their souls for this game, so they have to take the knocks that come with it. He would rather die as the late, great Jason Pitts with the championship rings and all than to just live forever as some regular dude. However, because of the concussion, he's repeating himself and seeing things, adding some rumor to the serious scene.

The next morning, Reece visits Malik while he is chilling in his hot tub. Malik tells Reece that he's done rying to work with her and her father. It's like he's not good enough to be a businessman, but he's good enough to bet on like a racehorse when he's out on the field. Reece tells him that she is there because she sees something in him, and thinks that he could be a very good businessman. She also tells him that he is very handsome and sexy, proceeding to get in the hot tub with him, suit on and all, and make out with him! Guess he wore her down after all!

Later, Luke tells Keira he dreamt about her last night, comparing them to Janet Gaynor and Frederic March from the original A Star is Born. He plans to fight to be with Keira, and will deal with Blue as competition but Keira tells him there is no competition and kisses him. Lies she tells! Like I've said from the beginning, I love seeing the progression of her and Blue's relationship, even including the in-between dates and boyfriends. They'll be together soon enough!

Check out all new episodes of The Game on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET only on BET!

Image via BET
Another Sunday night gone, another recap of Hollywood Exes! Picking up from last week, Nicole goes to Sacramento to spend time with his family after his father's passing. Her mom is hanging in there, but is still very much in shock. His father decided that he didn't want a funeral, but a celebration of life, so Nicole is planning that with her family, complete with a slideshow and karaoke! Funerals can be depressing, so this will be a happy time for her to remember her dad. She's sad that she couldn't make it in time to say her final goodbyes, but what's important is that she spends time with her fam now.


Later, Jessica meets up with Mayte to talk to her about this adoption, which Jessica thinks is moving pretty fast. She's excited for Mayte, and gets her a single mother's guide to raising a kid, but she is also honest with her that this will be tough. Mayte kind of gets annoyed because she doesn't want to hear all of the doubt when she's so happy, but she lets it go at the dinner. Jessica is just the type with no filter. We all know those, who voice their opinion on everything, giving unsolicited advice. If I'm honest, I can be the same way too, thinking that I'm "just trying to help." But sometimes friends just need love and support, not advice.

Meanwhile, Andrea meets with her assistant Tony to figure out what jobs she can take on to make money, so that she can pay others. She's not cool just being an ex-wife that collects checks. She wants to go out and fulfill her dreams to be a good example to her kids.

The next day, Nicole reminisces with her mom over some pictures that she finds of her dad. She finds a picture of her parents for her mom's 80th birthday, which is the last time that all of them hung out together. However, her mom, even at 80, is so full of life and FUNNY!

Mayte and Andrea go shopping, where Mayte reveals her conversation with Jessica the other night. Of course, Andrea gets upset about it, because she thinks that Jessica needs to use her filter and stop getting into people's business. Mayte didn't want to have a confrontation with her, because Jessica is very headstrong about her opinions. She says that "that's just Jessica," which makes Andrea's blood boil.

In Sacramento,  Nicole goes with her mom and older brother Nathan to check out their old neighborhood. Nicole hadn't been there since she was 17. She grew up with such a different life that her kids, but she appreciates where she comes from and values the childhood she had. They see Nicole's old elementary school and the family apartment. She waves over one of the kids Mimi who actually lives in her old room now! It was a good time for the three to reminisce and reflect on where they came from.

Meanwhile, Jessica makes a family dinner for Josie's birthday, including Jose as well. She invites them to see pieces from her clothing line, JC Collections. Her pieces are definitely for Hollywood folks with money, with some pieces going for $5000! They have dinner, and update each other on what's going on with in their lives. The conversation goes to who Jessica is dating and how old this new guy is. Jose apparently always has something bad to say about her boyfriends, but that's because he still have feelings for her. He even says that the only time he was really happy in love was when he was married to Jessica. Josie talks about how she's fallen in love, to which Jose tells her that she'll know real love later in life. And, if she loses him, that pain will stick with her forever, he adds. Seems like he's thinking of a special person of his own there!

Meanwhile, Sheree, Mayte and Andrea go out to dinner, and they talk about Andrea and Jessica's unresolved issues. Andrea feels like she's not going to go out of her way to change Jessica, but wonders why she acts the way she does. Sheree asks her if she cares enough to have a conversation with her about it. Andrea does care about Jessica, and she can't just sit by and let Jessica continue to do what she does. That's definitely a conversation they will have.

At Monika Chiang's, Nicole invites all of the girls to come shopping. Jessica arrives and immediately feels the tension between her and Andrea. Jessica is being Jessica, chatting with all of the girls, but, because of this tension, Andrea can't stand it. She pulls Jessica to the side to figure things out. Jessica tells her that she is who she is, and will say what she continues to say, but if Andrea has a problem, say something at the time. Don't let it fester. Jessica realizes that she has to be more careful about what she says, but hopes that they can move forward. The two are a work in progress. Andrea still doesn't trust her, but I'm hoping that they will get back to normal eventually.

The next day, Mayte gets a call from her lawyer about the adoption. She can actually go pick up the baby now! The mom signed the adoption papers, and now Mayte can be a mom to this little baby! She goes to tell Nelly, who is not all that excited, but plans to support her. It was definitely a very fast adoption, but if Mayte's happy, that's all that should matter. So excited for her! And, next week, Mayte shows off the new addition to her family to the rest of the ladies!

Check out all new episodes of Hollywood Exes on Sundays at 9 p.m. only on VH1!

Image via VH1
Saturday night was emotional. Not only did I find out that Trayvon Martin would not receive the justice he deserved in the acquittal of George Zimmerman (though I wasn't all that surprised), I also watched a Vancouver police press conference confirm that Glee's Cory Monteith had passed away. I couldn't even write a post about this when it first happened. I didn't want to read more into the details. Those who know me know that I am a very big Gleek. I've watched the show from the very beginning, bought DVDs and other merchandise, and even went by myself to the movies to see the Glee concert movie in 3D. I've watched, laughed, and talked about the show with friends since it came out. That's just how much I love and respect this show, and the positive message and humor that it brings. So to say that Cory's passing is an emotional shock is an understatement.

It may seem silly or weird to be emotionally touched by a celebrity's death, but I was the same with Michael Jackson and the same with Whitney Houston. You feel a connection through these celebrities' work, you know? So I'm really sad and disheartened. However I wanted to make a post just a few of my favorite moments with Cory and the cast on Glee, to celebrate his life and his work on this show. Check them out below.



Prayers go out Cory's family and friends, as well as the entire Glee cast and crew, and especially to Lea Michele, who Cory worked with and was engaged to. I know that she's beside herself right now. Thoughts and prayers to my fellow Gleeks as well. Rest in peace Cory. You will be greatly missed. 

Image via CNN
Lady Gaga has been WORKING on her hiatus! She announced to her stans, the Monsters and other fans and media on Facebook today, that she will be releasing a new album, ARTPOP, on Nov. 11, with the first single to be released on Aug. 19! She is also creating a new app that will surround the new album!

ARTPOP, which will be Gaga's third album, "musically mirrors Gaga's creative process as she passes through the mediums of each artist she collaborates with, scoring a blueprint of her journey," according to the official press release. This, results in "a 'rage' of electronic passion and fury, defining each artist's process from beginning to end." Although ARTPOP "could mean anything," for Gaga herself it is "a celebration of obsession." With a description like that, this album is sure to be very artistic! I'm expecting big things!!

Read more below!



The app, built by TechHAUS, is described as a "visual engineering system that combines music, art, fashion and technology with a new interactive worldwide community—'the auras.'" By "altering the human experience with social media," the app seeks to "bring ARTculture into POP in a reverse Warholian expedition." Each user will share in the singer's "adrenaline of fame" by building and sharing their own projects and interacting with one another. On Nov. 11, she hopes "to bring the music industry into a new age; an age where art drives pop and the artist once again is in control of the 'icon.'" Wow! Kudos to her PR team because the wording of this press release alone has me VERY excited!

On Nov. 10, Gaga will also host an evening of "artRave," featuring HAUS OF GAGA projects and collaborations with a Inez & Vinoodh, Robert Wilson, Marina Abramović and Jeff Koons. And people were wondering where Gaga was! This woman has been working! Can't wait to see what's she's come up with, especially her app!

Are you excited for Lady Gaga's new projects?

Image via Matt Agudo/INFphoto.com
In keeping up with my tradition of recapping MTV's The Challenge, I'm following the latest installment of the series--Rivals II! Real World and Challenge alum come together to duke it for a huge cash prize, but the catch is they are paired up with their WORST ENEMIES for the entire season, and I love it!

Rivals takes the cast to Phuket, Thailand, where T.J. Lavin, host of the show since its eleventh season, gets the teams together. Already, we see ego and dislike among the teams, because these are people that have gotten into arguments or physical fights with! Here are the teams: Wes and CT, Diem and Aneesa, Zach and Trey, Real World Portland rookies Anastasia and Jessica, Derek and Robb, Paula and Emily, Ty and Leroy, Naomi and Cooke, Preston and Knight, Jemmye and Camila, Tyrie and Dunbar, Sarah and Trishelle, Portland rookies Jordan and Marlon , Nany and Jonna, Theresa and Jasmine, and Johnny and Frank who have had some serious beef...on Twitter!


T.J. introduces the teams to the Jungle where all of the eliminations will take place, and breaks down the season for them. Of course, there will be challenges throughout the season, where there will be a winning team and a losing team. The winning team, of course, is safe from elimination. The losing team goes straight to the jungle, and the other team that will face them will be decided by everyone in their villa. $350,000 up for grabs for the winners--$125K for the guys, $125K for the women! $35K will go to the winning teams for second, and $15K for third place. Guys will go against guys, and girls  against girls.

Later, the teams get settled in their beautiful house! It's crazy how amazing these people get to live. I need to apply for a reality show, seriously! CT already plans to flirt with the hot ladies in the house, but we all know that he still loves Diem though! The house proposes a toast, and has a party to celebrate the first night! Trey and Zach also try to talk through their issues, so that they can get this money!

Sometime that night, Marlon falls with a glass in a hand supposedly, and CT gets mad at him, causing them to get in a little rumble in the pool...the first night! Jordan goes to break up the fight since Marlon is his partner. Rookies should show a certain amount of respect according to CT. Later, Diem expresses that she cares for CT still, and they spend time together in the pool. They definitely still have feelings for each other even though they split. Aneesa watches their interaction in her room, but she doesn't want Diem to get caught up in CT again, thinking it may have a negative effect on their team. Diem reveals in her confessional that she overcame her second bout of ovarian cancer. In  the pool, CT asks her to take off her wig and he'll kiss her. When she complies, they kiss. It's just clear that they're meant for each other! Later that night, the house gets a clue from T.J. for the first challenge: "Wear your swimwear and be ready to push yourself that extra inch!"

The next morning, T.J. welcomes the teams to their first challenge, "Game of Inches" It will be a guys' challenge today, meaning that a guy's team will be going home in the Jungle later tonight. The girls go first, with the winner among them winning $1000, as well as deciding the order for the next challenge! At each challenge, the roles will be switched--a guys' challenge one day, a girls' challenge the next. For this challenge, one person will hang feet away from a platform, while the other team member tries to jump in the person's arms and hold on for 15 seconds. Each round, the platform goes back a foot, making it harder for the people jumping!

From the get go, all of the girls grab and hold on to their partners for the fifteen seconds, shocking the guys! The platform moves back for the second round, and five of the girls go down! Aneesa and Diem are eliminated the third round, leaving Jonna and Nany, as well as Emily and Paula. Jonna misses when the platform goes back another foot, leaving Emily and Paula to just hang for 15 seconds to win the first challenge for the girls!

The boys go next, and all of them beast the jump! It's weird to see grown men running and hanging on to each other, but it's for immunity, so they need to hold on to each other for dear life! Dunbar misses the second round, and is the only person to miss, putting himself and Tyrie automatically in the Jungle as the losing team. The fourth round knocks out FIVE of the remaining six teams, except for Trey and Zach who win the challenge! It was a good win, because Trey proved himself to Zach, and maybe now they can build on their communication and trust from here!

The work's not over though, because the teams have to go home and vote publicly to decide who's going up against Dunbar and Tyrie in the Jungle! The drama is definitely getting ready to go down! Back at the house, CT plots to throw Johnny and Frank in, because Johnny's a master manipulator and has won a lot of challenges. Wes thinks it's too early to make a big move like that, and that it will only put a target on his and CT's backs as teammates. Johnny quickly finds out the plan, agreeing that it's dumb. The girls want to vote in the team that they have the least connection with--Robb and Derek. Knight reveals that people are talking about sending in Frank and Johnny, which doesn't sway the girls in the least, because it's a stupid plan! CT isn't thinking strategically; he's thinking emotionally, because he wants Johnny to lose based on the fact that he's won so many times before.

Later, at deliberation, the female vote mainly goes to Derek and Robb. T.J. drops a bomb on them in that moment, that the decision is actually up to the girls only, which is a huge shock! In this challenge, he girls will decide for the guys, and the girls will decide for the guys who goes into the Jungle! Later, Johnny is pissed that CT tried to get him in the Jungle. To ease the tension, Wes makes a fake nightclub in the house and they all have fun! CT flirts with Anastasia, who looks like the emotional type who will get attached quickly. CT is playing the game, trying to sway female votes, and I don't blame him! I just don't think he should play with Diem's heart.

The next day, Naomi calls home and finds out her dad is in the hospital with heart failure. She hasn't had the best relationship with her dad, but they have been trying to work things out. The doctors haven't given him much time, and she chooses her family first, deciding to go home. She talks to Cooke because she doesn't want to take this opportunity away from her, but Naomi exiting the house leaves Cooke without a partner. In the Jungle, however, TJ informs Cooke that she will get a new partner that will show up at the next challenge. (FUN FACT: Cooke went to my alma mater Loyola University Maryland in Baltimore, graduating in 2010. I didn't know her, but HOUND NATION STAND UP! Fun fact over.)

Dunbar and Tyrie prepare to face Robb and Derek in the "Last Chance" elimination round. In a narrow hallway, two players will play defense, and the other two offense. As the defense tries to block, the offensive player will run to ring a bell on the other side of the field. The best two out of three wins! Derek is incredibly fast, crushing Dunbar in the first round! Tyrie plays better defense the second time around, and Dunbar flies by, but he misses the bell the first time, giving Derek an opportunity to ring his bell too. However, it's still very close, and TJ reveals that the time came down to 1/10th of a second.  Robb and Derek win the elimination round, sending Tyrie and Dunbar home. Tyrie is pissed off, while Dunbar complains that he had a terrible partner. News flash Dunbar! YOU didn't grab on to Tyrie during the challenge, and YOU missed the bell for this elimination. So who is really the terrible partner here?

Later that night, the house goes out to party and see what Thailand has to offer. Johnny and Theresa watch and talk about how girls are getting played by CT, especially Anastasia. Johnny tries to break it down for her, but it seems like this girl just believes that CT is a sweet person who likes her. HA!

For sure, this Challenge is going  to a GOOD one! A really, really good one! I'm excited for to watch the competition, and the drama that's going to come with it. Check out all new episodes of MTV's The Challenge: Rivals II on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET only on MTV!

What did you think of last night's episode?

Images via MTV