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FABUtainment Interviews Kevin Fredericks and Nina Parker at the NAACP Image Awards Brunch

Brace yourselves for an electrifying conversation with the dynamic duo – Kevin Fredericks and Nina Parker!  Join us as we find out more about their creative process and hosting the NAACP Image Awards Brunch.

Kevin Fredericks, the comedic genius behind “KevOnStage,” and the incomparable Nina Parker, a multifaceted media personality, share their stories, laughter, and wisdom in this can’t-miss interview. From the world of comedy to the realm of entertainment news, their careers have left an indelible mark on the industry.

Courtney B. Vance and Angela Bassett Shared One Rule While Raising Their Twins: Somebody’s Going to Be Home

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Courtney B. Vance and wife Angela Bassett shared one rule while raising their twins: Somebody’s going to be home.

via People:

Vance and Bassett, whose daughter Bronwyn and son Slater are now 18, are preparing to become empty nesters when the kids head off to college.

Courtney B. Vance says he and wife Angela Bassett have successfully juggled their busy careers with raising their kids by sticking to one firm rule.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE in this week’s issue, the 61st Street star, 63, reveals that he and Bassett, 65, made a decision soon after their fraternal twins, Bronwyn Golden and Slater Josiah, were born in 2006 to always have one parent at home for stability and consistency for their family.

Photo Credit: Getty Images

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)

“Our mantra was, ‘Somebody’s going to be home.’ We’re never going to have both of us gone at the same time and the nanny raising the children,” Vance says of the couple taking turns with their work travel and commitments.

“My job has afforded me the opportunity to be able to get back every other day, every two, three days, no longer than a week,” adds the Emmy-winning actor known for The People v. O.J. Simpson and Lovecraft Country.

Bassett’s also has a demanding schedule, often leaving her home to shoot her hit show 9-1-1 before the sun rises and returns after dark.

Some days, she tells PEOPLE in this week’s Women Changing the World cover story, “I feel a little guilt in that, but also I hope that what will come out of that is that [my kids] see a mama, a woman, a Black woman achieving her dreams, having success. They’ll see that hard work pays off. And they’ll be about that life for themselves.”

While their system carried the family smoothly through Bronwyn and Slater’s childhood, Vance and Bassett will soon have to adjust to a new normal. The twins, now 18, are preparing to go off to college, leaving their parents — who have been married since 1997 — empty nesters.

Adam Sandler’s Daughter Sunny Makes a Cameo in His New Netflix Movie “Spaceman”

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Adam Sandler’s daughter Sunny makes a cameo in his new Netflix Movie “Spaceman.”

via People:

Sunny carries on the tradition with a small role in Spaceman.

In the new Netflix movie, Sandler plays Jakub Prochazka, a Czech astronaut on a lengthy solo mission in outer space. Unhappy while at home alone on Earth, his pregnant wife Lenka (Carey Mulligan) decides to leave him.

A spider-alien creature (voiced by Paul Dano) makes its way on the spaceship and counsels the lonely Jakub, who feels his wife slipping away.

Sandler’s daughter Sunny appears early on in the film when Jakub holds a virtual press conference with the public and members of the media.

“Hello from the outskirts of Jupiter. I’m very excited to be talking to you from here,” says Jakub, who receives a round of applause.

The first query comes from a girl played by Sunny. “Hello. My name is Anna. I’m in sixth grade,” she says. “And I read that you’re the loneliest man in the world.”

Before he can answer, Tuma cuts in. “I think what Anna here is saying is that the commander is the farthest away from anyone in history. Is that what you mean?”

“Does it make you sad to be so far away?” Anna then asks Jakub.

“Well I am some 500 million kilometers away. And yes, this is a solo mission, but I know I’ll be coming back soon. I’m nearing the halfway mark for my scheduled return to Earth, and I have so much work to do. And I get to talk to people from all over the world like you and mission control.”

Spaceman is now streaming on Netflix.

Millie Bobby Brown Poses on Red Carpet with Future In-Laws at Movie Premiere

Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown was joined by fiancé Jake Bongiovi and father-in-law-to-be Jon Bon Jovi on the red carpet for the premiere of her new movie, Damsel.

via US Weekly:

Brown attended the New York City premiere of Netflix’s Damsel, in which she stars as Elodie, a princess who must fight for her survival against a fire-breathing dragon, on Friday, March 1. Joining Brown on the red carpet were fiancé Jake Bongiovi and his parents, dad Jon Bon Jovi and mom Dorothea Hurley, where the group smiled for pictures.

The Damsel premiere comes on the heels of Brown’s 20th birthday in February, where Bongiovi, 21, teased a “big year ahead” for his fiancé. “Happy birthday to my beautiful fiancé,” he captioned a sweet photo of the couple via Instagram. “I love you so much. Big year ahead.”

Bongiovi did not specify the “big” things 2024 might entail for Brown or the couple, whether that would be more red carpets or impending nuptials. It remains unconfirmed whether or not the couple will officially tie the knot this year.

Millie Bobby Brown and Jake Bongiovi’s Relationship Timeline: See Their Sweetest Moments

Additionally, production on the fifth and final season of Netflix’s Stranger Things, in which Brown stars as Eleven, began in January. The season is not expected to debut until at least 2025.

Brown and Bongiovi announced their engagement in April 2023, two years after they met via Instagram. “Millie and Jake are on cloud nine and can’t believe they get to spend the rest of their lives together,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly in September 2023.

Patricio Pitbull to Defend Featherweight Title Against Jeremy Kennedy at BELLATOR Champions Series Belfast

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The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league, today announced the premiere Bellator Champions Series event on Friday, March 22 at The SSE Arena, Belfast will be headlined by two world title fights.

Widely considered to be the Bellator “G.O.A.T.” Patricio Pitbull (35-7) will defend his Featherweight title for a ninth time when he meets Canada’s Jeremy Kennedy (19-3) in the co-main event. Pitbull, one of the most decorated fighters in MMA, conquered two weight classes simultaneously and holds the most wins in Bellator history.

Ireland’s James Gallagher (12-2) has a new opponent for the inaugural Bellator Champions Series event, Brazil’s Leandro Higo (22-6). Gallagher and Higo were originally slated to face off in 2023. Additionally two preliminary bouts have been announced to round out the card. Two unbeaten Middleweights square off when England’s Steven Hill (7-0) meets Jordan Newman (6-0) and in a Light Heavyweight contest Luke “The Gent” Trainer (7-1) faces Grant Neal (9-1).

The debut Bellator Champions Series Belfast event on March 22 is anchored by a battle for the vacant Bellator Light Heavyweight World Championship pitting former title challenger Corey Anderson (17-6, 1 NC) against Northern Ireland’s Karl Moore (12-2). The card can be seen live in Europe on DAZN beginning at 5 pm GMT / 12 pm ET, additional distribution information including a U.S. broadcast partner will be announced soon.

Patricio Pitbull vs. Jeremy Kennedy

Patricio Pitbull will put his belt on the line when he takes on No. 1 contender and winner of six out of his last seven bouts, Jeremy Kennedy. Pitbull’s massive presence in MMA is second to none, boasting a legacy that includes conquering two weight classes simultaneously and holding the most wins in Bellator history (23). Defeating stars of the sport, including former featherweight world champion AJ McKee and former lightweight world champion Michael Chandler, Pitbull aims to retain his stake in the Featherweight division against the wrestling standout. No slouch in his own right, the 31-year-old Kennedy has been victorious against the elite in the featherweight division, including Aaron Pico and Pedro Carvalho, and believes he has the experience and tools to dethrone his Brazilian foe in front of the Belfast crowd on March 22.

James Gallagher vs. Leandro Higo

A grudge match two years in the making, Leandro Higo moves up to Featherweight to face Ireland’s James Gallagher in a main card matchup. Hailing from Mossocro, Brazil, Higo has proven to be a dangerous opponent for anyone in the bantamweight division with his unparalleled jiu-jitsu background, collecting 13 submission victories in his professional career. Also a highly touted submission ace, Gallagher returns to action on the heels of an impressive victory over James Gonzalez at Bellator 298. Once initially slated to face each other in March of 2023, Higo and Gallagher will now have the opportunity to settle their differences inside the Bellator cage.

Completed Bellator Champions Series Belfast Main Card:
Light Heavyweight World Title Bout: Corey Anderson (17-6, 1 NC) vs. Karl Moore (12-2)
Featherweight World Title Bout: Patricio Pitbull (35-7) vs. Jeremy Kennedy (19-3)
Middleweight No. 1 Contender Bout: Fabian Edwards (12-3) vs. Aaron Jeffery (14-4)
Featherweight Main Card Bout: James Gallagher (12-2) vs. Leandro Higo (22-6)
Lightweight Main Card Bout: Tim Wilde (17-4-1) vs. Manoel Sousa (10-0)

Preliminary Card:
Bantamweight Preliminary Bout: Ciaran Clarke (8-0) vs. Darius Mafi (4-1)
Lightweight Preliminary Bout: Tofiq Musayev (21-5) Alfie Davis (16-4-1)
Middleweight Preliminary Bout: Steven Hill (7-0) vs. Jordan Newman (6-0)
Light Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Luke Trainer (7-1) vs. Grant Neal (9-1)
Featherweight Preliminary Bout: Nathan Kelly (9-2) vs.Vikas Singh Ruhil (12-7)
Heavyweight Preliminary Bout: Abraham Bably (3-0) vs. Isaiah Pinson (3-0)
Amateur 130-Pound Catchweight Bout: Nate Kelly (2-2 AM.) vs. Jordan Elliott (2-3 AM.)

Tickets for Bellator Champions Series Belfast are available now beginning at ticketmaster.ie. Doors for the event open at 4 pm local time, with the first preliminary bout taking place one hour later at 5 pm.

Prior to the Professional Fighter’s Leagues industry shaping acquisition of Bellator in November of 2023, Bellator held 301 events building a recognized worldwide roster of elite talent. In re-imagining Bellator the PFL will continue the commitment of investing in athletes from underserved regions while continuing to add global stars to the roster.

PFL is the only organization in MMA with the sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and championship each year. The combined roster of PFL and Bellator boasts 30% of its fighters independently world-ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight-class, the same percentage as UFC. PFL has an expansive global vision for the sport and is building the “Champions League of MMA” with PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and more international leagues in development. PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage, powering fight analytics, real-time betting, AI scoring, and a next- generation viewing experience.

NAACP Celebrates Nominees of the 55TH NAACP Image Awards

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Today, the NAACP celebrated the stellar achievements of the “55th NAACP Image Awards” nominees across film, television and streaming, music, literature, and podcasts, at its Nominees Brunch at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles. Hosted by TBS’ Friday Night Vibes co-hosts Nina Parker and Kevin Fredericks (KevOnStage), the event recognized talented individuals nominated in more than 90 categories. The “55th NAACP Image Awards” will broadcast LIVE on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at 8:00 PM (live ET/PT on delay) on BET and CBS from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles. 

The Nominees Brunch kicked off with welcome remarks from NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson and Vice Chair of the NAACP Board of Directors Karen Boykin-Towns who congratulated the nominees for their accomplishments. More than 130 nominees graced the stage for a special “55th NAACP Image Awards” class photo and were presented with certificates recognizing their immense talent and overall impact to their respective fields. Guests included Adrian Holmes, Aml Ameen, Carl Anthony Payne II, Choice Skinner, Chris Spencer, Elisha “EJ” Williams, Garcelle Beauvais, Gia Peppers, Glynn Turman, Jabari Banks, Jalyn Hall, Jeremy Piven, Kale Futterman, Keith Powers, LaRoyce Hawkins, Lucky Daye, Mara Brock Akil, Mila Davis-Kent, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Roy Wood Jr., Shoshana Guy, Tre’Vell Anderson, Vic Mensa, William Stanford Davis, and more. Pastor Brenda Palmer delivered an invocation during the afternoon, and gospel artist Pastor Mike Jr. performed his song “Impossible.”

“For over a century, the NAACP has championed the fight for a society that cherishes our culture and acknowledges the invaluable contributions of the Black community,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson. “Today, we are honored to stand united in recognizing the transformative power of storytelling. Media shapes our perceptions, so let us embrace the challenge to be louder, to activate change, and to amplify the importance of our community, our culture, and our stories. Together, we matter, and our collective voice reverberates through the halls of history.”

“In celebrating the NAACP’s 115th birthday, we acknowledge that for nearly half its existence, this organization has recognized the vital contributions of the creative community,” said Karen Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair of the NAACP Board of Directors. “Your work matters – it’s a powerful ally to our pursuit of justice and equality. While we fight against false narratives, you craft new stories daily in scripts, songs, and books. Together, our work becomes more accessible and impactful, and we thank you for your commitment to excellence. Congratulations to all, and let’s continue fighting together for a brighter future.”

Co-hosts Kevin Fredericks (KevOnStage) and Nina Parker led a lively gospel karaoke competition where select Image Awards nominees volunteered to perform gospel classics, including Kirk Franklin’s “Melodies from Heaven” and “Hosanna,” Hezekiah Walker’s “Clean Inside” and “How Much We Can Bear,” “I Just Want to Praise You” by Maurette Brown Clark, and “We’re Blessed” by Fred Hammond.

Winners of the “55th NAACP Image Awards” will be revealed via telecast on March 16, 2024 on BET and CBS. NAACP will also recognize winners in non-televised Image Awards categories virtually from March 11-13th on www.naacpimageawards.net, during the Awards Dinner on March 14 and the Fashion Show on March 15th. For all information and the latest news, please follow NAACP Image Awards on Instagram @NAACPImageAwards

Professional Fighters League Extends Global Reach With Launch of PFL Mena

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The Professional Fighters League (PFL), the fastest growing and most innovative sports league in the world, announced the launch of PFL MENA, the promotion’s second international league, which will debut in April 2024.

PFL MENA will introduce a thrilling four-event sport-season format featuring the region’s top fighters and a groundbreaking initiative with SRJ Sports Investments (“SRJ”). The full roster of the league will be revealed in March. PFL MENA is a milestone in PFL’s expansion strategy and will accelerate its presence in the MENA region, with SRJ’s support.

CEO of SRJ Sports Investment, Danny Townsend said: “The launch of the PFL MENA League is another incredible milestone for the sport of MMA, and one we are delighted to play a role in. Saudi Arabia is quickly emerging as the international home of combat sports; bringing world-class talent here and to the wider MENA region remains at the core of SRJ’s investment mandate. With the launch of a new PFL MENA League, we’re backing the development of the region’s exceptional talent, helping provide new pathways to the top. We are confident that investments like these will continue inspiring even more young people to take up sport and help grow the MMA fanbase on a global scale.”

Added PFL CEO Peter Murray: “We are excited to announce the PFL’s second international league with our partners SRJ. Driven by the strategic importance of mixed martial arts in burgeoning markets, SRJ’s investment underscores the immense potential of the sport in the region. PFL MENA expands the PFL brand and MMA footprint in the Middle East bringing events to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider region.”

“We’re very excited to be launching PFL MENA and providing up-and-coming athletes from The Middle East a global platform for them to be able to showcase their skills and potentially compete for a life-changing opportunity at a PFL Championship and a million-dollar purse. Through PFL MENA, we hope to be able to not only find and develop the next Middle Eastern MMA star, but we also want to be able to put the spotlight on MMA in the region and give it the attention and the exposure that it deserves,” said Jerome Mazet, General Manager of PFL MENA.

Ahead of the launch of PFL MENA, the PFL organized the first mega MMA event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions on February 24th, which featured world champions and some of the biggest names in combat sports going head to head. To further highlight the launch of the PFL’s newest international league, selected fighters from the Middle East will be in attendance in Riyadh, namely: Ahmed Amir, Mostafa Rashed Neda, Jarrah Al-Silawi, Abdullah Saleem, and Omar El-Dafrawy. Saudi Arabia native Abdullah Al-Qahtani, meanwhile, fought on the PFL Champions vs. Bellator Champions card and came up victorious. The inaugural PFL MENA season will feature 32 fighters competing across 4 weight classes in a sports-season format, with a regular season, playoffs, and championship. The league will also host showcase fights to develop local and regional talents, such as Hattan Alsaif, the first female fighter from Saudi Arabia to sign a contract with a major global MMA promotion. She will be making her amateur PFL debut in showcase bouts on the PFL MENA cards.

PFL MENA is just the latest step in the PFL’s vision of becoming the “Champions League of MMA.”

PFL is the only organization in MMA with a sports-season format, where individual fighters compete in a regular season, playoffs, and championship each year. The combined roster of PFL and Bellator boasts 30% of its fighters independently world-ranked in the top 25 of their respective weight class, the same percentage as UFC. PFL has an expansive global vision for the sport and is building the “Champions League of MMA” with PFL Europe, PFL MENA, and more international leagues in development. PFL leads in technology and innovation, with its proprietary PFL SmartCage, powering fight analytics, real-time betting, AI scoring, and a next-generation viewing experience. PFL is primetime on ESPN/ESPN+ in the U.S. and is broadcast and streamed in 150 countries with 20 premium media distribution partners.

Kirk Franklin Discusses His Life After Releasing Documentary

On the red carpet at the 25th Super Bowl Soulful Celebration in Las Vegas, Grammy Award-winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin details his life since releasing his documentary. Says “I’m still in it, it’s still tender.”

Robin Thicke on the Kansas City Chiefs: “I’m Going With Mahomes”

On the red carpet at the 25th Super Bowl Soulful Celebration in Las Vegas, Robin Thicke tells FABUtainment which super bowl team he is rooting for, and discusses his gospel influences.

Country Music Star Mickey Guyton Says Representation in All Music Genres is Important

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On the red carpet at the 25th Super Bowl Soulful Celebration in Las Vegas, country music star Mickey Guyton says representation for African Americans in all music genres is important.

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