If you grew up in the ’80s or the ’90s, chances are that at least some of your favourite Songs were penned by her. If you grew-up in the ’00s, there is a high likelihood you were conceived to one of her Tunes. Meet Diane Warren, Grammy and Golden Globe-winning Songwriter. Did I mention she’s got six Oscar nominations under her belt too? She’s been called the most important Songwriter in the World and I’d say that is a damn accurate assessment if there ever were such a thing.

Beyoncé, Mariah, Céline, Faith Hill, Whitney Houston, Aerosmith,  Christina Aguilera, Toni Braxton, Cher, Michael Bolton, Jennifer Lopez, Michael Bublé . These are some of the biggest Megastars of all time and at some point in their Careers, they’ve called upon Warren for her melodic expertise.

Warren, who many a time has worked with Canadian Songwriting Legend David Foster, is in town as part of Canadian Music Week festivities taking place throughout Toronto. This year, the likes of Quincy Jones, Nile Rodgers, Tegan & Sara, Ellie Goulding, Magic and several more grace the City. Warren speaks tomorrow at an industry Keynote – one of the Festival’s marquee events and a rare opportunity for us to see her in-person.

The Californian who has the distinction of receiving a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, has spent much of her life pouring her heart into her Music. Surprisingly, she is single despite writing some of the most important and romantic Ballads ever to fill our airwaves.  If I Could Turn Back Time (Cher), Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now (Starship), I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing (Aerosmith), How Do I Live (LeAnn Rimes/Trisha Yearwood), Because You Loved Me (Céline Dion), Unbreak My Heart (Toni Braxton), There You’ll Be (Faith Hill). The List is endless and your iPod likely would exceed capacity trying  to store  Warren‘s best work.

Make no mistake, Warren‘s Songs are deeply sentimental, but the Girl is real… like her Publishing Company, Realsongs. A quick perusal of her Twitter Timeline is laced with hilarious expletives. I love a Woman unafraid of calling us her “Bitches”.  Upon having the great pleasure of Billy and I meeting her, she was amazingly cool and despite having to use the bathroom, she still took a moment to show her appreciation of my support. I LOVE DIANE WARREN. Her Music has come to define many a happy and sad time in my life. There is something defiant yet hopeful about her Music and to this day her Songs still hold relevance and a timelessness to them.

Up next is a Single penned for American Idol Champ Jordin Sparks‘ upcoming Disc. Warren tells me proudly, “Oh, it’s really good!”. We can’t wait!

See our Snap:

If I Could Turn Back Time – Cher

Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now – Starship

Because You Loved Me – Celine Dion

Unbreak My Heart – Toni Braxton

I Don’t Wanna Miss a Thing – Aerosmith

We almost forgot about TAMMY for a second there! A brand new Trailer has just surfaced for this hilarious-looking Collaboration between Funnywoman Melissa McCarthy and Husband Ben Falcone!

Official Synopsis:
Tammy (Melissa McCarthy) is having a bad day. She’s totaled her clunker car, gotten fired from her thankless job at a greasy burger joint and, instead of finding comfort at home, finds her husband getting comfortable with the neighbor in her own house. It’s time to take her boom box and book it. The bad news is she’s broke and without wheels. The worse news is her grandma, Pearl (Susan Sarandon), is her only option—with a car, cash, and an itch to see Niagara Falls. Not exactly the escape Tammy had in mind. But on the road, with grandma riding shot gun, it may be just what Tammy needs.

Watch it below:

Warner Bros. Pictures Canada release TAMMY on Wednesday, July 2, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: Warner Bros.)

To say that the Belmont Park experience is anything short of breathtaking is an understatement. It has long been a dream of mine to witness the World-famous Home of the Belmont Stakes, the third jewel in America’s celebrated, yet illusive Triple Crown. While we await whether or not this year’s phenomenal Kentucky Derby Winner California Chrome, will go on the achieve the greatness of the likes of Affirmed, Seattle Slew and Secretariat,  only the gorgeous mile-and-a-half Oval knows what fate holds for that West Coast Star.

I had the honour of visiting the 109-year-old Elmont, New York Track on my recent New York visit. A 200 year-old White Pine Tree is the Centerpiece of the Paddock, where a Longines (a major Sponsor and Partner of the Racetrack) Clock greets Visitors. Lush greenery is a pronounced theme, visible even in the Track’s Logo. The cuppy Dirt course parked up against the Track’s Grandstand made me feel as though I was in the thick of the Race. I mean, after all this is the place where Racing History has been made – where Secretariat in 1973 won the Belmont Stakes by an unheard-of 31 lengths, that moment commemorated at the Track with a Pole marking his distance of victory on the Infield in the famous blue and white colours of The Chenerys. Some sadder memories also are honoured too and it was something special to see in-person the  beautifully-maintained Shrine located on the Infield in memory of legendary Filly Ruffian, buried at the same Race Course which made her a National Heroine. Her tragic life-ending injury in 1975 forever is remembered as one of the darkest moments in the Sport.

The Track manages to draw a Crowd of 10k-plus on weekends, proving that the spirit of Thoroughbred Racing is v. much alive and well among New Yorkers. The fact that an easily-accessible Train Station is situated at the Track makes it convenient to commute to, only a quick ride away from Penn Station and the heart of Manhattan.

Dining options are plentiful at Belmont‘s Food Court with ever many convenient choices  from Paninis to Burgers. Judging by traffic alone, the most popular dining option is the Belmont Café, where quick and easy sandwiches are a hit not only with Racing Fans, but Staff too. I had the privilege of dining at the ultra-exclusive Belmont Room, it being famous for its phenomenal Prime Rib and Entrées – a Hotspot for Horsepeople. I fell in love instantly with their New York-Style Cheesecake and Chocolate-Banana Cake, all reminiscent of an Era when Carbs and Fat weren’t counted. Delectable. I will say though as a Sidebar, that Woodbine Racetrack‘s Favourites Dining Room still holds its own when compared to other A-List Tracks across North America like Santa Anita and Belmont.

The talents of World-Class Jockeys including Rising Stars like Taylor B. Rice, Jose Ortiz and Irad Ortiz to Veterans like John Velazquez all are on display at Belmont – Racing Fans new and old passionately cheering them on in the Paddock as they head on-track, placing them right in the moment. Seen in the Paddock Area also is The New York Racing Association‘s bubbly resident Expert Maggie Wolfendale, who more often than not can accurately predict a Horse’s performance based on his or her pre-race appearance. Follow her here.

Belmont Park is a Must-See for any Racing Fan planning to visit New York. Its Season pauses in July before heading three hours away to historic Saratoga, before commencing once again in the Fall. The 146th edition of the Belmont Stakes will be run on Saturday, June 7, 2014.

To learn more about Belmont Park, click here.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

We’ve got Zac Efron on our minds of late and now we want him in your Blu-ray Players! VVS Films and Mr. Will want to give Readers a chance to win a copy of THAT AWKWARD MOMENT on DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack!

Official Synopsis:

Three hard-partying Manhattan Bachelors make a pact to have as much fun as possible while remaining single. The plan gets derailed when they each fall in love, and have to secretly work around their pledge to Bachelorhood, while trying to figure out the complications of modern day relationships.

To enter to win, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook. You are encouraged to share using Social Media! You may Re-Tweet the below also to increase your odds of winning:

http://www.mrwillwong.com/thatawkwardmomentdvd @MRWILLW wants us to #win #ThatAwkwardMoment starring #ZacEfron, on Blu-ray Combo Pack. Out 5/13!

Good luck, Wongsters!

We spotted Efron in New York just earlier this week!

See our Snap:

See the Trailer:

Official Artwork:

VVS Films release That Awkward Moment on DVD/Blu-ray Combo Pack on Tuesday, May 13, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: VVS Films)

The 43rd annual Costume Institute Gala was held last night in New York City. The annual Fixture at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art pairs Fashion and Starpower together in a dazzling Red Carpet Affair with a hand-picked A-List of Invitees approved none other than by Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour – the most respected and at once feared Woman in the Fashion industry. Earlier in the day, American First Lady Michelle Obama honoured her in a Ceremony at the Venue.

Bringing the focus on influencial Fashion Designer Charles James, Men for the first time ever played a more pronounced role at the Gala. Hugh Jackman, Neil Patrick Harris, Jim Parsons, Benedict Cumberbatch, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Bradley Cooper – the latter serving as Chair this year, were among the many Hunks gracing the Red Carpet which shut down a portion of Fifth Avenue. A mandate was set by Wintour encouraging Coat Tails and white Bow Ties, most adhering as would best be advisable at the profile-boosting Extravaganza of the highest form.

As always, the Ladies are front and center.  Sporting and among the Red Carpet Favourites last included Supermodel Cara Delevingne in a Pantsuit by Stella McCartney, Karolina Kurkova in Marchesa, Lupita Nyong’o in a sparkly green piece by Prada and Blake Lively in Gucci.

The Party didn’t end right there though as the stars came out in full force at the Afterparties around town. It is said Beyoncé and Jay-Z got swarmed by Fans, travelling separately from one Party possibly for their own safety. Sean Penn and Charlize Theron were seen happily out and about as were another new Couple in Michael Sheen and Sarah Silverman. We wonder if there were any moments of awkwardness as Toronto’s own Rachel McAdams also attended; she previously was involved with Sheen. All eyes however were on Lively and Ryan Reynolds as loud cheers were hears upon their cozy displays of affection.

Several were disappointed about Jennifer Lawrence‘s deeply-felt absence despite being scheduled to be dressed in Dior and without Madonna this year, there seemed to be that little bit less enthusiasm in the air.

Some got a bit tipsy as we witnessed Academy Award Nominee Ejiofor getting a bit of help back to his Hotel, as was 20-year-old French Acting Sensation Adèle Exarchopoulos. And was that Tomato Sauce we saw on Lily Allen‘s cheek as she made her way back to her Hotel with a big box of Pizza in-tow?

Personally, we are still giddy about meeting Australian Beauties Naomi Watts and breakout Star Margot Robbie!  And did we mention that we got an ultra-rare opportunity to meet the biggest Celebrity in New York right now, Pasty Chef Dominique Ansel?  The soon-to-be Author and Beard Honour-receiving Cronut Inventor has the Culinary World and New York City at the palm of his hand. It was also sublime getting to meet Celebrity Photographer of the highest calibre, Mario Testino!

Just some of the Snaps below of whom I got to meet:

Thanks again, New York City for the fun times!

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

Celebrating Couturier Charles James‘s achievements this year, the 2014 Costume Institute Benefit (Met Ball/Met Gala) will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2014 in New York City.  We had so much fun taking-in all the Red Carpet Beauty last year, that we’re going back yet again to cover the amazing Affair!

Join me as I bring you pure beauty and glamour as we admire the amazing Fashions together –  you’ll never guess who we’ll run into! I mean, look who we saw last year here!

Co-chairing this year are a star-studded group of the Influencial including: Bradley Cooper, Oscar de la Renta, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lizzie & Jonathan Tisch, and Anna Wintour!   Did I mention also that Dakota Johnson, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, Margot Robbie, Emma Stone, Naomi Watts and many, many more are expected? It is said also that Men will take-on a more principal role in this year’s Gala too!

Being a huge Horse Racing Fan also, this Visit also will mark my first visit to historic Belmont Park and with excitement for the Sport reaching a high this week with the 140th edition of the Kentucky Derby to be held this Saturday, this couldn’t come at a better time!

Follow along on Twitter and Instagram for Mr. Will’s Sights of New York City and check back here for Highlights mid-week!

 Until then, I’ll miss you!

xMr. Will

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

If you weren’t touched by A Great Big World‘s Breakthrough Hit, Say Something (ft. Christina Aguilera), then this is your chance to fall in love with them. LIVE!  

The New York-based Duo will be gracing the stage at Danforth Music Hall on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 and Mr. Will wants to give Toronto Readers a chance to see them in-person.  We had the chance to meet them earlier this year and they were just amazing Guys.  Read all about our Experience with them here.

Don’t wanna chance it?  Get your Tickets now here!

To enter to win a Pair of Tickets, simply click “like” on this Post at Mr. Will Wong on Facebook.

Good luck, Wongsters!

(Photo credit: Sony Music)

Make no mistake, Ariana Grande‘s days as a TV Star are long behind her. She is a bona fide Pop Star. Her latest Single, Problem (ft. Iggy Azalea) may have just seen a release but in no time it has catapulted to the top of the iTunes Chart in over 47 countries! The Track quickly has become one of the fastest #1-debuting Songs of all time.

The R&B-Dance Track, which could easily fit on a Jennifer Lopez Album (at her best), sounds just as ready to dominate the airwaves as it does our iPods.

Listen to the Track below:

We spotted Grande‘s Collaborator Iggy Azalea in Toronto just last weekend. Read about it here.

Of course, we had a way more positive experience meeting Grande here last August!  Read about that here!

Grande‘s second full-length Album is due Summer 2014 via Universal Music Canada!

Download Problem (ft. Iggy Azalea) here!

(Photo/video credit: Universal Music)

Now in its 24th year, the Inside Out Festival is set to take place in Toronto later this month. The Launch Party for the annual Fixture was held at The Burroughes Building tonight on Queen Street West, bringing together a Who’s-Who in the Toronto LGBT Community.  Inside Out is expected to draw 35k people out to its Screenings, Panels,  Installations, Artist Discussions and more and is known widely as one of the top five LGBT Film Festivals in the World.  Over 200 Movies and Videos are expected to be screened this year.

Receiving much attention is Director Ira Sach‘s Love is Strange, which stars a stellar Cast including John Lithgow, Alfred Molina, Marisa Tomei and more, centering around two Men who decide to tie the knot.  Things go awry when one of them loses his job when their marriage is uncovered and soon they lose their home, forcing them to live separately.  The Film has the distinction of being the Festival’s Centerpiece Gala.

Many will be thrilled that HBO‘s AIDS Drama A Normal Heart starring Matt Bomer, Taylor Kitsch, Jim Parsons, Mark Ruffalo, Alfred Molina and Julia Roberts.  Bomer, known best for his work on Series White Collar,  is confirmed to be in attendance to present the Film at the Festival.

The Way He  Looks from Brazil, earns the spot of Opening Night Gala.  The Award-winning Film from Director Daniel Ribeiro is about a blind Teen Boy struggling to break free from his protective Family and Friends.

Many eyes also will be on Yves Saint Laurent, the Biopic about the revered French Fashion Designer.  The Film was just added to Inside Out‘s Lineup.

Documentary The Dog offers insight on John Wojtowicz, who attempted to rob a Brooklyn bank in order to fund his Male Lover’s Sex Change,  is garnering a significant amount of buzz, as is Matthew Shepard is a Friend of Mine, exploring further the tragic death a Male Student attacked and tortured because he was gay.

Acclaimed Tom at the Farm by Auteur Filmmaker/Actor Xavier Dolan, a major presence at the Canadian Screen Awards earlier this year, also will be screened at the Inside Out Festival.

Inside Out runs between Thursday, May 22, 2014 through Sunday, June 1, 2014. Tickets are on sale Thursday, May 8, 2014.

More details here on how to get Tickets and the official Festival Schedule.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will Wong)

If there was any doubt that once Hollywood’s Highest-Paid Actress Cameron Diaz was still bankable, let it be known that she was the Queen of the Box Office this weekend with Rom-Com, THE OTHER WOMAN, making a healthy $25 million in its debut! Next-up is the equally-intriguing SEX TAPE, starring her and Bad Teacher Co-Star Jason Segel, whom we also didn’t recognize in this new svelte incarnation of himself!

Official Synopsis:
When Jay (Jason Segel) and Annie (Cameron Diaz) first got together, their romantic connection was intense—but ten years and two kids later, the flame of their love needs a spark. To kick things up a notch, they decide—why not?—to make a video of themselves trying out every position in The Joy of Sex in one marathon three-hour session. It seems like a great idea until they discover that their most private video is no longer private. With their reputations on the line, they know they’re just one click away from being laid bare to the world… but as their race to reclaim their video leads to a night they’ll never forget, they’ll find that their video will expose even more than they bargained for.

Watch the Trailer below!

Sony Pictures release SEX TAPE on Friday, July 25, 2014.

(Photo/video credit: Sony Pictures)