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#GRAMMYS: TAYLOR SWIFT, MILEY CYRUS, BILLIE EILISH AND SZA AMONG MAJOR WINNERS AT 2024 GRAMMYS

Taylor Swift made history at the 68th edition GRAMMYS last night, being the first Artist ever to take home Album of the Year four times! Prior, she had been tied with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Paul Simon and Frank Sinatra. Her Album MIDNIGHTS, also took home Best Pop Vocal Album earlier in the broadcast from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Swift had been presented the top honour with a surprise appearance by Céline Dion whom after an extended absence navigating her diagnosis with Stiff Person Syndrome, appeared on-stage, exactly 27 years after winning the same award for her Falling into You album. This brings Swift‘s GRAMMY victory count to 14.

Other big winners on the broadcast were Miley Cyrus, notching a pair of wins with her global smash hit “Flowers“, taking both Record of the Year and Best Pop Solo Performance. She was presented the latter by IMPACT Award winner Mariah Carey.

Billie Eilish also took home a pair of GRAMMYs with “What Was I Made For” (co-written with her brother Finneas) from the Barbie Original Motion Picture Soundtrack, nabbing Song of the Year and Best Song Written for Visual Media.

It was a big year for SZA also taking Pop Duo/Group Performance·with “Ghost in the Machine (with Phoebe Bridgers)”, R&B Song with “Snooze”, Urban Contemporary Album for SOS, bringing her total GRAMMY count to four.

Trevor Noah hosted the affair, which reached an emotionally-poignant moment with Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. taking to the stage to address the state of the world and Music as a string quartet featuring Arab, Israeli and Palestinian musicians. Mason said, “Now is the time for humanity to play together. To come together with empathy and love.”.

List of winners from the broadcast:

Album of the year
Jon Batiste – World Music Radio
Boygenius – The Record
Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation
Lana Del Rey – Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd
Janelle Monáe – The Age of Pleasure
Olivia Rodrigo – Guts
Taylor Swift – Midnights – WINNER
SZA – SOS

Record of the year
Jon Batiste – Worship
Boygenius – Not Strong Enough
Miley Cyrus – Flowers – WINNER
Billie Eilish – What Was I Made For? from Barbie: The Album
Victoria Monét – On My Mama
Olivia Rodrigo – Vampire
Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
SZA – Kill Bill

Best new artist
Gracie Abrams
Fred again..
Ice Spice
Jelly Roll
Coco Jones
Noah Kahan
Victoria Monét – WINNER
The War and Treaty

Song of the year
Lana Del Rey – A&W
Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero
Jon Batiste – Butterfly
Dua Lipa – Dance the Night from Barbie
Miley Cyrus – Flowers
SZA – Kill Bill
Olivia Rodrigo – Vampire
Billie Eilish – What Was I Made For? from Barbie – WINNER

Best pop vocal album
Kelly Clarkson – Chemistry
Miley Cyrus – Endless Summer Vacation
Olivia Rodrigo – Guts
Ed Sheeran – “-” (Subtract)
Taylor Swift – Midnights – WINNER

Best R&B song

Halle – Angel
Robert Glasper featuring SiR and Alex Isley – Back to Love
Coco Jones – ICU
Victoria Monét – On My Mama
SZA – Snooze – WINNER

Best country album
Kelsea Ballerini – Rolling Up the Welcome Mat
Brothers Osborne – Brothers Osborne
Zach Bryan – Zach Bryan
Tyler Childers – Rustin’ in the Rain
Lainey Wilson – Bell Bottom Country – WINNER

Best música urbana album
Rauw Alejandro – Saturno
Karol G – Mañana Será Bonito – WINNER
Tainy – Data

Best pop solo performance
Miley Cyrus – Flowers – WINNER
Doja Cat – Paint the Town Red
Billie Eilish – What Was I Made For? from Barbie
Olivia Rodrigo – Vampire
Taylor Swift – Anti-Hero

Best progressive R&B album
6lack – Since I Have a Lover
Diddy – The Love Album: Off the Grid
Terrace Martin and James Fauntleroy – Nova
Janelle Monáe – The Age of Pleasure
SZA – SOS – WINNER

Best R&B performance
Chris Brown – Summer Too Hot
Robert Glasper featuring SiR and Alex Isley – Back to Love
Coco Jones – ICU – WINNER
Victoria Monét – How Does It Make You Feel
SZA – Kill Bill


Best folk album

Dom Flemons – Traveling Wildfire
The Milk Carton Kids – I Only See the Moon
Joni Mitchell – Joni Mitchell at Newport (Live) – WINNER
Nickel Creek – Celebrants
Old Crow Medicine Show – Jubilee
Paul Simon – Seven Psalms
Rufus Wainwright – Folkocracy

Producer of the year, non-classical
Jack Antonoff – WINNER
Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II
Hit-Boy
Metro Boomin
Daniel Nigro

Songwriter of the year, non-classical
Edgar Barrera
Jessie Jo Dillon
Shane McAnally
Theron Thomas – WINNER
Justin Tranter

Best pop duo/group performance
Miley Cyrus featuring Brandi Carlile – Thousand Miles
Lana Del Rey featuring Jon Batiste – Candy Necklace
Labrinth featuring Billie Eilish – Never Felt So Alone
Taylor Swift featuring Ice Spice – Karma
SZA featuring Phoebe Bridgers – Ghost in the Machine – WINNER

Best dance/electronic recording
Aphex Twin – Blackbox Life Recorder 21f
James Blake – Loading
Disclosure – Higher Than Ever Before
Romy and Fred again.. – Strong
Skrillex, Fred again.. and Flowdan – Rumble – WINNER

Best pop dance recording
David Guetta, Anne-Marie and Coi Leray – Baby Don’t Hurt Me
Calvin Harris featuring Ellie Goulding – Miracle
Kylie Minogue – Padam Padam – WINNER
Bebe Rexha and David Guetta – One in a Million
Troye Sivan – Rush

Best dance/electronic music album
James Blake – Playing Robots into Heaven
The Chemical Brothers – For That Beautiful Feeling
Fred again.. – Actual Life 3 (January 1 – September 9 2022) – WINNER
Kx5 – Kx5
Skrillex – Quest for Fire

Best traditional R&B performance

Babyface featuring Coco Jones – Simple
Kenyon Dixon – Lucky
Victoria Monét featuring Earth, Wind & Fire and Hazel Monét – Hollywood
PJ Morton featuring Susan Carol – Good Morning – WINNER
SZA – Love Language

Best R&B album
Babyface – Girls Night Out
Coco Jones – What I Didn’t Tell You (Deluxe)
Emily King – Special Occasion
Victoria Monét – Jaguar II – WINNER
Summer Walker – Clear 2: Soft Life EP


Best rap performance
Baby Keem featuring Kendrick Lamar – The Hillbillies
Black Thought – Love Letter

Drake & 21 Savage – Rich Flex
Killer Mike featuring André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane – Scientists & Engineers – WINNER
Coi Leray – Players

Best melodic rap performance
Burna Boy featuring 21 Savage – Sittin’ on Top of the World
Doja Cat – Attention
Drake and 21 Savage – Spin Bout U
Lil Durk featuring J Cole – All My Life – WINNER
SZA – Low

Best rap song
Doja Cat – Attention
Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice featuring Aqua – Barbie World from Barbie: The Album
Lil Uzi Vert – Just Wanna Rock
Drake and 21 Savage – Rich Flex
Killer Mike featuring André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane – Scientists & Engineers – WINNER

Best rap album

Drake and 21 Savage – Her Loss
Killer Mike – Michael – WINNER
Metro Boomin – Heroes & Villains
Nas – King’s Disease III
Travis Scott – Utopia

Best country solo performance
Tyler Childers – In Your Love
Brandy Clark – Buried
Luke Combs – Fast Car
Dolly Parton – The Last Thing on My Mind
Chris Stapleton – White Horse – WINNER

Best country song
Brandy Clark – Buried
Zach Bryan featuring Kacey Musgraves – I Remember Everything
Tyler Childers – In Your Love
Morgan Wallen – Last Night
Chris Stapleton – White Horse – WINNER

Best song written for visual media
Barbie World from Barbie the Album, Naija Gaston, Ephrem Louis Lopez Jr. and Onika Maraj, songwriters (Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice featuring Aqua)
Dance the Night from “Barbie the Album, Caroline Ailin, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Dua Lipa)
I’m Just Ken from Barbie the Album, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Ryan Gosling)
Lift Me Up from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever — Music From and Inspired By, Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson, Robyn Fenty and Temilade Openiyi, songwriters (Rihanna)
What Was I Made For? from Barbie the Album, Billie Eilish O’Connell and Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish) — WINNER

Best comedy album
Trevor Noah – I Wish You Would
Wanda Sykes – I’m an Entertainer
Chris Rock – Selective Outrage
Sarah Silverman – Someone You Love
Dave Chappelle – What’s in a Name? – WINNER

Best global music album
Susana Baca – Epifanías
Bokanté – History
Burna Boy – I Told Them…
Davido – Timeless
Shakti – This Moment – WINNER

Best African music performance
Asake and Olamide – Amapiano
Burna Boy – City Boys
Davido featuring Musa Keys – Unavailable
Ayra Starr – Rush
Tyla – Water – WINNER

Best musical theater album

Kimberly Akimbo
Parade
Shucked
Some Like It Hot – WINNER
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Best alternative music album
Arctic Monkeys – The Car
Boygenius – The Record – WINNER
Lana Del Rey – Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd
Gorillaz – Cracker Island
PJ Harvey – I Inside the Old Year Dying

Best alternative music performance
Alvvays – Belinda Says
Arctic Monkeys – Body Paint
boygenius – Cool About It
Lana Del Rey – A&W
Paramore – This Is Why – WINNER

Best rock album
Foo Fighters – But Here We Are
Greta Van Fleet – Starcatcher
Metallica – 72 Seasons
Paramore – This Is Why – WINNER
Queens of the Stone Age – In Times New Roman…


Best rock song
The Rolling Stones – Angry
Olivia Rodrigo – Ballad of a Homeschooled Girl
Queens of the Stone Age – Emotion Sickness
Boygenius – Not Strong Enough – WINNER
Foo Fighters – Rescued

Best metal performance

Disturbed – Bad Man
Ghost – Phantom of the Opera
Metallica – 72 Seasons – WINNER
Slipknot – Hive Mind
Spiritbox – Jaded

Best rock performance
Arctic Monkeys – Sculptures of Anything Goes
Black Pumas – More Than a Love Song
Boygenius – Not Strong Enough – WINNER
Foo Fighters – Rescued
Metallica – Lux Æterna

Best country duo/group performance
Dierks Bentley featuring Billy Strings – High Note
Brothers Osborne – Nobody’s Nobody
Zach Bryan featuring Kacey Musgraves – I Remember Everything – WINNER
Vince Gill and Paul Franklin – Kissing Your Picture (Is So Cold)
Jelly Roll with Lainey Wilson – Save Me
Carly Pearce featuring Chris Stapleton – We Don’t Fight Anymore

Complete list of winners here.

#SPOTTED: MARIAH CAREY IN TORONTO FOR “MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL” TOUR

Certified Lamb here! Have adored Mariah Carey for as long as I’ve remembered and after having such a blast at her show at Scotiabank Arena last year, I no doubt wanted part again this year upon hearing the show would be back!

Carey‘s 90-minute festive opus that is her MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL Tour solidifies what we’ve known already for years now, she’s the official “Queen of Christmas” and we need this show every year.

While there are mostly overlaps in the setlist from last year’s show, Carey makes some edits in this rendition and we can the addition of a couple different hits in a section later in the show where she brings out highlights from her catalog, including viral hit “It’s a Wrap“!

If I can be honest, the Show this year felt marginally smaller to the eye. We recall the stage feeling larger last year and perhaps with Toronto being the Tour’s first stop last year, and not this year, there was a palpable energy that felt a bit diminished this year. This is in no part due to the fantastic perfomers older and younger, joining Carey on-stage. How great is it that her son and daughter Moroccan and Monroe play a pivotal role, even getting solos!! We love that Carey had her “Glam Crew” join her on-stage on occasion for touch-ups which was incredibly entertaining!

Musical Director Daniel Moore ups the musicality in this year’s rendition of the Tour and the Band sounds fabulous, and Carey as always sounds phenomenal. But the costumes this year – designed by Fendi – are a real knockout, all shimmery, including one ensemble with a gorgeous tiara.

Some highlights from the Show:



@mrwillwong So much fun at Mariah Carey’s MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL Toronto stop at Scotiabank Arena. Forever a lamb!! While this show felt smaller than last year’s show and missing some of that energy we got, some things the show improved upon was the musicality – the Band was amazing – and oh my God, the costumes by Fendi were outstanding. Amazing seeing Mariah’s kids Moroccan and Monroe play an integral part to the experience! #fyp #foryoupage #merrychristmas #merrychristmasoneandall #merrychristmasoneandalltour #mc #mariah #toronto #mariahcarey ♬ original sound – Mr. Will Wong


The Tour heads next to Montreal.

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#TRAVEL: ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME CHANCE TO BOOK MARIAH CAREY’S BEVERLY HILLS ESCAPE PROPERTY ON BOOKING.COM

Looking to travel like a star this summer? Booking.com and beloved musical icon, singer and songwriter Mariah Carey are offering travellers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to vacation just like Mimi this summer, with a special overnight trip package at her favorite Beverly Hills vacation rental on Booking.com, where she’s been living it up for the past three months. Now ready to hand over the keys to her ritzy summer reprieve, Booking.com has created a single trip package that includes a two-night stay at Mariah’s Beverly Hills Escape, complete with an itinerary curated by Mariah herself that spotlights her favorite places to dine, sightsee, and shop in Los Angeles.

According to a recent Booking.com survey, 43%* of Canadians prefer spending more time exploring the world over a quick getaway or weeklong trip, which is why Booking.com offers long-term stays at a variety of properties – including homes, hotels and everything in between – many of which offer reduced rates for monthly stays. Vacation rentals offer the perfect conveniences for a summer stay with features such as full kitchens, outdoor space, private pools, laundry rooms and more, with Mariah taking full advantage of her extended stay, spending quality time with family and friends.

Mariah’s Beverly Hills Escape will be available to book exclusively on Booking.com on June 21 at noon E.T., for a single stay taking place June 24 through 26. Priced at only $6.21, in honor of the first day of summer, this unique trip package only available this one time will feature:

A two-night stay at the luxurious Beverly Hills estate that Mariah rented this spring

Reservations at Mariah’s favorite restaurants, such as The Terrace, Cara, Nobu Malibu, Dan Tana’s and Craig’s

A private consultation with a fashion stylist to get Mariah-ready along with beauty and self-care tips from Mimi herself

A guide to Mariah’s favorite local attractions, including Will Rogers State Beach, Runyon Canyon, The Getty, The Hammer and The Skirball

“Sometimes a week or two isn’t enough to get away. That’s why I was thrilled to stay for a few months in a gorgeous Beverly Hills estate, which I found on Booking.com,” said the award-winning singer, songwriter, actress and record producer Mariah Carey. “My family and I enjoyed all the luxuries this beautiful home has to offer and now, one of my Lambs has the opportunity to experience LA in true Mimi fashion by staying in the same home and visiting all my favorite places in the area!”

Connecting travellers with the widest selection of properties, flights, rental cars and local attractions, Booking.com makes it easier for everyone to experience the world. For those who don’t book Mariah’s Beverly Hills Escape, rest assured Booking.com has plenty of vacation rentals across the U.S. for you to book this summer – from beach houses and woodsy cabins to lakeside retreats and city apartments, many of which offer month-long stays and longer, so you can get the most out of your summer vacation.

For more information on Booking.com and Mariah’s Beverly Hills Escape, visit: https://www.booking.com/hotel/us/mariahs-beverly-hills-escape.html.

#SPOTTED: MARIAH CAREY IN TORONTO FOR “MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL”

Mariah Carey makes her return as the widely-acknowledged Queen of Christmas and was Toronto ever in for a treat! The international megastar brought her two-city tour for MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL here first, before bringing the celebrations to New York City. The show, which has her bringing out material from her iconic 1994 Merry Christmas album and 2010 follow-up Merry Christmas II You. The Show which she tells the packed house at Scotiabank Arena was meant as a way to help her fans keep their minds off all the things that held them back during the Pandemic, and this marked her first live show since the world went on lockdown.

The Concert running just under two hours wasn’t just Holiday hits! Carey as a surprise did a set featuring abbreviated versions of her smash hits including “Fantasy“, with a re-working of Latto‘s recent smash “Big Energy”; “We Belong Together”; “Emotions”; “Make it Happen“; and of course, “Hero“. The Show capped-off with timeless “All I Want for Christmas is You” in the Encore.

Carey brought out her eleven-year-old twins Morocco and Monroe, with the latter duetting with her mother on “Away in a Manger“. The world for the first time got to hear her talent and her smokey vocals are not unlike that of her mother!

A highlight reel of moments from MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL:



Some Snaps:



An unforgettable time and if you missed it, there is one more chance to see Carey tomorrow night as she completes the second of her two-night engagement in Toronto!

(Photo/video credit: Mr. Will Wong)

#FIRSTLOOK: “MARIAH’S CHRISTMAS: THE MAGIC CONTINUES”

The Queen of Christmas is back with a brand-new Special coming to Apple TV+. See this first look at MARIAH’S CHRISTMAS: THE MAGIC CONTINUES! The Special will include an exclusive interview with Apple Music’s Zane Lowe and Mariah Carey, along with her 10-year-old twins, son Moroccan and daughter Monroe, as they share favorite holiday moments, and Carey celebrates her beloved holiday classic, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” and Apple TV+’s perennial smash-hit, “Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special“.

MARIAH’S CHRISTMAS: THE MAGIC CONTINUES arrives Friday, December 3, 2021 on Apple TV+.

(Photo/video credit: Apple TV+)

#FIRSTLOOK: WHAT TO WATCH – DECEMBER 2020: “MANK”,”HAPPIEST SEASON”,”GODMOTHERED”, “SOUND OF METAL”, “SHAWN MENDES: IN WONDER”, “BLACK BEAUTY”, “THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES: PART TWO”, “SMALL AXE”, “SELENA: THE SERIES”, “ALL MY LIFE”, “MARIAH CAREY’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS SPECIAL”, “FABULOUS LIVES OF BOLLYWOOD WIVES”, “SUGAR RUSH: EXTRA SWEET”, “EUPHORIA”, “THE UNDOING”, “STYLISH WITH JENNA LYONS”, “THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT”

With both the Holidays and Awards Season approaching, December can be a joyous time indeed for us with a big slate of new releases to surface. Here’s some of our recommendations across various screening platforms, including some theatrical releases!

HAPPIEST SEASON (EONE FILMS/AMAZON PRIME VIDEO)

Clea Duvall co-writes and directs this Holiday Rom-Com with a fresh take on expanding the idea the type of relationships the genre includes. Kristen Stewart stars as Abby, who is ready to propose to her live-in girlfriend Harper (Mackenzie Davis) as they get ready to spend the Holidays at the latter’s home for the first time. There is one hitch, Harper still hasn’t officially come out to them yet despite telling Abby she did, and that it went well. The daughter of a politician, image is everything for her family and this keeps holding her back from being her true self and matters get confused as former flames resurface in the visit which make the couple question their commitment to one another.

While ultimately meant to be heartwarming, tonally Duvall goes to heavier places as the couple gets pulled apart and its message is something the world needs a bit more of, hence its release is timely. Stewart has a knack for bringing her characters a ton of history and her Abby feels truly lived-in, while Davis spends much of the Film embattled in Harper‘s fears and in the shadow of her rival sister Sloane (Alison Brie). Canada’s Dan Levy delivers some much-needed comedic relief as Abby‘s confidante John and we wish the Film had even more of that. That being said, this is a Holiday story which many will identify with and feel seen by. And who knows, Stewart just might win over even more new fans here!

eOne Films release HAPPIEST SEASON Digitally and On-Demand Friday, November 26, 2020. It arrives on Amazon Prime Video Thursday, December 10, 2020.

GODMOTHERED (DISNEY+)

We knew very little until only recently about this latest effort from Sharon Maguire (Bridget Jones’s Diary, Bridget Jones’s Baby) and now we can’t imagine life before it. Right in time for the Holidays comes this whimsical and fantastical Comedy which centers on Eleanor (Jillian Bell) who is out to prove to the world that Fairy Godmothers are needed. She finds a letter written by Mackenzie (Isla Fisher) when she was 10-years-old, only to realize now that she has grown into a widowed, 40-year-old single mother of two, stuck in a job at a newsroom with a miserable boss. Needless to say, she’s given-up a little on the “happily ever after” she dreamed of as a girl. Eleanor, whether Mackenzie wants it or not, is here to grant her wish but we wonder if Eleanor ever be more than just a Tooth Fairy with this challenging task ahead!

Bell is an absolute joy, hitting what is a sweet spot in her career after last year’s acclaimed Brittany Runs a Marathon. She brings a Will Ferrell-Elf-esque enthusiasm and curiosity to the world which is infectious. Fisher also is a pleasure to watch as she channels Mackenzie‘s cynicism in a way many of us see the world right now. Maguire manages to craft a magical experience which lifts the spirits, yet balancing what it means to expand our definition of what happily ever after means and who it involves in our lives and we’re here for this.

GODMOTHERED arrives on Disney+ Friday, December 4, 2020.

MANK (NETFLIX)

Prior to his passing, Screenwriter and father of David, Jack Fincher, had completed a Script for MANK, based the life of Herman J. Mankiewicz, also a Screenwriter.After many years in incubation as a passion project, the Film finally got made by the younger Fincher. The Film recounts its titular character’s well-documented fight to get credit for co-writing what would go on to be one of the greatest films ever made, CITIZEN KANE.Mank (Gary Oldman), who prior had been brought aboard to help as a Script Doctor on The Wizard of Oz – without credit – isn’t particularly a likable type. He’s an alcoholic, a gambling addict and in fact, others call his wife “Poor Sarah” (Tuppence Middleton). Mank’s outspoken in his political beliefs and his support of Democrat Upton Sinclair, who is viewed by powerful Hollywood types as a Socialist. This puts him at odds with the powers that be. He’s tasked with helping co-write CITIZEN KANE, which Orson Welles (Tom Burke) produced, starred, directed and co-wrote. From here, we see a heated battle between Welles and the unpopular Mank as the latter fights to secure himself a credit on the eventual masterpiece. More so, we see how the battles within his own life found their place in CITIZEN KANE – his alcoholism, going against the machine and career sabotage. Mank had nothing to left to lose, refusing to go down without a fight. And we’re here for it.

While the Film might not be for everyone, it is a must-watch for true Cinephiles and those obsessed with the history of Cinema. Fincher‘s direction and some of the performances are meticulously-faithful to the period. Carrying almost all of the weight is Oldman who transforms completely and he mesmerizes in the manner of passersby staring at a car crash on a highway. We are concerned for and empathetic of the driver in the wreckage. Amanda Seyfried plays actress Marion Davies, whom Mank befriends. She is the mistress of William Randolph Hearst (Charles Dance), a media mogul and backer of MGM who inspires the character Susan Alexander, albeit an untalented entertainer and second wife of the titular character in CITIZEN KANE. Seyfried is so committed, poised and sweet that what Mank does feels like a huge betrayal.

This certainly is a Film which Awards Season was made for and just may replicate the Oscars success which CITIZEN KANE achieved. MANK arrives on Netflix Friday, December 4, 2020.

SHAWN MENDES: IN WONDER (NETFLIX)

Fan of Pickering’s Shawn Mendes will revel in delight at this Documentary by veteran Music Video Director Grant Singer. The Singer-Songwriter rapidly has shot to stardom and makes his first foray into the world of Film with recent collaborations with TIFF and now this companion to his upcoming fourth Disc, WONDER coming early December. The Film gives us an intimate (literally we go right into the shower with him) look at his daily life, which really presents him as someone who is level-headed and taking his fame into stride. In one scene he is driving around downtown and a man asks him roll-down his window to give his daughter a video shoutout. We learn about Mendes‘ creative process writing material for the new Album and he goes back to older, soulful influences this time around and one thing I found particularly interesting is to protect his voice from the rigours of touring, he takes vocal rests finding alternate ways to communicate on rest days. While nothing earth-shattering is revealed here really, it is an essential watch for fans or those who appreciate his Music and believe me, there are many! SHAWN MENDES: IN WONDER arrives on Netflix Tuesday, November 24, 2020.

SOUND OF METAL (PACIFIC NORTHWEST PICTURES/AMAZON PRIME)

Riz Ahmed delivers a career-best performance in Darius Marder‘s SOUND OF METAL,which after a run on the Festival circuit, including TIFF ’19 gets its debut at long last. Ahmed plays Drummer Ruben Stone whose hearing rapidly is deteriorating and after battling heroine addiction for years, he now is sober. While resisting help from the Deaf Community, the Film centers itself on his humbling journey accepting help, with the urging of his bandmate girlfriend Lou (Olivia Cooke). Ruben is his own enemy in many regards and at the core of SOUND OF METAL which while being set in the chaotic world of screamy Death Growls, is something heartfelt and a meaningful coming-of-age.

Ahmed and Cooke disappear completely into Ruben and Lou and their transformations are sympathetic and affecting. A bit of a slow-burn but a rewarding watch.

Pacific Northwest Pictures release SOUND OF METAL in theatres Friday, November 20, 2020 and it arrives on Amazon Prime Video in the U.S. and it is available digitally and on-demand in Canada Friday, December 4, 2020.

Don’t forget to read our Chat with Ahmed here.

BLACK BEAUTY (DISNEY+)

Anna Sewell’s BLACK BEAUTY is a love story that captures the bond between human and animal so beautifully that it should come as no surprise that it still stands the test of time some 143 years after it was written. Ashley Avis, formerly a competitive Equestrian, takes the reins on Disney+‘s adaptation of the story for a new audience. Along with this heartfelt timeless tale, we get updated messaging and more inclusion in casting.

This version centers on Jo Green (Mackenzie Foy), who is sent to live with her Uncle John (Iain Glen). While she is reluctant to warm-up to him, she does strike a bond with his filly (narrated by Kate Winslet) a wild Mustang who is acquired to be broken-in and sold. The horse changes Jo‘s life forever, helping her find herself but circumstances separate the two and we wonder if they ever will reunite again as she is treated like a commodity, changing hands multiple times.

Foy as always is great and she is fascinating to see develop into a dramatic actress and while we appreciate how the Film treats animal rights with the right delicateness and sympathy it deserves, ultimately it is paced in a way where things happen a couple beats too quickly, without fleshing-out key characters and their involvement with the Plot. And at times, the dialogue feels perhaps too simplistic even though we appreciate that the Film caters to a young audience. That being said, Winslet’s narration tugs on all the right heartstrings and you do feel something for her and her beloved friend, Jo.

BLACK BEAUTY arrives on Disney+ Friday, November 27, 2020.

THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES: PART TWO (NETFLIX)

If there’s anyone who knows the spirit of nostalgia, it’s Director Chris Columbus who has brought us classics like Adventures in Babysitting, Home Alone (1 and 2), Mrs. Doubtfire and a litany of others. He directs and co-writes the sequel to 2018’s popular The Christmas Chronicles and while the first Film was very enjoyable, this installment has a wondrous, fantastical element to it that truly captures the joy of the Holidays.

Back again are Kate (Darby Camp) and Teddy (Judah Lewis) as they find themselves spending Christmas on a resort with their mom Claire (Kimberly Williams-Paisley), her new boyfriend Bob (Tyrese) and his son Jack (Jahzir Bruno). Kate is faced with the fear of her deceased father being forgotten and wishes to escape and together with Jack, they find themselves transported off to the North Pole with Santa (Kurt Russell) and Mrs. Claus (Goldie Hawn), where the elves have gone out of control. One elf gone rogue, Belsnickel (Julian Dennison) threatens to ruin Christmas forever with the potential of a world without a Santa Claus. It is up to Kate and Jack to help save Christmas and also, will Kate get her long-awaited wish of finally getting to see her father?

THE CHRISTMAS CHRONICLES: PART TWO is none short of the boisterous, sparkly fun we’re totally here for. The Film belongs entirely to Camp and Russell who both are fantastic and Hawn is a welcome addition to the Franchise, a perfect warm and nurturing Mrs. Claus. Hijinx aside, the Film hits all the right notes emotionally, feeling exactly like a Holiday film should! We wouldn’t be surprised if this got several viewings this Holiday season. Streaming now on Netflix.

SMALL AXE (AMAZON PRIME VIDEO)

It’s been a minute since we’ve heard from Academy Award-winning Director Steven McQueen (12 Years a Slave, Shame, Widows), but he’s back with an innovating new Mini-Series of five Films centering on the West Indian-immigrant experience in London in the ’60s and ’70s. While the subject matter is timely, with #BlackLivesMatter being at the forefront of discussion this past year, McQueen’s storytelling is timeless as we are transported right into the era.

The first Film in the Series, Mangrove, is about nine black activists arrest for inciting a riot after police had targeted a restaurant of the same name in Notting Hill. In a fight for their rights and the rights of the future generation, the group choose to represent themselves in court. What plays out is an intense court battle featuring some truly compelling performances from Shaun Parkes (Doctor Who), Malachi Kirby (Black Mirror) and Letitia Wright (Black Panther). McQueen masterfully examines racial hatred from both sides of the argument and this is a fantastic start to the Series.

The second Film, Lovers Rock is a sensual Romance set within a party where we meet Martha (Amarah-Jae St. Aubyn) who sneaks out of her bedroom at night, and Franklyn (Michael Ward). The lighting is gorgeous and we are swept away into their looming love affair. McQueen has a masterful way of transporting us into the moment through music and the scenes just breathe beautifully as the songs play. While most of the story is set within the party itself, he paints a picture of the world these characters are living in at the time when we get brief glimpses of how unsafe things can get just stepping away from that safety net.

The remainder of the films arrive December 4, 2020 on Amazon Prime Video.

SELENA: THE SERIES (NETFLIX)

Throughout the late ’80s and early ’90s, Selena became the queen of Tejano music. Managed by her father and supported by her siblings in her band, this tight-knit family went from performing at weddings, while living on the road to Selena becoming one of the most successful Latin artists of all time. That is, before she was murdered in 1995 at the age of 23, by the manager of her boutiques. This happened tragically, just as she was set to launch internationally with her debut English album.

The detail-obsessed Series is crafted heavily with the input of the Quintanilla family so what we get here are ten quick-moving episodes that recount the family’s struggles from having very little, but were ignited by an undying commitment and belief in themselves. Rather than being entirely focused on Selena, we get the story from all sides of the family and we truly feel the tension between them in how tightly-knit they were. Fantastic performances from our lead Christian Serratos (The Walking Dead) and Ricardo Chavira (Desperate Housewives). Even at the end of the ten episodes the complete story isn’t told, cleverly leaving room for a second season. A must-watch for fans and intriguing enough to win over new fans who aren’t familiar with Selena‘s legacy.

SELENA: THE SERIES streams Friday, December 4, 2020 on Netflix.

ALL MY LIFE (UNIVERSAL PICTURES CANADA)

Based on a true story that happened right here in Toronto, ALL MY LIFE recounts the tale of a young couple, Solomon (Harry Shum Jr.) and Jennifer (Jessica Rothe). The couple whom after receiving tragic news, still forge ahead with plans to have a fairy tale wedding with the help of their friends who help them raise the funds to make it happen.

Marc Meyers (My Friend Dahmer) directs this tale which at times tugs on the heartstrings, but in moving along rapidly, misses the opportunity to delve deep into the couple’s love and their struggles during Solomon’s health battles which could’ve made this a bit more impactful, giving us more to root for. A solid performance from Rothe (Happy Death Day) in the lead role, though we wish a bit more room was given for the talented Supporting Cast which includes Jay Pharaoh (Saturday Night Live), Keala Settle (The Greatest Showman) and Mario Cantone (Sex and the City). There is definitely an audience for a Film like this.

ALL MY LIFE opens in theatres Friday, December 4, 2020. Please ensure you observe COVID-19 protocols if seeing this in theatres.

MARIAH CAREY’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (APPLE TV+)

Based on the premise that 2020 has been… not so great, the Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey is here to help save Christmas. Joining her on this 45-minute adventure is an understandably starstruck Billy Eichner as Santa‘s Assistant, with a story narrated by Tiffany Haddish. Several famous friends join Carey including Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson on a new rendition of Oh Santa!, which stands a chance at being a successor to modern classic All I Want for Christmas is You! The Peanuts Gang also make an appearance as do the likes of Snoop Dogg and long-time collaborator Jermaine Dupri. While festive and well-being including a touching rendition of Silent Night, the Special’s emotional high note is its Encore, where Carey delivers an extra festive Aspen-set performance of her biggest Holiday smash and her twins Moroccan and Monroe even come on out to support their Mom! We live for this and even if another Carey Holiday Special doesn’t come for a while, this one will do on-rotation! Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special streams now on Apple TV+.


EUPHORIA: TROUBLE DON’T LAST ALWAYS (HBO/CRAVE)

While it’ll be a while till we see Season Two of HBO‘s Euphoria, two special Holiday episodes of the acclaimed Series are amidst us, to tie us over. Director/Writer Sam Levinson goes deep as we ponder the Holidays with Rue (a recent Emmy-winning Zendaya) and her friend Ali (Colman Domingo) where they question their existence and what it means to cope with addiction, sobriety and some of the destructive things they had done in their lives to the ones who love them. Rue is coping with Jules (Hunter Schafer) leaving her, which leads her on a downward spiral again. Phenomenal, intimate performances in what feels like it could’ve been a stage production. A reminder that the Holidays aren’t a happy time for everyone. The first special episode is available to stream now on Crave with the HBO add-on, with the second arriving January 2021.


SUGAR RUSH CHRISTMAS SEASON 2 (NETFLIX)

You know how much we love our baking shows and we’re so delighted SUGAR RUSH is back for a second season with its Christmas edition. Lots of exciting and exhilarating baking challenges here in this second season where contestants are challenged with tasks like making creations inspired by Christmas Carols, the North Pole, Advent Calendars, Peanuts and more. The finished products as always look to-die-for and we wish we could taste everything too! Celebrity guests include Chris Bosh, Abigail Breslin, Jordin Sparks, among others! Adore this. Season 2 is streaming now.


FABULOUS LIVES OF BOLLYWOOD WIVES (NETFLIX)

We’re told Bollywood is different from Hollywood in that Bollywood stars maintain much more mystique than many of those stars those in Hollywood who have embraced oversharing on Social Media. This new Series comprised of eight episodes, takes us right inside the worlds of Neelam Kothari Soni, Maheep Kapoor, Seema Khan and Bhavana Pandey, whom are longtime best friends and among Bollywood’s elite. With a Kardashians-like view, we get a glimpse into their glamorous, although they consider it mundane, lives. All isn’t always rosy as passions too flare at times as these friends too have unresolved issues that get brought to the table. Don’t know much about the world of Bollywood? Don’t worry, they explain these relationships well and drama knows no cultural boundaries. Maheep is the loud, assertive one. Neelam is a former Actress pondering relaunching her career. Seema is all about protecting her family even though we understand her husband isn’t always around. Bhavna plays Devil’s Advocate which can be problematic when a friend wants her support. Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Lives is streaming now on Netflix.


THE UNDOING (HBO/CRAVE)

This six-part Mini-Series directed by Susanne Bier and and written by David E. Kelley, is adapted from the Novel You Should Have Known by Jean Hanff Korelitz. The Undoing centers on a privileged family, Jonathan (Hugh Grant), Grace (Nicole Kidman) and their son Henry (Noah Jupe) who are impacted in the aftermath of a woman’s death. With Jonathan standing accused of murder, Grace is left to put together the pieces how her husband could have been done this. The story masterfully twists and turns as we no longer know what to believe and who is reliable right up to the gripping conclusion.

Phenomenal work as expected from Kidman who is forced to dig deep and find the truth, leaning on her father Franklin (a strong performance by Donald Sutherland) for guidance. Jupe is coming into his own as a fine Actor with a goodheartedness that makes it all the more unbelievable that such a grounded family could be dealing with something so awful. Grant is the biggest surprise here and while we’re used to seeing him in Holiday movies around this time of year. Looking back, it all makes perfect sense.

THE UNDOING streams now on Crave with the HBO add-on.

STYLISH WITH JENNA LYONS (HBO MAX/CRAVE)

Better known as “The Woman Who Dressed America” at the height of J.Crew‘s popularity, the retailer’s former President Jenna Lyons is a fashion icon in her own right. Since her time with J.Crew had ended, she’s been a bit more on the quiet side, but she’s back as she makes her foray into Home Design and Beauty. She’s looking to add to her Team and goes on a search for the next Associate as fresh new talent have a chance to prove they have what it takes to work with her on this eight-episode Series. What is interesting is that the finalists must work against unconventional conditions as the competition is halted amidst the Pandemic and picks-up again, forcing Lyons to alter her course. We love the assured way in which she speaks and mentors, which comes with a gentle grace and assuredness. The Series gets intimate as was also learn about her life and her own challenges. STYLISH WITH JENNA LYONS is available to stream now on Crave with the HBO add-on.

THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT (HBO MAX/CRAVE)

Cassie (Kaley Cuoco) is a flight attendant coping with Alcoholism, living her life recklessly between stop-offs. On a flight to Bangkok, she meets a handsome stranger in Alex (Michiel Huisman) and after an enchanting, alcohol-fueled night out, she wakes-up to find him dead in the bed beside her. As she runs away from the situation, trying to stay under the radar, she must confront her past, her addiction and relationships, and gets to know Alex better as he surfaces as an apparition to her. The Series has a chaotic energy to it which keeps things fun and lively, and Cuoco is a perfect casting choice. Also Girls’ Zosia Mamet surfaces as Cassie‘s delightfully-funny lawyer/best friend Annie. THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT streams on Crave with HBO add-on, new episodes weekly.

#NEWMUSIC: “OH SANTA!” – MARIAH CAREY FT. ARIANA GRANDE & JENNIFER HUDSON

Christmas came early! Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson team-up with Mariah Carey on this new version of Holiday hit, OH SANTA! Grab that #1, ladies! Could this be a worthy chart successor to All I Want is Christmas is You? The Track can be heard on Mariah’s brand-new Holiday Special, out now.


MARIAH CAREY’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS SPECIAL streams now only on Apple TV+!

(Photo/video credit: Sony Music Entertainment/Apple TV+)

#FIRSTLOOK: “MARIAH CAREY’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS SPECIAL ON APPLE TV+

The Queen of Christmas is back and her latest Special, MARIAH CAREY’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS SPECIAL is set to debut on Apple TV+ soon!

Featured in the Special is an all-star line-up including the likes of Tiffany Haddish, Billy Eichner, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson, Snoop Dogg, Jermaine Dupri, Misty Copeland and Mykal-Michelle Harris. Carey‘s children Moroccan + Monroe also join-in on the fun!

In celebration of this, a new video has been filmed for “Oh Santa!,” co-written by and featuring Carey performing with Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson. This will be released the day of the Special and the companion soundtrack to the Special is full of brand new interpretations, and will also include Snoop Dogg and Jermaine Dupri as additional musical guests, in addition to a new version of “Sleigh Ride.” The soundtrack will be available exclusively on Apple Music December 4, and all other platforms on December 11.


See the Trailer:



MARIAH CAREY’s MAGICAL CHRISTMAS SPECIAL streams Friday, December 4, 2020 only on Apple TV+!

(Photo credit: Apple TV)

#NEWMUSIC: “MARIAH CAREY’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS SPECIAL” COMING TO APPLETV+

Like we’ve said, be prepared for a Mariah takeover! A Memoir, album and now a TV Special celebrating the 25th anniversary of her holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas is You” also will be on the way.

The Special will be directed by BAFTA Award winner Hamish Hamilton (Oscars, Super Bowl Halftime show, London Olympics Opening & Closing Ceremonies), and Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner Roman Coppola (“Mozart in the Jungle,”Moonrise Kingdom,” “A Very Murray Christmas”).

Date TBA. We can’t wait!

(Photo credit: Sony Music Entertainment)

#NEWMUSIC: MARIAH CAREY FT. LAURYN HILL – “SAVE THE DAY”

Brace yourself for a lot of Mariah this Fall. In addition to her memoir THE MEANING OF MARIAH hitting stores next month, she releases her THE RARITIES which includes new single SAVE THE DAY in which she samples Roberta Flack/The Fugees’ Killing Me Softly With His Song.

Check it out below
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THE MEANING OF MARIAH arrives in-stores September 29, 2020. THE RARITIES is in stores October 2, 2020.


(Photo/video credit: Sony Music Entertainment)

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