We’ll get to see (and hear) lots of ESSENCE Magazine’s January cover girl Queen Latifah on the big screen this year. She stars opposite Dolly Parton in the music-driven drama, “Joyful Noise,” (out January 13) and voices the animated movie “Ice Age: Continental Drift” (out July 13).
Rumors of Beyonce giving birth in late 2011 caused a minor Internet uproar. But since nothing has been verified — according to witnesses Beyonce is still very preggers — in 2012 we’ll really get to meet the most-tweeted about unborn baby of 2011. We’re guessing the real birth will break its own records in 2012.
Oprah Winfrey returns to do what she does best on the show “Oprah’s Next Chapter” (Sundays at 9pm on OWN).
After breaking records for its season 4 premiere in January 2011, the beloved BET drama returns for season 5 on January 10 at 10pm.
Tony award-winning actress Audra McDonald stars in Suzan-Lori Parks’ adaptation of ”Porgy and Bess,” which opens on January 12.
The newly trim mom of two is kicking off her year with an Entertainer Award from BET during its annual BET Honors show (airing February 13). Other honorees include Dr. Maya Angelou, Stevie Wonder, The Tuskegee Airmen and Spike Lee.
Already nominated for a Golden Globe for “Best Actress” for her role in “The Help” (the awards air Sunday, January 15), Viola Davis is naturally expected to get an Oscar nod as well. Meanwhile, the African American Film Critic’s Association recently voted her Best Actress in a Drama.
Her debut album “Pink Friday” was certified platinum in 2011, and Nicki Minaj hopes to repeat her success with her second album, “Pink Friday: Romans Revenge” (out February 14). Minaj also debuts her MAC Viva Glam lipstick in February to benefit charity.
After an amazing year in which he starred in the blockbuster “Thor,” was nominated for an Emmy for “Luther,” and was voted one of PEOPLE’s ‘Sexiest Men of 2011," Idris Elba continues his reign as one of Hollywood’s hottest actors by starring in two big-budget sci-fi movies, “Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance” (out February 17) and “Prometheus” (out June 8).
She enjoyed one of the biggest hits of 2010 with “Whip My Hair,” and now Will and Jada’s little girl is finally ready to release her debut album. “Willow: You Think You Know Me” comes out on April 13. The first single, ”Fireball”, features Nicki Minaj.
Thought to be the 2012 version of “Glory,” “Red Tails” (out January 16) tells the story of the Tuskegee Airmen and features an all-Black male cast, that includes Terrence Howard, Ne-Yo, Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Tristan Wilds.
Mary J. Blige’s foray into acting gets another boost as she stars opposite Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin and Russell Brand in the musical, “Rock of Ages” (out June 1st). MJB is also set to star in “Nina,” a biopic of legendary singer Nina Simone, though the movie doesn’t have a release date as yet.