See why we’re having plain black coffee this morning:
• In light of the recent shootings in Newtown, Conn., the Django Unchained Hollywood premiere has been canceled. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the tragedy in Newtown, Conn. and in the time of national mourning we have decided to forgo our scheduled event,” read a statement from the Weinstein Company. A source claims the cancellation was unrelated to the gruesome violence shown in the western. [Reuters]
• Yes, Frank Ocean loves making music. But he doesn’t want to confine himself to one medium. In fact, he’s ready to explore other options. “I don’t ever want to be caught up in a system of thinking I can do one thing because that’s just… that’s just telling yourself a lie,” said Ocean to the Guardian. “But I do like to sing. I play piano every day. I enjoy that.” Ocean did open up about his other aspirations, saying he’ll never stop making music but wants to write, too. “It would be f*cking legendary if I just made Channel Orange last year, then put out a best-selling novel next year, then you know, design an arena in Stockholm in 2014! You just do what you can and you have as much fun as possible…” [Guardian]
• Stevie Wonder is writing big checks these days. The legendary singer gave Jasmine Faulk a $100,000 check to help her fight cancer. She recently received a check for $75,000 from Charlie Sheen. During the concert, Wonder sang “Isn’t She Lovely” for Faulk. [TMZ]
• Today, two more funerals will be held for Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims. James Mattioli, 6, will be laid to rest at St. Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, Conn. at 10 a.m. and Jessica Rekos’s service, also six-years-old, will be held at St. Rose of Lima at noon. [People]
• Alicia Keys is being sued by songwriter Earl Shuman because he believes her song “Girl on Fire” is way too similar to his hit “Hey There Lonely Girl” performed by Eddie Holman in 1970. However, Shuman’s entire case is built on a blogger’s perception that the two sound similar when Keys sings the words “lonely girl.” It’s unclear what will come from the suit filed in a California federal court. [Hollywood Reporter]
• Former Destiny’s Child member, Michele Williams, will judge the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s 4th Annual Most Powerful Voice competition. Contestants who sing gospel, holy hip hop, praise and worship music can upload videos or mp3 of their performances by January 31. The winning act will get a chance to perform at Central Park Summer Stage in New York City, $1,500 in cash and more. [EURweb]