Celebrity Birthdays: January 29

Heather Graham, Actress, 39

Tom Selleck, Actor, 64

Happy 55th Birthday to Oprah Winfrey!

Celebrity Birthdays: January 26

Dorian Gregory (age 38)
Anita Baker (age 51)



Happy 51st Birthday to Ellen DeGeneres!

Entertainment News: Oscar Nominations

ACTOR IN LEADING ROLE
Richard Jenkins in The Visitor
Frank Langella in Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn in Milk
Brat Pitt in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke in The Wrestler

ACTOR IN SUPPORTING ROLE
Josh Brolin in Milk
Robert Downey Jr. in Tropic Thunder
Philip Seymour Hoffman in Doubt
Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight
Michael Shannon in Revolutionary Road

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE
Anne Hathaway in Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie in Changeling
Melissa Leo in Frozen River
Meryl Streep in Doubt
Kate Winslet in The Reader

ACTRESS IN SUPPORTING ROLE
Amy Adams in Doubt
Penelope Cruz in Vicky Christina Barcelona
Viola Davis in Doubt
Taraji P. Henson in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei in The Wrestler

DIRECTING
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire

BEST PICTURE
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire

Entertainment News: Celebrities Show Support of Obama at Inauguration

Many of our favorite artists joined the millions in Washington D.C. this week to perform in Inauguration events. After so many celebrity musicians and actors were vocal about their support of Barack Obama during the presidential race, it only makes sense they would want to come out and show their support once again of our newly sworn-in president.

Here were some of the hottest events this week:

Neighborhood Ball
Barack Obama's campaign reached out to ordinary Americans who funded and supported him, and in the end, caused him to win. With this uniting theme in mind, Obama is hosting the first-ever Neighborhood ball tonight, which everyday Americans will attend. ABC will broadcast the ball live so that people all over the country can take part in it. The all-star lineup inclues Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Faith Hill, Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Shakira, Stevie Wonder and Nick Cannon.

Green Inaugural Ball
Monday night stars came together, including Will.i.am, John Legend, Melissa Etheridge, Maroon 5, and Al Gore, to support President Obama, but even more so, supporting a greener environment. The event itself is a carbon neutral one, and hopes to set a standard in the push to make Washington greener.



We Are One
HBO will air two hours of the concert from 7-9 PM, so if you missed it, there will definitely be clips popping up on the web soon. A wide range of artists included Usher, Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Sheryl Crow and others. Queen Latifah, Denzel Washington, Jamie Foxx and Martin Luther King III all contributed by reading historical passages.


Kids' Inaugural: We Are The Future
One of the greatest thing about the Obama campaign was that it made politics cool again, and showed the younger generations what this country is really capable of. Even kids who were too young to vote came out to show their support. Disney hosted this Inaugural event with some of the most popular young stars of today, including the Jonas Brothers, Demi Lovato and Bow Wow, Miley Cyrus and her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus, Keke Palmer, Usher and Shaquille O'Neal.

We will post the best videos from the week's festivities, so be sure to check back soon!

Congratulations to Barack Obama, who officially became our 44th President today!

Movie Review: Doubt

Doubt is another film that has people talking. Doubt was originally a Broadway play, written by John Patrick Shanley, that won the Tony for Best Play in 2005. Shanley adapted his play for the screen, as well as directed it.

Having had the opportunity to see the play on Broadway in New York several years ago, and now the movie adaptation, there’s no doubt in my mind that Doubt is an incredible piece of work. The movie takes place at a Catholic school in the Bronx in the mid-sixties. The school’s principal, Sister Aloysius, (Meryl Streep) who is a stickler for discipline, becomes suspicious of Father Flynn (Philip Seymour Hoffman) and his behavior with a young boy, Donald -- the first black student accepted in the school. Although she has no physical proof, her suspicion runs so deep that she enlists the help of the young and wide-eyed Sister James (Amy Adams), and begins a tirade against Father Flynn who consistently proclaims his innocence. The movie deals with a broad range of topics, from more the personal issues of doubt and faith, to the broader issues of the time, such as the church’s changing roles and the racial climate of the 60s.

Doubt did not lose anything in its adaptation from stage to screen, but it did not necessarily gain very much either. The story is simple, but the characters and concepts are complex and intriguing, and the writing is just about flawless. What sets this intense film apart from many others is the acting. Streep, Hoffman and Adams are all pitch-perfect, bringing the smallest, most wonderful details to their characters. Each actor’s performance shines greatly on its own, but together, the trio is as powerful, dynamic and full of fire as you can ever hope to see in a movie. I don’t think it’s likely that Doubt will win any Best Pictures, although it has been nominated by just about everyone. While Meryl Streep, Amy Adams and Viola Davis (who brilliantly plays Donald’s mother) were all nominated for Golden Globes, neither walked away with a win. They both deserve Oscar nods, and in my opinion, to walk away with awards this time.

Celebrity Birthdays: January 14

Jason Bateman (age 40)
Stephen Soderbergh (age 46)

Happy 42nd Birthday, LL Cool J!

Entertainment News: Lil Wayne Makes Big Contribution

Lil Wayne has donated $200,000 to restore a park in New Orleans that was destroyed during Hurricane Katrina. Aside from restoring the park, the money will help to create educational and recreational programs. The park is located in Lil Wayne's childhood neighborhood, and is in one of the New Orleans' most dangerous areas. Lil Wayne is hoping that other artists will take the initiative to fix up areas of their own hometowns.

Celebrity Birthdays: January 13

Happy Birthday January 13th babies!

Michael Peña (age 33)
Traci Bingham (age 41)
Patrick Dempsey (age 44)
Julia Louis-Dreyfus (age 48)

Orlando Bloom celebrates his 32nd birthday today.

Entertainment News: Golden Globe Awards

Here are the top awards from the 2009 Golden Globe Awards. Slumdog Millionaire dominated the film awards, and 30 Rock the television awards -- both rightfully so.

-Best Motion Picture (Drama): Slumdog Millionaire
-Best Drama Performance (Actress): Kate Winslet for Revolutionary Road
-Best Drama Performance (Actor): Mickey Rourke for The Wrestler
-Best Motion Picture (Comedy): Vicky Christina Barcelona
-Best Comedy Performance (Actress): Sally Hawkins in Happy-Go-Lucky
-Best Comedy Performance (Actor): Colin Farrell in In Bruges
-Best Supporting Actress: Kate Winslet in The Reader
-Best Supporting Actor: Heath Ledger in The Dark Knight
-Best Animated Feature Film: Wall-E
-Best Director: Danny Boyle for Slumdog Millionaire
-Best Screenplay: Slumdog Millionaire written by Simon Beaufoy
-Best Original Score: Slumdog Millionaire composed by A.R. Rahman

-Best Television Series (Drama): Mad Men
-Best TV Drama Performance (Actress): Anna Paquin for True Blood
-Best TV Drama Performance (Actor): Gabriel Byrne for In Treatment
-Best Television Series (Comedy): 30 Rock
-Best TV Comedy Performance (Actress): Tina Fey for 30 Rock
-Best TV Comedy Performance (Actor): Alec Baldwin for 30 Rock

Celebrity Birthdays: January 12

Happy Birthday!

Amerie Rogers (Age 29)
Raekwon (Age 39)
Howard Stern (Age 55)



Kirstie Alley turns 58 today.

Upcoming Event: Bob Greene Helps You Live Your Best Life!

Oprah's renowned personal trainer and friend Bob Greene will be in Chicago! On Jan 12th & 13th , this best selling author will be at 2 locations signing copies of his new books : The Best Life Diet Cookbook and The Best Life Diet, a revised version with new menu plans and recipes. Flair TV will be there to talk to Bob to get some healthy tips!

To find out how you can meet Bob visit: http://www.thebestlife.com/

Celebrity Birthdays: January 9th

Grammy-winning lead vocalist and guitarist for the Dave Matthews Band, Dave Matthews turns 42 today!

AJ McLean, Backstreet Boys (Age 31)
Angie Martinez, Radio & TV Personality (Age 37)

Today's Movie Releases

There is a diverse selection of movies being released today, so whatever you’re in the mood for, there’s definitely a film for you.

Bride Wars

Best friends Liv (Kate Hudson) and Emma (Anne Hathaway) have always shared the dream of getting married at the Plaza Hotel in June. They are ecstatic when their boyfriends propose at the same time, until they find out that their dream weddings have accidentally been scheduled for the same time. Instead of either one giving up the date, the two start an all out battle, trying to sabotage the other one’s wedding.



The Unborn

This is a supernatural thriller about a girl Casey (Odette Yustman) who is relentlessly haunted by a ghost, who she suspects to be the spirit for her twin who died in the womb. Casey finds a spiritual advisor, and together they uncover a family curse that stretches back to World War II.



Not Easily Broken

The film is family drama about a married couple, Dave (Morris Chestnut) and Clarice (Taraji P. Henson), whose rocky marriage is further tested after a sudden accident that leaves Clarice depressed and vulnerable.

Entertainment News: It's A Boy!

Congratulations to our favorite Cosby Show child star, Lisa Bonet. She just welcomed her second child, with boyfriend Jason Momoa, into the world in December--a baby boy named Nakoa-Wolf Manakauapo Namakaeha.

Bonet also has two daughters: 20-year-old Zoe with rocker Lenny Kravitz, and 17-month-old Lola with Jason.

Celebrity Birthdays: January 8th

Happy birthday to some of the biggest music icons!


DJ Clue (Age 33)
R Kelly (Age 41)
David Bowie (Age 62)
Elvis Presley (d. 1977)





Happy 36th Birthday, Sean Paul!

Entertainment News: It's a Girl!

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck gave birth to a healthy baby girl yesterday in Los Angeles. This is their second daughter -- big sister Violet is now 3.

Flair TV Video of the Week

Movie Review: Slumdog Millionaire

Slumdog Millionaire has been in theatres for several weeks already, but if you haven’t had a chance to check it out, now’s the time to do so. It is a spectacular film that may get overshadowed by the other powerhouse films of recent weeks, but is one of the absolute best movies of the year, nonetheless.

Slumdog is the story of a young man, Jamal (Dev Patel), who becomes a contestant on the Indian version of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire.” Jamal does better than any other contestant ever has, but this is where his trouble begins. When no one believes that it is possible for a poor “slumdog” with no formal education to know all of the answers, he is accused of cheating and thrown in jail. To prove his innocence, Jamal reveals the stories from his past that explain how he knew each answer. He brings the officers and the audience through flashbacks, telling stories of his brother, Salim, his long-lost childhood sweetheart, Latika (Freida Pinto), and the hardships of orphaned children living on India’s streets. Even though the film has all the makings of a love story, it is essentially about family – the family we lose, the family we have, and the family we create.

This is a unique film that is full of honest humor and honest human suffering. The screenplay, cinematography and score are all spot on. Jamal and Latika are each played by three different actors at various ages, and every one of these actors shines to create wonderful, lovable characters who are a pleasure to watch. Slumdog Millionaire has already received much deserved Golden Globe nominations for Best Picture, Best Director (Danny Boyle), Best Screenplay, and Best Original Score.

Celebrity Birthdays: January 7th

Happy Birthday from Flair TV!

Marquis Daniels (Age 28)
Cubs player, Alfonso Soriano (Age 33)
Doug E. Doug (Age 39)
Katie Couric (Age 52)


Nicholas Cage turns 45 today

Flair Was There: Maze and Frankie Beverly featuring Keith Sweat

This concert was the perfect way to kick off the weekend. All the old-school music lovers came out to enjoy the sweet sounds of Frankie Beverly & Maze, as well as Keith Sweat.

Keith warmed up the night with an up-tempo, memorable piece that had everyone in the Arie Crown Theatre pumping their fists. After several old-school tunes, he slowed down the pace with songs like "How Deep is Your Love," "My Body," and "Nobody." One woman who was celebrating her birthday had the pleasure of having Keith, her all time favorite singer, serenade her. After 50 minutes of Keith Sweat bringing everyone in the room back to their more romantic days, the crowd was excited to be aMAZEd by Frankie Beverly and Maze.

During a brief intermission, the comedian MC Lightfoot kept the crowd thoroughly entertained. We wiped the tears of laughter from our eyes just in time to see Frankie Beverly come on stage, complete with a full band and flashing lights. Finally, Maze joined Frankie on stage, and the crowd went wild. He made all the women in the room feel like they were 18 again! The band played until the crowed became "One" with them. This was a wonderful concert that Flair TV had the pleasure of enjoying. If you have not seen Frankie Beverly, Maze or Keith Sweat live, now is the time to reserve your ticket for their next performance because they go FAST.

Take a look at these pictures from the show:

Chundria and Nekia Nichelle asking Keith some personal questions. Check out our celebrity quiz to see how well you know Keith!

Entertainment News: Ring It Up

Although the music industry has seen CD sales drastically drop over the last few years, there is one place musicians aren't hurting at all: ringtones. This year, Hip Hop artists made up about 13% of the top 100 ringtones sold. Here are the top 5 selling ringtones of 2008:

#1. Lil' Wayne - Lollipop (Downloaded 2.36 million times)
#2. T.I. - Whatever You Like (Downloaded 1.62 million times)
#3. Flo-Rida - Low (Downloaded 1.60 million times)
#4. Katy Perry* - I Kissed A Girl (Downloaded 1.13 million times)
#5. Usher - Love in The Club (Downloaded 1 million times)

*FLAIR TV ARTIST ALERT: Katy Perry is performing in Chicago on March 26th, so be sure to get your tickets soon. Flair TV will be there, and hope to see you there!

Celebrity Birthdays: January 6th

Happy Birthday to everyone born on January 6th!

Mike Jones (Age 28)
Director/Producer John Singleton (Age 42)
Rowan Atkinson (Age 54)




Tiffany Pollard, better known as "New York" from Flavor of Love and I Love New York, turns 28 today.

Flair Was There: Teen Test with Ben One

On Saturday, Flair TV had the honor of covering MAGIC’s Teen Test Day at the South Shore Community Center. More than 1,000 Chicago teens were tested for HIV, Diabetes, high blood pressure, and many other conditions. The fun and informational events was capped off with a concert that included dance, step, and music. Many artists came out to show their support and perform, including Bears football player, Brandon Lloyd, and a Flair TV favorite, Ben One. Check out some photos from the event below!

Chundria, Ben One and Nekia Nichelle pose after their interview.
















Chundria and Nekia Nichelle interviewing Bears' wide receiver, Brandon Lloyd, and singer JV. The two men performed together at the Teen Test Concert.

Rapid HIV testing was one of the many services offered at Teen Test.

Flair TV Flashback

Flair TV had the pleasure of interviewing Ben 1 sometime ago before he became a Chicago idol. Click on the video below to see our first interview with Ben 1!



Flair TV is so proud of you, Ben 1! Keep up the good work....

Movie Review: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

While Brad Pitt is still a household name, his role over the past several years seems to have shifted from superstar actor to Mr. Jolie, father of six. And even though he has been in several notable films in recent years (Burn After Reading, Ocean’s 11-13, and Babel), The Curious Case of Benjamin Button will likely bring Pitt an Oscar nomination for Best Actor (to add to his Golden Globe nomination). Even if he doesn’t win, Benjamin Button will be a strong contender in this year’s award season. (The film has four other Golden Globe nods, including Best Picture and Best Director.)

Benjamin Button is the story of an unusual baby who appears to be born already on the brink of death. As the years go by, it becomes more and more clear that Benjamin (Brad Pitt) has the mind of a child growing older trapped in the body of an elderly man growing younger. Orphaned, Benjamin is raised by the owner of a nursing home, where his condition allows him to fit in physically, even though he has a harder time finding his place in the world. Although his condition is unique, the obstacles he faces in his life are, for the most part, common to all of us at one point or another. While this original tale, loosely based off of a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald, has traces of fantasy, it is almost entirely based in a completely realistic world that is not hard to buy into.

The second half of the film is dedicated to the love story between Benjamin and Daisy (Cate Blanchett), and the turns their lives take to bring them together and pull them apart again. It is not your average love story, but really one of true, unwavering devotion. Both Pitt and Blanchett’s performances are outstanding, and each of them brings a certain enchanted quality to their character. The theme of time is extremely prevalent throughout, but never heavy-handed, and is guaranteed to make you stop and consider how time moves in your own life.



Benjamin Button is a strong, touching story that follows Benjamin’s life from the beginning to the end, or vice-versa. The film benefits from the obvious love and admiration that director David Fincher (Zodiac, Panic Room, Fight Club) has for the story and its characters, and the time he takes developing them. On the flip side, it was probably this same love that made it difficult for Fincher to discard pieces of these characters on the cutting room floor, leaving the film a whopping two hours and forty-seven minutes long. While the film could have been trimmed down some and still succeed, the relationship Fincher created between the characters and the audience makes the nearly three-hour film seem much shorter. The heartfelt story, wonderful acting, impressive CGI and beautiful cinematography combine to make Benjamin Button one of the funniest, saddest and most worthwhile movies we’ve had in a long time. I highly recommend you carve out some time in your schedule, and make room in your heart for this brilliantly executed film.

Flair TV Celebrity Quiz: Keith Sweat

Flair TV got a chance to catch up with Keith Sweat and ask him some more personal questions about himself. Take the quiz and see how well you know Keith! For the answers, watch the video below!






VIDEO ANSWERS TO THE KEITH SWEAT QUIZ ABOVE

Flair Was There: Ludacris

Despite the cold temperatures in late December, fans came out in droves to see Ludacris and others perform. While the Ludacris, Chingy and Twista lovers made up a huge percentage of the screaming audience, a full line-up of local artists packed the place with their own supporters. And, believe me, it was a FULL line-up! Nearly ten rising stars entertained the crowd with original songs. The showcase didn't pause for a moment, with Mallik Yusef hosting, and a special appearance from actress Lisa Raye. Backstage, Power 92's Tone and Shag were broadcasting live on the airwaves. The backstage area was crowded with hollering security guards, tons of media, and onlookers with special access. Hoopz, from Flavor of Love, hung out for the night and took a minute to talk to Flair TV. And let's not forget Tiffany from this season of The Bad Girls club who also came out. I'm certain everyone at the concert had an unforgettable time. Flair TV sure did!

Ludacris, Chingy, and Twista graced the stage like the superstars they are, ripping the microphone, and it was our pleasure to witness all of it!

Check out the awesome pictures from the show:

Celebrity Birthdays: January 5th

Happy Birthday to everyone born on January 5th!


January Jones (Age 31)
Kerry Washington (Age 32)
Diane Keaton is (Age 63)
Robert Duvall is (Age 77)



Brooklyn Sudano, Donna Summer's daughter, turned 28 today. Brooklyn starred in "My Wife and Kids" and "Cuts." Flair TV had the chance to interview Donna Summers. Check out the video below!

Flair TV would like to extend our deepest condolences to John Travolta and Kelly Preston over the loss of their 16-year-old son, Jett, who passed away on Friday.

Celebrity Birthdays: January 3rd

Flair TV wishes you a Happy Birthday!


Mel Gibson (Age 53)
James Carter (Age 40)
Danica McKellar (Age 34)
Kimberly Locke (Age 31)
Lloyd (Age 23)



Jason Marsden, from the X-men series and Superman Returns, is celebrating his 34th birthday today.

Upcoming Event: Teen Test Day - Health Screening and Common Concert

Regardless of what your New Years resolutions were, it’s important for all of us to make an effort to stay as healthy as possible. This Saturday, January 3rd, be a part of a very special event that will be both fun and informative. MAGIC Teen Talk Chicago is hosting it’s 2nd Annual National Teen Test Day at the South Shore Cultural Center. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., you will be able to receive completely free and completely confidential testing, screening and counseling. While it’s not always fun spending a day getting tested, Teen Test Day will definitely not be like your average doctor’s appointment. From 5 – 9 p.m., the Tha Pope, Ben One and Hip Hop Artist Common will be performing at the event. The first 300 teens (with a student ID) to get tested at the event will get a free ticket to the show.

You can be screened for HIV/STDs, Diabetes, Breast/Cervical Cancer, Pregnancy, Bone Marrow Density, Sickle Cell Anemia, Asthma, Cholesterol, Body Weight, Ears, Nose and Throat, and many others. There will be other activities, such as an LGBT Workshop and learning about Obesity Prevention. Bilingual counselors will also be available.

Flair TV will be at this event and we hope to see all of you, your families and your friends there!

South Shore Cultural Center
7059 S. South Shore Dr., Chicago, IL
Saturday, January 3rd
Screening: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Concert: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Flair Was There: WGCI Big Jam

This year, WGCI stepped up their Big Jam lineup to a whole new level. The all-star talents include Lil Wayne, T Pain, Keyshia Cole, Keri Hilson, Ben One and Gym Class Heroes. Part of the “I Am Music” tour, this group already impressed audiences in Miami, Texas and California before heading to Chicago. Between the phenomenal singers, background performers and impressive special effects, this music spectacle ended 2008 with a bang.

2008 was a huge year for all of the artists: Lil Wayne received 8 Grammy nominations, including Best Album of the Year for “Tha Carter III.” T Pain won Best Collaboration for “Good Life” at the BET Awards, Song Writer of the Year at the BMI Urban Awards, and a Grammy for “Good Life,” plus had an overwhelming number of other nominations and wins. The rest of the artist’s have dominated this years award nominations across the board, and have each had their own remarkable accomplishments. We're sure these artists will continue to produce great work in 2009, and we'll keep you posted on all of their new music!

Check out some video footage from the event:



If you were at the event and would like to share any stories, thoughts or photos, we'd love to hear from you -- just comment below!

Celebrity Birthdays: January 2nd

Happy Birthday to some of our favorite stars!






Taye Diggs is celebrating his 38th birthday today.






Kate Bosworth (Age 26)
Kelton Kessee (Age 28)
Dax Shepard (Age 34)
Christy Turlington (Age 40)
Cuba Gooding Jr. (Age 41)
Tia Carrerre (Age 42)

(Drop us a line if today is also your birthday and we'll add your name to the site!)

Movie Review: Marley and Me

While it didn’t seem like 2008 was going to be a great year for movies, the end of the year brought a wave of amazing films that will be fighting tooth-and-nail for the top Oscar awards. Although Marley and Me won’t be one of those movies, it is still worth seeing when you need a break from the heavier, more dramatic films -- especially if you're a dog lover. Not to say that this film doesn't have its moments of heavier drama. The biggest thing missing from Marley and Me is the disclaimer: NOT a children’s movie. While children can definitely enjoy and understand most of the film, it’s an emotional film that left the entire audience, young and old, sniffling back tears (and in more extreme cases, weeping.)

The film follows John Grogan (Owen Wilson) and his wife, Jennifer (Jennifer Aniston), through a long series of the major life events that happen after marriage: finding a new job, buying a new house, getting a promotion, starting a family, raising that family, and of course, buying a first pet. The story deals with the expectations we have of ourselves and others, and how things never quite go as we plan. The story is heavily sprinkled with funny moments between the rowdy Marley and his extremely patient owners, but the movie is not just about the dog. It reflects the many different kinds of relationship we have in our lives, all the things that can go wrong with those relationships, and how these problems are overcome. It's a movie about love, family, and the great sacrifices we make for the people we care about the most. It's an endearing, honest movie that will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you go home and give your dog a big hug.