In a city where being in-the-know is essential, BET.com’s Angel Elliott keeps you connected, politically correct, (and correctly political) with an insider’s view of what’s hot and who’s hot (and not) in our nation’s capital. Read More
Published by Angel on Friday, February 25, 2011 at 11:13 am.
( L-R) John Legend, Jamie Foxx, Nick Jonas, and Seal, perform at the W.H. Motown Celebration. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
If you ever had a question that the culture of our White House has changed, you would’ve had your answer last night. Nostalgic tunes and tight harmonies reminiscent of a 1960s childhood wafted through the halls of the White House, pulsing from the East Room like the bass of a set.
As artists like Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, and John Legend took the stage to perform Motown hits, guests were no longer in the nation’s capital. No, they were taken back in time to Detroit street corners and barbershops filled with the sounds of “My Girl,” “I Heard It Through the Grapevine,” and “Stop in the Name of Love.”
Artist from all genres were brought together to commemorate Motown music in honor of Black History Month. The latest installment in the White House concert series was probably the most soulful yet. Politicos like D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray and CBC Chairman Emanuel Cleaver excitedly took on the concert. Barry Gordy sat smiling in the audience, beaming like a proud papa who’s seeing all his hard work come to fruition.
Nick Jonas performed “I Can’t Help Myself”; Natasha Bedingfield, Jordin Sparks, and Ledisi formed a trio to perform “Stop in the Name of Love”; and Smokey Robinson and Sheryl Crow delighted the crowd with their updated rendition of “You Really Got a Hold on Me.”
Jamie Foxx hosted the affair, setting the tone for the evening by performing his own rendition of James Brown’s “Sex Machine,” called “Presidential Machine.” LOL. He even suggested that Barry Gordy lend the administration some of his Motown money to decrease the deficit.
Obama ended the evening by saying, “To Mr. Barry Gordy, thank you for helping us dance in the streets.”
Published by Angel on Friday, December 11, 2009 at 11:24 am.
First Lady Michelle Obama in a Azzedine Alaia jacket, Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images
This past week, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama traveled to Oslo, Norway to except the Nobel Peace Prize. Mrs. O definitely did not dissapoint fashion critics and journalist around the world waiting to see what she’d dawn.
Click after the cut for a show of Mrs. O’s Oslo fashions.
Published by Angel on Monday, December 7, 2009 at 9:22 am.
President Obama & First Lady Michelle Obama at the Kennedy Center Awards
Over the weekend, President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama dazzled and awed in their first Kennedy Center Honors debut as the first couple. Mrs. O dawned a lilac, pleated Peter Soronen gown, while President O looked dapper in his custom made tux. The 32nd annual Kennedy Center Honors held on Sunday night honored Mel Brooks, Dave Brubeck, Grace Bumbry, Robert De Niro and Bruce Springsteen.
32nd Annual Kennedy Center Award Honorees
Almost all of Hollywood showed up for the affair. Spotted in the audience was Meryl Streep, Jack Black, Aretha Franklin and Harry Connick Jr. just to name a few.
Published by Angel on Tuesday, November 24, 2009 at 8:25 pm.
Today First Lady Michelle Obama held a preview press event for the state dinner, and discussed the menu and her choice of fine china. Check it out here.
Published by Angel on Monday, November 23, 2009 at 11:45 pm.
Jennifer Hudson
Oscar winner and Chi-town native Jennifer Hudson will perform at the first White House state dinner tomorrow night (November 24th) according to Arista Records, the singer’s label.
The American Idol alum proves that there is definitely triumph after tragedy. Not only was she tapped to perform for the President & Prime Minister tomorrow, but she was recently cast as Winnie Mandela, imprisoned ex-wife of Nelson Mandela, in his biopic.
Hudson brought down the house in April when she performed at DAR Constitution Hall, and is sure to wow dinner guests tomorrow night.
There certainly was NOT this much glitz & glamour at the White House during the last administration. It should now be obvious to the rest of the nation that this is where pop culture and politics meet, glamour can come in the package of a three-piece suit, and dining with the President can be a regular affair….if you’re lucky. Who could possibly top that?
Keep coming back to AEAL on BET.com for more state dinner updates.
Published by Angel on Tuesday, November 17, 2009 at 10:36 am.
Public Enemy
You know that Congress has designated November as National Homeless Youth Awareness Month right? Well in that spirit, reunited hip hop group Public Enemy is descending on the District tomorrow (November 18th) to meet more than 30 homeless youth; and host a Thanksgiving Dinner at the Sasha Bruce House (Maryland Ave. NW). Almost all the members of Public Enemy will join in the effort, including Chuck D and Flava Flav (I wonder if Sister Souljah will be in attendance?) .
Published by Angel on Friday, November 13, 2009 at 10:48 am.
Cedric the Entertainer @ Park this weekend.
Looking for something to do this weekend? Well I’m back again with my A-List picks for the hottest happenings in the District this weekend. From The Lioness herself, Teedra Moses performing to the DC Tweed Ride this Sunday, this weekend promises to be an interesting one. Check it out after the jump!
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