In other 2010 Grammy news, singer Maxwell won Best R&B Vocal Performance and Best R&B Album award. His category was not televised but you can see it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yHVDJWYblU&feature=featured. He looked nervous and his speech was very humble. I didn’t realize he’d never received a Grammy before. His performance was okay, spotted a couple of little errors though. Overall, I definitely think he deserved his award.

Did you enjoy Maxwell performance?

Yes, I noticed. Singer Beyonce performed her song If I Were A Boy (with a little bit of Alanis Morisette’s You Oughta Know) on tonight’s Grammy Awards. The performance was complete with soldiers dressed in black. During the Alanis portion, Beyonce almost tripped walking down the stairs and I almost saw a flashback to her tripping two years ago while on her tour. Whew! But she pulled it together before she fell on her face.

What did you think of Beyonce’s performance?

Reports have singer Alicia Keyes and producer Swizz Beatz engaged. They were recently spotted out and about, while Keyes wore a mysterious ring on her finger. The two seem to be more open lately - a sharp contrast from months ago when Swizz’s estranged wife, Mashonda, blasted Keyes over the Internet. She feels that Keyes broke up her marriage by not allowing her and Swizz to work on their issues. From the comments on the net, many people agree with her.

This is a tricky situation. On one hand, it’s never good to get involved with a married person. It’s not only ethically and morally wrong, it can lead to more heartache than anything else. On the other hand, I’m not an advocate of being unhappy just to uphold other people’s standards. Many men who cheat on their wives don’t leave the wife for the other woman. So, for a man to leave his wife, I think there could’ve really been some serious problems there, even if it’s just that he was a selfish jerk. Either way, it benefits all parties that they go their separate ways so they can all find happiness.

Do you believe that Alicia Keyes and Swizz Beatz are getting married?

Maybe it’s just me but I relish those days when I was home during the school summer break, watching BET. Back then, they had shows like Video Vibrations and Video Soul. How I miss that show! Since the show ended, I’ve only seen the host, Donnie Simpson, every now and then. I’m happy to see that he was doing so well with his own radio show in Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, he said goodbye to the show yesterday due to disagreements with the owners about its direction. Stay positive Donnie! You’ll find something even better next year!

Do you remember Donnie Simpson on Video Soul? Did you listen to his Washington, D.C. radio show?

I don’t remember ever seeing pop icon Prince at a football game or any other sporting event for that matter, unless he was performing but all that has changed. When he appeared at the Minnesota Vikings vs. Dallas Cowboys game, he was so moved watching the Vikings slaughter the Cowboys that he went home and recorded Purple And Gold for the Vikings. Listen to it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tOILaG2alA.

Who knew a football game would become Prince’s next muse? I can understand that. I’m a fan of football and it is quite inspiring to see these men get out on the field and give it their all for a shot at “the ring.” By the way, I’m rooting for the Vikings over Saints.

Do you like Prince’s Purple And Gold?

It seems like I hear that actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are splitting about every 6-8 months. Right now, the rumors are hitting a fevered pitch as UK tabloids are reporting that they’ve reached a monetary settlement for their separation. Meanwhile, people close to the people say that the rumors are completely untrue. I personally hate these kinds of rumors because they don’t really serve a purpose (except to make the tabloids money). Unless two people are truly breaking up, it feels like a wish instead of the news.

Do you think Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have really split?

Comedienne/actress Monique won the SAG award for Best Supporting Actress. Last week, she won a Golden Globe in the same category. You know what this means. Oscar nomination here she comes! I’m very happy for Monique. I think it’s great to see her flourish in a whole new arena. It truly sets a precedent for other comedians.

Do you think Monique will be nominated for an Oscar?

Earlier today, I was reading a magazine interview with pop singer Rihanna. They asked her about the type of man she wanted and she said she wants a man that is not intimidated by her. I’m all for that. I mean, nothing is worse than a man-wimp but I hope she isn’t taking it too far.

According to current rumors, Rihanna may be dating another violent man. Lately, paparazzi have snapped pictures of her with LA Dodgers baller Matt Kemp. The athlete reportedly had a restraining order issued for him in 2008 by his ex-girlfriend, actress Felisha Terrell. He’s also been accused of fighting with a woman at a club. On one level, I do empathize with Rihanna since she did grow up with domestic violence. It’s hard to see another way to relate when that’s what you’re used to seeing but there is a staunch difference between confidence and violence. I really hope she realizes that.

Do you think Rihanna has learned from her past experience with violent men?

The award season officially kicked off tonight with the Golden Globes. If you’ve been on the Internet for a few hours or watched the show’s red carpet arrivals, you’ve probably read or heard about singer Mariah Carey’s cleavage bearing black dress. Jokes avail about her choice. It’s a little much for my taste but… Hey! To each his or her own (globes).

What do you think of Mariah Carey’s dress?

It seems like the controversy concerning rapper Jay-Z's Illuminati association will not go a way. There are several sites ( http://socyberty.com/people/jay-z-conspiracy-theory-2-is-jay-z-connected-to-freemasonry-and-illuminati/) that point out alleged connections between Jay-Z, freemasonry and satanic messages. The latest to weigh in is a Christian rapper who recorded a song calling out Jay-Z, as well as his wife, Beyonce. A couple of days ago, Jay-Z addressed the rumors with Angie Martinez. His response is below:

“I don’t know where it started. I don’t know where it came from. I really think it’s really silly. For the record, I of course believe in God, but I believe in one God. If people must know my religious beliefs, I believe in one God. I don’t believe in religion. I don’t believe in Christians or Muslims. I think all that separates people. I think it’s one God. I think it’s all the same God, and I don’t believe in Hell. But as far as God, of course I believe in God. Am I a part of some sect or cult? That sounds stupid to me. It’s like ignorant to even say, and umm… I guess that’ll be the last time I address that. It’s ignorant to me”

Do you think Jay-Z is apart of some occult?

In light of the tragic events that took place in Haiti, it’s refreshing to see so many people reach out to the impoverished country. Many celebrities have taken an interest in helping out. Among the celebrities reported to donate or raise money are Wyclef Jean, George Clooney, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and Gisele Bundchen. American Red Cross has teamed up with Entertainment Tonight to help. In case you are still leery of the Red Cross since the Hurricane Katrina fiasco (like me), you can always donate to Wyclef’s Yele Haiti Foundation (www.looktothestars.com).

What are you doing for Haiti?

Yesterday, I was listening to the radio when Teddy Pendergrass’ Love T.K.O came on. I’ve always loved that song because not only is the beat great but the analogy is so profound and true. He created a powerful imagery of what it’s like to think you’ve found love and find out that you have to throw in the towel AGAIN. It’s a feat that not many artists accomplish today. It is missed and Teddy will be missed.

What’s your favorite Teddy Pendergrass song?

In “what the …?” news, rumor has it that Boyz II Men member, Shawn Stockman says his Israelite faith permits him to cheat on his wife, Sharhonda Jones. There are claims that he’s been in a “spiritual marriage” with model Avonte Cherie since 2001, before he married Jones. The Israelite faith allows their men to marry up to seven women. If this is true, it is a challenging situation. I would never tell anyone about their faith. With that said, I hope this isn’t an excuse for Stockman.

Would you stay if you found out your man cheated on you and his defense was that his religion allows it?

Singer Keyshia Cole has a lot going on. A new baby on the way. A new fiancée (Cleveland Cavaliers Daniel Gibson). And estrangement with her family. Unfortunately, she is not on speaking terms with her mother, Frankie and sister, Neffe. In a statement, Cole addressed her family issues saying she “needed serenity and peace to move forward.”

It’s difficult to distance yourself from your family but I think you have to do what you have to do. Cole has been through a lot in her life and she’s finally reaching a point where she’s getting happy. If she has to let go of some things to maintain that happiness, then I say do it. You only live once. Life is too short to live it unhappy.

Do you think Keyshia Cole is doing the right thing by distancing herself from her mother and her sisters?

Producer Teddy Riley talked to TMZ about an altercation between him and his two daughters. They were granted restraining orders against him. He's been ordered to stay 100 yards a way from his 18 year-old daughter, Taja. According to Teddy, he and his daughters both called the police. He also said he "collared" his daughter because she wouldn't leave his house. I don't think he should have talked to TMZ about the situation. It was too much detail. A basic statement would have sufficed.

Do you think Teddy Riley should have given TMZ details about the dispute?

Happy New Year! I hope everyone's 2010 is off to a great start. In honor of our new year, I'm starting my first post with a few predictions for 2010. These are based on what I've seen, what I've heard and general trends and patterns I've noticed. Let me know what you think.

1. Every few years, there are a lot of separations and divorces in the entertainment world. I think we'll see that this year. It may even happen to couples that we never expected to divorce.

2. Given the tremendous hype surrounding rapper Drake, I think his first album Thank Me Later, will break sales records for a rap artist and win him 4-8 Grammys next year.

3. At the beginning of every decade, new trends in music develop. The same will start happening this year, probably closer to the end of the year. Don't be surprised if some types of music or artists, like T-Pain's auto tune-induced production, start to disappear really soon.

4. Tiger Woods' will remain married throughout the year but his wife, Elin, will probably file for divorce by December. 15+ is a lot of women.

What's your prediction for 2010?