Beyoncé, Janelle Monáe, John Legend and More Perform Stevie Wonder Tribute
Stevie Wonder is getting his flowers while he can still smell them. Yesterday (February 10), stars of all genres united to pay homage to the music icon for the taping of Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key Of Life—An All-Star Grammy Salute at Los Angeles’s Nokia Theater. Hosted by LL Cool J, the pre-taped event mashed up combos like Beyoncé and Ed Sheeran (“Master Blaster”), Babyface and Ariana Grande (“Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours”), and India Arie, Jill Scott and Janelle Monáe (“As”). “Nobody writes and sings love songs like Stevie Wonder—nobody,” said John Legend, before singing “I Believe (When I Fall in Love).” Stevie sat front row with his family for the tribute event, which airs on CBS next Monday (February 16).
Jean Grae Cameos on CBS’s 2 Broke Girls
Lady lyricist Jean Grae showed off her acting chops in an episode of CBS’s 2 Broke Girls Monday night. In the episode “And the Crime Ring,” the two star characters land in a holding cell, where they meet the New York-bred MC, a fellow inmate named Tenaya, who, despite her stereotypically tough look (and grand theft auto charge), is actually a friendly talent show organizer. Check out the funny segment below.
Erykah Badu Traces Roots to Cameroon, Finds African Influence for Next LP
Erykah Badu has found inspiration for her next album by going back to her roots. With the help of OkayAfrica, Lo Down Loretta Brown has traced her maternal ancestry back to the African grasslands of Cameroon. She learns quite a bit about her heritage, the connection between dance and spirituality and the it-takes-a-village mentality of her homeland. Even more, Badu found a new location to scout for musical talent. “I started working on my new album and I knew I was going to record it in Africa,” the 43-year-old singer said. “Around the same time, I was getting my [DNA test] results back. So it all kind of worked together. Now definitely I have to go to Cameroon, find some good drummers.”