Entertainment
Cissy Houston, Gospel Legend and Mother of Whitney Houston, Dies at 91
Cissy Houston, the legendary gospel singer and mother of Whitney Houston, passed away peacefully at her New Jersey home on Monday morning at the age of 91. Houston had been in hospice care for Alzheimer’s disease, as confirmed by her daughter-in-law, Pat Houston.
In a heartfelt statement, Pat expressed the family’s grief: “Our hearts are filled with pain and sadness. We lost the matriarch of our family,” while also paying tribute to Cissy’s strength and lasting impact, calling her a “strong and towering figure” in their lives.
Cissy Houston’s illustrious career spanned decades, with highlights that include collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, such as Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Van Morrison. Born in 1933 in New Jersey, she was the youngest of eight siblings and started her singing journey early on, performing gospel music with her family. In the 1960s, she gained widespread recognition as part of the R&B group The Sweet Inspirations, singing backup for stars like Otis Redding, Dionne Warwick, and on Van Morrison’s iconic hit “Brown Eyed Girl.”
After finding success with The Sweet Inspirations, Houston launched her own solo career, performing with a diverse range of artists including Chaka Khan, Jimi Hendrix, Beyoncé, Paul Simon, and her beloved daughter, Whitney Houston. Her powerful voice earned her two Grammy Awards, one for her gospel album Face to Face in 1997 and another for He Leadeth Me in 1998.
Cissy Houston was also an accomplished author, penning three books, including Remembering Whitney: A Mother’s Story of Life, Loss and The Night the Music Stopped, which shared memories of her daughter Whitney Houston, who tragically passed away in 2012.
Even in her later years, Cissy continued to perform, sharing a memorable stage with Aretha Franklin on The Late Show with David Letterman at the age of 80, where they covered Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.”
Pat Houston expressed the family’s gratitude for Cissy’s extraordinary life and legacy: “Her more than seven-decade career in music and entertainment will remain at the forefront of our hearts… we are blessed and grateful that God allowed her to spend so many years with us.”
Cissy Houston’s memory will live on through her remarkable musical contributions and the deep love she shared with her family. May she rest in peace, reunited with her daughter Whitney and granddaughter Bobbi Kristina.
Entertainment
The Sidemen Transition from YouTube to Netflix for Bigger Horizons
The Sidemen, a powerhouse group of British YouTube creators, have announced a major shift in their content strategy, moving their reality series Inside to Netflix after reaching what they describe as “the limit” of YouTube’s potential.
The group, which includes renowned personalities like KSI, revealed that the second season of Inside will premiere on Netflix next year. Additionally, Netflix will produce a U.S. version of the series, marking a significant expansion for the Sidemen brand.
Known for their humor, creativity, and camaraderie, the Sidemen have amassed over 146 million subscribers across their YouTube channels since launching in the early 2010s. Originally focused on gaming content, they have since diversified into comedy sketches, travel challenges, podcasts, and even a dating show.
The reality series Inside, which debuted on YouTube in June, became an instant hit, with the opening episode garnering 14 million views. The show follows 10 influencers confined to a house for a week, competing for a prize of up to £1 million.
Its success caught Netflix’s attention, leading to the commission of both a second UK season and a U.S. adaptation. Both versions will air exclusively on Netflix, marking a departure from the group’s traditional platform.
The Sidemen, now backed by a production team of over 100 members, view the move as an opportunity to expand their creative vision. “We’ve always tried to push boundaries, and this feels like the next big step,” said member Vik.
Entertainment
One Direction Members and Loved Ones Bid Farewell to Liam Payne
Family, friends, and One Direction stars gathered in Buckinghamshire to honor Liam Payne at an emotional funeral on Wednesday, over a month after the singer’s untimely passing at 31.
The private service took place at St. Mary’s Church in Amersham, north-west of London. Payne’s former bandmates Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik joined mourners, including his girlfriend Kate Cassidy, ex-partner Cheryl, and their son Bear.
A white horse-drawn hearse adorned with floral tributes spelling “Son” and “Daddy” brought Payne’s coffin to the church. Other tributes included a 10-pin bowling-themed arrangement, reflecting one of his favorite pastimes.
Following the service, pallbearers carried the coffin from the church as Payne’s parents, Cheryl, and other close family members followed. Among the attendees were Cheryl’s Girls Aloud bandmates Kimberley Walsh and Nicola Roberts, as well as Simon Cowell, who signed One Direction to his label.
The heartfelt ceremony also drew appearances from notable personalities, including James Corden, Marvin and Rochelle Humes, Scott Mills, and Adrian Chiles.
Despite Payne’s global fame, fans largely respected the privacy of the occasion, heeding reminders on social media that “memorials are for fans, funerals are for family.” Only a small number of locals and well-wishers gathered outside the church.
Payne, who resided in nearby Chalfont St. Giles, was remembered for his warmth and talent. His passing has deeply affected his family, bandmates, and fans worldwide, marking the loss of a beloved figure in music.
Entertainment
Brooklyn Priest Replaced Following Sabrina Carpenter’s Music Video and Mismanagement Allegations
A New York priest, Monsignor Jamie Gigantiello, has been removed from his post after allowing singer Sabrina Carpenter to film scenes for her Feather music video in a church, sparking controversy. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn announced his dismissal, citing the music video and further findings of administrative misconduct.
The video, released in October 2023, included provocative scenes filmed at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, showing Carpenter dancing on the altar in a short dress and a crucifix adorned with profanity. The Diocese expressed its dismay at the video and initiated an investigation, which uncovered additional irregularities.
In a statement, Bishop Robert Brennan explained that investigations by external firms revealed violations of church policies. These included unapproved financial transfers and personal use of church funds.
Among the allegations, it was found that from 2019 to 2021, nearly $2 million in church funds were transferred to accounts linked to a former staff member of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who faces multiple criminal charges.
The Diocese revoked Monsignor Gigantiello’s administrative powers in November 2023 after the video’s release and replaced him with a new overseer. Gigantiello, who previously served as the vicar of development for the Diocese, acknowledged the decision to allow filming in the church as a “lapse in judgment” but has not commented on the broader allegations.
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