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Black America Web
14-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
Famous People Who Attended Tennessee State University
Jason Kempin HBCU Pride will always be one of the cornerstones here at Black America Web , and we get much joy in highlighting the contributions of historically Black colleges and universities in any way possible. This time around, we're putting a spotlight on the prestigious Tennessee State University as they celebrate over a century of being one of our culture's go-to institutions for a higher education. We join all Tigers, Lady Tigers, current students, alumni and alumnae alike in giving a huge milestone anniversary shoutout to Tennessee State University! RELATED: Famous People Who Attended Alabama A&M University What proves to be more impressive than TSU's immense century of culture are the extensive amount of famous faces who once walked those historic halls. The amount of college athletes who went on to become Olympic medalists, NBA icons and an almost unbelievable sum of NFL legends is astonishingly impressive to say the least. Oh, and then there's Oprah Winfrey — what else is there to say?! Having the Queen Of Media as an alumna clearly comes with its advantages, and the Class of 2023 got a lesson in that when Lady O spoke at their commencement ceremony. Lucky! Take a look below at an excerpt from her speech that really stood out to us, via Oprah Daily : 'I don't care how hard life after college gets—and it's gonna get hard—we need you to dream big! We need audacious thinkers. Use my example; I was one good TSU teacher—Mr. Cox—and one timely phone call away from a career that would absolutely change my life. That story's not just my own. What dream are you one or two steps away from? We also need generosity of spirit; we need high standards and open minds and untamed imagination. That's how you make a difference in the world. Using who you are and what you stand for to make changes big and small. And there will be times when making the next right decision will be scary. I'll tell you a secret: That's how I've gotten through every challenge without being overwhelmed. By asking what is the next right move. You don't have to know all the right moves—you just need to know the next one.' SEE ALSO Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Black America Web
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Black America Web
K. Michelle Checks Interviewer About Her Country Music Roots: ‘I Didn't Fly Here — I Grew Here'
Source: Jason Kempin / Getty More Black artists are embracing country music than ever before, as many have finally felt that the time is right to pursue a genre of music where Black musicians have traditionally been overlooked. In a recent interview, K. Michelle, known for her R&B music, corrected an interviewer about her country music roots during an appearance at the 2025 CMA Fest. When the interviewer told K. Michelle that she 'didn't grow up with country music,' the former Love & Hip Hop star offered a reply that cleared up any misconceptions. 'I did grow up in country music. You do this all the time. I'm from Memphis, Tennessee. I got a scholarship for yodeling — that's how I paid for college,' she fired back. 'My start, to you, has been when the Judd [family] reached out to me to go pay Naomi Judd tribute.' 'It's always been a thing for me. I was told I could not sing country music because I was Black, but it was something I had always been doing and will continue to do. I'm born and raised in Tennessee. I grew here, I didn't fly here,' K. Michelle added. 'I am so happy to be able to sing the songs of who I am and what it is I want to. So, I'm happy that people like you are just discovering me though' she said. When the interviewer pointed out that K. Michelle was an unknown to contemporary country music radio, she replied 'Well, you don't hear a lot of women in contemporary radio, period, right now. And you really don't hear Black ones, but you will.' In 2024, K. Michelle officially signed to BMG Nashville and released her first country single, 'Tennessee,' which was released earlier this year. Her debut country album Puddin's Outla Music is set to be released in 2025. SEE ALSO K. Michelle Checks Interviewer About Her Country Music Roots: 'I Didn't Fly Here — I Grew Here' was originally published on Black America Web Featured Video CLOSE
Hindustan Times
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
2025 ACM Awards: Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Nicole Kidman and more stars
2025 ACM Awards: Lainey Wilson, Kelsea Ballerini, Nicole Kidman and more stars | Photos Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley won big at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards. See Photos ...read more 1 / 13 View Photos in a new improved layout FRISCO, TEXAS - MAY 8: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Lainey Wilson, winner of the Entertainer of the Year award, poses during the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards at The Ford Center at The Star on May 8, 2025 in Frisco, Texas./AFP (Photo by Omar Vega / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP) 2 / 13 View Photos in a new improved layout FRISCO, TEXAS - MAY 08: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. (L-R) Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini attend the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards at Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas./AFP (Photo by Jason Kempin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP) 3 / 13 View Photos in a new improved layout FRISCO, TEXAS - MAY 08: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Carly Pearce attends the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards at Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas./AFP (Photo by Jason Kempin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP) 4 / 13 View Photos in a new improved layout FRISCO, TEXAS - MAY 08: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Host Reba McEntire speaks onstage during the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards at The Ford Center at The Star on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas./AFP (Photo by Jason Kempin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP) 5 / 13 View Photos in a new improved layout Reba McEntire reacts during the 60th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards in Frisco, Texas, U.S., May 8, 2025. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni(REUTERS) 6 / 13 View Photos in a new improved layout Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban attend the 60th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards in Frisco, Texas, U.S., May 8, 2025. REUTERS/Kaylee Greenlee Beal TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY(REUTERS) 7 / 13 View Photos in a new improved layout Eric Church performs during the 60th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards in Frisco, Texas, U.S., May 8, 2025. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY(REUTERS) 8 / 13 View Photos in a new improved layout FRISCO, TEXAS - MAY 08: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Carly Pearce attends the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards at Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas./AFP (Photo by Jason Kempin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP) 9 / 13 View Photos in a new improved layout FRISCO, TEXAS - MAY 8: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Ella Langley, winner of the Single of The Year Award, poses in the press room during the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards at The Ford Center at The Star on May 8, 2025 in Frisco, Texas./AFP (Photo by Omar Vega / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP) 10 / 13 View Photos in a new improved layout FRISCO, TEXAS - MAY 08: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Jelly Roll attends the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards at Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas./AFP (Photo by Jason Kempin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP) 11 / 13 View Photos in a new improved layout FRISCO, TEXAS - MAY 08: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. (L-R) Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini attend the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards at Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas./AFP (Photo by Jason Kempin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP) 12 / 13 View Photos in a new improved layout FRISCO, TEXAS - MAY 08: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. (L-R) Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild, and Jimi Westbrook of Little Big Town attend the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards at Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas./AFP (Photo by Jason Kempin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP) 13 / 13 View Photos in a new improved layout FRISCO, TEXAS - MAY 08: EDITORIAL USE ONLY. Kelsea Ballerini attends the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards at Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star on May 08, 2025 in Frisco, Texas./AFP (Photo by Jason Kempin / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP)
Toronto Sun
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Toronto Sun
Lainey Wilson rules Academy of Country Music Awards again, Alan Jackson honoured
Published May 09, 2025 • 3 minute read Lainey Wilson performs onstage during the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards at The Ford Center at The Star on May 8, 2025 in Frisco, Texas. Photo by Jason Kempin / Getty Images Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. NEW YORK — It was her night once again. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Lainey Wilson took home the top prize at the 60th annual Academy of Country Music Awards — the title of entertainer of the year — for a second year in a row. And that was after she cleaned house, taking home trophies for both female artist and album of the year. 'I really do have the best fans in the world,' she said in her final acceptance speech, admitting to experiencing impostor syndrome. 'I dreamed about entertaining. … Country music has given me more than I deserve.' Beyond Wilson's dominance, the 2025 ACM Awards were packed with celebration. Earlier, first-time and leading nominee Ella Langley's duet with Riley Green, the ubiquitous 'You Look Like You Love Me,' was named single and music event of the year. Both Langley and Green used their first acceptance speech to shout out classic country — songs with talking in them — that inspired their modern hit. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. A revisitation of the past might have been a theme Thursday night, evidenced right at the top of the ceremony: a 14-minute medley of six decades of country classics, performed by giants of the genre. Host Reba McEntire launched into Merle Haggard's 'Okie from Muskogee,' followed by Clint Black with Glen Campbell's 'Rhinestone Cowboy' and Wynonna Judd with The Judds' 'Why Not Me.' LeAnn Rimes returned to the ACM Awards stage for her 1997 ballad 'Blue.' Little Big Town tackled their 2014 track 'Girl Crush' and Dan + Shay delivered their 'Tequila.' It was an exciting way to kick off the ACM Awards, live from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, just north of Dallas. And it was a show highlight, rivaled only by the introduction of the ACM Alan Jackson Lifetime Achievement Award, the inaugural trophy given to its namesake, Jackson, after he performed 'Remember When.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In his acceptance speech, he joked that a fan named a dog after him. Having an award named after him? That isn't half bad, either. The first trophy of the night, the coveted song of the year, was awarded to Cody Johnson for his radio hit 'Dirt Cheap.' Performances followed, fast and furious. McEntire, Wilson and Miranda Lambert teamed up for the world premiere of their new single 'Trailblazer,' celebrating women in country music. Eric Church performed his brand-new single 'Hands of Time,' succeeded by the most awarded artist in the history of the award show, Lambert with 'Run.' She was then joined by Langley to duet 'Kerosene' from Lambert's 2005 debut album of the same name. Zach Top stripped things down for 'Use Me.' Blake Shelton channeled the great George Strait for his new single 'Texas,' followed by Wilson with 'Whirlwind.' Kelsea Ballerini performed atop her 'Baggage.' Johnson rocked 'The Fall,' before performing 'Red Dirt Road' with Brooks & Dunn. Chris Stapleton and his wife, Morgane, harmonized on 'It Takes a Woman.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Jelly Roll and Shaboozey joined forces for their collaboration, 'Amen.' 'It's Shaboozey's birthday,' Jelly Roll said. 'We wanna thank y'all and we wanna thank God.' Backstreet Boys and Rascal Flatts closed the show. The Oak Ridge Boys gave the group of the year award to Old Dominion. It was a moving gesture; in 2024 the Oak Ridge Boys' Joe Bonsall, a Grammy award winner and celebrated tenor, died from complications of the neuromuscular disorder Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Another tearjerker: McEntire leading the audience in a sing-along of the late Kris Kristofferson's 'Me and Bobby McGee.' Male artist of the year went to Stapleton. Duo of the year was awarded to Brooks & Dunn. Megan Moroney covered Keith Urban's 'Stupid Boy' and Stapleton did 'Blue Ain't Your Color' ahead of the Australian superstar's reception of the coveted ACM Triple Crown Award, marking the first time an artist has received the trophy on stage since Carrie Underwood was honored in 2010. If anything, the 60th ACM Awards proved the show is at its best when it celebrates new acts and legends in equal measure. The ACM Awards streamed on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch Live. No Prime membership was required to view the livestream. Canada Sunshine Girls Sunshine Girls Toronto Maple Leafs Canada
