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Justin Bieber Denies Rumors His Faith Played a Role In Tour Cancellation
According to several news sources, Justin Bieber has denied from the beginning that his faith played a role in the cancellation of The Purpose Tour. While we honestly wouldn’t fight his possible desire to create a faith based album or to pursue any other endeavors that have recently been the rumor lately, could it be possible that he might actually just need a break?
Bieber has performed more than 150 shows in 40 countries across six continents and 16 months on his “Purpose” world tour. But some news sources are citing that the final 14 scheduled dates were seemingly just too much for the 23 year old.
In a brief video interview published on Monday evening by TMZ, Mr. Bieber, looking casual in front of a gigantic black pickup truck, said:
“Everything’s fine. I’ve been on tour for two years.” Asked about his downtime, the singer added, “Just resting, getting some relaxation — we’re gonna ride some bikes.”
In a time where we have already lost several major talented artists due to being overworked, drug use, addiction to pain killers (which can stem from being overworked, injured, etc), and other causes, taking a break may be wise advice.
Bieber’s Purpose Tour began in 2016 in celebration of his album under that same name at the time. Since then, the show reviews have been cited as being “mixed”, while some have even mentioned perceiving Justin’s lack of interest in performing.
Writing in The New York Times, critic Jon Caramanica compared the pop star to a kidnapping victim (“forced into high-intensity labor”) and noted “the studied indifference that was the norm throughout this sometimes worrisome night.”
In his article, he added… “Mr. Bieber gave the impression of a boy king who inherited subjects he didn’t ask for, responsibilities he’s not interested in shouldering.”
In 2016, Bieber was laying flat at the center of the stage in a packed house at Barclays Center and spoke to the crowd:
“You guys ever feel like sleeping all day?”
“That’s me all the time,” he continued. “This morning, I hit my snooze button seven times, like, ‘Don’t wake me up!’”
A year later, could it be possible that Beiber is not only taking a break but also doing some soul searching at the same time?
The Purpose Tour made $163.3 million last year, an additional $93.2 million so far this year, and Bieber is still hitting Top 5 on the Billboard charts with his most recent singles! One might say that with success like that, you must be on the right track! But, if you ask any artist who has done any amount of extensive touring, you’ll learn that it’s not easy, not the most glamorous, and some will even admit that unless they are very intentional about “self-care”, it can be one of their most unhealthy times physically, emotionally and spiritually. Often having little time for proper sleep, and a healthy diet, artists can find themselves running on auto-pilot, but empty.
It’s important for every artist to have someone around them who will hold them accountable and encourage them to make wise and healthy decisions. The worst thing any artist can do is be surrounded by only “Yes” people who will never tell them when they’re wrong or challenge their perspective on life and the challenges that come with it.
In addition to the typical stresses touring can bring, according to TMZ, Justin has also been estranged from his mother and doesn’t have a relationship with his father. During this time Carl Lentz has been like a Father figure to him.
While it’s true that Carl Lentz has been a major influence in Justin’s spiritual life, he is not the only one who is supporting Justin’s decision to cancel the last leg of his tour. Beiber’s longtime manager, Scooter Braun, defended the cancellations on Instagram, stating that “a man’s soul and well-being I truly care about came first and We must all respect and honor that.”
John Mayer also supported Justin’s decision via twitter:
When someone pulls remaining dates of a tour, it means they would have done real damage to themselves if they kept going. 1/2
— John Mayer (@JohnMayer) July 24, 2017
We’ve lost so many great artists lately. I give Justin ???? for realizing it was time to call it. You should too. 2/2
— John Mayer (@JohnMayer) July 24, 2017
Is Justin creating a gospel album? Is he quitting music altogether because of his faith? Is he starting his own church?
These are just a few of the rumors that are continuing to fly regarding Bieber’s next move and the reason behind him canceling the final 14 shows of The Purpose Tour… All we can really do is hold on to what Justin and his team have directly shared with the media so far… which is that Justin needs a break.
With that being said, it might just be time the media gives him a break as well. So, let us all let Bieber be great and take a nap, ride a bike, go to church, pray, go to a Hillsong Conference, or whatever he needs to do to take care of his well being. Everyone comes back stronger after taking time to recuperate.
Who knows, if he gets the break he needs and keeps hanging around Carl Lentz, we might even still get that Gospel album we’ve all been looking for!
Tori Kelly was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital on Sunday after collapsing, reportedly due to blood clots in her legs and lungs, penned a letter posted to social media on Thursday. Fans have been sending prayers and words of encouragement since hearing the news. Not much has been released regarding any updates on her health until today. She said she’s “feeling stronger now and hopeful, but unfortunately there are still some things to uncover.” She also shared her love and appreciation to fans for all of the love and care they have been sending her way.
The Grammy Award winning singer included the words “Deuteronomy 31:8” as the sole line written in the description of her post today as she began to pen a letter letting everyone know the updates on her health. This line references a Bible verse which reads in full as saying: “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. … Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
She began her letter speaking directly to her fans saying,
“Hi friends, as you may have heard, I’m dealing with some unexpected health challenges,” after reportedly passing out while out to dinner with friends. “It’s been a scary few days but I can feel your prayers… I’m feeling stronger now and hopeful but unfortunately there are still some things to uncover. I’m so grateful for the amazing doctors and nurses who have been looking after me.”
Kelly continues her letter saying,
“I’m heartbroken about all of the things I had planned for this week of the releasing of my EP, but I know my health must come first. Until I see you again, I still want you to enjoy a project that represents the happy place I’ve been in the last few years. I won’t let this hurdle prevent the music from being yours this Friday! I love you all so much and I am truly overwhelmed by all of the love and care I have received. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Tori Kelly’s Husband Extends Gratitude to Fans & Asks For Continued Prayers
Tori Kelly’s husband, André Murillo, is thanking her fans for their support in the aftermath of her hospitalization. Murillo — who is a professional German basketball player — extended a message of gratitude to the singer’s fans in a post shared on his Instagram story on July 26.
Murillo — who is a professional German basketball player — extended a message of gratitude to the singer’s fans in a post shared on his Instagram story on July 26 saying,
“Tori is smiling again and feeling stronger. Not fully out of the woods, but we see the sun. Just waiting on a few more answers. Your love and kindness has been overwhelming. Thank you so much!”
No other updates have been given at this time. But, we know for certain that we and her fans will all continue to pray for Tori Kelly and her family until she is well again.
A new report recently released stating that Tyler Perry is ready to take over the cable channel BET. But has this “report” been confirmed as a fact? This is the question that has been buzzing around social media lately. This is what we know so far:
In the last few months, Tyler Perry, Diddy, Byron Allen (owner of The Grio and The Weather Channel), 50 Cent and others have all expressed an interest in buying the network after the announcement that Paramount is currently exploring selling the network along with their intentions of placing the network under Black ownership.
Currently, out of everyone who has expressed an interest in the network, Tyler Perry’s desire to own BET has been getting the most attention in recent days. This could be due to the recent report published by the media outlet Streamr (which was later removed from their platform) along with the resurfacing of an interview that Tyler did with Entertainment Tonight in April of this year.
In April, Entertainment Tonight asked Tyler a key question, “Why would something like this be so important to you?”
Tyler replied… “I’ve read about Byron Allen, Puffy and everyone wanting to bid, and I think it’s really great! This is what I love about it. When Bob Johnson sold it in 2000 I think it was, there wasn’t one Black person who could buy it. So, now to see all of these Black people… [both] men and women who are able to be in a position to buy it, man that makes me feel really really really excited!” – Tyler Perry
During that same interview in April, when asked about the time frame of a resolution for this deal, Tyler Perry responded light-heartedly saying, “It could be later rather than sooner…later or yesterday, today, tomorrow, next month, 6 years, etc.” After some banter, Tyler firmly stated the following: “We can very much say there are conversations, I am beyond interested and there will be a resolution in 20-two years.”
As we can see, the humor never ends with Tyler. So, while his interest is certain, the confirmation of the finalization of this deal has not yet been shared. We are standing by for a final word on this from Paramount and Tyler Perry himself.
FOX 5 NEWS ATLANTA CONFIRMS TYLER HAS NOT MADE DEAL OFFICIAL
[Update] According to @fox5atlanta , @uproxx, @okayplayer , 11Alive.com and more, Paramount, BET and Tyler Perry have yet to confirm or deny the report that Tyler has made the deal to take over BET official. In addition, journalists such as Philip Lewis (who is also the Senior editor of the Huffington Post) was one of the first to start a viral twitter thread speaking about the challenges with influencers and blog sites citing situations as real news without any confirmed sourcing or accountability vs journalistic news sites who have to hold to specific standards for news confirmation remaining the standard. Phillip along with a number of journalists discussed the pitfalls that exist in today’s media ecosystem, as laid out in a brief Twitter thread here.
The Tyler Perry buying BET “report” is not a largely consequential thing but it is worth pointing out what separates news outlets from blogs and the like: corrections
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) June 13, 2023
The Streamr simply pulled down the original report: no correction, or explanation or anything. Several blogs have done the same, or just left the story up. They’re under no obligation to do so
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) June 13, 2023
Right. And this is why we say every website isn't producing real journalism and everyone who posts a story isn't a journalist.
— Nicquel Terry Ellis (@NTerryEllis) June 13, 2023
the crazy thing to me is is that everybody is congratulating him I'm not about being a hater at all but it wasn't even an official press release from @bet
— Braylon Rayvon Lee (@BrayBray27) June 13, 2023
Fox News Atlanta carried the same sentiments with their recent article release saying,
“Congratulations are pouring in for Tyler Perry after news reports that the media mogul successfully acquired BET and VH1, making him the first African American to own two major television networks … except, no one knows if it actually happened.”
In April, Entertainment Tonight asked Tyler directly what his plans were for the BET Network. His desire was clearly expressed. He wants to own as much of the network as possible.
What Would This Deal Do To the Entertainment Network and Black Talent Within the Industry?
Judging by the response from this currently unconfirmed news going viral today online, BET fans would highly approve of Tyler’s ownership of the network! Until we hear a final confirmation on this news, it looks as though Tyler Perry, Diddy, Byron Allen and many others may all still be in the runnings to lock in this deal. If this is the current status, the good news is that once it’s all done, BET Networks will be under Black Owned leadership; and that’s something to celebrate!
Watch as Byron Allen explains the importance of BET Networks being under Black leadership.
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Kierra Sheard-Kelly (35) is expecting her first baby with 32 year old husband Jordan Kelly! This celebration is especially exciting for the couple because it comes after a series of miscarriages.
“I am so excited and blessed to have this opportunity to carry, my prayer, and watch our baby grow,” says the singer. “I’m most excited about raising a game changer, loving someone so deep, and having that same impact my mother had on me. I think I’ll be raising one of my best friends!”
The joyful news comes after the singer experienced two miscarriages that she says “took me near death’s doors.
“God still showed me that He’s in charge, and to keep believing. I’ve been fearful and have worried, but God has sent me constant reminders and ways of affirmation. My husband’s faith and declarations have stood in place of my lack many times,” she adds.
“He has encouraged me to know that I’m still loved, had we had this moment or not. Getting on one accord helps create our love child, and is growing us closer,” she continues. “I’ve downloaded faith-based books, prayed every morning over my womb and baby, and surrounded myself with a very supportive and prayerful community.”
“As a result, we are here seeing our prayers answered. I’ve felt the presence of God in my womb and it’s been one of the most promising moments I’ve had in my life,” adds Sheard-Kelly.
Sheard-Kelly and Kelly tied the knot in December 2020. The pair celebrated their second anniversary in December, with Sheard-Kelly posting several photos to her Instagram to mark the occasion.
“Happy Anniversary king @mrjordankelly! I’ve learned so much with you,” she wrote “I’m honored that the Lord has blessed me to be your companion help-meet, lover, friend, homie, and wife.”
On Valentine’s Day, Sheard-Kelly posted a sweet tribute to her husband. “Mr. Kelly, wit’yo fiiiine self, I love you so much.” She went on to reflect on their marriage, ending with “Thank you for loving me like no other man has. You’ve restored me in so many ways and I’m excited to see what we’ll grow into.”
Sheard-Kelly’s new book, The Vibes You Feel, and her new album, All Yours, are both available now.
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