Stephen 'tWitch' Boss: "So You Think You Can Dance" Alum & Former 'Ellen' DJ Dies at 40 : ArtSoulRadio
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Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss: “So You Think You Can Dance” Alum & Former ‘Ellen’ DJ Dies at 40

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This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, text HOME to 741741 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional resources.

The unfortunate news confirming Stephen’s passing was released today on all major news outlets. A representative for Boss told NBC News he died by suicide.

Stephen “tWitch” Boss, is known as the popular “So You Think You Can Dance” alum and as the former DJ for “Ellen DeGeneres Show”. The official news was reported by his wife, fellow dancer Allison Holker Boss. She confirmed the news with the following statement to CNN:

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I have to share my husband Stephen has left us,” Holker Boss said in a statement. “Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him. He was the backbone of our family, the best husband and father, and an inspiration to his fans.”

“To say he left a legacy would be an understatement, and his positive impact will continue to be felt,” she added. “I am certain there won’t be a day that goes by that we won’t honor his memory. We ask for privacy during this difficult time for myself and especially for our three children.”

No further information was provided regarding the cause of his death. Stephen was only 40 years old.

Holker Boss concluded her statement to CNN by saying “Stephen, we love you, we miss you, and I will always save the last dance for you.”

The couple celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary just days ago.

His final instagram post was a ‘shared posted’ released by his wife Allison on Monday showing the two of them dancing in front of the Christmas tree. His wife’s message under the post read “HOLIDAY SUNDAY FUNDAY DANCE!! With my lover @sir_twitch_alot.”

This beautiful pair met when they were all-star dancers on Season 7 of “So You Think You Can Dance” in 2010.

“We shared a dance at the wrap party of that season of ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ and we have been together ever since,” Boss told People in February.

“There was no dialogue, there was no conversation or a first hangout. Literally, we danced and we were together holding hands the very next day,” Holker Boss added. “And we never looked back.”

Most Recent Work

After leaving the Ellen show in 2020 where he had recently been promoted as the co-producer of the show, ‘tWitch’ returned to “So You Think You Can Dance”. In February of 2022, he and his wife announced the launch of the new Athleisure line “Fly” with Dicks Sporting Goods where they served as the new brand ambassadors.

Most recently, ‘tWitch’ and Allison both appeared with major roles in the new Disney film “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” which released on Nov 25th, 2022.

Responses started to flood social media Wednesday morning from celebrities and fans:

“I’m heartbroken,” wrote Ellen DeGeneres on Instagram alongside a photo of the pair hugging. “tWitch was pure love and light. He was my family, and I loved him with all my heart. I will miss him. Please send your love and support to Allison and his beautiful children — Weslie, Maddox, and Zaia.”

Ciara –
“I am so crushed to hear the news that you are no longer with us. I’ve always known you as joy, laughter, good times and a big smile! Heaven has gained an angel today! May you rest in paradise. Praying for your family during this difficult time. (see full tweet)

Viola Davis –
“I’m at a loss for words right now, praying for his family and loved ones.” (see full tweet)

Valentin –
“This is not possible. I am absolutely lost for any words or comprehension. Heartbreaking.” (see full tweet)

Mickey Guyton –
“You just never truly know what anyone is going through. Check on your loved ones. Always be good to people. Man this one hurts.” (see full tweet)

Yvette Nicole Brown –
“What is going on?! This news has broken my heart. I’ve loved him since #SYTYCD. He was always so joyful & full of life. Always. Oh tWich!
If you are feeling despair PLEASE call 988. #PleaseStay” (see full tweet)

Kirk Franklin –
“My heartfelt condolences to Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss’s family… beautiful children, beautiful wife. It’s really heartbreaking…” (see his full message here)



The responses continue to flood social media after the release of this news. Please join the ArtSoul Radio family as we continue to keep the family, friends and loved ones of tWitch in prayer during this difficult time.

Tamara is the founder of ArtSoulRadio.com and a contributor for Ebony/Jet Magazine and other publications. She also works in TV/Film production and has a strong passion for the arts, community outreach, teaching and working with the youth. Learn more at www.tamarallyoung.com and follow her on social media.

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Tori Kelly is Speaking Out About Her Medical Emergency: “I can feel your prayers”

Tamara Young McCoy

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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.



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Has Tyler Perry Finalized Deal to Buy BET Networks? Here’s What We Know For Sure:

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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.


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 Announces Pregnancy: Speaks on Miscarriages & Miracles

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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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