The Mo’Nique Show’ canceled

Earlier today, I heard that “The Mo’Nique Show” had been axed. I had sent an email out to various BET publicists to ask what was up. No word back.

At about 1:30 p.m., I called Rodney Perry, who was Mo’Nique’s sidekick on the show. He said he was running into a meeting and didn’t answer my question. While I was at lunch over at the mall court, at 1:40 p.m. EST, he texted me: “I was told indefinite hiatus.”

That’s a euphemism for canceled.

In an interview I did at 2:40 p.m., the stand-up comic said he enjoyed the experience working with Mo’Nique. “I’m selling out shows now,” he said. “That’s a win.” He heard the news from Mo’Nique’s husband but hasn’t spoken to the Oscar-winning actress yet. (He wouldn’t say when he knew about this, implying he has known for awhile.)

“We did some good work,” Perry said. “And I think the show is significant. There hasn’t been an outlet for people of color late night since Arsenio.”

The talk show, which Mo’Nique compared to a high-energy nightly party, lasted two seasons and had been taped in Turner Studios, which are now being used for BET’s show “Reed Between the Lines” through October. When I heard that earlier today, I wondered if that meant “Mo’Nique” was not coming back or had been moved to another studio. If her show were coming back, she would be taping by August. (Like many shows, it does not tape original episodes during the summer.)

This didn’t appear to be an issue of ratings. I didn’t have time to do an entire season’s check on ratings so I sampled four weeks in April, 2011 vs. April 2010. Ratings from April 5 to April 29, 2010 averaged 615,000 viewers a night. From April 4 to April 28, 2011, her show averaged 586,000. That’s only a five percent drop.

Mediatakeout, which broke the story, said there were conflicts between BET management and Mo’Nique. Was it creative and/or financial? The story does not say. It also doesn’t say if BET will seek another talk-show host or just drop the concept.

Perry isn’t sure why the show was cut but thinks it might have been a financial decision. “They haven’t had this type of investment ever,” he said. “We did 300 shows over two seasons. That’s a huge investment.”

Beyoncé - Best Thing I Never Had

R. I. P. AMY WINEHOUSE

Following the singer's sudden passing, the industry pays their respect via social media.
Amy Winehouse was found dead in her London flat on Saturday, according to multiple reports. The troubled singer was just 27-years old.

While not many were surprised by her passing, the death shook Hollywood with many stars paying their respects on Twitter and Facebook.

Dr. Drew, who often weighs in on celebrities suffering from substance abuse, said "SO sad, another lost to addiction. A reminder this is often a fatal condition. Recovery is possible, but sadly not for Amy Winehouse."

Kelly Osbourne, a friend of Winehouse's, struggled with the news. "I can't even breathe right now I'm crying so hard I just lost 1 of my best friends. I love you forever Amy & will never forget the real you!"

Ashton Kutcher attempted to make light of the situation by posting, "I nevr know wht 2 post after paying respect 2 sum1 who died. Just seems lk anything funny is inappropriate. mayB I'll just go C Harry Potter."

Songstress Rihanna tweeted, "I am genuinely heartbroken about this #DearAmy."

Academy Award nominee Taraji P. Henson said, "OMG RIP Amy Winehouse…"

Fellow Brit Kate Moss wrote, "R.I.P Amy Winehouse, So upset, my heart goes out to her, sad to see such talent vanish from the world #RIP."

Film critic Richard Roeper made mention of the eerie "27 Club," posting: "Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones, Kurt Cobain and now Amy Winehouse: all died at 27."

Jermaine Dupri said, "Singer Amy Winehouse found dead at her home in London, DAMN!!! RIP."

Vampire Diaries writer Kevin Williamson tweeted, "Amy Winehouse lived longer than I expected. Is that awful of me? I'm sorry, Amy #RIP."

Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz noted, "Super sad to hear about the news. RIP. Never take life for granted."

Fellow musician Janelle Monae wrote, "Heart is heavy. My heart goes out 2 Amy Winehouse's family, loved ones. Praying for their strength during this time."

Katy Perry, whose husband Russell Brand hails from England, posted, "RIP Amy Winehouse. May she finally rest in peace."

Moby, who was with Winehouse during her now infamous performance in Serbia, issued an apology. "After our show in serbia I wish I'd been able to help amy. I'm sorry," he said.

Though Kelly Clarkson didn't know Winehouse personally, she took a great deal of time and thought while reflecting on the bigger picture.

"I heard the news about Amy Winehouse. I'm incredibly sad. I didn't know her but I met her a few times and got to hear her sing before she blew up. She was a beautiful and talented girl. I'm angry. What a waste of a gifted person. What a shame she saw no hope and continued living her life in that manor," she wrote. "I have been that low emotionally and mentally and that is overwhelming. I keep asking myself why some of us are spared and the others are made examples. I'm very angry and sad. I don't know why it's bothering me so much. Sometimes I think this job will be the death of us all, or at least the emotional death of us all. Maybe that is why as a little kid in sunday school I learned that God didn't want false gods or idols. I thought it was terribly selfish of God as a child but I think I get it now. He didn't want us following people or things that are imperfect and not so much for the followers but for the gods and/or idols who will never be what everyone wishes or needs them to be because we are made imperfect. He knew we wouldn't be able to handle the pressure, the shame, the glory, or the power the spotlight brings. I am distraught. I am also extremely grateful and thankful for the people who love me and support me. Without such amazing friends and family who knows where I'd be. My thoughts and prayers are with her friends and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I pray for peace in your hearts."

Watch:Beyonce Behind The Scenes Of Vogue Shoot

To say Beyonce’s promotional campaign for album ‘4′ is intense would be an understatement. For as a thank you to her nation of loyal fans, she has provided behind the scene footage from her recent Vogue photo shoot which saw her strike a pose in homage to one of her idols.

Check it out…