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Is there for you and everybody else. Thank you so much!-Amy Goodman. Hi there,You trust Democracy Now! To bring you the news stories and global headlines you won't find anywhere else.
But did you know that Democracy Now! Never accepts money from advertisers, corporate underwriters or governments? This allows us to maintain the editorial independence you rely on—but it also means we need your help. Right now a generous supporter will TRIPLE every donation to Democracy Now!, meaning your gift can go 3 times as far. Please do your part.
It takes just a couple of minutes to make sure that Democracy Now! Is there for you and everybody else. Thank you so much!-Amy Goodman. The music world continues to pay tribute to pop superstar Whitney Houston following her death on Saturday at the age of 48. She was honored at last night’s Grammy Awards by host LL Cool J and Jennifer Hudson. “She is part of a generation of what I called 'black pop crossover artists,' that would include Eddie Murphy, the late Michael Jackson, and even basketball player Michael Jordan, in that they had unprecedented amount of access to the American mainstream,” says Duke University Professor Mark Anthony Neal. “We had never seen that level of black celebrity before Her success in that mainstream was really unprecedented.” includes rush transcript.
AMY GOODMAN: Music lovers around the world are mourning the death of pop superstar Whitney Houston. She died of unknown causes Saturday in Beverly Hills, California. The singer, actress, model emerged in the '80s as one of her generation's greatest R&B voices with songs such as “Saving All My Love for You,” “How Will I Know” and “The Greatest Love of All.” Whitney Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You” earned record of the year at the 1994 Grammys, with the accompanying The Bodyguard soundtrack taking home best album. In 2009, the Guinness World Records cited Houston as the most-awarded female performer of all time.Well, yesterday Whitney Houston’s music brought a crowd to its feet once more at the annual celebration of the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. The host of the 54th annual Grammy Awards, LL Cool J, began by offering a prayer for Whitney Houston.LL COOL J: And tonight, we ask ourselves, how do we speak to this time, to this day? There is no way around this: we’ve had a death in our family.
And so, at least for me, for me, the only thing that feels right is to begin with a prayer for a woman who we loved, for our fallen sister, Whitney Houston. Heavenly Father, we thank you for sharing our sister Whitney with us. Today our thoughts are with her mother, her daughter, and all of her loved ones. And although she is gone too soon, we remain truly blessed to have been touched by her beautiful spirit and to have her lasting legacy of music to cherish and share forever. Amen.AMY GOODMAN: Later in the Grammy Awards ceremony, singer Jennifer Hudson paid a final tribute to Whitney Houston by singing her own rendition of her song, “I Will Always Love You.” However, Hudson changed the lyrics to “Whitney, we love you.”JENNIFER HUDSON: singing I will always love youI will always love youWhitney, we love, we love you.AMY GOODMAN: Whitney Houston is the latest cultural icon to pass away during this year’s Black History Month.
On February 1st, television host Don Cornelius was found dead at his home in Los Angeles in what appeared to be a suicide. Cornelius brought black music and culture into America’s living rooms through his dance show, Soul Train, one of the longest-running syndicated shows in television history, and played a critical role in spreading the music of black America to the world.
And late last month, the Grammy Award-winning R&B singer Etta James died at the age of 73 from complications of leukemia. Etta James is regarded as having bridged the gap between rhythm and blues and rock and roll, and is the winner of six Grammys and 17 Blues Music Awards. Neither Don Cornelius nor music icon Etta James were included in last night’s “in memoriam” segment of the Grammy Awards ceremony, although Etta James was honored at the ceremony.Well, for more on the lives and legacies of these music icons, we’re joined now by Mark Anthony Neal in Madison, Wisconsin. He’s professor of black popular culture in the Department of African and African American Studies at Duke University. He also hosts the weekly webcast called Left of Black and blogs at.Mark Anthony Neal, welcome to Democracy Now! Can you talk about the significance of the death of Whitney Houston?MARK ANTHONY NEAL: Thank you. First, thank you for having me on this morning, Amy.The significance of Whitney Houston—you know, she is part of a generation of what I call “black pop crossover artists,” that would include Eddie Murphy, it would include Michael Jackson, the late Michael Jackson, and even basketball player Michael Jordan, in that they had unprecedented amount of access to the American mainstream.
We had never seen that level of black celebrity before. There were precursors, obviously, and predecessors to their careers, in terms of what they—in terms of their own musical or even athletic careers, but in terms of the kind of access that a woman like Whitney Houston had to the American mainstream, her success in that mainstream was really unprecedented.AMY GOODMAN: And talk about what it is that she accomplished in her all-too-short life, I mean, in terms of the kind of music she sang, what she represented, who she influenced in her music.MARK ANTHONY NEAL: You go back and look at her lineage. You know, included in her family is the great Aretha Franklin, who redefined soul music—in fact, defined soul music in the 1960s, but also Dionne Warwick, you know, who chose much more of a pop—a crossover pop style.
What you see in Whitney Houston in the 1980s is really the coming together of two very different streams of black popular music from the 1960s. And she perfected it.
I mean, she really found the perfect pitch for what was really pop music. I think, in some ways, we do an injustice to Whitney Houston to even think of her as an R&B singer. She really transcended R&B as it was even in the 1980s. She was, you know, America’s pop princess, and definitely black America’s pop princess.But when you see the successes of what she did—right? And, of course, there’s a price that she paid for this level of celebrity.
We see the same thing with the late Michael Jackson.
Running time73 minutesCountryLanguageBarbie: The Princess & the Popstar is a 2012 American - Canadian direct-to-DVD musical film produced by and released. It is the 23rd entry in the and the 2nd Barbie film to be based on by (the first was ). The film features the voices of Kelly Sheridan, Jennifer Waris, Ashleigh Ball, Tiffany Giardina, Ellie King and Peter Kelamis.
The film is about two teenage girls, Keira a world famous Popstar and her best friend the princess of Meribella, Princess Victoria Bethany Evangeline Renee (Tori) (both portrayed by ) who meet each other in Meribella. Contents.Plot During summertime, Meribella, a magical kingdom, is going to have its five hundredth anniversary. Princess Tori and her younger sisters Meredith and Trevi are very busy, having to attend ceremonies and balls, and always be poised and proper. The princesses think it is hard work.
Whenever they have the chance, they sneak away and play together. Before Meribella's five hundredth anniversary, the princesses have to greet royal visitors, who come to Meribella for the occasion. Tori wishes she could have an exciting, music-filled life like her favorite popstar, Keira.
She wishes she could watch Keira performing near her palace.Keira, a world-famous and popular, but kind singer-songwriter, is on the guest list and is going to perform at the festival for the Meribella's five hundredth anniversary. Keira enjoys touring, greeting fans and having extravagant, spectacular concerts. However, it leaves her with no time to do what she was passionate about: writing songs.Keira thinks being a princess would be awesome. The next day, members of the royal court are invited to the palace in Meribella to meet the royal family.
Duchess Amelia, Tori's strict aunt, forbids Tori to watch Keira's concert when she was supposed to be greeting guests. When Keira arrives at the palace for the festival, she meets Tori. They instantly become friends, and their pet dogs Vanessa and Riff, too. Tori gives Keira a tour of the palace and so they began joking about trading places. Keira tells Tori how she longs to be a princess and wear a tiara like her.
Tori gives Keira her tiara to try it on. Keira takes out her magic microphone and magically turns her outfit into a gown and Tori then shows her magical brush to Keira. Tori uses her magic hairbrush, so she uses it to transform her hair into a different hairstyle. They then realize that they look just alike.Aunt Amelia walks into the room and drags Keira, who is disguised as Tori back to the ballroom, where an embarrassing encounter takes place.
Keira accidentally trips and falls on Prince Liam of Stuffinsburg. They have an awkward conversation, smiling and blushing, after which Keira and Tori continue their tour.Tori convinces Keira to stay disguised as each other while she carries on giving Keira a tour of her palace. They enter a secret garden, where fairies tend to the plants. There is a diamond gardenia plant, which is used to pay for school and other things. Tori tells Keira that the Diamond Gardenia roots spread through the entire kingdom.
Without it, Meribella's plants would die. The Diamond Gardenia makes the kingdom magical. Tori finds two tiny diamonds at the base of the Diamond Gardenia. The fairies put the diamonds on their necklaces, making them their friendship necklaces. Outside, Keira's manager, Crider, is tired of not being a star and comes to the palace to find valuables while getting a tour from Tori's aunt.
Tori's aunt then notices that Tori has bought Keira to see the Diamond Gardenia and scolds her about bringing strangers into the secret area. Keira's manager, who has been secretly eavesdropping, plans to steal the diamond plant.Tori and Keira head back to Tori's room after Keira almost got into trouble. Tori and Keira realize they want to continue to be each other and agree to remain as each other for one more day. Tori teaches Keira how to be a princess and Keira teaches Tori how to be a pop star. Tori, under the disguise of Keira, gives autographs to people and enjoys it, but later learns about a drought that she should have been aware of. Meanwhile, Keira, under the disguise of Tori, learns to behave like a princess. She also learns a new song while playing with Tori's younger sisters, who discover Keira's true identity but promise to keep it secret.
Later, Keira gets locked in Tori's room by Tori's aunt for not writing a commemoration speech, but Vanessa shows Keira a secret exit in the room through which she escapes. Meanwhile, Tori sings a song for the first time on stage.Later, Crider and Rupert, Crider's assistant, uproot the Diamond Gardenia. The fairies try to stop them, but their efforts are not enough, as Rupert sprayed strawberry-scented hairspray all around causing their wings to stick together. Tori and Keira use their respective magic tools to change back into their true selves. Both stop the two, with the unexpected help from Liam, and discover it is always best to be yourself. Crider tries to flee with the Gardenia using his airy coat but the girls imposed a heavy makeover on him using their respective magical tools, causing him to drop the plant and break it into pieces.Using the diamonds of their friendship necklaces as seeds, Tori and Keira plant a new Diamond Gardenia to revitalize the dead plants in the kingdom. Tori, now confident about her life, finally gives her speech.
Pop Princess Youtube
The two go back to the concert and end the film both as entertainers and as best friends.Characters. (speaking) and Jennifer Waris (singing) as Princess Victoria Bethany Evangeline Renee (Tori) – The princess of Meribella, Tori dreams of becoming a popstar like Keira. Tori is a childish, naughty, fun-loving and disobedient teenage girl who always neglected her royal duties and just wanted to play around. When she and Keira met, Keira made Tori understand that she should be aware of the kingdom's condition, take care of it and work hard to fulfil her royal duties.
With the help of Keira, she became responsible and put her duties before fun. She is portrayed by Barbie. Her appearance is blonde hair with a pink heart-shaped necklace. (speaking) and (singing) as Keira – A famous, organized and talented popstar, Keira dreams of being a princess. Besides Tori, Keira is more calm, confident and has a gentle caring nature. She's compassionate and considerate.
Keira is kind and has a strong personality. She is portrayed by Barbie. Her appearance is brown hair with a purple star-shaped necklace. Ellie King as Duchess Amelia – Tori's strict and dignified aunt.
as Seymour Crider – Keira's greedy and ambitious manager and the main antagonist of the film. Jonathan Holmes as Rupert – Crider's dumb and bumbling assistant and the man who wants to be Crider's best buddy. Allison Warnyca as Nora – Keira's organizer. as King Frederick – Tori's kind and fair father. Lauren Lavoie as Princess Meredith – Tori's younger sister.
She is very smart and seems to be little bit serious. She is portrayed by Barbie's younger sister Stacie. Ashlyn Drummond as Princess Trevi – Tori's youngest sister. She is portrayed by Barbie's youngest sister Chelsea.
Also, full name appears to be Courtney as in 'Barbie Rock n Royals' main character. as Prince Liam – The handsome prince of Stuffinsburg who was visiting Meribella with his uncle, Duke Trentino. He falls in love with Keira when she is disguised as Tori. Liam is kind, modest and has a great sense of humor.
He's a major misfit who is shy around crowds. He is portrayed by Ken. Leala Selina as Vanessa Victoria Fluffypie – Tori's. She turns her nose up at Riff and is really dainty and girlish.
She acts more like a princess than Tori, when she should be acting like a dog. Adrian Petriw as Riff – Keira's playful and loving dog. He is very loyal and faithful. He loves to perform Keira's dance moves and is devoted to her.
He likes Vanessa and always tries to impress her.Soundtrack Barbie: The Princess and The Popstar (Soundtrack)by. Jennifer Waris and Tiffany GiardinaReleasedAugust 28, 2012Recorded2012,A soundtrack album for this movie was released on August 28, 2012. It is available on. It contains nine tracks, all of the songs featured in the movie.Track listing No.TitleWriter(s)Length1.'
Here I Am / Princesses Just Want to Have Fun' (performed by Tiffany Giardina and Jennifer Waris), Gabriel Mann, Rob Hudnut and Robert Hazard3:342.' I Wish I Had Her Life' (performed by Tiffany Giardina and Jennifer Waris)Amy Powers, Gabriel Mann and Rob Hudnut2:303.' To Be a Princess / To Be a Popstar' (performed by Tiffany Giardina and Jennifer Waris)Amy Powers, Gabriel Mann and Rob Hudnut3:194.'
Perfect Day' (performed by Tiffany Giardina and Jennifer Waris)and3:295.' Look How High We Can Fly' (performed by Tiffany Giardina)Amy Powers, Gabriel Mann and Rob Hudnut3:086.' Here I Am (Tori Version)' (performed by Jennifer Waris)Amy Powers, Gabriel Mann and Rob Hudnut3:347.'
Princess & Popstar Finale Medley' (performed by Tiffany Giardina and Jennifer Waris)Amy Powers, Gabriel Mann, Rob Hudnut, Tim James and Antonina Armato3:228.' ' (performed by Jennifer Waris)1:299.' Here I Am (Keira Version)' (performed by Tiffany Giardina)Amy Powers, Gabriel Mann and Rob Hudnut2:57Here I Am 'Here I Am (Keira Version)'byfrom the album Barbie: The Princess and The Popstar (Soundtrack)ReleasedAugust 28, 2012 ( 2012-08-28)FormatLength2: 57Amy Powers, Gabriel Mann and Rob Hudnut' Here I Am (Keira Version)' is a song recorded by American singer for the 2012 CGI animated movie Barbie: The Princess and The Popstar.
It was released on iTunes on August 28, 2012 as a promotional single from the album. This is the second song that is featured in the film's credits.References.