In The Spotlight: Nikki Billie Jean

Today we have a spotlight on designer/blogger Nikki Billie Jean, creator of Billie Jean Bowties &Designs! (As always, if you are interested in a feature, feel free to email me!)

Born and raised in Maryland, Nikki is a 2009 graduate of Archbishop Caroll High School in Washington, D.C., and a 2013 grad of Penn State. She first took interest in fashion after subscribing to Seventeen magazine in high school, but really got the chance to show off her style in college. “Every time I had an opportunity to express myself when it came to fashion, I seized that moment,” she said. In her sophomore year, she helped organized a fashion show for an event at Penn State called “Taste of Africa.” “I modeled, directed, and even helped make clothes for this show,” Nikki stated. “After this show, I knew fashion was something I really wanted to get into."

Check out more about Nikki below!

In The Spotlight: Matthew Mole

Antoher spotlight for you all today! As always, anyone interested in being featured on The Spotlight, please feel free to email me your work (you can also visit BrittanyShawnte.com for other ways to connect)!

Today, we have South African singer-songwriter Matthew Mole! Matthew grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and even studied music production in 2010. “I started writing songs and playing shows when I finished school, just for fun really.” The singer said. He moved up to Johannesburg to pursue his music after signing with label Just Music in 2013.

Check out more about Matthew below!

"What Now'-Rihanna (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Rihanna has officially dropped her music video for pop ballad “What Now," the sixth single from her album Unapologetic. Filmed in Thailand and directed by Darren Craig, Jeff Nicholas and Jonathan Craven of The Uprising Creative, the video features a somber and hurting Rihanna singing and dancing erratically as if she were in an insane asylum. Her gothic look is definitely a flashback to her Good Girl Gone Bad days too!

Check out the video below!




Even though it may seem kind of weird, I think it was appropriate for the theme of the song. With this song, Rihanna seems to be going through a standstill, with her love life, friends, and maybe even career. Though surrounded by people, she feels alone still. She seems to be going through the motions, and can't bring herself to express the real emotions within her. This is probably one of my most favorite songs by her not only on Unapologetic, but throughout Rihanna's entire career. The melody and hook get me every time.

What did you think of the video?

















Image via Island/Def Jam

"What Now'-Rihanna (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Rihanna has officially dropped her music video for pop ballad “What Now," the sixth single from her album Unapologetic. Filmed in Thailand and directed by Darren Craig, Jeff Nicholas and Jonathan Craven of The Uprising Creative, the video features a somber and hurting Rihanna singing and dancing erratically as if she were in an insane asylum. Her gothic look is definitely a flashback to her Good Girl Gone Bad days too!

Check out the video below!




Even though it may seem kind of weird, I think it was appropriate for the theme of the song. With this song, Rihanna seems to be going through a standstill, with her love life, friends, and maybe even career. Though surrounded by people, she feels alone still. She seems to be going through the motions, and can't bring herself to express the real emotions within her. This is probably one of my most favorite songs by her not only on Unapologetic, but throughout Rihanna's entire career. The melody and hook get me every time.

What did you think of the video?

















Image via Island/Def Jam

In The Spotlight: Prentice Powell

A few weeks back, I got an email to check out some clips from a show on TV One called Verses and Flow, engineered by Lexus. I remember vaguely hearing about it and seeing a preview a while ago, but never really sat down and watched. Man, was I missing out! Hosted by actor and poet Omari Hardwick, the show features some of the best spoken word artists in the country, as they discuss real issues from love, self-esteem, current events, racial relations and more! It was very impressive to watch, and now I've made it a part of my Wednesday nights (the show comes on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET on TV One...check your local listings!).

I got the opportunity to chat with poet Prentice Powell, who has performed on every season of Verses and Flow, both individually and with his poetry collective Fiveology! To say that he is an amazing and talented poet is a complete understatement, and, for those who have seen and heard his work, you know why. For those who haven't, you'll see what I mean right now!

Check out more about Prentice below!

Celebrity Halloween 2013!

Happy Halloween yall! Have fun, dress up, drink, be merry and eat lots of candy! I would, but I'm trying to get on my slim and sexy for summer 2014 and what not. Anyway, in honor of today's festivities, here are 10 of my favorite celebrity looks so far this Halloween!

In The Spotlight: The Enemies

So happy to be featuring all of these great artists, authors, and designers on the blog, and there are definitely more to come! As always, feel free to email me if you would like your work to be featured!

Today, the spotlight is on Irish pop/rock band, The Enemies! Founding members Ronan McQuillan (lead vocals/guitar) and actor Colin O’Donoghue (vocals/guitar) started the band back in 2003, adding along members John Boy Berkley (bass), Johnny Crean (guitar), and Dazzy Oglesby (drums) along the way. In 2010, the guys finally buckled down and got serious about their music career, getting in the studio to record together! “You have to have a passion for music to pursue it as a career. Like any career really. Being surrounded by creative and talented people makes it an easy decision. There has to be a belief in what you do to continue through the bad times. And lots of sacrifice,” the band said of their career. That strong passion is definitely clear in their music!

Check out more about The Enemies below!

"Right There"-Ariana Grande feat. Big Sean (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Just hours ago, Ariana Grande premiered her official video for her newest single "Right There," featuring Big Sean! The visual, The video has a Romeo and Juliet, masquerade ball type of theme! Arnold Schwarzenegger's 20-year-old son Patrick Schwarzenegger plays her Romeo, and Big Sean plays the role of The Priest. As Ariana gets dolled up and walks the ball with her friends, she finds her true love! Check it out below!

In The Spotlight: Samuel Gough

Have more spotlights coming your way in the coming weeks and I’m definitely excited about it! Hopefully you all are finding these upcoming folks in the music/fashion/entertainment realm very interesting and check out their work! As always, if you or anyone you represent would like to be featured on The Spotlight, please email me and I’ll hook it up!

Today, the spotlight is on British electro-folk singer Samuel Gough! Born to an artistic family in London (his father was a writer, and his mother and grandfather were actors), music was introduced in his childhood relatively early, mostly classical. At seven years old, he began singing in a “very strict, terrifying school choir,” but at 14 he branched out and put a band together with friends called STUBBLE, as his boarding school. He was in boarding school at the time, but got permission to hit the local country pubs on Saturday night to play covers of old Cream, B.B. King and Allman Brothers songs. He ended up starting another band at 16 with his sister and cousins once based in Spain, on the island of Mallorca, playing the local summer fiestas!

Read more about Samuel below!

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West Reportedly Engaged!

Looks like Kim Kardashian has another ring to flaunt. At Kim's 33rd birthday celebration last night at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Kanye West reportedly popped the question in a huge way!

After asking Kris Jenner for her daughter’s hand in marriage, Kanye supposedly gave Kim a huge 15-carat diamond ring from Lorraine Schwarts, while the field’s jumbo screen flashed, “PLEEEASE MARRY MEEE!!!”

MOVIE REVIEW: Crazy Sexy Cool: The TLC Story

VH1 premiered the original TV movie, Crazy Sexy Cool: The TLC Story just last night and everybody has an opinion about it! So of course, I had to share mine.  Starring Drew Sidora as Tionne 'T-Boz" Watkins, KeKe Palmer as Rozanda "Chilli" Thomas, and Niatia "Lil Mama" Kirkland as the late great Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, the movie recounts the making of TLC into one of the biggest girl groups of all time, but also their hard struggles along the way. Rochelle Aytes and Carl Anthony Payne II also appear as Peri "Pebbles" Reid and L.A. Reid, who first signed the group.

I'll admit. I was VERY NERVOUS when this was announced. I respect both Drew and KeKe as actresses, but I wasn't sure they could pull something like this off honestly. I REALLY wasn't sure about Lil Mama. However, after seeing one of the trailers, I quickly changed my mind! Lil Mama looked so much like Left Eye, it was ridiculous. The trio captured TLC's chemistry and mannerisms to a tee! So it was definitely a movie that I had to check out and review!

Check out my thoughts and sound off about the movie below!

In The Spotlight: Sultanov

Another spotlight to kick off your Friday (All musicians, poets, designers, etc. interested in a feature email me!). Today, the spotlight is on singer-songwriter Sultanov! Based in Russia, Sultanov incorporates rock, folk and pop, giving listeners a great blend to listen to!

Born Dan Sultanov, he grew up in the mix of two cultures, Russian and Azerbaijani, both strong, yet very different walks of life. Sultanov grew up in a very artistic family, which fueled his own artistic side. His grandfather is internationally known Azerbaijani painter and draughtsman, Tahir Salakhov, a leader in Russian art. Sultanov’s mother is a painter and dancer, and his father has been playing music all of his life. The singer was always With that in his blood, it was only natural that Sultanov himself would break out into the arts, and he chose to dive headfirst into music!

Check out more from Sultanov below!

"Cold Piece"-Melanie Fiona (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Today must be the day for my favorite songs to finally get their music videos! Melanie Fiona
dropped her video today for "Cold Piece," a song that she previously released earlier in the summer. It's a fun song, but it speaks a real message about falling for somebody whose heart is cold and unaccessible to love. She has parted ways from Universal Music and is now indie, teaming up with Pepsi and Complex Media for the visual.

“I’m at a place where I can make music very creatively free, and working with Pepsi was just very easy,” she says. “With labels, there’s a whole plan and everybody’s talking about all these different things at once. But with Pepsi and Complex, it was just, ‘here’s some of our ideas, what are yours, and we’ll see you on the day of the shoot.’ It was very relaxed and wasn’t stressful at all. And to know that they wanted to create a visual for it was so cool – I wouldn’t have had my own ice cream truck with my name on it had I done this myself! It’s like, wild.”

Check out the video below!

"Hot Sugar"-Tamar Braxton (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Tamar Braxton just dropped a big surprise for her Tamartian friends right in the middle on an episode of Tamar and Vince: her official video for "Hot Sugar!" Her third single from Love and War, "Hot Sugar" is sexy and fun, and the video gives us that as well! The video is creative, showcasing Tamar's love on Instagram as she invites fans to "choose the Tamar you want to share!" Tamar dances a little with her little eye candy in the background too! It's so much fun and I love it! She looks absolutely gorgeous....really killed this one! 
Check out the video below! Image via Tamar Braxton/VEVO

Glee Officially Ending After Season 6

Sad news Gleeks! Glee co-creator Ryan Murphy has confirmed that Glee will be ending after Season 6, which has been rumored for quite some time.

He's been planning how to end the show for a while, and had originally wanted it to end with a focus on Cory Monteith and Lea Michele's characters, Finn Hudson and Rachel Berry. However, after Cory's tragic death in July, he had to re-think things.  "The whole [last] year of the show -- which will be next year -- was really designed around Rachel-Cory/Finn story," Ryan said, according to EW. "I always knew that. I always knew how it would end. I knew what the last shot was -- he was in it. I knew what the last line was; she said it to him. So when a tragedy like that happens you sort of have to pause and figure out what you want to do." However, Ryan thinks that the new ending is "very satisfactory" and still honors Cory.

I'm a little sad, but it was to be expected. All good things must come to end. Plus, I'll be honest and say that the new Glee kids on the block have not had as great of a connection as their predecessors. That might be a little bias talking since I've been watching the show since the very beginning, but it's true. I'm interested to see how the show will end, but I have until 2015 to think about that.

What do you think of Glee coming to an end?

Image via Fox

Fashion Brand Showcase (courtesy of Ashley Chin)

My girl Ashley Chin is always on the move! She shot me over some pics last week, showing off her modeling skills and promoting upcoming brands! The "Rebel Just Because" tee shirt to the left, which you'll see in a few different poses, is designed by clothing brand SoCiaL Rejectx. 

Ashley is also starting her own fashion blog, Style House Mob, which will hit the web in November. With this upcoming designer planning to get video interviews with various members of the fashion industry, as well as painters, rappers, and more, this new blog is definitely going to be one to be on the look out for! She's also steadily working on her own brand, Odd Century by Vane For Decades, which I can't wait to see more of!


The photos were all taken by Seifer Films. Check them out below!

"Simple Man"-Wale (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

"Forgive me, I'm a rider. Sure I'm just a simple man. All I want is money, f**k the fame. I'm a simple man lawd."-Wale, "Simple Man," The Gifted

Wale has officially dropped his video for "Simple Man," track 13 from his third album, The Gifted. Shot in Toronto back in August after Drake’s 4th annual OVO Fest, the video shows Wale performing for the people, as well as rolling through the city. Nothing grand or flashy, and it was better that it wasn't. It was a pretty chill video, as Wale raps on his career and life now that he's signed and making his way up in this industry. Drake and J. Cole also make small cameos in the visual as well. Check out the video below!

Hollywood Exes Season 2 Finale (RECAP)

Sunday night was the season finale of Hollywood Exes and it definitely wasn't one to miss! Picking up from last week, Nicole takes her mom Ellen out for drinks with Mayte and Jessica for a night of fun. Jessica asks how Shamicka's party went, and, of course, the "hood rat" thing is brought up. Jessica automatically goes off because Sheree was the only one who knew about and said that she wasn't going to say anything. Jessica explains herself, saying basically that she didn't mean it in a mean way. Now, she's mad at Sheree, which I can understand. Of course, Shamicka plans to talk to Jessica, but Jessica feels betrayed by Sheree. All in all thought, this is a whole bunch of unnecessary drama right before Vegas for Nicole's bachelorette party!

Hollywood Exes S2, E12 (RECAP)

Looks like I owe two recaps of Hollywood Exes (last Sunday's and last night's season finale!). Picking up from Episode 11, Nicole goes with her daughters and Ellen to pick out a dress at Panache. There are a lot of beautiful gowns. Ellen picks out a simple, elegant dress that's perfect for a beach wedding. It's absolutely amazing on Nicole, but Nicole ends picking another dress that is comfortable yet gorgeous! She is completely in love with it. Whenever she and Michael decide to walk down the aisle, she'll look absolutely stunning!

Later, all of the girls except for Nicole go to a pole dancing class for Andrea's birthday! Nicole couldn't make it because she had to meet with her lawyers to discuss her prenup. Jessica shows up a little later, even though she's not a big fan of pole dancing. The instructor teaches them some sexy moves that they can maybe use another time, and the girls have fun trying. Shortly after she leaves the ladies to their fun, and Andrea shows them some more moves, and everyone takes a turn. Jessica ends up calling Shamicka a "hood rat" as she's on the pole. Sheree seems to be the only one who really heard it though. Though it wasn't meant in a bad way, Jessica definitely needs to know that that's not something you say about anybody, let alone a black woman!

Naya Rivera and Big Sean Engaged!

A big congratulations goes out to Naya Rivera and Big Sean who are officially taking that next step in their relationship! That's right, the couple is engaged, six months after first stepping out as a couple!

Naya's rep confirmed the news to Us Weekly. The couple walked the red carpet at Latina Magazine's Hollywood Hot List party at the Redbury Hotel in Hollywood and the Glee star was rocking a very nice engagement ring on her finger!

Check out the ring below!

The Challenge: Rivals II Season Finale (RECAP)

Last Wednesday was the FINAL for The Challenge: Rivals II! Picking up from last week, one of the guys’ boats had capsized, which definitely would suck up time in this kayak race! I thought that it was Johnny and Frank, but it turns out it was Jordan and Marlon, but they continue to push forward to try to win. Of course, though, Johnny and Frank make it to the boat. I knew that was going to happen. In fact, I think it might have been staged just so we can see the rivalry between them and CT and Wes play out in this last challenge. Jordan and Marlon finish the game in third place, taking home $15K to split. They honestly should be proud of themselves for getting that far, because rookies rarely do! That night, the teams spend the night on the yacht, relaxing and having a good time.  Looking at the final teams, I think the best of the best were there in the end. It's going to be a really great fight to the finish!

"Final Destination"-The Challenge: Rivals II Episode 11 (RECAP)

So I FINALLY got a chance to watch last Wednesday's episode of The Challenge: Rivals II! I know, BEYOND late, seeing as though the finale and live reunion premiered last night (that recap will be up today as well). It's been a crazy exhausting week and a half and I have a lot to catch up on in my writing life. The week before this episode, we were left on a cliffhanger as Diem and Aneesa faced Jemmye and Camila in the last Jungle, "Hanging By A Thread." The main objective of the game is to cut through two ropes while hanging upside down. Obviously, the winners will go on to the Finals! Diem struggles to even touch the rope and starts freaking out! Though Camila is short and can't reach the rope either, Jemmye uses her saw to bring the rope to her and they get through it. Once Diem and Aneesa figure that out, they begin to work through the ropes too! Unfortunately, they just couldn't pull it out in time. Jemmye and Camila win, sending Diem and Aneesa home right before the Final. It sucks because I really wanted to see Aneesa in the final, and it's hard to get that close and lose like that. Though they're both upset, they're grateful that they got to know each other better and become closer. Diem also holds no ill will towards CT (though me being the grudgeful person that I am, I definitely would!).

In The Spotlight: Coyotito

I have another artist to spotlight today (Any artist, designer, producer, etc, looking to be featured please contact me). This has been a LONG time coming, but greatly deserved! It was important to me to feature rapper Coyotito, not only because he works with Anthony Glover of Concrete Entertainment (who I featured a little over a year after I started Spotlight, and still keep in touch with), but because, after listening to his music, I was hooked! The man is truly a lyricist, which I believe is rare in hip hop today.

Born and raised in the Hollygrove neighborhood of New Orleans, “Tito” as he is also known, grew up watching videos of his favorite rappers on TV. Even as a young kid, he dreamed of being a rapper and began recording his own lyrics over popular songs, using a tape deck and recorder. “The moment I fell in love with hip hop was when I heard Special Ed’s ‘I’m the Magnificent,” he said of his love of hip hop. “The beat, the lyrics and his whole style was just fresh to me.  It made me feel so good to the point where I just wanted to recite it and listen to it over and over again.”In addition to Special Ed, artists like Rakim, Scarface, Fiend, Soulja Slim, and Jay-Z inspired him to hone his craft and mold his dream.

Hollywood Exes S2, Episode 11 (RECAP)

Loving Hollywood Exes this season! There's a good amount of drama, but there's a great amount of fun, business ventures, and comedy! As this season is dwindling down, I hope that VH1 renews it for a third.  Picking up from last week, Tony and Andrea go to the park, and Drea shares that she has a new plan up her sleeve. She called her manager, and plans to do a dance fitness DVD. With the DVD under her belt, she wants to travel and do master classes in major cities. For Drea, this DVD isn't about losing weight quick. It's about women embracing their sexy curves, but toning up! The video will feature a lot of fun, sexy moves but still calorie burning! It's definitely going to be a lot of work. There has to be a casting call for background dancers, a set location, filimint crew and more. It's going to be A LOT of work, mostly for Tony!

That night, Nicole invites the girls to go to a Hollywood party for her friend, celebrity hairstylist Chaz Dean. As the party goes on, Jessica gets drinks at the bar and suddenly sees her second ex-husband Garth and his girlfriend! Apparently the guy is a very good plastic surgeon who Jessica even worked with during their marriage. Jessica talks to him and catches up, but she kind of pushes herself all over him! Even though she's probably drunk, she needs to have a little bit more sense in her head to do all of that.

Hollywood Exes S2, Episode 10 (RECAP)

The past week has been has been absolutely CRAZY. I'm definitely behind on a lot. Balancing the So I owe two recaps of Hollywood Exes this week (last week's and last night's episodes). Haven't had a chance to watch and recap Wednesday's episode of The Challenge: Rivals II yet. Basically staying away from any and all things MTV until I do! My life has become a balancing act, which I'll write about on BrittanyShawnte.com sometime this week.

Picking up from Episode 9, the girls are back in a good place after their Utah trip. Nicole has brunch in her backyard with her sister-in-law Jamie and her mom Ellen to discuss the wedding plans! Jessica swings by as well. With this second wedding, Nicole definitely wants something more toned down than her first, with probably a local setting. She wants to go ahead lock in the date, but she and Michael are still working out that prenup! Once that's done, details can finally be finished. It's a struggle, but it's important that they both protect themselves in case things do go wrong. I'm hoping that they don't though, because they seem really great together!

"True Colors"-The Challenge: Rivals II Episode 10 (RECAP)

It's getting down to the wire for The Challenge: Rivals II! Picking up from last week, the house swims in the pool, and CT and Diem joke around. Diem vents to Aneesa saying that she feels "full" around him, and that he sees her for exactly who she is. That, of course, makes her feel good, and, after struggling with this second bout of ovarian cancer, it seems like she really needs that. Aneesa doesn't know if Diem's setting herself up for failure when it comes to her emotions, though. Johnny, who is very close with Diem, later tells her that CT is manipulative and might be playing with her emotions. Camila tells her that no one knows how they really feel except for them. Diem doesn't really think that CT would screw her over in this game at the expense of her feelings.Meanwhile, Cooke thinks that the other ladies are threatened by her and Cara. They know that they have to win the last challenge. Otherwise, they risk going home in the Jungle, because they will definitely get thrown in!

Later, T.J. sends the house a clue: "Who are the real winners and losers amongst you? We'll see your true colors at tomorrow's challenge!" When the other ladies, minus Cara and Cooke, talk about the game, they realize that their fates are up to the game now. Through a lot of politicking, they have gotten this far together, but the next few days, things may get a little crazy! Camila hopes that the other ladies will get to the Final, but not Cooke and Cara. Paula gets angry all of a sudden at the conversation and walks out. When Camila goes to talk to her, Paula expresses that she thinks that people will definitely not be friends after this, which upsets her.

Drake Sued For Allegedly Selling Copied Owl Pendants

More legal trouble for Drake? According to TMZ, a Hollywood jeweler, Michael Raphael (owner of Baden Baden Inc), is suing the rapper for allegedly creation copies of his almost $50,000 owl pendant for Drake's own crew! The owl pendant is one that Drake rocks a lot.

Raphael claims that his company was hired to make Drake this custom diamond and platinum pendant back in January, which was paid for by Drake for $49,204. Six months later, Raphael saw copied gold designs of the pendants on Drake's Instagram account (these celebs stay getting in trouble with their social media accounts!).

Mario and Courtney Lopez Welcome A Boy!

Aww it's a boy! Mario Lopez and wife Courtney welcomed their second child, son Dominic, last night, September 9!  Mario broke the news on Twitter: “It’s a boy!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please welcome Dominic Lopez to the world,” he tweeted. “Couldn’t be happier… Courtney and baby are doing just fine.”

The couple also has another child, Gia Francesca, who turns three this Wednesday. Big sis Gia has been very excited for her new sibling to come, Mario has said. “She’s pointing at the baby and saying, ‘There’s a baby in there,’” he told PEOPLE earlier in the year, also adding that she wanted to know the sex of the baby, something her parents wanted to be a surprise for everyone. “She wants to know if it’s a boy or a girl, but we don’t know because we’re waiting to find out. That’s kind of tough sometimes, we just don’t know!” Courtney added that she wasn't sure if Gia really understood the fact that her mommy was carrying another little baby : “Gia kind of understands that there is a baby in my belly,” the mom said shortly after announcing her pregnancy back in February. “She also told me our dog Julio has a baby in his belly — so who knows!” Aww too cute!

Congrats to the happy family!

Image via Frank Micelotta/Invision/AP

Hollywood Exes S2, Episode 9 (RECAP)

Another dramatic episode of Hollywood Exes this past Sunday! Picking up from last week, the ladies come back home from their dramatic dinner, with no telling what would happen! Mayte storms to her room like a child. As women, they ought to be able to agree to disagree, as Shamicka says. While she talks, Mayte comes back in the room, and Shamicka talks to her about the things that she saw in her life, like substance abuse, which is why she doesn't drink. She doesn't want to push her beliefs on any of the ladies, and Mayte gives her a big hug in apology. Really what Mayte needs to do is take a page out of Shamicka's book and stop trying to push her positions about fur on everyone else!

The next day, the ladies relax before they go tubing. Nicole breaks out her fur headband, which she is going to wear if fur policewoman Mayte decides not to go. She hides it in the couch for the meantime. Mayte does end up deciding to go, and all the ladies push aside their fur out of respect. Mayte ends up leaving tubing because of how cold it is. It's convenient that there is a moving ramp to get up the hill! Meanwhile, Mayte gets hot chocolate and is bored, so now she wants to go out there and have fun! Nicole and Sheree have a snowball fight, and end up wrestling in the snow!

"Diemnesia"-The Challenge: Rivals II Episode 9 (RECAP)

The Challenge:Rivals 2 is coming down to the wire! Picking up from last week, only four teams remain for both the men and the women! The house exercises hard, and the guys prepare for the last guys' challenge. Meanwhile, CT and Diem continue to flirt. CT also admits that he likes having Wes for a teammate, and is determined to win this challenge! Later, Preston talks about his relationship with teammate Knight, which is really bad. They manage to work all right together, but it's clear that they will never be friends.

That night, the house goes out to party. CT and Diem connect on the dance floor, of course, because they both still have feelings for each other. They make out at the bar, with everybody else thinking that Diem has lost her mind! Back at the house, CT prepares his bed to have some alone time with Diem, but she passes out drunk! Johnny tells him the next day that she is going to act like nothing happened, which is exactly what she does. She acts like she can't remember, but Diem you weren't that drunk! Stop faking like you don't still love some CT!

"The Hospital Episode"-The Game Season 6 Finale (RECAP)

Last night was the SEASON FINALE of The Game, and it did not disappoint! Picking up from last week, Malik is fighting for his life in the hospital after he got jumped. Everybody comes to the hospital, not knowing who was hurt at first. The news simply reported that a Saber was beat down after the movie premier. The police question Keira about Malik and Franko, with Blue eventually getting the cop to leave her for a second since she's visibly upset. Keira thought that it mgiht have been Blue. Even though they aren't in the best place after the last episode, it's clear that they still love each other.

Hollywood Exes S2 Episode 8 (RECAP)

Busy last couple of weeks...probably months! Today I launched my official website, BrittanyShawnte.com! The site features my resume and writing clips, as well as personal blog posts, pictures and video, so check it out! With the hustle and bustle of everything, I couldn't get this recap up yesterday, but I couldn't forget about Hollywood Exes! Especially when it's getting GOOD!

I thought I actually missed this episode last week, but I guess VH1 didn't air it. Probably because of the VMAs last week. So picking up from two weeks ago, the girls prepare to go to Park City, Utah, after Shamicka invited them out. Andrea and Shamicka go shopping and hang out, getting to know each other a little bit. They talk about wearing their fur, though Andrea said she told Mayte she wouldn't buy any more fur. The ladies love the fur coats though, and they seem to click very well! Shamicka talks a little about her background growing up in South Central, revealing that she has an alter ego, Shamicka Sherron! She's nice, but don't push her, or she's pushing back! Andrea also informs Shamicka about her problem with Jessica. Drea does want to relax and not be on edge the whole time, so she's hoping to work it out before they leave.

Kerry Washington Stuns on Glamour, Talks Secret Marriage and Style

Kerry Washington looked great on the cover of Glamour for the October issue! Dressed in a pink Diordress, the actress spoke with the magazine about why she chose to keep her relationship a secret, her style game, as well as revealing that her parents disapproved of her career choice (what?!!)!

Check out more from the interview below!

"Thrilla in Camila"-The Challenge: Rivals II Episode 8 (RECAP)

Another day gone in The Challenge: Rivals II! Picking up from last week's nail-biting episode, the house is out partying, having a great time! CT chats with Diem, telling her that he still loves her and doesn't know why she hasn't kissed him yet! They dance and flirt. Meanwhile, Jonna talks to Frank. They both live in L.A. and she hopes that she will have his back like he promised he would before they left. Frank mentions that he is disturbed by these "young kids" in the house who seems to have no loyalty in the game, and blah blah blah. What I didn't get about that whole conversation is that Frank is still young himself and this is only his SECOND challenge! See, because he won his first challenge last season, you can't tell him a thing! This is why I don't like him most of the time. Anyway, Frank continues to go OFF on Knight and Jemmye especially, and the two overhear them.

In The Spotlight: Jordan Kelly

Have a new spotlight for you all today--upcoming comedian Jordan Kelly! Born in Washington D.C., and raised in Suitland, MD, Jordan got his start in comedy just by hanging out with his friend Chris, and making others around them laugh, something that's he's always had a passion for.  He went out to do his first YouTube with Chris, cracking jokes all the while. "The amount of feedback we received made me feel like it was a calling," Jordan says. He and Chris continue to work together on YouTube, keeping the laughs coming!

The aspiring comedian draws inspiration from other comedic legends such as Richard Pryor, Red Foxx, and Bernie Mac, as well as newer comedian Kevin Hart. "They all brought their own way of comedy to the world, and that's what I want to do." Jordan admits. Though he was originally in music management, he now focuses on school, work and developing his comedy career, as well as film and photography, working on new videos, skits, and possibly even a short movie. "I would like to see my comedy go to the highest level it can go," Jordan says. "I was always told if I work hard more things will come to me, so I'm here and I hope the world is ready to laugh."

Check out one of Jordan's YouTube videos below!






You can check out more of Jordan along with his friend Chris on YouTube, and follow him on Twitter as well as Facebook! You can also get in contact with Jordan's publicist Fiona Cross for more information.

"Extra Butter...Extra Salt..."-The Game S6, E19 (RECAP)

Another dramatic episode of The Game last night! Picking up from last week, Blue and Keira are in a
limo before they step on the red carpet for Keira's movie premiere. Keira's really nervous because she knows that this is make or break for her career. Blue calms her down, telling her that everything will be fine. Keira also reveals that there is a pretty graphic love scene in the movie. Before the scene, Keira plans to take a page from a friend and ask Blue to get him popcorn, with extra butter and salt, so that he's away and doesn't see the scene. After all, nobody wants to see their significant other with anyone, even if it is a fake movie scene!

On the red carpet, Blue lets Luke take pictures with Keira, even though he knows their past, as well as the fact that this love scene happened. Keira's friend Nina takes pictures though no one knows who she is, and has a "wardrobe malfunction" to get attention from the cameras. Malik and Tasha show up too, practicing their boundaries that learned from therapy last week!

REVIEW: MTV Video Music Awards 2013

I'm still reeling off of the craziness that was last night's MTV's Video Music Awards! From Miley twerking to the *NSYNC reunion, there was a LOT to talk about, and my entire timeline was going off all night!

The pre-show, hosted by various MTV correspondents including my favorite Sway, had appearances from Robin Thicke, Miley Cyrus, Emeli Sande, Lady Gaga, and more! Danity Kane even showed up on the red carpet to make the official announcement that they are back!!! Well, minus D.Woods. She has "other projects," but she needs to put that to the side because DK is about to blow back up, and I'm so excited! Their new song, "Rage," will be released soon, and I can't wait to hear!

"Crossing Jordan"-The Challenge: Rivals II Episode 7 (RECAP)

The drama continues as the teams go for the big money on The Challenge: Rivals II! Picking up from last week, several teams in the house get a nice workout in. Diem tries to get Aneesa to swim for some exercise, but Aneesa is not having it! She's irritated because she feels like Diem's on her back all the time. She vents to Frank, feeling like Diem always tries to force her to do things, and she's being talked to like she's a five-year-old. Frank goes to talk to Diem, and tells her to talk things through Aneesa. Diem can go a little overboard, but she just wants Aneesa to be better, so that they can be a better team. They are partners regardless, and they need to get that in their spirit, and work together!

"In Treatment"-The Game S6, E18 (RECAP)

Last night's episode of The Game was a first! This entire episode revolves solely around two characters, Tasha and Malik, and was definitely very intriguing to watch. After Tasha realized that she needed to get help to deal with her relationship woes in last week's episode, she goes in for a session with a therapist that Kelly recommended. "The Fixer," she called him. Tasha pays him good money to "fix her" within 24 hours. Prayers went up to him in that moment! Tasha thinks that this session will be a quick fix, but the therapist lets her  know that therapy takes times, and they need to get to the root of her problems. The "relationship problem" is merely a symptom, and they need to identify the disease.

"Applause"-Lady Gaga (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

Lady Gaga is back with a new artistic video for single "Applause." The song  is the first single off of the singer's upcoming album ARTPOP, which is set for release on November 11.

Sporting various wigs, wings, a gilterry tail, and unique bikini tops, Gaga dances around throughout the video, which viewers are sure to define as weird or maybe even typical Gaga. I actually like the whole theme of this new era of her music. ARTPOP is her combination of art, fashion, and technology with her music. Though Gaga has a reputation of doing the most with her style and videos, I'm liking some of it in this video! Check out "Applause" below!

Hollywood Exes S2, Episode 7 (RECAP)

Hollywood Exes is really trying to bring the drama this season! Picking up from last week's drama, Andrea and Mayte are still at the restaurant after Jessica stormed off, and they talk about the fight that just went down. Andrea thought that Jessica was going to come in a mature way, but she feels like Jessica went into instant victim mode. Mayte trying to mediate didn't work well at all. Both Andrea and Jessica have played a role in this whole issue--Jessica for always running her trap, and Andrea for going around talking about Jessica behind her back all the time rather than confronting her.

"Revenge Is A Dish Best Not Served"-The Challenge: Rivals 2 Episode 6 (RECAP)

Wednesday brought another great episode of The Challenge: Rivals II! Picking up from last week,
Theresa talks to Aneesa about feeling betrayed by Diem after last week's elimination. Theresa came in this game as a really nice person, and I'm not saying that she should ever lose that. However, THIS IS A GAME. She needs to learn that everybody is playing this game to win, or at least they should and she should too. Yes, everybody has different friends in the house, but it's a CHALLENGE, and the main objective is to get that money! We can hang out after this is over. Theresa expresses that she only trusts her partner Jasmine in this game, as she should. Since they won the last challenge, they get to pick the order of this challenge coming up, so they need to make smart choices! That night, the house gets a clue from T.J. for the challenge. "They always say keep your friends close and your enemies closer." Wonder what that could mean???

"Miss Me A Little When I'm Gone"-The Game S6, E17 (RECAP)

You already know every Tuesday is Game Day, and I'm continuing to love this season! Picking up from last week's episode, Blue and Keira talk on the phone while Keira is in L.A. Keira tries to seduce him into some phone sex, but Blue is sitting at the bottom of a bathroom stall and doesn't really want to. Keira reveals she has a press junket tomorrow that she's nervous for, because her comeback is riding on it. She wants to shed her child star, party girl image. Blue encourages her, telling her that she will do well. When the two hang up, we see that Blue is at a party for Juvon, complete with drinks and LOTS of girls, a party that he failed to mention to Keira!

Hollywood Exes S2, Episode 6 (RECAP)

Major drama on last night's episode of Hollywood Exes! Picking up from last week, Jessica goes to
visit Mayte to see Gia and clear the air between the two of them. Holding Gia, Jessica wonders if she wants to have another baby herself! Mayte says that it's hard being a single mom, but it's worth it. Jessica tells her that the adoption happened so fast, and comments again how she can't believe that a mother could part with her baby. Mayte tells her that she wants her to understand that this sacrifice can be the ultimate gift of love. Yes, Jessica can say things at the wrong time, but I don't think she means any ill will at all. With everything going on, Jessica tells Mayte that she would rather have had Mayte tell her herself that she was offended, rather than hearing through everybody else. Of course, Jessica's upset that Drea has been talking about her behind her back, and it's irritating. The one thing I will say about Jessica is that she has no problem voicing her opinion. Good, bad, or indifferent, she will tell you how she feels straight up, even though she does need to work on her filter. Drea is getting to be a little annoying to me this season.

"What The Phuket?!"-The Challenge: Rivals II Episode 5 (RECAP)

Another drama filled episode of The Challenge: Rivals 2 this past Thursday! Picking up from last week, Theresa and Leroy get it on one night, as the housemates try to peek in! Wes gets upset because they are hooking up in the bunk above his, and he's hooked up with Theresa before himself. The next morning, CT and Diem try to get the dirt, but Theresa keeps it cool. She admits that she likes him, and their personalities click. In the midst of all this, Wes moves out of the room, which Leroy sees as a punk move. With the help of Johnny Bananas, Leroy and some of the guys make a Wes doll using broomsticks and a huge doll head, and even drew hashtags on his bed (#whack #112pounds #Birdchest HA!).

"A Swan Song for Rick and Tasha"-The Game S6, E16 (RECAP)

Every Tuesday is Game Day! Picking up from the last episode, Rick Fox is practicing in the mirror for his stand up routine. Tasha thought he was joking about the whole thing, but he's so serious! Rick even practices in the bathroom mirror with Tasha behind him. His jokes are so corny, but Tasha pretends to laugh anyway.

Moments later, she goes in the living room to vent to Chardonnay about Rick. She starts to think that she made the wrong choice in choosing him. Now, how exactly some corny jokes are making you rethink your entire relationship, I don't know! Chardonnay tells her that she can't just run away from a relationship just because of that. Tasha then admits that she needs to try to support him.

Hollywood Exes S2 Episode 5 (RECAP)

Sunday night brought another good episode of Hollywood Exes! Picking up from the last episode, Sheree goes to talk to Jessica about why Jessica left Mayte's party so early. Jessica says that she was worried about Josie getting into something while she was out, so she felt the need to spy, insisting that it had nothing to do with Drea. Sheree doesn't totally buy it, and also brings up the fact that Jessica brought up Gia's birth mom and how that took away from the celebration. Jessica needs to apologize and explain to Mayte that she didn't mean to take away from the moment. She does want to make it right with her so hopefully they are able to work through things. The conversation switches to their trip to New York, which will be a nice change of pace for them!

"Mortuusequusphobia"-The Challenge: Rivals II Episode 4 (RECAP)

Forgive me for not getting this up sooner! Last week was absolutely crazy, but I had to still recap Rivals II! Picking up from last week, the housemates party at Diamond Nightclub, and have a great time! Jordan and Jonna are flirting and having fun, and they kiss! Looks like Jordan got over Sarah pretty quick. CT and Nany flirt as well, with Diem closely watching. Back at the house, Jemmye tells Nany that Diem made up a rap about her, calling her a slut in the club. Jemmye is DEFINITELY an annoying instigator sometimes. Of course, that causes Nany and Diem get into a little altercation, but it's whatever. Personally, I wouldn't trust CT or develop any feelings for him Nany. It's clear that he is still in love with Diem. Have fun but don't get caught up!

Moments later, Leroy and Johnny play a prank writing a rap about Nany and leaving it on a table for the house to see, pretending like Diem wrote it. It's so funny hearing it read back! It's just a joke, but Nany takes it to heart.

"365 Days"-ZZ Ward (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

"365 days, you been making me wait. So keep your two-timing games. It's a lot of too late."

Blue eyed soul singer ZZ Ward has dropped her official video for her track, "365 Days," the second single from her debut album, Til The Casket Drops!

I absolutely LOVE this girl! The first time I heard her was during an episode of Pretty Little Liars (the title track, "Til The Casket Drops" was used in promoting season 3 of the show). I fell in love with her voice and raw emotion instantly. She's an incredible overall artist that I think is going to do some serious damage in this industry!

Check out the video below!