Usher Talks About Hugging Alicia Keys On Stage, Malia Obama Changes Her Name, A Peek into Nelly’s Old Mansion and More Celeb News

A collection of The Root’s best posts of the week in entertainment

Photo: Getty Images Ryan Kang

Usher Finally Speaks Out About His Cozy Hug With Alicia Keys During Super Bowl

Photo: Getty Images Ryan Kang Photo: Getty Images Ryan Kang

Usher heard all the chatter after his electric performance during the Super Bowl Halftime Show in Las Vegas. While many acknowledge how incredible he was on stage, people on social media had a lot of thoughts about that hug he gave fellow R&B legend Alicia Keys. – Noah A. McGee Read More

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
3 Ways to Think Like a Businessman, According to Executive Walter Davis

Obama’s Daughter Just Made a Major Change to Her Name, But Haters Can’t Stop Hating…

Photo: Getty Images Dia Dipasupil Photo: Getty Images Dia Dipasupil

If you want to get a table at a fancy New York restaurant or an internship at a Fortune 500 company, the Obama name can probably get you pretty far. But if you’re an aspiring young filmmaker just trying to get your career off the ground, the name might cause more harm than good – something Malia Obama is learning. – Angela Johnson Read More

Comedians Eddie Griffin, Corey Holcomb, Donell Rawlings Shock Audiences With Unfunny Comments

Photo: Getty Images Rodin Eckenroth, Phillip Faraone, Jamie McCarthy Photo: Getty Images Rodin Eckenroth, Phillip Faraone, Jamie McCarthy

The comedy world isn’t always fun and games. If there’s one thing we learned from Katt Williams’ explosive appearance on “Club Shay Shay,” it’s that comedians have more beefs than rappers. That notion was on full display during a recent stand up show by Donell Rawlings, who had words for Corey Holcomb. – Stephanie Holland Read More

Inside Nelly’s Abandoned, Mysterious Missouri Mansion

Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘Fair Use’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}] Youtube.com Screenshot: [{‘styles’: [], ‘value’: ‘Fair Use’, ‘type’: ‘Text’}] Youtube.com

This month, groups of TikTokers found their way into Grammy-winning rapper Nelly’s abandoned mansion in his home state of Missouri.

The potentially beautiful home sits on 12 acres of land which includes a private basketball court, a three-car garage and a bunch of unfinished rooms. The unwelcome visitors have documented the state of the crumbling, mildew-filled estate and have even discovered that others before them trashed the place. Here is what the house looked like after it was sold in 2021. – Amira Castilla Read More

Kelly Rowland’s Rep Finally Speaks About ‘Today’ Show Dressing Room Debacle

Photo: Getty Images Nathan Congleton Photo: Getty Images Nathan Congleton

Over the last week, there have been numerous reports of singer and actress Kelly Rowland walking off the set of the “Today” set due to her dressing room being too small. Now, the star’s rep Yvette Noel-Schure has spoken out on her behalf. – Candace McDuffie Read More

Sherri Shepherd Shades Kelly Rowland’s ‘TODAY’ Show Treatment With This Comment

Photo: Getty Images Bryan Bedder/Variety Photo: Getty Images Bryan Bedder/Variety

If there’s one thing we love to see, it’s Black women showing love to one another and making each other feel seen and heard. And that’s exactly what singer and actress Kelly Rowland did when she stopped by “The Sherri Show” on Friday to promote her new film, “Mea Culpa,” directed by Tyler Perry. – Shanelle Genai Read More

TLC’s Chilli Says She’s ‘Caramel’ Not ‘Chocolate’ and the Black Internet Loses Its Mind

Photo: Getty Images Dia Dipasupil Photo: Getty Images Dia Dipasupil

Social media is a wild, insane place where we spend a ridiculous amount of our time. It doesn’t matter how innocuous the post is, someone will find a way to hate on your fun, happy moment. Music star Chilli recently found herself on the receiving end of negativity over what was a seemingly innocent post. – Stephanie Holland Read More

Here’s Why People Think That Solange and Beyoncé Are Beefing

Photo: Getty Images MEGA / Contributor Photo: Getty Images MEGA / Contributor

Are the Knowles sisters on bad terms? After people couldn’t find more than one picture of Beyoncé and Solange together last week for the “Cranes in the Sky” singer’s son Julez Smith, Jr.’s Luar runway walk at New York Fashion Week, fans believed their theories were true. During the Luar show, Bey and Tina Knowles sat together as they were swarmed by paparazzi, while Solange was in a different part of the room sitting alone, taking pictures and videos of her son. – Amira Castilla Read More

‘Abbott Elementary’ Star Janelle James Reveals Who Inspired How She Plays Ava

James also shares which cast member on the ABC hit comedy makes her laugh most and whether or not there’s more stand-up in her future.

Presidents Day: Astronaut Leland Melvin On ‘The Space Race’ and JFK’s Role In Diversifying NASA

National Geographic’s new documentary, produced by Melvin, uncovers the history of Black engineers and scientists who made early space exploration possible.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

Here's All You Need to Know About Why Our HBCUs Are So Beloved

Here’s All You Need to Know About Why Our HBCUs Are So Beloved

After a recent study revealed a link between attending an HBCU and cognitive wellness, we’re schooling you on all there is to love about Black colleges! …
More Telltale Signs that Trump Is Quickly Running Out of Time

More Telltale Signs that Trump Is Quickly Running Out of Time

With Trump facing continuous protests, lawsuits and dissent within his own party, growing pressure could mean a disastrous ending for him …
Druski Goes Viral With Hilarious Skit on 'Conservative Women in America'

Druski Goes Viral With Hilarious Skit on ‘Conservative Women in America’

Fan-favorite comedian Druski transforms into a satirical “Christian conservative” character, sparking millions of views and a heated online debate …
82 and Fabulous: Diana Ross's Style Through the Years

82 and Fabulous: Diana Ross’s Style Through the Years

As ‘The Boss’ turns another year older, we thought it’d be fitting to revel in the fabulous fashions of the legendary singer over the years. Let’s take a look! …
The Viral Find That Returned Jill Scott’s Long-Lost Family Photos

The Viral Find That Returned Jill Scott’s Long-Lost Family Photos

After stumbling across Jill Scott’s family photos in Goodwill, one TikToker user has returned the precious memories back to the singer …
New Details In Kandi Burruss Divorce From Todd Tucker

New Details In Kandi Burruss Divorce From Todd Tucker

The divorce settlement details between ‘RHOA’ star Kandi Burruss and ex Todd Tucker have been released. Let’s take a look! …
Verzuz, Once Beloved, Is Now Dead. We Just Haven’t Buried It Yet.

Verzuz, Once Beloved, Is Now Dead. We Just Haven’t Buried It Yet.

Professor: It gave us everything we needed in 2020 and nothing we need now …
Why Serena Williams' Look in Her Latest Social Media Post Has Her Black Fans Going Off

Why Serena Williams’ Look in Her Latest Social Media Post Has Her Black Fans Going Off

Serena Williams has unfortunately reignited more talks of potential skin bleaching thank to new posts on social media. And folks online are not happy! …
Lamar Odom's Ex Liza Morales Reveals the Tragedy That Ended Their Relationship

Lamar Odom’s Ex Liza Morales Reveals the Tragedy That Ended Their Relationship

While many know NBA star Lamar Odom for his famous relationship with Khloe Kardashian, his teenage sweetheart is finally opening up about their dynamic …
Tank vs. Tyrese: The Ultimate R&B Playlist for the 'Verzuz' Battle

Tank vs. Tyrese: The Ultimate R&B Playlist for the ‘Verzuz’ Battle

“Verzuz” is back, y’all! From “Sweet Lady” to “When We,” Tank and Tyrese are bringing all their hits to the stage. We curated the best playlist to get you ready to sing and slow dance for the show …
Black People Are Asking Why We Didn't Know About Mamdani’s Wife’s N-Word Tweets

Black People Are Asking Why We Didn’t Know About Mamdani’s Wife’s N-Word Tweets

Black folks are pissed after Zohran Mamdani’s wife’s old tweets resurfaced, painting her in a problematic light within the Black community …
The Numbers Don't Lie—Black Women Are Leading and It Has Nothing to Do With Magic

The Numbers Don’t Lie—Black Women Are Leading and It Has Nothing to Do With Magic

From the C-suite to entrepreneurship, Black women have had a record-breaking rise in recent years, even as they battle an uneven playing field …
Why a Comedian's Translation of 'The Lion King's' Iconic Opening Song Just Backfired in a BIG Way

Why a Comedian’s Translation of ‘The Lion King’s’ Iconic Opening Song Just Backfired in a BIG Way

The “Circle of Life” chant is one of the most recognizable sounds in Disney movie history! But right now, it’s the center of a $27 million legal war …
Black America Reacts To The Rise Of Black ICE Agents

Black America Reacts To The Rise Of Black ICE Agents

Reviews are mixed on whether maskless Black ICE agents are causing more harm than good in U.S. airports …
Woman Will Become a Doctor at the Hospital Where She Once Cleaned Floors

Woman Will Become a Doctor at the Hospital Where She Once Cleaned Floors

Shay Taylor-Allen shared a now-viral clip of the moment she learned that she would do her medical residency at Yale Hospital –where she once worked as a janitor …
We Finally Know More About The Usher and Justin Bieber Confrontation

We Finally Know More About The Usher and Justin Bieber Confrontation

Usher and Justin Bieber allegedly got into a ‘heated exchange’ during an Oscars after-party. And now we’ve got insight into what really went down! …
Boston's 'Best Social Justice Advocate' Learns Fate After Stealing $224K From the BLM Movement for Vacations, Dinners

Boston’s ‘Best Social Justice Advocate’ Learns Fate After Stealing $224K From the BLM Movement for Vacations, Dinners

Monica Cannon-Grant, named “Bostonian of the Year,” stole donations and rental aid while illegally collecting unemployment as she organized BLM …
Black Woman Charged With Murder For Taking Abortion Pills

Black Woman Charged With Murder For Taking Abortion Pills

In a shocking turn of events, a Republican judge and DA both agreed a woman’s arrest after taking abortion pills in Georgia was “problematic.” …
'How Long Not Long' – The Promise and Warning of Dr. King's Montgomery Speech Six Decades Later

‘How Long Not Long’ – The Promise and Warning of Dr. King’s Montgomery Speech Six Decades Later

Today, 61 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous Alabama speech, “How Long, Not Long,” reminding us that the arc of the moral universe bends only when we bend it …
Yung Miami Reveals Why She Stood Up for Diddy's Character During Trial

Yung Miami Reveals Why She Stood Up for Diddy’s Character During Trial

Rapper Yung Miami, one half of the rap duo The City Girls, was romantically linked to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs from 2021 to 2023 …