Cedric The Entertainer has just landed a plum spot on daytime television as the host of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire." Get the deets inside and read about Michael Baisden's shocking departure from radio and Jennifer Hudson's new LIFETIME film....
Funnyman Cedric The Entertainer has joined long-running syndicated game show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" as the host of the show's 12th season. Janice Marinelli, president, Disney-ABC Domestic Television dished the news saying,"With his deep roots as a successful stand-up comedian and actor, Cedric will bring his fresh approach and unpredictable fun to the show."
Cedric, who also stars in his own TV LAND sitcom"The Soul Man," talked about his new gig saying,
"I'm truly looking forward to hosting 'Millionaire. The show is a modern day game show GIANT, and the team at Disney-ABC has been great at putting the right elements together over 11 seasons. I'm excited to entertain all those who watch and play as season 12 launches ... It's going to be a good time every day!!"
Congratulations to Cedric!
And on the radio....
Michael Baisden has announced that he is leaving his successful radio program after nearly 10-years on the air. He posted a letter to his fans via his Facebook page where he made it pretty clear that it was not his intention to leave the show....but things happen. Where have we heard this before?
Though he didn't get into the behind-the-scenes politics behind the decision, the motivational speaker put a very positive spin on the situation and said that "It’s Not About The Job It’s About The Journey." Here a snippet of his announcement to fans....
For years I’ve encouraged you to step out on faith to live your dream, to never compromise your principles, and most importantly, not to be afraid to try something new, but above all else, dare to be different. Well, it’s time for me to practice what I preach!
No, it was not my intention to leave radio, I had plans for The Michael Baisden Live Tour, my 10-year anniversary party in DC in July, and I was looking forward to being on the air this summer to get justice for Trayvon Martin and his family.
But sometimes fate, the universe, God, or however you want to label that undeniable force, has it’s own plans. Someone once told me that the greatest experiences in life are unplanned ones. I guess I’m about to test that theory.
Read Michael's FULL statement about his journey and his next steps here.
*UPDATE* Michael just posted an update on his FB page accusing Cumulus Studios of locking him and his staff out this afternoon!
The Michael Baisden Show Staff has been "Locked Out" of Cumulus Studios...really Cumulus?
In the words of Rodney King, "Can't we all get along?" Just because we couldn't come to an agreement is no reason to deprive the listeners, our affiliates, and our advertisers of only 9 days to say goodbye and show our appreciation.
All their action does is make me more determined than ever to come back! And next time there will be no middlemen between me, my affiliates, and my listeners. Lesson learned!
Now it's time to get to work on the return of the Best Show On Radio... and I'll be kicking butt and taking names.
I'll miss you family, stay tuned to Facebook and Twitter for my daily inspiration post and updates on the return of The MB Show! The journey continues!!!
~ Michael Baisden
P.S. You'll hear per-recorded shows through March 29th. Shame, Shame, Shame... but it is what it is, let's move on, we have lots of work to do!
DRAMA!
And in tv movies.....
Oscar winners Jennifer Hudson and Octavia Spencer have both signed on for the Lifetime original movie Call Me Crazy: A Five Film, about mental illness. According to the press release, the film"brings together an all-star ensemble cast with five interwoven stories about how everlasting bonds of love and family can overcome life’s most challenging hurdles."
Executive producer/Actress Jennifer Aniston talked about her involvement in the project saying,"When we started researching this topic, we were all surprised to learn that one in four adults lives with some sort of mental illness. With so many people dealing with this in their private lives, there is still so much stigma and shame. It's time we bring it out of the closet and into the light of day.”
Call Me Crazy is actually an extension of the Five series which was started in 2011 and focused on breast cancer. You'll recall that Tracee Ellis Ross was among the celebs who starred in that series and Alicia Keys was a producer.
The movie premieres Saturday, April 20, at 8:00pm ET/PT on Lifetime.