In a recent interview, Aretha Franklin spoke about casting dilemmas for the TV movie version of her autobiography, From These Roots.

Billy Dee Williams and Terrence Howard have committed to play her father and Smokey Robinson, but the role still up for grabs is Aretha herself. Depending on who you listen to, that is. Jennifer Hudson is rumored to be already cast, but Franklin says nothing is set yet. If it were up to her, she'd have several women play herself at different ages. (Hey, that sounds familiar. But I would really have something to say if they cast Cate Blanchett for this one.) Here's Franklin's short list:

I know, I know. Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia Barrino and Halle Berry? Which one of these is not like the other? But let's start with Hudson. … continue reading

Yesterday I saw a lot of headlines about the BET Awards. I skimmed a few stories, noted the winners and glanced at a few blog posts, but I refused to really absorb any of it. I wanted to wait and see it for myself. I finally watched the show last night, and I'm glad I saw it without any preconceived notions. I was able to let the Jennifer Holliday-Jennifer Hudson duet of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" wash over me and give me goosebumps. And did it ever! I think I had an aural orgasm. (An aurgasm?)

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