Adrienne Bailon says playing the character of Vanessa Leon, a devout Christian in the faith-based film "I'm in Love with a Church Girl," was similar to her own life and hopes the film will spark interest in moviegoers to pursue a relationship with God.
"I think I have a really similar experience to her, because yes I am a church girl, I grew up in the church," says Bailon in an interview with Latina Magazine. "But at the same time, even with my current boyfriend, we had a lot of conversations that we have in this movie."
Playing Leon entailed Bailon preaching to her on-screen boyfriend, lecturing him on the value of chastity, all while trying to get him to attend church. Bailon says the film is about redemption and God's work in a person's life who may be seeking a second chance.
"If you want to change your life tomorrow, it absolutely can happen. You can become anything you want to become. If you decide you want to change your life around, it doesn't matter where you came from, what you did, if you were incarcerated or you are from the projects, if you are an uppity kid who came from a really wealthy family and all of them do drugs and are into that life, it doesn't matter, come as you are and God does His work," said Bailon.
She added, "I hope they get the message of faith in the sense that believing in something greater than yourself really helps you get through life so much easier. So for me it's really not about religion, but a relationship with God is the message we want to get across."
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Friday, October 25, 2013
I'm In Love With a Church Girl #1 Indie Film In the Country
The new movie "I'm In Love With A Church Girl" was called the "surprise opening of the weekend" by top film blogs after a solid opening weekend at #15.
The faith-based romantic drama is the #1 independent movie in theaters, leading Rolling Stone to call the film "the biggest indie debut this week," with a per screen average of $2300 on more than 450 screens
Inspired by true events, the movie has impacted audiences of all backgrounds and beliefs - with sell-outs in Manhattan to Miami, San Francisco to Detroit from church groups and urban moviegoers.
The film stars Jeff "Ja Rule" Atkins who, as a successful entrepreneur haunted by a criminal past and surrounded by old friends still "in the life," finds faith, redemption and inspiration when God puts a woman of faith (Adrienne Bailon) in his life. Rounding out the cast are Stephen Baldwin, Vincent Pastore, Michael Madsen, T-Bone, Martin Kove and TobyMac.
The Washington Times said it was a "heart-felt and riveting drama ... poised to be the best film of the year." Many critics hailed Ja Rule's performance, Variety said "Ja Rule offers a performance that is borderline miraculous. He is never less than credible, and often surprisingly compelling."
The faith-based romantic drama is the #1 independent movie in theaters, leading Rolling Stone to call the film "the biggest indie debut this week," with a per screen average of $2300 on more than 450 screens
Inspired by true events, the movie has impacted audiences of all backgrounds and beliefs - with sell-outs in Manhattan to Miami, San Francisco to Detroit from church groups and urban moviegoers.
The film stars Jeff "Ja Rule" Atkins who, as a successful entrepreneur haunted by a criminal past and surrounded by old friends still "in the life," finds faith, redemption and inspiration when God puts a woman of faith (Adrienne Bailon) in his life. Rounding out the cast are Stephen Baldwin, Vincent Pastore, Michael Madsen, T-Bone, Martin Kove and TobyMac.
The Washington Times said it was a "heart-felt and riveting drama ... poised to be the best film of the year." Many critics hailed Ja Rule's performance, Variety said "Ja Rule offers a performance that is borderline miraculous. He is never less than credible, and often surprisingly compelling."
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Superchick Releases Final Album On October 29; Includes Five Brand New Songs
On October 29, Grammy nominated Superchick will celebrate its legacy with the release of Recollection, a CD/DVD that combines five brand-new songs with 11 of the band's best-loved hits. The first single will be "Sunshine" on November 1, while "This Is The Time" is set to be featured in the upcoming film "God's Not Dead."
The new songs found on Recollection showcase a fresh sound for Superchick. And it's not just the production flourishes that stand out - the lyrics run deeper than typical pop bumper sticker sloganeering. The past year has been one of tragedy and loss for the band, marking the passing of Superchick's drummer, Chase Lovelace, after a battle with cancer. While many of the lyrics were written in hospital waiting rooms, the songs are still a celebration of life and hope.
"When he first started chemo, Chase called me to say, 'Don't finish the record without me; I'm coming back in the fall,'" Superchick's founder and band member Max Hsu recalls. "Some of Chase's rhythmic creativity lives on in these songs. These new songs are dedicated to his fighting optimism and I hope they honor his memory."
In addition to the new songs, Recollection takes listeners on a journey from the very first Superchick song ever written right through to the present day. What started in a basement in a Chicago suburb grew into a musical journey that lasted over a decade. From movies and TV shows to video games to radio charts, Superchick's brand of girl-power pop snuck its way into living rooms and headphones all over the world. Eleven of those hits were chosen personally by the band for Recollection, and most Superchick fans will find their favorites among them.
The new songs found on Recollection showcase a fresh sound for Superchick. And it's not just the production flourishes that stand out - the lyrics run deeper than typical pop bumper sticker sloganeering. The past year has been one of tragedy and loss for the band, marking the passing of Superchick's drummer, Chase Lovelace, after a battle with cancer. While many of the lyrics were written in hospital waiting rooms, the songs are still a celebration of life and hope.
"When he first started chemo, Chase called me to say, 'Don't finish the record without me; I'm coming back in the fall,'" Superchick's founder and band member Max Hsu recalls. "Some of Chase's rhythmic creativity lives on in these songs. These new songs are dedicated to his fighting optimism and I hope they honor his memory."
In addition to the new songs, Recollection takes listeners on a journey from the very first Superchick song ever written right through to the present day. What started in a basement in a Chicago suburb grew into a musical journey that lasted over a decade. From movies and TV shows to video games to radio charts, Superchick's brand of girl-power pop snuck its way into living rooms and headphones all over the world. Eleven of those hits were chosen personally by the band for Recollection, and most Superchick fans will find their favorites among them.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Natalie Grant's New Release Blows into Top 20
Natalie Grant announced on her Facebook that her new release, Hurricane, has debuted in the Top 20:
My record company called to tell me that HURRICANE has debuted at #1 on Billboard Top Christian albums chart and top 20 on Billboard OVERALL. Wow. Blown away, humbled & grateful. The real thrill is hearing from so many of you about how this new music is encouraging your life, your faith and your walk with God. Thank you.
Michael W. Smith Announces Christmas Tour with American Idol's Angie Miller
Multi-platinum recording artist Michael W. Smith has announced the dates for his annual holiday tour. Titled "Celebrate Christmas," the festive tour will run for ten dates, kicking off Dec. 1 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee and wrapping up Dec. 15 in Detroit, Michigan.
Each stop on the tour will also feature American Idol finalist Angie Miller, whom this past spring placed top three on the popular show. "I have looked up to Michael forever and have been singing his songs in church my whole life," Miller shares about the tour. "I am incredibly honored to be on this tour with him now!"
In addition to Miller on the tour, for the Dec 5, 6 and 7 shows Smith will be sharing the stage with his good friends Third Day.
Each stop on the tour will also feature American Idol finalist Angie Miller, whom this past spring placed top three on the popular show. "I have looked up to Michael forever and have been singing his songs in church my whole life," Miller shares about the tour. "I am incredibly honored to be on this tour with him now!"
In addition to Miller on the tour, for the Dec 5, 6 and 7 shows Smith will be sharing the stage with his good friends Third Day.
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
‘Duck Dynasty’ Stars: ‘It Ain’t Gun Control We Need, It’s Sin Control’
One “Duck Dynasty” star made his stance on gun control known in an interview with Men’s Journal.
“It ain’t gun control we need, it’s sin control,” Si Robertson said.
In a wide-ranging interview with Men’s Journal, the man known as Uncle Si described how he used to be a “sinner” during his younger days when he was drafted into the Army and heading off to Vietnam.
Robertson said he was worried about the pedestal the family has been put on since the reality show took off.
“Look, I worry that people put us on a pedestal now,” he told Men’s Journal. “We’re human beings. We make mistakes just like everybody else.”
The article also features Phil Robertson, Si's brother and the patriarch, who adds, "We're trying to infuse a little good into a culture in which gentleness, patience, kindness, self-control, love, joy, and peace have become abnormal."
Si is sitting next to him, sipping tea from the blue Tupperware cup his mother sent him while he was serving in Vietnam and that has since become nearly as famous as he has. "Sad," he says, shaking his head.
"Very sad," says Phil. "I go out into America and I am literally navigating a minefield. Godliness has become abnormal. I just left California, where I spoke to 40,000 altogether. I told them I was a Bible man. I told them I believe that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth. 'What's he trying to say? That I can't sleep with anybody I want? Is this guy crazy?' Then they see a little family structure on TV – us – and the show goes ballistic. Thousands and thousands of people have thanked us. Isn't that right, Si?"
“It ain’t gun control we need, it’s sin control,” Si Robertson said.
In a wide-ranging interview with Men’s Journal, the man known as Uncle Si described how he used to be a “sinner” during his younger days when he was drafted into the Army and heading off to Vietnam.
Robertson said he was worried about the pedestal the family has been put on since the reality show took off.
“Look, I worry that people put us on a pedestal now,” he told Men’s Journal. “We’re human beings. We make mistakes just like everybody else.”
The article also features Phil Robertson, Si's brother and the patriarch, who adds, "We're trying to infuse a little good into a culture in which gentleness, patience, kindness, self-control, love, joy, and peace have become abnormal."
Si is sitting next to him, sipping tea from the blue Tupperware cup his mother sent him while he was serving in Vietnam and that has since become nearly as famous as he has. "Sad," he says, shaking his head.
"Very sad," says Phil. "I go out into America and I am literally navigating a minefield. Godliness has become abnormal. I just left California, where I spoke to 40,000 altogether. I told them I was a Bible man. I told them I believe that in the beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth. 'What's he trying to say? That I can't sleep with anybody I want? Is this guy crazy?' Then they see a little family structure on TV – us – and the show goes ballistic. Thousands and thousands of people have thanked us. Isn't that right, Si?"
Gary Chapman Returns with New Album
Award-winning singer-songwriter Gary Chapman returns on November 5th with The Truth - his first studio album since 2002.
The Truth features sixteen new studio recordings, with special vocal appearances from some of Chapman's friends and family including Allison Krauss, John Rich, Tanya Tucker and Rebecca Lynn Howard, On a more personal level, Chapman's daughter Sarah sings on "Put it in His Hands," and his wife Cassie duets on the Christmas-themed, "All About a Baby."
For well over three decades, Chapman has racked up an impressive list of Dove Awards, Grammy nominations and writing credits for legendary artists such as Kenny Rogers, Alabama and Wynonna. Chapman is also widely remembered as the host of TNN's popular "Prime Time Country" television series and the "Sam's Place" concert series and radio program.
While it's been a decade since Chapman's last studio album, he has hardly sat idle. Chapman wrote, produced and directed the documentary "The 8th of November" for country duo Big & Rich, successfully helmed the content assets of professional football's "School of the Legends," and launched the popular "A Hymn A Week" online song and stories series, which was inspired by singing many of gospel music's timeless standards at his ailing father's bedside during his final days.
"Singing those hymns I grew up with helped me remember what music is for," recalls Chapman. "This project has nothing to do with money, but everything to do with genuinely touching someone's heart and offering healing. I have no delusions of grandeur at this point in my life and I am pleasantly embracing a place where it really doesn't matter a whole lot to me what anybody thinks, and I say that with zero arrogance or perceived distance."
"My family is my life, they're everything to me really, and my local church is also a primary focus where I serve as an elder," says Chapman. "I'm excited for people to hear what I have to say about it all and I'm also very anxious to get back on the road, not only to play, but also to connect with everyone again after all this time. I just want to keep singing. It's one of the things I was born to do."
The Truth features sixteen new studio recordings, with special vocal appearances from some of Chapman's friends and family including Allison Krauss, John Rich, Tanya Tucker and Rebecca Lynn Howard, On a more personal level, Chapman's daughter Sarah sings on "Put it in His Hands," and his wife Cassie duets on the Christmas-themed, "All About a Baby."
For well over three decades, Chapman has racked up an impressive list of Dove Awards, Grammy nominations and writing credits for legendary artists such as Kenny Rogers, Alabama and Wynonna. Chapman is also widely remembered as the host of TNN's popular "Prime Time Country" television series and the "Sam's Place" concert series and radio program.
While it's been a decade since Chapman's last studio album, he has hardly sat idle. Chapman wrote, produced and directed the documentary "The 8th of November" for country duo Big & Rich, successfully helmed the content assets of professional football's "School of the Legends," and launched the popular "A Hymn A Week" online song and stories series, which was inspired by singing many of gospel music's timeless standards at his ailing father's bedside during his final days.
"Singing those hymns I grew up with helped me remember what music is for," recalls Chapman. "This project has nothing to do with money, but everything to do with genuinely touching someone's heart and offering healing. I have no delusions of grandeur at this point in my life and I am pleasantly embracing a place where it really doesn't matter a whole lot to me what anybody thinks, and I say that with zero arrogance or perceived distance."
"My family is my life, they're everything to me really, and my local church is also a primary focus where I serve as an elder," says Chapman. "I'm excited for people to hear what I have to say about it all and I'm also very anxious to get back on the road, not only to play, but also to connect with everyone again after all this time. I just want to keep singing. It's one of the things I was born to do."
Monday, October 21, 2013
Colton Dixon on The Importance of Christian Music
Colton Dixon explains the importance of Christian music and reveals the ultimate goal of his profession in this Dove Awards side-stage interview with UP.
Recognizing the Best in Christian Music: Dove Awards Airs on UP Tonight
Hosted by Amy Grant & Kirk Franklin, the Dove Awards airs tonight at 8 PM ET on UP and features performances by NEEDTOBREATHE, TobyMac, Michael W. Smith, Newsboys, Gaither Vocal Band, Jason Crabb, Tamela Mann and more.
Presenters include Candace Cameron Bure, Rusty & Julie Bulloch, Pastor Rick Warren, Joyce Meyer, Brandon Heath, Chonda Pierce, David Mann, Isaac Carree, Jaci Velasquez, Lecrae, Bart Millard (MercyMe), Mandisa and Montell Jordan.
Presenters include Candace Cameron Bure, Rusty & Julie Bulloch, Pastor Rick Warren, Joyce Meyer, Brandon Heath, Chonda Pierce, David Mann, Isaac Carree, Jaci Velasquez, Lecrae, Bart Millard (MercyMe), Mandisa and Montell Jordan.
Mandisa Appeared on 'Katie' on ABC Today
American Idol's" Mandisa shares about her music and single "Overcomer" and opens up with a very personal interview about struggles from her past with food and being abused as a child.
She also talks about settling the score with Simon Cowell, reveals her secret weight loss weapon, and even teaches Katie some Zumba moves!
She also talks about settling the score with Simon Cowell, reveals her secret weight loss weapon, and even teaches Katie some Zumba moves!
Preachers of LA's Deitrick Haddon Responds to T.D. Jakes' Rebuke of TV Show
Deitrick Haddon, the minister and gospel singer who appears on the Oxygen docu-series "Preachers of L.A." was shocked that his show received criticism from Bishop T.D. Jakes recently.
Jakes, the senior pastor of The Potter's House megachurch in Dallas, Texas, wanted to make sure his congregation knew that he is not using their financial contributions on personal gain after the first episode of the controversial show aired.
"Now, I know you been watching that junk on TV. I want to tell you right now, not one dime of what you're sowing right now will buy my suit. I want you to know my car is paid for," Jakes told his congregation Sunday, according to EEW magazine reports. "I want you to know I got my house on my own. I want you to know I'm not bling-blinging. I am not shake and bake. I had money when I came to Dallas and I plan to have some when I leave."
Haddon reacted to Jakes' criticism on the radio station PRAISE 102.5, where he admitted his shock.
"I have the absolute utmost respect for Bishop TD Jakes and what he represents. I considered him one of our generals in this generation," Haddon said. "I was a bit taken back and shocked when I saw his view on the show, being that he's a forefather in unorthodox, unconventional methods of sharing the Gospel, whether it be through MegaFest or partnering with comedians or Oprah."
Haddon's statements came after Jakes rebuked the spirit that caused people to think that financial contributions should go into preachers' pockets.
Jakes, the senior pastor of The Potter's House megachurch in Dallas, Texas, wanted to make sure his congregation knew that he is not using their financial contributions on personal gain after the first episode of the controversial show aired.
"Now, I know you been watching that junk on TV. I want to tell you right now, not one dime of what you're sowing right now will buy my suit. I want you to know my car is paid for," Jakes told his congregation Sunday, according to EEW magazine reports. "I want you to know I got my house on my own. I want you to know I'm not bling-blinging. I am not shake and bake. I had money when I came to Dallas and I plan to have some when I leave."
Haddon reacted to Jakes' criticism on the radio station PRAISE 102.5, where he admitted his shock.
"I have the absolute utmost respect for Bishop TD Jakes and what he represents. I considered him one of our generals in this generation," Haddon said. "I was a bit taken back and shocked when I saw his view on the show, being that he's a forefather in unorthodox, unconventional methods of sharing the Gospel, whether it be through MegaFest or partnering with comedians or Oprah."
Haddon's statements came after Jakes rebuked the spirit that caused people to think that financial contributions should go into preachers' pockets.
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Grace Unplugged Premieres in the Top 20 at the Box Office
While probably not as strong as desired, the producers of Grace Unplugged can be proud that it opened as the 15th most popular movie last week.
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