Check Out OWN 's New Docu-Series, 'Black Love'

According to Vibe, Oprah Winfrey and the OWN Network will premiere new docu-series, Black Love. Created by married couple and filmmakers Tommy and Codie Oliver, the duo interviewed several African-American couples—some in Hollywood some not–about how they met and how they keep it together.  The show, which will premiere Aug. 29 examines the intricacies and delicacies of love from black couples.

Some couples have been together for eight, 10 and even 17 years while other couples are still in the newlywed phase. The extended clip opens with Academy-Award winner Viola Davis speaking candidly about how nervous she was when she first met her husband, but then being flattered by his zeal.  

“I was terrified because he told me exactly who he was, he was absolutely honest about his past and then he brought me home and then said ‘you are a very beautiful and a nice woman and it was a pleasure spending time with you’ and he shook my hand and then I went in the house. Twenty minutes later he called again and I said ‘You got home already?’ and he said ‘No, I’m at the Ralph’s down the street, but I just wanted to tell you again what a great time I had and what a beautiful woman you are’ and I said ‘oh, ok.’  Twenty minutes later he called again and said ‘I just want to say I got home, but you’re a beautiful woman and I’m about to go to sleep and just wanted to tell you to have a good night.”

With interviews from Tia and Cory Hardwick, Meagan Good and DeVon Franklin as well as Flex and Shanice who have been married 17 years, these couples get real about what makes their relationship work. Check out the extended trailer below.

And if you are in the LA on the premiere date RSVP today for an exclusive first look at #OWN Network's new series, #BLACKLOVE! Happening August 29th, 2017 at 7pm. This Clips & Conversation based event is hosted by #HollywoodConfidential's brand new screening series. And will feature select cast members from #BlackLoveDoc and the show creators!

Loni Love Wants Her Own Late-Night Talk Show

I met Loni Love for the first time on the red carpet of The Bodyguard Musical back in May.  It was great interviewing this funny lady about 'The Real,' The K michelle Twitter beef, Tamar Braxton and how great Deborah Cox would represent Whitney in the show. I had no idea at the time that although Loni Loves 'The Real' she's been itching for her own Late Night Talk Show.  According to The Grio, during an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Loni Love opened up about what it’s like to be a black woman in the world of comedy and spoke on her own career goal of getting a late-night talk show.

She explained that when she first started out, she was getting the roles typical of black women, the ones that required “sass."  “For a long time, black women in comedy had to always be sassy. Do the neck, the eye roll. I did a guest spot on one show and I did this one little sassy moment and they made me a regular. It was one line and they were like ‘We need that sass!'” she recalled.

She then added, “That’s why you only ever saw one black girl, and you knew she was bringing the sass. And then, when you look at me and my physical, I’ve always been a big girl and loud. But there’s a lot of loud big girls that ain’t funny. For me, I had to break out of that — I wanted to be funny.”

Now, she is looking to expand her horizons, and she has her sights set on late-night hosting.

“I’m trying to keep tackling hosting. In daytime, women have always traditionally hosted. But in late-night, it’s always been a challenge. I want to tackle a late-night gig. And I kind of have to toot my own horn — I don’t care what she says — I helped Chelsea [Handler] with her show,” she said, laughing. “But she encouraged me because when we did ‘Chelsea Lately,’ we did seven seasons of that show and started out with guests from like ‘Survivor 15,’ but she worked herself up. That’s where I’m going next, tackling late-night in the prime-time space.”

You can check out the full interview here.  Check out my interview with Loni Love below. We had some mic problems so warning the audio is low. 

Russell Simmon's ‘All Def Comedy’ Returns to HBO As Series In December with Tony Rock as Host

I will always love me some Tony Rock! I interviewed him for the first time ever back in January about a new show he was doing on TV One and the conversation was just a great time.  Plus, a clip of my interview went viral, which has never happened before. Thanks Tony!  If you watch the interview below you will absolutely remember seeing it everywhere earlier this year.  

Hopefully, Tony will make things go viral again this year with his upcoming hosting gig.  According to Deadline, HBO has picked up Russell Simmons’ All Def Comedy stand-up series for a six-episode season that will kick of in December, the network said today. The order comes after HBO aired an All Def Comedy one-off special in November, part of Simmons’ overall first-look deal with the premium cabler. The shows will be taped October 10-11 at the Avalon Theatre in Los Angeles and hosted by Tony Rock. Like Simmons and HBO’s original Def Comedy Jam, the series will feature stand-up performances spotlighting up-and-coming comics discovered at All Def Digital’s live weekly comedy showcase and online video platform. 

All Def Comedy also will be available on HBO Now, HBO Go, HBO On Demand and affiliate portals. Simmons and Stan Lathan are producing with Chris Conti and Jeru Tillman. Lathan is directing.  “I have witnessed firsthand how the most cutting-edge, seemingly alternative comics become the driving forces in mainstream comedy,” Simmons said. “I’m thankful to HBO for allowing me to give these new voices access to mainstream audiences everywhere.”  Earlier this month, Simmons revealed he was looking to restart his Def Poetry Jam franchise with HBO as All Def Poetry and was talking with Grammy winner Chance the Rapper to host the potential series.

Russell Simmons never stops and I just love him for it. I remember watching Def Comedy Jam back in the day so that fact that it's still around in some form is an ode to Russell's genius.  Check out my interview with host, Tony Rock below. 

Syleena Johnson in New TV One Talk Show, “Sister Circle”

Congratulations to singer Syleena Johnson who can now add Talk Show Host to her resume. According to TheJasminebrand, TV One is the latest network to hop into the talk show space, launching a new daily roundtable talk show called ‘Sister Circle’. Launching on September 11th, the show feature a panel of four women — Quad Webb-Lunceford (“Married To Medicine”), singer Syleena Johnson, sports reporter Rashan Ali, and standup comedian Kiana Dancie— discussing a range of lifestyle and relationship issues as well as topical subjects. The foursome will be joined by DJ Q (aka Funky Dineva, who also owns a entertainment blog), who will spin records and add a male perspective to the conversation.

Courtesy of @MsFunykDineva Instagram 

Daytime TV vet Helen Swenson has been tapped as showrunner. The hourlong show will also blend in celebrity guests and expert commentary. It will air live in East Coast markets at 9 a.m. ET, originating from Tegna’s Atlanta outlet, NBC affiliate WXIA-TV. Tegna plans to launch the show on 12 of its 46 stations. The company is not looking to expand the show’s lineup outside those stations. Instead, the focus is on fine-tuning the show during its first season on the limited Tegna footprint and TV One, in the hopes of developing a stronger series to offer in syndication in year two.  

Check out my Studio Q interview with Syleena Johnson at the Daughters of Soul Launch party below. 

Quencie Talks to Rashad Jennings About Dancing With The Stars #DWTS

I interviewed NFL star Rashad Jennings on the red carpet of the Celebrity Connected luxury gifting suite event at the W hotel.  I of course asked him about all things Dancing with the Stars. Check out our conversation below. 

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Celebrity Connected Gifting Suite Recap - MTV Movie & TV Awards

On Saturday, May 6, 2017, I covered the red carpet for the Celebrity Connected Gifting Suite honoring the MTV Movie & TV Awards held at the W Hotel in Hollywood, CA. There were many celebrities in attendance who received gifts from sponsoring businesses in technology, home decor, beauty, health, food/beverage, fashion/apparel industries and more.

Some vendors include: Hug Life, Diva Stuff, Hemp Kitchen, Aitai Kuji, Sweetopia, Bonjour Clothing, Django Moccasins, Quest, UFrost, Speakeasy 710, Velare, and many more!

Check out my photos and video recap of the event.

Top left: Dawnn Lewis and Shanica Knowles, Sanayya Sidney, Rashad Jenning and Niles Fitch

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Quencie Interviews Malinda Williams

Check out an interview I did with Malinda Williams at an event in Beverly Hills. We talked about Exhale TV, being a producer, co-parenting with ex husband Mekhi Phifer and being a part of the entertainment industry for thirty years. She was nice and super fun.  Watch our conversation below. 

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Quencie Interviews Kyanna Simone Simpson Who Played Oprah Winfrey's Younger Character in The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks on HBO

Today, I did a Skype interview with actress Kyanna Simone Simpson who played the younger version of Oprah Winfrey's character in the biopic surrounding Henrietta Lacks life called The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks on HBO. The film tells the true story of Henrietta Lacks, an African-American woman whose cells were used to create the first immortal human cell line. Told through the eyes of her daughter, Deborah Lacks (Oprah Winfrey), the film chronicles her search to learn about the mother she never knew and to understand how the unauthorized harvesting of Lacks’ cancerous cells in 1951 led to unprecedented medical breakthroughs, changing countless lives and the face of medicine forever.

I had so much fun talking to Kyanna about her career, her mentor Latanya Richardson Jackson and what it was like to meet and work with Oprah Winfrey, which was a dream come true for her.  This budding actress who is known for her recurring role on HBO’s miniseries Show Me a Hero is currently working on the film, White Boy Rick starring Matthew McConaughey.  

Check out our fun conversation below. 

Quencie Interviews Howard Hewett

I interviewed Howard Hewett at an event in Beverly Hills, CA.  I asked him the question he gets asked probably a million times a day, which is will Shalamar ever get back together? Watch below and find out what he says. 

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Opening Night of #TheBodyguardTheMusical at The Hollywood #Pantages Theater [VIDEO]

Last night, Tam and I (Studio Q) covered LA's premiere of the hit musical, THE BODYGUARD at The Hollywood Pantages theater.  It is an award–winning musical based on the smash–hit film of the same name. Who could forget Kevin Coster as Frank Farmer, the former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard hired to protect superstar Rachel Marron, played by the late great Whitney Houston? It was Whitney's first film, so I was super excited to see this show.  

Judson Mills and Deborah cox

Grammy® Award-nominated and multi-platinum R&B/pop recording artist and film/TV actress Deborah Cox stars as Rachel Marron. In the role of the bodyguard Frank Farmer, is television star Judson Mills. I am such a huge Whitney Houston fan so I am very biased when it comes to other people singing her songs, but as soon as Deborah Cox opened her mouth - I was sold! Based on Lawrence Kasdan’s 1992 Oscar nominated Warner Bros. film, and adapted by Academy Award-winner (Birdman) Alexander Dinelaris, THE BODYGUARD featured songs recorded by Whitney Houston including: One Moment in Time, I Have Nothing, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Saving All My Love, Run to You, So Emotional and her cover version of Dolly Parton's I Will Always Love You.  What I loved most about this show is that Deborah Cox was not trying to be Whitney Houston.  She made the songs her own all while celebrating Whitney at the same time. If you love Whitney Houston, then this is a MUST-SEE! If you love the film, The Bodyguard then you are going to like how they adapted it to the stage. If you love and appreciate musical theater and amazing singing - this is a MUST-SEE! And if you are a Deborah Cox fan, you will be in heaven from beginning to end. You will find yourself singing along and celebrating Whitney in a positive way. 

Quencie (Host, Studio Q) and Tam (Producer, Studio Q)

Tam and I had a great time at the show and on the red carpet. The long list of stars who came out to see Deborah Cox in THE BODYGUARD include: Angela Bassett, Courntey B. Vance, Margaret Cho, Bill Bellamy, Mary Mary (Erica and Tina Campbell), Erica Ash, Loni Love, Loretta Devine, Yvette Lee Bowser, Kym Whitley, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Dawnn Lewis, Michael Costello who designed her red carpet gown, plus many more. Scroll down and check out my interview with Deborah Cox and some of the celebrities who attended the event. Add me on snapchat (StudioQTV) to see footage from the whole night!  

Angela Bassett

Erica Ash

Loretta Devine

Photo courtesy of Yvette Nicole Brown Instagram 

Watch below. 

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Quencie Interviews Sheléa Frazier

I interviewed Sheléa Frazier after experiencing her sing one of the best tributes to Whitney Houston I've ever heard on YouTube first then live at The Grammy Museum alongside super producer Narada Michael Walden.  She's accomplished so many  great things in her career since this interview that it would just blow your mind.  I am super proud of her.  She's living her dream.  Check out my interview with Sheléa below. 

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Quencie Interviews Terrell Suggs

I interviewed Super Bowl Champion Terrell Suggs of The Baltimore Ravens at a Pre-Oscar event in Beverly Hills.  It was great discussing how it felt for him to be a Super Bowl champion.  We also talked Beyonce and his favorite actors.  Watch our conversation below.

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Quencie Interviews Nicci Gilbert

I interviewed Nicci Gilbert at Roland Martin's launch party in Beverly Hills. You may remember Nicci from the girl group Brownstone who gave us some great R&B hits. She also was a part of the R&B divas reality show which appeared on TV One.

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We talked about her fashion line Curvado, R&B Divas and the late great Whitney Houston. Check out our conversation below.  

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Quencie Interviews Isaac Singleton Jr.

I interviewed Isaac Singleton Jr. at the Celebrity Connected event honoring the Academy Awards. We talked about Oscar nominated movies and his Marvel voice over super hero roles.  He also shares advice about getting into the business. Check out our conversation below.  

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Quencie Interviews Biz Builder and Social Media Genie, Ashley Ann

I had such an amazing time interviewing Ashley Jones of Ashley Ann’s Events on Skype for Studio Q. She is a talented award winning wedding and event designer who is a rockstar in her field. You can find this late night biz builder @KingAshleyAnn sharing free social media tips to thousands of people every Monday - Thursday at 11:05 pm (CST) on the live-streaming Twitter app called Periscope. She is a social media genie who has been in business for 11 years and is quipped with a with a B.A. in Finance and M.B.A. Ashley has made a name for herself by offering beautiful, unique, professional designs and productions. She inspires creative detail, and modern, elegant atmospheres. She is also an outstanding business woman excelling in social media lead generations, lead magnets, funnels, and return paths.

In the business world, Ashley is known for getting results, and simplifying social media and CVO so that her clients achieve desired outcomes. She pays exquisite attention to every last detail in the boardroom and in the ballroom. Ashley's bright personality and calm demeanor help her clients relax as she creates one-of-a-kind atmospheres. 

In my conversation with Ashley, we discuss business, social media, her overcoming amazing personal obstacles, her thoughts on the Shea Moisture controversy and so much more!  This is a conversation you don't want to miss! Press play below.

Quencie Interviews Serena Laurel

I interviewed singer/songwriter Serena Laurel at the Celebrity Connected event honoring the Academy Awards.  We talked about Casey Affleck's Oscar winning role in the movie 'Manchester of the Sea.'  Check out our conversation below. 

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Quencie Interviews Donnell Turner

I interviewed Donnell Turner at the Celebrity Connected event honoring The Academy Awards. You can catch him daily on one of the longest running soap operas on TV, General Hospital.  He talked about how he got his role on the show, Oscar movies and shared some amazing advice for those of you who want to step into the acting world.  Check out our conversation below.  

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Quencie Interviews Cooper Andrews

It was great to interview Cooper Andrews at the Celebrity Connected event honoring The Academy Awards.  You may recognize him from The Walking Dead and Halt and Catch Fire on AMC.  We talked about his favorite Oscar nominated movies and his upcoming role in Den of Thieves alongside with 50 cent. Check out our conversation below. 

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