Posts Tagged ‘American Idol’

Trump – This Week’s Winners

Ace – Spike Lee.  Our most provocative Black director has done it again.  He debuted his follow-up to his award winning documentary When The Levees Broke (chronicling the Hurricane Katrina disaster and its effects on New Orleans) this week on HBO.  This one is called If God Is Willing and Da Creek Don’t Rise and focuses on how New Orleans is still rebuilding from the 2005 hurricane.  Lee also addresses the response to the oil spill in the Gulf Coast.  Leave it to Lee to bring us much needed commentary on what has become an almost urban legend in society now.  Kudos to him.

King – Takers.  The much anticipated film seems to be everywhere this week, and not just on BET.  Ads have proliferated our minds, the stars have been on almost every talkfest imaginable (radio included) and producer Will Packer has been hosting premieres nationwide.  Looks like we could have a serious hit on our hands.

Queen - Mariah Carey.  The songstress is now rumored to be close to signing on as a judge for the new, revitalized American Idol panel.  If this is so, it could definitely mark a new career rebirth for the megastar.  With her slowly accepting married life (and supposedly waiting for a new baby Cannon), this could be the wisest move to ensure she stays in the limelight…even if its not performing on a stage.  And it gives her a chance to be reunited with one of her most successful producers, Randy Jackson.

Jack - Michelle Williams.  Who said Beyonce was the only successful member of the pop/R&B trio sensation Destiny’s Child?  After successful runs on Broadway, Williams has now signed on to be a contestant on the British version of Dancing with the Stars (the show is called Strictly Come Dancing).  Not only is it an unexpected move for her, but it’s preceded by the announcement that she’ll return stateside after the show to begin work on a new solo album. 

10 – Fantasia.  Despite all the gossip and whispers surrounding her suicide attempt, the American Idol champ and Broadway standout is on track to see her third album Back To Me debut solidly on the Billboard 200 Albums chart next week.   I’m glad the attention is focusing back on her music and not on her unstable personal life.

Trick – This Week’s Losers

5 - Wyclef Jean.  So the Haiti Elections Council rejects Jean’s bid to run for the presidency of his hometown.  Jean appears to be okay with it.  Then, he decides to appeal the council’s decision.  Dude, make up your mind!  Or do us all a favor, and just take the L and move the heck on! SMH.

4- New Jersey Public Schools.  Did you hear about how each state was asked to compete to split almost $4 billion from the Government to aid education (the top ten states would split the money)?  Well, apparently New Jersey goofed on their paperwork, submitting the wrong fiscal records and NOW the Governor wants to make a big stink about it.  Not only that, in the spirit of camaraderie, he’s not naming the person who screwed the state’s application up.  Oh well, they’ll have to settle for 11th place.  I don’t understand how educators incorrectly complete an application and then in turn expect a handout for THEIR wrongdoing?  Consequences and repercussions….

3 – Tiger Woods.  The golf phenom just can’t catch a break.  With his divorce now finalized (and the settlement being kept under wraps), his ex is talking about the crazy ordeal and how she was “devastated and disappointed” in her husband.  We’d never heard her side of the story but this can’t possibly help Tiger, whose been trying so hard to remodel his former squeaky clean image.

2- The Emmys.  If ratings don’t significantly increase for this Sunday’s telecast, it could spell the end of TV’s highest honor being aired on the Big Four networks.  Imagine watching the Emmys on TBS…TNT…or USA?  I shudder at the thought.  THAT would be the ultimate diss.

Joker- Glenn Beck.  Not only has Beck called our President a “racist,” he has now scheduled a “Restoring Honor” rally on the same day we remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have A Dream” speech.  While Beck asserts that the rally is strictly to honor the military men and women serving the country, political pundits say that the rally – to be held at the Lincoln Memorial – is nothing more than a divisive attempt to take the focus away from King’s message.  Throw in the fact that Sarah Palin is supposed to be a keynote speaker at the rally and I’m just completely thrown at the gall of this man.

Most people discover music when they listen to the radio, watch a music video on TV or attend a concert; Joonie was not one of these people.

Born Calvin Gary, Jr. in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Joonie grew up around the sounds and vocals of true, genuine music – his mother was a singer and his father was a keyboardist.  Quite naturally, he ventured into the music arena, teaching himself how to play many instruments (including the piano and guitar) by the age of 12.  Possessing an unparalleled level of focus, determination and ambition, he’s been working tirelessly to bring his sound – one reminiscent of a time when AutoTune and synthesizers had not proliferated our eardrums and watered down our music tastes – to a mass audience.  Besides his singing and instrumental abilities, Joonie is also a songwriter; in fact, his original plan was just to write but after providing vocals on demos for his songs, he decided to become a full fledged performer.  He’s worked with some big names in the music industry, including Grammy nominated stars Angie Stone, Ruben Studdard and Mos Def.  In addition, Joonie toured with American Idol finalist Elliott Yamin, generating buzz across the nation for his own unique vocal stylings and heartfelt lyrics.

He released his debut album, Acoustic Love, on April 27, 2010.  The album, laced with tales about the highs and struggles of genuine relationships, is simply amazing.  His songwriting skills are definitely on full display as he crafts stories about emotion, unlike the sexy, raunchy, over the top lyrics currently getting mass radio play. Defying all odds, Joonie is an artist on the rise.  He took some time out to chat with XI about his thoughts on the music business, his work and why he almost quit the business. 

XI: What inspires your music?

My music’s inspired by different things depending on what I see or feel at that moment.  However, lately its been inspired by the desire and fantasy of having perfect love.

XI: Who are your musical influences?

Nat King Cole, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill to name a few.

XI: What are you listening to right now?

I’ve been listening to Janelle Monae right now. Just came across her music last week and she’s one of the few artists who’s music takes me to another place.

 XI: Who are some people you would love to collaborate with?

I’d enjoy a collab with any artist who’s making solid music. I just enjoy creating.

XI: How do you want people to feel after they listen to your music?

I want people to feel as if they just walked out of a smoky closet into a huge breath of fresh air after hearing my music.

XI: In reading your bio, it was apparent that you rejected an image that your record label was trying to force upon you and subsequently, you lost a desire to do music.  What triggered your return to music, particularly to singing?

The spark that lit the fire of me wanting to stand openly as an artist again was touring the world as Music Director for American Idolfinalist Elliott Yamin. He, the band and his fans gave me so much love and encouragement and here I am now.

XI: Your debut album, Acoustic Love, really goes in depth regarding emotions and what it means to really be in a relationship. Was this inspired by your life experiences?

The album is definitely inspired by life experiences as well as fantasy. There is a such thing as true love, and “Acoustic Love” is an audio blueprint of how to obtain it, not just in relationships but even in yourself.

XI: What are you working on right now?

I’m always working on production and I’m working hard to get this great music to the masses. Make sure you all support, spread the word and check me out at www.jooniezone.com

XI: Describe your music in one word.

Water

I’m deeming this guy one to definitely keep an eye (and ear) on.  His music reminds me of Jill Scott’s ballads – the ones that make you feel while you’re listening to it.  Make sure you show this brother some love by visiting his webpage and spreading the word about his work!

Trump – This Week’s Winners

Ace- Shaquille O’Neal.  The 4 time NBA champion signed with the Boston Celtics this week in a calm, simple press conference.  Shaq moving to the land of the Green adds yet another juicy plot line to next year’s basketball season. 

King- Halle Berry.  The 44 year old(!) Academy Award winning actress graces the cover of September’s issue of Vogue.  The best example of the phrase: “good black don’t crack!” 

Queen- Desiree Rogers.  The former White House Social Secretary, who resigned after the mega guffaw resulting in party crashers at President Obama’s inaugural state dinner, landed a posh new job this week: CEO of Johnson Publishing Company, home to Jet and Ebony. Don’t call it a comeback!

Jack- Rihanna.  With her duet with Eminem “Love The Way You Lie” sitting pretty atop the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart, Rih Rih ties the record for most #1 pop singles by a female artist, joining the ranks of Mariah Carey, Beyonce and Lady Gaga. 

10- Taraji P. Henson. The Academy Award nominated actress is signing on for some pretty remarkable roles as of late.  She’s just confirmed that she will headline the sports film From The Rough, which is inspired by the life of Dr. Catana Starks, the first female head coach of an NCAA Division I men’s golf team at Tennessee State University.  Filming begins in New Orleans in early October. She’ll next be seen in The Good Doctorwith Orlando Bloom. Kudos to you Taraji for branching out and not being typecast.

Trick – This Week’s Losers

5- Trey Songz.  Despite the fact that dude seems to be absolutely everywhere these days, it looks like audiences are beginning to lose interest.  His BET reality “docu-series” My Moment is languishing in the ratings, scoring less than 500,000 viewers when it aired an original episode this past Sunday.  With his next album – Passion, Pain & Pleasure – due on September 14, he has to hope that this won’t translate into bad sales.

4- Wyclef Jean.  After topping our “Trump” list last week, Jean finds himself on the lower end this week with increasing backlash about his decision to run for President of his home country Haiti.  Former Fugees band member Pras has openly criticized Jean’s decision and contests the position, indicating that Wyclef has no concrete plan to bring the struggling country into the 21st century.  This is ironic, considering Pras and Wyclef are childhood friends.  In addition, Academy Award winning actor Sean Penn (whose been in Haiti since the earthquake hit, assisting with relief initiatives) has also criticized Wyclef, saying he hasn’t spent enough time in Haiti since the earthquake disaster and pointing out the misappropriation of funds related to Wyclef’s charity, Yele Haiti.  When colleagues and fellow celebrities openly diss one another, the outcome is never good.

3 – Step Up 3-D.  I guess adding another dimension to the viewing experience couldn’t save this film.  It bombed at the box office, pulling in only $15 million in its opening weekend, the lowest opening of the franchise.

2 – Jennifer Lopez.  Just when it looked like Fox was about to officially announce La Lopez as one of the new judges on American Idol, word became official that her offer has apparently been rescinded, due to “diva demands.”  This was her last shot to become relevant again…after a much delayed album and her fizzling movie career, J. Lo may have to fade to black after this latest debacle.

Joker – Fantasia.  Despite rave reviews for her latest single “Bittersweet”, the former American Idol champ finds herself embroiled in controversy concerning her dalliance with a married man, his subsequent divorce and the surfacing of a sex tape.  This is not what we expect from our beloved ‘Tasia and for that, she ends up on the bottom of our losers list this week.  Damage control needs to happen quickly; she’s never been painted as a saint but she surely wasn’t considered a sex tape vixen either.  To make matters worse, she was hospitalized this week for overdosing on aspirin and a sleep aid…sounds like she may need a break from the spotlight.

American Idol seems poised to shock the entertainment industry for its 10th season.  Word broke yesterday that new judge Ellen DeGeneres will officially not be returning, even after completing just ONE season on her five season contract.  In addition, Kara Dioguardi is also out, after barely returning last season.  Original judge Randy Jackson has one season left on his contract but no one is commenting on whether he will be back.

The shake up is being attributed to the return of original executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, who had defected 2 seasons ago to focus on his So You Think You Can Dance? televsion show.  Apparently the terms of Lythgoe’s return agreed to completely overhaul the entire judging panel, bringing in 3 brand spanking new judges.  Rumors circulating around Elton John and Justin Timberlake occupying judging seats were shot down by their camps. 

However, today there’s news that Jennifer Lopez will be stepping in.  She’s no stranger to the Idol scene – she’s performed on the show, served as a mentor and has publicly praised the show and its format.  Fox is not confirming or denying the report but the industry is abuzz that they will make an official announcement of the new trio at their press conference on Monday, showcasing their new slate of shows for the 2010-11 television season.

Stay tuned to XI MAGAZINE for full coverage and new developments.

Trump – This Week’s Winners

Ace – Inception.  The movie finally debuted and it DELIVERED.  Despite a complex plot, the film raked in over $60 million at the weekend box office and generated much of the watercooler discussions this week as to its tricky ending.  Looks like director Christopher Nolan (of the new Batman franchise) can do absolutely no wrong with his innovative films.  Talks of a sequel have been downplayed but they can’t leave us hanging like that!

King – American Idol.  The reality karaoke contest has been awash in controversy after its recently concluded stale season 9 but is now ALL  over the news, thanks to the big question surrounding who will replace notoriously rude judge Simon Cowell.  Topping the list?  Chris Isaak, the seemingly washed up singer from the early 1990’s.  Harry Connick, Jr.’s name is also being bandied about and apparently Donald Trump’s people have reached out to Fox about Mr. Trump sitting at the judge’s desk (WTF).  Bret Michaels is officially out of the running, according to Fox executives.  Sigh, with auditions already started, time is running out for them to name a suitable replacement.  But I’m sure they’ll leave us waiting because episodes don’t reappear until January 2011.

Queen- Halle Berry.  The Academy Award winning actress will headline the film adaptation of the best selling book Shoe Addicts Anonymous.  The plot centers around 4 women who wear size 7.5 shoes, sharing them and their life experiences.  Berry continues to stretch her acting muscle and this would be her first foray into classy comedy (lest we forget B.A.P.S.)

Jack – Tracy Morgan.  The 30 Rock star (and former Emmy nominee) will headline his own HBO comedy special this fall entitled Tracy Morgan: Black and Blue.  This man is hands down hilarious and I’m sure he’ll join the list of legendary comedy specials (much like Kevin Hart’s recent hit).  The special is set to air in November.

10 – Taylor Swift.  This year’s Grammy winner for Album of the Year announced via a chat session on AOL that her follow up album – titled Speak Now – will debut on October 25.  With Fearlessstill soaring on the album charts and newfound pop success, Swift is looking to give the record industry a major bump in the latter months of the year.  Wouldn’t it be funny if her and Kanye West released their albums on the same day?  Crazy thing is, who would debut at #1?  Even crazier – the thought that it might just end up being Swift.

Trick – This Week’s Losers

5 – Foxy Brown.  Ill Na Na was arrested this week for violating an order of protection when she engaged in a verbal altercation with a neighbor who had a restraining order against Brown.  After a high profile stint in the big house in 2007-2008 and an arrest in 2007, you would think Foxy would learn how to behave herself. SMH.

4 – Usher.  Yes we reported here last week that Usher was releasing a sequel to his hit album Raymond vs. Raymond.  However, the “new” sound on the sooon to be released Versus has failed miserably at radio with the new single “DJ Got Us Fallin In Love” not getting much airplay at all.  Maybe he should have left this “new” sound to its rightful owner – the Black Eyed Peas – and stick to ballads like he’s used to.

3- Lil Kim.  Yes, another female hip hop star ends up on this side of our list sadly. The Queen Bee has been buzzing in the rap game for 15 years this year.  So why in the world must she be so consumed with dissing new hip hop queen Nicki Minaj.  I would think that Kim would take the high road and just do her thing but every interview she’s done lately has contained jabs at Ms. Minaj.  Does Kim not realize that her “disses” are actually bringing Nicki even MORE press?  Does Kim realize that she hasn’t had a hit since “Lady Marmalade”?  Lil Kim if this is your way of getting back into the newspapers, shame on you.  What ever happened to letting your music speak for you?

2- Keyshia Cole.  I’m sure you may be asking why did Ms. Cole make an appearance on our “Trump” list considering she recently came out of hiding during the BET Awards.  Well, Keyshia made the list because news broke this week that her loud-mouthed, trouble making mother Frankie will be a member of VH1’s latest installment of Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew.  VH1 has not announced what Frankie’s addiction is but I’m sure she’ll give the camera tons of instant soundbites that will become viral.  Keyshia has to be kicking herself for doing that reality show and bringing her mom into the public eye.  Let’s just hope it’s not too bad of a trainwreck.

Joker- The NAACP.  It’s a shame that I have to place this once noteworthy and relevant group at the bottom of the stockpile this week.  But the gaffe against Shirley Sherrod is one for the Stupid pantheon.  How dare you not get the whole story?  How dare you publicly denounce, reprimand, and chastise Ms. Sherrod and then quickly recant a goof that cannot (and really should not) be forgiven.  Shame on Benjamin Jealous for not assessing the situation properly and forming an informed opinion.  With the tension between our oldest civil rights organization and the neo Tea Party group, it looks like racism will continue to be on the forefront of today’s society…I feel like we should move on to bigger and better things but this embedded disease seems to be destined to exist.  And just cause our President is black, don’t mean a daggone thing.

Trump – This Week’s Winners

Ace - Ryan Seacrest.  The blonde haired Everyman is apparently on the top of CNN’s short list to replace the veteran newsman Larry King.  With American Idol’s  popularity waning, this could be the perfect opportunity for Seacrest to officially become the King of All Media, hands-down. In addition, King has made it no secret that he wishes for Seacrest to succeed him.  Notable mention to Katie Couric who is apparently in talks as well.

King – Batman 3.  The much anticipated follow up to the Academy Award winning blockbuster The Dark Knight is will officially begin production in April 2011 according to director Christopher Nolan.  While the script is still being polished, Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Christopher Bale are all scheduled to return for this installment.  The film is set for release by Warner Brothers on July 20, 2012.

Queen - Taraji P. Henson.  The Academy Award nominated actress, who appeared in this summer’s hit family film The Karate Kid, has signed on to star in a new Lifetime movie, Taken from Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story.  She’ll play the titular role, following the real life story of an African American mother whose 7 year old son was kidnapped and taken to Korea in the summer of 2007.

Jack – Judge Judy.  The venerable talk show once again soared to the top of the syndicated show rating chart, trumping none other than the Queen of Daytime herself Oprah Winfrey.  Her show averages 6.6 million viewers, up 7% from a year ago while Queen O is averaging 6.4 million viewers and is down 1%.  Maybe people like more drama and less self-help during their afternoon hours.

10 – Pandemonium: The Lost and Found Orchestra.  The creators of the hit Broadway show Stomphave developed a new show featuring even more innovative music by utilizing such diverse “instruments” as glass bottles, whirly toys, and musical saws.  The show’s debut occurs during the same year as the 40th anniversary of Stomp and kicks off its North American tour in Miami on September 16; stops in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago and Toronto are all scheduled.

Trick – This Week’s Losers

5 - Big Boi’s Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty.  One half of the popular Outkast couldn’t muster up blockbuster first week sales like fellow hip hop acts Eminem and Drake, who both sold over 500,000 copies in their debut weeks.  Big Boi didn’t even manage to crack 100,000 copies and landed at #3 behind his aforementioned peers.  He’ll need a strong second single to make sure the album has staying power.

4 - Sheryl Underwood.  Comedienne Underwood is courting much controversy since she jumped ship from “The Tom Joyner Morning Show” to join “The Steve Harvey Morning Show.”  Many are calling her a “sell-out,” along the lines of Lebron James’ recent defection from Cleveland to Miami.  Industry insiders are whispering that Underwood may have done permanent damage to her career by dissing Joyner to join his top rival’s morning radio program but Underwood claims it was not an “out of nowhere” decision and that she had guested on Harvey’s program several times before.  Hmmm, shame on you Sheryl!

3 – Edward Norton.  After spearheading the remake of Hulk, Norton has been dropped from the all-star cast of The Avengers, that includes Robert Downey, Jr. and Samuel L. Jackson.  Adding insult to injury, Marvel Studios didn’t even give a proper explanation for his dismissal.  Word is Mark Ruffalo (The Kids Are All Right) is in talks to take on the role of the green colored hero.

2 - Mel Gibson.  Sure, Hollywood seemingly forgave Gibson for his anti-Semitic rant a few years ago but this time, it looks like his career is officially done.  Gibson’s ex-girlfriend released several career-killing voicemails from him, where he wished she would be raped by “n***as” and also spat venom at the Latino community as well.  His management company dropped him this week as well.  The Academy Award winning director and actor will need a miracle of God to save him this time around.  Well at least he has Whoopi Goldberg on his side: The Viewmoderator vehemently denied that Gibson is a racist because she’s hung out with him many times and simply said his words were “boneheaded.”  Boo to you, Whoopi.

Joker - Oprah.  Not only is her talk show not picking up steam in its final months but now comes word that her unauthorized biography (which O personally disowned) will hit the silver screen.  Yep, Kitty Kelley is hammering out a deal to adapt her best selling tell-all tale about Winfrey for the film treatment.  Crazy thing is, which studio will be bold enough to produce and finance it?  And who will play Lady O? To make matters worse, Kelley wants the film to coincide with the finale of O’s talkfest in September 2011.

Oooh, chile…the streets are definitely talking…Have You Heard?!

Former NBA Player Divorces Former Real Housewife NBA-TV analyst Eric Snow filed for divorce on Wednesday from his wife and Real Housewives of Atlanta outcast, DeShawn. Once college sweethearts, the two have been married for 12 years but are currently separated.

The court papers state that there is “no hope for reconciliation.”  Also, in the documents, Eric Snow has requested that he and DeShawn Snow have joint custody of their three children: Eric Javon Snow, Darius Michael Snow, and Jarren Christopher Snow.

The first season of RHOA started with Eric Snow as one of the captains of the Cleveland Cavaliers and DeShawn Snow as an extremely active Atlanta socialite, sitting on the board of three different charities and running her own non-profit that focused on improving self-esteem in teenage girls. She hosted two charity benefits — one in front of RHOA cameras — to little success.  After being criticized for failing to get in the middle of the show’s dramatic muck, she was replaced by Kandi Burruss for the second season.

In an interview with Essence magazine, Snow said “ called and said that I was “too human for a circus show” and that because the show did so well, they are about to pump up the drama and they didn’t think that I would fit in. … I’m fine with the decision. It wasn’t my decision. They let me go and there are no hard feelings. I am thankful for the opportunity.”

So, another couple bites the dust… In the mist of all the craziest on RHOA and the stigma that comes with being a “basketball wife,” I thought Deshawn and Eric actually rose above it all in order to survive the drama and their marriage. Although most viewed them as boring and less than entertaining, I’m sad to see the two split.

In Idol News…

Well, we’ve all have heard that Simon Cowell won’t be returning to American Idol next season.  With the ousting of former judge Paula Abdul and the welcoming of Ellen Degeneres to replace her, Abdul is suppose to make an appearance on the famed talent show.  A source is telling the media (much to the chagrin of Idol producers) that she will return for the show’s finale as a special send-off for Cowell.  And Christina Aguilera is among the superstars rumored to take to the stage during the finale.

But who is ready to fill Cowell’s shoes next… None other than the Sean “Diddy” Combs.  Diddy tells MTV, “I have been fronting all this time, trying to act like I don’t want that spot, I spoke to Simon’s business manager, and I found out how much that boy makes a week. I am praying right now to ‘American Idol,’ … I want everybody to get on Twitter, MySpace, Facebook and say that Diddy should get the Simon spot — but for the same amount of money that Simon was getting, else it’s a deal-breaker. I’m tired of being cool: That number that Simon was getting a week is ridiculous. I can’t even be cool with that. Please, can I have the job, whoever’s in charge of giving that job?”

And surprisingly, he has the support of Idol winner Ruben Studdard who is vouching for Diddy.  Studdard is saying that Diddy has a no nonsense attitude when it comes to selecting artists for his Bad Boy label and reality TV show, Making the Band, and that he maybe good for the job.

Classic Diddy move… He only wants to join the show for the dollaz and additional fame, because getting this job will make him even more of a household name.  But, why am I secretly hoping he lands it?

The Radio Killa is Accused of Really Not Killin’ Those Tracks

The Dream and Mariah Carey are in hot water after a Bay area producer and songwriter have filed a lawsuit against them for allegedly stealing the song, “My Love.” Preston Marshall and Demario Driver claim they created the original song in 2008 when it was called “Are You the One.” According to reports, the pair played the track for music marketing associate, Jeff Huffman, who promised to get the track produced by some big names, but he never followed through.

“I sent the song to him via email,” Marshall said in an interview. “I never heard back from him.”  Less than a year later, he said, the single “My Love,” off Dream’s Love vs. Money, was released, featuring vocals from Carey. “I was hurt because you put a lot of time and effort into this,” said Marshall. “You know, music is my life. I feed my family this way.”

Marshall and Driver are seeking $450,000 in damages for copyright infringement, international interference with economic advancement and fraud. Huffman and Island Def Jam are also named in the suit.

WOW!  I am also hearing the two songs in question sound very much alike, and that this could really be bad news for Mr. Radio Killa, Ms. Mimi, and Def Jam execs.  Ouch!

Could Halle Really Be a B*%$# When It Comes to Her Relationships?

Recent reports are saying that Halle Berry wasn’t very nice in her relationship with ex-boyfriend, Gabriel Aubry. Details of the allegations are suggesting that Ms. Berry is a mean girlfriend!

Just last week I told you that a source spilled the beans on the couple’s current custody battle, but now another source close to the couple has told US Weekly the actress is “notoriously difficult to be with.”  Also adding that “ badgered him all the time.” Even though Gabriel made an estimated $700,000 a year as a model, she would belittled him about the failure of his NY Cuban restaurant, Cafe Fuego, which opened in 2006 and closed less than two years later. “Halle called him a loser. She’d rub it in his face that she’s an Oscar-winning actress and he’s just a model,” says the source. “He couldn’t take it anymore.” A second insider concurs. “She’s a nightmare, no picnic to date.”

And while no abuse occurred in her relationship with Aubry, sources say Halle is so scarred by her past that she’s been unable to move onto a healthy relationship. “She sabotages things,” says an insider close to both Berry and Aubry. “She couldn’t deal with someone unconditionally loved her.”

These “sources” are saying a bit much these days in Gabriel’s defense, which makes me raise an eyebrow.  But, this time around could Ms. Berry’s failed relationship really be an undoing of her own?  Not excusing the physical abuse she has endured in the past, but when discussing with people why one of the most beautiful women in the world cannot keep a man, I’ve always said because she could also be ugly on the inside.

Rihanna performing “Rockstar 101″ for American Idol Live.