Fans Divided Over Lizzo and Jack Black's Guest Roles on 'The Mandalorian'

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The recent surprise appearance of Grammy-winning artist Lizzo on the hit Disney+ Star Wars spin-off
series, "The Mandalorian," has sparked controversy among fans of the show.

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Lizzo just knighted Baby yoda aka grogu. What is happening in Star Wars #TheMandalorian #StarWars pic.twitter.com/FWnEsqgTyH

— Atom (@theatomreview) April 5, 2023

In "Chapter 22: Guns for Hire," written by Jon Favreau and directed by Bryce Dallas Howard, Lizzo portrays The Duchess, a leader of the distant planet Plazir-15, whom Pedro Pascal's Mandalorian encounters while searching for the former crew of Bo-Katan, played by Katee Sackhoff. Jack Black also appears in the episode as Captain Bombardier, while Christopher Lloyd plays the planet's security chief, Commissioner Helgait.

While some fans were thrilled to see the talented trio on their favorite show, others took to social media to express their disappointment and frustration.

Disney put Jack Black and Lizzo in an episode of "The Mandalorian" to kill Star Wars entirely https://t.co/elahJidraz

— Not the Bee (@Not_the_Bee) April 5, 2023

"Disney put Jack Black and Lizzo in an episode of 'The Mandalorian' to kill Star Wars entirely," wrote one Twitter user.

Another fan expressed similar sentiments, saying, "I actually like Jack Black and Lizzo as performers, but I can't imagine this being any good. It's like how I love chocolate cake, and I love onion rings, but I don't want onion rings on my cake."

I actually like Jack Black and Lizzo as performers, but I can't imagine this being any good. It's like how I love chocolate cake, and I love onion rings, but I don't want onion rings on my cake.

— Lankychris (@Lankychris) April 5, 2023

Despite the negative reaction from some viewers, Lizzo's performance was praised by others.

Jack Black and Lizzo are instantly my favorite Star Wars couple. #TheMandalorian pic.twitter.com/kUk59geBYf

— Gianni Raisins (@BGaytion) April 5, 2023

"Jack Black and Lizzo are instantly my favorite Star Wars couple!" raved Twitter user @BGaytion.

The surprise cameos add Lizzo, Black, and Lloyd to an impressive list of celebrities who have made appearances on the series, including Jason Sudeikis, Taika Waititi, Timothy Olyphant, John Leguizamo, Adam Pally, Horatio Sanz, and W. Earl Brown, Olyphant's Deadwood co-star.

New Docuseries 'Family Legacy' on Paramount+ Promises Intimate Look at Offspring of Notorious B.I.G., Diddy, and Brandy

Courtesy Paramount+

The offspring of iconic artists are set to take the spotlight in the upcoming reality show "Family Legacy," scheduled to premiere on Paramount+.

The show was announced by the network today and aims to "relive some of entertainment's most iconic moments and provide viewers with an intimate look at their favorite artists," according to a statement from Paramount+.

Quincy Brown, son of R&B singer Al B. Sure! and stepson of Sean "Diddy" Combs, serves as the show's narrator, promising an intimate glimpse into the next generation of musicians. The recently unveiled trailer for "Family Legacy" provides a tantalizing sneak peek into the lives and careers of these famous musicians' offspring.

C.J. Wallace, son of the late Notorious B.I.G., pays heartfelt homage to his father as "the greatest rapper of all time." Melissa Etheridge's daughter, Bailey Cypheridge, proudly embraces her identity as the "OG lesbian baby," while Briahna Fatone, daughter of *NSYNC's Joey Fatone, shares a special bond with her father.

The docuseries also features Andrew Hagar, son of Van Halen's Sammy Hagar, Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boys' Brian Littrell, Nathan Morris II, son of Boyz II Men's Nathan Morris and Draven Bennington, son of Linkin Park's Chester Bennington, among others.

Christian "King" Combs and Justin Combs, both sons of Sean "Diddy" Combs, also make an appearance, along with Sy'Rai Smith, daughter of Brandy, and Tron Austin, son of TLC's Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas.

"Family Legacy" is set to premiere on April 25 on Paramount+ in the U.S. and Canada.

Watch the official trailer below:

Kem's Memoir 'Share My Life' Reveals Journey of Love, Faith and Redemption

Photo Credit: Keith Majors

Grammy-nominated R&B artist Kem will release his memoir, "Share My Life: A Journey of Love, Faith and Redemption," on Tuesday. The book takes readers on an intimate journey through Kem's life, from a difficult childhood to homelessness and his rise to international stardom.

Kem is renowned for his polished and smooth style, earning four Grammy nominations and releasing numerous hit albums and singles, including "Love Calls," "I Can't Stop Loving You," "Why Would You Stay," and "Nobody." The memoir shares its title with one of Kem's No. 1 hit singles and is published by Simon and Schuster. Kirkus Reviews praised the book as a "forthright chronicle of hard-won success."

In his memoir, Kem bravely delves into the emotional struggles he faced on his journey to success. Growing up with an alcoholic mother and a distant father, Kem battled with feelings of abandonment, turning to drugs and alcohol to cope. After finding himself homeless and in drug rehab centers, he discovered his passion for music, composing songs that would eventually appear on his debut album, "Kemistry." This seminal work catapulted him into the ranks of Motown's legendary icons.

"I think it's my responsibility to share my life — the good times and the bad — so that I can encourage and inspire others," Kem said about his motivation for publishing the book. The memoir was co-written with music biographer David Ritz, known for his biographies of music greats such as Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and Willie Nelson.

Photo Credit: Keith Majors

To coincide with the book's launch, Kem's label home of twenty years, Motown Records, will release his live album "Anniversary" on April 7th. The album features hit singles from Kem's entire career and was recorded at The Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre in Detroit during the fall of 2022.

"Celebrating the 20th anniversary of my signing to the Motown label is exceptionally significant for me," Kem said. "Having the last two decades of my career culminate in a live album recorded in Detroit, in the city and with the people who first heard 'Love Calls' and helped put me on the map, is epic."

Kem is currently embarking on a co-headlining national arena tour with Ledisi called the Soul II Soul Tour. The tour kicks off on Friday and features Musiq Soulchild as a special guest. Fans can purchase tickets online at musicbykem.com.