There were a few surprises during last night's GRAMMYs show, and not all were good ones.  Get Beyoncé's "surprise" appearance, pics you didn't see during the show, and the mishaps with Bow Wow, Lauryn Hill, and Run DMC inside....

Beyoncé's appearance during last night's show may have been a surprise to the audience at home, but it wasn't a total surprise for everyone.

Before King Bey sashayed out on stage in this stark white Inbal Dror gown to present the Record of the Year Award, and before the GRAMMYs teased her appearance on a commercial break, her seating placecard was discovered by a few folks at GRAMMY rehearsals and soundcheck earlier that day.

E! reports that her dressing room didn't have her name, but instead was marked "PB & J" on the outside.  Cute.

While backstage, Bey was spotted catching up with her NYC neighbor Taylor Swift as they floated past one another.

And the "Formation" singer took the stage to announce Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars "Uptown Funk" as the winner of the Record of the Year Grammy.

As for the mishaps, there were a few.

If you follow us on social media, you saw us re-post one of Lauryn Hill's band members' pics as he announced they were rehearsing for a surprise performance with The Weeknd. 

But as nominee's performance of "Can't Feel My Face" and "In the Night" came and went last night with no sign of Lauryn, folks were confused. 

Lauryn's rep then put out a statement saying the performance was supposed to be a surprise, but it just didn't come into fruition at the last minute.  And Grammys shouldn't have announced it so early (well, L Boogie's own bandmate did, technically):

“The Grammy’s announced a performance by Ms. Lauryn Hill prematurely and without approval,” said Hill’s rep. “Ms. Hill had concerts all weekend, leaving no time to prepare, and was uncertain she would even be able to make it to L.A. in time to rehearse for the event.”

“Any performance that could have happened was never confirmed, and should not have been advertised as such,” added the rep. “Ms. Hill was invited to do a collaboration with an artist she appreciates. The performance was intended to be a surprise and unfortunately due to its last minute nature, was unable to come to fruition.”

While the rep stated Lauryn was unsure she would make it to L.A. in time, band members themselves said they arrived at the 8 AM rehearsal in L.A.  Not only that, our source inside the rehearsals tells us that not only did Lauryn rehearse, she was definitely rehearsing inside the Staples Center and sounded prepared to perform.

The Recording Academy President was also pretty pissed.  He told USA Today:

It's a disappointment to us and a disappointment to her," Recording Academy president Neil Portnow said of the missing Hill after the Grammys. "Our intention was, and we were ready, right up to the moment of the performance, for her to step up on stage."

So if she was in L.A. for rehearsals, why didn't the notoriously late singer make it to the stage?  Neil says she simply didn't make it back in time:

"None of that statement is accurate," he said, adding that Hill attended rehearsals Monday morning. "She was there for it, completed it and left the building. And then she did not get back in time to make the show. I'm sorry, that's the bottom line. That's the truth. That's unfortunate. I guess those things happen."

Chile...

Another No-Show:

Rev Run and wife Justine Simmons hit the red carpet before last night's Awards.  He (and Run DMC) was set to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award.  While the Rev was definitely there in the building, for some reason, the Grammys telecast didn't include the Award being given.  Several different tributes occurred last night - from Lionel Richie's to David Bowie's to Maurice White -- but no Run DMC.

No word yet on the reasoning.

In another mishap:

Bow Wow, aka Shad Moss, was tapped to host CBS' LIVE Grammy pre-show.  The "CSI: Cyber" actor was getting his Terrence J doing the hosting thing. That is, until he randomly threw to the show opening....a whole minute and a half before it started.  And he did that MULTIPLE times.  It was the longest, most awkward countdown ever.  Was no one speaking to him on the earpiece?!

But, at least he nabbed an Adele photobomb.

Check out the cringe-worthy mishap below: 

Click through the celebrity backstage and audience gallery below to see what you DIDN'T see on TV...

EXTRAS:

1. R.I.P. to Vanity, former protege of Prince. STORY

Photos: Getty/Instagram

We’ve got a round up of performances you need to see from last night's 2016 GRAMMY Awards. Come inside to rock out with Andra Day, The Weeknd, Miguel, Lionel Richie and more inside…

The biggest night in music went down at the Staples Center last night. And it brought some epic performances from some of today’s biggest stars. We've already shown you Kendrick Lamar's EPIC performance, now get into the other performances from the night. 

Soulful songstress Andra Day stole the show when she belted out her track “Rise Up.” Her voice gives us chills.

Following her performance, she joined forces with Ellie Goulding for a remixed duet of Ellie’s “Love Me Like You Do."  Who else loves that song?! 

They were amazing. Peep their performance below:

Also hitting the stage....

Grammy winner The Weeknd, who nabbed two awards this year, hit the stage to perform his hit tracks “Can’t Feel My Face” and “In The Night.”

Before the show, the Canadian crooner announced Lauryn Hill would be joining him on the stage. Unfortunately, she was a no-show. There are a couple of rumors going around as to why she didn’t show up.

Some are saying she got caught up in traffic while a source tells Page Six they believe it was “some kind of disagreement with the production.”  We've got the ALL the tea on that HERE.

Either way, the show went on and The Weeknd did his thing. Check it out below:

By the way, The Weeknd turns 26 today. Happy Birthday!

R&B crooner John Legend (who won his 10th Grammy last night) kicked off a soulful tribute to legendary artist Lionel Richie, who also received the MusiCares Person of the Year honor.

John worked his magic on the piano as he crooned over “Easy Like Sunday Morning” by The Commodores, which was fronted by Lionel himself before going solo.

After John’s performance, singer Demi Lovato came out to sing “Hello” followed by country singer Luke Bryan hitting the stage to perform “Penny Lover.”  Meghan Trainor came out to perform “You Are” and then Tyrese closed out the tribute with the funkadelic hit “Brick House.”

The man of the hour then stepped up on stage to perform hiss track “All Night Long” and the audience was all for it. Check it:

For another tribute...

R&B crooner Miguel took over the stage to pay tribute to late music icon Michael Jackson. With a touching rendition, Miguel honored the King of Pop with a performance of “She’s Out Of My Life,” a cut from his highly successful ablum Off The Wall. The song’s original keyboardist, Greg Phillinganes, also joined him.

Before presenting the nominees for Best Rock Performance, Miguel reflected on MJ’s greatness saying, “It’s really hard to believe that it’s been more than 35 years since Michael won his first Grammy for a song from Off the Wall. It’s an album that broke down barriers in pop music and it’s now the subject of the new documentary by the legendary Spike Lee.”

R.I.P. MJ!

Peep his tribute below:

Music legend Stevie Wonder joined forces with a cappella group Pentatonix to pay a special tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire member Maurice White, who passed away a few weeks ago.

Stevie took the lead with the group to perform Earth, Wind & Fire’s hit 1975 track “That’s The Way Of The World.” And it was AHHMAZING.

"May you rest in eternal bliss and peace," Stevie said about Maurice.

Peep their tribute below:

“Hamilton”, the smash hit (and sold out for eons) Broadway musical where hip hop and history meet, performed the electrifying opening number “Alexander Hamilton.” The show has been sold out since hitting Broadway, so this was a special treat for everyone else. Plenty of YBF celebs have gone to see it, including President Barack Obama and his family.

Their performance was a big deal as it was the first time a Broadway performance was broadcast via satellite. Nice!

Get into it below:

The cast won a Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album and they rapped the entire acceptance speech. Ha! Check it below:

Congrats!

Closing out the show....

Miami rapper Pitbull was tapped to close the show. Actress Sofia Vergara made a surprise appearance (dressed as a taxi) during the finale performance. The 43-year-old swayed her hips to the beat of Pitbull’s "El Taxi” and she and Pitbull turned up the heat on stage.

Then, Pitbull performed his track “Bad Man” and brought out R&B crooner Robin Thicke and Aerosmith guitarist Joe Perry and Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker. Check it:

Photos: Getty

Hot actor Stephan James is gearing up for the release of his new film 'RACE,' a biographical drama that tells the story of legendary track and field sprinter and activist Jesse Owens. In celebration of Black History Month, get into the story inside and how Stephan says #OscarsSoWhite compares to the discrimination Jesse endured during the 1936 Olympics. More inside…

As we celebrate and reflect on all of the great African-American men and women who paved the way, just in time for Black History Month, a new feature film is set to be released to tell the story of one legendary track and field sprinter, Jesse Owens.

Jesse is arguably one of the greatest athletes of all time and was once dubbed as one of the fastest. Not only was he a beast on the track, he also broke down racial barriers that tried to hold him back due to the color of his skin. In 1936, he won FOUR (yes, FOUR) gold medals at the Berlin Olympics becoming the FIRST American to do so.

Now, the life story of the Olympic track and field champion will be told in a new biopic titled RACE, starring 22-year-old Toronto native Stephan James.

The 22-year-old actor sat down with Pop Culture Critic & TV Host Shannon Lanier(@MrShannonLanier) to discuss his new film with TheYBF.com. The SELMA star (he played John Lewis in the hit film) opened up about the #OscarsSoWhite controversy and how it compared to racism Jesse dealt with in the ‘30s.

The real life track and field star was put under major pressure to boycott the Berlin Olympics because of racial discrimination promoted by then Nazi Party Leader and German Chancellor Adolf Hitler.

When asked what he thought about the #OscarsSoWhite boycott, Stephan said,

“I think it’s certainly an important discussion to have and to raise. I’m happy people are talking about it. For this film, we tried to show people why it doesn’t matter what you look like or where you come from. You’re fully able to accomplish great things. Jesse never used any of that as a crutch and he only did things for the love of his sport and that’s so telling.”

Very true.

The Book of Negros star -- pictured above at the RACE premiere in Toronto last week -- was asked if he will be joining in on the boycott at this year’s Academy Awards ceremony. He never confirmed whether or not he will attend, but he did say he hopes the new film will help bring us closer together:

“For me, it’s not about what I’ll do, said Stephan. “I just really want people to see this film and get inspired by it. Stop thinking about all the things that separate us and more so about things that bring us together, and that’s what this film shows.”

While filming for SELMA in Atlanta, he started training for his role as Jesse Owens at the Georgia Tech track. He had to condition himself to run fast and to learn Jesse’s running style in order to portray him as best he could. He opened up about the exact moment he felt he really embodied the late athlete saying:

“I was truly beside myself," said Stephan. “To walk to the Olympic stadium, the same footsteps Jesse walked. I walked in there when no one was there. He walked in there 80 years ago and there were 150,000 people there. For me, that was a real moment. That was one of the moments where I feel like I really channeled him the most.”

Watch Stephan chat below about his thoughts on what we, as a people, should be doing today:

Check out the trailer below:

Last night...

RACE hits theaters next Friday, February 19th.

Photos: Focus Features/Arthur Mola/Invision

Don’t come for the queen if she did not send for you! An “Anti-Beyonce” protest was supposed to go down today, but hardly anyone showed up. Get the deets and peep the pics, plus get the VOGUE highlights from Solange's new interview where she opens up about redefining sexy and her sister’s “Formation” video inside….

THEY. Tried. It.

There was supposed to be an “Anti-Beyonce” protest in NYC today, but that just simply didn’t happen.

Shortly after Bey’s pro-black “Formation” Super Bowl halftime performance, an event popped up on Eventbrite encouraging folks who love the police to come out and protest outside of the NFL headquarters in NYC today. These so-called protesters were outraged by the international pop star’s performance, claiming it was anti-police and RACIST. Sighs….

Well, onlookers headed outside the NFL headquarters to catch the action, only to find hardly anyone there! Reportedly MAYBE two people showed up. BUT, there were plenty of BeyHive members out there to counter-protest the alleged event. Bloop!

Peep the pics:

@TheYBF no one from their group showed up. But folks showed up. pic.twitter.com/eA75CaxxPu

— Jacky Johnson (@JackyJ) February 16, 2016

My favorite photo from the Anti-Beyonce rally pic.twitter.com/u5aU31JvGS

— CatchGifUCan (@CatchGifUCan) February 16, 2016

Anti-anti-Beyoncé protest growing, still no anti-Beyoncé protest. pic.twitter.com/sDcp1X6vIm

— Alex Silverman (@AlexSilverman) February 16, 2016

Outside NFL HQ, at what was supposed to be an anti-Beyoncé protest. Only a few counter-protesters have shown up. pic.twitter.com/h8EiKnX9rc

— Alex Silverman (@AlexSilverman) February 16, 2016

Coming to you live from the dueling Beyoncé rallies, aka the starting point of the Second American Civil War pic.twitter.com/SaNCa29gLO

— WriteColonWrite (@DaveCoIon) February 16, 2016

Then the "Anti-Beyonce" protest turned into a Black Lives Matter movement:

Anti-Beyoncé protest turns to Pro-Black & Black lives Matter movement.

— Beyoncé (@BeysusTea) February 16, 2016

Don't start nothing, won't be nothing.

Speaking of Beyonce....

Bey’s sister Solange stopped to chop it up with VOGUE as she made her rounds at New York Fashion Week. The fashionista, who’s currently finishing up her new album, talked about redefining sexy as a married woman, what she thought about Bey’s “Formation” video, and the hardships of being a working mother.

Below are the highlights:

On redefining sexy as a married woman: I’ve been with my current husband going on eight years, and it’s interesting to me how I’ve redefined sexy through my relationship, in terms of becoming the woman that I am now. If I had to define sexy now, as Disney as it sounds, I would have to say it’s about complete and utter confidence. When I first started dating my husband, I wore so much color and print, and whenever I would wear black, he would be like, “Oh, my God, you look so sexy!” Now I have learned to understand the elegance and the sexiness of black. Living very publicly and going through all of these intense phases when you feel like that is truly who you think you are, I think that’s a part of your 20s.

On Beyoncé’s “Formation” video: I have always had tremendous respect for my sister as an artist, as a woman, and now as a mother. It’s been very interesting to see the impact that video and song have made globally, the connectivity that it had, and the power that it had. Honestly, I was just blown away as everyone else, because solidarity means so much, and there are so many different ways to communicate that. I think actually she has always communicated that.

On fashion being a vehicle for the solidarity message: For sure, fashion can be incredibly powerful. Overall from top to bottom, I think the entire messaging was heard loud and clear. The thing that I loved about it as well was that it gave a lot of homage to my parents, and the older I get, and the older my son gets, the more and more I recognize how much my parents primed us to make politics and social messages in our work. A lot of people don’t realize this, but my mom was super radical as a teenager, out there with the Panthers. And my father was definitely in the thick of the civil rights in Alabama. For the world it might seem like some new statement-making occurrence, but for me, I heard this every week at dinnertime.

On being a working mom: As an artist mom, that’s something I think people rarely speak about, but I know it’s something that other female artists face, too: The internal conflict that happens, and how to switch it off—when you’re a mother, it’s challenging. I’m really grateful that I’ve found a rhythm, but it took some time to find it. Now, if I’m going to be part of a project, then I really have to feel it, because there’s a sacrifice that I have to make to be away from my family. When [my son] was younger, he came everywhere with me, so there was a lot more freedom with that. Now my son is 11 and about to go into middle school. They grow up so fast. That’s my heart and pride, and when I go home, that’s all that matters.

Aww…loving those relatable working mom comments!

You can read her full interview here.

Photos: Getty/Don Colon's Twitter/VOGUE via BFA

Faith Evans is an official vet in the game celebrating 20 years in the music biz. Come inside to peep her party flicks with celeb friends Kelly Price, MC Lyte, Amber Riley, Jordin Sparks and more inside….

It’s hard to believe 20 years ago Faith Evans made her debut on the music scene with her first single “You Used To Love Me.” The track is a classic and we STILL bump that ish 20 years later.

Over the weekend, the R&B Diva celebrated her 20th anniversary in the music industry and her Grammy nomination for her track, “He Is.” The song was nominated in the Best Traditional R&B Performance category. While she didn’t win the Grammy, she had fun partying with her celeb friends at The Sayers Club in Hollywood.

Her friend and fellow R&B Diva Kelly Price was also in the mix to party with her friend. Faith and Kelly was busy hitting up several events during Grammy Weekend.

Still hanging on to his 15 minutes of fame, Patti LaBelle superfan James Chanel Wright (left) got an invite to the shindig.

Legendary raptress MC Lyte came out to celebrate with her longtime friend. She hit the carpet alongside author/entertainment exec Lynn Richardson. In music news, Faith lent her vocals on MC Lyte's track "Last Time" off of her 2015 album Legend. Always nice to have friends who are talented.

Fresh from celebrating 16 years of marriage, the "Flex& Shanice" reality show stars came out to celebrate with Faith. Looking good!

Soul singer Lalah Hathaway popped up on the carpet rocking her purple tipped locs and a super comfy outfit. Lalah was the one who beat Faith in the Best Traditional R&B Performance category for her single "Little Ghetto Boy.”

When friends link up! Besties Amber Riley and Jordin Sparks couldn't stop smiling as they caught up with one another.

The "Glee" star was also celebrating her 30th birthday. Jordin wished her a Happy Birthday with a sweet social media message saying, "Happy birthday to a real one!! @msamberpriley!!!! Love you so much Ambs!!! The show has only just begun girl and I can't wait to see what's next for you! Go best friend that's my best friend!!#chocolatediamond #flirtythirty"

R&B crooner Anthony Hamilton, who filed from divorce from his wife over the summer, stepped out in his Cowboy-inspired ensemble to party.

"LAHH: NY" star Yandy Smith was also in the mix. She came with her artist Lil B. Peep their arrival pics HERE.

Selfie time!

Faith was in the celebratory mood, snapping flicks with all her friends who came out to support her.

Then Amber made sure to nab pics with Yandy and Kelly Price. Hmm...we would love to get a joint track with Kelly and Amber.

Photos: Pacific Coast News/Jordin's IG/Amber's IG/@busyb80

New York Fashion Week in full swing in the Big Apple with celebs like Ciara, Jennifer Hudson, Zoe Kravitz, Jason Derulo & Daphne Joy, Tessa Thompson, Karrueche and more making their rounds. Pics inside….

NYFW Fall 2016 is poppin’ with runway shows galore around the city. And the YBF celebs are on the scene soaking up all of the latest fashions to possibly add to their wardrobe collection.

Fresh from the Grammys, Ciara jetted back to NYC from L.A. to hit up the Coach Fall 2016 show during NYFW today. The "I Bet" singer and her Super Bowl QB boyfriend Russell Wilson have been practically joined at the hip. But, for today's show, she went solo.

Cute.

Inside, she took her front row seat sandwiched between actresses Chloe Grace Moretz (who is the current Coach campaign star) and Emma Roberts.

Lawd! CiCi isn't taking any breaks before she heads out on her JACKIE Tour at the end of March.

Broadway starlet Jennifer Hudson has been hitting up runway shows in between hitting the stage for “The Color Purple.” The YBF chick was off yesterday, so she made her way to the Zac Posen Fall 2016 fashion show at Spring Studios looking elegant in a black  wide leg jumpsuit and a floral trench coat for a pop of color. 

JHud’s “Color Purple” co-star Cynthia Erivo joined her putting her best foot forward in a flirty green frock.

The R&B singer plays Shug Avery and the British star plays Celie in the hit Broadway musical. They have been praised with awesome reviews for their performances in the revival musical. We've seen the show ourselves and it's AMAZING.

It's clear a few Zac Posen pieces caught JHud's eye as she was perched on the front row alongside Katie Holmes, Scout Willis, and Odeya Rush.

After the show, Jennifer and Cynthia snapped it up with designer Zac Posen and more:

Fab!

Celebrity stylist June Ambrose has been heavy on the NYFW scene, but made sure to stop by the Zac Posen show.

She was all about that selfie life, grabbing Canadian model Coco Rocha to join her while her husband James Conran looked on.

Former "America's Next Top Model" runway coach J. Alexander came out to soak up the Zac Posen show. And he was doing the most.

Elsewhere at NYFW....

DOPE star Zoe Kravitz has been all over NYFW since it kicked off last week. She was spotted perched on the front at the Vera Wang Collection Fall 2016 fashion show held at The Arc, Skylight at Moynihan Station.

Zoe hasn't really taken any risks this year as far as her ensembles go. She has been sticking to all-black everything these days. We wonder if she's in a "mood."

While her boyfriend Tyga returned to L.A. to tend to his son, Kylie Jenner is still hitting up NYFW shows...in pink wiggery.

Fashionable DJ Hannah Bronfman, who is good friends with Solange, hit the NYFW scene to check out some new designs.We see those toned abs peeking through.

Beyonce's stylist Ty Hunter caught up with June Ambrose and hit the front row together at the Vera Wang show.

At another event...

R&B crooner Jason Derulo played the supportive boyfriend role to support his girlfriend Daphne Joy, baby mother to 50 Cent, walking in a NYFW show. We can't lie, her body is envy worthy.

The fitness maven hit the runway for the Willfredo Gerardo show last night. Jason hopped on his Instagram to praise his woman saying, “U did amazing 2night babe #NYFW #newyorkfashionweek @daphnejoy.”

Hmph.

Following her NYFW runway debut, she snapped it up with the designer and other models who hit the runway for his show.

Elsewhere....

CREED star Tessa Thompson was also on the NYFW scene. She popped up at the Rodarte Fall 2016 fashion show in an eye-catching ensemble. It's a lot going on with this jumpsuit...and shoes. But are we feelin' it?!

On the front row, she chopped it up with actress Kristen Dunst before the show.

At another presentation....

Karrueche Tran was front-and-center at the Vivienne Tam Fall 2016 fashion show yesterday. She stood out in a green leather jacket over a black-on-black ensemble and light colored boots.

She showed off her new haircut alongside her good friends and actors Eric West and Tashiana Washington.  Wonder if there are any Beauty Blenders on the scene....

Later, she posed it up with designer Vivienne Tam and she fanned out on Instagram calling it "total moment" when she got the chance to pose for pictures with her.

Model Selita Ebanks was also in attendance at the Vivienne Tam show.  By the way, Happy Birthday Selita!

As she made her rounds, she snapped it up with Vivienne and former "E! News" correspondent Alicia Quarles:

Thoughts on Selita's look?

Alicia also caught up with Vivienne on the carpet.

At another show...

Model Liya Kebede took a break from the runway and was front row ready at the Tory Burch Fall 2016 collection. Interesting outfit she chose.  We love all the pieces...separately.

Photos: Getty/Daphne's IG

In today’s candids, it looks like Blac Chyna is lawyering up after her baby daddy Tyga filed some paperwork after her recent arrest. Meanwhile, Tracy Morgan was spotted with his family, Usher hit up a party and Jennifer Lopez dined in L.A. Pics inside….

Let the custody battle begin.

Tyga’s ex-fiancee Blac Chyna was spotted leaving a lawyer’s office in L.A yesterday. It appears she may be lawyering up after Tyga filed paperwork requesting to have his visitation with their son King re-evaluated after Chyna got arrested. The former stripper turned eyelash entrepreneur was booked and charged in Texas for allegedly being drunk in public and having a controlled substance in her possession last month.

T-Raww wants the judge to let him have King during the week and Chyna have him on the weekends. But, not so fast. Chyna isn’t taking it lying down….it seems.

Since going public with her relationship with Rob Kardashian last month, Chyna has been busy in the gym and cooking healthy meals trying to get her boo back healthy. Rob gifted her with a huge Valentine’s Day gift.

The reclusive Kardashian gifted his boo with a massive size crystallized portrait of herself. Making it extra special, Rob had the lyrics of John Legend’s song, “The Beginning,” inscribed on the piece. Chyna captioned "The Beginning" in the first pic she posted of Rob on her page.  She said it's their song or whatever. The portrait reportedly cost a cool $35K.

Check it:

 

A video posted by www.Lashedbar.co (@blacchyna) on Feb 14, 2016 at 1:55pm PST

Must be nice...

Comedian Tracy Morgan was spotted out with his wife Megan Wollover and their daughter Maven Morgan yesterday.

Loving little Maven's puffs!

The comedian, who made his triumphant return to television last fall, brought his family along for an appearance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" We can't wait to see the episode. We know Tracy will bring the laughs. It's like he never left.

Elsewhere...

After partying at L.A. Reid's pre-Grammy brunch over the weekend, Usher was back on the scene to party with another celeb friend. Last night, he hit up  The Nice Guy to attend Justin Bieber's private pre-Grammy afterarty. We didn't see him at the Grammy Awards, but he has been hitting up events in Hollywood over the weekend.

Also....

“Shades of Blue” star Jennifer Lopez is back in L.A. after wrapping up her “All I Have” residency in Las Vegas. She was seen leaving a restaurant with a friend yesterday.

While she still hasn’t confirmed her current relationship with her former ex-boyfriend Casper Smart, it’s pretty clear the twosome are an item. He’s all over her Instagram page and they were all smiles this past Valentine’s Day. Happy for her.

You can check JLo out in action as a shady cop on "Shades of Blue" Thursday nights on NBC.  And we have to admit, we're liking the show more than we expected to....

Photos: FameFlynet/Splash/Pacific Coast News

Well looka here. “Hot 97” radio personality Nessa has gone public with her relationship with NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. The thing is, she used to date his former teammate Aldon Smith and we hear the two got into a huge altercation last summer. Was it over Nessa? Let’s discuss inside…

Well, well, well, what do we have here? Looks like a new couple alert!

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (who mostly sat on the bench last season) and “Hot 97” radio host Nessa have gone public with their budding romance.

Over the weekend the Super Bowl champ and MTV “Girl Code” host put their relationship on front street attending the Valentine Hearts fundraiser event to benefit Camp Taylor, a free camp for kids with heart disease. They were busy spreading good cheer and putting smiles on the kiddies faces. But, they were also making a statement to the world to let us know they’re officially an item. And they’re no longer hiding it.

So what Nessa used to date his former teammate Aldon Smith! Oh, you forgot?

Mmhmm…we didn’t. Here’s Nessa with Aldon attending the 2015 MTV Movie Awards back in April. Sources say Nessa hooked up with Colin over the summer and they’ve been hitting it off ever since. Which would explain that alleged scuffle between Colin and Aldon last summer.

It was reported the two got into a fight on the field during the 49ers training camp back in August. At that time, Aldon was going through some major issues. He was let go from the 49ers following his third DUI arrest and then there were rumors that his ex (Nessa) was hooking up with his teammate Colin. It was unclear what the fight was about at the time, but it’s pretty clear now....even though Colin tried to act like the fight never happened.

These folks sure move along fast...

Photos: Getty/@camp_taylor

Kendrick Lamar gives a once in a lifetime experience for a few high school students from his alma mater. Get the deets on their day out with Kendrick and check out The Roots and Jimmy Fallon's re-make of LL Cool J's "Going Back To Cali" inside....

Not only did he sweep up several awards at this year’s Grammys, Kendrick Lamar had a handful of students from his alma mater celebrate with him.

The “Alright” rapper dominated the Grammys with a provocative performance and he nabbed FIVE awards to solidfy his musical genius. But before he got to the Grammy festivities, he was busy giving back to his hometown of Compton.

The Compton native, who received the key to the city over the weekend, invited a handful of students from his former high school, Centennial High School, to spend the day with him before the Grammys AND to join him at the awards ceremony.

In collaboration with Reebok, K-Dot gave the six high school students an experience of a lifetime. With just 11 miles separating Compton from the red carpet, they dubbed the experience "11 Miles To Glory." The TDE rapper met up with the high schoolers where he sat down and hung out with them, snapped pics and even gifted them with a brand new pair of Reebok Classics before they watched him take over the biggest night in music.

In the clip, he says, “Seeing them out here reminds me of where you come from. They're full of energy. The same as I used to have and the motivation to want to do something with themselves."

To show their appreciation, the students gifted Kendrick with a pair of Reeboks where they all wrote congratulatory messages to him before he took the stage. Sweet.

He adds, “In the next 10 years from now, hopefully they’ll be further than where I’m at. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Just give us the feels then Kendrick!

Peep the touching clip below:

On late night television....

“The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” is taping in L.A. for the week. So, to kick things off, The Roots and the late night TV host re-created LL Cool J’s 1989 hit track “Going Back To Cali.” How appropriate.

In the clip, Jimmy pretends to be LL in the black-and-white visuals that mimic the original video. Towards the end, LL even makes a cameo decked out in his 80s gear. Head back to Cali with Jimmy, LL and The Roots above.

Photos: Reebok

Rihanna, Kanye West and Holly Robinson Peete are spazzing out! Get the alleged deets on why RiRi skipped out on her Grammy performance, 'Ye’s latest rant about being in debt and Holly reading the Grammys for their lackluster Natalie Cole tribute inside….

Rihanna was tapped to perform at this year’s Grammy Awards, but she cancelled minutes before she was set to hit the stage! She and her people cited "bronchitis" and doctor's orders to pull out last minute.

Today, new tea is spilling and there seems to be more to the story. 

According to TMZ, sources tell them RiRi was hysterically crying and screaming before she bailed, but it’s still unclear WHY she was cutting up. She threw a MAJOR fit before leaving out.

The most credible update on the situation comes from Julie Chen, co-host of "The Talk" on CBS and wife of CBS' President Les Moonves.  Since the Grammys air on CBS, she's got the inside track.

Julie commented today on the afternoon talk show about the situation, based on first hand info from the network itself.  Unsurprisingly, there is zero truth to Rihanna bailing last minute after learning Beyonce would be there. (Which makes sense because Beyonce was only a surprise to the public watching, not the performers, producers or the network.  They were aware before Monday that she would be there.)

There is truth, though, to the fact doctors told her she should rest her vocal chords....after she left the stage saying she didn't like how she sounded.  There was also going to be a small skit involving James Cordon.  Rihanna and James hadn't even yet rehearsed it before she had a melt down and left.

In addition to that, network sources say after her rehearsal that day, she simply didn't like how her performance sounded.  We saw the rehearsal video, and she sounded her usual self.

Interestingly, the “Work” singer hit the stage to honor Lionel Richie at the MusiCares Person of the Year event (above) Saturday night and everything seemed fine then. But apparently, ish went left Monday and Rih decided NOT to hit the stage at the 58th Grammy Awards.

Kanye West is keeping up with his rants continue to download The Life of Pablo.  (By the way, he said he's "never going back to Apple, so the album will not be on iTunes.  Only TIDAL.)

Reports now state he went ballistic backstage at SNL before his performance this weekend.  It went so far, Lorne Michaels (head honcho at "SNL") and Kanye's wife Kim had to come backstage to calm him down, minutes before the live show began.  He was threatening to walk out....because he did't like how the set looked for his performance.

While most of us were recovering from the Grammys, Ye hopped on Twitter to addresses a few things that were on his chest. Like his $53 million debt! We’re surprised he didn’t pop off at Taylor Swift after her subtle clap back during her Grammy acceptance speech.

Nope. He had other things on his mind. In a series of tweets, he talks about people using his debt against him and then presented the idea of a fashion house bailing him out of debt. Really Ye? He then thanks Adidas for believing him and allowing him to create as he so pleases. Peep the tweets below (read from the bottom up):

We really want Ye to have a sitdown with his homie Rhymefest, soak in all he has to say and act on his advice.

In other news:

Folks are up in arms over the way the Grammys paid tribute to late 9-time Grammy Award winning singer Natalie Cole. And that includes YBF actress Holly Robinson Peete.

During the Grammy’s "In Memoriam" segment, the famed songstress’s tribute was placed in a minute long tribute with other late artists and musicians. Many felt she deserved way more than just a few-second tribute.

FYI – Natalie Cole passed away on December 31st as a result of heart failure brought on by idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH).

Holly hopped on Instagram to express her disappointment saying:

And she’s not the only one upset about. Natlatie’s siblings have spoken out and are just as outraged. "Sadly a FORGETTABLE tribute to Natalie Cole," Natalie's sisters, Timolin and Casey, told Entertainment Tonight."Words cannot express the outrage and utter disappointment at the disrespectful tribute, or lack thereof, to a legendary artist such as our sister."

Natalie’s son Robert Adam Yancy was just as upset telling ET,

"Here is a woman who has been in the business for four decades, had 21 GRAMMY nominations and won nine GRAMMYs. She deserves more than (to be a part of) a minute-and-a-half tribute. It was shameless the way they minimized her legacy. We will find solace in her legacy as well as her endless fans around the world."

No song tribute. No performance. Nothing like the Davie Bowie and B.B. King tributes.

The folks behind the Grammys heard about the outrage and have responded.

According to Billboard, the show’s longtime producer, Ken Ehrlich said, “Frankly, I think it was appropriate." He also thought the video clip was the most “touching and emotional” tribute he could have presented to his friend.

Hmph.

Ken continued,

“For the record, there was an email exchange, and I told Timolin what we were doing, and she seemed to be very happy with it. And what I told her is that we had talked about having an artist do something for Natalie; at one point I was playing around with ‘Miss You Like Crazy,’ because I love that song. But when I looked again at the Grammy show we did where she won for ‘Unforgettable,’ and I saw the last 45 seconds of that number, where her father (Nat King Cole, on the big screen) throws her a kiss, she throws him a kiss, and then she turns to the audience and throws everybody a kiss -- that just was so touching and so emotional to me that that felt like it had to be the end of the whole 'In Memoriam' segment. I hadn’t looked at that clip in several years, but when I saw it again, I knew it was right.”

Hmmm... If she was such a good friend, then why not have a special tribute for her including the clip? Sighs….

Thoughts? Should the Grammys have given her a better tribute?

Photos: Getty

Sheesh!  Teyana Taylor just shut down the entire post-baby game, and it's not even fair.  Check out the singer flossing her utterly ridiculous bikini body alongside her man Iman Shumpert, plus The Anthonys and the Wades and LeBron on their post-NBA All Star vacays inside...

Teyana Taylor and fiance Iman Shumpert's baby girl Iman Jr. (whom they call Junie) just turned two months old.  So the NBA baller took a post All Star vacay to Miami with his wife to get some relaxation time in.

Clearly, it pays to have a baby at 25.  Because chick's body snapped ALL the way back and Teyana is on fire these days.  Perhaps, she looks even hotter than pre-baby.

She and Iman posted up her beach pic in her teeny weeny bikini and flowing cover up.  Then they snapped a few videos...in slo mo.

 

A video posted by Jimmy Neutch (@teyanataylor) on Feb 16, 2016 at 1:49pm PST

 

A video posted by Jimmy Neutch (@teyanataylor) on Feb 16, 2016 at 3:02pm PST

Sheesh...

Speaking of hot mamas:

LaLa Anthony jetted straight to Puerto Rico with her fam after All Star, and she wasted no time slipping into this sexy white embellished swimsuit by AZÙRRA Dubai and posing it up for the 'Gram.

Get.It.

The Puerto Rican beauty and her Knicks baller husband Carmelo Anthony (whose father is Puerto Rican) often travel to the island for R&R and to give back.

Melo was there this time to push his new soccer team, the Puerto Rican Football Club, and to have a media day.

Carmelo founded the team in 2015 as part of the North American Soccer League.  Congrats Melo!

On another island:

Gabby Union and Dwyane Wade are living it up in Curaçao.  The "Being Mary Jane" star kept it super fab in a black & white bikini while posing it up for the 'Gram:

Hot.

The twosome relaxed in paradise at the Baoase Luxury Resort before wrapping up their trip today.  Nice.

Dwyane's former teammate (but still current bestie) LeBron James is also chillin' in the sun during this break:

Bron and the Cavs return to work tomorrow night against the Bulls.  Work hard, play harder.

Speaking of NBA All Star, Kobe Bryant celebrated his very last All Star game this past weekend.  Click thru the gallery below to go inside the epic night, and all the celebs who came out to celebrate the Black Mamba....

Photos: Instagram

Angela Bassett weighs in on the O.J. Simpson scandal, and Brandy opens up about losing a movie role to Tika Sumpter. Deets inside...

Angela Bassett’s husband Courtney B. Vance is starring in the hit crime drama “The People vs. O.J. Simpson” as defense attorney Johnnie Cochran. If you watched last night’s episode, you see we’re right at the point where Johnnie Cochran joins O.J.’s “Dream Team” defense as they prepare to build their defense on race.

Now, the “American Horror Story” actress is weighing on the murder scandal 20 years later.

In a new interview with Closer Weekly, the 57-year-old actress says she believes O.J. killed his wife Nicole Brown Simpson. She tells the publication when asked her thoughts, “Yeah, I think O.J. did it.”

The Oscar nominated actress then added she’s praying for their children who lost their mother in such a brutal way. She continued,

“But what’s most important are those lives that were lost in that senseless, reckless, violent way and the young children who lost their mother. My best wishes are for their comfort."

We’re sure it has been difficult for Sydney and Justin Simpson to have to relive this tragic moment in lives play out on television.

In another new interview.....

The season finale for Brandy’s new BET sitcom “Zoe Ever After” aired this week. So, she has been making her media rounds to promote the show (which we surprisingly thought was cute series).

The R&B singer/actress stopped by ABC Radio to talk about her new show and how she lost out on a movie role to another YBF actress.

She also dished about working with Martin Chase on the history making 1997 TV movie classic (and the first time Cinderella was portrayed as a black woman) Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella. She reflected on a time where she had given up and quit everything. Music. Acting. Everything.

Debra was working with Mara Brock Akil on the Sparkle revival and did all she could to get Brandy the role. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough and the role was given to actress Tika Sumpter. Brandy explains,

“There was a time where I had stopped everything and I had a meeting with her and I just told her that I wanted to work with her again and if she had anything she was doing to please keep me in mind – you know, that heart-to-heart conversation,” Brandy shared. “And she did Sparkle with Mara Brock and Salim and I went in and auditioned and she was really behind me, like really encouraged me, just really had my back. And I had felt good about my audition by it just didn’t work out.”

While the Sparkle role didn’t work out, fate brought Brandy her very own sitcom. And a role that she could easily adjust to. Being a single mother of a 12-year-old daughter (Sy’rai Smith), she said she wanted the series to mimic a bit of her personal life as she co-parents with Sy'rai's dad, Robert Smith. She said,

“I also wanted Zoe to reflect a bit of my personal life. I’m a single mom but I co-parent with Syrai’s dad, which I think is beautiful. I think is mature. I think it’s a great thing and I think it’s great for people to see that. And that was really important to me. So those were the two things that meant everything; to see the co-parenting and to see this woman in her thirties still striving for what she believes in and what she wants to do.”

We wonder if that means Robert stays trying to get some nookie and interferes with her new relationships. 

Stil, it's nice to hear she and her ex are co-parenting effectively.

"Zoe Ever After" aired its season 1 finale on Tuesday. No word yet on if it will be renewed for season 2.

Photos: Getty/Brandy's IG

Russell Wilson was spotted on a retail run in Beverly Hills, sans his girlfriend Ciara. Meanwhile, Laila Ali and Porsha Williams were competing for a taping of the upcoming new season of "Celebrity Apprentice." Pics inside....

Looks like Russell Wilson is picking up something nice for Ciara (or himself) while she attends runway shows at NYFW.

The Super Bowl winning quarterback stayed in L.A. when CiCi jetted back to NYC for Fashion Week following the Grammys. Russell was spotted cruising around at Michael Kors in Beverly Hills yesterday, likely doing some gift shopping for his love.

We see Ciara's whipped him into style shape these days...

Elsewhere....

Lady in yellow!

Laila Ali was spotted shooting scenes for the upcoming season 8 of “Celebrity Apprentice” yesterday. The boxing champ was looking pretty in a bright yellow wrap dress and black sandals. That textured bob brought her whole look together.

Laila’s co-stars Brooke Burke, Boy George, and Matt Iseman joined her to compete in a charity chocolate sale at See’s Candies in L.A. yesterday. Since Donald Trump is out, Arnold Schwarzenegger will be hosting the new season and will determine who will be fired each week.

Another one of her co-stars was aslo busy sharing flicks of the chocolate sale for the 'gram:

Porsha Williams. One of her Dish Nation co-workers, Frank Kramer, stopped by to show her some support.

Her co-star/singer Vince Neilreportedly raised $200,000 for the Keep Memory Alive charity as part of one of the competitions. We assume Porsha was on his team since they were all smiles snapping it up alongside some Hooters’ girls.

Fun times. Let's hope Porsha plays nice. We know what went down when a certain other"RHOA" star competed on the show....

We will get to see who took home the win and who was sent home once "Celebrity Apprentice" returns to NBC. No official date has been set just yet.

Photos: WENN/Pacific Coast News

Plenty of our faves got into colorful formation to honor Jazmine Sullivan, Andra Day and more at the recent Essence Black Women In Music event.  We've got plenty of pics inside which should fill your R&B fix....

It was all love -- and a colorful purple carpet -- at ESSENCE’s recent 7th Annual Black Women in Music event, sponsored by The Lincoln Motor Company for the seventh consecutive year.  TheYBF.com was on the scene of the event as some of our faves stormed the Avalon Hollywood in Los Angeles to celebrate 2016 GRAMMY® nominees with special performances from Andra Day and Jazmine Sullivan, with Adam Blackstone and The BBE All-Star Band.

Speaking of colorful:

If your fave style profile is a mix of prints and colors, Andra Day never disappoints.

The "Rise Up" singer posed it up with Essence Communications President Michelle Ebanks and the mag's EIC Vanessa K. De Luca.

It's only right celebs shared the carpet with the new Lincoln Continental and MK as the brand was the exclusive auto sponsor.  

V Bozeman twirled onto the carpet in fringe and sparkles.  Love her!

And MC Lyte is determined to remind us black still doesn't crack.  Like, ever.

By the way, when a reporter from a certain mainstream publication asked her about Beyonce's "Formation" video, likely trying to get a negative soundbite, her answer: "You're really going to waste your question on that?!"

Ha!

She went on to basically say she loved it.

Fab chick Jazmine Sullivan hit the carpet before hitting the stage to perform.  She snapped pics with the Essence team and new multicultural communications manager Raj Register.

"blackish" cutie Yara Shahidi kept up the colorful vibe in this super cute frock by Moschino.  She recently celebrated her 16th birthday.  By the way, all new episodes of the show return tonight!

Zendaya rolled up to the scene in all black with that stunning face of hers.  We noticed, by the way, that Z arrived just seconds after Trevor Jackson, the singer-actor she was previously linked to.  The two are just friends (at least now they are), especially because we've just learned the Disney gal may have a certain football player in her grasps....Odell Beckham Jr. 

More on that later today.

Cutie Trevor is definitely grown now.  The 20-year-old -- who is super tall and totally caught us off guard with his cuteness -- rocked a vintage Corss Colours jacket and Cult of Individuality jeans as he hi the carpet to chat about his new projects.

He chatted with us about his stand out role on this season of "American Crime" as the son of Andre 3000 and Regina King's characters saying:

"I'm loving the fact that I'm able to play a black man who doesn't have to be a thug or poor or a crackhead.  I can be intelligent. And he's just like anyone else on this planet who has to grow up and figure out what he wants to do in life. That's a message anybody could relate to.

A couple ladies we don't see much:

Vanessa Williams -- showing off that bod of hers -- and singer Tweet made a statement on the carpet.  Loving this yellow frock of hers.

Bilal and George Clinton, both of whom worked on Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly, showed up to support the ladies and nominees.
 

Lalah Hathaway kept it simple in a little black dress.

Corinne Bailey Rae made a rare appearance and rocked cute gold pants.

Estelle made a statement on the carpet with ESSENCE EIC Vanessa.

Our fave "girlfriend" we loved to hate on "Girlfriends"...Keesha Sharp is now starring in "The People vs. O.J. Simpson" as Johnnie Cochran's wife.  Her hair was giving life on that carpet by the way.

We're glad the fab chick and fab actress is still nabbing gigs.

Christina Milian rocked a simple yet sexy black dress with a statement piano clutch for the occasion.

MTV "Girl Code" star Alesha Renee rocked a cute jumpsuit and posed it up after interviewing folks on the carpet.

Queen Latifah made her way inside and posed it up with Mr. Clinton.

But we also caught her boo'd up with her girlfriend inside as well.

 

We spotted #QueenLatifah and her boo chatting up the crowd at #BlackWomenInMusic tonight.

A video posted by TheYBF.com (@theybfdaily) on Feb 11, 2016 at 11:01pm PST

Inside, Jazmine Sullivan and Andra Day rocked the stage with a few of their songs we love and had us all in our R&B feelings:

Loves it.

Photos: Lincoln/TheYBF.com

This just in: TV exec Channing Dungey has been named as the new president of ABC Network making history as the first African American to run a major network! Deets inside...

Black excellence alert! When we see black girls out here getting in formation, we can hardly contain ourselves.

TV Executive Channing Dungey (above, alongside "Scandal" star Kerry Washington) has been named the new President of ABC Entertainment, becoming the first black executive to run one of the Big Four networks’ entertainment division, according to Deadline.

You read that right.

A black woman will now be running a major network after former president Paul Lee abruptly left the network. Apparently, there was some sort of “power struggle” between Paul and Ben Sherwood, co-chairman of Disney Media Networks/ president of Disney|ABC Television Group, and it caused Paul to bail.

Before taking her new position, Channing oversaw many of our favorite ABC shows, including “Scandal,” “How To Get Away With Murder,” “Quantico,” “Criminal Minds” and more.

While her new position is something to celebrate, we must note that she’s going into the new gig mid-season.  Unfortunately most of the ABC shows are currently suffering from not so great ratings. She’ll be calling all the shots on what gets greenlit for a new season, which shows get the axe and which new shows will be added to the ABC lineup.

We'll see what type of shakeups she will perform once the Upfronts come in May.

Congrats Channing! 

Photo: SocietyNewsLA.com

Life is about winning, losing and then WINNING again, at least that’s MSNBC host Melissa Harris Perry's outlook on life. Catch the inspirational gems our fave MSNBC host dropped inside…

“When life throws you lemons, make lemonade.”

Well, while it’s very cliché, the phrase is the blueprint to success. Ask MSNBC host Melissa Harris Perry.

The TV personality suffered two major setbacks, one in her personal life and her career, but that didn’t stop her determination and drive. The wife, mom and powerful political talker now hosts her very own show, “Melissa Harris-Perry” on MSNBC. She’s also a professor at Wake University serving as the Maya Angelou Presidential Chair while teaching two courses, “Black Lives Matter” and “Wake The Vote.”

But, life wasn’t as “peachy keen” as it seems now. Melissa went through some hardships and failures, but she remained positive and looked at those setbacks as empowerment. Tools that would help her take her career and life to the next level. In fact, those failures put her ego in check.

In an interview with Phailure Inc, Melissa opens up about how failures can ultimately be a good thing in the long run and how she learned from the two biggest failures in her life: Not being promoted to full time professor at Princeton and getting a divorce. While the interview was conducted years ago (but just published for the first time this week), much of what she said still rings true. Pay attention, she drops some good wisdom all of us could benefit from.

Peep the highlights below:

On not being promoted at Princeton University:

"Certainly one failure that was very painful was not being promoted to the position of full professor at Princeton University. I talked a bit about this in the piece that Diversity in Higher Education did. Most people don't really understand how the academic world works. But basically I had a joint appointment. One of the departments which I had a joint appointment promoted me to full professor. The other department did not promote me. And the way that works is that if there is a split decision, then you are not promoted.

"You know, I already had tenure. I achieved one of the major goals that you have as a young academic. But I did not get to have the kind of final peace of being a full professor. There wasn't anything about this that meant my family couldn't eat. I could have kept my job at Princeton forever. But it certainly felt like failure. Anytime you submit yourself before judgement and your colleagues say, "no, I pass"... you know, that was certainly a failure in that I wanted to achieve it and I didn't."

"I am thrilled with what my outcome ended up being, and I quite likely would have left Princeton anyway for personal reasons because I wanted to be in New Orleans. But that failure will always be there. That I tried for something and I failed to get it. And that is happening at a time in my life when I have a ton of other successes, lots of great things going on. But even in the midst of all those big things, it shows that it is not an easy path and there are still failures along the way."

On getting a divorce after 5 years of marriage:

"Easily the biggest personal failure for me was that my first marriage ended in divorce. And whatever anybody says about divorce, it just sucks. Even if you know that it's better on the other side, even if you know the marriage itself couldn't be saved, there is just no way that divorce feels like anything else other than extraordinary personal failure. When you stand up there as a young person, you know I was 25 when I got married the first time -- when I said forever I absolutely meant it. It was not a joke. It was not a game. I meant forever when I said it. And we were divorced within five years and I had a young child. There is no doubt that the reverberations of that failure impact everything. They made me question my judgement, my ability to ever have the kind of personal life that I wanted. It impacted me financially. It impacted my daughter's life. It's one of those failures that keeps on giving. (laughs)"

On the benefits of failure:

"What all failures do -- whether they are small things or failing at my diet on any given day, or failing at something as big as trying to get promoted, or failing at my marriage -- any of those kind of failures are a very good ego check. (laughs) For me the hardest thing about having a public voice and a public life isn't the the negative blog comments or the hate letters -- I mean they are weird. But what's really the hardest is people that I don't know, saying that what I say matters or that they like or respect me. There is nothing easier than reading your own press and believing that you are invulnerable, that you can't be replaced, that you're the best things since sliced bread. A little failure -- failure and criticism can help to check that and remind you of our humanity. To remind you that you share with every other person the ups and the downs. And I think for me, the failures have always caused a lot of introspection, and honestly soul searching. It's probably true that my divorce had more spiritual effects on me than any other single life experience in terms of really getting me in touch with what I believe about the eternal, about God, about our responsibilities to us as humans. Typically I'm more likely to turn to God when I am failing and need help. (laughs)"

YAS to all of this! You can read her full interview here.

We love seeing her be so transparent about life's failures and turning them into wins!

Photo: Melissa's Twitter

Despite what Kanye West says, there's tons of parties still going on in L.A.  All week celebs have been burning down red carpets at tons of GRAMMY parties.  And Zendaya and Odell Beckham Jr. are burning up the rumor mill. 

Pics of the twosome hitting the red carpet together after the Grammys, plus tons of other parties that went down inside.

Now that pics are floating the net of Zendaya and NY Giants baller Odell Beckham Jr. getting close at an array of Grammy afterparties have surfaced, folks are wondering...are they or aren't they?

The 19-year-old singer, actor, dancer, model rarely makes public appearances -- back to back to back -- with a guy, so it's quite the eye brow raiser when we see 23-year-old OBJ thisclose to her all night after the Grammys.  And on several red carpets, from the Universal party to the Republic Records party, they're posing it up together.

Cover Girl model Z took off her mullet that she rocked at the Grammys and rolled to the afterparties in this all black look and Gladiator sandals.  Mmhmm we see you Z, and we're not mad if you've nabbed the 23-year-old star receiver.

Interestingly, the two were spotted leaving a party together.  When Odell hopped in Zendaya's car, driven by her very protective dad, photogs asked papa Coleman if the baller and singer were dating.

His answer saying "we" are just friends is HILARIOUS.  But it was definitely something LlIKE a date, with daddy chaperoning.  Pops said once we see his daughter out on a date without him, THEN it's a relationship.

Meanwhile, Z hit up at least 3 different parties with Odell, including that MAJOR after-afterparty up in the Hills at a Hollywood mansion hosted by GQ and Sony for The Weeknd:

 

A photo posted by GQ (@gq) on Feb 16, 2016 at 4:09am PST

 

A photo posted by Eric Ray Davidson (@ericraydavidson) on Feb 16, 2016 at 10:03am PST

 

A photo posted by Eric Ray Davidson (@ericraydavidson) on Feb 16, 2016 at 12:12pm PST

Z also caught up with Brandy and snapped pics togethe at the Repblic Records afterparty at Hyde on Sunset.

The "Zoe Ever After" star looked subtly sexy in a rose gold CD Greene dress at the party as she snapped a pic with Polow Da Don.

Actress Rashida Jones hit the party with her legendary dad Quincy Jones.  We see where she gets her sneaker game from.

Flo Rida, Questlove and Bilal hit the red carpet of the afterparty.

Doug E. Fresh and girlfriend Janell Snowden kept it cute at the party.  Loving her look!

'

Drake's daddy Dennis Graham STAYS on the scene doesn't he?!  And with a different chick every time... 

The prince of the night The Weeknd hit the party with girlfriend Bella Hadid, who changed into this hot leather thigh high boot look.

Over at the Mondrian Hotel's Red Light Management afterparty:

KeKe Palmeer showed off her new braids and short set.  We can't lie, the whole look works for her.

90's stars Christopher "Kid" Reid (of Kid & Play) and Leon Robinson posed it up with their homies on the carpet.

And fab chick Corinne Bailey Rae kept it cute with her curls.

By the way, The Weeknd's private after-afterparty with GQ magazine & Sony was extra lit.  It was at a mansion in the Hollywood Hills with everybody there.  And we mean everybody.  To the point cops had to shut that mug down:

Inside, KeKe posed it up with Ty Dolla Sign, Juicy J, the Weeknd's manager Tony Sal and more.

But before everybody headed to the hills, they hit Sony's post-Grammy reception at Hotel Bel Air:

Meagan Trainer and Miguel celebrated their big nights.

Janelle Monae caught up with L.A. Reid.

Johna nd Chrissy Teigen weren't letting that baby bump stop them from partying.

And Trinidad James...who is sampled on Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars' "Uptown Funk which won Record of the Year...thought he would go out liek this.  This guy...

Finally, lots of folks hit the Warner Music party at Milk Studios to mix, mingle and watch Missy Elliot perform:

Yes Sanaa!  Come through!  Loving this sexy little black dress and the effortless hair.

Sevyn Streeter switched up to blonde for the night and rocked a jeweled mini dress before heading to the HIlls for the GQ party.  Nice!

Nicci Gilbert threw on her flats because we already know how those heels can feel umpteen hours later.

Justin Combs made his rounds.

Where have you been Raphael Saadi?  Nevermind.  From the looks of this pic, we think we know....

Garcelle Beauvais rocked a sheer printed maxi dress for the party.

Andra Day loves her floor length shawls and furs.

MC Lyte and "Devious Maids" star Dania Ramirez vibed out in black and gold.

The fellas came out to party:

Ty Dolla Sign, Tank, RZA and Trevor Jackson lit up the carpet.

Terry Crews has got hops, and shows them off often.

Model Eugenia Washington looked pretty on the carpet.

We wonder if Randy is watching the last season of "American Idol."

Peep Missy tearing up the stage below:

Photos: Getty

Jennifer Hudson saved her best looks for last.  We've got pics of the Broadway star making her rounds on the final day of New York Fashion Week, plus Ciara, Yara Shahidi and more inside...

Wednesday at the Michael Kors show at Spring Studios, J-Hud donned a curve hugging red dress from the designer as her co-star from The Color Purple, Cynthia Erivo, kept it cutesy in blue:

This coat is everything.  Chic and simple.

Jenny caught up with Michael himself backstage.  She also hit up Prabal Gurung on Wednesday in this little black look:

"blackish" star Yara Shahidi also rocked the all black look over at DKNY Women's Collection show:

Cute.June Ambrose went black and white with a little edge for Bibhu Mohopatra's show:

She caught up with her homie Jay Manuel, then rolled on over to Xuly Bet show at The Gallery, Skylight at Clarkson Sq:

She snapped pics with photographer Mari J Brooklyn and musician Dapper Afrika.

After the Coach show the other night, Ciara switched into another Coach outfit to hit a few NYC spots:

Cute.  But when she got back to her room, she sang a song we're sure is for her love Russell Wilson.  Into a hair brush.  Ha.  Check the cuteness below:

 

Last Nights Shenanigans... #hairbrushmike. @cesar4styles Made Me Do It. Haha

A video posted by Ciara (@ciara) on Feb 17, 2016 at 6:27am PST

 

Oh Oh Pretty Baby!......part 2 of Late Night Shenanigans With My #HairBrush and @cesar4styles 

A video posted by Ciara (@ciara) on Feb 17, 2016 at 10:23am PST

Photos/Videos: Getty/Ciara's IG

Well what do we have here?  Has the almost divorced Chris Rock already found a new bae? It surely seems that way.  See the YBF actress who he made a public appearance with this week inside....

51-year-old Chris Rock may be in the middle of a messy divorce with wife Malaak Rock, but he seems to have still found love on Valentine's Day this year.  At Sunday's Clive Davis pre-Grammy dinner, Chris was extra cozy with "Arrow" star Megalyn Echikunwoke. The twosome have also been spotted together previously at the Global Citizens Festval in NYC this past September.

The 32-year-old daughter of an Igbo African tribe leader -- who actually somewhat resembles his soon-to-be-ex-wife -- previously played Don Cheadle's on screen girlfriend in "House of Lies," the President's daughter in "24," and also played in a few episodes of "The Following" last year.

The Washington state native hit the carpet in a flowy pink dress as it WAS Valentine's Day afterall.

Chris, who is hosting the Oscars at the end of this month, was all smiles Sunday night and snapped pics at his table with Megalyn, Caitlyn Jenner and more.

But it's the actress' V-Day gift that made us raise our eyebrow:

Right after Clive's event, Megalyn snapped a pic of bouquet of flowers she says was from her Valentine:

My Valentine got me wasted on them goooood roses last night. So hungover. Hope you had a happy V Day.

Oh?

We're not mad at it.  She's gorgeous, employed, and seems to make Chris smile.

We're keeping an eye on these two....

Photos: Wireimage/Megalyn's IG

Bloop.  We see you Rita Ora, scoping out the boo'd up pics of Hollywood starlet Zendaya and Odell Beckham Jr. on your phone and showing your friends.  Get the pics inside...

Apparently, we weren't the only ones surprised by Zendaya seemingly getting cozy in public with Giants baller Odell Beckham, Jr.

While 'Daya's dad claims she and Odell are just friends....that is until we see her on an unchaperoned date....it's clear SOMETHING is going on between them.  So singer Rita Ora seems to be trying to figure out what exactly...just like everyone else.

The British songstress  just left Roc Nation management to veer out on her own.  While grabbing luch with a friend, Rita giggled about Zendaya and Odell's pics while showing a friend:

Mmhmm, we see you Rita zooming in on 'Daya and Odell to get a closer look at what exactly is going on here. Sometimes celebs are just like us.....

We can only imagine how that conversation went when Rita told her friend "Yo...look at this ish..."

Photos: Splash/Getty