Lifetime doing Whitney Houston movie with Angela Bassett directing

Lifetime is doing a Whitney Houston movie. Because of course they are. When Lifetime’s They’re not already doing a Whitney Houston movie?Adding extra intrigue: Oscar nominee Angela Bassett will direct the film. Bassett and Houston co-starred in 1995′s Waiting to Exhale together. We’re told Bassett will not star, but she may have another role in the film.

press release hit our inbox, the first question that sprang to mind was:

Here’s Lifetime’s plan for its take on the pop singer, who died two years ago at the age of 48: “Whitney Houston chronicles the headline-making relationship between the iconic singer, actress, producer and model, and singer, songwriter Bobby Brown — from the time they first met at the very height of their celebrity, to their courtship and tumultuous marriage.  Throughout it all, difficulties followed the superstar couple while they dealt with the overwhelming rewards and consequences of the fame and fortune created by Whitney’s meteoric rise that would soon overshadow them both.”

Added Bassett: “I have such regard for both Whitney’s and Bobby’s amazing talents and accomplishments; and I feel a responsibility in the telling of their story. Their humanity and bond fascinates us all.  I’m beyond excited to have this opportunity to go behind the camera and into their world.” Whitney Houston (working title) is scheduled to premiere in 2015.

Source: CeeLo Green Quit 'The Voice' to Avoid Being Fired

CeeLo Green went rogue when he decided to announce his exit from NBC's "The Voice" on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," which released video of the singer's announcement on Tuesday evening. Green's decision to quit was a move to avoid being fired by NBC and producer Mark Burnett Productions, an individual with knowledge of the situation said. Blindsided by the timing of his announcement, producers are unsure what to do with Green's vacant coaches' seat. A second individual with knowledge of the situation told us that NBC wanted to announce Green's departure mutually with the singer but that Green decided he wanted to to do it on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." His exit arrives after a touch-and-go fifth season, which led to at least one "meltdown," as the insider described it. Burnett had to spend a lot of time with the emotional Green last season and on at least two occasions, the "F–k You" singer had to leave the set. The general belief among the production was that he was feeling the weight of a legal case that could result in prison time. The singer is accused of slipping a 33-year-old woman ecstasy while the pair was dining at a downtown Los Angeles restaurant in mid-July of last year. He's charged with furnishing a controlled substance, a felony charge that carries up to four years in state prison. On "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," Green said he was quitting "The Voice," because he didn't want to "wear out my welcome." He did say that he would continue his relationship with NBC. "I have a television show development deal with them as well and hopefully some other talk show opportunities for later in the year," he said. See video: 'The Voice's' Blake Shelton Gushes Over Usher and Shakira's Return (Exclusive) Green, in the meantime, will be touring with former Commodores frontman Lionel Richie. The morning after Green's exit broke, NBC's alternative and late night programming president, Paul Teledgy issued a statement. "CeeLo Green has been an instrumental part of the success of 'The Voice' and we deeply appreciate all his contributions," the exec said. "We're looking forward to working with him on other upcoming projects that will tap into both his musical and entertainment expertise." Burnett has yet to comment on Green's announcement. Green's departure arrives as "The Voice" sets to return to NBC for its sixth season on Monday -- with Green and Christina Aguilera once again rotating out as Usher and Shakira return to take their places in the coaches' seats once again. An NBC spokesman said: "CeeLo's departure didn't blindside us at all. This was a mutual decision and we're looking forward to working with him in the future on different projects and expect to be in business with him."