Mya, the real Dancing with the Stars champ.

On the bright side, at least the show has put the Maryland native, who sang with Christina Aguilera, Pink and ‘Lil Kim on the hit remake of “Lady Marmalade” and had a role in the dance chorus of the Academy-Award-winning musical, “Chicago,” back in the spotlight. Mya’s “Fear of Flying” CD from 2000 is still on my play list.

My, oh Mya!

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin

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Alicia Keys, the number one stunner!

Alicia Keys is like a fine wine.  The girl only gets better with time.  I think she looks lovely in this leg baring sparkly blue mini with matching, strappy blue pumps. What’s your vote: Hot or Not?

Does Rihanna rock in this frock?

Rihanna is certainly no shrinking violet. Here she takes yet another risk on the red carpet. To me, the flowery frock seems more appropriate for the Country Music Awards than for the American Music Awards.  What do you think — is Rihanna’s cut-out couture gown Hot or Not?

Leona, we don't need another hero.

Leona Lewis likes to have fun with fashion.  The pointy bust line black leather (or is that vinyl?) mini is sexy in a Tina Turner “Beyond Thunderdome” kind of way.  Yet, in this ensemble the English rose looks like a good girl playing dress up like a bad girl. Does Leona’s dress sizzle or fizzle?

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin

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Oprah Winfrey with Martina McBride at the State Fair of Texas.

And with Oprah ready to take a bow at the end of her 25th season, who will be able to fill her designer shoes?

Could Tyra be the next Oprah?

If you’ve ever tuned into “The Tyra Banks Show” it’s very clear that Ty Ty would love to become the next Oprah.  But does the supermodel have the journalistic chops?

Wendy Williams

Wendy Williams’ radio program, “The Wendy Williams Experience,” was my afternoon delight.  Although I still find Wendy amusing, her scattered syndicated TV show hasn’t totally won me over.  How she doin? Could Wendy be the next Oprah?

Mo'Nique showed her range in "Precious."

Funny lady Mo’Nique showed her flair for drama with a ferocious performance in “Precious,” an acclaimed film co-produced by Ms. Winfrey.  She also slimmed down and has her own late night talk show on BET. Does Mo’Nique have the Oprah touch?

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin, The Wendy Williams Show, Newscom

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Anika Noni Rose

Princess Tiana is voiced by adorable actress Anika Noni Rose.  I’m so proud of the “Dreamgirls” and Broadway star and can’t wait to see her animated portrayal of the New Orleans princess. The cast is rounded out by Tiana’s matriarchs, voiced by Oprah Winfrey and Jennifer Lewis.

When you wish upon a star: Princess Tiana is Anika's dream come true.

“[Being in a Disney film] is something I always dreamed of doing.  I didn’t dream of being a princess.  I could have been a dandelion and would have been happy,” Anika said at a press conference.  ”So when your dreams take off and become bigger than what you imagined, it’s amazing.”

“The Princess and the Frog” will be in theaters everywhere December 11.

Image credit: Newscom

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I'm on Team Jacob!

For younger (and young at heart) Hot Mamas who love “Twilight,” Nordstrom’s junior “New Moon Fashion Line for BP” includes tees, hoodies, jewelry, the Luna Twilight Beauty collection,and those huge cutouts of hot vamp Edward and sexy werewolf Jacob.

Luna Twilight 'Femme Fatale' Lip Gloss, $20

The Twilight Saga: New Moon for BP. 'Wolf Pack' Baseball Tee, $34

The Twilight Saga: New Moon for BP. 'Bella' Chunky Charm, $36

Image credit: Nordstrom.com

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Rihanna doesn't play "Russian Roulette" with love anymore.

A blonde Rihanna, flaunting yet another cutting edge haircut and wearing a sharp, white sweater dress with big shoulder pads and stilettos, spoke about her humiliation because of her abuse at the hands of ex-boyfriend Chris Brown and her regret over reuniting with the singer only three weeks after he assaulted her.

“This happened to me….it can happen to anyone,” she told Sawyer. The 21-year-old also says she wants to be an example to other young women not to stand for domestic violence.  And she revealed she doesn’t hate Brown, but wants him to act like a man and take responsibility for his actions, not feel sorry for himself, and “grow up.”  Right on Rihanna!

Image credit: Newscom.com

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Tell me which couples you think are Hot and which are just lukewarm? 

Mariah Carey stands by her man, Nick Cannon.

I still don’t get Mariah Carey with Nick Cannon.  And it’s not because he’s younger; it’s because he seems so immature.  She’s a superstar glamazon and he’s…well, he’s Nick Cannon. But I have to admit Mariah seems truly in love and looks great in this body-hugging black gown at the premiere of “Precious.”

Freida Pinto with her Slumdog co-star Dev Patel.

“Slumdog Millionaire” costars Freida Pinto and Dev Patel are finally going public with their relationship.  And don’t they make an adorable couple?  Freida is a natural beauty whose taste in fashion tends to make her look older than 25.  But with Dev — and his tossled hair and hipster style — Freida looks young and fresh.

Paula Patton with her boo Robin Thicke.

Paula Patton is another stunner.  Her red carpet fashion, however, has always been hit and miss (mainly miss).  This lingerie-inspired, champagne mini-dress is no exception.  Good thing the “Precious” star has her suave husband, singer Robin Thicke by her side; he’s her best accessory. 

Image credit: Bauer Griffin

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Amazing Grace. She wore a black mask when it wasn't Halloween!

I absolutely love Grace Jones.  She is a bold, beautiful avant garde fashion muse and music icon. But I can see how some folks would be more than a little scared of the 60-year-old glamazon.

'Lil Kim, what a Thriller!

Lil’ Kim has taken her tribute to Michael Jackson a little too far.  I can’t decide what’s scarier — her botched plastic surgery, crazy blue contacts, or this horrid, lime green stripper dress.

Is Bai Ling a sexy hobo?

This mix-and-match outfit would be passable if it were Bai Ling’s homeless chic costume for Halloween. Unfortunately, this is how the nutty “actress” (she played a tattoo artist in the worst episode in “Lost” history) always dresses.

Image credit: Bauer-Griffin

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Sheree Whitfield at Fashion Week in New York City.

This season, Sheree’s near fisticuffs with a hot-tempered party planner spawned the catch phrase “Who’s Gonna Check Me Boo?” and she debuted her She by Sheree clothing line.  The designer sites Dolce & Gabbana as her style icons, admits she’s not “bald-headed” but likes to rock  clip-in hair pieces, and loves “the daily grind” of New York City.  Let’s find out more about the glamorous socialite.

Hot Mama Daily: What’s the most difficult part about doing the Real Housewives of Atlanta?

Sheree:  The schedule is a little challenging, but I would say the most difficult part is putting your life out there for the whole world to judge.

HMD: This season we saw that you had to move to a smaller house and your divorce was finalized. Was it difficult to go through that on TV?

Sheree: It was a bad situation, but it was my life. It’s a reality show and at the time that’s what I was going through.  When you get married you never think this would be the outcome.

HMD: Would you say the show accurately portrays you?

Sheree: The show is kind of accurate, but people are only seeing part of your life.  My personality is multi-faceted, but on the show they may only show one side of my personality.  This season they were able to capture more of my personality.  But you really can’t get who I am out of two hours [of editing].

HMD: You had two of the most memorable moments this season, with the party planner and the Kim wig incident.  Would you say those incidents reflected you accurately?

Sheree: Those are sides of me.  I don’t like to go there, but I can. [Regarding the party planner] Was he a lunatic or what?  Before I went to meet with him he hung up on me.  He had promised the producers all these things like the helicopter, which was his idea. And he couldn’t deliver, I told the producers I wasn’t going to work with him, but they told me to go for the meeting so the story would have continuity.  So I think he did what he had to do to get on the show and get air time.

 HMD: Which housewife are you closest to off-screen?

Sheree: It’s a working relationship.  When we’re not taping we really aren’t hanging out.

HMD: We got a glimpse of She by Sheree in the season finale. When will it be available and in what stores?

Sheree: The pieces from the fashion show in the finale are custom pieces.  I also did a Spring/Summer 2010 presentation during Fashion Week in New York. That collection will be available in select boutiques next year. I owned a boutique, and it’s about exclusivity. I worked with a lot of up-and-coming designers and it’s about being in demand.  The clothes from the show are custom pieces and those are available in late December on www.shereewhitfield.com.  I also have “Who’s Gonna Check Me Boo?” t-shirts; the t-shirts keep selling out but will be back up soon.  They sell for $30 and up.

Sheree Whitfield, Lisa Wu Hartwell, NeNe Leakes and Kandi Burruss

HMD: What was your most favorite and least favorite moment from this season? 

Sheree: My favorite moment was the She by Sheree fashion show. My least favorite moment was I wish Bravo showed more of me during the fashion show.  The fashion show was amazing.  I wanted something classy and high-end. Dwight came in at the last minute, and I appreciate what he did.  But it was a team effort.  He didn’t do everything; but Bravo made it look like he did everything.

HMD: You’re obviously in great shape.  How many times a week do you work out?

Sheree: Besides my family and fashion, I am passionate about health and fitness.  I want to motivate and get people in shape.  If you look good you feel good.  When I’m not taping “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” I work out 4 to 5 times a week.  That’s my “me time.”  People always talk about my arms, but I don’t do a lot of weight training.  For me, it’s all about [working my] butt and thighs.  I do a lot of plyometrics, spinning, and walking in the park.

HMD: If you could replace Kim with any cast member from one of the other Housewives’ shows, who would it be and why?

Sheree: I would replace Kim with Gretchen from the O.C.  I met her and she’s cool, there’s no drama, and she seems to tell the truth.

HMD: Will there be a third season? 

Sheree: We put the “Real Housewives” [franchise] on the map. I can’t imagine [Bravo] wouldn’t do another season.

(Image credit: Newscom)

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Tinu loves shoes!

I chatted with the stunning Nigeria native via email.

Hot Mama Daily: How many pairs of shoes do you own?

Tinu: (Laughs) Mum is the word here! I am so ashamed to say the number out loud for the fear of being called a mini Imelda Marcos. Perhaps I will let the cat out of the bag in my upcoming book. That is one you definitely don’t want to miss. It will be announced on my website when it launches.

Tinu's shoe collection.

HMD: What’s your favorite brand of shoes?

Tinu: I’m not loyal to any brand. I buy based on designs that appeal to me. [For example], I just got my first pair of Jimmy Choos a few months ago despite owning a few hundreds of other designer shoes. I don’t buy based on name or trend. I have to “connect” to the shoes and most importantly wear them.

Tinu's boots are made for cat-walking!

Tinu Naija

HMD: What designers did you model for in Europe?

Tinu: It was fun working with Julien McDonald when he did a special BBC feature in Paris when he was still the designer at Givenchy haute couture.  I also had fun working with Pascal Millet at Carven haute couture. I would call my experience with them beyond just modeling. Now I’m also happy sitting front row watching the shows and collecting some of the best designs in the industry. There is nothing like owning a piece or two of haute couture; it’s no different than owning a Rembrandt.

HMD: When and why did you make the switch from modeling to singing?

Tinu: In high school, I was in the drama club and we would perform cultural dances, school plays, and sing. That’s where music really started for me. I gave it up for modeling and then pursued my education when I returned to the US. It hit me again after 9/11. I realized that life is short. It made me wake up and want to start doing all of those things again. It all came rushing back and I began sketching and writing songs. I got a deal and put out a CD. It was a wakeup to enjoy my life and do what I can do. I thought, I’m privileged to have talent, now what am I going to do with it?

HMD: Who is your biggest inspiration as a singer?

Tinu: Grace Jones! I am a big fan of her work because she has no rules to her own [personal] and singing style.  Her songs make me feel free each time I listen to them. I sometimes feel like running around butt naked in the streets and screaming my lungs out singing to her songs. You can’t define feeling more free spirited than that!

Photos courtesy of  Tinu

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