Barry Michael Cooper, 2/12/12

hookedontheamericandream.blogspot.com

Despite her place as the most gifted singer on the planet in the last 30 years, despite the most dazzling, gorgeous smile, that lit up like the sun, Whitney Houston sang from the nighttime of her soul.

Jennifer Koppelman Hutt, 2/12/12

Radio Talk Show Host; Author

No performer sang my emotions and my thoughts like Whitney Houston did. I did get to meet her once. Briefly. It was surreal.

Orlando Jones, 2/12/12

Actor, Comedian

Like everyone else, I've heard a lot of crazy stories about Whitney. The Whitney Houston I met treated me with nothing but warmth and affection. Whitney, I really will miss you.

Phil Ramone and Danielle Evin, 2/10/12

Producer extraordinaire (Ramone) and acclaimed singer-songwriter (Evin)

This week we review albums by Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, Sia, Of Montreal, Bobby Womack, Wild Nothing, Jimmy Durante and other artists.

Jill Andresevic, 2/11/12

Writer, director and producer

There is something magical about starting with a blank piece of paper and ending up with a film, whether it is 5 minutes or 90 minutes. For me there is nothing better than that when it comes to having a "job" and doing work.

Regina Weinreich, 2/11/12

Co-producer/Director, 'Paul Bowles: The Complete Outsider'

Recipients are asked to adhere to only one caveat: they must speak about a woman who has influenced or inspired them, not their mother. An act of rebellion, this rule was immediately violated.

Michael Giltz, 2/10/12

Freelance writer

I've traveled to the future and can reassure you that Adele will have a fun night at the Grammys on Sunday. Her album is one of those inevitable triumphs at an awards show that feels right.

Rick Schwartz, 2/10/12

Movie producer; Biblical scholar wannabe

As you near the roped-off section where the Big Winners gloat, you suddenly devise a really solid, well-conceived plan -- grab their statues and run for the exits. Have your name engraved over theirs later. Deny you were ever at the party in the first place.

Walt Hawkins, 2/10/12

Writer

I'm always surprised by the reaction I get when people find this out about me, especially from my fellow gays. While most of them have never even heard the show, they insist that Howard is anti-gay. I have found the exact opposite to be true.

Sharief Easterling, 2/10/12

Writer; Rapper; Brooklynite; Philanthropist

I need Andre 3000 to make a triumphant return in 2012. With rumors of a new Outkast album flooding the blogs, and a slew of Dre guest appearances last year, it's looking like he might bring his hiatus to an end.

Wendell Pierce, 2/10/12

Actor

I don't need Hollywood to remind me of African-Americans' achievements in WWII. I have my father. For his valor and bravery my father earned the World War II Victory Medal, among other commendations. But when he returned home he never received his medal or an official "thank you."

Mike Ragogna, 2/10/12

Radio Personality on Solar Powered KRUU-FM, Music Biz Vet

"Every album is a stab towards some obscure, unattainable truth, and unless we use something else to cover the hole that the lack of that truth leaves, we will need to keep making albums."

Tom 'TC' Hennes, 2/10/12

Vocalist, AVAN LAVA

I came across this guy who was extremely attractive and asked him over the mic if he'd like to kiss me, and for a split second, this guy who considers himself straight let himself have a totally consequence-free experience. Our show afforded him that opportunity.

Alan Brown, 2/10/12

Writer and director

In the case of Private Romeo, I was asking eight young, male actors to commit emotionally to exploring gay identity and sexual love onscreen at a formative time in all their professional careers, and I was touched by the courage of their convictions.

Kris LoPresto, 2/10/12

Entertainment enthusiast

It dawned on me this morning that my Sundays are WIDE open now that the NFL is over. I honestly have no idea what to do with myself. Although, I think my cat will freak out if I'm not there on the couch for hours at a time like I was during the season.

Steve Stoute, 2/10/12

Founder and CEO; Translation

The very meaning of the Grammy, excellence in musical artistry, is a testament to the hard work, sacrifice, and genius that recording artists bring to their craft. While to the viewer it may seem as if it is just a show, to the artists it is significantly more profound.

Scott Mendelson, 2/10/12

Film Critic at Mendelson's Memos, Valley Scene Magazine

Taking away the fact that one film was a cinematic breakthrough and launched the fandom of a hundred-million would-be movie lovers and the other was released under crushing expectations, The Phantom Menace is really no better or worse than Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.