Could 'This Is It' win an Oscar?

LOS ANGELES – Sony thinks its new Michael Jackson documentary could be a contender for best picture.

Spokesman Steve Elzer said Thursday that the studio will submit "Michael Jackson's This Is It" for Academy Awards consideration this year.

It missed the deadline to be considered for a 2009 documentary Oscar, but the film about the late King of Pop's preparations for a series of comeback concerts will be eligible in several other categories at the Academy Awards, including sound, film editing, director and best picture.

Music legends rock the Hall of Fame

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Rock 'n' roll royalty held court on Thursday night as Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, Sting and other music legends staged a marathon show to celebrate the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 25th anniversary.

The six-hour concert at Madison Square Garden included over 50 songs and also featured performances by Crosby, Stills and Nash, blues great B.B. King, Smokey Robinson, Simon and Garfunkel, James Taylor, Jackson Browne and others.

Drake speaks about Lil Waynes jail time..........

"He's dealing with it well," Drizzy revealed in an interview. "Wayne's not usually gonna open up emotionally and tell you how he's really feeling about anything. He's kinda more concerned about getting as much music as he possibly can, so that when he's in there, people are still satisfied musically with Lil Wayne product, and that's just the mind of a true businessman.

I'll just do what I can to keep the whole Young Money/Cash Money team going, and I just want to play my part as a team member and keep the brand strong until the boss gets home...He's like superhuman. I don't think anything could really break his concentration or his zone when he's in there.

I definitely didn't think this would be the outcome of it, but I hope it will add to him selling a million records again. It's an unfortunate situation and I hope that he'll be able to position it where his release is a day where everyone's excited and they're just excited about his new album. I hope he manages to market it the right way." (Rap-Up)

Disney to build new L.A.-area movie facility

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – The Walt Disney Co. plans to build a 12-stage production facility at its Golden Oak Ranch in the Santa Clarita Valley, northwest of Los Angeles, primarily to serve the production needs of ABC Studios.

Disney and ABC Studios have filed applications with Los Angeles County for Disney/ABC Studios at the Ranch, a high-tech soundstage and production facility. The facility, which would include six pairs of soundstages, would take up 56 acres in the western tip of the 890-acre Gold Oak Ranch.

Disney has only two soundstage facilities, one on the Disney lot, which has virtually no usable outdoor space, and one at its Prospect Studios.

50 Cent Announces a Ten City Screening Tour of His Directorial Debut Film: BEFORE I SELF DESTRUCT

This November 50 Cent will be hitting the road to screen his latest film, BEFORE I SELF DESTRUCT. Beginning on Tuesday Oct. 27th, fans can log on to www.movietickets.com/50 to download their tickets* to these exclusive screenings. (PR)

Date Market
2-Nov Boston
3-Nov Philadelphia
4-Nov DC
5-Nov NYC
7-Nov Atlanta
9-Nov Chicago
10-Nov San Francisco
11-Nov Los Angeles
12-Nov Houston
13-Nov Dallas

Artist admits using other photo for 'Hope' poster

NEW YORK – The artist who designed the famous Barack Obama "HOPE" poster has admitted he didn't use the Associated Press photo he originally said his work was based on but instead used a picture the news organization has claimed was his source.

Shepard Fairey, a Los Angeles-based street artist with a long, often proud history of breaking rules, said in a statement Friday that he was wrong about which photo he used and that he tried to hide his error. It was not immediately clear whether he would drop his lawsuit against the AP over the use of the photo.

"In an attempt to conceal my mistake, I submitted false images and deleted other images," said Fairey, who has been involved in countersuits with the AP, which has alleged copyright infringement. "I sincerely apologize for my lapse in judgment, and I take full responsibility for my actions, which were mine alone." (AP)

Michael Jackson movie earns $20 million on 1st day

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The Michael Jackson movie "This Is It" earned $20.1 million at worldwide box offices on its first day in theaters as fans around the globe turned out in strong numbers, Columbia Pictures said on Thursday.

The movie studio said the film, which shows the late pop star rehearsing for a series of comeback concerts before his death in June, made $7.4 million in the United States and Canada, and another $12.7 million internationally.

We Are Young Money!

The debut album from hip-hop's first family will go by the title We Are Young Money, Rap-Up.com has exclusively learned. The set, featuring Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Mack Maine, Shanell and the rest of the YM crew, will be available as a deluxe edition with a CD/DVD combo. It will drop the same day as Wayne's Rebirth on December 15, Birdman recently confirmed. The LP's first offering, "Every Girl," shot up the charts over the summer, while the Lloyd-assisted "Bed Rock" is next on deck. (Rap-Up)

Jay-Z and Beyonce on a date!

The Carters grabbed lunch yesterday in NYC. Hubby Jay-Z was dressed casual as usual and Beyonce chose a laid back look as well.

Although it was a quick $1200 meal I couldn't help but wonder what was Beyonce's inspration behind her outfit.

I understand that no one is glamorous 24/7 but this was a big jump. She looked compfotable so I can't be too mad at her. What do you think? Hit Or Miss? (Global Grind)

50 Cent's Exclusive BEFORE I SELF DESTRUCT Album Pre-Order Launches Today on iTunes

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- 50 Cent's highly explosive fourth studio album, Before I Self Destruct, is available for digital pre-order beginning today exclusively on iTunes (www.itunes.com). The iTunes consumers who pre-order the album will instantly receive the hit single "Baby By Me" featuring Ne-Yo.

With the pre-order fans will also receive two bonus tracks (Man's World and Flight 187), the Before I Self Destruct film, the documentary "Two Turn Tables And A Microphone: The Life And Death Of Jam Master Jay," as well as exclusive photos, animated package artwork and many more surprise (AP)

RAY J, MONICA, KANDI & MORE HELP URBANBRIDGEZ.COM CELEBRATE 10TH YEAR ONLINE!

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - October 26, 2009 – One thing UrbanBridgez.com (one of the leading urban entertainment websites online) has been known for throughout the years, is it's websites exclusive interviews. With everyone from recording artists, songwriters/producers, actors and a range of other stars. Whether it was on tmhentertainment.com, tmhxone.com or urbanbridgez.com, the interviews on the sites have always been the biggest draw.

To celebrate their 10th year online next month, UrbanBridgez.com will debut an interview series starting on November 2nd. Each day in the month of November, the site will debut a new interview with some of the hottest and most talented entertainers in music, film, television as well as songwriters & producers.

The series is scheduled to kick off with a brand new interview with Ray J in support of his show "For The Love of Ray J 2" which will premiere on VH-1 November 2nd. (AP)

Chris Beater and Rihanna "How They Use to Be"

It's obvious that Chris Beater still has feelings for his former boo Rihanna. Chris tweeted this video to all of his followers.

Jay-Z talks World Series, Broadway and DJ Hero

NEW YORK – The New York Yankees have been blasting Jay-Z's "Empire State of Mind" during their playoff run. Now, the team is having the rap king perform the song live to
kick off Game 1 of the World Series.

Jay-Z and fellow New Yorker Alicia Keys are set to perform the hit on Wednesday, as the Yankees take on defending World Series champs, the Philadelphia Phillies.

"Thank the good Lord for making me a Yankee," the Brooklyn native said in an interview Monday.

He calls the opportunity a "once in a lifetime experience" and says though the jam has become an unofficial New York anthem, he's not pushing for it to be the city's theme song.

"I'm not pitching it for anything, it's just a song I made for New York City," he said.

Chris Brown to release new CD on Dec. 15

NEW YORK – Chris Brown has announced the release of his first CD since his February altercation with then-girlfriend Rihanna.

"Graffiti," the singer's third album, will be released on Dec. 15, he said via Twitter.

The CD's first single, "I Can Transform Ya," features Lil Wayne and Swizz Beatz.

The 20-year-old will also kick off his "Fan Appreciation" tour in Houston on Nov. 14.

Brown was sentenced in August to five years' probation, six months of community labor and a year of domestic violence counseling after he pleaded guilty to felony assault in the attack on Rihanna. He's due to perform Tuesday in New Jersey at his first concert since the attack. (AP)

Jon Gosselin says he returned $180K in joint funds

NORRISTOWN, Pa. – Reality TV dad Jon Gosselin says he's returned $180,000 to a joint account he shares with his estranged wife Kate as the couple continues their bitter divorce battle.

Gosselin criticized his wife for not showing up Monday for a court hearing in the Philadelphia suburb of Norristown. He also says she still has not explained how she spent $33,000 in joint funds.

Kate Gosselin's lawyer says she supplied the information an arbitrator wanted and did not need to appear in court.

Two days of arbitration on pending divorce issues is scheduled for late November.

The TLC reality show "Jon and Kate Plus Eight" has chronicled the couple's lives while raising their eight children. The Gosselins filed for divorce in June. (AP)

R. Kelly launches the "Ladies Make Some Noise" Tour

Building the anticipation for the album are two back-to-back powerful singles. R. Kelly recently made music history with his current single "Number One" featuring Keri Hilson" (click on link to stream) when the song became his 35th Top 10 single on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart. He has now surpassed Nat "King" Cole's record of having the most Top 10 hits on that chart, and Billboard further notes that "Kelly's climb places him sixth among male artists and ties him with Dinah Washington for eighth overall since the R&B chart was established in 1942.

The tour dates are as follows:

October 22-23 Atlanta, GA
October 24 Charleston, SC
October 25 Augusta, GA
October 27 Birmingham, AL
October 29 Dallas, TX
October 30 Houston, TX
October 31 New Orleans, LA
November 1 Memphis, TN
November 5 Los Angeles, CA
November 6 Las Vegas, NV
November 7 Oakland, CA
November 8 Sacramento, CA
November 12 Columbus, OH
November 13-18 Detroit, MI
November 15 Milwaukee, WI
November 17 Chicago, IL
November 20 Louisville, KY
November 21 Charlotte, NC
November 22 Greensboro, NC
November 24 Washington, D.C.
November 27 Jacksonville, FL
November 28 Miami, FL
November 29 Tampa, FL
December 4 Norfolk, VA
December 5 Richmond, VA
December 6 Cleveland, OH
December 8 St. Louis, MO

We love us some Wendy Williams! HOW U DOIN'?

The Queen of all Media Wendy Williams and Male Supermodel Shawn Sutton grace the Fall 2009 double cover of BLEU Magazine. "It is an honor to have Wendy on our cover," says De'Von Christopher, Publisher of Bleu Magazine. "She is someone that is loved and adored by the Bleu reader and the fact that she knows it and acknowledges it, it is only right for her to illuminate our Fall issue," he adds. During her interview, Wendy pokes fun of her height by admitting, "my show hasn't been on a full season yet and I am not as seasoned as Martha Stewart or as experienced as Dr. Phil, but I'm taller than all of them! Height has it's advantages," she jokes. (PR)

DAY26 scores an American Music Award Nomination! VOTE NOW!

Bad Boy artists and recipients of the 2009 BET Award for Best Group - DAY26 have just scored a 2009 American Music Award nomination in the R&B/Soul Favorite Group, Band or Duo category.

This marks the group's first AMA nomination. "It feels amazing to be recognized by the American Music Awards committee," says Brian Angel Andrews. "Just being nominated is a feeling that we cannot describe," adds Willie Taylor.

The 2009 American Music Awards will air live on Sunday, November 22nd at 8p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Fans are encouraged to cast their vote, as winners will be determined by online voting via www.amavote.com. (PR)

Justin Timberlake and Others to Be Honored at 2009 Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Gala Sponsored By Lexus

Justin Timberlake; Sam, Younes and David Nazarian; and Larry and Sandy Post will be honored by the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors at their annual Gala on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Los Angeles, California. The event, sponsored by Lexus, benefits the Cedars-Sinai Board of Governors Heart Stem Cell Center. As the event sponsor, Lexus donated a 2010 Lexus LS 600h L Luxury sedan for an opportunity drawing.

Justin Timberlake will receive the Heart of Hollywood Award during the event for his exemplary contributions to the entertainment industry. Sam Nazarian, along with his family members Younes and David Nazarian, will receive the Humanitarian Award for their numerous contributions to Los Angeles and Israel based communities including numerous charitable organizations. Larry and Sandy Post will receive the Philanthropic Leadership Award for their heartfelt dedication to their community and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. As a demonstration of their commitment, the Posts recently made a major lead gift to the Board of Governors Heart Stem Cell Center and currently serve on the Board of Governors of Cedars Sinai Medical Center. (PR)

RIHANNA's NEW ALBUM - RATED R - HITS MONDAY, NOV. 23rd; "Russian Roulette," first new single pick, written by Ne-Yo

Rated R's first single pick, "Russian Roulette" launched at 11:23am EDT today worldwide on http://rihannanow.com/. The "Russian Roulette" video, directed by Anthony Mandler, will premiere in prime-time on ABC.

"Russian Roulette" was written by fellow Def Jam artist Ne-Yo, whose long track record with Rihanna includes the #1 hit "Unfaithful" (2006, from A Girl Like Me), their Top 10 duet "Hate That I Love You" (2007, from Good Girl Gone Bad), and #1 pop/ #1 R&B "Take A Bow" (2008, from Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded). In addition to Ne-Yo, other producers and writers on Rihanna's new album include the team of The-Dream and Tricky Stewart, Chase & Status, Stargate, Justin Timberlake and more

R&B Smoothie Eric Benet's "Sexy Soul Tour" Announced; Special Guest Appearances by Mint Condition and Ledisi

Singer Eric Benét will embark on a 19-city tour called the "Sexy Soul Tour" beginning October 29th in Houston's Verizon Wireless Theatre, it was confirmed today by his record label, Friday/Reprise Records. Benét has long been considered one of the most romantic live performers out there with a legion of devoted fans – male and female.

The handsome R&B Grammy nominated crooner will be joined by Mint Condition and Ledisi. Benét's most recent ultra-romantic CD, "Love and Life," debuted on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart at No. 11 and was a collaboration with longtime production partner Demonte Posey. People Magazine, which gave "Love and Life" 3 1/2 stars, glowed, "Fans of the female persuasion will rejoice when they hear the R&B singer/songwriter regain his footing."

ERIC BENÉT/MINT CONDITION/LEDISI – SEXY SOUL TOUR – FALL 2009 SCHEDULE:

October 29 Houston, TX Verizon Wireless
October 31 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre
November 1 Charlotte, NC Ovens Auditorium
November 5 Cincinnati, OH Music Hall
November 6 Cleveland, OH Palace Theatre
November 7 Detroit, MI Masonic Temple Theatre
November 8 Milwaukee, WI Riverside Theatre
November 12 Minneapolis, MN State Theatre
November 13 Chicago, IL Arie Crown
November 19 New York, NY Beacon Theatre
November 20 Philadelphia, PA Academy Of Music
November 21 Norfolk, VA Chrysler Theatre
December 3 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
December 4 Kansas City, MO The Midland
December 5 Memphis, TN Orpheum Theatre
December 6 Dallas, TX Nokia Theatre

SECRET (A Vampire's Romance) by CHESTER GREGOR

Chester is currently preparing to take the stage at the world famous Apollo Theatre as “James ‘Thunder’ Early” in the 2009 Revival of “Dreamgirls”. After taking time to write and record his latest album, he’s excited to be back on the stage, but Chester no stranger to the New York Theatre community. He made his Broadway debut as 'Seaweed' in the eight time Tony Award winning Broadway musical, "Hairspray" followed by starring roles in the Broadway productions of ‘Disney’s “Tarzan” as 'Terk' and “Cry Baby” as 'Dupree'.

Chester's debut album, entitled, “In Search of High Love,” earned critical praise by Billboard Magazine as an album of integrity and soul, with innovative contributors Afta-1, Nevi-Nev and J Most. His latest musical endeavor, "Breakbeat Karaoke - The Mixtape" is a prelude to his highly anticipated sophomore album to be released in the fall of 2009. "Breakbeat Karaoke" is a collection of throwback "breakbeats" from classic hip hop tunes with remixes from songs from "In Search of High Love", in addition to new compositions specifically created for this mixtape. It features guest appearances and cameos from Farrah Burns, Phase One and ‘Dot Da Genius’ who produced “Day N Night” by Kid Cudi among others. "I wanted to pay tribute to some of best in hip hop like J. Dilla, De La Soul, Common, Jay-Z and DJ Premier to name a few…” says Chester. Created for his fans, the project is available as a free download at www.ChesterGregory.com.

RISING POP STAR PRISCILLA RENEA SELECTED AS MTV'S DISCOVER & DOWNLOAD ARTIST WHILE FIRST SINGLE CLIMBS THE CHARTS

Capitol Records recording artist and rising pop star Priscilla Renea has been chosen by MTV for their coveted "Discover & Download" feature. Starting on Monday, October 12th for six solid weeks, Priscilla's chart climbing first single, "Dollhouse," is being featured on MTV. Discover & Download showcases today's most exciting emerging artists and bands just breaking onto the scene; Priscilla will join the ranks of stars such as Flo Rida, The Ting Tings and Leona Lewis who have been selected previously. Priscilla will gain exposure across all relevant MTV platforms including MTV, MTV2, mtvU, MTV Jams and MTV.com. Free downloads will also be offered on MTV.com for all users.

Kardashian and Lamar Odom Have Signed Pre-Nup

As RadarOnline.com exclusively reported, Khloe was negotiating a few small things in the pre-nup from her LA Laker husband. And by small we mean HUGE! In the case of an unfortunate divorce, Khloe wanted: a flat sum of about $500,000 for every year they were married, $25,000 a month in general support, their new house, a new luxury vehicle at the end of every lease cycle, $5,000 a month for shopping, $1,000 for beauty care, AND courtside Lakers tickets for everyone in her family.

Michelle Obama to appear on "Jay Leno Show"

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – NBC said Monday that Michelle Obama will appear Friday on "The Jay Leno Show" in a brief comedy bit.

Via satellite from Washington, the first lady will answer 10 "rapid-fire questions" from the show's host.

Previous participants in Leno's Q&A routine have included Sen. John McCain and basketball star LeBron James.

Beyonce delays Malaysia show amid Muslim criticism

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – R&B star Beyonce Knowles has postponed a planned concert in Malaysia, the event's organizer said Monday, following accusations by Islamic conservatives that the show would be immoral.

Knowles, known for her provocative clothes and choreography, had been scheduled to perform at a Kuala Lumpur stadium Oct. 25. The show "has been postponed to a future date to be announced shortly," Malaysian entertainment company Marctensia said in a statement. (AP)

"The postponement is solely (the) decision of the artist and has nothing to do with other external reasons," the statement said.

Toya Speaks on Lil Waynes baby mothers

Toya says "We talk. We have a great relationship.He's a great father. I'm good with all of them (the mothers). I try to keep the kids cool because they're all in the same situation, so we don't have time for any drama."

Usher 911 Call -- 'My Car Has Been Keyed'

During the call, Usher explains to the operator that he had called cops the night before to file "a complaint because of potential domestic violence between me and my ex wife."

He then tells the operator that when he woke up the following morning, a person who was fixing a flat tire on his truck noticed that it had been keyed up on the side. During the call, Usher never directly accuses Tameka -- but insinuates that the scratch occurred as a result of the incident the night before.

As TMZ first reported, cops investigated the situation, but determined there wasn't enough evidence to make an arrest.

LINK: http://www.aolcdn.com/tmz_audio/101409_usher.mp3

(TMZ)

UK singer Leona Lewis attacked at book signing

LONDON (Reuters) – British singer Leona Lewis was attacked as she signed copies of her autobiography in central London on Wednesday, police and the book store said.

Lewis, who won the British TV talent show "The X Factor" and has topped charts around the world since, was signing copies of her book "Dreams" at a Waterstone's book store in Piccadilly Circus when she was assaulted.

"We can confirm that there was an incident at the Leona Lewis signing this afternoon," a Waterstone's spokesman said.

Avril Lavigne files for divorce in LA

Court records show Avril Lavigne has filed for divorce from her musician husband after three years of marriage.

Lavigne filed for divorce from Sum 41 singer Deryck Jason Whibley on Friday in Los Angeles.

The couple were married in July 2006 and have no children together. Lavigne cited "irreconcilable differences."

The 25-year-old punk-pop singer burst to fame with her 2002 debut album "Let's Go." (AP)

Whitney Houston Launches European Tour Dates in Support Of Global Chart-Topping Album I Look To You

On the heels of her critically acclaimed, internationally chart-topping album I Look To You, Whitney Houston announced today the first leg of an eagerly anticipated European tour, her first major tour in more than 11 years. The UK concerts will be the must see shows of this decade as Houston returns to the stage to perform classic hits alongside her latest songs. I Look To You will be released in the UK on October 19, just one day after a massive appearance on the hit program The X Factor.

TOUR DATES and TICKET ON-SALE DETAILS

Thursday, April 8 Manchester, UK Manchester Evening News Arena
Sunday, April 11 Glasgow, UK SECC
Tuesday, April 13 Birmingham, UK LG Arena
Thursday, April 22 Newcastle, UK Metro Radio Arena
Sunday, April 25 London, UK 02 Arena

(PR)

R&B Star Ray J is Back in "For The Love of Ray J 2"

Last season, Ray J was introduced to 14 beautiful women with hopes of finding his true soul mate. We all had our favorites but in the end Ray J only had eyes for Cocktail. After going through numerous eliminations, tears, and even a couple of fights, viewers across the country tuned in to see Ray J give his last champagne glass to that one special lady. The finale episode was the highest rated telecast on cable for the night and averaged 4.4 million total viewers. At the reunion everything seemed great for the happy couple, but unfortunately the love didn't last. Now Ray J is back and teaming up with VH1 again to find the woman of his dreams. With a new crop of gorgeous females from around the country, Ray J is determined to find love a second time around on "For The Love of Ray J 2" premiering Monday, November 2 at 9:00 PM*.(PR)

Janet Jackson's Greatest Hits Celebrated on NUMBER ONES

Janet Jackson has sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and is one of the best-selling artists in contemporary music. For the first time ever, 33 of Janet's global #1 hits, plus the newly recorded single, "Make Me," will be available on one album--NUMBER ONES. Made possible by a partnership between Universal Music Enterprises (UMe) and EMI Music, the two-disc set, to be released November 17, 2009, in the USA (November 23, worldwide titled JANET JACKSON: THE BEST), celebrates the career and artistry of one of the most successful and influential artists in music history. (PR)

New Michael Jackson single debuts online

Kanye, How could you be so heartless..........?

Kanye West was a no-show at last night's 4th annual BET Awards, where he was nominated for nine awards, including best live performer. Also absent from the shindig was rapper T.I., who's currently serving time in an Arkansas prison on a federal weapons charge. The Atlanta rapper was nominated for six awards and took home two, including Album of the Year. (Entertainment Weekly)

Beyonce Tried To Stop Lil' Mama From Crashing Jay-Z's VMA Performance

I'm sure you all remember the incident during the VMA's when Lil Mama crashed the stage during Jay-Z and Alicia Keys. But what I bet you didn't know is that Jay-Z's leading lady,

Beyonce, tried to stop Lil Mama from ruining their performance.
In the first few seconds of the video below you can see her grab Lil Mama's arm trying to stop her from bumrushing the stage. See for yourself. (EXAMINER)

BREAKING NEWS: Obama wins the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize

OSLO – President Barack Obama on Friday won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples," the Norwegian Nobel Committee said.

"Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama captured the world's attention and given its people hope for a better future," the committee said. "His diplomacy is founded in the concept that those who are to lead the world must do so on the basis of values and attitudes that are shared by the majority of the world's population."

Obama's name had been mentioned in speculation before the award but many Nobel watchers believed it was too early to award the president.

The committee said it attached special importance to Obama's vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons.

"Obama has as president created a new climate in international politics. Multilateral diplomacy has regained a central position, with emphasis on the role that the United Nations and other international institutions can play." (AP)

Chris Rocks "Good Hair" is in theaters TODAY!

Hair -- short, long, curly, straight -- if it happens to be on a woman's head, those tresses come with issues; roots buried deep in the complicated corner of the brain where self-esteem lives.

If it is "black" hair -- as in ethnic -- there are many more layers of issues and implications that Chris Rock tries to untangle in answering a question posed by his 5-year-old daughter a few years ago: Daddy, why don't I have good hair?
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The result is the documentary "Good Hair," an amusing, poignant and surprisingly candid look at the topic with a disarming Rock coaxing answers and opinions from an eclectic cross section of African Americans, including Maya Angelou, Al Sharpton, actresses, models, stylists and everyday patrons of barber shops and beauty parlors around the country.

Not surprisingly, it is a story with money at its center -- the multibillion-dollar business of black hair from the processes used to straighten it, to the money spent to weave straight hair over it, to the cultural stigma attached to it.(Los Angeles Times)

One superstar to another, Jordan and Tiger just talk

Jordan will serve as a US team assistant when the Americans face the Internationals in the latest edition of the biennial team matches.

"We?re like big brother-little brother. I'm the big brother," Jordan said. "I don?t crowd him. I keep my distance because at certain times a little brother?s got to learn how to survive.

"But when I see him struggling, when he?s battling with himself a lot of times, I text him and say, is everything OK? We get on the phone and talk through whatever issues he might have."

If there is anyone who can relate to what Woods is going through in pursuit of the record 18 major golf titles won by Jack Nicklaus, it is Jordan, who led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA titles in eight years and became the first global superstar in basketball.(AP)

Serena says she 'loves' ESPN nude cover shot

BEIJING (AFP) – American tennis superstar Serena Williams, who posed naked for the cover of ESPN The Magazine's "Body Issue" due out Friday, said she loves the "classy and not trampy" picture.

Williams, 28, who is set to regain the number one world ranking when the WTA issues a new list on Monday, also said she was "super flattered" to be one of the athletes featured on six different covers.

"ESPN had a 'Body Issue' and they told me I had a great body and they wanted me to be on the cover so I was super flattered," she told reporters late Thursday after a three-set loss at the China Open to Russia's Nadia Petrova.

Jackson doctor may face arrest over child support

LAS VEGAS – The doctor at the center of an investigation into Michael Jackson's death may face arrest and could lose his medical license after missing a hearing to explain late child support payments, the Las Vegas district attorney said Thursday.

Clark County District Attorney David Roger told The Associated Press that a district judge could approve an arrest warrant for Dr. Conrad Murray that's recommended by a family court hearing master within 10 days.(AP)

Jennifer Hudsons Baby

Miley Cyrus quits Twitter, deletes account

NEW YORK – Miley Cyrus has quit Twitter, leaving her fans puzzled over her abrupt exit.

The teen pop star was one of the most popular people on the microblogging site, with more than 1.1 million followers. But the account for the 16-year-old Cyrus is no longer available.

In one of her last posts, she wrote that Liam Hemsworth, her co-star in the upcoming film "The Last Song," wanted her to delete her Twitter account "with good reason."
Publicists for Cyrus didn't immediately return requests for comment Thursday.(AP)

Hudson will return to Chicago to film ABC special

NEW YORK – Jennifer Hudson returns to her hometown of Chicago for an ABC prime-time special, "Jennifer Hudson: I'll Be Home for Christmas," that will air in December.

The network says the 28-year-old singer-actress will share childhood memories of the music, people and places that set the stage for her career. Musical performances will be filmed on location throughout the city. (AP)

Alicia Keys gets down to business

NEW YORK – Alicia Keys has influenced many lives with her soulful, heartaching piano-driven songs for almost a decade.

Now that the 12-time Grammy winner has established herself as one of music's brightest stars, Keys is ready to inspire others — without singing a tune.

Keys is launching AK Worldwide, a new company that will handle the singer's projects, especially those outside of music.

"It really explores the ways I can affect the world in a positive way, even outside of music," Keys said in an interview Tuesday.

"It is really about finding ways to bring forth things into the world that will give you and all the people that encounter them, and myself, inspiration," she said. (AP)

Beyonce finally speaks out on Kanye's VMA rant.

"Well, I knew his intentions, and I knew he was standing up for art; and he told me before, when they said the nominees, he's like, 'You have this award,'" Beyonce explained. "And when they didn't call my name he was, like, completely shocked. And when he walked on the stage, I was like, 'No, no, no!' and then he spoke, and I was like, 'Oh, no, no, no!' ... But in the end, it ended up being a great night, and Taylor Swift did get her moment -- and I didn't have to make an acceptance speech." (Billboard)

Elizabeth Taylor in hospital for heart surgery

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Actress Elizabeth Taylor said Tuesday she was going into a hospital for heart surgery and asked for prayers.

Taylor, 77, was diagnosed with congestive heart failure five years ago and also has endured severe back problems and a benign brain tumor operation. She made the announcement on her Twitter page, saying she wanted to break the news herself before the media found out.

"Dear Friends, I would like to let you know before it gets in the papers that I am going into the hospital to have a procedure on my heart," Taylor wrote.

"It's very new and involves repairing my leaky valve using a clip device, without open heart surgery, so that my heart will function better. Any prayers you happen to have lying around I would dearly appreciate. I'll let you know when it's all over. Love you, Elizabeth," she said.

She often uses a wheelchair in her rare public appearances but has enthusiastically embraced Twitter in recent months as a way of communicating directly with her fans and the media.

Taylor's Hollywood publicist said he had nothing to add to her Twitter announcement.

Lionsgate and Harpo Films Say Yes to WILL YOU BE MY BLACK FRIEND?

LIONSGATE® (NYSE: LGF) , the leading next generation studio, and Harpo Films, Inc. announced today that they will partner to develop the film, WILL YOU BE MY BLACK FRIEND?, starring Chris Rock (the upcoming GOOD HAIR, I THINK I LOVE MY WIFE, "The Chris Rock Show").

The project is based on a magazine article of the same name written by GQ senior correspondent Devin Friedman. Published in the magazine's November 2008 edition,

"Will You Be My Black Friend?" chronicles Friedman's unorthodox and admittedly self-conscious quest to make "black friends." The producers of WILL YOU BE MY BLACK FRIEND? are Oprah Winfrey, Kate Forte, President of Harpo Films, and Carla Gardini,

Senior Vice President, Production of Harpo Films. Lionsgate will distribute worldwide. The announcement was jointly made today by Joe Drake, Lionsgate Co-Chief Operating Officer and Motion Picture Group President, Mike Paseornek, Lionsgate President of Motion Picture Production and Harpo Films' Forte. (AP)

Marques Houstons' NEW Album "Mr. Houston" is in stores now!

Many titles can be used to describe the multi-talented Marques Houston. The actor, producer, singer/songwriter and CEO is back to doing what he does best, making great music. After taking a two-year long hiatus, he will release his fourth solo effort, "Mr. Houston" (Musicworks Entertainment), on September 29, 2009.

The first single "Body" (Musicworks Entertainment), debuted on BET's 106 and Park and on R&B radio in mid August. In four weeks, the single has climbed the Billboard charts and is currently #84 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart.

Houston describes the latest album as more mature and having more personal lyrical content. "I wanted to do things my way this time and just venture out there as an artist and explore musically what I felt like I wanted to do at this time in my life... I feel like I've covered every angle, as far as musically, and this one is just a natural growth for me," he said when asked about the content of "Mr. Houston."

Listeners will be able to hear a more humble, attentive voice on songs like "Sexy Young Girl," a song inspired by his current relationship. Marques Houston penned and produced all songs on the album. On this album, he is working with a new production team that includes music producer Detail, (known for his work with Akon, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera), Jay Bynum, and Alex Cantrell.
(Press release)

Lady Gaga to tour without Kanye West

NEW YORK (Billboard) – Lady Gaga said both she and Kanye West decided to cancel their upcoming "Fame Kills" tour of North American arenas, and that she will embark on her own headlining trek soon while West drops out of the spotlight.

"It was a mutual decision," Gaga said Friday. "Kanye's going to take some time off. But the good news is that I'm going on tour in a few weeks."

Lori Ann Gibson, Gaga's longtime choreographer, claimed on her Twitter feed that "creative differences" between the Gaga and West led to the tour's abrupt demise.

The cancellation, announced Thursday with no official reason given, came just days after the two stars announced the tour dates. The cancellation followed a wave of negative publicity for West in the wake his interruption of Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music Awards last month.

Lady Gaga was speaking as she arrived at Billboard's Women in Music Event where she receiving the Rising Star award. (Reuters)

Rapper Jim Jones pleads guilty to NYC assault

NEW YORK – Rapper Jim Jones has pleaded guilty to assault in a scuffle with a friend of Ne-Yo's as the R&B crooner looked on at a Louis Vuitton store in New York City
Jones entered his plea to the misdemeanor charge Monday.

He was sentenced to time served — the few hours he was in custody after turning himself in to police in January.

He and Jayvon Smith faced off in front of holiday shoppers Dec. 22 at the Fifth Avenue
luxury-goods store. Defense lawyer Scott Leemon has said Jones didn't start the fight.

Leemon said Monday that Jones pleaded guilty because he didn't want to risk probation — and potential touring restrictions — if convicted.

The 33-year-old Jones released his latest album, "Pray IV Reign," in March. (AP)