Eminem has biggest sales debut since 2008!

Eminem's "Recovery" is going quite well. The rapper's CD sold 741,000 in its first week of release, making it the best debut of the year.

The figures were released by Eminem's record label, Interscope, on Tuesday and confirmed by Nielsen SoundScan. It's actually the best album debut since October 2008, when AC/DC's "Black Ice" topped the charts with sales of 784,000.

Eminem released the CD "Relapse" last year, but "Recovery" has gotten much better reviews.

The 37-year-old rapper was named the best-selling artist of the last decade by Billboard. (AP)

After 25 years, CNN seeks Larry King's replacement

CNN is preparing for a summertime search to find the successor to Larry King, who announced suddenly that he's leaving the show that has been the centerpiece of the news network's lineup for 25 years.

Even though the host is changing, CNN will keep to the idea of a provocative interview show with newsmakers, CNN U.S. President Jon Klein said.

"Nobody else does it," he said. "It's an important tool in the arsenal, and we want to keep it going."

King's announcement Tuesday came a couple of weeks after he celebrated his 25th anniversary with a week of shows interviewing President Barack Obama, LeBron James, Bill Gates and Lady Gaga — precisely the unique blend of stars and statesmen he considered the signature of "Larry King Live."

King said he will continue to do occasional specials for CNN after stepping down in the fall. He was already lobbying for guests for his final week on Tuesday, extracting a promise to appear from ABC's Diane Sawyer when she called in to his show to congratulate him. (AP)

Lil Boosie pleads not guilty to murder

Baton Rouge rapper Torrence "Lil Boosie" Hatch has pleaded not guilty to several charges including first-degree murder.

Hatch appeared Monday before state District Judge Mike Erwin.

Hatch's attorney, Marcus Allen, spoke after the hearing and said Hatch is "absolutely not guilty."

As previously reported, Hatch is accused of paying a man to kill 35-year-old Terry Boyd, who was shot to death through a window while inside his home on Oct. 21. Two other Baton Rouge men also face first-degree murder charges in Boyd's death. (AP)

Oprah tops Forbes celebrity 'power list'

WASHINGTON (AFP) – Superstar US talkshow host Oprah Winfrey regained the title of the world's most powerful celebrity in her fourth appearance in the top spot, said a survey published by Forbes magazine.

With 315 million dollars in earnings, Winfrey, 56, who next year is set to launch her own television channel, ousted Angelina Jolie as the top power player with the actress slipping from last year's number one to the 18th spot.

In second place to the enduring talkshow diva, popular singer Beyonce Knowles jumped two positions with earnings of 87 million dollars, following a profitable year for her growing entertainment and fashion empire.

Director James Cameron, fresh from the success of his record-breaking movie "Avatar," came in third with earnings of 210 million dollars.

The top rankings are based on income over the past 12 months, as well as web references, press clippings, broadcast mentions and major magazine covers devoted to the celebrity, Forbes said.

Comeback night at BET Awards: Chris Brown, DeBarge

LOS ANGELES – It was comeback night at the BET Awards.

Kanye West opened Sunday's show in his first TV appearance since dissing Taylor Swift at last year's MTV Video Music Awards. T.I. made a triumphant return to TV for his first performance since being released from prison in December. And 1980s hitmaker El DeBarge blazed back onto the stage to play old hits and the title track from his first new album in 16 years.

But most unexpected was Chris Brown, who offered an emotional tribute to Michael Jackson.

The embattled pop star has mostly kept a low profile since pleading guilty to felony assault for beating up Rihanna in February 2009. But here he was, center stage, mimicking Jackson's signature dance moves with almost eerie accuracy. Introduced by Jermaine Jackson, Brown embodied the King of Pop, wearing his fedora and spangled glove and moonwalking across the stage to "Billie Jean."

Then, as Brown grabbed a microphone to sing "Man in the Mirror," he broke down in tears. His voice cracked, he couldn't sing, and at one point he crumpled to the stage in apparent agony. It was a moving moment made even more so by the song's lyrics and his own recent past.

The 21-year-old returned to the stage later to apologize to his fans.

"I let you all down before, but I won't do it again. I promise you," Brown said. (AP)

Global tribute marks year since Michael Jackson's death

LOS ANGELES (Reuters Life!) – Michael Jackson fans worldwide paid tribute to the late King of Pop on Friday, the first anniversary of his death, by remembering him in song and dance even as his father sued the doctor accused of sending the superstar to his grave.

In Tokyo, the "Thriller" singer's followers spent the night among his possessions at a Michael Jackson exhibition, at New York's famed Apollo theater they danced to his music, and along Hollywood's Walk of Fame, they laid flowers by his star.

Jackson's sister Janet and brother Jermaine were among family members visiting a mausoleum at the Forest Lawn cemetery near Los Angeles, where the singer's body was laid to rest, and his mother, matriarch Katherine, appeared at the unveiling of a monument outside the family's first home in Gary, Indiana.

"I'm sure my son would be very pleased and very honored," Katherine Jackson said This last year has been a very hard time for us," she said of her family.

About 500 people gathered outside the home where Jackson and his brothers -- members of the Jackson 5 singing group -- got their start in the 1960s on their way to hits like "ABC." The stone monument featured a picture of him dancing with the words "Never Can Say Goodbye" chiseled beneath it.

I Am T-Pain update auto-tunes videos on your iPhone 4

Sometimes, it’s the simplest things that entertain us. Take T-Pain’s iPhone app, for example. I Am T-Pain, on sale right now for 99 cents, has stepped things up with an iPhone 4 upgrade. You can now record video with Autotunes, and even use your new front-facing camera.

The app seemed ridiculous when it first came out last year, and even more so now that we’ve moved beyond the Autotunes thing. But there’s something annoyingly addictive about this iPhone app, only exacerbated by the new video-recording features. (Appolicious)

Dwayne Wade's divorce finalized

CHICAGO (AFP) – A judge Friday finalized the contentious divorce of Dwyane Wade, but the Miami Heat star faces continuing fights over financial issues and custody of his children.

Cook County Judge Marya Nega announced her widely expected decision in a brief hearing on Friday.

The NBA player said he was relieved that the proceedings are over and his split from wife, Siobvaughn, was official.

Siohvaughn Wade's lawyer said he would appeal on the grounds that other issues have yet to be resolved.

Nega said her previous orders, including one granting Dwyane Wade temporary custody of their children, remain in place for the time being.

Michael Jackson's father files wrongful death suit

Michael Jackson's father filed a wrongful death lawsuit Friday against the doctor charged with giving the pop superstar a lethal dose of sedatives one year ago, accusing the Nevada doctor of negligence, secrecy and poor training.

Joe Jackson sued Dr. Conrad Murray on Friday — the anniversary of Michael Jackson's death — in federal court in Los Angeles.

The complaint, which seeks more than $75,000, accuses Murray of professional negligence for providing the singer with a mix of sedatives — including the anesthetic propofol — that authorities say killed him.

Propofol is normally administered only in hospital settings, but Murray had been providing Jackson the drug in the bedroom of the singer's rented mansion in Los Angeles. Joe Jackson contends the physician tried to conceal his administration of the drug after Jackson's death.

The lawsuit also names medical clinics that Murray operates in Las Vegas, Nev., and Houston, claiming they did not properly train or supervise the doctor. The lawsuit was filed in federal court because Murray's clinics are in other states and the doctor lives in Nevada.

Murray has pleaded not guilty to an involuntary manslaughter charge filed in February. His attorneys have said that he did not give Jackson anything that "should have" killed him. (AP)

Timbaland, Dr. Dre surprise graduation party

CULVER CITY, Calif. – Dr. Dre and Timbaland went back to school Wednesday night.

The rapper-producers shocked students when they appeared at a Culver City High School graduation party. Dr. Dre introduced Timbaland, who performed the tunes "The Way I Are," "Promiscuous Girl," "Carry Out" and "Say Something" on a stage in the school's gymnasium. Students invited had no idea the hip-hop masterminds were the guests of honor.

"When we walked in, we were like, 'Whoa. Is this a second prom?'" said 17-year-old junior Saul Salmeron.

The surprise performance was sponsored by Hewlett-Packard, Interscope Records and Beats by Dr. Dre, who have partnered with the aim of improving digital sound quality on PCs. The promotional event, which was recorded for an online documentary, also featured free food, photos and a raffle of HP gear. The company said it was donating $10,000 worth of computer equipment to the school.

"Y'all got a curfew?" Timbaland asked the audience at one point.

Students held up their camera phones and gathered around the stage to get a glimpse of Timbaland and Dr. Dre, who sneaked a peek of the crowd before he took the stage.

Dr. Dre, who is working on his next album, did not perform with labelmate Timbaland. (AP)

Fans plan remembrances for Jackson 1 year later

NEW YORK – A year ago, DJ John Quick was scheduled to spin at a party when he got the news — Michael Jackson was dead.

So instead of playing the hits of the moment, the Harlem event turned into an impromptu tribute to the King of Pop.

"It was the first time I've ever seen grown people crying and dancing at the same time," he said.

On Friday, the first anniversary of the King of Pop's death, Quick will once again play Michael Jackson tunes, at the club Taj in Manhattan, but he expects a more cheerful party this time.

"They wanna celebrate his life and music," he said. "His albums are like timelines in your life. You can remember what you were doing ... when 'Thriller' came out."

The Taj party will be part of the global celebration of Jackson's brilliant but troubled life. Jackson died at age 50 as he was preparing for comeback concerts in London. (AP)

NY vet dogs Mariah Carey over bills for pets' care

NEW YORK – Mariah Carey is in the doghouse with a veterinarian who says the pop superstar hasn't paid nearly $30,000 in bills for three of her prized pooches.

Veterinarian Cindy Bressler sued Carey on Wednesday in a Manhattan state court.

Bressler provided "extraordinary services" for the Jack Russell terriers — Cha-Cha, Dolomite and JJ — but the Grammy Award-winning singer paid only about $8,200 of the roughly $37,800 in charges, the lawsuit says. The bills cover a little more than a month of care.

Bressler's lawyer, Michael C. Posner, declined to elaborate on the dogs' treatment. Bressler, whose website notes that she makes house calls in New York City and the Hamptons and caters to "prominent New Yorkers and celebrity clients," didn't immediately respond to an e-mail message seeking comment.

Carey's spokeswoman didn't immediately respond to telephone and e-mail messages.

The pop diva has made her dogs something of characters in her multiplatinum-selling career, including in some comic video sketches made as part of an MTV.com promotion and posted on YouTube. In one, she and JJ compare the fit of their jeans: "I told you those `fat-free' dog treats weren't fat-free," she scolds. (AP)

Islam would have saved Michael Jackson, says brother

LONDON (AFP) – Converting to Islam would have saved the life of pop legend Michael Jackson, his brother Jermaine said in an interview to be aired Thursday.

Speaking ahead of the first anniversary Friday of the death of the "King of Pop" at the age of 50 from a prescription drug overdose, he told the BBC that his brother should have left the United States.

"I felt that if Michael would have embraced Islam he would still be here today and I say that for many reasons," Jermaine Jackson, who is a Muslim, told BBC World Service radio.

"Why? Because when you are 100 per cent clear in your mind as to who you are and what you are and why you are and everybody around you, then things change in a way that?s better for you. It?s just having that strength."

He added: "God is so powerful. He was studying. He was reading a lot of books, because I brought him books from Saudi Arabia. I brought him books from Bahrain.

"I was the one who originally put him in Bahrain because I wanted him to get out of America because it was having a cherry-picking time on my brother."

Lady Gaga says has finished new album

LONDON (Reuters) – U.S. pop star Lady Gaga has finished her new album, after her debut "The Fame" topped charts around the world.

The 24-year-old, known for her flamboyant costumes as much as her records, plans to release the album early next year, according to Rolling Stone magazine.

"I think I'm gonna get the album title tattooed on me and put out the photo," she told the publication.

"I've been working on it for months now, and I feel very strongly that it's finished right now. It came so quickly. Some artists take years; I don't. I write music every day."

The "Poker Face" singer, whose real name is Stefani Germanotta, hinted that her new music was likely to be more serious than her hit debut, which turned her into one of the pop world's biggest stars.

"I have been for three years baking cakes -- and now I'm going to bake a cake that has a bitter jelly," she said.

"The message of the new music is now more bitter than it was before. Because the sweeter the cake, the more bitter the jelly can be." (AP)

Angelina Jolie makes low-profile visit to Haiti

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Actress Angelina Jolie has quietly returned to Haiti for meetings with Haitian and U.N. officials.

The weekend visit by the "goodwill ambassador" for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was not announced to keep it low-profile.

U.N. officials confirmed the visit when asked by The Associated Press. They agreed to discuss the trip only if not quoted by name because they were asked not to share details of Jolie's visit.

Jolie has visited Haiti several times. In February she met with orphans and other earthquake victims.

The actress has also visited Iraq, Thailand, Pakistan and other countries on behalf of the U.N. refugee agency. (AP)

Suge Knight, Kanye West face off in NYC over suit

Battle-scarred rap mogul Marion "Suge" Knight and volatile hip-hop star Kanye West faced off Friday over a beef involving a bullet — with a conference table between them.

The two rap titans were there for West to answer questions about a celebrity-packed Miami Beach party where an unknown gunman shot Knight in the leg. West hosted the 2005 fete at the posh Shore Club before the MTV Video Music Awards, held that year in Miami.

Knight — who promoted some of rap's biggest acts in the 1990s but has been beset by legal and financial troubles — has sued the Grammy Award-winning West and the Shore Club's owners, saying they didn't provide enough security.

Knight said Friday he had hoped a face-to-face encounter with West — and their lawyers — could settle the matter, but he got few answers.

"I figured I could sit him down, man to man, and get this resolved," Knight said after the six-hour, closed-door session at a Fifth Avenue office. "I'm disappointed." (AP)

Oprah gives magazine staff $10,000 each and an iPad

NEW YORK (Reuters) – Billionaire media mogul Oprah Winfrey has given staff at her magazine $10,000 each and an Apple iPad, a spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

"As a thank you for their hard work and dedication, Oprah Winfrey surprised the staff of O, The Oprah Magazine with an Apple iPad and a check for $10,000, to commemorate the magazine's 10th anniversary," a magazine spokeswoman said.

The total number of staff members who received the gifts was not made immediately available.

The popular U.S. television talk show host plans to end "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in 2011 after 25 years to set up her own cable TV network.

The top-rated daytime show is broadcast from Chicago on ABC television stations across the United States and in more than 140 countries. It has helped Winfrey amass a fortune estimated by Forbes magazine at $2.3 billion.

Billboard: 'Say Say Say' most popular Jackson song

Michael Jackson had dozens of hits, but his most popular one wasn't a solo smash or a tune with his brothers. It was a song with another icon.

Billboard says "Say Say Say," his 1983 hit with Paul McCartney, is the most popular Jackson song. That was followed by "Billie Jean," the Jackson 5's "I'll Be There," "Beat It" and "Rock with You."

"Billie Jean" was at No. 1 for seven weeks, while "Say Say Say" held the top spot for six weeks. But the McCartney-Jackson hit stayed in the top 10 longer.

Billboard is releasing Jackson statistics ahead of the anniversary of the King of Pop's death. He died June 25, 2009, at age 50. (BILLBOARD)

DeGeneres makes variety TV her cause in special

LOS ANGELES – Ellen DeGeneres is bringing variety back to TV with the help of Kabuki Expert and Flag Man.

They're among the performers in DeGeneres' fourth variety special for TBS, "Ellen's Somewhat Special Special," which taped at the Chicago Theatre on Wednesday for broadcast later this month.

"I'm really excited about the acts this year," DeGeneres said before the show, which was to include a Q&A session with the audience and "different things."

Asked if that meant she would take part in some of the daring stunts, the comedian said it was possible, adding, "Coincidentally, I signed a big insurance policy."

Others appearing in the special include Lady Antebellum, Australian magician James Galea, Catwalk Acrobats and Nick Cannon. They join Japan's Kabuki Expert, creators of the clever Matrix Ping Pong video seen online, and Dominic Lacasse, an acrobat known as Flag Man. (AP)

Snoop Dogg not welcome in Dutch city of Hague

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) – U.S. rapper Snoop Dogg, a frequent visitor to the Netherlands and aficionado of its readily available marijuana, will not be allowed to perform at a free concert in The Hague, authorities said on Thursday.

The mayor of the Dutch city, public prosecutors and the police have asked organizers of the Parkpop festival, billed as the largest in Europe, to find another act to replace Snoop Dogg "in order to be able to guarantee the open and friendly character and free admission of Parkpop" to be held June 27.

Notorious for his appreciation of marijuana and hash, which are sold openly in the Netherlands at stores called "coffee shops," Snoop Dogg is a frequent visitor and usually holds concerts in the European country at least once a year.

"This is all very annoying that the headliner is being removed from the programme 10 days before the event," a spokeswoman for organizer Ducos Productions told ANP-Reuters.

Eminem comes out in support of gay marriage

In an interview with the New York Times' Deborah Solomon, rapper Eminem says that despite past lyrics that made fun of gay people, he supports same-sex marriage.

"You've been accused of writing gay-bashing lyrics in the past. Would you like to see gay marriage approved in Michigan, where you live?

"I think if two people love each other, then what the hell? I think that everyone should have the chance to be equally miserable, if they want."

"Is this the new, 37-year-old tolerant you?

"It's the new tolerant me!"

"My overall look on things is a lot more mature than it used to be," he said.

Eminem's new album, "Recovery," comes out June 21.

(LIZ GOODWIN OF YAHOO NEWS)

Randy Jackson hospitalized for chest pains

Randy Jackson, brother of the late pop legend Michael Jackson, was hospitalized Tuesday in Southern California.

Jackson, 48, experienced chest pains around noon on Tuesday and was taken to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena, where he is currently awaiting the outcome of tests, a source close to the Jackson family who spoke only on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly said.

The source told The Associated Press that doctors at the hospital think it was a mild heart attack, but this has not yet been confirmed. (AP)

Rapper Kid Cudi arrested on criminal charges in NY

Rapper Kid Cudi (CUHD'-ee) has been arrested on criminal charges in New York City.

Sgt. John Butorn says Cudi was arrested Friday on charges of criminal mischief and criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Cudi was scheduled to perform early Saturday at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Tennessee. After taking the stage, he said, "I really wanted to be here tonight."

Cudi released his debut album "Man on the Moon: The End of Day" in 2009. The Cleveland native also co-stars in the HBO comedy series "How to Make It in America." (AP)

Usher suprised his kids love his latest hit 'OMG'

Usher says he knew his latest song would be a hit in the clubs, but he didn't think that would translate into his own home.

The singer told The Associated Press this week that he knew "OMG" would have "incredible energy" but adds: "Did I know that my children would love it at 1 and 2? I only hoped."

The thumping dance tune is produced by will.i.am (wil eye am) and is his ninth No. 1 single. It's from his gold-selling album "Raymond v. Raymond."

The 31-year-old is the father of 2-year-old sons Usher Raymond V and 1-year-old Naviyd (nah-VEED') Ely Raymond. He divorced their mother, Tameka Foster, last year.

Usher credits will.i.am for the song's success. He says the Black Eyed Peas leader always "keeps his finger on the pulse of where the world is and what they're listening." (AP)

Nelson Mandela to miss opening ceremony

Nelson Mandela won't attend today's opening ceremony of the World Cup. His 13-year-old great-granddaughter was killed in a car crash on the way home from the kick-off concert in Soweto, his office said Friday.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation said Zenani Mandela died in a one-car accident and no one else was injured, reports AP. Tummi Shai, a police spokeswoman said a case of probable homicide — not unusual in traffic accidents where negligence is suspected — had been opened. According to the New York Times, the man behind the wheel has been accused of drunk driving.

Last night's World Cup concert featuring Alicia Keys, Shakira and The Black Eyed Peas had drawn tens of thousands of people to Soweto, and traffic was congested into the early hours Friday. Zenani, who celebrated her 13th birthday June 9, was one of Mandela's nine great-grandchildren. "The family has asked for privacy as they mourn this tragedy," the foundation said in a statement.

Nelson Mandela was scheduled to, but will not be attending the World Cup due to this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Mandela Family. (USA TODAY)

Rapper Dr. Dre claims his record label stole from him

Rapper Dr. Dre has been feuding with Death Row Records since his former record label was bought out of bankruptcy last year. The new entity, WIDEawake Death Row Records, put out a new version of his iconic album "The Chronic," as well as a greatest hits collection, without his permission.

Dr. Dre -- real name Andre Young -- sued in February.

On Monday, a California district court tossed his claims that Death Row's release of "The Chronic Re-Lit" violated his rights of trademark and publicity. However, the judge allowed another claim -- that he hasn't been paid royalties since splitting from Death Row in 1996 -- to be heard.

Dr. Dre argued that Death Row suggested he endorsed the new albums, particularly in the way it placed his name and likeness on the cover. Death Row countered that it didn't substantially modify the substance of "The Chronic" in any way other than giving it sonic clarity and a slightly louder volume.

Then, in 1996, he left Death Row, disclaiming his ownership interest in both the company and the sound recordings in exchange for both the previous-agreed-upon royalty rate and a promise not to distribute any of his songs except "in the manners heretofore distributed."

Snyder ruled the alterations were "minor and inconsequential." She also pointed out that the image used on the cover jacket is the same photograph from the original album, instead of a more current photo, which may have gone further to imply some new endorsement.

Dr. Dre will have to settle for going after the new iteration of Death Row on the money he alleges is owed to him. (Hollywood Reporter)

Afro-Punk Artist Tamar Kali is set to release an album!

Tamar-kali’s hard-rocking brand of outsider art leaped from every track on her 2005 solo EP, Geechee Goddess Hardcore Warrior Soul, enchanting listeners with its melody, while delivering a swift kick to the gut with its incisive emotional core. Five years later her first full-length release, Black Bottom (Fall 2010), packs an even harder punch as audiences are invited to gaze deeper into the mind of a woman who refers to her music as “classical experimental” and “aggressive melodic rock." She says, “I believe that the ‘Black Rock’ label is another obstacle for artists like myself. For all intents and purposes it continues to marginalize black artists to a group defined by race as opposed to genre.”

The cathartic, orgasmic emotion Tamar-kali brings with every song leaves her peerless above or underground. One thing to remember with Tamar-kali's sound is, as with any good piece of drama, there's a twist. Nothing is exactly as it appears and by the time you discover the trickery, you're uncontrollably writhing your hips and pumping your fists in the air. How can anyone be ready for the aural assault Tamar-kali brings? For warriors and lovers alike, the thrill of the unexpected makes her music all the more necessary. (HELIO PR)

Car reportedly owned by Kanye West stolen, wrecked

Police are trying to determine who stole a pricey sports car that reportedly belonged to rapper Kanye West, and crashed it into a Honolulu house.

Honolulu police said Tuesday a black Porsche Panamera rammed into the unoccupied house near Waikiki early Saturday, creating a large hole in the side of the garage and crumpling the sedan.

Witnesses reported seeing two men walk away from the car after the crash, and police are still trying to identify the suspects. No arrests have been made. (AP)

Chris Brown denied entry to Britain for tour

R&B singer Chris Brown has postponed his tour to Britain after being denied a visa to enter the country in a decision linked to his sentence for assaulting then-girlfriend Rihanna 16 months ago.

The 21-year-old, whose hits include "Run It!" and "Kiss Kiss," was sentenced in August 2009 to five years probation, ordered to perform 180 days of community service and attend domestic abuse counseling.

The tour was due to have started in Glasgow, Scotland, on Wednesday, followed by gigs in Birmingham, Manchester and London on Thursday, Friday and Sunday respectively.

It was postponed "due to unforeseen circumstances," according to the website promoting the tour. Fans were advised to hold on to their tickets with the possibility of the dates being re-arranged.

Britain's Home Office said: "We reserve the right to refuse entry to the UK to anyone guilty of a serious criminal offence. Public safety is one of our primary concerns. Each application to enter the UK is considered on its individual merits." (REUTERS)

Aspire to host your own talk show? Oprah wants you

Oprah Winfrey wants to give an undiscovered talent a chance to follow in her footsteps on her new cable network.

The talk show host is teaming up with reality TV producer Mark Burnett on a show searching for the next big TV personality. "Your Own Show: Oprah's Search for the Next TV Star" will air on the Oprah Winfrey Network beginning in January, the same month of OWN's launch.

Winfrey is ending "The Oprah Winfrey Show" in September 2011 after 25 seasons.
In a phone interview from Los Angeles, Burnett — the man behind such shows as "Survivor" and "The Apprentice" — said the premise fits perfectly into what people like to watch: Regular people achieving extraordinary things.

"The landscape and acceptance of ordinary people on television is widely accepted ... Much in the way 'American Idol' finds unknown people (to be recording stars) there's no reason we can't find someone who deserves their own show," he said.

Aspiring hosts can upload videos to Oprah.com under categories like traditional talk show, cooking, health and wellness, and interior design. It's possible to also watch and vote on submitted videos. In-person casting calls are happening this month in Atlanta, Dallas and Orange County, California. (AP)

August trial date set for Ja Rule in NYC gun case

NEW YORK – A court is telling Ja Rule to book a date in New York City this summer — for a trial in his 3-year-old gun case.

A Manhattan judge on Tuesday set an Aug. 18 trial date for Ja Rule, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins.

The judge had turned down the platinum-selling rapper's request for a hearing on scientific issues surrounding DNA evidence.

He has pleaded not guilty to weapon possession. Police said they found a loaded semiautomatic gun in his luxury sports car as he was being driven away from a July 2007 concert. (AP)

Hip Hop Princess Trina Covers BE Magazine!

BE Entertained Magazine Issue XIX has to BE the BEst issue yet! This issue is all about BEing AMAZIN' and what BEtter cover artist to secure than Miss AMAZIN' herself...Da Baddest B*tch... our Diamond Princess...Miss TRINA!

Trina is only weeks into her latest project AMAZIN' and has been on the road heavily promoting the album. Trina sat down with BE Magazine for an EXCLUSIVE one-on-one to discuss how she's feeling about the project, working with Diddy, Monica, Keri Hilson, Lady Saw, and Nicki Minaj, and of course we had to address the rumors and alleged BEef she's BEen involved in.

Along with a BEautiful feature on Trina, BE Magazine Issue XIX engulfs a wide array of AMAZIN' talent from Lyfe Jennings, Drumma Boy, Priscilla Renea, Nate Walka, Cali Swag District, Da Kennel, Recognition, Half Mile Home (coming soon), & more. As always, BE Magazine is the perfect blend of entertainment literary journalism infused with the BEst of multimedia; don't miss out on our new videos, audio, and other media formats that'll have you clicking www.bemagazine.me EVERYDAY! (BE)

Usher holds on to top spot on U.S. singles chart

Usher maintained his perch atop the Billboard Hot 100 singles chart for a fourth non-consecutive week on Thursday with "OMG," featuring will.i.am.

Katy Perry's "California Gurls," featuring Snoop Dogg, stepped up a notch to the No. 2 spot, where it debuted two weeks ago.

B.o.B's "Airplanes," featuring Hayley Williams, dropped one to No. 3. B.o.B's former No. 1 "Nothin' on You" slipped two to No. 7.

Ke$ha reached the top five for the second time in her young career as "Your Love Is My Drug" rose from No. 7 to No. 4. First single "TiK ToK" spent nine weeks at No. 1 while "Blah Blah Blah" peaked at No. 7. (BILLBOARD)

ASCAP, Drumma Boy & New York Life Host "The Producers Workshop" in Atlanta on June 7th

Drumma Boy has risen to the top faster than any producer that we've seen. Who really goes from making beats for Yo Gotti to making beats for Jay-Z? The 26 year old is far beyond his years and he's capitalizing on what he does best. (Radiance Entertainment)

On Monday June 7th from 6-9pm Producer Drumma Boy, ASCAP and New York Life will host "The Producer's Workshop" at The Artist Factory (1741 Commerce Drive NW.) in Atlanta, Georgia. The learning workshop will school aspiring artists/producers on the economy of the entertainment industry as well as valuable production lessons.

In December 2009 The New York Times named him one of the four hottest producers “driving the city” in Atlanta, describing his sound as “a busy bee swarm of synths overlaid with brash bass injections that’s equal parts Memphis and Atlanta." He was nominated for “Producer of the Year” at the 2008 Ozone Awards, named “Hip Hop’s Illest Soundboy” by The Source Magazine, “Top 5 Producers of 2008” by Vibe Magazine and quoted in the January 2010 issue of Rolling Stone surrounding his production work for controversial recording artist Gucci Mane’s #1 Rap Album The State vs. Radric Davis.

Drumma Boy's beats can be heard on forthcoming albums from T.I. (King Uncaged), Drake (Thank Me Later), Young Jeezy (Thug Motivation 103), The Game (The R.E.D Album), Gucci Mane (The State vs. Radric Davis), Kandi Burruss (B.L.O.G), Goapele (Milk & Honey), Lil' Jon (Crunk Rock), Juelz Santana (Born to Lose, Built to Win), Birdman (Pricele$$), 8Ball & MJG (Ten Toes Down), Plies (Goon Affiliated), Triple C's (Custom Cars & Cycles), Snoop Dogg (More Malice), Waka Flocka (Murda-Man Flocka), Jagged Edge (The Remedy) to name a few. Current songs of his in heavy rotation include "Money to Blow" (Drake, Birdman and Lil Wayne) "Lose My Mind" (Plies & Jeezy) "Fly Above" (Kandi Burruss), "Pussy Fight" (The Game, Nicki Minaj & Ray J) and 11 tracks on the new Gucci Mane mixtape The Burrprint 2 HD. (Helio PR)

Obama presents award to former Beatle McCartney

WASHINGTON (AFP) – Forty-six years after the Beatles invaded America, Paul McCartney rocked the White House Wednesday, honored by President Barack Obama at a star-studded concert celebrating his songwriting legend.

Though British Petroleum is target number one for the White House over the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, British pop, in the form of Sir Paul, was more than welcome, along with a host of stars who performed Lennon/McCartney classics.

McCartney's barnstorming show was part of a two-day series of events marking the award of the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song by the Library of Congress.