Entertainment News

BURBANK, Calif. – Paula Abdul spent eight seasons searching for the next "American Idol." Now she's looking for folks who "Live to Dance."

The former "Idol" sweetheart is executive producing and leading the expert panel on CBS' new all-ages dance competition, which premieres Jan. 4 and is poised to cha-cha-cha alongside Fox's "Idol" on some nights.

Abdul will be joined by Michael Jackson's "This Is It" choreographer Travis Payne and former Pussycat Dolls member Kimberly Wyatt, who also served as a judge on the show's British predecessor, "Got to Dance." Abdul promised this incarnation will be much less cutthroat, though 18 final acts will ultimately shake it for a $500,000 grand prize.

In a recent interview during a break from the show's West Coast open auditions, the bubbly, often-rambling 48-year-old former Laker girl discussed whether she'll be tuning into the upcoming 10th season of "Ido," and compared "Live to Dance" to all those other reality TV dance competitions.

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AP: What kind of dancers have you seen so far in the audition process?

Abdul: We've had amazing 5-, 6- and 7-year-old dancers all the way up to beautiful dancers in their 60s, 70s and even 80s that still live in that passionate, unique place where dance inspires them. If you get to do that life, your life is so much richer.

AP: Why did you decide to do another reality TV talent competition?

Abdul: I felt strongly that when I left "American Idol," I really needed to take time to rediscover where my passion lies. ... For me, if I didn't check off one of the boxes on my bucket list that I was involved in a dance show, I don't know if that would sit really well with me.

AP: How do you feel that "Live to Dance" will likely go up against "American Idol" when it premieres next year?

Abdul: My whole life has been about ironies and metaphors and things like that. I'm excited about it. I do feel they're two completely separate shows. The irony of it is my experience — one family to a new family. For me, I celebrate having shows that are a platform for raw, untapped talent. In my mind, there can never be too many of those shows.

AP: Will you be watching the new season of "Idol" with new judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez?

Abdul: I absolutely will. DVR. I watched the last season objectively as a fan. Look, I was part of that family for nine years of my life. With Jennifer and Steven coming in, they're seasoned veterans. Randy's at the helm, and Ryan's still there. ... I hope they're experiencing great talent and having a good time.

AP: You were known as the nice, sometimes zany judge on "Idol." What kind of judge will you be on this show?

Abdul: Well, I'm not a judge at all. In fact, coming onto this show, I said, "We need to get rid of the judging aspect. I need to lead a panel of experts." ... It's not so much about judging the acts as it is about, "How are we going to help these acts as leading experts, either with their next audition or if they move forward in this competition?"

AP: How else will "Live to Dance" be different from other reality TV dancing competitions?

Abdul: People keep saying, "I'm sure you're getting some crazy acts auditioning!" Crazy and kooky can exist in this show only if it's backed up by the chops of amazing techniques and skills. I'm all for being left of center and being different but not for the sake of just trying to get on television.

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Online:

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/live_to_danc

NEW YORK – In her low husky voice, Maya Angelou came out singing an old African-American song about a rainbow to express her love of books and libraries.

"God put the rainbow in the clouds ... so the viewer can see the possibility of hope. That's what a library is," said the 82-year-old poet, author, and dramatist as she finished the song based on Genesis.

Friday's occasion marked the official announcement by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture in Harlem of its acquisition of some 340 boxes of her personal papers. The center is part of the New York Public Library.

The 6-foot-tall author of "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" walked with difficulty on stage. But once seated, she regaled the audience with reminiscences of her Arkansas childhood and friendships with such 20th century powerhouses as novelist James Baldwin and civil rights activist Malcolm X.

Angelou said she was 8 years old and a "voluntary mute" after she was raped at age 7 when a teacher at her all-black school showed her the library and said, "I want you to read every book in this room." She did — all 200-300 of them.

"No bad can happen to you in the library. You can't be raped or mugged in a library. You can't be talked down to, belittled, humiliated in the library," she said. "As soon as I'm in a library, I'm OK."

The first time she entered the grand New York Public Library on Fifth Avenue with its sweeping staircase and rooms where she could "read what happened in China in the 4th century," she was bowled over, she told The Associated Press in an interview earlier this week.

"It still makes me weak in the knees to think that I can go into any library in the world and nobody can keep me out," she told the AP.

The decision to house her papers at the Schomburg — the world's largest repository of material on people of African descent — was "so easy," said Angelou, who's donated other material there over the years, including a collection of letters from Booker T. Washington and Frederick Douglass.

As the Schomburg's national membership chair, she's raised $7 million, said library Director Howard Dodson.

Angelou recalled for the audience how the books at her Arkansas elementary school, which were donated by whites, were often coverless and tattered. But by the time she and her classmates were done with them, decorating them with cotton and pretty cloth, "the books were so beautiful," she said.

She recounted how an English friend whose father was a famous Communist and friend of Paul Robeson gave her tapes of the actor-singer in concert supposedly in Hungary, knowing how much she loved African-Americana.

Angelou said she couldn't get anyone in her home state of North Carolina to transfer the tapes into film so she turned to Dodson. It was Dodson, she said, who discovered that the concert was not in Hungary at all but taped at a church in New Jersey after Robeson's passport was revoked for his political views in the 1950s. The tapes were then smuggled out of the country, she said.

Angelou also recalled an incident involving Baldwin.

In her famous storytelling style, she said the "Native Son" author, who was all of 5-foot-5-inches "in wedges," came to her rescue after taking her to "a joint" that reeked of "Lysol and urine." He had briefly left her alone at the bar and returned to find a burly man pestering her.

She said Baldwin came right in between her and the man and said: "You've been taking care of her for me? You're dismissed now," and then added an expletive that Angelou repeated for the audience, which roared w

Konsole Kingz debuts the first, urban, hip-hop content exclusively for the PlayStation®Store

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) October 28, 2010

Personalize your PlayStation®3 with exotic sensation and XXL’s 2009 Eye Candy of the Year, Rosa Acosta. Leaving a lasting impression in 2010, Konsole Kingz (KKZ) debuts The Rosa Acosta Wild West Theme in the PlayStation®Store. The theme features 14 new photos of Rosa Acosta along with themed icons and sounds to customize your PlayStation®3.

Ranked as one of King Magazine’s Top 100 models, Rosa Acosta is well known for her music video appearances in Jamie Foxx’s “Blame It,” Drake’s, “Best I Ever Had,” and Chris Brown’s “Transform Ya,” where she displays her ballerina stretching techniques.

Photographed in an incredible Wild West setting, this Dominican beauty’s collaboration with KKZ marks the beginning of exclusive, dynamic themes for the PlayStation®Store.

“Rosa Acosta is one of the biggest, if not the biggest, urban models in the game right now. Her Konsole Queenz shoot was one of the most memorable shoots we have done so far,” said Cj Peters, Konsole Kingz CEO. “I couldn't think of a better way for Konsole Kingz to make our debut in the PlayStation®3. I know PS3™ owners and her fans are going to love it. We may have to do a part two, ASAP."

Rosa Acosta expressed how exciting it was to be photographed by KKZ. “It was an awesome experience for me to be a sexy cowgirl. I've always dreamed of an opportunity to work with a gaming company and I really hope this opens more doors. Hugs and kisses to all my fans and the beautiful support they always give me, now let's play!”

How to download The Rosa Acosta Wild West Theme on PS3™: 1. Log into the PlayStation®Store 2. Go to Themes & Avatars 3. Go to Dynamic Themes 4. Navigate to “The Rosa Acosta Wild West Show Dynamic Theme”

How to install The Rosa Acosta Wild West Theme: 1. From the Settings icon on the XMB (Xross Media Bar), scroll to the Theme Settings option. 2. Press the X button to display the Theme menu 3. Press the X button again to display a list of themes that are available for use. 4. Scroll to the desired theme, and then select Apply.

For behind the scenes footage of one of the most vivacious models of the urban, hip-hop world visit http://www.konsolekingz.com/RosaAcosta

Video and Screenshots

BTS Video with commercial: http://www.konsolekingz.com/RosaAcosta/rosa-long_w_commercial.mov

Commercial: http://www.konsolekingz.com/RosaAcosta/rosa-commercial.mov BTS no commercial: http://www.konsolekingz.com/RosaAcosta/rosa-longvideo.mov

Screen shot 1: http://www.konsolekingz.com/RosaAcosta/RosaPS3screenshot1.jpg

Screen shot 2: http://www.konsolekingz.com/RosaAcosta/RosaPS3screenshot2.jpg

About KKZ KONSOLE KINGZ (KKZ) has emerged as leaders of the urban video gaming space. The company focuses on a unique combination of promotions, event planning, gaming tournaments, viral marketing, and editorial pieces to connect with and understand the urban gamer.

Contact: Alicia Gholar, Public Relations Manager Konsole Kingz alicia(at)konsolekingz(dot)com

# # #

Alicia Gholar
Konsole Kingz
678-463-050

Mariah Carey, one of the world's top selling singers, said on Thursday that she is pregnant with her first child.

The Grammy Award winning singer and her husband, "America's Got Talent" host and rapper Nick Cannon, made the announcement in an interview broadcast on NBC's Today Show.

"Yes, we're pregnant, this is true. It's still early, we're expecting in the spring," said Carey, confirming rumors that had been swirling for several months.

"It's been a long journey, but it's been tough because I have been trying to hold on to a shred of privacy and that was not easy," said Carey, who also revealed that she suffered a miscarriage soon after she and Cannon married in 2008.

Carey will release her 13th studio album, "Merry Christmas II You," next week. During her 20 year career, Carey has sold more than 200 million albums, singles and videos and scored 18 No. 1 songs in the United States.


(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Patricia Reaney)

LOS ANGELES – A newlywed, a teen heartthrob and a glittery pop star are set to take the stage at the 38th annual American Music Awards.

Katy Perry, Justin Bieber and Ke$ha will make their debuts on the AMAs next month, producers said Wednesday. All three are multiple nominees, and all are up for artist of the year, along with Lady Gaga and Eminem.

Bieber is nominated for four awards. Ke$ha and Perry have three bids each. Eminem and Lady Antebellum lead nominees with five apiece.

Sixteen-year-old Bieber, who recently released his autobiography, said he's "extremely humbled and honored" to be part of the show, which honors the most popular albums and artists.

"As a small-town kid from Canada, I never imagined that I would be nominated for AMAs, let alone be performing on the show," he said without hinting at what song he plans to perform.

Ke$ha said she's excited for her "first big American awards-show performance" and humbled to be nominated for artist of the year with some of her idols.

"To have my name nominated alongside them really solidifies the impact I've had on American pop culture and pop music the past year," she said. "I'm really honored and definitely going to cover America in glitter."

She said she'll perform a medley that includes her new single, "We Are Who We Are."

Perry, who married comedian Russell Brand last week, didn't reveal her performance plans.

Other artists slated to perform at the show include Christina Aguilera, Bon Jovi, Usher and P!nk.

The American Music Awards will be presented Nov. 21 at the Nokia Theatre and broadcast live on ABC. Music fans can choose the winners by voting online.

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Online:

http://www.amavote.com

Gospel and R&B singer James Phelps, who performed with soul greats including Lou Rawls and Sam Cooke, has died in Los Angeles. He was 78.

Elder Lee M. Harris, who co-wrote an autobiography of Phelps, said the singer died Tuesday at a Los Angeles hospital, apparently from complications of diabetes.

Phelps was born in Shreveport, La. In his late teens he moved to Chicago, where he performed with several gospel groups including the Gospel Songbirds, the Holy Wonders and the Soul Stirrers. It was with the Holy Wonders that Phelps performed with Rawls. He met Cooke while a member of the Soul Stirrers.

Phelps was a founder of the group Clefs of Calvary and had a hit single "Love is a Five-Letter Word" in 1965 with Chess Records.

Common will be joining Barack Obama at a weekend rally for Democratic candidates in the president's home state of Illinois.

Campaign officials announced details about the Chicago rally Tuesday night, saying Common will be performing.

The rally will be held Saturday afternoon at the Midway Plaisance park on Chicago's South Side. The event is free, but campaign officials say those wishing to attend should RSVP.

Organizing for America said gates will open at 4:30 p.m. and airport-type security will be in force. No signs, banners or laptops will be allowed.

Reggie G, under the Masta Minds Entertainment label, today announced the release of his debut album, “Reggie Who?” The album features Reggie G rapping, writing and co-producing with some of hip hop’s biggest and best known names, and guest appearances by artists such as Chamillionaire along with music videos and video montages for every song on the album.

Dallas, TX (PRWEB) October 26, 2010

Reggie G, under the Masta Minds Entertainment label, today announced the release of his debut album, “Reggie Who?” The album features Reggie G rapping, writing and co-producing with some of hip hop’s biggest and best known names, and guest appearances by artists such as Chamillionaire along with music videos and video montages for every song on the album.

The first three singles from the album, “I Stay On It”, “Presidential” and “Whatever Kind You Like” showcase the talent of this Dallas, TX based hip hop artist, who is breaking out of the traditional genres of music with his take on hip hop, and shattering the stereotypes traditionally held of hip hop and rap artists. Holding a Masters Degree in Economics, Reggie leads by example, teaching economics as a college professor in Dallas, TX.

“I Stay On It”, with a guest appearance by Grammy Award winning rapper, Chamillionaire, received urban radio airplay, charting on the Billboard Rhythmic Top 40 and Hot Rap Tracks charts in 2010. Having spent these last years building his fan base and perfecting his music in the southern region, Reggie G is now ready to branch out and bring his music to the rest of the world. Production features some of music’s most accomplished producers from Jerome Harmon, Chris Godbey, The Villanova, Ensayne Wayne, Hypnotiq Productions and mixed by Grammy Award winning Tre Nagella, this album brings together some of music’s most knowledgeable music talents.

The album, a compilation of some of Reggie G’s most forward thinking and catchy sounds, is sure to make waves in the hip hop world, featuring the incredible versatility of this break out artist. Singles from the album have been featured on CBS’s CSI and also showcased on ABC’s The Forgotten TV show.

An artist committed to bringing relevant music to people, Reggie noticed a disconnect between an artist's true emotion in the musical lyrics of everyday hip hop and what was happening in real life, and those lives of people around him. With this album, Reggie wants to keep the listeners in tuned to his visions and opinions but also entertained with a selection of catchy hooks and witty lyrics.

“Having worked on this album for some time, I’ve gotten to better understand how much my personal life has changed me by staying in school unlike most of my friends from childhood that had major setbacks from making poor choices in their lives,” said Reggie G. “Most people are not fortunate to have their opinions heard on a public stage in their lifetime and rap has given me that outlet.” “With this outlet I have created songs I believe people both fortunate and less fortunate will connect with, since my songs describe various thoughts and times in all of our lives.”

Other guest appearances on the album feature Corbin Corona, Laconda Davis, Multi ID, D-Shep, Matt G. The album, due to be released on October 26, 2010, can be purchased on iTunes, Rhapsody, Zune, Amazon and MySpace, among others and will also be available from Best Buy & through Mastamindslive.com or Reggieglive.com in physical distribution after November 2nd.

About Reggie G

Reggie G is a Dallas, Texas based hip hop artist wi

Federal authorities have ordered rapper T.I. to report directly to a federal prison in Arkansas by Nov. 1 to start serving his 11-month prison sentence.

U.S. Marshal Beverly Harvard on Tuesday ordered T.I., whose real name is Clifford Harris Jr., to report to the Forrest City low-security prison where he served parts of an earlier 10-month stint on federal weapons charges.

A federal judge in Atlanta sentenced the rapper this month to serve another 11 months in prison for breaking his federal probation after he was arrested Sept. 1 in Los Angeles on drug charges.

Prosecutors in Los Angeles said Monday they will not file a felony drug charge against the rapper.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Hey soul sisters, and brothers. The band Train on Monday rolled out a new song for the upcoming holidays meant to put a smile on the faces of music fans who are weary of the gloomy economy.

The song, "Shake Up Christmas," is a key part of Coca-Cola Co.'s new Christmas advertising campaign that in past years has featured people or animals, such as the friendly polar bears of 1993, which became iconic for generations of TV viewers.

For years, bands have struggled against declining CD sales by branching out into selling more merchandise and beefing up live and televised performances. But for San Francisco-based Train, singer Pat Monahan told Reuters the new song is less about commerce and more about wanting to conjure holiday joy during tough times.

Monahan said the Grammy-winning band has been touring the world for some 17 months, and they have talked with many people who are grappling with the economic downturn even as their hit love song, "Hey Soul Sister," set crowds to singing happily.

"It's really an honor to know that, somehow, our music is affecting people in a positive way," Monahan said.

He added that writing a song only for commerce -- meaning "Shake Up Christmas" solely for a Coca-Cola ad -- seemed cynical. Approaching a song that way, he said, "you are not going to write inspiring music."

"I think of what I did with 'Shake Up Christmas' as a 'how can I help'" spread some happiness.

The lyrics talk about spreading joy and love and include the chorus: "Shake it up, shake up the happiness/ Wake it up, wake up the happiness/ Come on y'all, it's Christmas time."

The band, whose other hits include "Drops of Jupiter," planned to perform the song for the first time in a show on Monday night in London, one day ahead of Coca-Cola's plans to unveil the advertising campaign and the song to the world.

SANTA CLAUS AND COCA-COLA

Dating back to the 1920s, Coca-Cola has geared ad campaigns around the holidays. Its 1931 posters featuring a jolly Santa Claus and created by artist Haddon Sundblom became symbolic of what most people consider to be a joyous time of year.

In more recent decades, a family of Coca-Cola polar bears has conjured thoughts of togetherness and sharing, and ads featuring a caravan of bright, colorful trucks delivering soft drinks has been seen in more than 100 different countries.

Shay Drohan, senior vice president of the company's Sparkling Brands division, said "Shake Up Christmas" will be featured throughout the 2010 holiday campaign.

"We think of (the ads) as tradition," Drohan said. "but we want to balance that with what is new about this Christmas."

The company hopes to build on the success it enjoyed with a similar promotion created around World Cup soccer matches using the song "Wavin' Flag - Coca-Cola Celebration Mix" by Somali rapper K'NAAN. The song was not just a key part of ads, it became a hit that topped record charts in 17 countries.

Whether Train can duplicate that kind of success with "Shake Up Christmas" awaits the days and weeks ahead, but there is one thing of which Monahan is certain right now, the song is not about an ad. "It's really about the spirit" of Christmas, he said.

(Editing by Jill Serjeant)