Entertainment News

Aretha Franklin on Monday called off plans to marry in the summer, saying she and her fiancÃÆ'© William 'Willie' Wilkerson had decided they had gone too far, too soon.

"Will and I have decided we were moving a little too fast, and there were a number of things that had not been thought through thoroughly. There will be no wedding at this time," the couple said in a joint statement.

"We will not comment on it any further because of the very personal and sensitive nature of it. We appreciate all of the many well wishes from friends. Aretha & Will."

Franklin, 69, announced her engagement three weeks ago, saying she and her longtime friend planned to marry in June or July on Miami beach, followed by a party on a yacht.

The announcement came about a year after the "Respect" singer was sidelined by a mystery illness requiring surgery. She returned to performing and released a new album in May after dropping about 85 pounds in weight.

Source: Reuters | Reporting By Jill Serjeant; Editing by Bob Tourtellott

Jennifer Hudson says that she didn't turn down the role of Precious because of her weight. She claims that she turned it down because she "felt is was just too graphic for (her) at the time."

Check out the video below to hear her explanation in her own words.

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NEW YORK (AP) - The history of slavery in America is a history of resistance, rebellion. Yet, movies and TV do not always showcase those themes.

That's one reason why the rapper Common is excited about AMC's new series, "Hell on Wheels," a Western that chronicles the building of the transcontinental railroad.

Common plays mixed-raced former slave Elam Ferguson, who works on the rail system. Portraying a slave, he says, is a big deal, particularly because his character defies the stereotypes often seen in films and television.

"A lot of times we've seen slaves obviously going through so much pain and trouble, they were oppressed and downtrodden, so it was more of a lower position. (My character) has been through a lot of things, but is holding his head up high and his shoulders are up strong," says Common, who was born Lonnie Rashid Lynn Jr.

At first, Common says he wasn't interested in a TV role, but then his agent suggested he read the script for "Hell on Wheels." Common says it's the first time he has played a character so complex.

The Grammy-winning entertainer researched by reading about African slaves of the 19th century and visiting former plantations in South. He calls his journey "deep" and "heavy."

"I feel blessed that I'm able to represent what a black man, what a black person was at that time," he says, "but it definitely was some weight and some pain."

One experience in filming the show, though, was really difficult for Common: when white cast members used the N-word.

"Even if you try to think that they're acting, it still just doesn't feel right," he says. "You get that feeling like, 'Man, this is not good.'"

The series, which airs Sundays at 10 p.m. ET, was filmed in Canada. It centers on Cullen Bohannon (Anson Mount), a former Confederate soldier and slaveholder who is avenging the death of his wife. Bonhannon set his slaves free a year before the Civil War. He takes a job overseeing the workers on the transcontinental railroad, which includes Elam Ferguson (Common).

Common, who appeared in "Smokin' Aces," ''American Gangster" and "Terminator Salvation," and does a voice in "Happy Feet Two," says the show focuses on issues that still exist in today's world.

"Things that we try to hide and put under the table, things that we act like, 'Oh no, that's not how I feel' - some of that is still there from hundreds of years back. It's still in us and we've got to remove it," he says. "Along with it just being entertaining and being fresh - it's an important show."

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Online:

http://www.amctv.com/shows/hell-on-wheels

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Mesfin Fekadu covers entertainment for The Associated Press. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/musicmesfi

Whitney Houston will soon make her triumphant return to the big screen after 15 years in "Sparkle," and only Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson was on the movie's set in Detroit to talk with the global superstar about her movie comeback.

"I feel honored; I feel humbled that I am able to still do what I do and it just is fun, actually," Whitney told Shaun -- in an exclusive interview, which will air on Monday and Tuesday on Access -- of her return to the screen.

PLAY IT NOW: Access Hollywood Exclusive Preview: Whitney Houston Returns To The Big Screen With 'Sparkle!'

"I think everybody's going to love this film. I do, I think it's going to be a loved film," she added.

The project, near and dear to Whitney's heart, took over a decade to make as the starring role was originally slated for R&B singer Aaliyah. After the then-22-year-old's tragic death in 2001, the movie was shelved for years.

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Hollywood's Favorite Leading Ladies: Then & Now

"This was [Aaliyah's] movie," Whitney told Shaun. "When we brought it to her, she was so enthusiastic about it and she wanted it, to do it so badly. She was our Sparkle.

"Unfortunately... it just didn't go that way," she continued. "I put it down. I said, 'My Sparkle has gone to a better place,' then we just left it alone."

After bringing the project to life again with "American Idol" Season 6 winner Jordin Sparks in the title role, Whitney said she strongly identified with her character (playing Jordin's mother).

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Whitney Houston: From '80s Pop Princess To Superstar Singing Sensation

"I just, I felt it. I felt the role," she told Shaun. "I felt the love a woman has for her children -- in the '60s, the late '60s, trying to keep her family together, single mother."

Tune in to Access Hollywood for the full exclusive one-on-one interview with Whitney on Monday and Tuesday's shows (check local listings).

VIEW THE PHOTOS: Young Hollywood Starlets!

Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. @yahoonews on Twitter, become a fan on Faceboo

Universal Music Group is being asked to pay the piper when it comes to digital licensing -- and the bill could end up being pretty hefty indeed.

Public Enemy frontman Chuck D (born Carlton Douglas Ridenhour) filed a class-action lawsuit against Universal in U.S. District Court in Northern California on Tuesday, alleging that the music giant has short-changed its artists and producers in licensing deals for digital downloads and ringtones.

The suit alleges that Universal owes its artists "hundreds of millions of dollars in royalties" because of the discrepancies.

According to the suit, Universal's artists and producers are entitled to 50 percent of the net receipts from digital downloads and ringtones.

However, the suit alleges, the company has treated such transactions like sales of physical product. Meaning that not only is there a much lower royalty rate involved, but the company makes deductions for things like containers and packaging -- which aren't an issue for digital downloads or ringtones.

The difference, the suit claims, is massive.

According to Ridenhour's claim, under UMG's current method of accounting, artists and producers receive $80.33 for every 1,000 downloads, when the correct amount should be $315.85 per 1,000.

On the ringtone side of things, the discrepancy is even more drastic. The suit claims that UMG's current accounting method yields $49.89 per thousand downloads, as opposed to the $660 per 1,000 that the suit claims is actually owed.

Ridenhour, who claims breach of contract, is demanding a jury trial.

The Public Enemy frontman isn't the only one claiming shenanigans in UMG's accounting. The trust of deceased "Super Freak" singer Rick James has also filed a class-action suit against the company, also claiming that UMG is treating licensing profits as resale profits. Though the company attempted have the complaint dismissed, U.S. District Judge Susan Illston dismissed that motion Tuesday.

TheWrap was unable to reach UMG for comment.

By Tim Kenneally | Reuter

Chris Rock says a double-bill comedy tour with Dave Chappelle "could happen."

Rock's tweet responded to a HumorMillMag.com post that said he and Chappelle have been "working out" material at a New York comedy club, in preparation for a joint comedy show. If that show goes well, the two may plan a joint comedy tour.

Chappelle has performed throughout 2011, but Rock hasn't focused on stand-up since his 2008 Emmy-winning HBO comedy special "Kill the Messenger."

The two worked together in 2003, when Rock made a guest appearance on Chappelle's Comedy Central sketch comedy series "Chappelle's Show."

By Kimberly Potts | Reuter

SINGAPORE (Reuters) - The pan-Asian "girl band" Blush has been around for only 11 months but already has a track record more established groups might envy -- a single that hit number-three on the U.S. dance music charts and rapper Snoop Dogg in one of their songs.

This week, the English-singing group, whose members hail from Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Korea and India, will open for the Black Eyed Peas at their Manila concert. They appeared at a Justin Bieber concert in Hong Kong earlier this year.

"The goal for Blush is to become really the first Asian singers to make it big in the West," said John Niermann, a former president of Walt Disney Co's Asia-Pacific unit, who brought the band together last year after a broad talent search.

"The idea started several years ago when I was curious why an Asian singer had not really made it to the top of the charts in America," he told Reuters in Singapore.

The group is made up of Japan's Natsuko Danjo, Victoria Chan from Hong Kong, Korea's Ji Hae Lee, Alisha Budhrani from India and Angeli Flores from the Philippines.

Ranging in age from 19 to 28, most of the stylishly-slender group members sang and danced from childhood, dreaming of stardom, according to the group's website. But the 26-year-old Lee only began singing seriously after graduating from Korea's Hoseo University -- with a degree in law.

"Manufactured" pop groups have been around for over 20 years. But Blush is the first to be made up entirely of singers from across Asia who perform in English, in an attempt to broaden their global appeal. Blush is also unusual among Asian performers in the sense that it hopes to make it big in the United States before becoming popular in its home region.

To help the Hong Kong-based group gain a following, Niermann hired songwriters and producers who worked on tracks by artistes such as Bon Jovi and the Spice Girls.

Their first single, "Undivided," which featured American rapper Snoop Dogg in both song and video, made it to number three on the Billboard Dance Club chart.

CONCERTS, MERCHANDISE, SPONSORSHIPS

Niermann has also tried to popularize Blush through music videos and TV appearances as well as toys and computer games, tapping contacts made during his time at Disney and Electronic Arts Inc, another former employer.

"These days you monetize through live appearances like concerts, merchandise, sponsorships and endorsements. These are the key areas," he said.

Fans at recent Singapore events praised the group for their friendliness and style.

"Lots of energy and great vocals," said Andrew Teo, the event manager at The Butter Factory, a Singapore dance club where the group performed.

The group, though, spends much of its time in North America, targeting cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles and Vancouver where there are large ethnic Asian communities in hopes of building the fan base essential for success.

"Blush are wholesome enough to work with Disney yet at the same time are edgy enough to draw a crowd that might prefer to listen to Snoop Dogg or Black Eyed Peas," Niermann said.

But the group may find broad success hard, experts said.

"The difficulty about breaking into Western markets is the mindset ... Westerners do not bother about singers outside their country because they do not identify with them," said Dean Augustine, head of artistes and repertoire at Sense Music, a Japanese-Singaporean management and production house.

"When an artiste has a following, fans will comment on YouTube and this gives the media something to write about." @yahoonews on Twitter, become a fan on Faceboo

Former youth reporter for entertainer and rapper Common's Common Ground Foundation creates uStyleu, a magazine to combat low self image, the acceptance of not being perfect and loving the skin you are in. Chloe Graham grew wary of images in magazines that didn't look back at her. She created a magazine that all young adults can relate to. The fashion spreads not only feature up and coming designers, photographers, models and entertainers, but each photo spread has a social message like body image, interracial dating, confidence etc.Matteson, IL (PRWEB) October 25, 2011 uStyleu Mag was created to provide fashion and a voice for young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 using bold fashion spreads to tackle socially conscience issues like race relations, weight and eating disorders.

According to Chloe Graham, uStyleu’s 17 year old editor-and-chief, the magazine covers issues that occurs everyday in schools and on college campuses.

uStyleu features real people, emulating real life in fun fashion spreads. “uStyleu’s concept is a perfect combination for me because I love fashion, and I’m very respectful of other’s opinions even if I don’t agree with them.” “If a subject matter is relevant to our readers, it’s important to uStyleu,” Chloe says, “The elements you will never find in uStyleu Mag are hate and disrespect,” she added.

The first issue of uStyleu, released in July, 2011, featured light-hearted fashion spreads promoting self confidence and inner beauty. The current issue plows deeper with more mature relatable subject matters for uStyle’s targeted age groups like interracial dating and the popular media’s limitations based on a person’s weight and appearance. Regardless of the subject matter, uStyleu’s goal is to create fashion spreads that are fashionable, uplifting and fun shown with dignity and positivity.

uStyleu features local Chicago area students, aspiring models, designers, photographers, entertainers and writers who are interested in expanding their portfolios or just want to have fun. Funding for the magazine is provided by organizations interested in sponsoring a “Fashage” (a uStyleu term meaning Fashion with a Message) and ads from advertisers.

After the first issue published, uStyleu received over 200 emails from young adults, teachers and organization leaders thanking uStyleu for featuring normal people with flaws. The magazine is saying its ok not to be perfect, but on the road to improving ourselves, it doesn’t hurt to look good, feel good and set your own definition of fashion.

Chloe Graham is a high school senior and spends her time working part-time at a local bank and is currently regional president of Top Teens of America, a youth organization promoting community support, leadership and services. With TTA, Chloe loyally participates in the Lupus, Breast Cancer and MS Campaigns yearly and volunteers her time in senior citizen communities, community clean up initiatives and food pantries.

From the ages of 12 to 14, Chloe worked as a youth reporter for rapper/entertainer Common’s non profit organization, The Common Ground Foundation. Chloe has interviewed noted people like poet Nikki Giovanni, entertainers, Will.i.am, Musiq and other well known entertainers and sport figures. The former director of Common Ground Foundation, Jodie Blum inspired and supported Chloe to create uStyleu Magazine. Common told her to not to look at what she does as a hobby, but as an entrepreneur. Chloe ran with Common’s advice and created uStyleu Magazine.

uStyleu is currently available to purchase on-line at http://www.ustyleu.com or at MagCloud.com, keyword uStyleu. Contact us at contact(at)ustyleu(dot)com to sponsor a “Fashage Magazine Spread”

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Teresa Grahamcontact@ustyleu.com708-638-2175Email Information

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. (AP) — A lawyer for a former Southern Illinois University student who's accused of penning a note threatening a Virginia Tech-like attack told jurors the writing was merely innocent lyrics by an aspiring rapper.

Attorney Justin Kuehn made that pitch during opening statements Wednesday in the Madison County case involving 26-year-old Olutosin Oduwole (oh-loo-TOH'-sihn oh-DOO'-wawl-ee).

Prosecutor Jim Buckley contends that what Kuehn called merely a piece of scratch paper was found when Oduwole was attending SIU in Edwardsville and was allegedly awaiting four semiautomatic weapons he'd ordered.

Oduwole is charged with a felony count of attempting to make a terrorist threat and a weapons count linked to a loaded handgun officers found in his on-campus apartment.

He's pleaded not guilty and is free on bond. @yahoonews on Twitter, become a fan on Faceboo

Grammy Award-winning Outkast rapper Big Boi will avoid jail time on drug charges in Florida if he passes several drug tests and performs community service, prosecutors said on Thursday.

The Atlanta-based rapper, whose real name is Antwan Patton, was arrested in Miami after leaving a cruise ship in August. Authorities accused him of having drugs including ecstasy and MDMA powder, according to an arrest report.

In court on Thursday, the 36-year-old rapper accepted an agreement that could lead to the two felony drug possession charges he faces being dropped.

Big Boi will be required to report to court for monthly drug tests for three months, the Miami prosecutor's office said. He must complete 30 hours of community service and donate $2,000 to charities.

The charges will be dropped if he remains drug-free and stays out of trouble for three months, but will be refiled if he does not meet all the conditions, according to prosecutors.

Defense attorney Richard Hersch said Big Boi was eligible for the judicial monitoring program because he has a clean record and does not have a problem with substance abuse.

"There's no admission of guilt that is involved with it," Hersch told Reuters.

Outkast was formed by Andre Benjamin (who later became known as Andre 3000) and Patton (Big Boi) in the 1990s with a distinct brand of southern-influenced hip hop music. The pair scored several hits over the years including pop song "Hey Ya" from 2003 album, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.

(Writing by Colleen Jenkins; Editing by Cynthia Johnston) @yahoonews on Twitter, become a fan on Faceboo