Kelly Rowland Won't Return as X Factor UK Judge
DJ Khaled Back to Work After Massive Bus Fire
In a catastrophic accident over the weekend, DJ Khaled's tour bus caught on fire, leaving many of his belongings (including hundreds of thousands of dollars in jewelry and clothing, as well as the bus itself) torched in the massive blaze. In a video blog to fans, Khaled said he wouldn't let the accident slow him down.
"I'm supposed to be laying on the floor right now stressed the f--k out, but I'm not gonna be stressed out," he said. "I'ma go even harder. I'ma keep makin' more music, doin' what I do."
Khaled had been on the road promoting his forthcoming sixth album, Kiss the Ring. Watch the full post-fire video blog at Rap Radar.
Lil Boosie Murder Trial Begins, Jury Selection Underway
Jury selection has started in the first-degree murder trial of Lil Boosie in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A total of 700 candidates have been summoned and will be whittled down to the final 12, WAFB reports.
Ordinarily, 500 jury candidates are summoned, but because of Boosie's celebrity status, a wider net was cast in search of impartial jurors. Attorneys for both the defense and prosecution are jointly responsible for vetting the jury.
Recently, a judge ruled that some of Boosie's lyrics can be used against him in the trial, which is scheduled to begin once the jury selection is complete. Prosecutors have listed 30 potential witnesses who may be called to testify against the rapper, born Torrence L. Hatch.
Famous for his hits with Webbie such as "Wipe Me Down" and "Independent," Boosie is accused of paying for the murder of Terry Boyd in 2009.
Bobby Brown: I'm Not the Reason Whitney Houston's Gone
Bobby Brown: I'm Not the Reason Whitney Houston's Gone
R&B singer grants first interview since Houston’s death.
(Photo: Courtesy NBC)
Bobby Brown is not going to take the blame for the tragic passing of music icon Whitney Houston. In his first interview since the death of his ex-wife in February, Brown talks with Matt Lauer of the TODAY Show, about his image in the media, his relationship with daughter Bobby Kristina Brown and why he's not to blame for Whitney's death.
As he has done in the past, prior to Whitney's death, Brown maintains that he never did any hard drugs before meeting Whitney, although it had previously been a part of her life.
"I didn't get high [on narcotics] before I met Whitney," Brown said. "I smoked weed, I drank the beer, but no, I wasn't the one that got Whiney on drugs at all… It's just… it's just unexplainable how one could, you know, [say that I] got her addicted to drugs. I'm not the reason she's gone," Brown said.
Bobby goes on to talk about how the accusations that her death was his fault, makes him feel.
"It makes me feel terrible," said Brown. "But you know, I know differently. I think if anyone ever knew us, if anybody ever spent time around us instead of time lookin' through the bubble, they would know how we felt about each other. They would know how happy we were together."
In the interview, which will air on Wednesday, Bobby speaks of his last encounter with his wife to whom he was married to for fifteen years.
"Had this glow about her that was just, you know, incredible. I'm saying to myself, you know, 'She must be… she must be doing really well,' because she looked really well."
However, he shared his disappointment with the revelation that cocaine was to blame for her death.
"I was hurt. I was hurt… because, you know, me being off narcotics for the last seven years, I felt that she was, you know, I didn't know she was struggling with it still. But at the same time, you know, listen, it's a hard fight. It's a hard fight to, you know, maintain sobriety that way."
During the segment, Brown's children get the opportunity to speak on their father's behalf and they say that the media has their father's image all wrong.
"I honestly feel like my dad's a great person," said his daughter La'Princia. "He's been my best friend, like, my whole life. If I ever have a problem with anything, I know I can always go to him. Likewise, if he ever needs to talk to somebody, he knows he can always call me and I'll be there for him."
The singer's son Landon says that people confuse his stage persona with the real man.
"I feel like my father's always had the bad boy image. So, you know, they just keep followin' that. Anything that they can take a negative from the situation."
Brown, who was charged with a DUI in March and recently struck a plea deal in the case, also maintains that he is "very much clean and sober from narcotics."
Kimora Lee Simmons Launches New Skin Care Line
Kimora Lee Simmons is at it again. Ever the business woman, she's launched a new skin care line named Shinto Clinical that was developed from her own quest to maintain youthful skin as she ages. She used her family's skin regimen and traditions that combines the ancient Asian ingredients her grandmother used with bioactive technology used in Western practices.
“As a woman, I’m proud to take those traditions and combine them with clinically proven science to create an ultra-luxurious skincare line for all women,” Lee Simmons said. “I am humbled to be able to bring this hybrid of ancient and modern skincare to women of all complexions and cultures.”
The line is backed by New York dermatologist Dr. Eric Schweiger and claims to fight aging with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients. The debut collection consists of eight products: an anti-aging peptide cleanser and toner, microdermabrasion cream, wrinkle eraser, pore concealer and treatment, lightening treatment, eyelash growth enhancer and anti-wrinkle and moisture boost cream. Product prices range from $32 to $68.
Shinto Clinical is available at Nordstrom stores nationwide, Rob Robinson/Fred Segal stores in Los Angeles, ShintoClinical.com and on QVC.com.
"Kelly has not been able to agree a deal that fits into her autumn/winter schedule, so sadly cannot accept a place on the 2012 panel," a spokesperson for Rowland told the BBC.
The UK version of the show, which was created by Simon Cowell and spun off to America last year, could be experiencing some turnover elsewhere on the judges panel as well. The future of fellow judges Tulisa Contostavlos and Louis Walsh remains uncertain, although one judge, Gary Barlow, has been confirmed to return.
Rowland, who has a strong fan base in Europe, said judging on the show was "an incredible experience" and a "great opportunity." She is planning the release of her fourth solo album later this year.\