will.i.am Grants First Four Recipients on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show'

Singer/Songwriter/Actor/Activist will.i.am has just announced the establishment of his "i.am scholarship" fund. The fund, administered by Scholarship America, will annually provide at least one graduating high school student with full tuition, books, and fees to a four year accredited college or university.

Will introduced his new program on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" earlier this week where he surprised four students with the gift of continued education. Doing his part to inspire the youth of America, Will told the winners, "The only thing you have to worry about is succeeding and showing the world that the youth is the future of America and the world."

Scholarship America is a national nonprofit organization that helps students attain their dream of college through the creation and administration of scholarship assistance and college-readiness programs.

will.i.am created the "i.am scholarship" program to assist students who want to attend college but need financial assistance to make it a reality.
For additional information, please visit www.iamscholarship.org or www.dipdive.com.

Christian Audigier to Celebrate Birthday With a Bash During 2009 Cannes Film Festival

Famed fashion designer Christian Audigier is celebrating his 51st birthday with an exclusive, invitation only party during the Cannes Film Festival on May 21, 2009 at the VIP Room, Palm Beach Casino on the Croisette in Cannes, France. Festivities start at midnight. The celebration will take place at the city's hottest nightclub and includes special celebrity performances from Lenny Kravitz and 50 Cent, with a special appearance by Dave Stewart. Celebrity DJ Ruckus is slated to spin the turn tables.

Last year's celebration in Los Angeles included celebrity guests and appearances by Michael Jackson, Britney Spears, Macy Gray, Snoop Dogg, Fergie, Johnny Hallyday, Pamela Anderson, Alessandra Ambrosio, Kim Kardashian, and Reggie Bush, to name a few. This year's party is even bigger as Christian celebrates his birthday and return to his homeland of France.

"It is exhilarating to celebrate my birthday back home during the most exciting time in Cannes, the film festival," Christian Audigier said. "This is going to be the best party in Cannes, and I can't wait to celebrate and party all night with all of my family and friends!"

Jamie Foxx will host 2009 BET AWARDS!

BET Networks announced that Academy Award-winning actor and GRAMMY Awards nominated R&B artist Jamie Foxx has been selected to grace the stage as the host of the BET AWARDS '09. As the #1 rated awards show among African American viewers, the ninth annual BET Awards will not disappoint as the brightest stars in music, sports and entertainment reunite in Los Angeles' historic Shrine Auditorium for a night of exhilarating LIVE performances on Sunday, June 28. This year viewers will be wowed with show-stopping performances by Maxwell and Ne-Yo with more performers to be named shortly. Moreover, BET will celebrate the musical legacy and contributions of the soul trio, the O'Jays who will be presented with this year's Lifetime Achievement Award.

Kim Kardashian's new workout DVD for women with Curves!

Photo: KimKardashian.com

Style maven and trend setter Kim Kardashian announces her latest styling endeavor Amazon.com's #1 Buns Workout - "Fit In Your Jeans By Friday." Produced and distributed by Watch It Now Entertainment, the three-title fitness DVD series, stylized to have you crunching, lunging and wriggling into the latest denim trends in no time, launched at Kitson boutique on May 9th, 2009.
"Women need a realistic body image. My program is designed to tone your best assets, not lose them," says Kardashian. "For me, skinny is just a style of jeans - not a goal."

Kardashian's experience styling clients has lent insight into key muscle groups, that when kept toned and tight - can boost anyone's self esteem to wear Hollywood's favorite denim. Wrangling Hollywood's best trainers, Kardashian customizes workouts for Core (The Cigarette Jean), Abs (The Boyfriend Jean), and Backside (The High Waisted Jean).

Setting Kardashian's fitness approach apart from the pack, "Fit In Your Jeans By Friday" enlists her favorite trainers, and includes "No excuse, No equipment" five minute drills - for the recession proof way to remain responsible about your health, no matter how pressed for time (or cash) you are.

"This is the all-access pass to my personal training sessions - a look at my favorite workouts customized by the best of the best," shares Kardashian. The rapid results workout series is jam packed with "How To" and "Bonus" sections featuring trainers Jen Galardi and Patrick Goudeau, out takes and bloopers to reassure women that there is no expertise needed to get results - just commitment and effort.

More information available at www.fitinyourjeansbyfriday.com

Serena Williams Launches new clothing line

Serena Williams can add another victory to her impressive list of accomplishments with the highly successful launch of Serena Williams Signature Statement, her new collection of fashion, accessories and jewelry on HSN and www.hsn.com. HSN viewers responded quickly to the stylish original designs with 25,000 pieces selling out after just 3 hours of air time during HSN's primetime debut (Thursday-Saturday morning) April 30 - May 2.

Serena Williams Signature Statement is a complete accessories collection including handbags, jewelry and apparel that ranges from $16.50 for the Signature Statement Rings of Bling Drop Earrings up to $99.95 for the Signature Statement Flowing Floral Reversible Maxi Dress.

During the launch, Serena modeled her collection, told charming anecdotes about the inspiration behind each piece and took calls from elated fans from around the country. Meanwhile, viewers snapped up pieces quickly, with 80% of the items selling out immediately. One of the most popular pieces was the famous Lucky Ring Serena wears during each of her winning matches. Additionally, nearly every handbag and fashion jewelry piece was spoken for by the end of her last show on Saturday morning.

"I love to make a statement both on and off the court. Passion, drive and hard work have taken me down this and many other creative paths throughout my life," said Serena. "As with tennis, it takes a lot of discipline and precision to make beautiful things come to life. This is a dream come true for me to share truly gorgeous things that I love with the world on HSN."

"Considering Serena's passion for fashion and the amount of energy she has devoted to this new collection it's not surprising that her debut on HSN was such a success," said Mindy Grossman, Chief Executive Officer, HSN, Inc. "She is a powerhouse both on and off the court and we can't wait to introduce new additions to the collection in the coming months."

Serena will continue to introduce new items to her Signature Statement collection at HSN, with the next collection out this fall. Visit hsn.com to see the collection, and to sign up for show alerts.

Quincy Jones receives World Malaria Day Award

Source:www.Looktothestars.org

Beyonce & Hamburger Helper Feed America!

General Mills' Hamburger Helper® is partnering with Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and actress Beyoncé to help Feeding America deliver more than 3.5 million meals to local food banks through the Show Your Helping Hand™ campaign. The effort is being launched in conjunction with Beyoncé's U.S. "I AM…" Tour.

"Through the work I do with my Survivor Foundation, I've been committed to helping families get back on their feet in difficult times," said Beyoncé. "That's why I'm excited to get involved in this effort to help Feeding America deliver more than 3.5 million meals to local food banks. If we all show a helping hand, together we can make a difference in the fight against hunger."

Fans can support the campaign in three ways: by submitting codes from specially marked boxes of Hamburger Helper® online at www.showyourhelpinghand.com; by donating non-perishable food items at Beyoncé's "I AM…" Tour concerts in select cities across the U.S.; or by logging on to www.showyourhelpinghand.com to donate money.

According to Feeding America, hunger affects one in eight Americans, and the demand on local food banks has grown by more than 30 percent in the past year.
"We all have the opportunity to show our helping hands and help fight hunger in America," said Beth Brady, Vice President at General Mills, the maker of Hamburger Helper®. "By partnering with Beyoncé and Feeding America, we can collectively draw attention and resources to the critical issue of hunger in America."

To learn more about the Show Your Helping Hand™ campaign and to track campaign donation progress, visit www.showyourhelpinghand.com.

To learn more about Beyoncé and her "I AM…" tour, visit www.beyonce.com.

KATT WILLIAMS TO HOST CELEBRITY BASKETBALL GAME FOR CHARITY

On Saturday, July 18, 2009, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will produce one the most anticipated events of the year, the 2nd Annual "One Child at a Time" Celebrity Basketball Game. The fundraiser event will be hosted by famed comedian Katt Williams and feature popular sports icons, on-air personalities and celebrities from the world of television, music and film showcasing their athletic skills at the USC Galen Center in Los Angeles at 2:00 p.m.

Hollywood actors and professional athletes will all come together in support of the government organization to eliminate child abuse and neglect by promoting quality foster care and adoption programs. This exciting hoops event for charity boasts fun and affordable family entertainment which includes an explosive pre-game kickoff performance, an entertaining half-time show and chances to win great prizes. Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to meet, greet, and obtain free autographs and photographs from their favorite sport heroes and celebrities.
Suiting up this year are Antwon Tanner (One Tree Hill), Terrell Suggs (Baltimore Ravens), Jeremy Suarez (The Bernie Mac Show), Tyler James Williams (Everybody Hates Chris), Brian Cook (Houston Rockets), Cedric Ceballos (Maywood Buzz), Camille Winbush (The Bernie Mac Show), Melvin Jackson (The Wire), Nana Gbewonyo (Coach Carter), Gary Payton (Retired), recording artists STIX, Eric "Lil Eazy E" Wright Jr., DJ B-DO, Lil Al B. Sure, Warren G, Jay Rock, world-renowned athletes and other celebrities.

Event Details
Time: Doors open at 2:00 p.m., Game- 3:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
General Admission Tickets: $12.50 Available at USC Box Office
Location: USC Galen Center at 3400 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90007
Visit http://www.ocaatevents.org for up-to date event information.

Kenya Moore produces new film starring David Banner & Boris Kodjoe

Boris Kodjoe and David Banner land starring roles in the upcoming independent feature film, "The Confidant". Production is slated to begin in Los Angeles on May 13th. This will be the first, of many, feature films from Actress, Producer and former Miss USA, Kenya Moore's "Moore Vision Media, Inc.".

"The Confidant" is a tantalizing suspense thriller, written and directed by award winning writer Alton Glass. The movie is an intricately woven tale about childhood best friends that have an unusually strong bond and an even more intriguing secret.
In the film, both Kodjoe and Banners characters are on the path to promising futures, one as a first round NFL draft pick, and the other a talented artist. A complicated web of lies, gambling, murder, and a pact between friends, sends one to prison and the other to fame. After eleven years locked away, the innocent (Banner) comes to collect on the debt, and is determined to have the life that was taken away from him…by any means necessary!

The film is scheduled to be released Fall 2009.

Fan's can get behind the scenes "tidbits and chances to visit the set, directly from David Banner, by following him on Twitter.com/THEREALBANNER.

Hip Hop Mogul 50 Cent promotes new video game

Multi-platinum selling rap artist 50 Cent made an appearance at the Manhattan Play N Trade store on April 30, 2009. to promote his new video game, 50 Cent: Blood on the Sand.

Play N Trade of Manhattan, located at 137 E. 13 Street, hosted the event which featured Blood on the Sand playing on one of three demo station game consoles as well as customer meet and greet with 50 Cent.

Roger Lloyd, Executive Vice President of Marketing at Play N Trade, said it's an honor to have such a famous New York City icon in the store."50 Cent is well-known, not only as a rap music icon but also as a gamer," Lloyd said. "We are excited to have him here and can't wait for this exciting event."

www.playntrade.com

Swizz Beatz helps Hennessy Launch 'Hennessy Black'

Hennessy, the number one cognac in the world, announced the limited launch of Hennessy Black in 10 markets throughout the US including Arizona, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, New York City, Ohio, Washington DC and Massachusetts.
Packaged in a sleek, bold black bottle, Hennessy Black is a versatile blend of 35 to 45 unique, pale and gold colored eaux-de-vie selected for their elegant floral characteristics.

The launch is being supported by traditional and non traditional advertising including out of home media and digital initiatives all communicating the key "Done Different" strapline. To showcase the full versatility and "mixability" of the new blend, Hennessy Black has collaborated with an eclectic mix of performers on projects ranging from dance, music and video that reflect the premium mixability of the product. This includes a collaboration with legendary music artist and producer Swizz Beatz that resulted in an original song, "When I Step Into the Club". "It all came together so quickly and organically," said Swizz Beatz. "Everyone that hears this song can't get the hook out of their heads. It's contagious!" With a distinct contrast of high and low tones, the Swizz Beatz-produced song will also be featured in an original video from renowned director Hype Williams.

The JabbaWockeeZ of "America's Best Dance Crew" fame will perform live at a star-studded black carpet launch event in New York City on May 5, where Swizz Beatz will join on stage to perform the original song for the first time.

This new cognac-done-differently is now available in 1.0L bottles exclusively in the on-trade in 10 markets including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Indianapolis, New Orleans, New York, Phoenix and Washington DC. The 750ml bottle will be available in liquor stores from September.

For more information on Hennessy Black, go to WWW.HENNESSYBLACK.COM

Russell Simmons and the ISB Join Forces in Exclusive Marketing Alliance

International Speakers Bureau (iSB) www.internationalspeakers.com, a leading global speakers bureau offering unparalleled access to the world's top keynote speakers and acclaimed entertainment personalities, announced that it has signed an exclusive marketing alliance with Russell Simmons. As part of this alliance, iSB will provide exclusive representation as Mr. Simmons' booking agent in the United States and international markets relative to public/private speaking engagements and related requests.

"We at iSB are extremely excited to enter into this partnership with Russell Simmons," said Michelle Lemmons-Poscente, iSB Founder and Chairman. "Russell is a visionary and cultural icon, whose impact can be felt around the globe. His entrepreneurial success is equally matched by his philanthropic spirit and endeavors to serve the under-served."

Russell Simmons emphasized, "I believe that this agreement with iSB will give me the platform and resources necessary to promote a new way of thinking in the business community that can affect and leverage positive social change." He continued, "I feel strongly there needs to be a paradigm shift to keep pace with today's evolving socio-economic climate."

Source: International Speakers Bureau
Web Site: http://www.internationalspeakers.com/

Irv Gotti's BACK ON VH1

"Gotti's Way 2" Premieres Monday, May 4 on VH1 at 10:30 PM ET/PT

Irv Gotti and his family are back, and this time around it's all about "breaking the cycle." The first season of "Gotti's Way" followed music mogul Irv Gotti in his efforts to resurrect his record label after being acquitted of money laundering charges in 2004. Now back for its second season, "Gotti's Way 2" finds Irv still trying to breathe new life into his label, The Inc., as well as also juggling his responsibilities as a husband and father of three.

Premiering on Monday, May 4 at 10:30 PM ET/PT, "Gotti's Way 2" provides an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Irv's company and the music machine that he is, working with artists such as Ashanti, Lloyd, Ja Rule and more. Convinced that that hip-hop needs a shot in the arm and thinks he's found what he's looking for in his latest artist, Newz. The hip-hop mogul will pull out all of the stops to break Newz and halt the freefall of the suffering record industry.

"Gotti's Way 2" will also continue to follow the tumultuous relationship between Irv and his estranged wife, Deb, by exposing their struggle to mend a severed relationship and make it functional for the sake of their family.

"Gotti's Way 2" is a 51Pictures Production; created by and executive produced by Cris Abrego. Jeff Olde, Jill Holmes and Kristen Kelly serve as Executive Producers for VH1.

Universal Motown Signs Grammy Winner Ne-Yo's Protégé Jadyn Maria

Universal Motown Records announces the signing of Grammy Award winner Ne-Yo's protégé Jadyn Maria. The gifted singer-songwriter prepares to introduce herself to the world with her debut single, "Good Girls Like Bad Boys," featuring Flo-Rida. The infectious pulsing electronic track will soon heat up Top 40 and Crossover radio airwaves.
Born in Puerto Rico but raised in Nashville, the 24-year-old songbird began developing her strong vocals skills in the church choir at the age of two. As a teenager, Jadyn Maria realized that music is her calling, and decided to pursue a career in entertainment. Soon after, she inked a songwriting deal with Universal Music Publishing.

A fateful meeting with Tango, co-founder of Ne-Yo's Compound Entertainment management company, led Jadyn Maria to Atlanta, where she was immediately put to work in the recording studio with producer Chuck Harmony (Janet Jackson, Ne-Yo and Celine Dion). Days later, Jadyn Maria received the call that changed her life: "Hi Jadyn, this is Ne-Yo. I just wanted to let you know I heard the songs you just recorded and I would like to sign you as an artist." It was an offer she couldn't refuse.
In 2008, Jadyn Maria moved to Atlanta, signed to Compound Entertainment, and began working on her debut album. Says Ne-Yo: "A sweet tone, a gorgeous smile, a bubbly yet strong persona—not to mention a rather strong pen game—made Jadyn Maria just what I was looking for. It's these attributes that will also make her a name you will remember."

Check out and enjoy "Good Girls Like Bad Boys" now streaming on Jadyn Maria's MySpace.com page.

http://www.myspace.com/officialjadynmaria

USHER tells kids to BE ICONIC

MTV Shows

As part of Boys & Girls Clubs of America's (BGCA) new advocacy campaign -- BE GREAT -- five-time Grammy award winner, philanthropist and Boys & Girls Club alumnus Usher today unveiled a new billboard featuring his childhood picture and a call-to-action -- BE ICONIC. Usher joins some 25 prominent alumni in the new advocacy campaign to help increase public awareness and understanding about the positive impact of Clubs.

Other Club alumni joining Usher in the BE GREAT advocacy campaign include: Academy award-winning actor and national spokesperson for BGCA -- Denzel Washington, Muhammad Ali, Ashanti, Swin Cash, Gen. Wesley Clark, Bill Clinton, Bill Cosby, Cuba Gooding Jr., Michael Jordan, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Queen Latifah, Mario Lopez, John Mellencamp, Edward James Olmos, Shaquille O'Neal, Smokey Robinson, Martin Sheen, John Singleton, Ruben Studdard, Courtney B. Vance, Mark Wahlberg and Kerry Washington.

On May 14, Usher will be inducted into BGCA's prestigious Alumni Hall of Fame (AHOF) at the organization's 103rd National Conference in Atlanta.


Source:MTV.com