Smith Takes on Katrina

Will Smith is taking a Hurricane Katrina story to the big screen. According to Variety, Overbrook Entertainment -- Smith's production company -- and Sony Pictures have obtained the movie rights to the life story of John Keller, the ex-Marine who helped rescue 244 of his New Orleans neighbors back in 2005. John Lee Hancock of The Rookie and The Alamo fame has signed on to direct Smith in the film. No word yet on when we'll see the fruit of their labor.

Beyonce's Not Into the "Gym Look"

Just when you think you can't love Beyonce any more, she says something like this. The Bootylicious One told Britain's Daily Mail, "To me, it's sexier when it doesn't look like you go to the gym. If you look like you've been spending a lot of time in the gym, then it just looks like you spend a lot of time in the gym." (Sidebar -- I didn't say the girl was especially prolific!)

The singer also known as Sasha Fierce went on to say, "I feel best when I'm not really thin and not really heavy—when I'm still curvy. I really believe that everyone is supposed to be different, and whatever is a natural weight for you is usually what looks best."

Still, Bey claims that she struggles to maintain the body that makes grown men weep. She runs three miles when she's doing dance rehearsals, and six miles on her days off. When asked about her actual workout plan, she says that it's less about your regimen and trainer, and more about what you want. She says, "You have to push yourself."

The Chrihanna Chronicles: Rihanna's Moving On; Chris Going Country?

We're not sure if Rihanna is REALLY over Chris Brown, but she's definitely doing her part to move on. Sources spotted the singer living her life in a New York Monday night -- and she wasn't alone. Even though she and a group of friends were kicking it at Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge on 42nd Street, she was spending all her time with Canadian child actor-turned-rapper Aubrey Graham, better known as Drake. According to one witness, "She was drinking whiskey and apple juice and making out with him all night. They were really cute together." And get this -- she even left with him!

Meanwhile, Chris may be trying his luck as a country singer. Robert Allen, a writer and producer who's currently working with , told E! Online that he's even considering asking someone like Carrie Underwood to do a guest shot on a song called Trapped in a Dream.

Allen, who was at the BMI Pop Awards last night in Beverly Hills, said that he and Brown never discuss what's going on with Rihanna. He said, "We just focus on music. We're just happy-go-lucky people who just get into the studio as much as possible."

Keyshia's Got a Man!

Fellas, if you were entertaining thoughts of Keyshia Cole being your baby's mama, you should probably change your mind because the singer is officially off the market. Her publicist confirmed to the Atlanta Journal Constitution that Ms. Cole is making time with Cleveland Cavaliers guard Daniel Gibson.

Of course, there were clues even before the official announcement. She wore Gibson's jersey in the newly-released Trust video with Monica, and she sang the national anthem at a Hawks-Cavaliers playoff game.

A Kidney for Natalie Cole

Congratulations are in order for Natalie Cole. The music icon underwent a kidney transplant yesterday in a Los Angeles area hospital. She was diagnosed with hepatitis C in 2008 and had been on dialysis three times a week.

The 59-year-old daughter of Nat King Cole had been touring in support her latest album, Still Unforgettable, but doctors have advised her to postpone the summer dates as she recovers.

Spielberg to Give MLK the Film Treatment

Martin Luther King Jr.'s life story is coming to the big screen, thanks to Steven Spielberg. Variety.com reports that DreamWorks has acquired the life rights of the slain civil rights leader from the King family estate. The company has also been granted permission to use MLK's copyrighted intellectual property, including the I Have a Dream speech he delivered in 1963.

King -- the youngest person ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize -- was a guiding force in the civil rights movement against segregation and discrimination. He was assassinated in 1968 in Memphis at the age of 39.

Spielberg, who's also put his Academy Award winning touch on Saving Private Ryan and Schindler's List, said he wants to present "a story of undeniable power" about King's life. Suzanne de Passe and Madison Jones will join him with producer credits.

At this point, we have no idea how much money is involved, a production schedule, or what actors will be attached. Stay tuned.

What Ever Happened to...Queen Pen?

It's been a while since we've heard from Queen Pen, the 1990s Teddy Riley protege whose main claim to fame is Party Ain't a Party. However, that doesn't mean she's not making a difference. She's teaming up with the Brooklyn-based non-profit organization Children of Promise to make this Father's Day special for local children whose fathers are on lockdown.

The group is sponsoring free trips to area prisons so that kids can spend time with their incarcerated fathers. In addition to providing gifts for the children to give their fathers, Children of Promise will also having counseling-infused activities that take place in a safe and trusted environment.

As a vocal advocate for children, Queen Pen has worked closely with CPNYC to raise funds and awareness of the issues facing the children of incarcerated parents. In addition to the trauma of losing a parent, the situation is often made worse by the social and economic problems connected to their circumstances.

Children of Promise, NYC is a non-profit organization that embraces the children of incarcerated parents and empowers them to break the cycle of intergenerational involvement in the criminal justice system. For more information on how you, too, can help, check out the Children of Promise website.

Who's Really "Silly?"

Uh oh...who's the REAL silly boy? We told you about the track Kanye West posted on his blog featuring Rihanna and Lady Gaga. Now E! Online reports that Silly Boy -- originally thought to be about Chris Brown -- doesn't even feature the singers. Lady Gaga's rep called the song a fake, and Rihanna's spokesperson confirmed it wasn't her. Naturally, Kanye has been mum on the subject.

The Queen Holds Court

When you're the queen, you don't have to go to people. They will come to YOU. Aretha Franklin went to see the musical Hair in New York on Mother's Day. Since she's not really moving as well as she used to, she declined an opportunity to go backstage to meet the cast. However, because she IS the Queen of Soul, the cast came in costume to her fifth row seat after the show. After about 10 minutes of pleasantries, Franklin invited them to her hotel suite for cocktails.

Is Chris Brown a "Silly Boy?"

We're not sure if Rihanna has moved on from her association with Chris Brown , but we think it's awfully suspicious that her new song, Silly Boy, has lyrics like these:

I said I’m not coming back.
You fooled me once but you can’t have that ego turning.
Just too bad for you, that when you had me.
Didn’t know what to do, she’s over you.
'Cause you had a good girl, good girl, girl.
That’s a keeper.
You had a good girl, good girl but didn’t know how to treat her.
So silly boy get out my face.
Why do you like the way regrets taste?

The Los Angeles Times reports that Ri's friend, Kanye West, posted an MP3 version of this song, which also features vocals by Lady GaGa. The track focuses on a girl who won't take her boyfriend back because he's not treating her right. What do YOU think?

Y'Anna Crawley Wins "Sunday Best"

Y'Anna Crawley won the title of Sunday Best last night. She not only got a recording contract, she also drove away with a 2009 Lincoln MKS.

While I could've died three whole deaths when Y'Anna and Jessica Reedy did a gospel-infested version of the New Edition classic, Can You Stand the Rain, I think I was more upset by the outfit Y'Anna chose to wear. (Note to stylists everywhere: sometimes more really is more -- especially when it comes to covering my bodacious sisters.)

The highlight of the show was the television debut of BeBe & CeCe Winans' new single, Close to You. I realized two things as I watched their performance -- one, I really like the song, and two, I can't for the life of me figure out why they stopped performing together. Kirk Franklin mentioned that they'd be going on tour, and please know and trust that the Macklicious One will be SOMEWHERE in the house!

While I think Jessica put up a valiant effort for the title -- and she's an extremely talented singer -- this competition wasn't hers to win. Her sultry delivery was great, but since they were looking for a Sunday morning-type of singer, she just didn't fit the bill. Do I think she's out of the game? Hardly! I'm sure she'll get signed before the day is up. As Tina and Erica Campbell -- the ladies of Mary Mary -- kept telling her, she's needed in the gospel industry. I, for one, can't wait to hear what she's got up her sleeve.

I really enjoyed this season of Sunday Best, and thank you for following it with me.

Tyrese Has a Stalker

If it's true that you're nobody unless somebody stalks you, add Tyrese to the list of somebodies. TMZ.com reports that a woman named Patricia has been tweeting the soon-to-be single singer. She told him, "Now that your wife is finally out of the picture, Daddy, it's my turn."

Unfortunately for Patricia, it may be her turn to do the jailhouse rock. While Tyrese hasn't said exactly what action he's planning to take, he did say that the situation was about to turn into a legal one. As for his dear stalker, he was quoted as saying that she's, "every bit of crazy and Looney Tunes."

Seriously, Tyrese -- tell us how you REALLY feel!

KFC Suspends Chicken Run

What a difference a day makes. We told you how clucked-up the deal was with Oprah's KFC offer. Now the good folks at the chicken chain are pulling the plug...sort of.

According to E! Online, KFC has decided to cut the promotion short. In other words, if you haven't already redeemed your coupon for a free meal, you can forget about it for now. KFC president Roger Eaton said on Oprah's website that excessive lines at restaurants around the country and the the fact that they just didn't have enough to feed everyone caused them to suspend the deal, which was slated to run through May 19th.

However, all is not lost. If you still have your coupon, you can take it to your local KFC and they'll give you a rain check, good for a two-piece grilled dinner AND a free Pepsi. The drink wasn't included in the original deal. Complete instructions on how to get your rain check are on Oprah.com.

But if you just can't wait on your free meal, El Pollo Loco said it will be honoring those coupons this Sunday.

Beyonce Who? It's All About Tyra for Idris Elba!

While Jay-Z may have to fight a lot of men over his wife, Idris Elba isn't one of them. According to the New York Daily News, the former star of The Wire doesn't have any designs on his Obsessed co-star, Beyonce. Instead, he's saving his love for Tyra Banks. He called the talk show host sexy, and added, "I don't really get obsessed with anyone, but Tyra is definitely hot."

Another Day, Another Michael Jackson Lawsuit

Looks like when it rains, it pours for Michael Jackson. We told you yesterday how Ola Ray, his co-star in the now-infamous Thriller video, was suing him to get her royalties from the 1983 project. Now E! Online is reporting that his former publicist and personal general manager Raymone Bain has taken the same action.

Bain, who was the King of Pop's spokesperson for about five years, is taking him to court to get the 44 million bucks she claims he owes her for her services. She filed the paperwork Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Washington, DC. Her claim is that, in addition to entrusting her to run nearly every aspect of his life, he agreed to pay her 10 percent of the proceeds for the business transactions she oversaw. Those include the release of the 25th anniversary edition of Thriller and the negotiations that led up to the scheduling of his 50-date concert run in London.

Even though Bain has been forced to take Jackson to court, she says she holds no ill will for her former boss. In statement released Wednesday, she said, ""Despite the action I have been compelled to take for professional and business reasons, when looking back, I have no regrets. Michael Jackson, in my opinion, is the King of Pop.

Just in case you were wondering, Bain's replacement is Dr. Tohme Tohme.

Oprah Causes Chicken Run at KFC

Obviously KFC didn't get the memo about how good an endorsement by Oprah Winfrey can be for business. Entertainment Tonight reported that several restaurants ran out of the new Kentucky Grilled Chicken after the Queen of All Media made coupons available on Oprah.com for 24 hours for free meals. While there was a report of a riot at a New York City eatery, a spokesperson for the chain said it was greatly exaggerated.

At this point, the coupons aren't available from Oprah's site. However, if you downloaded one, it's good until May 19th -- excluding Mother's Day.

Jewish Group Honors Will Smith

Will Smith was honored for his humanitarian work in Beverly Hills this week. Entertainment Tonight was on hand at the Simon Wiesenthal Center's 2009 National Tribute Dinner to see the Hancock star accept the human rights organization's Humanitarian Award. Charlize Theron presented him with his prize.

Smith said he was overwhelmed to be honored at the same event as one of America's newest heroes -- airline pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger. You'll recall that Sully was the one who landed that plane in New York City's Hudson River back in January.

Hudson Reschedules Shows; Can't Hide Obvious

Jennifer Hudson is currently taking the week off from her tour with Robin Thicke to take care of some health issues. According to E! Online, the singer's throat has been bothering her, and she's being treated for the condition. At this point, dates in Oakland, Dallas, and Houston have been rescheduled.

Now as far as that pesky pregnancy rumor we told you about last month, J-Hud didn't mention it during her Saturday night show in Los Angeles. However, an industry insider who actually attended the show told me that the baby bump was undeniable. Unless her camp issues a statement saying she swallowed a bowling ball, I think she and fiance David Otunga are about to be parents. Stay tuned...

What Ever Happened to...Ola Ray?

Remember Ola Ray, the girl who starred in Michael Jackson's Thriller video? Well, she's suing the King of Pop to try to collect royalties from her leading role. According to the New York Daily News, the 48-year-old former Playboy centerfold filed a lawsuit in Santa Monica, California Tuesday to get Jackson to pony up the cash for her now infamous strut and blood-curdling scream.

Ray's lawyer, Jason Feldman, said that she received some payments through the Screen Actors Guild in 1998, but she doesn't believe they were complete. At this point, Feldman says that the stay-at-home mother of a 14-year-old daughter just, "wants to get her fair share of payments from this extremely successful project that she's very proud of."

So just how much is Ray expecting to get? When you think about the fact that the Thriller video is still selling worldwide and was just re-released for its 25th anniversary, you're looking at quite a substantial sum. And that doesn't even take into account the licensing of the video's content and images to various DVDs and video games.

As for Ray, she still pursues her acting, modeling, and music work while living in Sacramento away from the spotlight. She wouldn't comment on the lawsuit, saying only that, "everything is good, especially now."

Ray was busted for cocaine in 1992 and was later quoted in People magazine as saying that she wasn't able to work after Thriller because she stopped giving sexual favors to producers.

Naturally, Jackson's spokesperson couldn't be reached by press time. Stay tuned...

No Athletics for Usher

Even though every mom has dreams of their little boys playing pro football player, Jonnetta Patton found out early that athletics wouldn't be a part of her son's future. According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Patton went to see little Usher Raymond play at the Boys & Girls Club in Chattanooga, Tennessee. While the other boys were busy running and catching and tackling, her baby -- who would grow up to win five Grammys -- was on the sidelines eating cookies. At that point, Patton said, "We rethought that career!"

Patton told that story to a crowd gathered outside the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's national headquarters in ATL last week to celebrate the organization's Be Great campaign. Billboards of Denzel Washington, Martin Sheen, Jackie Joyner-Kersee and other celebrities as children were unveiled across the country to increase awareness of the clubs, and to encourage everyone to help America's young people be great.

Usher -- whose six-year-old likeness is displayed in Atlanta -- set the record straight about his game. He told the crowd, “Football games aren’t just about the game. You’ve got to enjoy the concessions!”

Reedy & Crawley Make "Sunday Best" Finals

This week's edition of Sunday Best started off with the first sing-off, which consisted of each of the three finalists singing Jesus Loves Me without any practice. The organ was the only instrumentation allowed.

Latice Crawford went first and took it straight to the Baptist church. She slowed it down and sang it in a real traditional manner.

Jessica Reedy, who has been jazzy throughout the competition, caressed the song and put those low notes in it that she's known for. I would call her version the nondenominational one.

Y'Anna Crawley, meanwhile took it to a very COGIC place. I thought she was gonna bust out with that timeless classic, Yes, at any moment.

While each of the ladies did a great job, Latice was eliminated -- leaving Jessica and Y'Anna to compete for the grand prize of a recording contract and a 2009 Lincoln MKS.

After a rousing performance by Rickey Dillard and the New Generation Chorale, Y'Anna put her spin on Yolanda Adams' The Battle is Not Yours. In my opinion, it wasn't her best performance, but it was still good. The judges pretty much agreed with me. Bebe Winans liked it, Tina Campbell wasn't impressed, and Erica Campbell said that she was still amazing even when she's not doing well.

I Won't Complain was Jessica's choice, and baby, it was a good one for her. The pain and the passion in her voice caressed that thing, and we finally heard the church girl peeking out from behind her jazzy exterior. I thought she was gonna get her shout on -- and I was gonna have to join her. The judges were in full agreement that she was awesome and necessary in the industry.

Crystal Aiken, the winner of the first season of Sunday Best, returned to the scene of the crime to perform the first single from her self-titled debut album, I Desire More.

The finalists closed out the evening by singing The Commodores' classic, Jesus is Love. The general audience gets to vote now, and we'll find out next week who'll be Sunday's Best.

Twitter & Chrisette Michele Make Proposal Great

If you've been looking for a reason to get familiar with Twitter, check this out! According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Mose James IV, an Atlanta high school teacher, wanted to propose to her girlfriend, Shekita Redding, in a special way. He knew that Chrisette Michele would be in town, and through the social networking site, he was able to set up a special serenade for his bride-to-be.

Michele, whose album Epiphany drops tomorrow, said that she'd done it before, but this time was different. She said, "Usually I don’t sing that particular song [Golden] when the guy proposes, but you know, if someone asks me on Twitter...it could happen.”

Toni Braxton Files Suit

Toni Braxton says that while her heart may have been broken, there's no need for her pockets to be. According to TMZ.com, the singer is suing Lloyd's of London for not paying her for the Las Vegas concert she missed in 2006 due to heart troubles. She claims that she bought "non-appearance" and "cancellation" insurance, which is supposed to protect entertainers in case their shows have to be cancelled. Lloyd's doesn't want to cover her losses at her Flamingo Hotel concert because they claim her condition was an undisclosed, pre-existing condition. Mrs. Keri Lewis is suing for undisclosed damages.

On the Marriage Front...

It's hard to believe that Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey have been together for a whole year, but they have. The cougar and her cub celebrated their first wedding anniversary Thursday night in Las Vegas at the Palms Casino Resort. According to Entertainment Tonight, they gathered with a large group of family and friends at Simon at Palms Place for dinner. The tables were decorated with candles and a sign that said, "Happy Anniversary Mariah & Nick." Afterwards, the party moved to the Moon Nightclub where guests enjoyed a five-tier cake and a thousand balloons were released into the sky through the moon roof.

While it wasn't disclosed exactly what Mariah gave Nick, they said that Nick presented her with a video compilation of moments from their first year of marriage. Aww...

On the flipside, Kelis and Nas are calling it quits after more than four years of marriage. According to E! Online, Kelis -- who is expecting their first child this summer -- is the one who filed for divorce. Her rep has requested privacy.

Kelis and Nas said, "I Do," on January 8th, 2005 in Atlanta after a two-year engagement. The new baby will be a boy, and Nas has a teenage daughter from a previous relationship.