Buzz Briefs: Prince, Ashanti

(CBS/ AP) 
Prince Turns 50 & Releases First Book

The legendary Prince is turning 50 and he's doing it in style.

In addition to aging gracefully the icon has become more literary.

Prince will release his first book, "21 Nights," which is inspired by his 21 sizzling consecutive performances in London's O2 Center during the summer of 2007.

The book will feature never-before-published pictures by acclaimed photographer Randee St. Nicholas, poetry by Prince and a CD, "Indigo Nights," of live after-show sessions.

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Photos: Celebrity Circuit

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A private party and surprise concert at his palatial home in the hills above Los Angeles was held in honor of the book release.

Celebrity guests included Eddie Murphy, Babyface and Diddy.


Ashanti To Perform National Anthem At Game 5 Of NBA Finals

2Grammy Award-winning singer Ashanti will perform the National Anthem in front of a global audience on Sunday, June 15, prior to Game 5 of the NBA Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics at the Staples Center.

All National Anthem performances during the best-of-seven series will be televised live on ABC in the U.S. and to a worldwide audience in more than 200 countries and territories beginning at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Ashanti's fourth studio album The Declaration, in stores now, features the hit single "The Way That I Love You" which became Ashanti's 14th top ten hit on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop chart.


British Pop Sensation Leona Lewis Dishes On Fame & Amy Winehouse

British pop star Leona Lewis tells all in the upcoming Sunday's issue of PARADE magazine, where she discusses her music, the pressures of overnight fame and potential trouble that comes along with it.

Although she is a young performer, she manages to avoid the crazy antics of other stars like Grammy winner Amy Winehouse, but she understands the mayhem of the paparazzi.

"Amy is an amazing artist and so talented," Lewis told PARADE. "A performer's privacy is taken away. The media are always there. You can't make your mistakes in private. I have the advantage of a great support structure."


"Get Smart" On The Red Carpet

3The cast of "Get Smart" will get real on the red carpet.

E! Live from the Red Carpet will kick off the world premiere of the highly anticipated comedy, "Get Smart."

Hosts Giuliana Rancic and Ben Lyons will get the scoop on the behind-the-scenes moments from the movie's cast of characters Steve Carell, Anne Hathaway and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

Live from the Red Carpet: "Get Smart" premieres Wednesday, June 18 at 6:00pm ET/PT.

"Get Smart" is the film adaptation of the famous 60's TV series starring Don Adams who is portrayed by "The Office" star Carell. He is joined by his pretty sidekick Agent 99, played by Hathaway.


Aretha Franklin To Headline 2008 Newport Jazz Festival

4Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin will headline the 2008 JVC Jazz Festival.

Festival organizers say the Grammy winner, whose hits include "Respect," "Chain of Fools" and "I Say a Little Prayer," will perform her gospel-charged soul Aug. 9 at Fort Adams State Park.

Other performers include jazz saxophonists Sonny Rollins and Wayne Shorter, best-selling trumpeter Chris Botti, and pianist and composer Herbie Hancock.


Jamie Foxx & Stylist Settle Lawsuit

5Jamie Foxx needs no help getting dressed for trial - the actor has apparently reached a settlement with a former stylist who sued him.

Documents filed Wednesday in Los Angeles show that attorneys for stylist Stacy Young and Foxx have reached an undisclosed agreement. Young helped Foxx primp for the 2006 BET Awards and a press junket for the film "Miami Vice."

Her lawsuit claimed that she was never paid for the work or her costs.

Foxx's attorneys denied the claims, saying Universal Studios, not Foxx, hired Young for the "Miami Vice" work.

Calls and e-mails sent to Young's and Foxx's attorneys were not immediately returned.