Buzz Briefs: Alicia Keys, Ne-Yo
Alicia Keys' Swollen Vocal Cords Force Concert Cancellations
Singer Alicia Keys has scrapped Thursday night's concert in Cleveland, after canceling a show in Pittsburgh earlier in the week.
A message posted on Keys' Web site says the Grammy winner is sidelined with swollen vocal cords.
She still expects to play in Columbus Saturday night, and fans who were planning to see the show at Cleveland State University's Wolstein Center will have their tickets honored at Value City Arena in Columbus. Or, they can get a refund.
The headliner isn't the only one on the Keys tour having vocal problems. Reigning "American Idol" champ Jordin Sparks was one of the opening acts, but she's now under a doctor's care and resting her voice, probably until next month.
Photos: Celebrity Circuit
R&B Singer Ne-Yo To Appear On "All My Children"
The singer-songwriter will perform his songs "Closer" and "Stop This World" during an "All My Children" guest stint set to air May 21 and May 22. Ne-Yo will appear on the ABC daytime soap during the long anticipated second wedding of Angie and Jesse Hubbard, the supercouple played by Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams.
Of course, "All My Children" being "All My Children," the wedding will not go according to plan. Following the Grammy winner's performance at the reception, the bride will be kidnapped and taken away on a helicopter. The characters of Angie and Jesse Hubbard recently reunited after a 20-year absence following Jesse's presumed death.
Ne-Yo, whose real name is Shaffer C. Smith, is no stranger to drama. The Grammy winner was arrested in suburban Atlanta for reckless driving earlier this year. Cobb County police spokeswoman Cassie Reece said he was driving at speeds that exceeded 100 mph.
Media Wants Dibs On R. Kelly's Pretrial Hearings
The Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and the AP are seeking transcripts of closed pretrial hearings and asking that a gag order on attorneys be lifted.
Kelly's attorneys want more time to respond.
Cook County Circuit Judge Vincent Gaughan set another hearing on the motion for May 8, a day before jury selection begins and after any pretrial hearings would be held.
The 41-year-old singer faces charges he videotaped himself having sex with an underage girl. He has denied the allegations.
Kanye West And Jay-Z Party Together
It was boy's night out for Kanye West and Jay-Z.
A solo Jay-Z, clad in a hood, sunglasses and no wedding ring, arrived first and bypassed the red carpet. West entered the club about 10 minutes later and joined his friend in a center booth overlooking the dance floor. West smiled and greeted partygoers while clutching a bottle of Absolut 100 vodka, the event's sponsor.
West and his fashion designer fiancée Alexis Phifer recently broke off their engagement, according to a report posted Monday on People.com. West and Phifer have been dating on and off since 2002.
Photos: Crazy in Love: Beyonce & Jay-Z
Jamie Foxx commanded a corner booth and entertained a bevy of beautiful women. "Friday Night Lights" stars Scott Porter and Minka Kelly grooved to the music. Nickelodeon host Quddus spent most of the night on the dance floor. And recent "American Idol" cast-off Michael Johns was stationed at a quiet Morrocan-themed bar away from the hubbub with a friend.
Witness To Jam Master Jay Slaying Sentenced In Robberies
An eyewitness to the killing of Jam Master Jay was sentenced to 17 years in prison for a string of robberies after the Run-DMC legend's death.
Federal prosecutors claim Ronald Washington was more than a witness to the 2002 shooting in Jay's Queens recording studio. They have said in court papers that Washington brandished a gun and made people in the studio stay on the floor while an unidentified gunman shot Jay, whose real name was Jason Mizell.
The 40-year-old Washington has denied any involvement and has not been charged in the slaying of the rap pioneer.
Still, prosecutors asked a judge to consider it in sentencing Washington on Wednesday. U.S. District Judge Nina Gershon declined, noting that Washington wasn't prosecuted in the shooting.
Defense lawyer Susan Kellman says the prosecutors' claims are based on nothing but "gossip."
Yoko Ono Sues Producers Of New Film
Yoko Ono is suing the producers of a movie that challenges evolution.
She says they used John Lennon's song "Imagine" without her permission and led the blogosphere to accuse her of "selling out."
Ono has filed a lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan.
It accuses the producers of "Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed" of suggesting that those who guard Lennon's legacy somehow authorized or sponsored the film.
Producer Premise Media says it believes the song clip was used "as part of a social commentary in the exercise of free speech and freedom of inquiry."