


Ne-Yo is a dreamer and has big plans a Motown Records’ new senior VP of A&R. Being the diverse artist he is, he wants to bring all kinds of music to the label, that’s traditionally has promoted predominantly Black artists. I want to get back to a place where everybody’s listening to the same thing no matter what race, color, creed you are,” the singer said in an interview Wednesday after Universal Music made the announcement. “(Now) there’s music that’s specifically for black people and there’s music that’s specifically for white people, and I feel like the essence of … music is lost when you do that.” But his goals don’t stop there. He’s looking forward to hiring hard working artists who are looking to make more than one hit record. Under his command, Ne-Yo plans to introduce a new realm of music to the industry and nurture some good talent at Motown. And speaking of hard work, he’s now gearing up to release his fifth album this summer and will move over to Motown, rightfully so.

*Kyla Pratt is officially all grown up. She’s a mom now, but isn’t looking to settle down with just one man. In a recent interview with Vibe Vixen, the former child star and “Let’s Stay Together” star, discussed motherhood, the business, and why she’s not ready to get married. Since becoming a mother, she says sleep is a rare find. RELATED: BET’s ‘The Game’ and ‘Let’s Stay Together’ Return with Brandy & Kyla Pratt “No sleep, but [my baby] is my world! That’s all I think about everyday, and everything I do is just for her. I want to make sure she’s good in her future. I’m enjoying every minute of it!” she said, adding that the pregnancy went well. “I have a great man by my side and a very supportive and loving family that is there for me. I got to enjoy the beauty of another human being growing inside of me.” As far as getting married to that wonderful man, they both agreed now isn’t the time to tie the knot. She said their saving that for the future. Read the full story at vibevixen.com.

In addition to celebrity mentors Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton and Cee-Lo Green, NBC’s reality singing competition “The Voice” has added the likes of Babyface, Ne-Yo, Robin Thicke and Lionel Richie to help mentor contestants for the new season, which kicks off Feb. 5. Each mentor has selected two advisers to lend their skills and knowledge to their contestants. Aguilera decided to call in Jewel and Richie, while “American Idol” champion Kelly Clarkson and Shelton’s country superstar wife, Miranda Lambert, are set to join his team. Green has brought in Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Ne-Yo to help mentor his team and Team Levine will be receiving help from Morissette and Robin Thicke. “These renowned musicians will bring their unique and recognizable musical styles to the teams,” Paul Telegdy, President of Late Night and Alternative Programming at NBC (NBC and E! are both part of the NBC Universal family), says in a press release. “They are well-respected singers whose invaluable experience will be a tremendous asset to Christina Aguilera, Cee-Lo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton’s artists.” The guest advisers will come into play during the “battle rounds” phase of the competition, helping out each mentor’s six contestants. “The Voice” returns after the Super Bowl on Sunday, Feb. 5 at 10 p.m. before settling into its regular timeslot of Mondays at 8 p.m. on Feb. 6.
Tony nominee Montego Glover of "Memphis"
*For those who can’t get to Broadway for the Tony Award-winning rock musical Memphis, PBS is bringing the production to you through a Feb. 24, 2012 airing of its “Great Performances” series. Filmed live at the Shubert Theatre with the original Broadway cast, including Tony nominees Chad Kimball and Montego Glover, Memphis has a Tony-winning score by David Bryan and Joe DiPietro.
Anna Deavere Smith in Let Me Down Easy
Upcoming “Great Performances” airings include Anna Deavere Smith’s solo play about the U.S. healthcare system and the resilience of the human body, Let Me Down Easy (Jan. 13, 2012); as well as “Tony Bennett: Duets,” featuring Lady Gaga, Josh Groban, k.d. lang, Queen Latifah, Carrie Underwood and more (Jan. 27, 2012).