JAY-Z AT HOME, WHILE BEYONCE WORKS

New daddy, Jay-Z, confirmed he’s going on ‘maternity leave’ to spend some time with his baby Blue Ivy. He’s taking a break from music for now to enjoy his life with his new family. “I thought I would be more inspired to have all these new feelings to talk about, but I really just want to hang out with my daughter,” Jay-Z told Billboard Monday. “I want to enjoy this time for what it is.” While he’s on “leave,” Beyonce needs more time and space to prepare for her highly-anticipated return to the stage. At least that is what it seems like since the Revel Resort has booted a group to accommodate the "4" star. According to Atlantic City press, Revel moved a major casino conference out of its 5,000-seat concert hall to accommodate rehearsals for Beyonce Wednesday "The East Coast Gaming Congress and its 600 attendees were supposed to use Revel’s Ovation Hall today and Thursday, but the casino is relocating the conference to other parts of the building in a last-minute switch," reports Press of Atlantic City. As previously reported, Beyonce is due to perform her first show(s) since giving birth to her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter, at the resort's grand opening celebration beginning May 25.

DON’T MISS THIS SEASON’S STORYTELLERS

On May 8, Jill Scott took the stage at New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom to share stories and perform some of her hits for a broadcast of “VH1 Storytellers.” Billboard reports the following: It was clear that Ms. Scott wasn’t going to just run down her extensive catalog of soulful music. Instead, she was creating something new with each song.  Before her smooth rendition of “Come See Me,” the songstress, now wearing a collared shirt and big glasses with wavy black hair, informed everyone that she was a world traveling PhD recipient. The scholar was obviously uptight, until a man came along and changed all that. Her glasses soon came off and Scott began to sing “Crown Royal,” with so much energy that she almost started scatting in the tradition of jazz greats at the end. By the time she got to “Cross My Mind,” Jill Scott had everyone in the room wrapped around her finger. Backed by a 15-piece band, the singer’s show flowed effortlessly. This time donning a short bob, the R&B star sang two unique versions of “Quick” before taking her time with “The Fact Is (I Need You).” In the short span of one night, Jill Scott managed to embody many different women. Her seamless transitions were complemented by vibrant renditions of songs that her fans love. By the end of her ‘VH1 Storytellers’ performance, premiering on May 21 on 11 pm EST, the singer felt like an old friend. Click here for a preview.

CELEBRITY QUICKIES

A good night turned bad for “Dancing With the Stars” contestant Maria Menounos: despite receiving the highest scores from judged on Monday night’s performance show, she and her partner, Derek Hough, were eliminated. The TV Column reports:  There was an audible gasp in the ballroom when Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke Charvet revealed that Maria and her partner, Derek Hough, wouldn’t make it to next week’s season finale. “I learned so many things – I learned how strong I was, I learned to persevere,” Maria said sadly at the end of the show.

Deion Sanders has been ordered to pay $10,500 per month in child support to his estranged wife Pilar Sanders, and $275,000 to cover her legal fees, reports TMZ. The NFL veteran will not, however, have to pay spousal support. Pilar was also ordered to return six containers of Deion’s property by July 1. Last week, Deion was granted a restraining order against Pilar, which requires her to stay at least 500 yards away from his Dallas mansion.

The annual hip-hop concert tour Rock The Bells announced its lineup today (May 16), with Nas, Kid Cudi and Wiz Khalifa topping the bill, and a special performance due by Missy Elliott. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony are also in the lineup and are expected to perform their 1995 classic album “E. 1999 Eternal” in its entirety. Method Man and Redman will team up to perform their 1999 album “Blackout!” as well. Other notable performers at this year’s festival include Lupe Fiasco, Salt-N-Pepa, Dipset, and all four members of the Black Hippy squad — Kendrick Lamar, Schoolboy Q, Ab-Soul and Jay Rock. Tickets for this year’s Rock The Bells events go on sale this Friday (May 18).

Those of us who like The Game may be in for an upset when the new season starts. The new season will focus on more losses from the cast. The first loss from the team was Kelly Pitts (played by Brittney ), with her divorce from Jason Pitts (played by Coby Bell) which left many wondering why… the same will apply with the new cuts from the team. Online reports say that BET didn’t come up with the checks for two of the shows central characters, Tia Mowry and Pooch Hall who play Melanie Barnett-Davis and Derwin Davis.

Since we're having such warm mornings I have been switching up my morning drink. I get my energy from Rockstar energy drink it's a great way to start your morning. And since the Chervon ExtraMile is right around the corner from my son's school it is part of my morning route. Chevron ExtraMile. Extra easy. Extra value. At select Chevron locations

HALLE BERRY WENT OFF ON PAPARAZZI

Halle Berry explained that she had every right to go off on those snooping photographers stocking her at her daughter’s school. The actress lost her head when paparazzi posted up outside of her daughter Nahala’s pre-school. But she told Mario Lopez folks better watch out when it comes to her baby. “I hate that I lost my cool, but you know, I’m human. That happens and when it comes to my daughter. I’m ferocious.” Even if she is a celebrity, Berry admitted it would be nice to have some privacy. “You know, I don’t know … I’ve been struggling for years,” she lamented as they discussed the celebrity privacy issue. “There are no laws here that protect our children and as a mom, coming to the school … not only my child, but all the children that are there. It’s just wrong, wrong, wrong.” She even halfway joked about going to the president to do something about the issue, expressing that the children’s lives are essentially in danger.Maybe one day the government will care.

IS J-LO DONE WHEN IDOL ENDS?

As the final three prepare to face off on American Idol, there's no telling who will take home the title.But there's another mystery looming at the judges' table: will Jennifer Lopez return to the singing competition next season? "I don't know," Lopez, 42, says on Tuesday's The Ellen DeGeneres Show. If she makes her way back to sit with fellow judges Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler next year, it will be her third season on the show since Simon Cowell Kara DioGuardi and DeGeneres left in 2010. "I enjoy it. I really do enjoy it," she tells DeGeneres, adding, "I miss doing other things. It really does lock you down." Lopez, who took her relationship with boyfriend-of-six months Casper Smart, to the Idol stage last week, also points to her 4-year-old twins, Max David and Emme Maribel. "Now they're getting more mobile. They're about to go to school," she says. "I just don't know. I don't know."

CELEBRITY QUICKIES

TMZ is reporting that Usher’s ex-wife Tameka Foster could be forced to move out of his Georgia mansion in less than 60 days if he decides to put it on the market – and she is “freaking out” about it. According to TMZ, Tameka fears Usher is going to pull the trigger, leaving her buried in legal debt with no place to live — so she’s asking him for a permanent home for her and their kids. Usher has reportedly rejected the request, saying he’s already paid her enough. The trial continues later this month.

Whitney Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina will reportedly take the stage at the 2012 Billboard Music Awards for a “special performance” in honor of her late mother. The ceremony, which airs Sunday at 8 p.m., will feature a musical tribute to Houston, with Bobbi Kristina set to participate.  Further details, or what her role will be have yet to be announced. Elsewhere at the Billboard awards, Stevie Wonder will receive the Billboard Icon Award while Chris Brown, Usher, and Justin Bieber will perform live. R&B singers Brandy, Monica and Gladys Knight will be on hand as presenters.

Folks have had enough of “Basketball Wives” making a mockery of black women on TV and Shaunie O’Neal, Vh1 and Shed Media are now making promises that may be hard to keep — no more physical violence on the show.  “Shed Media US is fully committed to telling the compelling stories of the Basketball Wives in a balanced way. Our producing partner Shaunie O’Neal feels strongly about this, and we fully agree with this stance. We support her as she encourages the cast members to work out issues in a non-violent fashion,” reports Shed. “We look forward to working with her and the rest of the cast on conveying more balance in the next season."

THE HOUSTON FAMILY TO HAVE THEIR OWN SHOW?

According to Deadline.com, Lifetime's Exec. VP announced today that the network has picked up The Houston Family Chronicles an all-new docu-series that will follow the lives of the late Whitney Houston’s family, led by Pat Houston, Whitney’s sister-in-law and manager, and including Pat’s daughter Rayah, Whitney’s brother Gary, daughter Bobbi Kristina and mother, Cissy Houston. The network ordered 10 hour long episodes premiering later this year.  Not sure how I feel about this, but here's the synopsis: The Houston Family Chronicles follows those closest to the pop music icon as they try to pick up the pieces after her untimely death. Pat Houston, Whitney’s sister-in-law, manager and most trusted confidant, manages the business and estate of the beloved singer and her most prized possession, her daughter Bobbi Kristina. The series will follow Pat and her husband, Gary, Whitney Houston’s brother, as they take on their greatest challenge, supporting and guiding Bobbi Kristina as she faces the world alone, without the one person she relied on the most, her Mother. And Pat says she's doing this to help other families heal themselves: “I have been working with Simmons Shelley over the past few years developing a project suitable for myself and our family. The unexpected passing of Whitney certainly affects the direction of the show. However, it is my hope that others will be enlightened as they watch our family heal and move forward.”

HOT ARTIST WILL PERFORM AT THE BILLBOARD AWARDS

R&B will be represented well with three strong voices come Sunday. Gladys Knight, Monica and Brandy have been confirmed to present at the Billboard Music Awards. They join fellow presenters Lil Wayne, Wiz Khalifa, and Gavin DeGraw. Chris Brown is the latest artist added to the performance lineup of the 2012 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas, which airs live May 20 on ABC at 8 p.m. ET from the MGM Grand Arena. He joins previously announced performers Justin Bieber, Carrie Underwood, LMFAO, Cee-Lo Green, Kelly Clarkson, Usher, The Wanted, Linkin Park and Nelly Furtado. Adele, LMFAO, Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Lil Wayne are the leading finalists. Adele tops the pack as a finalist in 18 award categories, while LMFAO is second in 17 categories. Rihanna lands in 13 categories this year, after leading the pack with 18 category appearances in 2011. Lady Gaga and Lil Wayne each snagged a spot in 10 categories Hosted by Ty Burrell and Julie Bowen, the Billboard Music Awards honor the best in music, digital and social media. Nominees include Adele, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and Lil Wayne.A tribute to the late Whitney Houston is also on tap, though full details have not been revealed as of yet. Stevie Wonder will be honored with an Icon Award. The Billboard Music Awards air Sunday, May 20 on ABC.

CELEBRITY QUICKIES

When three R&B heavyweights Tyrese, Ginuwine, and Tank came together in 2007 and announced they were forming a group called TGT, fans were excited. Male R&B groups were quickly losing ground on the music landscape, so the coming-together of three of the most respected in the game led to high expectations. The group released a remix of Tank’s “Please Don’t Go,” but the project came to a screeching halt when it was reported that disputes over contracts prevented the group from going forward. But Tyrese recently announced on Twitter that the guys are back on track and preparing to try again.

El DeBarge thanks 50 Cent and Babyface. He explains in an interview, “I started getting these thoughts, and I called 50 cent up, and I said, ‘You gotta help me…I’m already on my way to doing something wrong.’ So 50 came like five cars deep, picked me up right from where I was, got me outta there, they met up with Babyface, they took me into Interscope, we all had a meeting, and they said, ‘Man why don’t you just go to rehab.’” He reassures he never physically went back to the narcotics, but that the relapse was in his mind, saying, “You have to get your mind right, and you have to have the tools to that you need to stay in recovery.”

Jay-Z has been tapped to headline and curate the first Budweiser Made in America Music Festival in Philadelphia, to take place this fall. Set for Sept. 1 and 2, the event will feature as many as 28 acts spanning a breadth genres such as rock, hip hop and jazz, reports the Huffington Post. Tickets will go on sale May 23 through Ticketmaster and Live Nation, with an unspecified amount going to charity. Meanwhile, Philly-based band The Roots will hold their annual Roots Picnic on June 2 and 3 of this year. That festival is in its fifth year and features an eclectic lineup that includes James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, Kid Cudi, rapper Danny Brown, Diplo, St. Vincent and many more.

JUSTICE WAS SERVED FOR JENNIFER HUDSON’S FAMILY

William Balfour has been found GUILTY of murdering three members of Jennifer Hudson's family. The verdict was handed down moments ago after three days of deliberations. Balfour was convicted of 1st degree murder in the deaths of Jennifer's mom Darnell Donerson, her brother Jason Hudson, and nephew Julian King. Balfour was also convicted of home invasion and residential burglary. Jennifer Hudson was present in court when the verdict was read. 31-year-old Balfour stands convicted of the triple murder after allegedly flying into a blind and jealous rage in 2008 -- over a balloon gift for Julia Hudson, Balfour's ex and Jennifer's sister. Prosecutors say Balfour thought the gift was from Julia's new boyfriend and he snapped. He faces life in prison.

PEOPLE CHARGED WITH EXTORTION OF HOT ARTIST

Two people have been charged with extortion after police detectives say they arrested the pair for trying to sell what they said was embarrassing information about Stevie Wonder. The duo, Alpha Lorenzo Walker and his girlfriend Tamara Eileen Diaz, have been jailed since their arrest on May 2. Both have pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to appear in court on May 16 for a hearing in which a judge will decide whether there is enough evidence for them to stand trial. According to a felony complaint, Walker and Diaz attempted to obtain money from the Grammy-winning musician, who is identified by his birth name, Steveland Morris. An email message sent to Wonder's studio was not immediately returned Friday. District attorney's spokeswoman Jane Robison says Walker contacted Wonder's representatives claiming to have embarrassing information about the musician. Detectives organized a sting and the pair were arrested. Police did not release additional details about their investigation Friday. Walker identifies himself as Wonder's nephew and is being held without bail because of another case. Diaz's bail is set at $95,000. Both are being represented by public defenders, who did not immediately return calls for comment.

WHITNEY FAMILY REALITY SHOW?

Cameras will focus primarily on Pat Houston, sister-in-law and manager of the late singer. Pat is also helping care for Whitney Houston’s only child, 19-year-old Bobby Kristina. The show promises to feature Bobbi Kristina and Cissy, as well as Houston’s cousin Dionne Warwick, gospel singer CeCe Winans and other members of the Houston family. Whitney Houston drowned in a bathtub in February at age 48 in Beverly Hills, Calif. Authorities said her death was complicated by cocaine use and heart disease. Pat Houston, Whitney Houston’s brother Gary and Bobbi Kristina spoke about Houston’s death in an interview with Oprah Winfrey on Winfrey’s OWN network in March. As previously reported, Cissy Houston released her first new music in over a decade on iTunes this week. Cissy, Gary and Bobbi Kristina are expected to appear Saturday in Newark, N.J., at a gospel tribute to the late superstar as part of the annual McDonald’s Gospelfest concert.

J-LO HAS TO KEEP BABIES HOME WHILE OUT ON TOUR

Jennifer Lopez desperately wants to bring her children on her upcoming world tour with Enrique Iglesias -- just one problem ... the kiddies are not allowed to cross California state lines. When J.Lo and her soon-to-ex husband Marc Anthony filed for divorce -- the judge ordered both sides to keep Emme and Max within the confines of Cali unless they get permission from the court. So J.Lo has filed documents ... explaining that both she AND Marc are about to embark on separate concert tours ... and they both want time with the kids while on the road. In the docs, Lopez says she and Marc will be able to work out the scheduling. A hearing is set for June 26. J.Lo's concert tour with Enrique is set to kick off in July.

 HOT WEEKEND HAPPENINGS

No CaviDEES Mobile Dental Unit

Date: Sat, May 12 Time: 10a-5p. Ralphs: 1644 Cloverfield Blvd., Santa Monica, Ca. 90404. HOT 92.3, Rick Dees & Western Dental present the "No CaviDEES" Mobile Dental Unit! Find out how children ages 1 to 19 can get FREE dental services from us as we hop to different cities in Southern California.

Kid's Concert

Date: Sat, May 12 Time: 12p. L.A. Family SchooL. Come see three of L.A.'s best family bands! There will be live music, great food, kid's activities and a silent auction - all benefitting a great cause.

Canoga Park Historic District Artwalk

Date: Sun, May 13. The historic core of the old West Valley lights up at night with arts, crafts, music and theatre once a month at this newly-minted community artwalk. DJ's spin from storefronts, and artists paint live, in front of you, on the sidewalk.

Peter's Landing Farmer's Market and Family Festival

Date: Sat, May 12 Time: 9a-2p. venue: Peter's Landing Plaza, Huntington Beach, CA. Bring the whole family to Huntington Beach's newest farmer's market. This family-friendly event brings seasonal fresh produce, arts and crafts, tasty food vendors, live entertainment, children's activities and more to Peter's Landing every Saturday.

Operation Fitness Health & Wellness Expo

Date: Sat, May 12 Time: 10a-5p. Venue: Santa Monica Place, Santa Monica, CAWebsite: http://www.operationfitness.com This event will offer something for every member of the family including complimentary massages, health screenings, bully prevention lectures, martial arts classes, boxing instruction, Sumo wrestling, strength challenges, fitness pageants, health lectures, fitness demonstrations, and free product giveaways. Obstacle courses will be available for the kids as well a variety of information and products for pet owners and lovers alike.

Mother's Day Dance & Show

Date: Sun, May 13Time: 2p-8p. THE LAKEWOOD HOP featuring the best in music and dance entertainment. Buy your tickets now for "THE ORIGINAL VOICE" of THEE MIDNITERS, LITTLE WILLIE G., and celebrate MOTHER'S DAY, Sunday, May 13 Concert is 2-8PM, and VIP tickets with guaranteed seating are $25 each. General Admission tickets $10 each.

In Theaters

Dark ShadowsPG-13

In the year 1752, Joshua and Naomi Collins, with young son Barnabas, set sail from Liverpool, England to start a new life in America. But even an ocean was not enough to escape the mysterious

‘THE VOICE’ WINNER GETS A PHONE CALL FROM A HOT ARTIST

 As Jermaine Paul broke down and hugged family and friends after winning “The Voice,” the 33-year-old got a congratulatory phone call from one other important person in the evolution of his career: Alicia Keys. According to the New York Daily News, Paul was still standing on the NBC stage Tuesday night, confetti falling around him, when his friend passed him his cellphone. “She was screaming with excitement,” recounted Paul, who lives in Harriman, New York and was a longtime back-up singer for Keys. “She told me she’s been watching me and supporting me the whole time. She was saying how proud of me she was.” Paul was awarded the singing competition show’s top prize of $100,000 and a record deal with Universal after singing R. Kelly’s “I Believe I Can Fly” for his final solo performance Monday. The next 24 hours were a whirlwind of red carpets, TV interviews and talk show appearances with the likes of Ellen Degeneres and Jay Leno. “I’m going on maybe an hour of sleep,” Paul, 33, a married father of four, said Wednesday night. “It’s been a non-stop situation, but I’m loving every bit of it. I’m in no way complaining.” “This is a dream come true,” Paul added. “I’ve been dreaming about a moment like this my whole life…I’m so excited about the future and getting in the studio and creating this album,” Paul said.

CELEBRITIES NEED LOVE TOO!

You wouldn’t think celebrities would have trouble finding dates, but apparently it happens, and Fox is coming to the rescue with its new reality show, “The Choice.” Former supermodel Tyson Beckford, comedian Finesse Mitchell, NFL player Ndamukong Suh and rapper/actor Romeo are among the stars who have signed up to find love on the series, which is pretty much the same format as “The Voice,” only contestants compete with their personalities to join teams, not their singing voices. Filmed in front of a live audience, each episode begins with four of the world’s most eligible bachelors sitting in rotating chairs, turning their backs on love and unable to see the attractive singles looking for a date with fame. In this initial “Blind Round,” each celebrity can only use his suitors’ voices – as they share information about their life, passions, turn-ons and turn-offs – to help them make The Choice. When the celebrity bachelor likes what he hears, he pulls his “love handle,” spinning his chair around to bring him face-to-face for the first time with his potential mate. If more than one celebrity pulls the handle, they must battle it out for her affection until the woman gets The Choice to pick whose “dating pool” she wants to swim in.  Other participating celebrities include reality star Rob Kardashian, actress Carmen Electra, singer Joe Jonas, NFL star Rob Gronkowski, “American Idol” winner Taylor Hicks, Olympic gold medalists Steven Lopez and Seth Wescott, Dr. Robert Nettles, “Jersey Shore” stars  Pauly D and Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, “Suburgatory” actor Parker Young and London-born starlet Sophie Monk. The new show is set to debut on Fox on Thursday, June 7 at 9 p.m.

CELEBRITY QUICKIES

After a grueling two-week trial, the Hudson family murder trial has come to a close. William Balfour stands accused of killing singer Jennifer Hudson’s mother, brother, and nephew in 2008. The defense made its final statements on Tuesday. The jurors are now in closed session and will deliberate on a verdict. Throughout the case, the defense argued that only circumstantial evidence pointed to him being the murderer. Last week it was announced that the suspect’s DNA was not even found on the murder weapon. However, forensic scientists insist that a male DNA was present and concluded his DNA would not be on the weapon if he wore gloves or wiped the weapon clean.

“The View” executive producer and co-host Barbara Walters announced this morning that President Barack Obama will make a return appearance next week as part of the show’s “Red, White & View” campaign. One day after his history-making announcement supporting same-sex marriage, POTUS has booked an exclusive interview with the ABC morning chat show, to take place Monday, May 14, and air the following day. It’s Obama’s fourth time on the show, and second appearance as President. “We promise to let him get a word in edgewise,” joked Walters.

Former couple Chris Brown and Rihanna just quit each other again – this time on Twitter. The reason? According to E!, Brown released a freestyle version of Kanye West’s “Way Too Cold” (formerly “Theraflu”) last night, he could be heard rapping, “Don’t f**k with my old b**ch/It’s like a bad fur/Every industry n***a done had her/Shook the tree like a pumpkin just to smash her/B**ch is breaking codes, but I’m the password.”. Apparently, Rihanna thought it was about her so she immediately unfollowed him. Soon after, Brown himself stopped following Rihanna, as well as tweeting out the following regarding the rumors: “Assumptions! I didn’t say any names so if u took offense to it then it’s something you feel guilty about.”