BEYONCE, MARY J. OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED FOR GRAMMYS: Also, Aretha in special gospel segment; The Time to reunite.

BEYONCE, MARY J. OFFICIALLY ANNOUNCED FOR GRAMMYS: Also, Aretha in special gospel segment; The Time to reunite.

While the Recording Academy has officially announced that Beyonce will sing at next month's 50th Annual Grammy Awards, there was no mention of Tina Turner being part of the performance, as reports have suggested. Also announced as confirmed performers Thursday are Mary J. Blige and Rihanna, who join the Foo Fighters and Carrie Underwood for the Feb. 10 ceremony at Los Angeles' Staples Center. Rihanna will also hit the stage for a special "50th anniversary moment" with Morris Day, Jerome and the reamining members of The Time, who are reuniting for the occasion, reports Billbaord.com. Aretha Franklin will appear in a special gospel segment with Blige, the Clark Sisters, Israel And New Breed, the Madison Bumblebees and Trin-I-Tee 5:7 to celebrate her selection as the 2008 MusicCares Person of the Year.

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Mary J. Blige Returns to "One Life to Live" for February Sweeps

Mary J. Blige Returns to "One Life to Live" for February Sweeps

Mary J. Blige is set for a return engagement on "One Life to Live" in February. The Grammy-winning recording artist went to the ABC soap's Manhattan studios to record a special cameo that will air during the February Sweeps period. Accompanied by her band, the 37-year-old Blige will perform two tracks off of her latest album, "Growing Pains." Mary J. Blige Returns to "One Life to Live" for February Sweeps (Image: Wenn)
"It's absolutely amazing to be integrated into a soap opera I've watched since I was a little girl," says Blige in a statement.
Chris Engen ("Saints and Sinners," "Felicity") will join "The Young and the Restless" as Victor Jr., the son of Victor and his former wife, Hope. His first tape date was Jan. 22, which will air on Feb. 12. The return of this character has been a long time coming.
When Josh Morrow (Nick) was considering leaving the show, the producers decided they wanted a son for Victor. With Morrow signing a long-term contract, everyone at Y&R thought bringing in another son was still a good idea. At this point, with Nick and Victor feuding, it seems wise for Victor to have one son to turn to. Will Victor's youngest progeny be an ally or a traitor, and will he try to curry favor with Victor any way that he can?
Judi Evans' run as Adrienne on "Days of Our Lives" has come to an end. Evans first played Adrienne (sister of Patch and Jack) more than twenty years ago. More recently, Evans played Bonnie on "Days." When that role ended, the producer decided to bring Evans back as Adrienne. That stint lasted about half a year. Look for Adrienne's leaving to have a happy ending.
Sarah Brown's (ex-Carly) return to "General Hospital" as sister to mobster Johnny Zacchara will not be a short-term stunt. Brown has signed up for a year as the mobster's family member.
Heather Tom (Katie) has signed a long-term contract with "Bold and Beautiful." The soap vet, who started playing Victoria on "Young and Restless when she was 12, was only going to stay around at B&B for six months. Tom, who loves working on soaps and living in L.A., decided to ink a three-year pact.

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Mary J. Blige, Rihanna and Carrie Underwood for Grammys

Mary J. Blige, Rihanna and Carrie Underwood for Grammys

They join Beyonce and Foo Fighters on list of performers
Mary J. Blige, Rihanna and have been announced as performers at the forthcoming Grammy Awards which will take place February 10.
They join Beyonce and Foo Fighters, who previously confirmed they would support the Grammys, even before an agreement was reachedwith the Writer’s Guild of America who are currently striking.
The ceremony will be held at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles.
A special performance that evening will see soul legend Aretha Franklin will join Mary J. Blige and a number of other acts for a gospel performance, says Billboard.
Stay tuned to NME.COM for all the Grammy Award news as it happens on February 10.

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Beyonce and sister Solange celebrate the launch of Jay-Z’s new club

Beyonce and sister Solange celebrate the launch of Jay-Z’s new club

Beyonce Knowles and her sister Solange celebrated the launch of Jay-Z’s new 40/40 club last weekend.
The former Destiny’s Child singer and her little sister were there to celebrate the launch of Bey’s boyfriend’s new venture.
An onlooker said: “Beyonce and Solange lit up the room.
“It’s clear the good looks run in the family.”
Jay-Z, real name Shawn Corey Carter, arrived in style, wearing a fitted three-piece suit with cool shades to complete the look.
According to British newspaper The Sun, the Las Vegas club may not be open in time for New Year’s Eve due to licensing issues, but Jay-Z pulled out all the stops and made sure this year gets off with a bang.
Other guests at the swanky party included R’n'B sensation Ne-Yo and Mary J. Blige.

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Mary J. Blige Celebrates Growing Pains Release With John Legend, Fabolous, Chingy

Mary J. Blige Celebrates Growing Pains Release With John Legend, Fabolous, Chingy

Royalty reigned Tuesday night at the Soho Grand Hotel as Mary J. Blige celebrated the release of her eighth studio album, Growing Pains, with Fabolous, John Legend, legendary R&B singer Patti LaBelle and others.
"Wow," Mario marveled at the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul's longevity. "She's staying true to herself, her life, and knowing every day is a new revelation. That's why I'm a fan."
LaBelle and Blige shared a few laughs on the red carpet beforehand while photographers flashed away at the legendary pair's exchange.
Chingy — whose album, Hate It or Love It, was also released Tuesday — was also in attendance. The St. Louis rapper didn't stay long as he had his own album-release event to attend at another New York club, Sol. Before he made his exit, the DTPer extended an invite to everyone.
"Make sure y'all stop by," he shouted.
Tank, J. Holiday and "American Gangster" actor Idris Elba were also in attendance. Tank recalled his first tour experience, with Aaliyah and Ginuwine, as a part of a Blige-headlined tour.
"I'm forever grateful for the experience," he said.
Alicia Keys' producer Kerry "Krucial" Brothers and Melyssa Ford stopped by, and D-Nice manned the turntables at the swank hotel penthouse, which had flat-screen TVs lining the walls.
Blige was all smiles throughout the night.
She arrived shortly after 10 p.m., wearing cream pants and a matching turtleneck and fur coat. Her husband, Kendu Isaacs, escorted her on the red carpet and stayed by her side all night.
Having started her career singing about her pain and heartache, Blige turned more upbeat beginning with 2001's No More Drama and continuing with 2005's The Breakthrough. Though Growing Pains preaches positivity, she said she can still draw plenty of material from her own life.
"As long as I'm not perfect, you're gonna be hearing from me," she said.

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