In an announcement yesterday, the long rumored deal became official. Britney will be a judge on X Factor. Joining the troubled starlet will be Demi Lovato. Together with Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid,  the foursome will host the talent competition. X Factor is one of an increasing number of talent competitions. With so many similar shows, crowding the same category of television, X Factor is struggling to distinguish itself. The Voice distinguishes its by eschewing the image obsession of shows like American Idol and instead focuses entirely on the vocals. New shows, like Duets will test the ability of its competitors to go toe to toe with the most famous faces in pop music. And X Factor distinguishes itself, with…….Britney Spears.

The media, which is has an insatiable is setting their countdown clocks for Britney’s onstage breakdown. They predict that Britney is in a fragile state and that she is literally not ready for prime time. The speculation of the media has raised the stakes for Britney. While, she is being paid handsomely for the gig, the media is portraying X-Factor as a critical test of her stability which will determine the likelihood of a full Britney Spears comeback.

In an interview with CNN, Jay-Z says he supports President Obama’s recent decision to support Gay Marriage. The rapper and influential conscience of the Hip Hop world says, “I’ve always thought it as something that was still holding the country back”. He adds “What people do in their own homes is their business and you can choose to love whoever you love. Thats their business. It’s no different than discriminating against blacks. It’s discrimination plain and simple.”

When asked if Obama’s decision would cost the President votes, Jay Z, responded sagely saying, “Its really not about votes. It’s about people.”

William Balfour, the former brother in law of Julia Hudson, the Sister of singer and super-star, Jennifer Hudson, was found guilty of murdering the mother, brother and 7 year old nephew of the singer. Balfour, was accused of flying into a jealous rage, when he discovered that his estranged wife was dating another man. The convicted murder, discovered balloons, sent to Julia from another man. As a result, he shot Jennifer’s 57 year old, mother in her living room. He then proceeded to kill her 29 year old brother, as he lay in his bed. He kidnapped Hudson’s 7 year old nephew and shot him in the head, after placing him behind the front seat of a SUV, owned by Jennifer Hudson. Balfour allegedly, told his wife: “If you leave me, I willkill you. I will kill your family first. You will be the last to die.”

Hudson, was in the court room to hear the verdict.

OUR PRAYERS GO OUT TO JENNIFER AND HER FAMILY

A supporter of George Zimmerman, has placed ads for the sale of Gun Range Targets that resemble the slain teenager. The Gun Range Targets have a blank face, but a figure wearing a hoodie, has skittles tucked into the pocket and iced tea in hand, making the identity of the targets namesake obvious. They also have a cross hair target directly on the chest of the target. It is a clear and unmistakable reference to the fact that George Zimmerman shot Trayvon Martin, in the chest. The ad for the targets are marketed toward Zimmerman’s supporters. It says, that the targets are ideal for those that “support Zimmerman and believe he is innocent and that he shot a thug”.

To his credit, Mark O’Mara, George Zimmerman’s attorney called the sale of the targets, “hate-mongering”. He further stated that “This is the highest level of disgust and the lowest level of civility”. The seller of the targets, reportedly sold out of his entire inventory, within two days!

Usher Raymond has landed a big role, with a heavy weight cast. He will be playing opposite Robert De Niro, in the role of Sugar Ray Leonard. The film, is tentatively titled “Hands Of Stone” but in order to fit into the role, Usher is more concerned with his waistline then his hands. The R&B singer and dancer is trying to drop over 15 pounds, in order to move from 176 pounds to 161, welterweight status. His sticking to a strict died of Kale Salad, steamed spinach, and lean, organic proteins.Strangers to boxing can think of Sugar Ray as a likable pre-cursor to May-weather. Sugar Ray was known for his lightening speed, smooth footwork and Muhammad Ali-like charisma. Usher should have no problem channeling the confidence filled, performer.

The new film is set to debut, next year.

R&B singer Tank has unveiled his latest album, “THIS IS HOW I FEEL” The album features collabos with T.I. Chris Brown and Busta Rhymes. The album’s lead single is a song called, “Compliments” which features Kris Stephens and T.I. The album is projected to sell 25-35K in its first week. This is Tank’s fifth Album and follows his recent Grammy nominations. Tank is much more accomplished then he generally gets credit for. He has added his golden touch to countless tracks. The artist has written hits for Jamie Foxx, Keri Hilson and Chris Brown. He has 8 Grammy nods, to his name. Tank has proven himself to be an enduring artist in the fleeting world of R&B.

In a soon to be released interview, ABC’s Robin Roberts, became the first reporter in history, to hear a sitting U.S. President endorse Gay Marriage. The sit down interview, was hastily secured as pressure mounted as the result of a flub by Vice President, Joe Biden. The Vice President, inadvertently endorsed Gay Marriage in a recent interview which lead to questions about the President’s own evolution on the issue. President Obama told Roberts “I have to tell you that over the course of several years as I have talked to friends and family and neighbors when I think about members of my own staff who are in incredibly committed monogamous relationships, same-sex relationships, who are raising kids together, when I think about those soldiers or airmen or marines or sailors who are out there fighting on my behalf and yet feel constrained, even now that Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is gone, because they are not able to commit themselves in a marriage, at a certain point I’ve just concluded that for me personally it is important for me to go ahead and affirm that I think same sex couples should be able to get married“.

These historic words have never been spoken by any U.S. President, in part because Gay Marriage has failed to pass when placed on the ballot in any state (including California). No President has ever been willing to risk their Presidency, to fight for the rights of Gay Americans. The President has effectively wagered  his second term, on his ability to sway the American people.

Remember the name Jermaine Paul. He is this season’s winner of The Voice. The American Idol, rival show, is one of a growing number of talent competitions. The Voice pitches itself as a pure singing competition. The Judges, Christina Aquilara, Adam Levine, Blake Shelton, and Ceelo-Green, pick contestants, with their backs turned away from the singers. They choose them based entirely on the strength of their vocals. Their appearance, and style, are supposed to be immaterial. The Voice, attempts distinguish itself by attempting limiting the superficialities associated with the other shows.

Despite the shows attempt to limit the impact of superficialities, this year’s winner is a star in every sense. Jermaine Paul is a former background singer for Alicia Keys and he truly has an amazing voice. The rising star chose to join team Shelton, which was an unusual paring. He simply asked that the country star promise to keep him. Shelton, said he could make no promises, but he believed in Paul’s talent. Shelton’s faith paid off! Pail said, “I honestly was ready to accept not winning. But I’m so excited”.

Paul’s wife, rushed the stage as the confetti fell, to hug and kiss her husband. Paul said, “She has been with me throughout this whole journey. Leaving college, not going with basketball and going with music and sticking with it, having kids so young and getting married even younger-its been a tumultuous journey for us.”