chaka khan

chaka khan

Chaka Khan will perform a tribute to her friend Whitney Houston at the Apollo Hall of Fame gala June 4, according to the New York Post. In addition, Lionel Richie and the late Etta James are to be inducted; Soul Train creator Don Cornelius and the songwriter Nick Ashford will also be honored. Past inductees include Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and the late Michael Jackson.

After increasing pressure from Islamic groups, Indonesian police denied Lady Gaga a permit needed to perform in the country, VOANews.com reported. In announcing their decision, Indonesian police also cited safety concerns as the Islamic Defender's Front, FPI, threatened to deploy 30,000 members to physically prevent the "Born This Way" singer from getting off the plane. Her tour also includes stops in Manila, Bangkok, Taipei and Hong Kong—and clashes have taken in those cities as well.

Ellen DeGeneres has been chosen to receive this year's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, according to the Washington Post. The talk-show host, 54, is the 15th recipient of the award. In a statement, DeGeneres said, "To get the same award that has been given to people like Bill Cosby, Tina Fey and Will Ferrell, it really makes me wonder .�.�. why didn't I get this sooner?"

Photographer Annie Leibovitz and chef/author/television host Anthony Bourdain received honorary CLIO Awards at the 53rd Annual CLIO Awards at New York's American Museum of Natural History May 15. The CLIO Awards celebrate creative professionals in the advertising, design and communications industries as well as visionaries in fields as diverse as photography, fashion, food, travel, literature and film. Comedy icon Joan Rivers hosted.

Joey Lawrence—best known for his role as the title character's brother on the '90s sitcom Blossom—will join the Chippendales' Las Vegas production, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. He will flaunt his muscles as he dances, sings and hosts the all-male exotic-dancer revue June 7-24 at the Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino. Lawrence can currently be seen on the ABC Family series Melissa & Joey, co-starring Melissa Joan Hart.

Jennifer Lopez is reportedly leaving American Idol, according to US Magazine. The "Waiting for Tonight" singer has been a judge on the reality-competition show for two seasons—and received $20 million the second go-round. A source said that Lopez has "just too much going on for her right now." She has endorsements with L'Oreal and Gillette; her clothing line at Kohl's; a fragrance; an upcoming 20-city tour with Enrique Iglesias; various film projects; and a new album on the horizon.