Usher is speaking out about his upcoming role as boxer Sugar Ray Leonard.  Find out what he said inside….

"The Voice" judge Usher will be starring as boxer Sugar Ray Leonard in the upcoming film "Hands of Stone".  The film centers on the story of  the great brawler Roberto Duran  who beat Sugar Ray in 1980 to claim the WBC welterweight title (though he lost is a few months later during the rematch).

The pop star spoke to the Huffington Post about his role saying,

"You couldn’t find a more stylized boxer than Sugar Ray Leonard. He was an incredible motion guy, the way he moved around the ring, and I think my dancing will make it easier for me to pick up his moves. I’ve been working on familiarizing myself with the ring, sparring and just understanding how to move in the ring."

In getting ready for the film, which will be shot in Panama, Usher’s going on a strict regime to drop around 12 pounds and gain more tone his muscular frame!

"He had such incredible discipline, and he was flashy and classy at the same time. I want to be as passionate and dedicated in preparing for this role as he was every time he stepped into the ring."

And though this is his first leading role, the superstar says he’s up for the pressure.

"I’m up for the challenge, and I’m looking forward to it. I think my overall feeling is one of anticipation. It seems like this is a real passion project. It’s a film that everybody is so invested in, and I have the good fortune of having the character I’m playing still around."

Nice!

Kelly Rowland and Jennifer Hudson were among the celebs who attended the the 28th Rock and Roll Hall of FAME Induction Ceremony last night which featured performances by Usher and Public Enemy.  Get the pics inside and see the newest inductees…

Showing a little leg and a lot of sass, Kelly Rowland stopped traffic on the red carpet of the Rock and Roll Hall of FAME last night at Nokia Theatre L.A.  This black Maria Lucia Hohan AW’13 lace front slit "Latifah" curve hugging dress, complete with a lace train, is freaking amazing.

With her hair in a tight bun and Doves by Doron Palona 18K Rose Gold Rose Quartz Earrings, Kelly looked amazing as usual as she came out to support.

Michelle Williams got the "Destiny’s Child Memo" and also showed off a little leg.  The "Fela!" Broadway star donned a body hugging black and white dress with contoured piping.

Michelle arrived with producer Harmony Samuels and Kita Williams.

Usher also turned heads in a leather jeacket, tuxedo slacks and red sparkly loafers.

Darryl ‘DMC’ McDaniels attended the show and performed on stage with Chuck D, Heart and Dave Grohl.

Filmmaker Spike Lee came out to support Quincy Jones and Public Enemy (whose songs where featured in Do The Right Thing), as both were honored during the ceremony.

Legendary producer Quincy Jones was inducted into the Hall of Fame and awarded the Ahmet Ertegun Lifetime Achievement Award.

Public Enemy was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Looking gorgeous in a one shoulder number that screamed 70s glam, Jennifer Hudson performed a tribute to Hall of Fame inductee Donna Summer.  Gorge look for her.

Hall of Fame inductees, Public Enemy, hit the stage to the delight of the crowd.  Flav looks like an 80-year-old man these days:

But we’re wondering why he wore his "Talent" badge on stage? Or why he even needed a backstage tag.  Could he be mistaken for anyone other than himself?

Oprah Winfrey was on hand to present an award to Quincy Jones.

Usher was also on hand to honor Mr. Jones.

He later hit the stage and performed a stellar tribute to Quincy.

The event will be broadcast May 18 on HBO.  Congrats to the inductees!

 Photos via Getty Images

Singer Trey Songz is renting a $ 35,000 a month mansion, ?living high up in the Hollywood Hills  See pics form his crib inside and see pics of Usher unveiling the new Mercedes Benz A45 AMG

Trey Songz is moving on up…..to the Hollywoods Hills.  As of April 1, the R&B star will move into a 13,000 sq. ft. mansion right next door to Ne-Yo, for the small sum of $ 35,000 a month.  And TMZ provided the luxe pics:

The ten bedroom home boasts 12-bath bathrooms, floor-to-ceiling windows, a movie theater, gym and of course….an elevator.

There are also tons of balconies, views of the city and a rooftop pool.

In case any of the rooms look familiar, it’s worthy to note that this is the type of home that is usually rented out for reality tv shows.

While Trey isn’t on a reality show, the home will surely provide enough space for friends, familly and groupies to have a good time.  

Meanwhile…… 

Pop star Usher has been tapped by the German based automaker Mercedes-Benz to promote their brand new A45 AMG.

Usher, who’ll talk to fans about his experience with the car on Facebook. already owns a CLS63 AMG and a Sprinter.

As part of his new gig as a brand spokeman, he toured the Mercedes Benz factory and learned a great deal about the automaker.  Nice! 

Watch Usher at the Geneva International Motor Show for the 2013 Mercedes AMG Event here:

Photos via Auto Spies/TMZ

Usher Raymond was spotted purchasing a new set of wheels and cruising down the streets of New York yesterday.  See the candids inside…

Singer Usher Raymond was spotted doing a little shopping in NYC yesterday.

But he wasn’t in the market for any new fashions, he was looking for a new set of hot wheels.

He was seen speaking to a Ducati salesman who USHERed him over to his newly purchased motorcyle.

Moments later, photographers spotted the singer, and his red high top trainers, leaving the dealership and testing out his new ride on the streets of NY.

Usher may have used the new purchase to take his mind off the arrest of a man accused of killing his stepson in a jet ski accident last year.  And with all of the bumper to bumper traffic he found himself in, he definitely had time to focus on other things. 

Fans of Usher will soon get to see him in his new role as a judge on "The Voice" when it returns to NBC.

Photos via PacificCoastNews.com and FAME

Usher will make a surprise appearance for his mentor Clive Davis on today’s upcoming taped episode of "Katie".  But it’s what Clive reveals in his new memoir, which he’s now on a media tour for, that has everybody’s eyebrows raised.

Check out one of music’s biggest head honchos, Clive, revealing his bisexuality…

Usher jetted into NYC early just to surprise the man who created the label where he got his start, Clive Davis.  The 80-year-old recording industry exec has written his new memoir, The Soundtrack of My Life, and has opened up about his incredible career of being the man behind artists like Alicia Keys, Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and especially legends like Whitney Houston, Gil Scott Heron and Aretha Franklin.  And helped Babyface and L.A. Reid create LaFace records and Diddy create Bad Boy.

So with such a prolific career, especially in R&B acts and Rock acts, we’re sure there are some tales to be told.

USHER said about Clive during the show:

But– he– you know, just to kinda give you a, I guess, a testament of– of the pay it forward. You know, without that artist development and that ability to understand how to– present myself and have an understanding of style, I would not be in the position to be, you know, a coach on The Voice– and– and– introduce talent like Justin Bieber and– writers like Rico Love, who was…my actual first artist, who went on to be an incredible writer and also producer. But– you know, without that artist development of Arista and LaFace Records, I wouldn’t be the mentor that I am today.

In the memoir, Clive gives detail about Whitney Houston’s denial of being drug addict and the interventions he says he attempted to stage.  He also used the last 5 pages of his book to make a big reveal–that he’s bisexual and is currently in a relationship with another man.

USA Today reports:

Davis, who is twice divorced, remains close to his family, which includes three sons, a daughter and six grandchildren, and to friends, with whom he vacations regularly. Soundtrack’s aforementioned personal revelation acknowledges "something that my children and close friends have always known, but that I knew I would need to discuss in a biography": He considers himself bisexual.

"After my second marriage failed, I met a man who was also grounded in music. Having only had loving relationships and sexual intimacy with women, I opened myself up to the possibility that I could have that with a male, and found that I could."

Davis is currently involved with another man (who isn’t in show business), "but I never stopped being attracted to women. Bisexuality is misunderstood; the adage is that you’re either straight or gay or lying, but that’s not my experience. To call me anything other than bisexual would be inaccurate."

Very interesting.  He may speak about it on today’s episode of "Katie."  A preview is below:

Clive Davis’ annual Pre-Grammy dinner was overflowing with celeb power last night.  And we’ve got all the YBF folks who rolled through inside.  Including Ciara holding hands with her boo Future, J-Hud, Ashanti, Nicole Richie, Tyra Banks, Ne-Yo and plenty more…

Jennifer Hudson threw on a pretty & flirty nude Maria Lucia Hohan dress and Giuseppe Zanotti sandals for the biggest Pre-Grammy event of them all.  She posed it up  with Mr. Clive himself on the red carpet of his & The Recording Academy’s 2013 Pre-GRAMMY Gala and Salute to Industry Icons honoring Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid at The Beverly Hilton Hotel.

She snapped a pic with Gayle King before taking the stage to perform with Gladys Knight.

Ciara made an entrance holding hands with her boo, rapper Future. 

And she worked a sexy backless nude Halston gown with her blonde bob and dark lipstick.  Sexy.

Brandy was all smiles posing on the carpet in her black & white printed bodycon dress and flashing her new engagement ring alongside her fiance Ryan.

Ashanti kept it fab in her usual look of a revealing, sexy gown.  The tangerine dress had the ultra deep v neck cutout, as well as open sides.

Tyra Banks got her Barbie-look on.

The "Top Model" head honcho smized it up with a sharp blond bob, bangs, and her bangin’ curves in this strapless black dress.

Diddy galloped his way on the carpet in this tailored grey and black look with a bowtie.  The man can dress.  And if he’s serious about his girlfriend Cassie‘s "singing career", wouldn’t these types of events–or at least en event this weekend–be the perfect time to bring her around for networking & performances?  Oh wells…

Jordin Sparks rocked a pretty look in a Roberto Cavalli ruched high slit deep teal gown, Giuseppe Zanotti heels and a McQueen clutch.

Yes Jill Scott!  Our fave curvy vocal powerhouse put on her black lace overlay dress with cute heels.

And just when we were about to ask why Wiz Khalifa chose this striped blazer–with no shirt–to rock to the event….

Ne-Yo rocked the same damn one.  With pretty much the same look.  Plus a shirt.

Usher kicked it with a couple of his mentors in this business–Honoree L.A. Reid and Babyface.

And chatted up Diddy as well.  How do we feel about this grey suit?

Akon rocked a flashy gold jacket for the event, of course.

Pharrell brought his fashion loving girlfriend, who rocked a chic striped longsleeved dress.  Loving the sheen-topped suit and blue bowtie on P.

Nicole Richie rocked one of our fave looks–Tom Ford’s long sleeved snakeskin body hugging black dress, Louboutin pumps and her own Huse of Harlow clutch.  Hot.

Janelle Monae switched things up…slightly…and added a cape and leather leggings to her look.

Lookin’ good Gladys.

Estelle wore another pretty look with gold geometric embellishments on her black mermaid style gown.

UK import Emeli Sande, who also performed at the event, showed off her drastic weight loss in a black pencil skirt and white sweater.  She looked fab before and just as fab now. 

Honoree L.A. Reid snapped a pic with wife Erica Reid.

Anthony Hamilton brought his wife Tarsha to the event.  Liked her small ‘fro better.

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend kept up their party rounds and rolled to the dinner party.

Magic Johnson and wife Cookie made their way out to support.

And Elle Varner ricked one of her best looks of the weekend–a button down long sleeved red dress paired with dark red lipstick.  Sexy yet still bright enough for her love of color and prints.

And "Idol Judge" Randy Jackson kicked it with Ciara, Joan and Melissa Rivers, Clive and Ryan Seacrest.  Fab times indeed.

Pics: INF/SPLASH

Gorgeous alert!  First Lady Michelle Obama took her bangs for their first party run at last night’s Children’s Inaugural Ball in Washington D.C.  Check out our YBF First Lady making a fab appearance with daughters Sasha & Malia to the concert every kid would have loved to be at. 

Pics inside…

With over 5,000 military kids and their parents attending the big Children’s Ball at the Washington D.C. Convention Center last night, it was a big night for everyone involved.  First Daughters Sasha & Malia led the way in their cute looks for the night, and their mom Mrs. O looked fabulous as usual in a long white button down Alexander McQueen tunic, belted with a yellow sash with a sparkling brooch, and black satin pants.

First Granny Marian was there to support of course.

And everyone cheered on Katy Perry and Usher as they took the stage to perform.

Both Mrs. Obama and Dr. Jill Biden hosted the event through their Joint Forces Charity and were on hand to speak to the crowd.  FLOTUS told the crowd, “My very favorite part of this entire weekend is being right here with all of you."

Ok we see you in those boots Dr. Jill….

The girls screamed their heads off for Mindless Behavior.  We hear they gave a special shout out to the Obama daughters….who were extra giddy on the front row.  How cute!

Usher and his red sneakers took the stage for a laser-filled performance.  And the event was emceed by America’s Got Talent host Nick Cannon.

And the First & Second ladies snapped pics with military families backstage.

Rocsi Diaz posted a few pics from her interview with the fab ladies for "Entertainment Tonight."  She says Sasha & Malia told her they are huge fans of "106 & Park." Interesting….

But earlier in the day, the President and Mrs. Obama celebrated the National Day of Service by helping out with a decorating project at a local D.C. school, Burrville Elementary:

Loves them.

Pics: FLOTUS’ Twitter

"Climax" singer Usher is set to take over the reins on NBC’s "The Voice" and we have a first look at him in the judge’s chair inside…… 

When NBC’s "The Voice" returns to television on March 25, veteran judges Adam Levine and Blake Shelton will be joined be Shakira and R&B superstar Usher.  Christina Aguilera and Cee-Lo will be taking a leave for a while to work on their albums. 

For fans who are wondering how the crooner’s suave style will translate on camera, he says,

"My style is more military than anything because I’m all about the preparation. My style is to make them understand the seriousness of the craft and that they have the very best opportunity to be the greatest — or the worst — depending on how you take it."

And Usher’s new co-workers are thrilled to have him on board because he’s already proved that he has what it takes to pic out talent (e.g. Justin Bieber) Adam Levine said,

"As much as I hate to say this about another coach in the beginning, Usher has done what this show has yet to do – launch a superstar and that’s our goal. That’s something we want to do as an institution."

Good luck Usher!

BONUS:

Usher spent part of his holiday vacation with his girlfriend Grace Miguel in Cancun.

And the couple brought Usher’s kids along for the fun too.  Cute!

Photos via Instagram

"Climax" singer Usher is set to take over the reins on NBC’s "The Voice" and we have a first look at him in the judge’s chair inside…… 

When NBC’s "The Voice" returns to television on March 25, veteran judges Adam Levine and Blake Shelton will be joined be Shakira and R&B superstar Usher.  Christina Aguilera and Cee-Lo will be taking a leave for a while to work on their albums. 

For fans who are wondering how the crooner’s suave style will translate on camera, he says,

"My style is more military than anything because I’m all about the preparation. My style is to make them understand the seriousness of the craft and that they have the very best opportunity to be the greatest — or the worst — depending on how you take it."

And Usher’s new co-workers are thrilled to have him on board because he’s already proved that he has what it takes to pic out talent (e.g. Justin Bieber) Adam Levine said,

"As much as I hate to say this about another coach in the beginning, Usher has done what this show has yet to do – launch a superstar and that’s our goal. That’s something we want to do as an institution."

Good luck Usher!

BONUS:

Usher spent part of his holiday vacation with his girlfriend Grace Miguel in Cancun.

And the couple brought Usher’s kids along for the fun too.  Cute!

Photos via Instagram

Stars were out for last night’s UNCF 33rd annual 2013 ‘An Evening with the Stars’ event in Pasedena, CA.  We’ve got the red carpet pics and the happenings inside the event….

An emcee of the evening Tracee Ellis Ross was spotted chatting up "Glee" actress Amber Riley at the UNCF Evening With The Stars event at the Pasadena Civic Center last night.

The two hour special (which will air on BET) encompasses some of the biggest names in entertainment, education, politics and sports who will share the stage with students whose lives have been changed by education made possible by UNCF and its programs.

Tracee co-presented during the evening with Keenan Ivory Wayans.

Before Keyshia Cole took in the show from the audience:

She rocked a cute white & black trimmed tux-inspired skirt and jacket look for the red carpet.  And posed it up with actor and host of the evening Anthony Anderson and former reality chick Kita Williams.

KeKe Palmer was there looking her usual fab self in a purple dress, and posing it up with Shaun Robinson.

Gorgeous makeup for her

Melanie Fiona chatted up legendary Chaka Khan, who was rocking sexy thigh high boots.

She rocked a leather top, back cut out black gown for the occasion.

Loretta Devine was there for the event in a sparkling dress…and brought her man along.

Backstage, Usher was seen chatting up Keenan:

And accompanying a student on the stage.

Derek Luke and his wife made an appearance.

Tatyana Ali looked great in all black and dark lipstick chatting up KeKe.

The fellas were all about the good cause:

Tyrese, "E! News" host Terrence J, and singers Eric Benet & Anthony Hamilton kept it dapper.

Kim Coles kept it funny on the carpet.

And Yolanda Adams was there for the big event too.

A little more about this red carpet event: The event is a particularly special sponsorship for Buick because of the brand’s dedication to educating young people. In 2011, The General Motors Foundation and Buick launched the Buick Achievers Scholarship Program to award scholarships to students interested in science, technology, engineering, math and related fields. The Buick Achievers Program now dedicates up to 4.5 million dollars annually to students who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and community, and are the first in their family to attend college.

The show will air on BET, January 27th, 2013 at 10p/9c.

Pics: Getty