Jan. 15, 2007

Shining Star

"The Hollywood life isn't bad, I mean, as long as you stay humble and true to yourself and don't get caught up in your character. You get caught up in your character when they say action, but after they say cut you know what it is," said pop singing sensational Chris Brown, during our candid chat about his film debut in 'Stomp The Yard' at the trendy W Hotel in Westwood, Calif.

With his self-titled debut album going double platinum in the U.S., a role on the Fox series 'The O.C.' and his co-starring role in 'Stomp The Yard,' one would imagine that Brown's rapid rise to stardom could have him cocky like many of his peers. The singer says that's not the case and that a genuine love for the industry and his fans has kept him humble.

"Just looking at the how certain people, not to say any names, I've met certain people that act like they're higher than God. At the end of the day, it's just a job. It's what you love to do! And if you love what you do, then you love every aspect of the situation. Your fans, at the end of the day, they make who you are. Regardless of the media or how much record play you get, your fans decide if they like the movie you in or if they want to buy your album or the magazine cover that your on. At the end of the day you have to pay respect where respect is do so pay respect to those who love what you do," he explained.

I can vouch for Brown's appreciation of his fans firsthand. I flew on a flight with the 17-year-old Tappahannock, VA-bred singer from Washington, DC to Los Angeles recently and without a massive entourage and one low-key bodyguard, Brown was gracious as fans greeted him as he walked through the airport. He stopped to pose for photos, signed autographs and had genuine conversation with several fans and onlookers while waiting for his bags at baggage claim. And even when a rap star-who I won't bother naming-who was also in the first class section with us on the same plane ranted about how he "used to love to walk in circle around fans just so they could see him and get excited," Brown replied: "I don't really get off on that."

Nonetheless, Brown is loving life as a triple threat-singer/dancer/actor. He'll next star in another Sony Screen Gems film called 'This Christmas' alongside Regina King, Mekhi Phifer, Loretta Devine, Keith Robinson and Laz Alonso. "It's a big, big cast. Its going to be like 'Soul Food,'" he shared.

And 'Stomp the Yard' has inspired Brown to further his education, though as much as he would love to attend a Historically Black College or University like the one in the film, it's just not practical. "I'm going to be honest, I think I'll take some time on the internet for college, but as far as me actually trying to go to a college campus and enroll in school, that's not going to happen. Knowing my status and my ability to move girls sometimes," he stopped to laugh, "that's not going to happen!"

Close Call

Actor Columbus Short may be a fresh face to many, but to those who follow entertainment news like I do, you remember Hollywood's newest stud as a former fling of Britney Spears. Short, who made his leading man debut in 'Stomp the Yard' this past weekend, is a former backup dancer for Spears who had an affair with the singer while his then wife was pregnant with their child. (Seems like Spears has a thing for men with babies on the way. See also: Shar Jackson!)

Luckily for Short, despite his brief stint on the covers of the tabloids for his fling with Spears, her mom Lynne Spears fired him and made them end the relationship. Though his wife ultimately left him, Short was able to rebound and focused on building a legitimate acting career.

When I spoke with Short last week he was all but celebrating the fact that no one had asked him about the affairwith Spears over the two days and nearly 40-plus interviews he completed. Well, that was until I entered the room!

When asked how it felt to have a life that didn't go "the way of the Federline"-that's Kevin Federline for you slow ones-Short replied: "I believe in my talent ... not to dis Kevin, he's a boy of mine ... I'm grateful in the career decisions that I've made and God directing my path."

I bet he is!

Buzzworthy

New couple alert? Apparently so! I've been getting calls from readers and radio listeners from the Tampa, FL area who spotted 'Confessions of a Video Vixen' author Karrine Steffans hanging out with boxer Antonio Tarver in that city over the last couple of weeks. I'm told the two dined at the Italian restaurant Maggiano's one night and then there were spottings at clubs like Blue Martini and Jackson's. There was even a sighting at a golf course in Tampa as well. Tarver recently starred in the surprise box office hit 'Rocky Balboa.' Steffans recently inked a new two-book deal with Warner Books for her forthcoming series, 'The Vixen Diaries.' Stay tuned…

Speaking of new couples, actor Darrin Henson arrived at the premiere of 'Stomp The Yard' last week arm-in-arm with soul siren Angie Stone. Not only did the two hug and hold hands on the red carpet at the Cinerama Dome Theater in Hollywood, but they kissed as well. In addition to starring in 'Stomp The Yard,' Henson will appear in the forthcoming films 'The Salon' and 'Life Support.' Stone, who just inked a deal with the revamped Stax Records, heads out later this month on the 'Sisters in the Spirit' tour with Shirley Caesar, Kelly Price and Dorinda Clark Cole.

Singer Tina Campbell of the gospel sister-duo Mary Mary is expecting her second child. The redhead vocal powerhouse and her husband, musician Teddy Campbell, are expecting a new addition to the family in mid-July 2007. The couple, who has been married six years, already has a 3-year-old daughter named Laiah. Campbell's husband will record a sophomore record with his group, The Soul Seekers, Jan. 19 in Los Angeles.

Can't Say Names…

Sources say a certain singing group pulled a fast one on their fellow group member recently. According to a source, said singing aggregation accepted an international singing gig that all of its members were supposed to perform for. However, after second thought, the group decided to pretend that the date was cancelled so that they wouldn't have to take one of its singers. In the end, the group went to perform in the foreign country while the clueless crooner stayed in the States.

BV Scene

TV host Neicy Nash leaving Cheesecake Factory on Beverly Blvd. in Beverly Hills with her publicist Joseph Babineaux of Lisa Sorensen Public Relations... Diane Keaton in the elevator alone at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills… 'American Idol' host Ryan Seacrest hanging at the bar at Windows Lounge at the Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills... Keenan Ivory Wayans and his girlfriend, 'Little Man' star Brittany Daniel flying first class from Dallas to Los Angeles on American Airlines. Also in first class was DeDe McGuire of the 'Doug Banks Morning Show'... Ed McMahon flying two rows ahead of me on a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Washington, DC… Actors Keith Robinson, Laz Alonso and Mehki Phifer at The W Hotel in Westwood, Calif. for a table read for the film, 'This Christmas.'