See what we’re chatting about over steaming cocoa:
It’s official! Oprah’s chai tea line for Starbucks is in stores. Starbucks launched the special brand of tea Tuesday with Oprah stopping by Teavana Fine Tea Bar in New York to sample a cup of her newest creation. The tea, developed with Teavana’s leading teaologist is described as a bold infusion of cinnamon, ginger, cloves. Proceeds from sales of the tea will go to the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy Foundation. [Starbucks]
Beyonce has reached out to the family of Chelsea Lee James, a teen who recently lost her battle to cancer. The two met during a 2009 concert in Sydney where Beyonce sang “Halo” to Chelsea. The star sent flowers and a handwritten letter to the James family sending her prayers saying, “I am so happy I was able to meet her…I will never forget her.” [E!News]
Orange Is The New Black star Laverne Cox is partnering with MTV and Logo TV on an hour-long documentary called Trans Teen: The documentary about the lives of four transgender youths from 14-24 as they share stories of overcoming challenges, bullying and confusion about who they are. The diverse cast will deal with medical, psychological and social issues on camera. [HollywoodReporter]
NBC is gearing up for their annual TODAY show Toyota concert series with a heavy-hitting lineup that includes Mariah Carey, Jennifer Hudson, Pharrell and Usher. The shows will air every Friday morning at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City until September 5. [Today]
OWN is renewing Kym Whitley’s hit show, Raising Whitley for a second season as a part of their Saturday night lineup. The network has also ordered additional episodes of former NFL star Deion Sander’s, Deion’s Family Playbook. Both shows will return for eight episode runs. [HollywoodReporter]
Usher has released a cover and teaser to his upcoming single, “Good Kisser.” The Voice coach is nearing the end of the latest season of the show but it looks like fans won’t have to look far for an Usher fix. Check out the teaser below.