TGIF!
NeNe Leakes will be moving from TV to Broadway, as she is set to perform in Rogers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star will be replacing Sherri Shepherd as Madame, Cinderella’s stepmother, in November. The role won’t require much singing, but instead, requires sass (which Leakes can easily serve up). Leakes will be starring next to Keke Palmer, as Cinderella, who made Broadway history when she became the youngest–and first African-American—Cinderella. The show will debut on September 9, and The Atlanta housewife will make her appearance November 25. Although that comes close to the end of the show’s run, we’re sure Leakes will make it a performance worth remembering. Word hasn’t been released to as to why Shepherd will be leaving production. [NBC]
Oklahoma City Thunder star Russell Westbrook is engaged to his longtime girlfriend, Nina Earl. The NBA player just announced the engagement to the world by posting a picture of his wife-to-be on Instagram. The caption read, “Nothing even matters.” @ninamari3_ forever my lady! LOVE YOU!!!!,” accompanied by a picture of Earl flashing her beautiful rock. The bling he bestowed on his lady love has been reported to be an elongated cushion-cut diamond and let’s just say…it sparkles. Checking in at $700,000, Earl’s once hooping finger is definitely bedazzled. The longtime couple shares their common love for basketball, as Earl is a former UCLA player. Congrats Russell and Nina! We can’t wait for the wedding. [HelloBeautiful]
Shaquille O’Neal has applied for a position with the reserve police force in Doral, Florida. The 7 foot, 1 inch retired NBA star still has to jump through all of the required hoops before becoming an officer. That includes a background check and Florida’s officer-certification exam, which will test his physical and psychological fitness. Good luck, Shaq. [Time]
At the top of the nomination list for this year’s BET Awards is Drake. With eight nominations, the rapper/singer beats out Jay Z, Pharrell and Nicki Minaj. The ninth annual awards show airs October 14, and will be hosted by Snoop Dogg (again). [HuffingtonPost]
The Urbanworld Film Festival will not only showcase Zane’s upcoming erotic thriller, but it will also include a special Q&A panel. Addicted, based on Zane’s best-selling novel, will premiere October 10, starring Boris Kodjoe, Tyson Beckford and William Levy. All three men will take part in the Q&A panel during the New York-based film festival. Director Bille Woodruff and Zane will also join the evening discussion, all taking place September 17. [HuffingtonPost]