See what we’re chatting about over frothy cappuccinos:
Chris Rock has been tapped to host the 2014 BET Awards. “Nobody is off limits,” said Rock in a statment. The star also spoke about who he’d like to see win, “It’s weird because usually I root for the person whose life it’ll change most. I love Beyonce but she’ll be fine whether she wins or not. I root for the little people.” The BET Awards will air live Sunday June 29 at 8 p.m. EST.
The OWN Network is set to co-produce a docuseries following the NFL’s first openly gay player, Michael Sam. The series will spotlight Sam’s journey as he prepares to enter the NFL. Oprah shared her feelings about the project saying, “We are honored that Michael is trusting us with his private journey in this moment that has not only made history but will shape it forever.” [Deadline]
VH1 and Tyra Banks are teaming up for docuseries, TransAmerica. The eight-episode series will follow a group of transgender Chicago women as they live, love and build their careers. The show will explore how their sexuality impacts their lives. Tyra Banks will executive produce the hourlong series slated to make a late 2014 or early 2015 debut. [HollywoodReporter]
Rapper Ludacris has signed on to host the 2014 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas this Sunday, May 18. John Legend is set to perform. Justin Timberlake, Beyonce and Drake are top nominees. [Billboard]
Lebron James is teaming up with Sprite for the #ChangeTheGame contest that will award an aspiring musician, visual artist, entrepreneur and a civic leader with a tailor-made educational experience and the chance to win $50,000. To enter, people ages 18-30 can create a 90-180 second YouTube video detailing their passion and aspirations in their field. The submission is complete once the applicant uploads the video URL on Twitter with the hashtag #ChangeTheGame. Four finalists will be selected and one winner will be chosen.