See what we’re chatting about over hot lattes:
• Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2014 will be a star studded event. As of today, Jennifer Hudson and Robin Thicke will sing their hits for fans along with announced guests Ariana Grande, Jason Derulo, Enrique Iglesias and more. The famous countdown show will air on Tuesday, December 31st at 8 p.m. on ABC. Will you be tuning in? [EW]
• President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama returned to the White House Wednesday around 6 a.m. after a 45-hour trip to South Africa. The president spoke during Mandela’s massive memorial in Soweto. This Saturday, the First Couple will also lead a moment of silence on the one-year anniversary of the Newtown, Conn. shooting. [USA Today]
• Oprah has selected her new book club pick: The Invention of Wings. The media mogul made the announcement on Tuesday and praised Sue Monk Kidd’s new work (out January 7th). “The moment I finished The Invention of Wings, I knew this had to be the next book club selection,” said Oprah in a statement. “These strong female characters represent the women that have shaped our history and, through Sue’s imaginative storytelling, give us a new perspective on slavery, injustice and the search for freedom.” [Grio]
• Beyoncé will extend her Mrs. Carter Show tour into 2014. According to her Facebook page, the pop queen will hit several more cities across Europe beginning February 20th. Beyoncé will hit the UK, Ireland, Germany, Holland, Belgium and Spain before wrapping up on March 26th in Portugal. These new dates will certainly get the beyhive buzzing about a new album that’s surely on the way. [Beyoncé]