See why we’re adding a dash of sugar to our brew:
• Mariah Carey will help celebrate the nation’s 237th birthday with a dazzling performance. She and Tim McGraw were selected to perform at Macy’s Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular on NBC. Carey’s husband, Nick Cannon, will host the event from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. “Mariah Carey and Tim McGraw are the perfect complement to Macy’s exceptional fireworks display,” said Doug Vaughan, EVP of Specials and Late Night Programming for NBC Entertainment. “NBC is thrilled to have these amazing artists join us in celebrating America’s birthday.” [AceShowBiz]
• The coaches’ panel on the sixth season of NBC’s The Voice will see the return of Usher and Shakira. Season six is expected to begin airing after the winter Olympics in 2014. Season five, which begins this September, will feature all original judges including Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera. [People]
• Diddy is looking to unload some properties in the North East. The music mogul is reportedly selling his New York apartment, which features a piano room, marble foyer and more, for $7.99 million. His New Jersey home is also up for sale. The mega mansion, which sits on three acres, is going for $9.99 million. [NY Post]
• Michelle Obama and Kerry Washington visited a local Washington D.C. elementary school recently. The duo, who were there to promote the arts in school programs, had a little jam session to James Brown. Mrs. Obama and Washington also encouraged the kids to “try new things and not be afraid to fail.” [Vibe]