Candice Glover was crowned the new “American Idol” on Thursday after defeating country singer Kree Harrison. The booming 23-year-old R&B vocalist from St. Helena Island, S.C.Snoop Dogg wants you to know that he’s tired of hip-hop, is Bob Marley reincarnated and is embracing reggae instead of the culture of guns he once rapped about.
Also, he’s got a new name: Snoop Lion.
The artist said at a news conference Monday in New York that he was “born again” during a visit to Jamaica in February and is ready to make music that his “kids and grandparents can listen to.”
The former gangster rapper is releasing a reggae album called “Reincarnated” in the fall. He said that in Jamaica, he connected with Bob Marley’s spirit and is now “Bob Marley reincarnated.”
Bob Marley’s son Rohan attended the conference and gave Snoop his blessing.
VMA nominees out
The MTV Video Music Award nominations are out, and Rihanna and Drake are leading the pack with five nominations each.
Last year’s big winner Katy Perry isn’t far behind, with four nominations.
The show will air live from Los Angeles on Sept. 6.
Community service
Scout Willis, the daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, is set to do community service to resolve her New York City public-drinking and fake-ID case.
A Manhattan judge agreed Tuesday to close Willis’ case without jail time or probation if she does two days of service.
Willis was arrested last month. Police said she was sipping a beer in Union Square in violation of an open-container law.
Police said she also gave them phony identification – a misdemeanor. She was 20 then and turned 21 this month.
Have fall listing?
We are seeking submissions for our Fall Events Guide, listing activities from Sept. 2 to May 26. The guide includes festivals in Indiana and Ohio, concerts, stage performances and art exhibits. Send listings to Terri Richardson at trich@jg.net or fax 461-8648. Include event name, date, time, location, cost and a contact number. Deadline to receive items is Aug. 10.
Happy birthday
Among celebrity birthdays today: Actor-director Geoffrey Holder is 82. Singer Ramblin’ Jack Elliott is 81. Singer Michael Penn is 54. Singer Joe Elliott is 53. Rapper Chuck D is 52. Rapper Coolio is 49. Singer Adam Duritz is 48. Singer George Ducas is 46. Actress Jennifer Gareis is 42. Actress Tempestt Bledsoe is 39.
