First there was word of Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri getting back together and now there’s talk that the two are planning to finally get married.

The rumor mill goes:

According to a source close to the couple, Janet Jackson is now planning their wedding. The longtime friends says the two never fell out of love even after calling it quits last summer. Now that they are back together, they are hoping to get married early next year. Apparently, they are rushing their plans to help bring the Jackson family some positivity and joy after Michael’s death. Our source says Janet hopes the wedding will give the family something to smile about.

I imagine a woman who was able to hide a marriage for several years wouldn’t suddenly start blabbing to people who would run off and tell the world her personal business.

Then again, you never know. Janet’s on another attempt at the comeback trail and nothing screams comeback these days like telling your business.

I’ll hold off on congratulating the two until LaToya starts running her mouth, though.

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Although she read her like Dr. Seuss for wearing these pants, gossiper Janet Charlton spent the remainder of a recent post sharing info on Janet Jackson’s love life.

Could Janet be back with her ex-boyfriend, Jermaine Dupri?

According to her, it sure seems that way.

She reports:

Janet Jackson is wearing the most unflattering pair of harem pants we’ve ever seen in the photo of her leaving Italy. She and her on again off again boyfriend Jermaine Dupri are on again and he’s moved back into her house. Janet surprised Jermaine on his birthday in September in Milan and that rebooted their romance. They’ve resumed their arrangement whereby he takes her out to dinner and then he takes her home and goes out himself with his buddies. Janet doesn’t mind – she’s not hot for nightclubs.

In the other Janet’s defense, Damita Jo’s pants do look like they came from the seat an old Nissan Altima. But if Janet’s really back with JD, yay for them. She could use the good news and good company.

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In July we heard that Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri were splitting up but it looks like the two are still hanging out! Over the weekend they were both spotted during Milan Fashion Week at a private Donatella Versace after party.

So are they on or off?

Janet confirmed the break up in the October issue of Harper’s Bazaar who reported that she is now single and had broken off her seven-year relationship with Dupri. When they asked her if she was dating she said “Yeah, I’ve had people ask me out. I haven’t entertained any offers thus far, but I’m locking myself in my work right now.”

Since magazines usually work on issues months in advance I wonder if things changed in between that interview and now?  Or maybe Janet and Jermaine are pulling a Nas and Kelis on us and just going out together as friends even though the relationship’s over?

Only time will tell but I’m rooting for these two! Are you?

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In a perfect world, every blog post and every article about the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards would kick off with praise of Janet Jackson’s tribute to her late brother, Michael Jackson.

But, no, more people are ranting about the Hennessy sipping diva that spoiled the moment minutes later with his antics.

Kanye West decided to hop on stage and throw shade at a teenage country music singer because he felt MTV threw even more shade at Beyonce.

Taylor Swift beat out Beyonce for Best Female Video. While Beyonce herself took it stride, Kanye decided to jump on stage and tell Taylor, “She ain’t no diva.”

‘Ye came out of nowhere, took the mic and award from Taylor and said: “Taylor, I’m really happy for you. I’ll let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time! One of the best videos of all time!”

The audience booed him, and it’s been reported that Taylor herself went backstage and cried hysterically.

Way to embarrass us, Kanye.

It didn’t take long for other celebrities to share their opinions via Twitter.

Katy Perry said: “F–K U KANYE. IT’S LIKE U STEPPED 0N A KITTEN.”

P!nk chimed in as well: “Kanye west is the biggest piece of sh– on earth. Quote me. Beyonce is a classy lady. I feel for her, too. Its not her fault at all, and her and taylor did their thing. And douche bag got kicked out. HA”

While we’re on Pink: Shout out to her and Shakira’s stylists for putting them in the exact same dress last night. Maybe next time they need to be original like Lady GaGa and wear a bird’s nest. And don’t any of you hate on GaGa. You wish you could wear one flew over the cuckoo’s nest on your head and get love for it.

Now, back to the real diva of the night: Kanye.

Fortunately, when Beyonce did win her much deserved award – Video of the Year for “Single Ladies” – she gave Taylor the opportunity to have her moment.

But to be fair to Kanye, he did apologize.

On his blog he wrote:

I guess. As talented as he is, someone needs to give him a hug, a reality check, and maybe a backhand just in case he ever decided to do some nonsense like that again.

There is no reason for a grown man to throw a fit like that against a teenager on behalf of a grown woman who wasn’t even salty about not winning the award to begin with.

The only person who looked half as silly Kanye was Lil’ Mama.

I don’t know if she got caught up in the spirit of the Hovighost or what, but what would possess Bow Wow’s long lost twin sister to hop on stage in the middle of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ performance?

I understand that we’re in a recession and companies have to cut corners, but had some decent security been in place most of the drama that occurred last night wouldn’t have.

Don’t be cheap on rent-a-cops.

Janet Jackson has given her first interview following Michael Jackson’s death to Harper’s Bazaar.

In her cover story, baby sis talked about Michael’s death, confirmed that she is no longer with Jermaine Durpi, and discussed how she uses her work to help cope with her family’s biggest tragedy.

On the last time she saw Michael:

The last time Janet saw Michael was on May 14, two days before her 43rd birthday. It was a family celebration, the Jackson kids were running around, and she and her big brother hung out, ate Thai food, and tormented each other. “We had so much fun that day,” she says, her soft voice almost inaudible. “We kept calling each other after and saying how great it was.”

On turning off the media in wake of the coverage:

“It will drive you crazy. People can have rhinoceros skin, but there’s a point when something’s going to hurt you. Not everyone is stone, stone. I haven’t watched the news in weeks. I had to ask my chef, How’s Obama doing? I haven’t read a newspaper. On top of that, [we've lost] a family member.”

On finding the strength:

“I always wanted to have my mother’s [Katherine Jackson] strength, but I didn’t know if it was really there. But a few years back, something happened and I learned that I did. I’m not going to mention it, but we all know what it is. And now, coming off all this, it’s even beyond that. I was just focused on my job at that moment within my family. Now at least I know that I can step up to the plate and not crumble when I’m needed. When it comes to something like this that is so, so serious, so painful, so traumatic, I can handle it.”

On never talking about the public pressure with Michael:

“It’s part of the job, and we understood that. We never discussed it.”

On whether or not she still believes in marriage:

“For [some] people, sure! I don’t know if I’ll get married again. I’ll put it like this: If God wants me to, then I will.” Dating? “Yeah, I’ve had people ask me out. I haven’t entertained any offers thus far, but I’m locking myself in my work right now.”

On children:

“Sure, I’d adopt. And I think that if I’m really supposed to have kids, it will happen, if that’s God’s plan for me.”

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Chris Brown has been all up in the news this week because of the interview he did with Larry King earlier this week to discuss Chrianna-gate, but Breezy also went head to head with another media mogul: Oprah.

In the new issue of People magazine, Chris stepped to Oprah when asked about her “show on abuse, inspired by Rihanna” and said:

“I commend Oprah on being like, ‘This is a problem,’ but it was a slap in my face I did a lot of stuff for her, like going to Africa and performing for her school. She could have been more helpful, like, ‘Okay, I’m going to help both of these people out.”

In response, Oprah’s rep told TMZ, “Oprah is very appreciative that Chris Brown performed at her school, but she takes domestic abuse very seriously. She hopes he gets the counseling he needs.”

How ironic that Chis called Oprah’s actions a “slap in the face!” Boy stop!  Just because you were lucky enough to perform at one of her events doesn’t mean she owes you squat. Period.  I wonder how many more media rounds Chris is going to make about before he gets too busy doing that hard labor.

Also, this Sunday a new episode of America’s Best Dance Crew will air on MTV, but last Sunday ‘Lil Mama sparked a bit of controversy because of comments she made to a transgender contestant, Leiomy Maldonado. When her group, Vogue Evolution, complained that Leiomy was being difficult at practice Lil’ Mama said:

“Leiomy, come on. Your behavior…it’s unacceptable. I just feel that you always have to remember your truth. You were born a man and you are becoming a woman. If you’re going to become a woman, act like a lady. Don’t be a bird, like ‘Oh my god, I’m not doing this!’ You know what I’m saying? It gets too crazy and it gets confusing.”

GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) received several complaints about Lil Mama’s comments and days later, Lil’ Mama issued a formal apology to GLAAD via a statement: “I would like to clarify anything that was misunderstood from Sunday’s show. My remarks were never meant to be disrespectful regarding Leiomy’s gender nor offensive to the LGBT community, which has been a community that has supported me in all my endeavors. However, in hindsight, I recognize that my words may have come across as hurtful. I spoke with her privately after the taping to express that it was not my intent to offend her or any member of the transgender community and that I still live for Vogue Evolution.”

Hopefully Lil’ Mama keeps it cute this weekend (and quiets down her loud outfits while she’s at it)!

Lastly, Michael Jackson was finally buried yesterday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park outside Los Angeles. Just one day before the family gathered to pay their respects, Janet Jackson went to Twitter to show her late brother love:

“I love you, Mike, and I miss you. Dunk.,” she Tweeted signing off with the nickname that Michael used to call her.

According to The YBF.com Janet is scheduled to speak on her brother’s death and updates in her life and career in an upcoming issue of Harper’s Bazaar.

Check out the video below of the MJ funeral service.

Have a great Labor Day weekend! We’ll be back next week!

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On the heels of Michael Jackson’s passing come reports that Janet Jackson might be dealing with another loss. According to US Weekly magazine she and  Jermaine Dupri have called it quits after seven years.

Say it ain’t so Damita Jo!

Jermaine was absent from Michael’s memorial and although one US source says he skipped it because he “doesn’t attend funerals,” other sources say he was MIA because of a split:

“His friends are telling people it’s over,” one insider told the magazine. Another said, “They have been moving in different directions for a while.”

The reason behind the rumored breakup? Apparently work and personality clashes. Yet another US source identified as a “mutual pal” said:

“You shouldn’t mix business with pleasure. Janet felt their lives were too crossed and they should have kept things sepa­rate.” (JD has produced tracks for Janet in the past). “Jermaine likes to be out there, mingling with everybody, and ­Janet’s more shy.”

Don’t hold your breath waiting for Janet to confirm this; she kept her nine-year marriage to Rene Elizondo under wraps until their 2000 ­divorce. Maybe JD will clear things up on Twitter page? IF this is true Janet must be really going through it right now and Jermaine must be kicking himself for that tattoo choice earlier this year.

I’m actually hoping for the best for these two, what about you?

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As the world continues to pay homage to Michael Jackson, LaToya Jackson will be releasing a single which is being billed as a tribute to her late brother.  The song, titled “Home,” was originally recorded for LaToya’s  album Startin’ Over in 2002 and is now scheduled to go to iTunes on July 28th.

First Joe Jackson Records and now this?  As much as I want to believe that LaToya is putting forth a genuine effort to honor her brother it honestly just seems like she’s trying to revive a career that never was. I mean really, when is the last time you heard a LaToya Jackson song (can you even remember one?) and now all of the sudden she’s recycling an old track from an album that was delayed for several years before the label gave up on releasing it, all in the name of Michael?  It all just seems a little too convenient (to be fair the proceeds from the single are reportedly going to Michael’s favorite charities).

In “Home” LaToya fondly recalls childhood memories of the Jackson family which is also curious to me considering the 1991 tell-all book La Toya: Growing Up in the Jackson Family in which she bashes her father and blasts personal details of her siblings lives (the family has long denied all her allegations). Of course that controversial book was also released around the same time as LaToya’s album, No Relations.

I smell an opportunist, but no matter what LaToya’s motives are, when I heard the song I could see why it’s been sitting on a shelf since it was recorded years ago.  She should really leave the singing (”tribute” and otherwise) to Janet.

Listen to the single for yourself here. Are you feeling it?

While my counterpart Runtelldat reported live from Michael Jackson’s memorial service at the Staple Center in LA yesterday, I watched various live streams in New York. Though the event was full of celebrities and notables paying their respects, to me, one person took center stage with their words: Paris Jackson, Michael’s daughter.

She didn’t even say much: after being gently probed by Janet Jackson to speak up, Paris grabbed the microphone with a poise beyond her 11 years before choking out a heart wrenching few words about her dad:

“Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. And I just wanted to say I love him so much,” she told the hushed audience, before dissolving into tears.

For years, Michael shielded his three children from the spotlight and he got much flak for various antics as far as they were concerned. There were the infamous mardi gras style masks he made the children wear when they were out in public and of course that public outcry that came when the King of Pop dangled youngest son Prince Michael II (aka”Blanket”) over a balcony for fans and paparazzi to see. Many criticized Michael’s ability to be a good father, but Paris single-handedly dispelled any notion that he was not.

Now that his life has been on display, round the clock, as the major news story for the past two weeks we’re getting such a different perception of Michael Jackson than we got in the last, oh, ten or so years of his life.  While he was once villainized, after his death he’s become much more “human” to the world and now all of the sudden we like him, we really really like him.

To me, past seeing his casket being carried by his brothers, the saddest thing about watching hundreds of thousands of people gather to honor Michael Jackon’s passing is that we never seemed to show this kind of outpouring of love for him while he was alive. I’m sure he could’ve used it from the mases, but it was more than touching to see that to his kids, he’s always been the best.

For the sake of Jermaine Dupri and the side of his body his tattoo artist made a portrait out of, I hope news of his break-up with Janet Jackson is just a vicious rumor.

The National Enquirer says that J.D. and Damita Jo have called it quits over constant conflict over how to move forward with the singer’s stalled career.

An unnamed source told the tabloid:

“Janet and Jermaine finally hit a wall. They were fighting over his management of her career. In the end, she decided to make a break.”

Even if they’re still together, there is a misconception that Jermaine killed what was left of Janet’s career. I don’t think that’s fair to him considering one fun fact: Janet played herself.

Between the Superbowl stunt with Justin Timberlake and not shifting from the image she crafted in 2001 for All For You (what happened to reinvention, Penny?), there’s a lot of blame to be had but it shouldn’t all fall on JD.

Still, I hope this news isn’t true. I would hate to think JD wasted his money at the tattoo parlor. So So not recession friendly.

P.S. Janet, call your ex-husband. You haven’t had a hit since the divorce.

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