“X-Factor” contestant Astro is ready to take his career to the next level!

The “Stop Looking at My Mom” rapper has signed a deal with his mentor LA Reid and Epic Records.

“I’m excited to continue my journey with L.A. Reid and his staff at the new Epic Records,” Astro said in a statement. “The first time L.A. saw me he said I’d be a star, and I can’t wait to get to work and prove him right. 2011 was Dope, but 2012 is gonna be Epic!”

In addition to  Astro … former “X Factor” semi finalists Marcus Canty, Chris Rene, and winner Melanie Amaro have also taken their talents to Epic Records.

Congrats to Astro and everyone else!

Thoughts?

Rihanna, Pharrell and Enrique Iglesias lent their musical expertise on Wednesday night’s (Oct 12) episode of “The X Factor.”

Rihanna joined X Factor judge L.A. Reid at his home in the Hamptons mentoring the boys, and Pharrell was over at Paula Abdul‘s house helping her out and mentoring the groups.

Nicole Scherzinger got some help from her friend Enrique Iglesias, who critiqued the contestants aged over 30, while Simon Cowell‘s guest judge Mariah Carey was unable to fulfill her duties due to her flight being grounded because of Hurricane Irene.

Watch Rihanna, Pharell and Enrique Iglesias guest judge on the X Factor below:

L.A. Reid & Rihanna

Brian Bradley

Skyelor Anderson

Nick Voss

Nicole Scherzinger & Enrique Iglesias

Dextor Haygood

Elaine Gibbs

James Kenney

Paula Abdul & Pharrell Williams

The Anser

4Shore

Lakoda Rayne

The Brewer Boys

Simon Cowell & Mariah Carey (No-Show)

Tora Woloshin

Caitlin Koch

Drew Ryniewicz

The 2nd Annual Steve Harvey Foundation Gala took place on Monday night (Apr 4) at New York’s Cipriani Wall Street. The comedian, on behalf his foundation, honored Tyler Perry, Chris Rock and his wife Malaak Rock and others at the annual charity event.

Some of the stars who attended the ceremony were Russell Simmons and his niece Angela Simmons, music exec. Antonio “LA Reid,” Denzel Washington’s wife Pauletta, Gayle King, actor Boris Kodjoe and more. The event, hosted by Steve Harvey and Sherri Shepherd (from “The View”), ended up raising $600,000 for the Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend for Young Men.

Check out the pics below:

With lagging record sales, online piracy, and entire departments being laid off, it’s no secret that the music industry as we know it is a sinking ship. And what do you do with a sinking ship? You abandon it! Much like longtime Island Def Jam Chairman Antonio “L.A.” Reid is set to do come this December.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, L.A. Reid, the man at the helm of Island Def Jam since 2004, is planning on making his much anticipated exit from the dying industry of retail music to jump into the more lucrative television market by becoming a judge on Simon Cowell’s new Fox show entitled “X Factor.” Sources tell THR “it’s a done deal.”

Reid, whose contract with Universal Music is up in December, will receive an early release so that he can take part in the new show, which awards a Sony Music recording contract worth $5 million to the winner. Auditions for The X Factor begin March 27th in Los Angeles.

According to an insider, announcement regarding Reid is to be made later this week.

Smart move playboy …. smart move. Get that money!

Thoughts?

Justin Bieber poses beside Def Jam chairman Antonio L.A. Reid and his mentor, R&B/Pop superstar Usher, on the cover of the latest issue of The Hollywood Reporter.

The pages inside the issue discuss how music exec L.A. Reid and singer Usher cultivated the rising Pop superstar into a “$1 Million Dollar It Boy,” complete with Grammy nominations, a 3D movie and more — and what they plan on doing to make sure their biggest star stays that way.

Both Usher and Justin Bieber are scheduled to hit the stage tomorrow evening at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards.

Your thoughts on the cover?

Justin Bieber hung out with his buddy Diggy Simmons, along with Diggy’s little brother Russy, Wednesday night (Feb 2) at the New York premiere of his new “Never Say Never” 3D biopic at Regal E-Walk 13 in NYC.

JB’s mom Pattie was also on hand at the big premiere, as well as Def Jam chairman L.A. Reid, Cash Money singer Jay Sean, film director Spike Lee (and his son Jackson) and more. Both 2D and 3D versions “Never Say Never” are set to hit theaters nationwide next Friday (Feb 11).

Check out 10+ pics from the New York premiere below!!

On Thursday (Dec 9) many celebrities took to the Lincoln Center to celebrate the roast of Stephen Hill presented by City Of Hope in New York City.

Hill, who is the President of Music Programming and Specials for BET, was roasted by stars like Nick Cannon, Mike Epps, Diddy and 106 & Park hosts Raquel Diaz and Terrence J. Others who came out to the roast included Keri Hilson, Brandy, L.A. Reid, Matthew Knowles and Trey Songz.

After the funny roast, Stephen changed into some shorts and a tee to play dunk tank. Former 106 & Park host A.J. Calloway, Mike Epps and Bruno Mars all took a shot at trying to dunk the roastee. Looks like it was a fun night for everyone!

Check out 15+ pics below!

Earlier this week a rumor made its way around the web claiming that Def Jam head honcho Antonio “L.A.” Reid had lost his executive position in the company on the heels of poor record sales from the label’s top artists and him signing reject rapper Shyne to the prominent label. However, a spokesman for the label’s parent company Universal Music Group says that Reid still has a job despite the rumors of him being terminated.

“[The rumors] are completely untrue and without merit,” the spokesman told XXL.

Reid was appointed Def Jam’s CEO and Chairman back in February 2004 after former label head Lyor Cohen left the company for Warner Music Group following the merger of Reid’s former label Arista Records and Sony Music.

Guess who was spotted greeting Justin Bieber backstage before the young Pop star performed for a sold out crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York City for his “My World” World Tour earlier this week?

Continue reading to find out who this is…

IT’S USHER!

R&B/Pop singer Usher and his young protege Justin Bieber shared a mutual, practiced handshake just as Bieber was preparing to hit the stage to perform in front of thousands of screaming fans at New York City’s Madison Square Garden for his “My World” Tour, which was recorded in 3D for an upcoming 3D concert movie that night!

Several surprise guests hit the stage for the concert, including the Biebster’s mentor Usher, Boyz II Men, Miley Cyrus, Ludacris and Jaden Smith.

Check out 15+ below of JB and Usher performing, along with pics of Sean Kingston, Willow Smith, Snoop Dogg and more backstage…

International singer Usher was spotted over in Paris, France Tuesday afternoon (Jun 1) at the Hyatt Vendome hotel promoting his new album Raymond v. Raymond, which has so far peaked at 51 on the French Albums Chart. Over here in the U.S., Raymond v. Raymond, the sixth album from the R&B singer, sold over 329,000 copies in its first week and peaked at #1 on the Billboard 200 Albums Chart. His international hit “OMG” (featuring Black Eyed Peas front man Will.i.am) is being well received both here in the States and all over the world. So does this mean Usher’s back? Sure does sound like it!

Singer Ciara attended the closing of Marina Abramovic’s “The Artist is Present” event, hosted by Givenchy at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

Actress Zoe Saldana posed backstage at the 2010 Crystal + Lucy Awards: A New Era at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza in Century City, California.

Gucci Mane recorded an episode of BET’s 106 & Park in New York. His new music video premiered this week.

Destiny’s Child alum Letoya Luckett was seen on the red carpet of the premiere of her new movie “Killers” in Hollywood. She has a supporting role in the new film. Meanwhile, her other movie, “The Preacher’s Kid,” recently went to DVD.

Actor Ashton Kutcher and his wife, actress Demi Moore, were also spotted on the red carpet of the “Killers” movie premiere in Hollywood.

Over in Beverly Hills, legendary singer Natalie Cole and R&B/Neo-Soul artist Ledisi attended the Society of Singers annual tribute gala.

Actor/rapper Common posed on the red carpet of LA Times Magazine’s “Rock & Style: A Night of Music & Fashion” event in Hollywood.

Rapper The Game hosted a breakfast at The Pink Teacup in NYC.

UK singer Taio Cruz (who achieved success in the US with his hit single “Break Your Heart”) took this picture with Def Jam CEO L.A. Reid and rapper Ludacris at the party celebrating the U.S. release of his new album hosted by Z100 and MySpace Music at the Canal Room in New York.

Two of the Kardashian girls (Kourtney and Kim) attended the 94th Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Sunday afternoon (May 30) in Indiana.

And Model Jessica White and Russell Simmons were on hand for the 2010 Angel Wings Foundation Dinner at Georgica Sunday evening in Wainscott, New York.

But is L.A. Reid qualified to fill Simon’s big TV shoes? We think so! Reid has been one of music’s most powerful execs for over two decades now. Like Simon, Reid has been very successful in discovering superstars, including Usher, TLC, and Ciara, just to name a few. He’s also held top level positions at LaFace, Arista, and Def Jam and executive produced some of music’s top selling albums.

He clearly has a heavy music background, but does he have the brutal style of judging that Simon Cowell has used over the years to become a household name? That is unknown. And as of now, no one has been confirmed as Simon’s replacement, but we have a good feeling that whoever they choose, they will definitely hold some weight in the music world.

Actor-comedian/philanthropist Steve Harvey, his wife Marjorie and TV personality Robin Roberts hosted a charity event benefiting the Steve Harvey Foundation at Cipriani Wall Street Monday evening (May 3) in New York City. And thanks to a generous donation from actor Denzel Washington and his wife Paulette, who have a joint non-profit of their own, Steve raised over $1 million for his foundation, which empowers the lives of young men.

Steve Harvey had this to say about his friends’ big donation:

“I am stunned but at the same time I’m not because this gift exemplifies Denzel and Pauletta.  Giving comes real easy to them and although that’s surprising to a lot of people, its not surprising to us.  Marjorie and I are so grateful and will use this money in the spirit it has been given – to change the lives of young men around the world.”

Other celebrities at the event, which was a part of Steve Harvey’s Mentoring Weekend for Young Men, were Sherri Shepherd, Nicole Ari Parker, Common, L.A. Reid and more. R&B singer Toni Braxton also attended the charity event and performed for the attendees.

Check out 15+ pictures of the folks mentioned and then some below and when you continue reading…

The now single Halle Berry looked beautiful in her silver dress as she arrived on the red carpet of the 4th Annual DKMS Linked Against Leukemia Gala at Cipriani in New York City last Thursday night (Apr 29), just one day prior to reports of her big split with her long time boyfriend Gabriel Aubrey.

Other celebrities at the charity event were Estelle, Solange, Eva Mendes, L.A. Reid and more. Check out 10+ pictures below of celebs at the DKMS Linked Against Leukemia Gala…

The rumors were true. L.A. Reid, CEO of Island Def Jam Records, has signed Jennifer Lopez to his label. Lopez herself finally confirmed the news when she was asked about it while on the promotional train for her new movie “The Back Up Plan.”

Hitfix’s Greg Ellwood asked Lopez point blank “Are you signing with Def Jam” on Monday during an interview for “The Back-Up Plan” and she said yes, not once, but twice, smiling about the prospect. Word on the street is that Reid will not only sign Lopez, but will produce the actress/singer’s new album.

SPOTTED @ THAT GRAPE JUICE

The 40-year-old entertainer was dropped from her original label, Sony/Epic Records, back in February. No word just yet on what will happen to her upcoming album Love?, which was set to be released this month before she was axed from Sony.

Hundreds of top music industry suits paid up to $1,000 each to hear Reid speak at the Billboard 2010 Music & Money Symposium at the St. Regis last week. But hours before the talk, delegates were told that his son was in the hospital with a head injury and needed surgery. Reid has four sons, from 6 to 29 years old, as well as a daughter, 8.

However, sources contradict that story about his son being in the hospital, saying that it is false and Reid didn’t want to speak at the Billboard event because he didn’t want to face inquiries about his uncertain post at Def Jam. Apparently, the folks at the label were very disappointed in the sales figures for Rihanna and Mariah Carey’s latest albums and want him out.

“There was speculation among other music executives that this was not entirely the truth. Reid didn’t want to answer questions about his future with Island Def Jam,” a source said. “The move left organizers panicked with no speaker with just hours to go. Vevo CEO Rio Caraeff agreed to stand in.”

One of Reid’s friends reached out to the NY Post and told them that he had to cancel because he was called away on family business; not because his son was ill. They also added that he “isn’t going anywhere” and plans to sign Jennifer Lopez soon…

That was just a story that went around. He isn’t afraid to answer questions about his future with the label. He is about to sign J.Lo [Jennifer Lopez] and isn’t going anywhere.” A rep for Island Def Jam said, “It was unfortunate, but he was called out of town on personal business and hopes to be able to participate in a future symposium.” Billboard declined to comment.

NY POST

Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Jessica White posed for pics on the red carpet of an event hosted by SI Wednesday (Feb 10) at Jet Nightclub at the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.

Singer/songwriter John Legend and his model girlfriend Christine Teigen hit up the Sp0rts Illustrated Swimsuit 24/7: New York Launch Party at Provocateur at the Hotel Gansevoort Tuesday (Feb 9) in New York City.

Rising pop star Justin Bieber performed at “Y-100 Underground,” hosted by radio station Y-100 in Miami Saturday (Feb 6).

African model Alek Wek attended the (RED) and Diptyque special edition partnership launch at the Diptyque store in NYC Tuesday.

Def Jam  CEO Antonio “L.A.” Reid and his wife Erica attended the opening of the first Hermes Men’s Store on Madison Ave. Tuesday in New York.

And tennis player Venus Williams hit up the NFL owners party at Viceroy Miami Saturday (Feb 6) in Florida.

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Award winning music producer/record executive Clive Davis held his annual pre-Grammy bash Saturday night (Jan 30) at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in California, and a good number of the entertainment industry’s elite were in attendance.

Rihanna, Ciara, Usher, Katy Perry, Jamie Foxx, Mary J. Blige, Maxwell, Jennifer Hudson and the Black Eyed Peas are just a few names of the many celebrities who attended and/or performed at the big event, held every year right before the Grammy Awards.

Continue reading for a ton of pictures!

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Singer/actress Mary J. Blige was honored Wednesday night (Jan 27) in Hollywood at the Essence Black Women in Music event at the Sunset Tower Hotel in Hollywood. She and actress Taraji P. Henson posed for a few pics together on the red carpet of the event.

Also in attendance were MJB’s husband Kendu Isaacs, record exec. Antonio “L.A.” Reid (who presented Blige with her award), Ludacris, Gabrielle Union and more. More pics below and when you continue reading…

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All of the big celebrities came out for the launch party celebrating the official opening of Vevo, a brand new new music video website owned by Sony Music, Universal, EMI and Abu Dhabi Music Company. The site itself is hosted by Youtube, Sony and Google and currently features video content from artists on Universal. Folks like Rihanna, Ciara, 50 Cent, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Adam Lambert, a number of record label executives and more all showed up for the big launch party for the new site Tuesday night (Dec 8) at the Skylight Studio in New York City.

Continue reading for more pics!

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Singer Mariah Carey and her husband Nick Cannon held each other in a close embrace as they posed for pics together on the red carpet of the 2009 UNICEF Snowflake Ball at Cipriani 42nd St. last Wednesday (Dec 2) in New York City.

The annual event is held to celebrate the lighting of the UNICEF Snowflakes and to honor philanthropists who support the popular charity’s mission to save children’s lives. TV personality Al Roker hosted the event and music mogul Antonio “LA” Reid was presented the Spirit of Compassion Award during the ceremony. Check out the rest of the pics below…

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Singer Rihanna, pictured above with her boss, Island Def Jam record exec Antonio “L.A.” Reid, made a public appearance Monday night (Nov 9) in New York City at the Glamour Magazine 2009 Women of the Year Awards at Carnegie Hall.

Wearing an ivory gown by designer Stephane Rolland, here she can be seen hitting the red carpet of the event, designed to honor the biggest women of the year 2009. Read her acceptance speech below:

“It was a real honor to be named Glamour’s Woman of the Year, especially because I think of myself as just becoming a woman. I just turned 21 this year. Just to be mentioned in this group of women is overwhelming. I love being a part of a night where we’re celebrating women and such strong women.”

She thanked a host of people, including her record label, her mentor Jay-Z and her mother and grandmother.

“They are my two women of the year. I love you very much, Granny. I love you very much, mom. They’ve shown me what strong women can accomplish and achieve. Without their unconditional love and guidance, I wouldn’t be here, and I hope I can be an example for young girls and women today. Thank you so much.”

Other celebrities at the event were Estelle (who performed), actress Gabourey Sidibe, Serena Williams and more. Continue reading for the rest of the pictures!

R&B singer/songwriter Alicia Keys played host to her sixth annual Black Ball to benefit the “Keep A Child Alive” AIDS organization Thursday night (Oct 15) at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. The huge celebrity guest list at the event included Halle Berry, Usher, Samuel L. Jackson, Nick Cannon, Tyler Perry, Robin Thicke, Mary J. Blige and more. Alicia performed with John Mayer at the event, and also premiered her new song “Sleeping with a Broken Heart.”

You can check out a lot more pictures from the red carpet and inside the Ball when you continue reading!

Rapper Fabolous, singer Kristinia DeBarge, Def Jam head honcho Antonio “LA” Reid and actress/singer Adrienne Bailon hit up a special screening of Fabolous’ new album/DVD combo Loso’s Way (in stores today!) at the Tribeca Grand Hotel Monday night (Jul 27) in New York.

Continue reading for more pics from the screening and for pics from the screening’s after party, which was held at NYC’s The Griffin nightclub, and saw appearances from Keri Hilson, Tank, Ryan Leslie and more!

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all posed for a group shot Monday night (Jul 27) at the BET Rising Icons event, sponsored by Grey Goose, at 1OAK in New York City. Continue reading for more photos from the event!

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Legendary singer Whitney Houston, pictured above with Sony Music Worldwide Chief Creative Officer Clive Davis and R&B singer/songwriter Alicia Keys, hosted an exclusive invite-only listening party for her forthcoming I Look To You album at the Lincoln Center’s Allen Room at Jazz in New York City Tuesday night (Jul 21).

The R&B diva previewed a number tracks of tracks from her highly anticipated comeback album to an audience that included Martha Stewart, Dionne Warwick, Steve Harvey, Swizz Beatz and more. Continue reading to check out all of the pics!

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While Chris Brown has to suffer slightly as he watches his career go into freefall (poor guy) his ex-girlfriend Rihanna is celebrating 12 million albums sold. Yes folks, you’ve read it correctly. Rihanna is on her way because selling 12 millions records worldwide is a big achievement, especially when you’ve only been on the scene for about 4 years. You can’t do nothing but give this chick her props. Here she is pictured with Def Jam HNIC Antonio L.A. Reid

Continue reading for more pics of Rihanna, L.A. Reid, Amerie, Chrisette Michele, and others at the Island Def Jam Spring Collection party at Stephen Weiss Studio Wednesday (May 20) night in New York City.

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R&B singer/songwriter The Dream hosted an exclusive black tie album release party for Love vs. Money at the Hiro Ballroom in New York Wednesday night (Mar. 11th). His girlfriend (yeah, we’re calling it) Christina Milian hit up the shindig, in addition to other celebs like Mary J. Blige, Ludacris, Fabolous and more. The Dream’s album is definitely one of the hottest releases of ’09 to date, so if you haven’t picked up your own copy, you’re definitley missing out. Continue reading for more pics from the party.

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Def Jam HNIC Antonio “L.A.” Reid, along with Nivea brand, hosted an exclusive Grammy Afterparty at Wolfgang’s Steakhouse on February 8, 2009 in Beverly Hills, California following the 51st Annual Grammy Awards. The celebrity guestlist included: Keyshia Cole, Kanye West, Young Jeezy, Christina Milian and more. Continue reading to see who all hit up the House of Hype Island Def Jam Grammy Afterparty!

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These photos prove that you are no one until you have been photographed sitting in exclusive VIP seats courtside at a big basketball game. Some of the biggest names in Hollywood including hip-hop moguls Jay-Z & Diddy, film maker Spike Lee, record mogul L.A. Reid, comedian Chris Rock, and more all were spotted courtside last night (Feb. 4th 2009) as the NY Knicks took on the Cleveland Cavaliers in New York City at Madison Square Garden. The Cavaliers won by 5 points with a final score of 107 to 102. Continue reading for more pics!

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The Dream and Christina Milian looked pretty comfortable together Wednesday night at Karen Kwak‘s birthday party in NYC. Karen Kwak is the Senior Vice President of Def Jam Records and to peep more photos from her party, you should already know what to do…

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