It appears any rift between Janet Jackson and MTV has been dissolved, as the Pop superstar and the network have joined forces for a new show. Check out the report via Variety below:

Janet Jackson is getting into the reality TV business, developing a music competition with 25/7 Prods. for MTV.

Untitled project, which has already started casting, will feature Jackson as she mentors a group of aspiring singers and dancers. Project will be shot in the coming months as Jackson prepares for her world tour, which launches on Sept. 10.

“It’s really about finding who’s the next Janet Jackson or Justin Timberlake or Usher,” said exec producer Dave Broome. “And we’ll find it from a pool of people who you wouldn’t typically find it from. We’ll go to YMCAs, church groups, local community centers and try to cast the show.”

Show will also take place in various street locales, rather than on a studio soundstage. Producers are still ironing out the prize – but it could potentially relate to Jackson’s tour.

Deal also reps the latest chapter in the recent turbulent relationship between the channel and Jackson. MTV produced the infamous Super Bowl halftime show that featured Jackson’s “wardrobe malfunction.” After that, fans accused MTV of blackballing the singer from the channel.

But Jackson has been seen more often on MTV lately, having appeared on TRL to promote her latest CD in February. She also starred in a series of shorts spoofing MTV series like “The Real World” as part of MTV’s “52 Artists/52 Weeks Total MTV Takeover.”

Broome’s credits include “The Biggest Loser,” “The Radio Music Awards” and NBC’s Tsunami benefit.

Gil Duldulao and Jackson are behind the show’s concept; Jackson, Duldulao, Broome, Kenneth Crear and Johnny Wright are all exec prodcers.

It’s good to see Janet on her grind, despite her much publicized issues with label Island Def Jam. It’s even better to see that her relationship with MTV is back on track, as there’s no doubt the show – the concept of which sounds pretty interesting – will help ‘re-sell her’ to her what, undoubtedly, is one of her key audiences.

R&B star Michelle Williams hit the television circuit this week to promote her current single ‘We Break The Dawn’, as well as her forthcoming album ‘Unexpected’; her first stop being MTV’s TRL yesterday. Check out her great interview on the show below:

The stars were out in full force last night for Cartier’s up-class launch event for their new LOVE Charity Bracelet. Among the attendees were Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri, Fergie, Ashanti, Common, Eve and Kimora Lee Simmons. Check out more pics below:

What do you think of the pics?

UK visitors, do be sure to check out the trailer and synopsis for ‘Adulthood’ (due June 20th), the sequel to 2006’s critically accalimed Urban flick ‘Kidulthood’, below:

That Grape Juice can confirm that Ashanti will be shooting the video for her new single ‘Good Good’ in Los Angeles this Sunday. The clip will be directed by Melina – the director of much of Beyonce’s ‘B’Day Anthology’ videos, as well as Solange’s ‘I Decided’ clip. Look for the video’s debut early-mid July. You know where you heard it first.

You can still submit questions for our upcoming interview with Ashanti by clicking here

With the 2008 BET Awards less than week away, it is now being reported that Mariah Carey, who was one of the show’s first announced performers, will no longer be hitting the stage at the June 24th ceremony. Check out the report via Mariah Daily:

An updated list of performers and presenters for the 2008 BET Awards received from this morning did not include Mariah. According to BET, “Since it’s a live show, there are always lots of last minute changes and updates.” We’ll let you know if we hear differently. Mariah is, however, expected to attend the awards proceedings.

It’s anyone’s guess why the performance was cancelled. At the risk of sound ‘a hater’, perhaps it was for the best, as Mariah’s recent performances have left a lot to be desired. Here’s hoping she can get her live performance game up to par once again.

Following the controversy that ensued upon the release of a taped conversation between a teary Young Buck and 50 Cent (said to have been leaked by 50 himself), Buck has hit back hard-hitting response.

The age old adage of there being ‘two sides to every story’ rings true here, as, among other things, Buck reveals the conversation is over a year old. Hence his recent ‘F**k G-Unit’ declaration isn’t as contradicting as the tape would have one believe.

Actress Meagan Good features in the latest issue of Complex Magazine. The 26 year old speaks about, among other things, her role in Mike Myers’ new movie ‘The Love Guru’. She looks great.

Rihanna stopped by MTV’s TRL yesterday to promote the re-release of her ‘Good Girl Gone Bad’ LP, which went on sale hit stores this week.

Though her talent leaves a lot to be desired IMO, she certainly knows how to take a picture; she looks great. Anyway, check out Rihanna, with LeToya, Teyana Taylor (left) and Wynter Gordon (right) at her the ‘Good Girl Gone Bad: Reloaded’ album release party last night:

Billboard have confirmed that Lil’ Wayne’s much hyped ‘Carter III’ LP has shifted over 1 million units in its first week on sale. The album’s first week showing now stands as the highest since 50 Cent’s million + debut with ‘The Massacre’ back in 2005′. Click here to read more about Wayne’s amazing achievement

Mary J. Blige showed her generosity whilst on a visit to New York recently. Check out the report via the NY Post:

MARY J. Blige has a heart the size of her record sales. Last week, Blige was at the Diane von Furstenberg store in the Meatpacking District when she overheard a girl having a problem at the register. A spy said, “The girl had a dress on hold that she loved, and the bill was $900. She thought it was only $500, and she couldn’t afford it.” Blige told the saleswoman, “Go get the girl. I want to pay for the balance on the dress.” The customer at first declined Blige’s offer but relented after the singer said, “I know what it’s like to want something and not be able to have it. I insist.” The customer wanted to send her a check for the balance, but Blige said, “Just enjoy it. I’m blessed, so let me do this.”