Diana Ross’ teenage son Evan (ATL) feared he'd upset his famous mom if he took on a role as a gay HIV sufferer in Queen Latifah’s new TV movie “Life Support” - because the character smoked. Evan Ross, 18, joined big sister Tracee Ellis Ross in the hard hitting new movie but had to make sure his mom would approve of his character before signing up. Ellis Ross recalls, "Evan called me when he thought he might get the role... and the interesting thing, which I thought says a lot about our family, is it wasn't the issue of playing gay or having HIV. "It was the concern about smoking because we don't smoke in our family, and Evan was like, 'What do you think mom's gonna think of that?'" But mom Diana was thrilled to hear her son was furthering his acting career with a challenging part - and his portrayal in the film impressed writer/director Nelson George. He explains, "A lot of young actors were afraid of that part because they didn't want it to seem that they were gay... He was very courageous because he dived right in and had no fear." [source]

Soul star John Legend has been hired to make “Dreamgirls” star Jennifer Hudson's chart dreams come true - by penning her first hits. Legend confirms music mogul Clive Davis asked him to be a part of Oscar winner Hudson's studio sessions as she records her first album. And the R&B sensation reveals Hudson isn't the only big name he's working on. He says, "I'll also be writing with Whitney Houston.” But he knows his efforts aren't sure-fire tracks the ladies will record, despite his musical pedigree. He tells MTV News, "You never know with those things - you see what happens. If it comes out hot, it will make the album. If not, then it will just be an experience."

Labels: Evan Ross, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Juicy Tales, Tracee Ellis Ross