THE SHOW 08/11/09

LL COOL J: A Song for Michael

L-L Cool J has recorded a new version of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" titled "Billie Jean Dream: Written by Michael Jackson." The track hit Billboard.com yesterday. L-L says, "After hearing the tragic news of Michael Jackson's death, the lyrics for the 'Billie Jean' re-mix came to me in a dream. Michael was one of my childhood idols and has always been a great inspiration to me."

L-L also announced a Michael Jackson tribute contest on his social networking site, Boomdizzle.com. Fans can post Jackson tribute songs and homemade videos for L-L Cool J's "Billie Jean Dream."

USHER: Finishes Off Monster in Vegas

Usher says he's completed his new disc, Monster, which is due in October. At a party last week in his honor at the Playboy Club in Las Vegas, he told Las Vegas Weekly, "Most of the album was recorded here. On this album, the influences came from places I've gone myself, the reality of circumstances of choice." Having recently filed for divorce from wife Tameka Foster, Usher adds, "Through all of your situations, you learn something, or you should learn something. Well, I'm documenting it in that way."

Usher is on the current cover of Vegas magazine.

JANET JACKSON: MOBO Michael Tribute?

Janet Jackson has reportedly signed on to take part in a tribute to her late brother Michael at the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards on September 30th in Glasgow, Scotland. According to London's Sunday Mail, a spokesperson for the MOBO Awards says, "Janet is a music icon in her own right and a previous MOBO presenter. We loved her past involvement with the show, and MOBO will continue to support her music and champion her career." Janet's reps didn't return our calls for comment.

MARIAH CAREY: Running Scared of Whitney?

Mariah Carey is said to be worried about a chart duel with Whitney Houston. Carey's Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel is due September 15th, just two weeks after the August 31st release of Houston's I Look to You. A source tells the New York Post, "She's getting very nervous now that Whitney Houston is coming back," adding that Memoirs still isn't finished. Mariah's reps did not return our calls for comment.