A dream for Hicks

A dream for Hicks
LOS ANGELES -- Some pop stars want fame and money. "American Idol" winner Taylor Hicks just wants to ride the tour bus.
Hicks gets to do just that on a cross-country tour that kicked off Wednesday in Manchester, N.H.
The tour, which reunites Hicks with castmates from the fifth edition of the hit Fox show, ends Sept. 24 in Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
"I've always wanted to be on a bus. ... My home has been on the road since even before 'American Idol,"' the 29-year-old Alabama native told AP Radio in a recent interview.
Singer decries portrayalof black women in videos
HOUSTON -- The portrayal of black women in popular music and videos is too often degrading and the black community must find a way to change these images, singer Jill Scott says.
"It is dirty, inappropriate, inadequate, unhealthy and polluted," Scott says. "We can demand more."
The 34-year-old singer spoke Monday before a panel that discussed the issue took the stage at the Essence Music Festival's empowerment seminars as part of the magazine's Take Back the Music campaign.
Scott told the audience that if they are offended by these images, they should stop buying the albums and encourage people in their lives to do the same.
"This is about choosing what we will allow in our lives," she said. "We can force things. We can change things. Challenge the music industry with your purchasing power."
Valentino receives honor
PARIS -- Valentino, known for his red-carpet-ready gowns, has received a French Legion of Honor medal.
Elizabeth Hurley and Anna Wintour, editor of American Vogue magazine, were among those who packed the gilded hall Thursday where Culture Minister Renaud Donnedieu de Vabres presented the Italian designer with the medal, conferring on him the honorary title of "knight" in the elite society.
He commended Valentino for having seduced "the most promising stars of French cinema, including Brigitte Bardot," with his dramatic gowns.
Valentino, 73, expressed his "immense joy" at receiving the award.
"I love this country like my own," said the designer, who was born in Rome. As a young man, Valentino studied fashion at a prestigious Paris institute. He now owns a chateau outside Paris.
Today's birthdays
Musician-conductor Doc Severinsen is 79. Historian-author David McCullough is 73. Rock star Ringo Starr is 66. Singer-musician Warren Entner (The Grass Roots) is 62. Actress Shelley Duvall is 57. Rock musician Mark White (Spin Doctors) is 44. Actor-comedian Jim Gaffigan is 40. Actress Jorja Fox is 38. Olympic silver and bronze medal figure skater Michelle Kwan is 26. Rapper Cassidy is 24.