NAACP Image Awards to honor Muhammad Ali

NAACP Image Awards to honor Muhammad Ali

LOS ANGELES — This month’s NAACP Image Awards ceremony could be a real knockout.

The civil-rights group says boxing great Muhammad Ali will receive the 2009 President’s Award at the Feb. 12 ceremony in Los Angeles. The award recognizes special achievement and distinguished public service.

The group says Ali’s accomplishments in the boxing ring are matched by his record of social activism and humanitarian efforts. The announcement was made Tuesday.

Halle Berry and screenwriter-actor Tyler Perry are set to host the 40th annual awards show, which will air on Fox TV. The ceremony falls on the 100th anniversary of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, and kicks off the group’s yearlong centennial celebration.

Gap Band singer speaks out for cancer testing

WASHINGTON — He’s best known as the lead vocalist for the Gap Band. Now Charlie Wilson is raising his voice to narrow the knowledge gap about prostate cancer.

Wilson, who was diagnosed last fall and treated with radiation implants, says he’s in remission.

The singer wants to serve up a dose of knowledge along with the funk when he tours to support his new solo album, “Uncle Charlie,” due out Feb. 17.

He’s urging men, especially African-Americans, to get tested. Black men are at increased risk of prostate cancer overall.

It was during a routine physical last September that a blood test turned up signs of prostate cancer. A biopsy and follow-up examination confirmed the diagnosis.

When Wilson heard his doctor utter the word cancer, “I just felt devastated,” he said.

But Wilson also noticed that his doctor “had this little smile on his face” as he delivered the news. The reason, he said, was because his doctor told him: “We caught it early enough and we can knock it out.”

Carnie Phillips to host next ‘Newlywed Game’

LOS ANGELES — Here comes the next “Newlywed Game” host.

Carnie Wilson, the Wilson Phillips singer who hosted her own talk show and appeared on VH1’s “Celebrity Fit Club,” is slated to host 40 episodes of a new GSN edition of the show where newly married couples answer questions to find out how well they know each other.

The original show, hosted by Bob Eubanks, debuted in 1966 on ABC, and went on to span over 20 years on the air.

“I’ve always loved game shows,” said the 40-year-old Wilson, who began co-hosting the “GSN Live” interactive game show last year. “My personality and energy is perfect for something like this. First of all, I’m married, and I loved watching ’The Newlywed Game’ when I was younger. I watched it all the time. I always hoped the couples would start fighting.”

The end is finally in sight for Elton’s Vegas show

LAS VEGAS — Elton John is playing his final notes on the red piano in Las Vegas.

Promoters say the pop singer will close his Las Vegas Strip show, “The Red Piano,” on April 22.

The show made its debut in February 2004 at The Colosseum theater at Caesars Palace. After initially signing on for 75 shows, John’s engagement was extended.

The casino says the closing show will be the 241st performance.

The offbeat production blends the singer’s top hits with elaborate video montages created by photographer and director David LaChappelle.

Tickets for the final engagement went on sale last week. John’s show alternates with other Colosseum headline acts, including Bette Midler and Cher. A casino spokeswoman said there was no word on a replacement.

Today’s birthdays

ABC News anchor Ted Koppel is 69. Actor Nick Nolte is 68. Comedian Robert Klein is 67. Country singer Dan Seals is 61. Actress Mary Steenburgen is 56. Author John Grisham is 54. Singer Vince Neil of Motley Crue is 48. Actor Gary Coleman is 41. Guitarist Keith Nelson of Buckcherry is 40. Actor Seth Green (“Austin Powers,” “Buffy The Vampire Slayer”) is 35. Bassist Phoenix of Linkin Park is 32. Bassist Jeremy Davis of Paramore is 24.