NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

Beyonce joins UN’s humanitarian effort

NEW YORK

Beyonce is teaming with the United Nations and humanitarian aid organizations on a global campaign to encourage people around the world to get involved.

The international pop star and songwriter Diane Warren will donate a video of “I Was Here” that will be filmed in the UN General Assembly Hall in New York in front of a live audience.

The video will premiere Aug. 19 on World Humanitarian Day and the UN hopes it will help the campaign reach 1 billion people.

A news release says the campaign website launched Thursday and allows people to share individual acts of good.

Beyonce says in the statement that World Humanitarian Day is a chance to work together and “this is our time to leave our mark on the world.”

Lily Allen changes her stage name

LONDON

Call her the artist formerly known as Lily Allen.

The 27-year-old British singer says she is changing her stage name to reflect her marriage to Sam Cooper — and she’s working on new material.

A statement Thursday from publicist Ambrosia Healey says the singer will now be known as Lily Rose Cooper, the name she already uses on her Twitter account.

She and Sam Cooper married last year, and they have a daughter.

Healey says the singer has booked time at a studio in Britain work on new material.

Cooper, whose hits include “Smile” and “The Fear,” said that she was “excited to be heading back into the studio.”

La Toya Jackson to get reality show

NEW YORK

Oprah Winfrey has tapped La Toya Jackson to star in her own reality show.

“Life with La Toya” is described as a “candid look” inside Jackson’s life as she juggles family, friends and business.

It will air next year on Winfrey’s TV network, OWN.

La Toya is one of Katherine and Joe Jackson’s nine children and is Michael’s sister.

She isn’t the first Jackson to get a reality show.

“The Jacksons: A Family Dynasty” aired for six episodes on A&E.

It followed Jermaine, Jackie, Marlon and Tito Jackson.

La Toya also competed last year on “Celebrity Apprentice.”

Lauren Alaina cancels weekend gigs to rest

NEW YORK

Lauren Alaina is canceling her shows this weekend because of vocal issues.

Alaina said in a statement Thursday that her doctor is putting her on “vocal rest.”

She was set to open for country duo Sugarland on today in Cincinnati and on Saturday in Clarkston, Mich.

The statement provided no other specifics about the condition of her voice.

Alaina was the runner-up on “American Idol” last year.

For the show’s finale, she blew out one of her vocal cords during rehearsals.

The 17-year-old said she is “sad” to miss the shows this weekend and is sorry to disappoint her fans.

She said she would make it up to them and would be “back soon.”

Live Nation said singer Vonda Shepard will fill in for Alaina.

Vindicator wire reports