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Ferrigno fired from 'Celebrity Apprentice'

NEW YORK, April 9 (UPI) -- Actor and bodybuilder Lou Ferrigno was the latest star fired from "The Celebrity Apprentice" in New York.

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"Apprentice" judge and producer Donald Trump gave the former "Incredible Hulk" portrayer the boot on Sunday's edition of the business-themed reality show.

He was fired after he and his team failed to impress Trump with the 60-second commercial for Entertainment.com they created.

Still competing this season are comedian Arsenio Hall, magician/comedian Penn Jillette, "American Chopper" star Paul Teutul Sr., comedienne Lisa Lampanelli, former Miss Universe Dayana Mendoza, singer and actress Aubrey O'Day and "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Teresa Giudice.

Already eliminated from the show were singers Debbie Gibson and Dee Snider, actresses Tia Carrere and Patricia Velasquez, radio host Adam Carolla, "Star Trek" actor George Takei, IndyCar team owner Michael Andretti, author Victoria Gotti and supermodel Cheryl Tiegs.

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The last person standing will receive a $250,000 check to be given to a designated charity.


Historic Howard Theatre reopens this week

WASHINGTON, April 9 (UPI) -- The Howard Theatre, a historic African-American arts landmark in Washington, is reopening this week after a $29 million renovation and 32-year hiatus.

Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye and The Supremes played the venue in its heyday.

Already booked to take the stage once the 102-year-old theater reopens are Wale, Wanda Sykes, The Roots, Robert Randolph, Taj Mahal, Mos Def, Meshell Ndegeocello, Bad Brains, Chuck Brown, Chuck Berry and Esperanza Spalding.

A weekly Sunday brunch headlined by the Harlem Gospel Choir also is scheduled.

The non-profit Howard Theatre Restoration organization is planning a grand opening gala fundraiser Thursday featuring Smokey Robinson, Al Jarreau, Madeleine Peyroux and Savion Glover. The event will honor Motown Records founder and producer Berry Gordy and kicks off the capital campaign for HTR, whose next charge is to build an educational center and museum behind the theater.

"I'm very excited about the opportunity to be associated with the restoration of the legendary Howard Theatre," Steven Bensusan, president of Blue Note Entertainment Group, which runs the theater, said in a statement Monday. "It's an honor to be a part of this project and to help preserve the rich tradition of The Howard, while bringing forth a modern concept in both design and programming. We've created a very flexible venue that can host an array of events. Our booking policy will be eclectic, and we plan to feature all genres of music."

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Jake Owen and Lacey Buchanan get engaged

NASHVILLE, April 9 (UPI) -- Country music star Jake Owen proposed to his girlfriend Lacey Buchanan during a weekend concert in his hometown of Vero Beach, Fla.

Taste of Country said the singer got down on one knee while singing "Don't Think I Can't Love You" and asked Buchanan to marry him Saturday. She happily accepted, the report said.

"I'm a happy man. Life is complete," Owen later said via Twitter.

UsMagazine.com said Buchanan has appeared in Owen's music videos for "Eight Second Ride" and "Barefoot Blue Jean Night."


Scott, Mraz to appear on 'Storytellers'

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 9 (UPI) -- Jill Scott, Jason Mraz, Norah Jones, and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals are to appear in the new season of "VH1 Storytellers," the U.S. network said.

"We're so proud to announce these exceptionally talented artists as part of our 16th season of 'VH1 Storytellers,'" Tom Calderone, VH1's president, said in a statement Monday.

"Our audience is hungry for the kind of deeper musical experience and connection to artists that 'Storytellers' brings. That connection has cemented the series' status as a jewel of the entertainment world where artists intimately share their music and the often revealing and poignant stories behind their songs."

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Scott's episode is to debut May 21. Mraz's show will air June 1, Jones' on June 8, and Grace Potter & the Nocturnals' on June 15.

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