Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Diana Ross to mentor American Idol.


January 17, 2007 Associated Press


NEW YORK – Diana Ross says she's a busy woman these days. So busy, in fact, that she hasn't had time to see the hit film Dreamgirls, which is loosely based on her life as a Motown starlet.
The singer told CBS Late Show host David Letterman on Tuesday that she is going to be a mentor on Fox's American Idol and is planning a world tour in March to promote her new album, I Love You.


Ross said she didn't see the musical version of Dreamgirls, either.
When Letterman asked her if she was curious about the film, Ross joked: "Yes, I've heard a lot about it. I'm going to see it with my lawyers."

The film, which won a Golden Globe for best musical or comedy at the awards show Monday, tells the story of a Motown trio similar to the Supremes and their rise to fame. Eddie Murphy won a Golden Globe for best supporting actor, and newcomer Jennifer Hudson, a former American Idol contestant, won for best supporting actress.


Ross went on to say that she's heard there is a lot of her image and likeness in the movie. (Beyonce Knowles' character, Deena Jones, looks a lot like Ross during her early solo days.)
"What I would like to do is to be able to see it," Ross said. "I like to inspire the talent that it is out there today."