2012 BET Awards Deliver Big

The BET Awards were as star-studded as expected, with Nicki Minaj, D'Angelo, Rick Ross, Soulja Boy and a stirring tribute to Whitney Houston among the night's highlights. Host Samuel L. Jackson served as the perfect Master of Ceremonies for a night that saw the legendary actor and renowned movie director Spike Lee performing a raggedy version of Jay-Z and Kanye West's hit single "N***as In Paris" to kick off the festivities.

Famed soul singer/songwriter D'Angelo made a triumphant return to television, with Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Beyonce and Jay-Z.

Usher and Chris Brown both took the stage for high-energy performances; and Monica, Brandy, Chaka Khan and Cissy Houston all paid tribute to the late pop superstar Whitney Houston. Rapper Soulja Boy was moved to tears during Cissy's heartfelt rendition of the Simon & Garfunkel classic "Bridge Over Troubled Water" in tribute to her late daughter. Legendary soul band Maze featuring Frankly Beverly were honored for a lifetime's body of work.

Ray J Vs. Whitney's Family?

At the Billboard Awards last night (May 20th), there was reportedly some tension between R&B singer Ray J and the family of late pop star Whitney Houston. Ray J almost had to be physically removed after angry members of the family ordered that he not be near them.

According to TMZ, Pat Houston was angry because the family was seated next to Ray J., whom they believe was a bad influence on Whitney prior to her death in February.

But Brandy's lil bro allegedly refused to move an inch. Security was called and he removed himself from the section without incident. Reps claim that Pat doesn't have an issue with Ray, however.

Wiz Khalifa, Lil Wayne Win Billboard Awards

The 2012 Billboard Music Awards were held last night (May 20th) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. There weren't a whole lot of surprises in what turned out to be an entertaining but fairly stale show. Chris Brown took home the award for Top R&B Artist, with LMFAO landing Top Duo/Group and Hot 100 song awards.

Lil Wayne and Wiz Khalifa both took home awards at the big show, as well.

The late Whitney Houston was honored with a tribute by John Legend and Jordin Sparks, with Alicia Keys joining the legendary Stevie Wonder onstage when he was celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Justin Bieber was named "Top Social Artist."

Bobby Brown Denies Corrupting Whitney

Bobby Brown is finally speaking at-length about the death of his ex-wife, pop star Whitney Houston. Brown has had to contend with the widespread belief that he was responsible for introducing Houston to drugs when the two began dating in the early 1990s; an allegation he still disputes.

“I didn’t get high before I met Whitney … I smoked weed, I drank the beer, but no, I wasn’t the one that got Whitney on drugs at all …it’s just unexplainable. I’m not the reason she’s gone,” he told Matt Lauer of the "TODAY" show.

Brown also said he didn't know Whitney was still battling addictions leading up to her untimely passing. “I was hurt. I was hurt … Because, you know, me being off of narcotics for the last seven years — I felt that she was, you know, I didn’t know she was struggling with it still. But at the same time, you know– listen, it’s a hard fight. It’s a hard fight to, you know, maintain sobriety that way," he revealed. “From what I feel and you know, how I saw her, the last time I saw her, it had to be that particular day. You know, it had to be that one, because that’s all it takes … One hit, you know, and you know, it could definitely take your life away from you. And, unfortunately, that was it.”

Whitney Houston Investigation Closed

The untimely death of Whitney Houston is an open-and-shut case. The police investigation surrounding late pop star's unexpected passing in February has officially been closed; with authorities concluding that she died due to an accidental drowning.

Foul play has been ruled out as a cause of death.

"Based on the findings of our investigation and our review of the coroner's report, we have determined that this is not a criminal matter," a police statement read. Authorities also released the 911 recording from the night Houston died.

Rihanna Addresses Whitney Rumors

Since the surprising death of pop icon Whitney Houston in February, there have been all kinds of names tossed-around in regards to who could play the troubled diva in a biopic. Among those names have been pop star Rihanna, who spoke about it to the Associated Press.

“That would be something that I would have to give my entire life to do because I would want to really pull it off,” she said. “That’s a huge, huge role and whoever does it has to do a good job.”

“My first song that I remember falling in love with was a Whitney Houston song — ‘I Will Always Love You,’” she continued. “It was really inspiring and it made me develop a passion for music, so really she’s partly responsible for me being here in this industry.”

Bobby Brown Busted Again

New Edition member and R&B star Bobby Brown was arrested yesterday (March26) on suspicion of DUI in Reseda, CA. The ex-husband of late pop superstar Whitney Houston has been busted several times in the past and was at the center of controversy last month when he exited his former wife's funeral after an altercation with security.

Brown was also reportedly talking on his cellphone while driving--which is against the law in California.

Bobby was taken to jail in Van Nuys and was subsequently bailed out.

Ray J Denies Whitney Sex Tape Rumors

Ray J's camp is denying any existence of any supposed sex tape featuring the singer and late pop superstar Whitney Houston. Rumors began circulating online this week claiming that explicit footage exists featuring the two friends, but according to Ray's rep, Courtney Barnes, there is no truth to the stories.

"The despicable tabloid report released today claiming the existence of a sex tape between Ray J and Whitney Houston is not true," Barnes told E! News.

"This story along with so many others have been released to sell magazines," she continued. "There is no sex tape or explicit photos."

Ray J's Hurting Over Whitney

Singer Ray J finally spoke verbally about the loss of his longtime friend, pop superstar Whitney Houston. Houston died unexpectedly last month and she and the 31-year old Ray J were rumored to have been in a romantic relationship for years. Ray J dismissed the claims and said they were only friends.

Ray J did tell media at an event in Los Angeles that he's still reeling from Houston's loss, however.

"I really miss my friend, you know, I really do," Ray J said. "I'm still hurting. ... I'm really emotional right now, I really don't know really what to say. It's just such a tough time for me. I've been through a lot in these past two weeks. I'm able to look at life in a whole different way."

Bobbi Kristina Inherits Whitney's Estate

Whitney Houston's entire estate will go to her 19-year old daughter Bobbi Kristina. The pop icon died almost a month ago in Los Angeles, and her will--signed in 1993--stipulates that all of her belongings should go to her children. Bobbi is her only child.

Though Bobbi Kristina will be granted ownership of Whitney's clothing, jewelry, cars, personal effects and other items, the singer's money will be placed in a trust.

Bobbi Kristina will get some of the money upon turning 21, more at 25 and the full balance at age 30.

Bobby Brown's Statement:

Bobby Brown issued a statement explaining why he departed the funeral of his ex-wife, superstar Whitney Houston, fairly early in the service. According to Brown, he and his family were disrespected by security officials at the church where the service was being held.

"My children and I were invited to the funeral of my ex-wife Whitney Houston. We were seated by security and then subsequently asked to move on three separate occasions," he stated. "I fail to understand why security treated my family this way and continue to ask us and no one else to move. Security then prevented me from attempting to see my daughter Bobbi-Kristina. In light of the events, I gave a kiss to the casket of my ex-wife and departed as I refused to create a scene. My children are completely distraught over the events. This was a day to honor Whitney. I doubt Whitney would have wanted this to occur. I will continue to pay my respects to my ex-wife the best way I know how."

Brown later performed and paid tribute to Houston onstage. However, his son, Bobby, Jr. lashed out via Twitter.

"F*ck Fame. Sh*t ain’t everything it seems. I’ll never let them transform me. Everything is a show to these people," he tweeted. "We came to show respect. And they tried to make it a ‘show’. Krissi I love you with all of my heart. Whitney I love you with all my heart. Rest Easy step momma."

Bobby Brown On Bobbi Kristina

R&B singer Bobby Brown addresses reports that his daughter, Bobbi Kristina, had been rushed to Cedars-Sinai hospital in Los Angeles following the death of her mother, his ex-wife, superstar Whitney Houston. Brown confirmed that his daughter had been to the medical facility.

"My daughter did visit with doctors at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles," Bobby Brown says in a statement. "She has been released and is presently with my family including her siblings. Obviously the death of her mother is affecting her. However we will get through this tragedy as a family."

Bobbi Kristina and Whitney had been especially close. Brown and Houston had been married from 1992-2007.

Janet Jackson On Whitney Houston:

Pop superstar Janet Jackson talked to CNN's Anderson Cooper about the sudden death of fellow diva Whitney Houston. Jackson shared her memories of interacting with Whitney over the years and offered some advice to Houston's teenage daughter Bobbi Kristina in her time of mourning.

"It's very, very devastating and I pray for her and her family, even Bobby. I mean, he's going through so much," Janet said. "They are all going through so much. The mother, it's very sad."

"She was known as the voice. When she would open her mouth and this instrument would come out you would obviously understand why," Janet continued. "She was such a sweet sweet soul. Especially back in the early 80s and early 90s is when I connected with Whitney the most. It doesn't matter if we were doing an awards show. We would always take the time out to find one another. Either she'd come to my dressing room to say hey and I'd be in makeup or I'd find her in her dressing room to say hey, we always found time to talk to one another. She was such a sweet soul."

"It's a very very tough time. Even though it’s still a loss. I lost my brother, she lost her mother. There's still a difference, even though there's a still a loss to a family, I don't know what that's like being so young," she said. "It was hard for me. It was very very difficult for me. I didn't want to accept it, it's very difficult. You have to come to terms at some point, you have to actually give it up to God and it sounds so mean but you have to move on you can't hold onto that because it can be very devastating. Sometimes therapy is the best thing."

"You figure out a way to move on. It's always right here," Janet said about coping with the loss of a loved one. "There's never a day, not one day has gone by where I don't think about my brother and my other brothers and sisters say the same thing."

Ray J On Whitney Houston:

Before the unexpected death of pop superstar Whitney Houston, her longtime friend and associate Ray J gave an interview with "The Insider" where he discussed their relationship. Despite stories of there having been a romantic link between the two, Ray J insisted in the interview that she and Whitney were friends.

"You know people blow this thing out of proportion. I mean that’s my friend; I’ve been knowing her for years and years and she’s a part of the family," Ray J said. "So when we go out the next day it’s everywhere and there’s so many different stories but that’s my people, that’s my friend."

"I have a lot of love for her and I have a lot of respect for her," he continued, and didn't confirm that there was a romance. "I don’t think you could really say that. I just think our friendship is something people may not understand. Maybe because of the age difference but we’ve always just been friends."

"We hug. We laugh. We go out to dinner. We talk about different things in our lives and she’s a cool person," Ray J added. "We’ve always kept our relationship as private as we could but when we go out she’s such an icon that it reaches the masses. For the most part, we’ve just been friends and we’ve always kept it hush-hush and quiet. You know we really don’t focus on that."

Ray J had nothing but positive words for Whitney's state of mind, at the time of his giving in the interview. "Great. Great, from what I know but you would have to ask her because she can tell you better than me," he said. "We had a great dinner."

Beyonce Issues Statement On Whitney

Superstar Beyonce expressed her shock and grief over the sudden death of pop diva Whitney Houston. Beyonce acknowledged Houston's tremendous influence on the younger generation and shared her first encounter with the iconic singer.

Beyonce posted this statement on her official website:

"The loss of Whitney Houston is painful. I remember meeting Whitney for the first time when I was 15. She was the ultimate legend. The ultimate woman. Not only was she confident, poised, stunningly beautiful and intelligent, but she was sincere and kind. She took the time to make everyone feel like they were very important to her. I, like every singer, always wanted to be just like her. Her voice was perfect. Strong but soothing. Soulful and classic. Her vibrato, her cadence, her control. So many of my life's memories are attached to a Whitney Houston song. She is our queen and she opened doors and provided a blueprint for all of us.

God bless her.

- Beyoncé"

Whitney Houston's Flight Drama

Legendary singer Whitney Houston was almost kicked off a Delta flight yesterday (October 13.) The former Mrs. Bobby Brown reportedly got into a heated exchange with flight attendants after she refused to buckle her safety belt. According to TMZ, she was asked several times, but refused to comply.

After 'allowing' one of the crew members to fasten her belt for her, the plane finally left Atlanta on its way to Detroit.

No comment has been issued from Houston's camp about the incident.

Rihanna Doesn't Want "The Bodyguard"

Rihanna shot down rumors that she would be taking on the starring role in a remake of the 1992 Whitney Houston/Kevin Costner hit The Bodyguard. The singer stressed to Chelsea Handler that she had no interest in starring in films where she played a singer, opting instead for roles that were a little less like her real life persona.

“Absolutely not," Rihanna responded when asked if she was lobbying for the part. "I want to separate the two. I hate it when singers do singing movies all the time because you can never look at them as anybody else. I want to play a character, my whole life is playing Rihanna, being a singer won’t be a stretch for me. I like challenges and being an actor is playing a role, being able to step into somebody else’s shoes, that’s the excitement.”