Wyclef said he made the decision to run after witnessing the tremendous pain and suffering of his people after January’s earthquake.  He said it was then that he realized he needs to serve his country as something more than a musician or philanthropist.  Here’s the full interview:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/world_news_america/8890839.stm

Former Fugees-member Pras Michel recently announced he will not be supporting Wyclef for president, instead he’s endorsing another musician who is famous in Haiti - Michel Martell.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/world_news_america/8633498.stm

If fashion and music is more your thing, be sure to check out my “back-stage pass” to BET’s recent hit show “Rip the Runway”.  If you want to find out how to walk like a supermodel or you’re interested in hearing rapper Nicki Minaj do her best impression of me (lol) click right here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qsm61F-N8Qk

Lots more to come so stay tuned….

A short while later, we got news that Michael Jackson had died.  Like most of the rest of the world I couldn’t believe it - I was devastated but there was no time to let emotions take over.  I jumped into full breaking news mode.  As my team rushed to my hotel to pick me up, I gathered all the facts that were known so far then headed to LA’s CBS location to deliver the latest live on 106 & Park.  On the way there radio stations played back to back MJ songs.  We couldn’t listen, we had to stay focused.

That night we headed to UCLA Medical Center, where Michael Jackson had been pronounced dead, to shoot footage and interviews.  The hundreds of fans outside mourning his death were now celebrating his life - dancing, running, singing, laughing and sharing stories.

I remember a small boy, aged 4 or 5, with a gloved hand showing off his Billy Jean moves.  Speaking with one family made up of a grandmother, mother and two young kids, all of whom loved Michael, I truly realized his amazing ability to appeal to all ages, all races and all cultures through his music.

Early the next morning we continued uncovering the circumstances surrounding MJ’s death.   I had a small team with me in LA while the rest of BET News was working around the clock in New York on reports for a news special about his life and legacy.

That day the coroner held a press conference announcing a few details on the autopsy report.

Again we delivered the breaking news on 106 & Park.

The following day we headed to the Jackson family compound in Encino, CA to tape for our special “Forever the King: A Tribute to Michael Jackson.”

Mourners had created a large shrine with cards, balloons, flowers and gifts.  One written message “Gone too Soon” stuck in my mind.

News crews were lined up all along the street

After shooting for our special all morning in the sweltering sun, it aired that night scoring record ratings for BET News.

Then came Sunday and the BET Awards.

Everyone and their mother from the media was there to cover the show dedicated to the life of Michael Jackson including CNN which went live from the red carpet.  I was on the carpet too interviewing stars like Ryan Leslie, Sean Paul and Kid Cudi who all showed love for Michael through their MJ-esque outfits.   But it was a surprise guest that was my major interview…

…Joe Jackson, who told me his son had wanted nothing more in life than to make people happy through his music.

Of course our news coverage did not stop there; the memorial, the funeral, the autopsy results, the investigation.  We’re still unsure whether or not any of Michael’s doctors, particularly Dr. Conrad Murray, will be charged in his death but as always we’ll definitely keep you updated.

Though it was devastating to lose one of the greatest entertainers of all time, I can say it was truly an honor to be a journalist at the scene of one of the biggest news stories of the year and the decade.

Western Union showed its appreciation to Clef by donating $225,000 to the star’s Yele Haiti Foundation to help make this holiday season a little brighter for those in the politically unstable nation.

As part of the movement Wyclef is also giving out $250,000 worth of Western Union gift cards and performed at a free lunchtime concert for fans at the Nokia Theater.

In an unexpected yet hilarious move, Clef called the President of Western Union, Stewart Stockdale, to the stage in his suit to demonstrate his dance, um.. skills.

Maino also joined Wyclef on stage along with DJ Drama.  Clef and Drama’s new mixtape, “From the Hut to the Projects to the Mansion,” is out now.

The day before the show I got to the venue, the Atlanta Civic Center, and headed straight to the auditorium where rehearsals had already begun.  Mario was on-stage perfecting his performance of “Break Up” featuring Gucci Mane.

After grabbing interviews with Mario, show host and funnyman Mike Epps (who even rhymed for us, LOL) and Soulja Boy (who had recently been released from jail after an incident at his video shoot a day earlier http://tinyurl.com/yhcokbj) we headed to the VIP Coke Lounge to catch up with more artists.

Best DJ nominee, DJ Drama, was keeping the crowd hype in the Coke Lounge.

Back in rehearsals Snoop and The Dream hit the stage to practice their set with 3 dancers (who seriously toned down their dance moves for some reason on the actual night.  Possibly because Snoop had joked that their moves were distracting him).

Afterwards Snoop chatted to me about making the song “Gangsta Luv” with the Dream, how he’s achieved longevity in the game and being back in the studio with Dr. Dre working on the much, much, much anticipated “Detox” album.

Finally the big day and after covering and walking the red carpet, I took my seat to see the show featuring some of the biggest names in hip hop including Jay-Z, Diddy, Gucci Mane, the “I Am Hip Hop” honoree Ice Cube and Ludacris!   Stars in the audience included Nikki Minaj, Chamillionaire and Slim Thug.

The BET Hip Hop Awards is definitely a show you DO NOT want to miss!  Watch my backstage updates this week and next and catch the actual show October 27th at 8pm EST.

Come to find out Minx manicures don’t need polish - your nails are actually covered with a film (kind of like a sticker) that’s heated up and placed on each one, then filed to fit perfectly. 

In 20 mins my nails were a shiny metallic gold, with two in a leopard print design added for extra flyness! 

For the woman whose fingertips are always tapping away on her blackberry or laptop the added bonus is there’s no chance of chipping!  Minx manicures should last from 4 to 8 days.  Find out more here http://www.minxnails.com/

I’ll definitely be making another appointment to get my hands red carpet ready for this month’s BET Awards!

After hitting the step & repeat for the still photographers, each artist came straight to me.  Always the comedian, Jamie Foxx pulled in front of the cameras with him do some interesting poses!

Jamie will play host on the big night and says he’s going to go hard on all the biggest stars!   Those in the front row beware! 

Keri Hilson was overwhelmed to discover on her first time being nominated she’s up for a grand total of 4 BET Awards! 

This year some edgier acts like MIA (go UK!) and NERD have received nods!

Soulja Boy told me he’s proved his haters wrong.  He’s definitely no one hit wonder!  He could walk away with the Viewers’ Choice Award. 

Catch these stars and many, many more on the BET Awards ‘09 live from LA, June 22nd!!  See you there!!

I’m also inviting you to follow me on Twitter and become a fan on Facebook.  And please feel free to check out my newly re-designed MySpace page.   You’ll find all the links below.

Thank you all for your continued support!