Usher is the proud owner of a new goldendoodle puppy. He spent a whopping $12,000 on the pooch but the proceeds go to Pencils of Promise, a charity that provides educational resources to impoverished nations.
The crooner beat out “Gossip Girl” star Jessica Szohr for the puppy. Judging by the fist pump and smile Usher wore as he claimed his prize, he’s very happy with his choice. He even posted a potential name for the dog on his Twitter page. “Poppy Raymond is what I’m think of namin’ her . . . however there are two gregarious three- and four-year-olds that will have the last say—and the responsibility that comes with her,” he said, referring to sons Usher V and Naviyd.
Although Usher walked away with a pet, he also donated something to be auctioned: himself! Usher offered a private dance lesion for auction which ended up being a tie between Scooter Braun, who manages Justin Bieber and is the brother of Adam Braun, a founder of Pencils of Promise, and another family. As a result, Usher is giving out two dance lessons for $65,000 a pop.
While Usher is picking out collars for his puppy, Beyoncé and Jay-Z were denied the right to trademark Blue Ivy. As ABS previously reported, the trademark was granted to a wedding planner, who started using the name for her business in 2009. Beyoncé and Jay-Z are still allowed to use the name for their own ventures since it wouldn’t cause the planner to lose any business. The couple planned to use the name for a line of baby products. At least Beyoncé has her performance at the next Super Bowl to look forward to—and the singer definitely seems to be excited. She recently shared a picture of an advertisement for the show in Time Square and according to the YBF, she hinted at “Touchdown” being the name of a new project.
In other slightly football related news, Evelyn Lozada plans to drop the no-contact order against ex-husband and NFLer Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson. According to TMZ, Johnson is close to completing his domestic violence classes and will ask a judge to revoke the no-contact order and his probation. If this happens, Lozada would have to file a formal restraining order to keep Johnson away from her but sources say she isn’t going to do it because she wants to “move on.”
