Grapevine—Wyclef Jean, Simon Cowell, Conan O'Brien, George Clooney

Haitian hip hop singer Wyclef Jean performs the 43th Montreux Jazz Festival. Jean has called for more aid for Hait earthquake victims. (Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images)

Wyclef Jean Makes Plea for Haiti

Singer and Haitian national Wyclef Jean held a press conference in New York this week calling for the evacuation of Port Au Prince and increased assistance to the victims of last week’s devastating earthquake. In his emotional speech, Jean also denied allegations of wrongdoing related to the appropriation of funds within his charitable organization “Yéle Haiti.”

Simon Cowell Inks Deal with Sony

Former American Idol judge Simon Cowell has entered into a long-term agreement with Sony Music Entertainment. Among the music, film, and television projects Cowell will produce for the media company, will be the upcoming American version of the hit British television show “The X Factor.” The five-year deal also shows Cowell regaining ownership in his production company Syco and bringing to the table music acts such as Leona Lewis, Il Divo, and Susan Boyle. In a statement, Cowell said, “I have had a fantastic relationship with Sony for many years, and I’m delighted we are launching this venture together.”

Conan O'Brien Exit in the Works

Current host of NBC’s “The Tonight Show” Conan O‘Brien is reportedly hashing out the details of his departure from the network as the peacock puts the breaks on it’s primetime/late-night programming experiment. Jay Leno seems set to resume his hosting duties for “The Tonight Show,” and NBC is reportedly offering O’Brien a severance package worth $40 million. Leno said recently on the now failed “The Jay Leno Show,” of O'Brien, “He’s a good guy. I have no animosity for him.”

George Clooney, MTV Team Up for Haiti

Actor George Clooney utilized the spotlight of Sunday’s Golden Globes to tout his upcoming MTV-sponsored relief benefit for Haiti, airing this week on a host of television networks. The actor revealed on the red carpet that singer Wyclef Jean and journalist Anderson Cooper will co-host the celebrity-packed event, along with himself. Clooney told MTV News, “This is about compassion. There are times in our lives when people are really without help and in real danger, and this is one of those times.” “Hope for Haiti” airs live and commercial free on Friday, on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, CNN, BET, the CW, HBO, MTV, VH1, and CMT.