The Grapevine: Lance Bass, Kara DioGuardi, Elton John, Joss Stone

Former *NSYNC crooner Lance Bass, 32, disclosed to New York Magazine at a recent public event that VH1 has purchased a boy-band competition reality series that he has developed.

The show, yet to be titled, will feature former boy-band members, including A.J. McLean (Backstreet Boys), Joey McIntyre (New Kids on the Block), Joey Fatone (*NSYNC), and possibly Bobby Brown (New Edition), who will each create a boy band and go head-to-head in competition. An excited Bass told Vulture, “It’s a really great music show. … It’s going to be really fun.”

Joss Stone targeted in murder plot

U.K. soul singer Joss Stone was the target of a strange murder-robbery plot involving swords, and two would-be assailants have been arrested near her rural home. The men, aged 33 and 30, were arrested by police when neighbours noticed them driving around slowly and suspiciously near Stone’s home, according to the Sun newspaper.

Police said the men may have been after her for her $15 million fortune. “Both have been charged with conspiracy to commit robbery and conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm,” a police spokesperson told the Sun. The men also had ropes and a body bag in their possession, reported E! Online, along with blueprints of her house and aerial views of the property. Stone said in a release: “I'd like to thank everyone for their concern but I’m absolutely fine and getting on with life as normal while the police continue with their enquiries.”

Kara DioGuardi hits Broadway

Music maker and former “American Idol” judge Kara DioGuardi, 40, is set to join the cast of the Broadway show “Chicago.” As reported by Entertainment Weekly, beginning on Sept. 5 for eight weeks, DioGuardi will take over the role of Roxie Hart currently being performed by Christie Brinkley. DioGuardi can also be seen as one of the judges on cable network Bravo’s songwriting competition series “Platinum Hit.”

Elton John to hold annual gala for charity

Legendary entertainer Sir Elton John, 64, is set to hold the annual White Tie & Tiara Ball at his grand country estate in Old Windsor, U.K., on June 23. The grand fete is a social calendar highlight that has drawn A-listers year after year from stage and screen, including Diana Ross, Kate Winslet, Catherine Zeta Jones, Michael Douglas, and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Beginning with a champagne reception, the event includes strolls through John’s formal gardens, dinner, auction, live performances, and dancing till dawn with breakfast included. Since its inception 13 years ago, the event has raised 40 million pounds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, according to the foundation’s website www.ejaf.com.