3/24 Peach Buzz: The show goes on, even in Japan

How's this for timing? Atlanta R&B singer Ne-Yo has just embarked on a long-scheduled tour -- in Japan. "The crowds are great," Ne-Yo told us by e-mail. "Everyone is excited and spirits are high. They definitely needed a quick escape from the sorrow of the quake and tsunami, which is why we decided to come regardless of the tragedy." He's there minus some of his backup dancers, who opted out due to safety concerns. "I couldn't blame them for being scared," he told us. "However, I come from a school where the show must go on." In fact, he's found a way to aid storm and earthquake victims, dedicating proceeds from the sale of wristbands, T-shirt and posters to funds supporting relief efforts. "Our purpose in coming was not recognition or praise, it was to spread a little joy in a time of pain and strife," Ne-Yo said. He arrived Saturday in Nagoya, Japan, and has performed a few times this week. He has one more concert in Japan today, and then his tour wraps up later this month in South Korea. "Pray for our safe return," he told us. "Pray for Japan."

Best birthday wishes

We'd love to think that NeNe Leakes has a sweet birthday surprise planned for her fellow "Celebrity Apprentice" cast member Star Jones today. Maybe not. Appearing on Wednesday's episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," Leakes lit into Jones, calling her bossy, manipulative and conniving. "She is a disaster," Leakes said, clearing up any confusion about her feelings. Jones has been shooting from the lip as well, telling Daytime Confidential that the two are "not on the same level. Cream rises to the top and water seeks its own level." She also noted, though, that the Donald Trump reality show wasn't meant as a place to make new friends. "They cast the show based on what they thought would generate good ratings," Jones said. Wait a minute. You mean this well-publicized feud could be a ploy to jack up ratings?