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Music bigs behind innovation institute

Jimmy Iovine, left, and Dr. Dre at the University of Southern California on Wednesday. (Associated Press)
Jimmy Iovine, left, and Dr. Dre at the University of Southern California on Wednesday. (Associated Press)
From Wire Reports

Hip-hop mogul Dr. Dre, whose real name is Andre Young, and music industry entrepreneur Jimmy Iovine have donated a combined $70 million to create a new institute at the University of Southern California, the school announced Tuesday night.

The huge gift from the two who have been music business partners in the past will be used to create the Jimmy Iovine and Andre Young Academy for Arts, Technology and the Business of Innovation. The academy will provide a special four-year program for undergraduates whose interests span several fields from marketing to computer science to visual design and other arts. The academy will accept its first class of 25 students in the fall of 2014.

Iovine is the co-founder of Interscope Records, chairman of Interscope Geffen A&M and a mentor on “American Idol.” Dr. Dre is best known as a producer, solo rapper and co-owner of Death Row records. He later started his own record label, Aftermath Entertainment.

Lopez to get creative for NUVOtv

Jennifer Lopez is the newly appointed chief creative officer of NUVOtv. The versatile J-Lo was announced last fall as a creative partner with the English-language Latino network, but her role was solidified Wednesday as NUVOtv held its upfront for advertisers and prepared for a relaunch of its programming in July.

Lopez said that, with the support of her own production company, she will be involved in marketing, branding and program development. “A network that reflects the modern Latino experience, but in English, must have the quality that everybody has,” she said. NUVOtv is available in 32 million homes.

Lopez will also be the subject of a 90-minute biographical special, the network said. Among new series announced will be “Gotta Dance,” a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of professional dancers accompanying Lopez on a concert tour.

The birthday bunch

Actor Pierce Brosnan is 60. Actress Debra Winger is 58. Actress Mare Winningham is 54. Rock musician Krist Novoselic is 48. Singer Janet Jackson is 47. Actress Tori Spelling is 40. Actress Megan Fox is 27.