*By Carlo Versano*
Nick Cannon is a busy man.
The multi-talented host, producer, rapper, actor, and comedian is in Atlanta for this weekend's Super Bowl in between his gigs hosting "The Masked Singer," the new hit singing competition on FOX, and filling in for Wendy Williams on her eponymous talk show.
Cannon told Cheddar he built his career by following a simple maxim: "Say no to anything that sounds like work."
You could say he's living that dream now. "The Masked Singer," the show that Cannon hosts and co-executive produces, which pits masked celebrities against one another in a singing battle, is wildly popular, and it may count among the year's biggest cultural phenomenons.
Cannon said he saw the writing on the wall when he first pitched the concept: "\[I thought\] this is definitely going to catch people's attention," he said. "And that's what it did."
With Season 2 already in the works, Cannon said he has a dream guest: Barack Obama, an ex-president known for his [crooning abilities](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6uHR90Sq6k), among other bona fides.
Cannon is currently in Atlanta to do promotional work for IHG Hotels & Resorts, but he'll be back in New York on Monday in order to pinch-hit for Williams as she recovers from health issues. Cannon said he and Williams are "cut from the same cloth," and he's looking forward to filling in while his friend recovers.
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/nick-cannon-says-hes-surprised-the-masked-singer-has-become-a-cultural-phenomenon).
Paramount Global is set to absorb Showtime into Paramount+, creating a single streaming option to compete with the likes of Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max. The company also plans to raise the monthly price from $9.99 to $11.99 per month after the integration.
HBO released a sneak peek of next week's series finale for 'Succession' after four seasons.
Dua Lipa is teasing her new single from the upcoming 'Barbie' movie.
Warner Bros. released the official trailer for the upcoming musical film, 'The Color Purple,' based on the novel and 1985 original film.
Toronto Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. noticed a young boy who had a sign that read he had beaten cancer. Guerrero decided to surprise the young fan.
From the newest 'American Idol' to the end of a 'Bill & Ted's' hot spot, here are your top entertainment headlines.
Cheddar's own Shannon LaNier is taking a staycation, and all week he'll be trying out different summer activities in New York and the surrounding area that will hopefully serve as an inspiration no matter where you live. On Monday, Shannon traveled to Huntington, New York to get a taste of the boating life. He spoke with Maggie Maskery, head of public relations for Discover Boating, about some of the best boat share options.
A guitar destroyed by Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain sold for nearly $600,000 dollars on Saturday at an auction in a Hard Rock Café in New York City.
Scores of Boston University students turned their backs on the head of one of Hollywood's biggest studios, and some shouted “pay your writers,” as he gave the school's commencement address Sunday in a stadium where protesters supporting the Hollywood writers' strike picketed outside.
The laws are “openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals," the NAACP wrote over the weekend.
