KATT W. HEADED TO JAIL? NOT RETIREMENT

The hits just keep on coming for Katt Williams. Police in the state of Washington have issued a warrant for his arrest after he skipped a court hearing yesterday (Dec. 12). Williams was arrested in Seattle on Dec. 2 after he was allegedly involved in a vicious bar fight and booked on suspicion of harassment, assault, and obstructing police charges. He was due to appear in court today to be formally arraigned, but he never showed up, prompting officials to issue a warrant for his arrest. According to TMZ, the 39-year-old’s attorney claimed his client was absent due to a “medical issue.” This is the latest in a slew of legal woes for the star – he was recently hit with a lawsuit from a fan over allegations he struck the man with a microphone during a stand-up gig earlier this month. Last week, he was arrested following a previous high-speed police chase in Sacramento, California. Earlier this month, he was caught on tape smacking an employee in Target.

NICKI GETS SERIOUS ABOUT HER JOB

Nicki Minaj is taking her “American Idol’ gig very seriously.She has been on the road with her fellow judges Mariah Carey, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson filming audition rounds for season 12, which premieres Jan. 16 on FOX. The artist told us exactly what she’s wants to see in contestants before agreeing to pass them through Hollywood. “Someone that walks in and is sure of themselves when they’re performing,” she said. “It’s okay to be shy, you know, because some people are shy and they just burst into singing, but when they sing it’s just like magic and it kind of makes you feel like wait a minute, you don’t already have a record deal? A lot of America is going to feel like that too. We’re looking for someone that is going to be remembered, you know? I want it to be someone that is really, really special.” Minaj says she’s working for the show that set the bar for televised singing competitions.

CELEBRITY QUICKIES

Jay-Z enlisted the help of his wife Beyonce and a host of friends to launch his new cognac in Florida. The rap mogul unveiled his new liquor D’usse cognac with a lavish bash at the LIV Nightclub in Miami over the weekend .Coming out to support were Kelly Rowland, The-Dream, Young Chris and Paris Hilton, among others.D’usse is Jay Z’s joint venture with booze giant Bacardi.

Just in time for the season of giving thanks, Brian McKnight drops a track with one simple sentiment, "You make everything in my life much sweeter. "The song is laden with the Grammy-award winner's smooth R&B vocals, but has a contemporary vibe to it. The singer himself calls it a "groovy love song" which makes it perfect for cozying up in the winter with loved ones. He once wooed women by listing his "five steps" to sweeping a lady off her feet. Now he's back at it again. For this joint, however, McKnight is counting the ways in which his special someone has changed his life. Check out Brian McKnight's latest track, "Sweeter." Be sure to watch for his forthcoming album when it drops Feb. 26. (theboombox)