Johnson Eyeing Sheila E.

Magic Johnson is said to be eyeing Latin percussionist Sheila E. to be the bandleader on his proposed late-night syndicated talk show in development at 20th Century Fox. People magazine says Johnson has been a fan of Sheila E.'s since meeting her a couple of years ago backstage at one of her concerts. If it happens, the new gig would make Sheila E. the first female bandleader of a national talk show. Fox is planning to launch Johnson's show this fall.

King of the Pop

Entertainment Weekly says Michael Jackson has agreed to endorse a new soda for the first time since taking the Pepsi challenge in 1984. He'll champion the Mystery Drink, a new beverage from a German manufacturer. Already on sale in parts of Europe, the fruit-flavored health drink will become available in Asia, South Africa, the Middle East and elsewhere as Jackson embarks on the second leg of his concert series May 31. Jackson was said to have had a hand in the drink's recipe, insisting that the company not use "anything artificial in it."

Kathie Lee: Standing By Her Man?

A confidant says Frank and Kathie Lee Gifford plan to let the dust settle before deciding what to do following Frank's alleged hotel rendezvous with a flight attendant. People magazine quotes Gary Smalley, a friend and marriage consultant, as saying Frank "is contrite" and that Kathie Lee, star of "Live with Regis & Kathie Lee," is angry. But the couple agreed not to make any decisions for a while, maybe three months, until they can think more clearly about their future. Seven years ago, Kathie Lee and Frank appeared in an infomercial, "Growing in Love," promoting Smalley and his self-help videotapes and books.

Sampras Courts Actress

Tennis star Pete Sampras is courting actress Kimberly Williams, who starred in "Father of the Bride" and "Relativity." "They seem to get along really well," Sampras's older brother Gus tells People magazine. "I think Pete's looking for someone with a good heart, someone who is close to her family, and Kim has those qualities. That's very much like he is." Williams is less forthcoming. "We just prefer to keep the details to ourselves."

Cage to the Rescue

Nicolas Cage says he flicked his Bic to help make "Con Air" into the movie it is. "Without tooting my own horn, I brought a lot to the role," he says. Cage reveals that his convict character in the original script was not "an Army ranger, he was not that Southern, he didn't have this scenario with the bunny rabbit. He didn't have a family-reunion scene, which was very important to me. And the Bishop character was a man, not a woman, and I wanted her to be female ... And in that one scene, which I did write, in which I say, 'I'm going to show you God does exist,' I thought that would be an interesting thing to say in an action movie."

Berkley: Wrapped in Lettuce

Elizabeth Berkley agreed to wrap herself in a $600 gown made of collard greens on behalf of a vegetarian campaign sponsored by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. A source at a photo shoot for the "Lettuce Be Lean" campaign told People magazine that during the photo shoot Berkley "had to be misted every 20 minutes, like a produce section." Berkley, who wore little or nothing in the film "Showgirls," says she is a life-long vegetarian.

'Dreamworks' Project Under Fire

Environmentalists opposed to DreamWorks' planned home in coastal Los Angeles have called for a boycott of the Steven Spielberg-directed "The Lost World: Jurassic Park" and its product tie-ins. DreamWorks officials said they don't think the boycott will have any impact. The boycott is the latest move from environmentalists who have protested the project, which is planned for the suburb of Playa Vista, just north of Los Angeles International Airport. They say the project will ruin environmentally sensitive wetlands.

Disneyland Magic

Disneyland has unveiled its new high-tech laser-lighted spectacular called "Light Magic." It replaces the "Main Street Electrical Parade," the Anaheim, Calif. theme park's aging nighttime show. Eight huge rolling stages that become movie screens are used in the show. The show premiered last night to an opening night crowd of 20,000 people.

Student Prince

Instead of joining Prince William at Eton in September, Britain's Prince Harry has been held back at his private school Ludgrove. People magazine says the younger son of Prince Charles and Princess Diana reportedly is grappling with a mild learning problem. People says Charles took 12-year-old Harry to a child psychologist for an evaluation this year, leaving Diana furious that she was left out of the loop. A longtime Palace watcher says the princess then took Harry to a second psychologist. Currently, Harry, 12, is being tutored as he crams for next year's Common Entrance exam.

Wood's Exhibit to Get Rolling

Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood will soon be running a retrospective exhibition of his artwork in London and Dublin. Subjects range from Chuck Berry to Mick Jagger. The limited-edition prints are to be put on display in the British and Irish capitals next month. Lithographs of the Rolling Stones are on sale for $5,000 apiece.

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