Entertainment Briefs: Friday, June 13, 2008

UNITED NATIONS — Ashley Judd says she decided to lend her voice against human trafficking after she "stumbled upon” the issue while visiting brothels, slums, hospices and other clinics in 12 nations to promote public health.

Judd, a two-time Golden Globe nominee whose screen credits include "De-Lovely” and "Kiss the Girls,” also has used her celebrity to focus attention on HIV/AIDS prevention to young adults around the world. She has been serving as a global ambassador for YouthAIDS, an education and prevention program of the group Population Services International.

"I do think that all of the issues are fundamentally connected. They all spring out of gender inequality,” she told reporters.

About 2.5 million people worldwide, most of them women and children, are thought to be victims of the $32 billion annual industry of human trafficking, according to U.N. figures.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Jewel has been honored by the Recording Industry Association of America with a career milestone plaque commemorating sales of more than 18 million albums in the U.S.

Jenny Alves, RIAA's coordinator of artist industry relations, surprised the singer last week as she prepared to sign autographs at the Country Music Association festival.

"This is awesome. Thank you so much,” said Jewel, 34, who also planned to perform at the festival.

Jewel, whose full name is Jewel Kilcher, released a country album, "Perfectly Clear,” on June 3. The lead single, "Stronger Woman,” is No. 15 on the Billboard chart.

Perhaps best known for her pop and rock hits that include "Foolish Games” and "You Were Meant for Me,” Jewel has sold 27 million albums worldwide since her 1995 debut.

Jewel is touring with country singer