The couple managed to keep their romance under wraps until Nelly confirmed that the pair were dating last November, but now the twosome has split amid claims that the rapper wasn’t ready to settle down with Ashanti.

According to The New York Daily News, Nelly has been nursing his broken heart by spending time with Canadian video model Melyssa Ford.

Nelly is pitching a weekly variety TV series to several networks.

Nelly’s Night in Vegas would feature Nelly performing and interacting with celebs, Variety reported on Thursday.

“I was thinking about what was missing on TV, and when this idea came about, it made sense for me,” says Nelly, whose real name Cornell Iral Haynes Jr. “We do have talkshows, but no one’s speaking from the pop culture perspective. Let’s get a little more pop, a little more edge, a little bit younger, and not look like you’re sitting in the principal’s office. As a performer, that’s the type of show you look forward to going on.”

After five years of low-profile dating, Nelly is ready to propose to Grammy Award-winning singer Ashanti. So what’s holding him back? Rumor has it it’s Ashanti’s mother, Tina Douglas.

“Tina sticks her nose in everything because she’s also Ashanti’s manager,” whispers one Star Magazine snitch. “She’s always pushing Ashanti to make more money, to always look great. It stresses her out, and Nelly doesn’t like that.’”

“Tina has such a strong personality that she’s kind of afraid of her,” adds the spy.

“Before he makes her his wife. Nelly wants to know that Ashanti can make decisions on her own.’”

Watch Nelly “One And Only” Video Premiere

Nelly fronts Sean John’s Spring/Summer 2009 ad campaign.

Akon joined hip-hop power couple Nelly and Ashanti for a performance of the “Body on Me” on Leno last night.

Nelly hangs out with two of his biggest fans on this week’s edition of Yahoo! Pepsi Smash.

Nelly “Brass Knuckles” Album Cover

Nelly will make a multi-episode guest appearance as a club owner/informant on the forensic crime series CSI: NY this Fall.

“He’s a great actor,” Pam Veasey, the show’s executive producer, told Entertainment Weekly of Nellz’ guest spot. “He really stepped up.”