Entertainment Blog: News Flash!
By Atoosa Arfa
OnlineTickets.com
Missing Disney Actor Turns Up Safe
Wednesday, Apr. 23 – Early yesterday morning, "That’s So Raven" star Orlando Brown was reported missing. Today, the 20-year-old actor has returned safe and has apologized for his actions.
Orlando Brown, who played Eddie Thomas on the popular Disney children’s sitcom and is now dabbling in music, went missing around 10:20 am Tuesday morning after taking a short trip to a nearby 7-Eleven and never returning. Now, Brown explained:
"It was wrong for me not to
inform my manager...about my whereabouts, especially when I am
usually so routine and big on communication, but I felt a little lost
and needed to get away."
Brown went on to say he was upset at "how we as entertainers are so
disrespected at times" after an incident at a nightclub where he had
expected to open for the headlining act.
"I felt that that was my chance to prove that I was talented and I
was really excited," Brown said. "When I was told that I couldn't
perform...that really hurt. He said the circumstance was “overwhelming” and caused Brown to run away “to be alone." Tia Mowry Ties The Knot
Monday, Apr. 21 – "Sister, Sister" star Tia Mowry tied the knot with longtime beau Cory Hardrict yesterday in Santa Barbara – with twin sister Tamera as maid of honor.
Mowry, who is 29, and Hardrict, who is 28, held their nuptials at a Four Seasons Resort in front of 170 friends and family members. The quiet 30-minute wedding was followed by a Midsummer Night’s Dream-themed reception in the hotel ballroom.
Tia, who has starred alongside sister Tamera in shows such as “Sister, Sister” as well as the made for television movies “Seventeen Again,” “Twitches,” and sequel “Twitches Too,” currently stars independently of her sister in the CW sitcom “The Game.”
The wedding comes a little over a year after Hardrict proposed to Mowry on Christmas Day 2006. Before the engagement, the couple was together for six years, first meeting while on the set of the independent film "Hollywood Horror."
Famed Disney Animator Dies
Tuesday, Apr. 15 – The golden era of Walt Disney animated classics has lost the last of its greatest contributors yesterday, Ollie Johnston, who died out of natural causes in Washington state.
Ollie Johnston, who was 95 years old, is best known for his animated work on Disney classics, including "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," "Bambi," "Fantasia," "Pinocchio," "Cinderella," "Peter Pan," "Sleeping Beauty," "Alice in Wonderland," "The Aristocats," "Mary Poppins," "101 Dalmations," "The Rescuers," "Lady and the Tramp," and "Robin Hood." In fact, Johnston was known as one of Walt Disney’s own “Nine Old Men,” referring to the nine animators who worked under Walt Disney himself during the early years of the company.
Johnston and his close friend Frank Thomas, who died in 2004, were considered the greatest of the “Nine Old Men.” The two had met at Stanford University while studying art in the 1930s, and began working for Walt Disney together. When they retired in 1978, they both visited various schools and festivals in the United States and Europe and wrote many books together, including “The Disney Villains,” “Bambi: The Story and the Film,” and “Disney Animation: The Illusion of Life.” Frank Thomas’s son Ted also produced the 1995 documentary “Frank and Ollie” based on the lives of the two animators.
Some of Johnston’s awards include a 1989 Disney Legends Award and the National Medal of Arts in 2005.
Singing in the Workplace
Tuesday, Apr. 8 – There’s going to be a new reality show competition in the works very soon. It has just been announced that Joey Fatone from NSYNC and Melanie Brown from the Spice Girls will be hosting a new television show on TLC called “The Singing Office.”
The premise of the show? Think “American Idol” meets “Making the Band” meets “The Office.”
Basically, Joey Fatone and Mel B will be showing up at two random workplaces in the United States, holding spontaneous singing auditions for employees. Then, they will pluck out five of the most talented employees from each workplace and create two new singing groups, where the employees will receive group and vocal training in time for the competitive showdown in front of a live studio audience.
However, "The Singing Office" is not meant to be a high-strung competition. Mel B assures that the show just wants to “give people a break from their everyday lives” and allow them to “have fun with their co-workers.”
"The Singing Office" will premiere in June 2008.
Kathie Lee Gifford Returns to Television
Tuesday, Apr. 1 – It looks like Kathie Lee Gifford, who used to co-host with Regis Philbin on “Live With Regis and Kathie Lee” until 2000, will be returning to morning television on April 7.
Kathie Lee will become part of the same ranks of Matt Lauer and Meredith Vieira, two current hosts of NBC’s Today Show, by becoming the host of the fourth hour of “Today,” which focuses on very feature-heavy material. Joining Kathie Lee will be Hoda Kotb, another fourth-hour co-anchor. Natalie Morales, who currently hosts the fourth hour, will begin hosting the third hour alongside Ann Curry and Al Roker, who also formerly co-hosted the fourth hour but will now discontinue that post and focus on the show’s other hours.
This new post is Kathie Lee’s third so far in her career; before co-hosting with Regis Philbin for fifteen years, Kathie Lee reported for Good Morning America.
Two Girls for Halle Berry and Soleil Moon Frye
Wednesday, Mar. 19 – Last week, Melissa Joan Hart gave birth to her second child, Braydon. This week, two more celebrities have become mothers: Halle Berry and Soleil Moon Frye.
On Sunday, Halle Berry gave birth to her first child with model boyfriend Gabriel Aubry. The newborn girl’s name is Nahla Ariela Aubry, with “Nahla” meaning “honeybee” in Arabic.
Then, on Monday, Soleil Moon Frye, a former child star probably most famously known as Punky Brewster, gave birth to her second child, Jagger Joseph Blue Goldberg (yes, that’s a girl). Jagger becomes the newest sister of Poet Sienna Rose Goldberg, the two-year-old daughter of Soleil and her husband, producer Jason Goldberg. Ironically enough, the birth comes a week after Soleil’s best friend and former co-star Melissa Joan Hart’s birth of her second child, Braydon.
Halle Berry, who is 41, and Gabriel Aubry, who is 32, first met in 2005 while they were shooting a Versace ad. They are not married, however, probably due to Berry’s rough first two marriages and her desire never to marry again. Soleil Moon Frye, who is 31, and Jason Goldberg, who is 36, first met in 1996 on the set of 1998’s "Wild Horses," which Goldberg produced and Frye wrote and directed. They married in 1998.
Director Anthony Minghella Dies
Tuesday, Mar. 18 – Oscar winner Anthony Minghella, who directed such top-rated Hollywood films as “The English Patient,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” “Cold Mountain,” and “Truly Madly Deeply,” has reportedly died today at the age of 54. No other details have been given regarding his death.
Minghella’s most famous movie, “The English Patient,” – which was a film adaptation of Michael Ondaatje’s famous novel of the same name - won nine Academy Awards in 1996 including Best Director. Minghella was also nominated for Best Screenplay for “The English Patient,” as well as “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” although he did not win.
Recently, Minghella served as executive producer for 2008’s Oscar-nominated "Michael Clayton." He had also directed a highly praised version of "Madame Butterfly" by Puccini at the New York Metropolitan Opera in 2006. Before his death, Minghella had been in Botswana, filming “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” an adaptation of Alexander McCall Smith’s novel of the same name.
Paris Hilton’s Desperate New BFF Search
Friday, Mar. 14 – Oh, boy. The next reality television show to hit MTV will be… “Paris Hilton’s My New BFF.” A joke? Sadly, no.
Ever since Nicole Richie’s pregnancy, Paris Hilton has miserably been without a best friend forever. Now, she’s offering hopefuls across the country a chance to be her new sidekick. Don’t worry – Paris assures that “there’s nothing that’s really hard” about being her best friend. However, she warns that her life is nothing like “The Simple Life,” and that the hopefuls need to endure sorority-like rituals and learn Paris BFF basics by fidelity, stamina, and ‘girl politics’ competitions that will eliminate each of the 20 finalists one by one until there’s only one person standing.
What exactly is Paris looking for in a BFF? She claims that all she wants is a person she can trust, won’t stab her in the back, and “someone she can have fun with, who could be like her sister.” Paris will also be examining the way they party, their ability to get into clubs, and their shopping habits.
For those people who are dying to be Paris’s new sidekick, head on over to www.ParisBFF.com to apply. The show will begin filming in May.
Scarlett Johansson’s eBay Auction
Thursday, Mar. 13 – Scarlett Johansson auctioned herself on eBay – and won $40,100 dollars for it!
Actually, the auction was a chance for a lucky person to accompany her to the summer premiere of her new movie, “He’s Just Not That Into You,” also starring Jennifer Aniston and Ben Affleck. The winner has not yet been identified by name, but he currently lives in England. The money he paid on eBay will go to the Oxfam charity organization, which provides money to combat “poverty and injustice,” according to its website.
Scarlett follows the lead of other actresses such as Charlize Theron, who auctioned on eBay a chance to have dinner with her back in 2002. The $38,000 received went to the South African Children’s Charity Project.
Catch Scarlett Johansson in “The Other Boleyn Girl,” currently playing in theatres and also starring Natalie Portman, Eric Bana, Kristin Scott Thomas, and Jim Sturgess.
Melissa Joan Hart Gives Birth
Wednesday, Mar. 12 – Hollywood, here comes another baby! Yesterday, Melissa Joan Hart gave birth to her second child, Braydon Hart Wilkerson, at 3 pm in Los Angeles.
Braydon is the second child for Melissa Joan Hart, 31, star of the old Nickelodeon shows “Clarissa Explains it All” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” and husband Mark Wilkerson, member of the Grammy Award-nominated band Course of Nature. Their first son, Mason, is two years old.
Melissa and Mark married back in 2003 in Florence, Italy. Melissa has not done much in recent years, only appearing as a guest star on Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, and a starring role on ABC Family’s Holiday in Handcuffs TV movie.
Britney Spears Returns to Television
Tuesday, Mar. 11 – Britney Spears may still be battling an ongoing legal fight for custody and control of her kids, but the pop star is going to take a little time out of her personal problems to return to prime-time television.
However, Britney herself couldn’t jump into this deal by herself. She received permission by her father, Jamie, to appear on an upcoming episode of "How I Met Your Mother," and she also will only receive an allowance of $1,500 a week to spend money.
CBS’s "How I Met Your Mother" was one of the shows affected by the Writer's Strike. However, now that it’s back up and running, it’s returning with a huge bang by featuring Britney on one of its episodes. As of now, CBS is not revealing many details, but a source has revealed that Britney has already participated in a table read of the episode, set to air supposedly on March 24. Britney will reportedly play a ditzy woman at a doctor’s office who falls in love with the show’s main character, Ted (Josh Radnor).
Britney is no stranger to the small screen. Besides starring in “Chaotic,” a reality television show featuring her and then-husband Kevin Federline back in 2004, Britney has also guest-starred on "Will and Grace," another prime-time show, back in 2006, where she played a conservative Christian talk show host.
Jamie Lynn Spears passes GED
Tuesday, Feb. 26 - Jamie Lynn Spears may have gotten pregnant, but it looks like Britney's little sister is determined not to continue on her sister's destructive path. It has been reported that Jamie Lynn has passed her GED high school equivalency exam and is now looking forward to attending college.
Just about a month ago, paparazzi had snapped pictures of Jamie Lynn, in her home state of Louisiana, holding a GED book and heading off to the Tangipahoa Parish School System Adult Education Center, which prepares people for the GED exam. Jamie Lynn's mother, Lynne Spears, has also been recently photographed at the Title I Parent Center, an institution that aids parents in instilling valuable life and learning skills in their children.
Jamie Lynn Spears has previously expressed interest in attending Louisiana State University in the future. Now that her Nickelodeon television show Zoey 101 has officially stopped filming, hopefully Jamie Lynn takes a break from the spotlight for a while to focus on education and family.
And the Oscar Goes To... *Yawn*
Monday, Feb. 25 - The three-month-long Writers' Strike finally ended, giving way to the anticipated 80th Annual Academy Awards last night. However, the night failed to draw enough viewers, and in fact scored an all-time low in Oscar history - only receiving 32 million viewers.
This all-time low may have been caused by several factors, including exasperation from Hollywood due to constant re-runs and tasteless reality shows aired on television during the strike, numerous foreign and unfamiliar nominees, and films that received rave critic reviews but failed to draw in audiences to the theaters.
The big winner of the night was the Coen brothers' drama "No Country for Old Men," which won four Oscars, including Best Picture, Achievement in Directing, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Javier Bardem). Following behind was "The Bourne Ultimatum," which won Achievement in Sound Mixing, Sound Editing, and Film Editing, as well as "There Will Be Blood," which won Best Actor in a Leading Role (Daniel Day-Lewis) and Achievement in Cinematography.
"Ratatouille" won Best Animated Feature, the French actress Marion Cotillard won Best Actress in a Leading Role for "La Vie en Rose," Tilda Swinton won Best Actress in a Supporting Role for "Michael Clayton," "Sweeney Todd" won Achievement in Art Direction, "Elizabeth: The Golden Age" won Achievement in Costume Design, Diablo Cody won Best Original Screenplay for "Juno," and "Atonement" won Best Original Score.
Host Jon Stewart did his best to liven up the ceremony, as did the performances from "Enchanted," "Once," and "August Rush," but the dark film nominees and lifeless theme of the show (Past Winners) couldn't help make the 80th Annual Academy Awards as memorable this year.
The "Party" Stops Briefly for Aaron Carter
Friday, Feb. 22 - As his 2001 hit song goes, "Aaron, oh Aaron, what are we going to do with you?" In fact, what exactly are we going to do with all these troubled teen stars? Aaron Carter, younger brother of Backstreet Boys' Nick Carter and former boyfriend of Hilary Duff and Lindsay Lohan, is just the latest former child star to run into trouble with the law, having been arrested on drug possession yesterday in a small Texas county.
The 20-year-old Aaron Carter was reportedly stopped by Kimble County police for driving five miles above regular speed limit. Police then found less than two ounces of marijuana in Carter's Cadillac Escalade and arrested the singer with misdemeanor charges. Carter spent the night at the Kimble County jail and posted bail this morning.
Today, Carter's manager explained that Carter had been on his way to Florida (his home state) to drop off his two dogs onto a large ranch to live. However, following the arrest and jail time, Carter has now planned to return to Los Angeles.
Aaron Carter, who enjoyed fame with the teens in the early millennium with hits such as "Aaron's Party," "I Want Candy," "That's How I Beat Shaq," "Bounce," "Not Too Young, Not Too Old," and "Summertime," has been out of the spotlight for a while, only having been featured on the E! Reality series House of Carters in 2006. On his MySpace blog, Carter has revealed that he is spending time in the studio, both recording his own music and producing for other artists, with rumors of a new single called "Ride It."
Pink and Motocross Husband Carey Hart Separate
Tuesday, Feb. 19 - Another day, another breakup in that drama-filled place called Hollywood. After months of speculation, it has been reported that eccentric singer Pink has split from her husband of two years, motocross racer Carey Hart.
The separation comes a few months after Hart was observed being a little too friendly with an unidentified blonde at a club during Pink's European tour back in August. Only a few days ago, Hart was again spotted with an unidentified brunette woman in Las Vegas' Tabu Ultra Lounge, only greater fueling the breakup rumors. Pink herself has also held her share in relationship drama in the past, having been snapped with female companions from time to time, including actress Kristanna Loken, and even admitting that she had a girlfriend in high school.
Pink (born Alecia More) and Hart had originally met at the 2001 X Games in Las Vegas. They then were a couple from time to time from 2001 to 2005, but then in June of 2005, during one of Hart's motocross races, Pink popped the big question to her boyfriend (not the other way around, in true unconventional "Pink" style), and the couple married in Costa Rica on January 7, 2006.
Despite the divorce, sources claim that both Pink and Hart are still "best friends" with great "love and respect" for each other.
Kirsten Dunst, Eva Mendes Check into Rehab
Thursday, Feb. 7 - Just when only a few weeks ago weddings and pregnancies seemed to be all the rage in Hollywood, checking into rehab seems to be the latest trend.
Just last week, Ghost Rider star Eva Mendes checked into Utah's Cirque Lodge rehab center (the former temporary home of Lindsay Lohan and Mary-Kate Olsen) to deal with undisclosed personal issues. Today, it has been reported that Kirsten Dunst has also checked into the Cirque Lodge.
Kirsten Dunst has a pretty big reputation and even bigger resume in Hollywood, having starred in such high-profile films as the Spider-Man franchise, Marie Antoinette, Elizabethtown, Wimbledon, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Mona Lisa Smile, Drop Dead Gorgeous, and The Virgin Suicides in recent years. She also just finished wrapping up the movie "How to Lose Friends and Alienate People." But the 25-year-old actress has been in the celebrity spotlight since 1994, where she starred alongside Tom Cruise in Interview with a Vampire at the age of twelve. As a child, she also appeared in the films Little Women, Jumanji, and she voiced young Anastasia in the 1997 cartoon hit Anastasia.
Her Best Friend Leslie Says "She's Just Being Miley"
Thursday, Jan. 31 - Fifteen-year-old "Hannah Montana" star Miley Cyrus recently officially changed her name - from "Destiny Hope Cyrus" to "Miley Ray Cyrus."
The new alias came about after her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, began calling her "Smiley" because she smiled so much as a child. The "s" mysteriously went away and from there on out, Destiny Hope Cyrus became known as "Miley" to all her family and friends. Of course, Miley's fans always knew her simply as "Miley," thanks to her character on Hannah Montana - Miley Stewart - and of course, her role as one of Disney's biggest superstars.
The middle name Ray was placed to honor Miley's father, country singer Billy Ray Cyrus, who she has an exceptionally close relationship with. Just on Saturday, Billy Ray came on stage to support Miley when she fell sick in New Orleans during her Hannah Montana concert. Miley sang the song "Ready Set Don't Go" with her father while she sat on a stool for the rest of the concert.
Of course, audiences were touched. So while Miley's destiny may not be to bring hope to the world anymore, at least she's making everyone "smiley."
Heath Ledger Dead at 28
Tuesday, Jan. 22 - It was reported today that Heath Ledger, the 28-year-old Australian actor who was Oscar-nominated for his role in Brokeback Mountain, was found dead in his New York City SoHo apartment, naked on his bed with sleeping pills in his room. As of now police can't say for sure whether Heath Ledger's death was suicide or an accidental overdose, but they have ruled out foul play. Heath Ledger's family have spoken out, saying that his death was accidental and that he was suffering from pneumonia at the time. The facts are still continuing to unfold, but no matter the reason for his death, the truth is painfully plain and clear:
Today Hollywood has lost one of its most promising actors.
Heath Ledger had risen to fame starring in the '90s teen flick "10 Things I Hate About You," and later "A Knight's Tale." He also starred in "Monster's Ball," "Casanova," "The Patriot," and what could be his most famous role as a gay cowboy in "Brokeback Mountain." Just recently, he starred in the Bob Dylan biopic "I'm Not There," and finished wrapping up "The Dark Knight" - the sequel to 2005's "Batman Begins" - where he portrayed the villainous Joker as a tortured, suffering soul (an approach much different from Jack Nicholson's Joker in 1989). "The Dark Knight" is slated to be released in July 2008 and will be Heath Ledger's final performance.
Heath Ledger leaves behind his former fiancee, Michelle Williams, with whom he has a 2-year-old child with named Matilda. He and Williams had met on the set of Brokeback Mountain. Williams, who was filming a movie in Sweden, is reportedly devastated and flew to New York immediately when she heard the news.
All in all, most have reported his death as a shocking, tragic loss in the entertainment industry.
Keifer Sutherland Released From Jail
Monday, Jan. 21 - Keifer Sutherland, also known as the gritty Jack Bauer on FOX's 24, has been released from jail this morning after serving 48 days for drunk driving.
During his stay in jail, Sutherland spent most of his time performing laundry duty, including cleaning and changing sheets, blankets, and pillowcases. Officer John Bailan claimed that Sutherland was "very humble" and "never complained" during his 48-day sentence.
In a striking difference from the jail experiences of Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, and Lindsay Lohan, Sutherland was not able to be released early from jail for good behavior or jail overcrowding because the court granted a request for him to spend his time at the Glendale city jail rather than the Los Angeles County jail.
Back in October, Sutherland had been arrested for drunk-driving with a high blood-alcohol level. He had been sentenced to 30 days in jail for that arrest, and 18 days for probation violation from a previous drunk-driving arrest back in 2004. Sutherland still needs to serve five years of probation and attend an 18-month alcohol education program as well as a 6-month weekly therapy session.
Katherine Heigl's Suprising Habit
Friday, Jan. 18 – Katherine Heigl, who stars in the new movie "27 Dresses," recently opened up about one of her biggest bad habits - smoking.
Smoking is a surprising habit coming from Katherine Heigl, who is best known as doctor-in-training Izzie Stevens on the hit ABC show "Grey's Anatomy." Not only that, Heigl was raised as a Mormon, a religion that decries the cancer-prone habit.
Heigl claims that she first began smoking at a bar when she was 22 or 23 years old, thinking she wasn't going to get addicted. Then, she justified her lack of addiction by never buying a pack of cigarettes and only "bumming" from friends and strangers. Now, at 29, Heigl knows she's addicted and has tried everything she could to quit, from anti-depressants to the patch to the gum.
At least Katherine Heigl has support from her fans. During an appearance to promote her new movie 27 Dresses (which also stars Hairspray's James Marsden), a concerned fan offered the blonde actress some Nicorette gum as a gift. Who knows, maybe Katherine Heigl will follow her fan's advice and kick the foul habit to the curb soon...
Britney Spears' Hospitalization and Visit With Dr. Phil
Monday, January 7 – Looks like the Spears family didn't make a New Years Resolution to stay away from the spotlight in 2008. A new year has come upon us and the Britney saga continues to worsen each week.
On January 3, Britney Spears was taken away in an ambulance because of California's 5150 Hold law, which claims that if she is believed to be a danger to herself and those around her, she needs to be held for 72 hours for evaluation. Britney had reportedly locked herself and one-year-old Jayden in a room in her home in order to avoid handing over her children to Kevin Federline. Early reports had also claimed that Britney had threatened to commit suicide and was under the influence of an unidentifiable substance.
Now, a few days after the commotion, a source claims that Britney tested completely clean at Cedars-Sinai and that she had never threatened suicide. Family friends have also come forth saying that Britney takes anti-anxiety pills and has suffered from undiagnosed bipolar disorder for quite some time now, two reasons that may explain her erratic behavior. Sources have also claimed that Britney has suffered from postpartum depression after the birth of her two sons.
Even television's Dr. Phil McGraw personally came to speak to Britney at the hospital, where he realized that Britney "is in dire need of both medical and psychological intervention." Dr. Phil, who has maintained a relationship with the Spears family for a while, will dedicate his Tuesday show to the fallen pop star.
Kanye West’s 2008 Celebration
Thursday, Jan. 3 – Wondering what Kanye West and Beyonce were doing on New Year's Eve? Instead of drinking champagne and watching fireworks at Jay-Z's newly opened 40/40 Club in Las Vegas, Kanye and Beyonce sat down for the most competitive showdown of 2007 - a Connect Four contest!
According to Kanye West's blog, Beyonce is a "legendary connect 4 champion" who certainly lived up to that title - she beat the "Stronger" rapper 9 times in a row before he finally won and took a picture to prove it!
Kanye West had supposedly taken up the '70s popular game Connect Four during his European tour, when he had to deal with the tragic death of his mother.
Wedding for Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds
Wednesday, Jan. 2 – Love must be in the air in Hollywood, with so many engagements, weddings, and pregnancies! The latest in Hollywood to get hitched? Eddie Murphy and film producer Tracey Edmonds.
Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds' wedding, which took place near Bora Bora in French Polynesia, was very private and the guest list included only family and close friends.
This event marks both Eddie Murphy's and Tracey Edmonds' second weddings. Murphy's first was to Nicole Mitchell, who he has five children with and who filed for divorce in 2005. Murphy has also been linked in the past to the Spice Girls' own Melanie Brown, who has a daughter with the actor. Edmonds was previously married to Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds for 13 years and has two sons from that relationship.
A Fergalicious Wedding on the Way
Saturday, Dec. 29 – It's official: Fergie and Josh Duhamel are engaged!
The "Fergalicious" singer and the "Transformers" actor have been dating for three years and are the latest Hollywood couple to soon walk the aisle. The couple are keeping their mouth shut on the details of the proposal, but Fergie, whose real name is Stacey Ferguson, has already dished that she is the "luckiest girl in the world" and "thrilled."
With a wedding fit for a "Dutchess," it looks like this big girl won't be crying in 2008!
Mischa Barton Arrested
Friday, Dec. 28 – With Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, and Lindsay Lohan each taking their turns in the slammer in 2007, it's only fitting that their friend Mischa Barton joins them - conveniently before 2007 ends!
Mischa Barton was arrested this morning after police saw her swerving through two lanes of traffic without signaling. Upon stopping her, the police found that "The O.C." actress was driving without a valid license, was driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana, and had possession of marijuana in her car. A court hearing for Mischa Barton's arrest is scheduled for February 28.
Mischa Barton is best known for playing The O.C.'s troubled party girl with a good heart Marissa Cooper from 2003 to 2006
Hilton Fortune Going to Charity
Thursday, Dec. 27 – Paris Hilton's grandfather, Barron Hilton, recently revealed plans to donate 97 percent of his fortune – which currently stands at 2.3 billion dollars – to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, a charitable organization that currently helps provide housing for the mentally ill, education for the blind, clean water in African countries, and much more.
Barron Hilton's fortune includes the 1.2 billion dollars received from his sale of the Hilton Hotel Corporation, which sold for 20 billion dollars to Blackstone Group, as well as the sale pending of Harrah's Entertainment Casinos, which wil be sold to Apollo Management and TPG Capital in 2008.
Looks like Paris Hilton, heiress to the Hilton fortune, may be living the "Simple Life" soon after all. That is, only if she doesn't quickly change her fast-spending, partying ways…
No "Grey" Wedding Day for Heigl and Kelley
Monday, Dec. 24 – Katherine Heigl and Josh Kelley have finally tied the knot.
Katherine Heigl, Golden Globe nominee and star of ABC's drama Grey's Anatomy, and musician Josh Kelley wed yesterday in a private ceremony in Park City, Utah. Guests to the wedding included Heigl's “Grey” co-stars Sandra Oh and Kate Walsh, as well as TR Knight who was part of Heigl's bridal party.
The couple first met in 2005 when Heigl starred in his music video for "Only You." Smitten with Heigl, Kelley wrote "Katie's Song" for her soon afterwards. A year later, he popped the question, and another year later, they are now wed. Heigl will soon star alongside James Marsden in the upcoming film “27 Dresses,” which is set to be released on January 11, 2008.
Another Spears Baby on the Way
Thursday, Dec. 20 – Oops, they did it again – another Spears baby is on the way. But it won't be Britney's.
Little Sean Preston and Jayden James are going to have a cousin on the way now that their 16-year-old aunt, Jamie Lynn Spears – Britney Spears’ little sister and star of Nickelodeon's hit tween show “Zoey 101” – is pregnant. And the father? Football player and Mississippi-native Casey Aldridge, 19, who Jamie Lynn supposedly met at church in her hometown of Kentwood, Louisiana.
Aldridge supposedly has support from the Spears family, although mother Lynn did admit to "shock" when Jamie Lynn first confronted her about the pregnancy before Thanksgiving. And judging from Britney Spears' reaction, Jamie Lynn hadn't bothered on telling her pop-star-fallen-from-grace sister the news before her public announcement. Ouch!
Currently, Lynn Spears' book on child-raising on the spotlight has been indefinitely postponed, while the fourth season of “Zoey 101” has already been taped and had been set to go on the air in February 2008.
Former Idol Finalist Banned From Holiday Concert
Monday, Dec. 10 – Former American Idol contestant Jessica Sierra was recently uninvited from singing at a holiday concert tribute to American troops this upcoming Friday, due to her recent run-ins with the law.
The 22-year-old American Idol season four finalist had been arrested both April 29 and December 1 of this year for disorderly contact and drug possession. The first arrest had landed Jessica Sierra in rehab, which was being filmed for a celebrity rehab reality show that will air on VH1 in January.
In the past, Jessica Sierra has shown support for American troops and has sang for them many times, including on Independence Day this year. However, even if she had been invited to sing this year, she wouldn’t have been able to as she is currently in jail until December 20, her next court hearing for her recent December 1 arrest.
Well, it’s certainly a good thing Carrie Underwood was crowned American Idol that year. Still, here’s hoping that Jessica Sierra will receive help for her problems soon and get her life back on track.
Ashley Tisdale’s Nose Job
Wednesday, Dec. 5 – Those “High School Musical” stars sure have been growing up fast. Earlier in September, HSM sweetheart Vanessa Hudgens lost her “good-girl” image after nude pictures of her were leaked online. Now, HSM “drama queen” Ashley Tisdale has ventured into the world of plastic surgery.
Reportedly on Friday, Ashley Tisdale received a rhinoplasty procedure to cure the deviated septum on the right side of her nose as well as “two small fractures.” Ashley’s septum, which had caused her breathing problems since childhood, was 80 percent deviated and would continue to get worse, prompting the five-hour surgery procedure.
However, Ashley Tisdale wants to make sure her fans know that she’s not a fan of plastic surgery, but rather an advocate for good health. She claims that she would never endure a similar procedure again unless medically necessary.
As a whole, does this mean that we will hear a more refined vocal sound from Ashley Tisdale’s alter ego Sharpay Evans when the next High School Musical rolls around? Only time will tell…
Siegfried and Roy Returning to Las Vegas?
Monday, Dec. 3 – Four years ago, during a performance at the Mirage in Las Vegas, a white tiger dragged Roy Horn – of the famed Siegfried and Roy duo - by the neck and shoulders off the stage. The tragedy caused Siegfried and Roy to cancel their magician show – one of the most popular in Las Vegas since 1990 – in October 2003.
However, Siegfried Fischbacher has recently hinted at the possibility of a Siegfried and Roy reunion. Siegfried hasn’t mentioned exact details, only stating “act surprised when you hear about it.”
The duo has taken a rest from show business since that fateful night – Siegfried going into retirement and Roy continuing his rehabilitation exercises. However, it is all too clear that these two are much too devoted to their animals. Roy even receives visits from his tigers and lions, including Montecore, who he is convinced saved his life from a stroke that fateful night.
So will Las Vegas see the return of Siegfried and Roy? Keep your eyes and ears open for news!
Amy Winehouse Cancels All Public Appearances
Wednesday, Nov. 28 – We all know the story. They tried to make Amy Winehouse go to rehab, but she said no, no, no. But now, after a string of slurred performances, fights, and allegations of drug use, Amy Winehouse may be starting to seek help – beginning with canceling the remainder of all her public appearances, including concerts, for the rest of 2007.
The move to cancel Amy Winehouse’s appearances was made by her doctor for “intense emotional strain.” Indeed, Amy Winehouse has had to deal with many personal issues in her life lately, including husband Blake Fielder-Civil’s recent custody order for assaulting a London barman back in June.
Refunds will be given for Amy Winehouse’s cancelled concert tickets, as there are no plans to reschedule the events anytime soon. This means Amy Winehouse may stay out of the public eye well into 2008. Hopefully, the gifted 24-year-old soul singer will seek the proper help she needs during this time.
American Music Awards Strikes a High Note
Monday, Nov. 19 – The VMAs could use a lesson from the American Music Awards. Despite the ongoing Hollywood writer strike and the lack of presence from a certain person named Britney Spears, the 35th annual AMAs still managed to be witty, edgy, and full of memorable moments throughout the night.
This year is the first in which American Music Awards winners were chosen from an online voting system by music fans across the country. The system proved just how much the show American Idol has rooted itself into a music industry standard: Idol alums Carrie Underwood and Chris Daughtry were the biggest winners of the night, each winning three trophies and managing to stay as humble as ever.
Highlights of the night included an opening number from Fergie, a reggae remix of “No One” from Alicia Keys, Celine Dion’s post-Las Vegas performance of her new song “Taking Chances,” a Sugarland and Beyonce collaboration (who saw that coming?), a dramatic slip-up fall from Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers during their performance of SOS, and other performances by Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Chris Brown, Queen Latifah, Avril Lavigne, Rascal Flatts, Maroon 5, and Duran Duran.
Beyonce was also the first woman ever to be awarded the special “International Artist Award.”
Mel C’s Gradual Re-Transformation Into Sporty Spice
Wednesday, Nov. 14 – The upcoming Spice Girls reunion tour in December has got everyone buzzing and excited lately. Fans have scoured Spice Girls concert tickets left and right, hoping to relive their childhood memories and experience “Spice World” all over again.
However, one of the Spice Girls was about to opt out of the reunion. Mel C, also known as Sporty Spice, recently admitted that she was reluctant to rejoin the group, citing her personal issues and success as a solo artist (hits include “I Turn To You”) as reasons for wanting to distance herself from the Spice Girls.
Yet Mel C also admits that she, as well as the other Spice Girls, had no idea the response for the reunion tour would be so massive, so she is happy that she accepted the offer, and she hopes that the Spice Girls can produce “the best show any British pop band has ever put on.”
The Spice Girls Greatest Hits album was released yesterday in the United States and Canada, and the Spice Girls reunion tour will commence in December.
Katie Holmes: Real-Life Superwoman?
Wednesday, Nov. 7 – Katie Holmes sure must be drained these past couple of days. The former Dawson’s Creek star, wife of Scientology’s most devoted follower, and mother of one of Hollywood’s cutest tots recently ran the grueling New York Marathon, held a tea party for her daughter Suri, and attended the premiere of Tom Cruise’s new film Lions for Lambs – all within twenty-four hours this past weekend!
Katie Holmes, who sported a purple tank top and baseball hat during the New York Marathon this past Sunday, was cheered on by Tom Cruise, Suri, and her sister and parents from the sidelines, and finished the marathon with a respectable time of 5:29:58.
The night before, Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise held a Madeline-themed tea party for 18-month-old Suri at the Carlyle Hotel’s Bemelmans Bar, where Suri and her friends munched on finger foods, drank tea, and danced to music from 11 PM to 1 AM.
After finishing her exhausting five-hour run, Katie Holmes was found at the Metropolitan Museum of Art – in open-toed heels! – later in the evening to support "Lions for Lambs," the new film directed by Robert Redford and starring Tom Cruise and Meryl Streep. "Lions for Lambs" will be released on November 9.
Shia LaBeouf Creates “Disturbia” at Walgreen’s
Monday, Nov. 5 – Shia LaBeouf was arrested Sunday morning at a Walgreen’s in Chicago, where he refused to leave the premises after police accused him of allegedly trespassing while appearing intoxicated.
Shia LaBeouf, star of the summer hits Transformers and Surf’s Up, Disney Channel’s former sitcom Even Stevens, and the upcoming fourth sequel to Indiana Jones, is the latest of young Hollywood to run into trouble with the law.
However, before yesterday’s arrest, Shia LaBeouf had kept his private life relatively quiet and spoke openly about his dedication to acting, stating that it has been “one of the best relationships I’ve had with anything.”
Shia LaBeouf will go to court for Sunday’s arrest on November 28.
Lynn Spears’ Foray Into Writing
Wednesday, Oct. 31 – Lynn Spears, the mother of pop culture’s most infamous star (let’s give one guess who) has recently jumped on the publicity bandwagon alongside her two daughters.
While daughter Britney continues to battle courts and regain her music career, and daughter Jamie Lynn continues to find fame among the tweens in “Zoey 101” and protect sister Britney from angry neighborhood residents, mother Lynn is currently writing a book documenting the highs and lows of raising her daughters in the media spotlight.
The book, entitled “Pop Culture Mom: A Real Story of Fame and Family in a Tabloid World,” wants to stress that Lynn is not a “stage” mom pushing her daughters towards fame but rather a mother who just wanted her daughters to be happy.
“Pop Culture Mom” will be released in bookstores on May 11, 2008 (Mother’s Day).
Ricki Lake’s “Business of Life and Dating”
Monday, Oct. 29 – Ricki Lake, the original Tracy Turnblad from John Waters’ Hairspray film, has been causing some buzz in Hollywood lately. In addition to making a cameo in the 2007 film remake of Hairspray over the summer, Ricki Lake recently served as an executive in “The Business of Being Born,” a documentary covering America’s maternity care system, and starred in the Lifetime original movie “The Matters of Life and Dating,” which deals with the topics of breast cancer and romance.
Ricki Lake also recently showed her new slimmed-down figure at the Choose Your Cause Charity Benefit at Fred Segal in Santa Monica on Thursday. Ricki Lake accredited her weight loss of more than 125 pounds to working out with trainers (one of whom she dated!) for three days a week since 2004.
“The Business of Being Born” will premiere at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival in November. “The Matters of Life and Dating” is currently available for purchase on iTunes.
Another Encore for Jay-Z
Wednesday, Oct. 24 – Next month, Jay-Z will be launching a five-club concert tour to promote his new album, “American Gangster.”
That’s right folks, Jay-Z has returned – yet again – from recording studio retirement. This time, however, Jay-Z is back with a “concept album” inspired by the new motion picture “American Gangster,” which stars Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington and will be released in theatres on November 2. Jay-Z’s album “American Gangster” will feature songs directly inspired by specific scenes in the film and of which will be accompanied by “mini-films.”
Jay-Z, known for his irregular live appearances (including a stint at Screamfest in New York and a 10-year-anniversary celebration of his first album, “Reasonable Doubt”) will launch his concert tour on November 6 – the day his album “American Gangster” goes on sale – at the House of Blues in Los Angeles. Jay-Z will also perform in Chicago, Baltimore, and New York before closing at the Fillmore in Philadelphia on November 12.
Checotah Meets the Upper East Side
Monday, Oct. 22 – Blair Waldorf, forget Serena van der Woodsen and meet your new competition. Carrie Underwood, the wholesome Grammy-winning country sweetheart and American Idol alum, is reportedly romantically seeing Chace Crawford from the CW’s Gossip Girl, a new teen soap opera based off the popular books by Cecily van Ziegesar.
Carrie Underwood is reportedly absolutely smitten with Chace Crawford, citing him as a “nice guy” with “cool hair” and “beautiful blue eyes.” The pair were seen enjoying dinner and nightlife at popular LA hotspots, where they held hands and kissed throughout the night. If the rumors are true, Chace will be Carrie Underwood’s first boyfriend since she last split from Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo in July.
Be sure to pick up “Carnival Ride,” Carrie Underwood’s anticipated new album featuring the hit “So Small,” when it hits the shelves on October 23.
Madonna Signs With Live Nation
Wednesday, Oct. 17 – Madonna has dropped ties with her former record label, Warner Music Group, and in a reportedly $120-million deal has joined concert promoter Live Nation.
Live Nation has addressed the changing face of the music industry with a new component of their company, Artist Nation, which aims to provide global marketing of music stars. Madonna, who has always been an influential leader in the music industry and who wants to now reach her fans in ways that stretch beyond the limits of a record label, is the first to sign onto Artist Nation.
This deal with Live Nation will give Madonna the opportunity to promote herself directly to her fans by way of new albums, more touring, an interactive website, and numerous television, film, and sponsorship projects.
Shakin’ Aiken Heads Over to Broadway
Tuesday, Oct. 16 – Today, Claymates everywhere are gathering together and celebrating. Why, you ask? Clay Aiken, the runner-up from American Idol’s second season, is heading towards the Great White Way in 2008 and joining the cast of Spamalot.
Clay Aiken will star as Sir Robin (the “Not-Quite-So-Brave-as-Sir-Lancelot”), the cowardly member of the Round Table who would rather belt out show tunes than search for the Holy Grail. Spamalot creators Mike Nichols and Eric Idle consider Clay Aiken outstanding in comedic acting and a great fit for the character of Sir Robin.
Throughout his tenure on American Idol, Clay Aiken stood out with his clear, crisp, Broadway-tinged voice, belting out hits such as “I Could Not Ask For More” by Edwin McCain and “To Love Somebody” by the Bee Gees. It’s no surprise then that Clay Aiken has joined the ranks of other American Idol alums who currently or formerly performed on Broadway, including Fantasia Barrino in The Color Purple, Diana Degarmo in Hairspray, Tamyra Gray inRent, Constantine Maroulis in The Wedding Singer, and Anthony Federov in The Fantasticks.
Catch Clay Aiken in Spamalot starting January 18.
Posh Spice’s Passion for Fashion
Monday, Oct 15 – Ever since their move to Los Angeles this past summer, the Beckhams have been turning heads wherever they go. While David Beckham continues to persevere on the LA Galaxy soccer field despite his ankle injuries, wife Victoria Beckham has been busy preparing for the upcoming Spice Girls tour, posing for photo shoots, guest starring on television shows, and becoming a fashion icon for American girls everywhere.
Most recently, Posh Spice posed for an upcoming issue of Elle Magazine, where designers decked her out in red feathers, black suits, and a new brand of designer shoes by Giambattista Valli dubbed “The Victoria Shoe,” which boast six inch high heels.
Victoria Beckham also recently wrapped up shooting an episode of Ugly Betty, where she guest-starred as herself and reportedly snagged £70,000! The episode, which also features designer Vera Wang, will air on ABC on November 8.
The Spice Girls Reunion Tour will begin in Los Angeles on December 7 and conclude in Buenos Aires, Argentina on January 24.
Brittany Snow: Fighting Against Anorexia
Tuesday, Oct. 9 – Actress Brittany Snow, who can currently be found in the motion picture release of Hairspray, has recently admitted that she has fought eating disorders and cutting in the past.
The 21-year-old Brittany Snow, who starred on the soap opera Guiding Light and later the ‘60s-inspired show American Dreams, says that she began watching her weight at age 12 when she began acting. After losing ten pounds from a pineapple diet and receiving compliments from her costars, Brittany Snow, who already suffered depression from her lack of friends, became addicted to the idea of dieting – her new best friend – and soon weighed 85 pounds at the age of 15.
Such a low weight wasn’t good enough for Brittany, who soon began cutting herself to remind her not to eat. At 19, the blonde starlet was already in rehab. Now, at age 21, Brittany Snow has secured a healthy weight and is now comfortable with her body. Her most important advice to those who suffer eating disorders, cutting, and depression is to not keep any problems secret and seek help as soon as possible.
Finally Free: Lindsay Lohan
Monday, Oct. 8 – On Friday, Lindsay Lohan finally checked out of rehabilitation at the Cirque Lodge in Utah, after having entered the facility in August for seven counts of arrest including stealing a car, speeding on the highway, and driving under the influence of alcohol and cocaine.
Lindsay’s stay at Cirque Lodge was the actress’s third stint in rehab thus far, having previously stayed at the Wonderland and Promises rehab facilities in California. Both stays proved ineffective for Lindsay, who continued to bathe herself in the Hollywood nightclub scene and slowly became more famous for her car crashes and substance abuse than her once-promising acting career.
Now that Lindsay has again been released from rehab, people can only wonder what she will do next. Another car crash? Another arrest for cocaine possession? On the contrary, insiders have claimed that Lindsay has set her eye on attending university and studying psychology, preferably at NYU. Let’s all hope, for the sake of Lindsay’s well-being and society’s safety on the road, that Lindsay Lohan will follow through with these academic plans in the near future.
Mommy Spears Loses Custody Battle to Daddy Federline
Wednesday, Oct. 3 – On Monday, Britney Spears lost custody of her two children, Sean Preston and Jayden James, to ex-husband and failed rapper Kevin Federline on Monday. The custody loss came after Britney Spears failed to show a California driver license and missed a required drug and alcohol test that had been administered by the Los Angeles court last week.
Given Britney Spears’ recent behavior this past year, which have included partying without panties at Hollywood nightclubs, shaving her head, beating up a car with an umbrella, producing a hit-and-run, colliding into a parked car, appearing at the MTV VMAs for a now-infamous “comeback” performance, and continuing to drive with a suspended license and party at Hollywood nightclubs despite a court order to refrain from doing so, it really is no surprise that the former pop princess lost custody of her kids.
However, losing custody to Kevin Federline because the “Popozao” rapper was seen as a better, more decent parental fit? Now that’s a surprise nobody saw coming.
DUI for Keifer Sutherland
Monday, Oct. 1 – Keifer Sutherland, known to many as the feisty counter-terrorist Jack Bauer on FOX’s drama “24,” was charged on Friday with a DUI that might put him in jail for a year.
At 1:00 AM in Hollywood, police spotted Sutherland make an illegal U-turn, subsequently pulled him over, and administered a sobriety test. Sutherland, who shortly before left the Area nightclub for a Hollywood industry party, failed the sobriety test and was found with an alcohol level of .08 or above.
The Canadian-born Sutherland is certainly no newbie to DUIs. In addition to previously having been arrested for reckless drunk driving in 1993, Sutherland had already been on probation from a drunk driving incident in 2004 when he was recently arrested. The probation, coupled with a second DUI charge within ten years, could possibly add six extra months to Sutherland’s jail time.
Jack Bauer would not be pleased.
Jenny from the Block, Pt II
Wednesday, Sept. 26 – Jennifer Lopez recently became “Jenny from the Block” again as she and husband Marc Anthony visited an elementary school in the Bronx. The visit was part of the kickoff for Jennifer Lopez’s first-ever concert tour that will raise money for childhood healthcare.
PS 36 Unionport School, the public school near Jennifer Lopez’s childhood home, greeted Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony in an overwhelmingly emotional ceremony with plenty of flowers, drawings, and applause from hundreds of young fans. PS 36 was chosen for this event because the school participates in the ING Run for Something Better program, which aims to fight childhood obesity. Many of the proceeds from Jennifer Lopez’s concert tour will go towards the ING program.
Jennifer Lopez will begin touring Friday in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and will go on to perform in 19 cities across the country.
Kanye West Stands “Stronger” Over 50 Cent
Wednesday, Sept. 19 – The ongoing battle between rappers Kanye West and 50 Cent continues as Kanye’s album receives 957,000 sales – the biggest music debut so far this year – and 50 Cent cancels three of his European tours with no reason given, yet possibly out of defeat.
Both Kanye West and 50 Cent released their studio albums, “Graduation” and “Curtis” respectively, on September 11th after much publicity regarding 50 Cent’s claim that he would quit his career as a rapper if Kanye West outsold him during the first week of sales. Sure enough, Kanye’s 957,000 album copies became the clear champion to 50 Cent’s measly 691,000 copies in comparison.
To make matters more miserable for 50 Cent, “Curtis” did not even come close to reaching the heights of his 2005 album, “The Massacre,” which sold 1.1 million copies in its first week of sales and has now reached 5x platinum status in the United States. In comparison, Kanye West’s previous album, “Late Registration,” has since only become triple platinum.
Currently, Kanye West may be winning the rap battle, but only time will tell how both albums will sell once this feud hype settles down. Meanwhile, you can download Kanye’s single “Stronger” and 50 Cent’s single “Ayo Technology,” featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland, on iTunes and decide the winner for yourselves.
2007 Emmy Oddities
Monday, Sept. 17 – The 2007 Emmy Awards came and went last night in the most bizarre ceremony honoring television yet.
As usual, awards were given to select television shows that either have an underestimated unique spark or have ended after years of success on air. This year, these select awards went to the defunct shows NBC’s 30 Rock and HBO’s The Sopranos, respectively. The awards for Lead Actor and Lead Actress in a Drama went to James Spader from Boston Legal and Sally Field from Brothers and Sisters, and the awards for Lead Actor and Lead Actress in a Comedy went to Ricky Gervais from Extra and America Ferrerra from Ugly Betty.
However, besides the usual awards, the night did have its share of humorous, yet outright baffling, moments. Audiences wondered why featured segments – including comedian Lewis Black’s rant about advertising displays during television shows and Family Guy’s Brian and Stewie’s song about today’s bad television – were discussed at the Emmys, an award ceremony held to honor, not discredit, television’s achievements. Finally, to top off the oddities, host Ryan Seacrest appeared as Henry VIII from The Tudors in an inarguably awkward, flamboyant outfit.
Let’s hope not to have a repeat session at next year’s Emmy Awards.
2008 - A Busy Year for Jennifer Hudson
Wednesday, Sept. 12 – "Dreamgirls" Oscar winner and former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson has recently signed on to her latest film venture – the long-awaited “Sex and the City” movie. Hudson will reportedly trade her pipes to play the assistant of Sarah Jessica Parker’s character, Carrie Bradshaw.
The final episode of HBO’s feisty, Emmy award-winning “Sex and the City” premiered on television in 2004, and the “Sex and the City” feature film will reportedly take place four years later, keeping in line with the general timeline of the show. Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Kim Cattrall, Cynthia Nixon, and Chris Noth will reprise their roles in the new “Sex and the City” film, which will begin shooting next week and be expected in theatres in 2008.
In addition to “Sex and the City,” Jennifer Hudson can be currently found working on her debut Arista Records album, which fans can anticipate in 2008. Hudson will also appear in the film “Winged Creatures” alongside Forest Whitaker, Kate Beckinsale, and Dakota Fanning, also set to be released in 2008.
Britney Spears: "Gimme" Less?
Monday, Sept. 10 - On Sunday, Britney Spears performed her much-awaited, much-hyped comeback single at the Palms in Las Vegas during the MTV Video Music Awards, but failed to convince her audience to plead "gimme more."
Dressed in nothing but sequined black underwear, Britney robotically danced on stage in a daze and badly lip-synched words to her new single, "Gimme More." From the cringe-worthy fake giggle at the beginning to simply bopping to the music at the end, Britney's performance was far from her past VMA performances – which have included a live snake and a lip lock with Madonna – and anything but a successful comeback.
Yet despite the negative response, nobody can truly predict Britney Spears' comeback power until her newest album becomes released. Set your calendars to November 13 to pick up a copy of Britney's yet-untitled album when it arrives in stores.
Justin Loses Britney, Teams Up with "Love Guru"
Friday, Aug. 24 – In an effort to support Britney Spears and her music comeback, Justin Timberlake had offered his former girlfriend and former teen queen sensation an opportunity to record a duet together for release this fall. Justin had written the single - which would have been produced by mega-producer Timbaland - specifically for Britney to re-establish both her dwindling music career and her reputation. However, reports claim that Britney cancelled the proposed studio session just minutes before she was expected to fly to Justin Timberlake's Virginia Beach studio. The unnamed single would have been Britney's first new music release since 2004's "Do Somethin."
In other Justin Timberlake news, the multitalented artist has recently teamed up with Mike Myers and Jessica Alba in a new feature film entitled "The Love Guru." The film will begin production next month in Toronto. Meanwhile, fans can still catch Justin Timberlake in concert as he continues his "FutureSex/Love Show" tour, which will end on November 9th.
Jordin "Sparks" Record Deal
Thursday, Aug. 23 – Jordin Sparks, the spunky seventeen-year-old who captured the hearts of American Idol voters everywhere during the show's sixth season, has reportedly "sparked" a record deal with Jive Records, the company behind the music of Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. Don't expect Jordin to follow her music career in the footsteps of Britney, however - the young Idol powerhouse continues to stay as modest and charming as ever, stating her inked deal with Jive as a "life-altering experience" and a "dream opportunity."
Jordin's first single, "Tattoo," will receive radio airplay starting August 27. The pop/R&B single "Tattoo" was composed by Amanda Ghost, the writer behind James Blunt's "You're Beautiful" and Beyonce and Shakira's "Beautiful Liar," and was produced by Stargate, the force behind artists such as Beyonce Knowles. Jordin Sparks' still-unnamed debut album will be released in November.
Jordin Sparks and the other top ten American Idol Season 6 finalists are currently touring on the American Idols Live tour, which will end September 22 in Manchester, New Hampshire.
Wardrobe Malfunction for Beyonce
Wednesday, Aug. 22 - Beyonce Knowles sure has been making headlines this summer during concerts. Last week, the bootylicious Beyonce suffered a 'wardrobe malfunction' during a performance in Toronto to promote her new fashion line, House of Dereon. While performing "Déjà Vu," Beyonce's shirt flew up and briefly exposed her breasts before she quickly pulled it down and continued performing the song. Concert-goers were quick to capture video of Beyonce's exposed 'lady lumps' and post the footage on YouTube.
This wardrobe malfunction certainly can be considered a "déjà vu" for Beyonce, for it was not the first time the former Destiny's Child singer suffered an embarrasing mishap on stage this summer. On July 24, Beyonce had tumbled down twelve flights of stairs after accidentally stepping on her long trench coat at Orlando, Florida's Amway Arena. Although Beyonce suffered a painful fall and was bleeding afterwards, she good-naturedly continued performing and jokingly asked her audience not to post captured videos of the mishap on YouTube – knowing the videos would make circulation anyway.
Becks Delivers Best Game In MLS History
Tuesday, Aug. 21 – On August 18, the LA Galaxy took on the New York Red Bulls at Giant Stadium. Although the Galaxy eventually lost the game 5-4, the game featured a great show from David Beckham, who made plenty of assists to Carlos Pavon and sealed the four points. The LA-New York game also had a record-breaking attendance record that featured 66,000 spectators, and is also considered one of the best games ever played in MLS history.
Meanwhile, David Beckham is set to cross the pond and play on England's behalf in a friendly match against Germany on Thursday, August 23. Although Beckham still needs recovery from his ankle injury and plenty of sleep due to jetlag, England head coach Steve McClaren believes Beckham has trained properly and will be ready for the Thursday match. The friendly games are in preparation for the Euro 2008 qualifiers, which will feature England against Israel on September 9 and against Russia on September 13.
No Break For Celine Dion
Monday, Aug. 20 – Celine Dion's final Vegas performance may be looming in the horizon, but don't expect the Canadian chanteuse to take a break after the intense five-year rigor that was "A New Day…" in Caesars Palace. Fresh off the heels of her successful summer French album, "D'Elles," Celine Dion is planning to release "A Woman in Me," her first English-language album since 2003's "One Heart."
The yet-unreleased album has already sparked controversy, especially in regards to its album title. Shania Twain propelled to stardom back in 1995 with her hit album "A Woman in Me," and Shania Twain's representatives are shocked and speechless as to why Celine Dion has attached the other Canadian songstress's signature album title to her forthcoming record.
However, don't expect country-tinged vocals on Celine Dion's "A Woman in Me," and don't expect her typical, sentimental love ballads either. Reports claim that Celine Dion may be reinventing herself à la Nelly Furtado and Mariah Carey amid talks of collaborations with Ne-Yo, Snoop Dogg, and Timbaland.
Celine Dion's "A Woman in Me" is expected to reach the shelves November 2007.
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