CELEBRITY HIP_NEWS ARCHIVE [page 5]

 

RICKY MARTIN A FATHER OF TWIN BOYS, PUBLICIST SAYS [AP, 8/21/08]

There won't be much "livin' la vida loca" for Ricky Martin these days — he's now the father of twin boys. The Latin superstar had the children via a surrogate mother, and the babies were born a few weeks ago, according to a statement from his representatives. "The children, delivered via gestational surrogacy, are healthy and already under Ricky's full-time care," said the statement. "Ricky is elated to begin this new chapter in his life as a parent and will be spending the remainder of the year out of the public spotlight in order to spend time with his children." A representative said there was no further information on the details of the children's birth. Martin, 36, is a multiplatinum singer who is best known for English-language hits like "She Bangs!" and "Livin' la Vida Loca." In recent years, the Puerto Rican star has been active in charitable efforts, including the prevention of sexual exploitation of children.

 

FORMER GnR DRUMMER ENTERS NOT GUILTY PLEA [AP, 8/21/08]

Former Guns N' Roses drummer Steven Adler has pleaded not guilty to drug charges and will remain in rehab for at least the next month. Adler appeared in Los Angeles Superior Court on Wednesday (Aug. 20) morning with a friend and therapist. A judge ordered him to remain in rehab while he awaits a preliminary hearing on a felony charge of drug possession and a misdemeanor count of being under the influence of drugs. Los Angeles police arrested him last month and he was freed on $10,000 bail. Adler's attorney says the 43-year-old musician's recovery is being monitored by celebrity rehab specialist Dr. Drew Pinsky. Adler has a long history of drug use. He performed on the early Guns N' Roses albums but was later fired.

 

ACTOR MATT DAMON, WIFE WELCOME 2nd BABY GIRL [AFP, 8/21/08]

Hollywood actor Matt Damon and his wife Luciana on Wednesday announced the birth of their second child, a baby girl named Gia Zavala, US media reported. "Everyone's doing great," Damon's rep, Jennifer Allen, told People magazine. "She is a healthy baby girl." Damon, 37, met Luciana at the Miami bar where she worked in 2003, when he was filming the movie "Stuck on You." The couple married in December 2005. They live with their first-born daughter, Isabella, 2, and Alexia, 10, who is Luciana's daughter from a previous relationship. Damon was voted People's "Sexiest Man Alive" this year and shared the Oscar for best screenplay writing with co-star Ben Affleck in 1997's "Good Will Hunting."

 

JENNIFER GARNER'S KINDA PREGNANCY CONFIRMED [E! Online,  8/21/08]

Access Hollywood believes they've stumbled upon the rarest thing of all: an actual confirmation from a definitely pregnant but not saying anything star. They caught up with Jennifer Garner at an event celebrating Baby Einstein's 10th anniversary, where she had this to say: "Thank you. We're so excited, obviously." We don't know whether that was a response to "Congrats on the baby" or "Congrats on the new house" or "We can't wait to have you and Ben over for dinner this weekend, we even bought the new edition of Clue so we can all play!" Jen also said, "It always makes me laugh when people say, 'Is she? Isn't she?' It's like eventually you will know, so just chill out for a minute." That's just what we're going to do—chill and let this "official confirmation" pass.

 

JONAS BROTHERS NOTCH THIRD-BIGGEST DEBUT OF 2008 [AP, 8/21/08]

Not only have the Jonas Brothers notched the year's third-biggest debut album, they've managed the rare feat of having two albums in the top 10 at the same time. "A Little Bit Longer," the third album from the trio of siblings, sold more than 525,000 copies to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 album charts, according to figures released by Nielsen SoundScan on Wednesday (Aug. 21). Only Lil Wayne (whose "Tha Carter III" sold a little more than 1 million in its first week) and Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" (which topped the chart with 720,000 its first week) have had better debuts this year. With all the hoopla surrounding the release of their latest album, the Jonas Brothers' self-titled second album, released last year, also vaulted into the top 10; in addition, they are featured on the "Camp Rock" soundtrack, which is at No. 8. According to Billboard.com, the last group to have two albums in the top 10 was another teen sensation, 'N Sync, back in 1999. The Jonas Brothers — Kevin, 20; Joe, 18; Nick, 15 — have become one of pop's biggest sensations over the past year, and "A Little Bit Longer" represents their biggest success yet. The group, now on tour, were recently featured on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine and are among the performers confirmed for MTV Video Music Awards on Sept. 7 in Los Angeles.

 

OTHER DRIVER CITED IN SHIA LaBEOUF CRASH [E! Online, 8/21/08]

The driver on the other end of Shia LaBeouf's DUI crash will have his day in court, as well. Herbert Simon, 21, has been cited for running a red light, a vehicular infraction that caused his July 27 smashup with the Transformers star. Authorities are still trying to determine whether Simon was behind the wheel at the time, but Los Angeles Sheriff's spokesman Officer Steve Whitmore confirmed to E! News that the young man was issued a citation because it was his car that went through the light. LaBeouf had been attempting a left turn at about 2:30 a.m. in West Hollywood when Simon's car hit his Ford F-150 truck, which rolled over twice. The actor and his passenger, Transformers 2 costar Isabel Lucas, were taken by ambulance to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he later underwent surgery for a broken left hand.Lucas was treated for minor injuries and released later that day. Also at the hospital, LaBeouf was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor driving under the influence in connection with the crash. But while the black mark on his rap sheet made the accident look even worse for LaBeouf, the sheriff's department cleared up who was at fault two days later, announcing that the 22-year-old had been hit while making a legal turn.

 

JANET LAUNCHES LINGERIE LINE [E! Online, 8/21/08]

Janet Jackson's Control-top pantyhose, anyone? That may not be a product—yet—but the R&B diva is taking a page from Jennifer Lopez's empire-expanding book and has announced plans to launch Pleasure Principle, her own line of lingerie, come November, 2008. This way she'll have no one to blame for a wardrobe malfunction but herself. "People have come to me with other ideas, but lingerie is a passion for me, and just like music and acting, I can't do it unless I put 100 percent into it," Jackson said. Jackson's 14-design line of underpinnings, crafted mainly from satin and lace and heavy on feminine details, will be available in department stores and mass retailers this fall, with each piece priced at under $40. "It makes you feel incredible and offers variety as diverse as the women who will wear it," Jackson said of the line, named after her 1987 hit. The line itself was made in conjunction with Australian lingerie designer Bruno Schiavi, the same man behind the launch of Dr. 90210 doc Robert Rey's line, Dr. Rey's Shapewear. After making its U.S. debut this fall, the line will launch in Australia, Japan and Europe, with the Jackson-Schiavi team looking ahead to more collaborations in the future.

 

OFFICE STAR COPS TO DRUG CHARGE [E! Online, 8/21/08]

Guilty? That's what he said. The Office denizen Craig Robinson pleaded guilty today in Los Angeles to one felony count of possessing a controlled substance, namely Ecstasy, stemming from his arrest earlier this summer. The actor, who plays warehouse worker Darryl in the NBC hit, originally faced the additional charges of felony possession of methamphetamine and misdemeanor driving under the influence, but Superior Court Judge Keith Schwartz dismissed the latter two charges. That's what you call a win-win-win. Los Angeles District Attorney spokeswoman Jane Robison confirmed to E! News that Robinson qualified for a deferred entry of judgment with his plea, meaning his felony charge will be dismissed should he successfully complete 18 months of a drug-diversion program, consisting of drug counseling and rehab. If not, he could face a minimum of 16 months in state prison. The 36-year-old actor, who also appears in Pineapple Express, was busted on June 29 after getting pulled over for a simple traffic violation. Officers discovered drug paraphernalia in his vehicle and determined he was driving under the influence. He was arrested and released the same day after posting $10,000 bail, but somehow managed to keep his bust under wraps until it eventually made headlines last week.

 

PRINCE'S NEW ROYAL SUBJECT [E! Online, 8/21/08]

It was better late than never for Prince. The Purple One may have showed up at emerging singer Janelle Monáe's show last night at L.A.'s Viper Room, but he didn't arrive until an hour after she was done. So instead of coming into the club, Prince held court in his car. Janelle joined him for a little chitchat in the backseat. Slow down with your dirty assumptions. I've been assured it's completely platonic between the two... Prince appears to have taken a shine to the young, funky, Atlanta-based singer and recently reached out to her to offer career advice, according to a source. I'm told on Monday night a bunch of folks headed to Prince's house after Monáe's show with Raphael Saadiq at the Roxy. The little get-together also included one of Prince's signature living-room jam sessions. Among those who were seen at Monáe's two club gigs this week were Sean "Diddy" Combs (he signed her to his Bad Boy Records), Eddie Murphy, and über-hitmaker Ne-Yo. Monáe's been on a nonstop tour in support of her album, Metropolis: The Chase Suite (Special Edition).

 

RUMER WILLIS NOW PART OF THE "FAMILY BUSINESS" [Reuters, 8/21/08]

When she first set foot on a movie set as a child, Rumer Willis, daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, knew she wanted to be a part of the "family business," even though she didn't fit the image of a Hollywood celebrity. The young actress, who turned 20 on Saturday, is a self-proclaimed dork and computer nerd -- traits that helped her develop her character in her first adult role in "The House Bunny," which debuts in theaters on Friday (Aug. 22). "I had braces and glasses and a big curly 'fro," Willis recently told reporters about her appearance as a kid in Los Angeles. "I wasn't necessarily too active in getting into the social crowd, so I definitely understand not fitting in." "The House Bunny," written by Kirsten Smith and Karen McCullah Lutz of "Legally Blonde" fame, is about a Playboy bunny who is kicked out of the legendary Playboy Mansion and makes it her mission to help the members of the least popular sorority on a college campus regain their self-confidence. Willis plays one of the sorority sisters, Joanne, an introvert in a back brace with very low self-esteem.

 

AVRIL'S "SEXY" SHOW GETS SCRAPPED [E! Online, 8/20/08]

If Malaysian officials' logic holds, Avril Lavigne is sexier than Gwen Stefani and the Pussycat Dolls and just as potentially morally corrupting as Beyoncé. The Canadian faux-punkette has become the latest Western pop star to face trouble in the Asian country as she was uninvited from performing a planned Kuala Lumpur gig. The Muslim-majority country's Arts, Culture and Heritage Ministry canceled the show today amid growing protests and claims the singer was, quite simply, "too sexy." While that, of course, is entirely subjective, the timing of the planned gig—just two days before the nation's Independence Day on Aug. 29—was not and, per a senior ministry official, was the real reason for the cancellation.  "It is not timely," Shukran Ibrahim told the Associated Press. "It's not in the spirit of our National Day. If we go ahead with the concert, it is contrary to what we are preparing for." Another unnamed ministry official told Reuters that the concert was indeed off, but not for good, adding

 

K-FED'S LIVIN' IT UP IN LAS VEGAS [E! Online, 8/20/08]

While Britney Spears may be headed back to court to fight some hefty legal bills, her ex-husband headed to Las Vegas to party like the rock star he's not. Kevin Federline, his brother and a bunch of guy friends set up camp VIP-style inside a private cabana at Tao Beach Monday afternoon (Aug. 18), after gambling at the Venetian over the weekend. "The guys were all in great spirits," a Tao Beach spy tells E! News, who noted the boys wolfed down Kobe beef burgers and platters of chicken satay. And they washed it all down with K-Fed's favorite, a bottle of Jack Daniels and shots of Patrón. Funny, because we figured it was Brit who would need a shot or two after opening that latest tab from her former attorney Stacy Phillips (for $338,414.87). Pass the bottle, Federline... Salud!

 

BOBBY BROWN SUED OVER BIG LEGAL BILL [E! Online, 8/20/08]

Every little step Bobby Brown takes these days leads him back to court. The erstwhile King of New Jack Swing is being sued by his former divorce attorneys for allegedly failing to pay a $90,217 legal tab covering expenses related to his divorce battle with ex-wife Whitney Houston. The complaint, filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Aug. 15, 2008 by the law firm Phillips, Lerner, Lauzon & Jamra, claims Brown signed a written agreement stipulating that in the event of a dispute over fees, he would submit to binding arbitration to resolve the matter. The lawyers claimed to have notified Brown on numerous occasions, most recently in a letter dated June 29, that he was past due in paying the balance legal services rendered during the dissolution of his marriage, including interest on the balance. But those missives went unanswered. The suit seeks a court order forcing the entertainer and sometime reality star to enter into binding arbitration with either the Beverley Hills or Los Angeles bar association to settle the bill.

 

ELIZABETH TAYLOR HOME AFTER HOSPITAL STAY [Reuters, 8/20/08]

Oscar-winning film star Elizabeth Taylor is back home and doing well following a recent stay of several weeks in a Los Angeles-area hospital for unspecified reasons, her spokesman said on Tuesday (Aug. 19). Publicist Dick Guttman said he had no further details other than to confirm a report on the website for People magazine quoting a friend of the 76-year-old actress as saying she had resumed normal activities. "Ms. Taylor is at home and happy -- and busier than ever," the unidentified friend told People.com. "She's living her life. She's been having dinner with friends. She's working." Sources cited by People.com did not said when exactly the 76-year-old was discharged from the hospital, but Guttman said it was recently. A legend in Hollywood, Taylor began acting as a teenager in films such as "Lassie Come Home" and "National Velvet." As an adult she won Oscars for 1966's "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" and 1960's "Butterfield 8." Her career has long competed for attention with her personal life, including eight marriages, a litany of illnesses, weight problems and dependency on alcohol and prescription drugs.

 

POSH IN A SNIT OVER "BLATANTLY UNTRUE" DIET PILL STORY [E! Online, 8/20/08]

Victoria Beckham has had it up to here with tabloids trying to get the skinny on her figure. The glamorous Brit is reportedly gearing up to sue the U.K. magazine Now over an article that claimed she was "hooked on sex and diet pills," which has since mysteriously vanished from the rag's website (though search results confirm the story once existed). "The accusation is dangerous, defamatory and blatantly untrue," Beckham's agent, Jo Milloy, said Monday, referring to the latter half of that statement. "Victoria takes her position as a role model to young women very seriously and is horrified by this hurtful, fabricated story. It is now with her lawyers." Now's story also claimed that the former Spice Girl's sister, Louise, has been acquiring the pills for her in Britain and then shipping them to the U.S. It's unclear whether any action has taken place in court yet, but this isn't the first time—nor, probably, will it be the last—that Beckham's poundage has become an issue. The 34-year-old fashion plate has been on the defensive about her weight for years, stating over and over in interviews that she eats just like a normal person. "As you can see, I'm a normal-looking girl, and I just make the best of what I have. I'm not out-of-the-ordinary-looking at all—I'm incredibly ordinary," the mother of three told Allure last month.

 

PHIL COLLINS TRUMPS PAUL McCARTNEY IN MEGA-DIVORCE [E! Online, 8/19/08]

Phil Collins' ex-wife may no longer be in his heart, but she'll definitely always have a place in his bank account. The easy-rocking star has waved good-bye to marriage No. 3 and hello to a reported $46.68 million divorce settlement which, if accurate, shapes up to be the biggest ever celeb payout in British legal history, trumping even the astronomical amount Heather Mills received—said to be $45.37 million—from Paul McCartney earlier this year. Collins, 57, and Orianne Cevey, 35, were married for seven years before separating in 2006. They have two children together, sons Nicolas, 8, and Matthew, 4. It isn't the first time relationship woes have caused a dip in the Genesis frontman's fortunes, with Britain's Daily Telegraph even claiming that divorce settlements have eaten into as much as one-third of his estimated $280 million net worth, nearly $84 million going to his ex-wives. After taking advantage of technological advances and infamously dumping wife No. 2, Jill Tavelman, by fax back in 1994, he was forced to pay $34 million.

 

DONNIE WAHLBERG HEADED FOR DIVORCE [E! Online, 8/19/08]

Call him New Kid on the chopping block. Donnie Wahlberg's wife of more than eight years, Kim Fey Wahlberg, has filed for divorce from the comeback-minded boy bander, citing the ever popular "irreconcilable differences." And while his missus was filing divorce papers in Los Angeles Superior Court on Aug. 13, the 39-year-old singer was doing the same in Ventura County. The couple have apparently been living separate lives for much longer, with the court documents indicating they have been estranged since January. "I can confirm that the couple are divorcing," Wahlberg's publicist told E! News. "They have been separated for almost a year but remain close friends." Kim, 39, is seeking sole physical and legal custody of their two sons, 15-year-old Xavier and 7-year-old Elijah, allowing for visitation rights for the New Kidder. She is also seeking spousal support and attorney's fees from Wahlberg. The duo tied the knot back in August 1999 and, if nothing else, his newly single status should make the throngs of screaming fans a bit more palatable. Wahlberg, along with bandmates Joey McIntyre, Danny Wood and Jordan and Jonathan Knight are releasing their first album together in almost 15 years, The Block, on Sept. 2, 2008. They kick off their sold-out tour in support of the album Sept. 18, 2008 in Toronto.

 

THE WAX FIGURES OF JONAS BROTHERS UNVEILED [Aceshowbiz, 8/19/08]

No time for Jonas Brothers to slow down. In between their hectic schedules promoting their latest LP "A Little Bit Longer" which has just been dropped on the market, the siblings took time to show up for the unveiling of their wax statues at Madame Tussauds in Washington D.C. on Monday, August 18, 2008. The threesome; Nick Jonas, Kevin Jonas, and Joe Jonas, took time that day to strike some poses with their wax figures, creating frenzy among a throng of fans who attended the event. All the boys, also on Monday, were seen visiting the White House to attend a briefing on diabetes, a cause they've been promoting, and tape a public-service announcement about national park, urging kids to get outdoors and stay active. During their time there, they reportedly signed their names to the wall of a swimming pool that was also signed by first lady Laura Bush among others.

 

APPLEGATE CALLS DOUBLE MASTECTOMY A 'TOUGH' CHOICE [AP, 8/19/08]

Christina Applegate is taking the long view of her battle with breast cancer — the really long view. Speaking on ABC News' "Good Morning America" in her first interview since announcing her diagnosis earlier this month, the "Samantha Who?" star said she had a double mastectomy three weeks ago. She'll undergo reconstructive surgery over the next eight months. "I'm going to have cute boobs 'til I'm 90, so there's that," she joked in the interview, which aired Tuesday. The 36-year-old actress elected to remove both breasts even though the disease was contained in one breast. She said she is now cancer-free. Applegate called the operation a logical decision. Her mother battled breast cancer, and she tested positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation linked to breast and ovarian cancer. "I just wanted to kind of be rid of it," she said. Applegate's cancer was detected early through a doctor-ordered MRI. She said she's starting a program to help women at high risk for breast cancer to meet the costs of an MRI, which is not always covered by insurance. Applegate is scheduled to appear on a one-hour TV special, "Stand Up to Cancer," to be aired on ABC, CBS and NBC on Sept. 5, 2008 to raise funds for cancer research. She has been nominated for an Emmy and a Golden Globe for the ABC show "Samantha Who?", in which she plays a woman who wakes from a coma with no memory of who she is.

 

CHRIS KATTAN'S MARRIAGE ON HIATUS [E! Online, 8/19/08]

Apparently Chris Kattan's marriage is a not-ready-for-prime-time player. The former Saturday Night Star and his wife, model Sunshine Tutt, have split just eight weeks after their wedding. "They are separated for the moment but are working on it," a rep for the funnyman tells E! News. However, there are no immediate plans for divorce, according to Life & Style, which first reported the marital rough patch. Kattan, 37, and Tutt, 31, began dating in 2005 and swapped vows June 28, 2008 in Yosemite, Calif., with onetime SNL castmates Will Ferrell, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Jimmy Fallon looking on.

 

INTERNAL RIFT IN BLACK EYED PEAS PROMPTS TOUR CANCELLATION [Aceshowbiz, 8/19/08]

A new album is imminent for Black Eyed Peas but a tour is unlikely. Reports are saying that there is an internal rift in the group that may cost them a world tour in support of the new effort. Member will.i.am reportedly is furious with the only female member Stacy Ferguson aka Fergie for not putting the band as a priority. A source told New York gossip column, Page Six that Fergie is more focused on her movie career rather than her music career as a Peas. The source said that Fergie "won't commit to a tour schedule to promote the album" and that musical piece "Nine" that starts shooting in Europe, is her "priority right now". Black Eyed Peas have not released any studio album since the highly-successful "Monkey Business" in 2005. Each member of the four-piece is busy doing solo projects with will.i.am and Fergie spawning successful solo albums. However, it was announced early this year that they have gone back to the studio together to work on the third album and will release it before the year ends. Fergie will play the role of a prostitute in "Nine" that also sees other big movie stars such as Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman and Daniel Day-Lewis taking part. "She's basically a prostitute on the beach," Fergie said previously about her role. "She introduces Day-Lewis' character to the world of sexuality. I'm going to be singing as a character and that's really exciting to me."

 

CHRISTINA APPLEGATE "100 PERCENT CLEAR" OF CANCER [E! Online, 8/19/08]

Christina Applegate has great news. "They got everything out, so I'm definitely not going to die from breast cancer," the Samantha Who? star says in an interview scheduled to air Tuesday (Aug. 19) on Good Morning America. The 36-year-old actress, whose mom also battled—and survived—the disease, revealed earlier this month that she had been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer and was undergoing treatment. Applegate, said that she has been getting regular mammograms since she turned 30. A second MRI, part of the follow-up from a biopsy she had last year, revealed the cancer. "I was so mad and I—I just remember I was—I was just shaking," she told GMA cohost Robin Roberts, herself a breast-cancer survivor, on Monday (Aug. 18). "And then also immediately, I had to go into…'take-care-of-business mode,' which was…I asked them, 'What do I do now? What—what is it that I do? I get a doctor, I get a surgeon, I get an oncologist? What do I do?'" Apparently she did what was right for her, which included penciling in all the help she needed and switching to a macrobiotic diet. "I'm clear," Applegate said. "Absolutely 100 percent clear and clean. It did not spread. They got everything out, so I'm definitely not going to die from breast cancer." The poster girl for preventive care, who found out in July that she had been nominated for her first lead-actress Emmy, is slated to appear alongside Charlize Theron, Meryl Streep and Jennifer Aniston on the one-hour special Stand Up to Cancer, which airs Sept. 5, 2008 on NBC, ABC and CBS.

 

JESSICA ALBA MOUTHS OFF [E! Online, 8/19/08]

Add Jessica Alba to the list of celebs urging young people to vote this election season. The starlet will appear in Declare Yourself's new "Only You Can Silence Yourself" PSA campaign, in which celebs and real people are shown crying and with their mouths forced shut. In 2004, the campaign was launched with a photo of Christina Aguilera in which her lips appeared tied together with leather string, while screws and bolts were used on Mean Girls actor Jonathan Bennett. "Only you can silence yourself," reads the tagline for the campaign. "Make them hear you. Register to vote now." Alba was photographed on Friday (Aug. 15) in Los Angeles by celebrity lenser Mark Liddell. It is still being decided how her mouth will be manipulated shut for the campaign, according to a rep for Declare Yourself. Alba's ads will appear in magazines in the fall.

 

50 CENT LEADS 2008 FORBES HIP-HOP's CASH KING [Aceshowbiz, 8/19/08]

Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson has taken top spot of Forbes' annual list for Hip-Hop's Cash King from Jay-Z's hand. This year, 50 Cent leads the spot on the list with an estimated total wealth of over $150 million, almost twice from Jay-Z's earnings. Signing a $100-millions deal with Vitamin Water, 50 Cent has shifted Jay-Z from the hot spot to runner-up by $18 million cash gap. His other huge investments include album sales, clothing sales for his label G-Unit, video games, and a mining partnership with a billionaire from South Africa Patrice Motsepe. Sliding down one place, Jay-Z lingers at second spot with $82 millions earnings. He gets much of his money from his last album "American Gangster", which has been sold over 1,450,000 copies worldwide since it has been released in November 2007. Furthermore, he has also pocketed profits from his stakes in the New Jersey Nets and endorsement deals with Dell and Budweiser. Meanwhile, twice in a row, rapper P. Diddy takes number three on the list. He has banked $35 million from his album sales, his record company Bad Boy and clothing line Sean John which won Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Awards in 2004. Besides that, he also got his money from reality TV shows and alcohol brand Absolut Vodka which sign him as their icon. Top 10 of Forbes' 2008 Hip-Hop's Cash King: (1) 50 Cent with $150 millions (2) Jay-Z with $82 millions (3) Diddy with $35 millions (4) Kanye West with $30 millions (5) Timbaland with $22 millions (6) Pharrell Williams with $20 millions (7) Swizz Beatz with $17 millions (8) Snoop Dogg with $16 millions (9) Dr. Dre with $15 millions (10) Ludacris with $14 millions.

 

DANIEL RADCLIFFE'S DYSPRAXIA DIAGNOSIS [E! Online, 8/18/08]

On the bright side, it hasn't seemed to affect his Quidditch game. Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has revealed he suffers from a mild form of dyspraxia, a neurological disorder that often impairs coordination, and which is sometimes mistaken for sheer clumsiness. "Yes, Dan Radcliffe does have dyspraxia," his rep told Britain's Daily Mail. "This is something he has never hidden. Thankfully his condition is very mild and at worst manifests itself in an inability to tie his shoelaces and bad handwriting." The 19-year-old revealed his diagnosis to the newspaper while hyping his upcoming Broadway debut in Equus. Radcliffe had no problem joking about his condition in the Mail. "Why, oh why, has Velcro not taken off?" The actor did not reveal when he was diagnosed with the disorder, which can sometimes make learning more difficult, but did say that his early days at school were not easy ones. "I was having a hard time at school in terms of being crap at everything, with no discernible talent," he said. Enter the acting bug, increased confidence and a massive Potter-powered payday. Radcliffe's Broadway run kicks off Sept. 5, 2008 and lasts through Feb. 8, 2009.

 

PRODUCER CRITICALLY INJURED AFTER CAR HITS HER [AP, 8/18/08]

Authorities say Hollywood producer and talent manager Joan Hyler was in critical condition after she was hit by a car Friday night (Aug. 15) on Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, California. Hyler, who has represented Bob Dylan and Madonna and is a former president of the nonprofit Women in Film, was hit as she was heading to a home in the area. In a posting on the Web site of UCLA Medical Center, her family says she sustained "severe and multiple injuries." A hospital spokesman says Hyler remained in critical condition Sunday.

 

HILARY DUFF ENGAGED OR NOT? [E! Online, 8/18/08]

What happens when Hilary Duff leaves the house wearing a ring on her wedding finger? She ignites a flurry of speculation that she and her boyfriend of one year, pro-hockey player Mike Comrie, are engaged to be married. Duff's camp is not confirming or denying that Comrie popped the question... When asked if they're engaged, a rep for the singer-actress did not comment. Duff was spotted wearing the mystery ring on Friday night when the two hit L.A.'s Il Sole restaurant for dinner. If it's not an engagement ring, perhaps the bauble was an early birthday present from Comrie, who is an heir to Canada's The Brick furniture empire. Last year, Comrie, 27, reportedly gave Duff a $100,000 Mercedes to celebrate her 20th. She turns 21 on Sept. 28, 2008.

 

KATY PERRY'S PARENTS ASHAMED OF HER "I KISSED A GIRL" SONG [Aceshowbiz, 8/18/08]

Taking the fall of the success for her hit "I Kissed a Girl", Katy Perry has to endure criticism from her own parents. Instead of getting praised, the daughter of evangelical Christian preachers is deemed "shameful and disgraceful" with the lyrics of the song that promotes "sin". Speaking to DailyMail.co.uk, Perry's mom, Mary Hudson said, "I hate the song. It clearly promotes homosexuality and its message is shameful and disgusting." She added that this is no longer a secret, saying, "Katy knows how I feel. We are a very outspoken family and she knows how disappointed her father and I are. I can't even listen to that song. The first time I heard it I was in total shock. When it comes on the radio I bow my head and pray." "I Kissed a Girl" has been a huge chart success with it topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart for seven consecutive weeks. Not only the lyrics are considered promoting homosexuality, the music video also sees Perry wearing lingerie and minimum clothes, not a typical thing daughter of pastors would do. Within the lyrics in which she is involved as co-writer, Perry croons "I kissed a girl and I liked it / The taste of her cherry chapstick". Despite the claims and the 'gay' persona that Perry reflects in her music, she herself is dating a man. She is the girlfriend of Travis McCoy of Gym Class Heroes, who has given her a promise ring. On this issue, Mary shared her words, "Katy is not a homosexual but I fear she has been led astray by the Hollywood crowd. I pray all the time that God will work through her and help her find salvation." Perry started her career singing in churches and local restaurants in Santa Barbara. She even released a Christian album in 2001 under the name Katy Hudson. "Katy was spotted by a music producer who invited her to LA. That's when she started to change," Mary recalled.

 

NAS CALLING RAP PEERS TO 'GET MORE REAL' [Aceshowbiz, 8/18/08]

Rapper Nas has recently shared his thought about how hip hop lyrics should sound. He says that though most rappers have a luxurious life, they should not highlight their jet-set life in their verses. In a statement, he says, "When you first get into the music business, you're excited to be there, you want to make records that everybody's loving. But, after you've got years in the game, you wanna give people the real side of you, show people some character." Furthermore, Nas also says that the rappers should not forget about the unfortunates. According to him, they should write more songs focusing on the real life where many people out there experience harsh things. "Life is good; there's yachts, there's nice cars, there's movie roles. We overcame... but, in the middle of all that... you can't forget about the ones that didn't make it with us. Life is good, but that still doesn't erase all the horror out here," says Nas. Nas has sparked controversy through his latest untitled album by initially calling it as "Nigger". Some say that the title carried a racial message and therefore should be scrapped off. His label, Universal, actually gave no comment about the title. However, the controversy had grown even more serious when an assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries forced Thomas DiNapoli to withdraw his fund from Universal if Nas didn't change the title.

 

DeGENERES AND DE ROSSI WED IN CALIFORNIA [AP, 8/17/08]

There are reports that Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have wed in what is perhaps the highest-profile gay marriage since California legalized the unions. People and US Magazine say DeGeneres, 50, and de Rossi, 35, wed Saturday night in an intimate ceremony at their home, which is in Beverly Hills. After the California Supreme Court ruled in May that homosexuals can marry, DeGeneres announced on her talk show that she and de Rossi would wed. The couple have been together for nearly four years.

 

REUNITED "SQUEEZE" NOT HEADED FOR RECORDING STUDIO [Reuters, 8/17/08]

Although Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook, the principals of English pop-rock band Squeeze, have reunited and will soon embark on a U.S. tour, they have no plans for a new Squeeze album. "No, we're not kind of talking about any of that for the time being," Difford told Billboard.com. "Glenn's got a solo record coming out very soon, and I've just had a solo record come out ('The Last Temptation of Chris'), so ... (Squeeze) is kind of like the mothership, and we're satellites that go off." Nevertheless, Difford -- who rejoined Tilbrook for live shows again last year after a nine-year break -- said the current Squeeze reunion "feels great," and that he'd entertain the notion of doing another album under the band moniker at some future juncture. "I think it would be nice. It would be an interesting thing to do," he said. "For the time being, we've got quite a lot on our plate." Difford said that Squeeze, whose last new album was 1998's "Domino," will not be playing any of his or Tilbrook's solo material in concert. "It's very strictly a Squeeze show," he explained. "I don't think Glenn would really want to play any of my songs, particularly. And I think it's important for us to keep our separation between what we do individually and what we do together." Squeeze's U.S. run starts August 21 in Washington, D.C., and wraps September 16, 2008 in Seattle.

 

CROWDS FOR BERNIE MAC MEMORIAL IN CHICAGO [AP, 8/16/08]

Large crowds of people are gathering in Chicago to attend a public memorial for actor and comedian Bernie Mac. Actor Samuel L. Jackson and Mayor Richard Daley are among the speakers expected to pay tribute to Mac at the large House of Hope church on the city's South Side. Also expected to speak at the Saturday afternoon (Aug. 16) gathering are Mac's co-stars from the documentary "The Original Kings of Comedy" — Steve Harvey, D.L. Hughley and Cedric The Entertainer. Mac died one week ago Saturday at the age of 50 from what his publicist says were complications from pneumonia. He had been at Chicago's Northwestern Memorial Hospital since the middle of July, 2008.

 

'OFFICE' ACTOR CRAIG ROBINSON FACES DRUG CHARGES [AP, 8/16/08]

Prosecutors have filed felony drug charges against Craig Phillip Robinson, an actor best known for his role as Darryl Philbin on NBC's "The Office." According to documents released Friday (Aug. 15), police in Culver City arrested Robinson on June 29, 2008 on suspicion of possessing MDMA, also known as ecstasy, and methamphetamine. He was released the same day after posting bail, jail records show. Los Angeles County prosecutors charged Robinson with two felony counts of drug possession and one count of being under the influence of illegal drugs. Robinson's publicist declined comment Friday. The 36-year-old is scheduled to appear in court on August 21, 2008. He is familiar to television audiences for his portrayal of Philbin, a warehouse foreman on "The Office." He also recently appeared in the comedy film "Pineapple Express."

 

"LOST STAR" MATTHEW FOX INKED NEW DEAL [E! Online, 8/16/08]

Lost star Matthew Fox has inked a new deal that gives him a 50 percent raise, bringing his salary to an estimated $225,000 per episode, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The 42-year-old Fox, who plays the hit ABC drama's reluctant hero, Dr. Jack Shephard, previously earned about $150,000 for each Lost segment aired. But his reps had quietly been negotiating a sizeable bump with producers that paid off in this week's pact. A publicist for the drama declined to comment, but an insider close to the show told E! News there were "inaccuracies" in the report. Following suit, other key players on the show—such as Evangeline Lilly, who plays Jack's love interest, Kate—are said to be renegotiating their contracts for hefty increases As well they should, considering cocreators and executive producers Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse have previously stated they only have 34 episodes left to go before the Emmy-winning action-adventure mystery series ends its riveting six-season run in 2010. The last pay hike Lost castmembers received was in January 2006, when ABC Studios raised their salaries by $80,000 an episode. But as the series' de facto lead, Fox purportedly nabbed a bonus estimated at $250,000. Shooting on Lost's fifth season gets under way on Monday.

 

RBD ANNOUNCE SPLIT, TO PERFORM SOLO [Aceshowbiz, 8/16/08]

After four years singing songs together in front of millions of people, RBD announce that they will split up in a written statement, which is signed by their five members, Alfonso, Any, Christian, Christopher, Dulce Maria y Maite. As posted on their official website, the group wrote to all of their fans, "You, our fans, also left an unforgettable mark in our lives, and will never forget you, and keep you always close to our hearts." This has then made some speculations, saying that the group's members are eying for solo careers. The rumor goes deeper with their statement, saying, "Every big Project needs to make changes in order to move on, and today we are initiating that process." For a start of farewell tour, the group will perform in Spain. They will then bring the farewell party in Serbia, Slovenia, Venezuela, Argentina, Romania, Brazil, Peru, Los Angeles, and Mexico. A detailed list of place and time of their show can be found on their official website. The group was formed in 2004 on Mexico's "Rebelde" television program, and continued even after the program ended in 2006. RBD became popular across the Spanish-speaking world for songs like "Tu Amor" taken from their 2006 "Rebels".

 

SPEARS, BROWN, JONAS BROTHERS GET MTV AWARD NODS [AP, 8/15/08]

After delivering one of the worst performances in the history of the MTV Video Music Awards, Britney Spears has a chance to be crowned this year as the absolute best. The rebounding pop queen is nominated for video of the year for "Piece of Me," a clip that had fun with her reputation as a tabloid queen. Other nominees included the Jonas Brothers for "Burnin Up," Chris Brown for "Forever," the Pussycat Dolls for "When I Grow Up" and newcomers The Ting Tings for "Shut Up and Let Me Go." Other nominees announced Friday — Paramore, Fall Out Boy, Slipknot, Linkin Park and Foo Fighters — were in the category of best rock video. This is Spears third nomination for this year's VMAs; earlier, fans nominated her for best pop video and best female video, both for "Piece of Me." There's a possibility she get a chance to redeem last year's bad performance at this year's VMAs, to be held Sept. 7, 2008 in Los Angeles; MTV has confirmed they are in talks to have Spears appear in some capacity, and she's appearing in two video ads to promote the show. Russell Brand has been selected to host this year's VMAs, which is to include performances from Kid Rock, Lil Wayne and the Jonas Brothers. Other nominees include Kanye West, Jordin Sparks, Madonna, Rihanna and Katy Perry.

 

THEN THERE WERE FOUR - INTRODUCING JONAS No. 4 [Klassic Magazine, 8/15/08]

The Jonas Brothers — Kevin, Joe and Nick — has added a bonus to their group. As if three was not enough, they have added their 7 year old cutey brother, Frankie — a.k.a. "Bonus Jonas."  Frankie made his MTV debut this week on "TRL," along with his famous brothers. And by blood association alone, this kid knows a thing or two about mugging for the camera.

 

CHRIS BROWN UPSET OVER LEAKED TRACK [Aceshowbiz, 8/15/08]

Chris Brown is upset over online leak of his demo track titled "Electric Guitar", which is taken from his next-year released album, tentatively-titled "Graffiti". The song in which he has teamed up with Dr. Dre, is believed to become a duet for him and his rumored girlfriend Rihanna. He didn't want fans to hear the tune before Rihanna adds her voice. "I'm mad that it's leaked," he told The Associated Press in a recent interview. "The record's not finished. It's supposed to be me and Rihanna's duet." Beside Rihanna, other stars who are said to be featured in the album, include Ciara, Lil Wayne, and Akon. He has also just signed T-Pain for a single called "Freeze", which has been confirmed to also be listed in T-Pain's forthcoming LP "Thr33 Ringz". "Dreamer", the single that becomes one of the songs featured on AT&T Team U.S.A. soundtrack reportedly will also be included in "Graffiti". The song was released on August 7, 2008 via U.S. iTunes and so far has reached number three on iTunes Top 10 chart.

 

FLOBOTS TO JOIN RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE AT DNC [Aceshowbiz, 8/15/08]

Flobots have joined forces with Iraq Veterans Against the War and Tent State University to perform as part of the "Tent State Music Festival to End the War" on Wednesday, August 27 at the Denver Coliseum. They will also team up with Rage Against the Machine in the show that will be held by (DNC) Democratic National Convention. Tickets for their show will be awarded on a lottery basis. Fans can register for the tickets at Tent State's booth near the IVAW Tower at Cuernavaca Park from August 24 to 26, 2008. A valid photo ID card is required to claim the tickets. Winners will be notified by email with a policy that each lottery winner will get two tickets for the Festival. When the show is done, the Flobots are scheduled to have another show at Austin Bat Festival in Austin, Texas. The show will be held on August 31, 2008. The next day, they will head up to Seattle, Washington for a live performance at Bumbershoot Exhibition Hall. A full detail for their shows can be found on their MySpace page.

 

ZETA'S NAMESAKE GRANDMOTHER DIED [BBC News, 8/15/08]

Catherine Zeta Jones' grandmother, after whom the film star was named, has died in Swansea, at the age of 91. The Oscar winning actress remained close to her grandmother, Zeta, flying in from Bermuda earlier this year to bring flowers for her birthday. The actress, who is married to Michael Douglas and has two children, is expected to return to Wales for the funeral. Widow Mrs Jones is believed to have died at her daughter's home. It is thought she had been unwell for several days before her death. She had lived in the Ravenhill area of the city for the past 60 years, and took her exotic name from a Swansea merchant ship called The Zeta, which carried copper from south America to Wales. Next-door neighbour, Mike Thomas, 60, said: "I've known Mrs Jones since I was born. She was a real duchess. "She was extremely popular, always chattering to people, and very proud of Catherine, but never going on about her too much." Mrs Jones was the mother of Catherine's businessman father Dai.

 

LISA MARIE PRESLEY'S TWINS SEX AND NAME REVEALED [Aceshowbiz, 8/15/08]

The rumour mill goes into overdrive again as new claim on the twins that Lisa Marie Presley is carrying has just emerged. According to the New York Daily News newspaper, the singer is having a twin son and daughter. That isn't the one and only detail that is exposed about the twins as their possible names have also been outed. The newspaper claimed further that intending to pay tribute to her late singer father Elvis Presley, Lisa is planning to name her new son Jesse, after Elvis' identical twin brother who was stillborn. A source close to her, moreover, revealed that she's going to name her daughter Gladys Love after her paternal grandmother. Claim on the not-yet-born twins' sex and names comes less than a week after Lisa's mother Priscilla Presley confirmed in an interview with Entertainment Tonight last week that her daughter is pregnant with twins and due to give birth in the fall. Confirming her pregnancy with the twins in a "confirmation under the gun" on her MySpace Celebrity Blog on March 6, Lisa however willingly exposed her baby bump in a series of semi-naked photos taken by celebrity photographer Davis Factor for the September issue of Marie Claire. The twins will be Lisa's first child with current husband Michael Lockwood. They will join brother Benjamin Storm Keough and sister Danielle Riley Keough, both of whom are Lisa's children with her first husband Danny Keough.

 

AMONG BERNIE MAC'S LAST ROLES: LION [AP, 8/15/08]

In one of his final roles, Bernie Mac roars. In the upcoming "Madagascar" sequel, the comedian and actor voices the lion Zuba, father of Ben Stiller's fey, city-loving lion Alex. Jeffrey Katzenberg, head of DreamWorks Animation SKG said animation would continue for another month and additional production would take two months. The movie, titled "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa," is set for release Nov. 7, 2008. Mac died Saturday in the Chicago area from complications due to pneumonia. Others featured in the DreamWorks film include Chris Rock, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen and David Schwimmer,  will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas collaborated with composer Hans Zimmer on original music.

 

DMX ARRESTED AFTER NOT SHOWING AT HEARING [AP, 8/15/08]

A lawyer for DMX says the rapper has been arrested in Miami on a warrant for failing to attend a Phoenix court hearing. Lawyer Charles Kozelka says DMX, whose real name is Earl Simmons, checked into a Miami hospital the day he was to appear in Phoenix and was planning on entering a rehab facility afterward. Kozelka says the warrant stopped those plans, and that he had been trying to arrange for DMX to turn himself in at the airport. A Phoenix judge issued the warrant for DMX on Tuesday (Aug. 12) after he didn't appear for a pretrial conference on four counts of possessing drug paraphernalia and one count of possession of marijuana. The case is one of several Simmons is facing in Phoenix, including several animal cruelty and drug possession counts.

 

JERRY LEWIS SAYS GUN IN BAGGAGE WAS A GIFT [AP, 8/15/08]

Jerry Lewis said a gun found in his carry-on and confiscated by Las Vegas police at the airport last month was a gift from an engraver following Lewis' annual telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association — despite an earlier claim by his manager that the weapon was a prop. "Oh, I had a gun in my carrying case, which was given to me by a marvelous, marvelous engraver," Lewis told "Entertainment Tonight." "Last year, at the telethon of '07, he presented me with this gorgeous gift. He presented it to me in the telethon office in '07. I put it in that traveling case, and I hadn't traveled since that telethon 'til that day." Lewis said in a video posted Thursday (Aug. 14) on the entertainment news show's web site that the gun had been sitting in his office for a year in an unused traveling case. Las Vegas policeman Bill Cassell said on July 30 if the gun were merely a prop "it wouldn't be a weapon and we couldn't cite him for carrying a weapon." Cassell said Lewis was cited July 25 for carrying the unloaded concealed weapon at the Las Vegas airport.

 

McMAHON'S HOME, LET HIM LIVE THERE [AP, 8/15/08]

Donald Trump will soon be Ed McMahon's landlord. Trump announced Thursday he would save the television personality's Beverly Hills mansion from foreclosure by buying it for an undisclosed amount and leasing it to McMahon. The developer told the Los Angeles Times he doesn't know McMahon personally, but acted out of compassion because helping out "would be an honor." McMahon, 85, who was Johnny Carson's sidekick on the "Tonight" show for three decades, has not worked for about 18 months because of a neck injury. He defaulted on $4.8 million in mortgage loans with Countrywide Financial Corp. McMahon's spokesman, Howard Bragman, told The Associated Press that paperwork on the sale had not been completed but that McMahon was "very optimistic" the deal would go through. "When I was at the Wharton School of Business I'd watch him every night," Trump told the Times. "How could this happen?" McMahon bought the six-bedroom, five-bathroom, 7,000-square-foot house in January 1990. The home was listed at $4.6 million last weekend — down from a peak price of $7 million.

 

CHRIS 'MAD DOG' RUSSO OUT AT WFAN [AP, 8/15/08]

Chris Russo has left WFAN-AM, breaking up the sports talk giant's "Mike and the Mad Dog" show two weeks short of its 19th anniversary. Mike Francesa will become the solo host of the afternoon drive program, and WFAN announced Thursday (Aug. 14) night that it had signed him to a multiyear contract. Terms were not released. "Mike and Chris pioneered the genre more than 18 years ago and have shaped the sports talk format into what it is today," WFAN operations director Mark Chernoff said in a statement. "We wish Chris nothing but the best and look forward to all that Mike will do in a role in which he has excelled at for years." "Mike and the Mad Dog" started broadcasting in September 1989. According to winter 2008 data from Arbitron, the show had more than 659,000 cumulative listeners over the course of a week. Francesa has been with WFAN since 1987.

 

HOLLYWOOD HONCHO BERNIE BRILLSTEIN REMEMBERED [E! Online, 8/14/08]

A who's who of Hollywood turned out last night (Aug. 12) to remember Bernie Brillstein. A memorial service was held at UCLA's Royce Hall to pay tribute to the late manager and TV/movie producer, who died last week at 77 due to complications from heart disease. Longtime client Jennifer Aniston read a passage from Brillstein's book Where Did I Go Right?, and Rob Lowe talked about their 20-plus year relationship, a source at the service reports. The evening also included a video/photo montage featuring candid shots of Brillstein with such stars as Brad Pitt, Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Paramount studio boss Brad Grey, Muppets creator Jim Henson and Miss Piggy along with plenty of family pics. Jim Belushi and Dan Aykroyd performed as the Blues Brothers for a standing-room-only crowd that included Martin Short, Bill Maher and Lorne Michaels, among many others. Kermit the Frog closed the service by singing "Rainbow Connection."

 

JAY-Z SELLING STAKE IN 40/40 VEGAS CLUB [Vibe, 8/14/08]

In Jay-Z’s “44-Fours,” he used 44 metaphors to explain why he came into the game, none being fame and fortune (“not for no fame, nor for bright lights”). He is now in talks to sell his share of the glitzy Vegas nightclub 40/40 for $44 million.  The New York Post reports that the megastar is in talks with the Las Vegas Sands Corporation and has allegedly offered them half of his stake of the club. This move could reportedly give the 40/40 club global appeal. “That will make the 40/40 club in Vegas the largest sports booking operation,” an insider told the Post. “People can gamble both at the tables and on games. The Sands will also have the right to open 40/40 clubs in London and across Europe.” The Las Vegas Sands Corporation also owns the Venetian and the Palazzo, two luxury casinos, and the 40/40 is located inside of the Palazzo on the Vegas strip. The grand opening was held in December of 2007, and the chain has continued to expand since its launch in Manhattan in 2003.  There are currently locations in Macau, Tokyo and Atlantic City as well.  Jay celebrated the nightclub’s opening with Beyonce and Solange Knowles on December 30, 2007, which was also a birthday celebration for basketball star and  Jay-Z’s comrade, LeBron James.

 

KANYE WEST TO PRODUCE JAY-Z's "BLUEPRINT 3" [Aceshowbiz, 8/12/08]

Despite its preview at KanyeWest's gig, top secret of Jay-Z's work on his upcoming album "The Blueprint 3" has been further leaked by a hip hop producer Mick Boogie. The rapper has reportedly confirmed to sign Kanye as producer for most of the tracks in his forthcoming album. Jay-Z had previously named Timbaland and Kanye as possible producers to handle his upcoming album. However, Timbaland had misunderstood the news and confidently said that Jay-Z has chosen him to produce the whole tracks. Jay-Z lightly denied the claim by stating that he will only choose the one who can come up with good materials. Now, Jay-Z's denial has apparently been strengthened by Mick's statement. Furthermore, Mick also says that Jay-Z will add new verses to single "Jockin'Jay-Z" and as soon as the final touch is finish, the single will be released. Beside "Jockin' Jay-Z", another track that has been confirmed to be in the album is "Victory". Unfortunately, there hasn't any further information about the single.

 

REGGAE SINGER SEAN PAUL ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES [Aceshowbiz, 8/12/08]

Another day, another brand new report of arrest emerges. Sean Paul is the latest public figure who has a run-in with the law. The Jamaican singer was arrested on drug charges during the Uppsala Reggae Festival in Sweden over the weekend. Paul was taken into custody Friday, August 8 on suspicion of possessing narcotics, TMZ reports. The site furthermore claims that there were 200 to 300 other people brought in from the fest on drug-related charges. Ten artists who were tapped to perform on the show were also taken downtown for questioning. Police said that they collected evidence at the scene and an investigation is currently underway. Results are expected to be in within a month. Representative for Paul has no comment on that matter and there have yet words on his whereabout. Paul is best known as a Grammy Award-winning Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist. He rose to stardom with his single "Get Busy" from second album "Dutty Rock." He is currently working on another LP, tentatively titled "The Next Thing" which not yet has a release date.

 

JOHN LENNON'S KILLER DENIED PAROLE [E! Online, 8/12/08]

If Mark David Chapman wants to know what it's like to be free, well, he'll have to just imagine.For the fifth time since becoming eligible for release, John Lennon's killer was denied parole from New York's Attica Correctional Facility Tuesday. Parole board members issued a brief one-page decision on the denial after meeting with Chapman, saying that despite his clean disciplinary record since 1994, his release "would not be in the best interest of the community." Or, more likely, in the best interest of Chapman's safety. "It's dangerous for him to come out," Lennon's widow, Yoko Ono, told the New York Daily News Monday. "Not only for us, but for himself." Ono added that she had personally asked parole officials to deny Chapman's request. The 53-year-old will remain in Attica for at least two more years before becoming re-eligible for parole. He has so far served 27 years of a maximum life sentence behind bars. For the two people unaware, Chapman pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for gunning down the former Beatle outside his Manhattan apartment building, the Dakota, on Dec. 8, 1980.

 

BLONSKY DAD FINALLY BAILED [E! Online, 8/12/08]

Nikki Blonsky's airport-brawling father, Carl Blonsky, has finally been released from a Turks and Caicos jail after an appellate court approved his resubmitted request for bail. The 53-year-old Blonsky, who has been locked up since his arrest on assault and inflicting grievous bodily harm back on July 29, 2008, was released Monday night after posting a $3,000 bond. His attorney, Oliver Smith, told People the free man is currently on his way back to New York. "We appealed on the grounds that Mr. Blonsky has some health problems," Smith said. "The appeal was successful [and] last night the court released him." Just last week, the elder Blonsky was denied bail, despite his lawyer's in-court insistence that he suffered from various health problems, on the grounds that he, a foreigner, posed a significant flight risk. "We look forward to court where my client can prove his innocence." They won't have long to wait. While his Hairspray-starring daughter, Nikki, has a trial date of Dec. 1, and America's Next Top Model arrestee Bianca Golden, is due back on Sept. 17, 2008, Blonsky himself is due to return to Providenciales Magistrates' Court one week from today, when his trial on the charges is set to begin. If convicted on both counts, he faces up to five years in jail.

 

JOSS STONE TO SING FOR BARACK OBAMA'S PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN [Aceshowbiz, 8/12/08]

British soul singer Joss Stone was asked to record a theme song for Barack Obama's presidential campaign. According to a source, Joss is said to be honored as she is a big fan of him. Now, she is reportedly in a recording studio, working on Barack's song for the November election battle with Republican senator John McCain and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. Barack is said to have approached the 21-year-old singer personally, asking her to write a track, partly because he believes that her music has appealed to both black and white voters in America.

 

BRITNEY SPEARS' MTV VMAs COMMERCIAL [AP, 8/12/08]

Britney Spears may get a shot at redemption during this year's MTV Video Music Awards. Widely panned for her glazed-over performance at last year's show, Spears is now in negotiations with MTV to make an appearance at the Sept. 7, 2008 ceremony, a spokesperson for MTV said Tuesday (Aug. 12). While the network said nothing has been finalized — only Lil Wayne and the Jonas Brothers are confirmed so far — Spears is already appearing in promotional ads for the telecast. "This is for real," Spears tells VMA host Russell Brand in one of two spots for the VMAs, which were taped last week, according to MTV. In the ads, Spears, dressed in black with blonde hair cascading down her shoulders, giggles as she and Brand banter flirtatiously. She looks sexy, confident and fit — the antithesis of her appearance at last year's ceremony. Spears is working on a new album. If she were to perform, it would surely be a ratings bonanza; last year's VMA's was up 23 percent over the 2006 show. Van Toffler, head of MTV Networks Music Groups, admitted as much in June when he said there was a possibility that Spears could appear at this year's event, to be held in Los Angeles. "I'm not sure how we top Britney opening the show," said Toffler. A Britney sequel just might work.

 

MADONNA RECEIVES $500,000 CHARITY DONATION [Aceshowbiz, 8/12/08]

New York Yankee player Alex Rodriguez has reportedly donated $500,000 to Madonna's Raising Malawi foundation. The New York Daily News is informed by a source, "They've asked him for a million dollars, and I hear he's agreed to give at least $500,000." Neither Rodriguez's representative nor Raising Malawi would confirm on the reported donation. Rodriguez indeed is no stranger to giving donation. Being dubbed as the highest-paid player in the sport with a 10-year $275 million contract, he previously has donated $3.9 million to the University of Miami to help build a baseball  stadium. Reports are that he did not even want his name on it. Rodriguez, in the meantime, has become the subject of media scrutiny due to his alleged affair with Madonna. It was rumour on that matter that prompted his wife Cynthia Rodriguez to file for divorce early last month, alleging through her attorney that her estranged husband did have an "affair of the heart" with the pop star. Madonna, on the other way around, tried to put the brake on the affair rumours, making several public appearances with husband Guy Ritchie.

 

USHER, KEITH URBAN SET FOR NFL KICKOFF SHOW [Billboard, 8/12/08]

Usher and Keith Urban will help ring in the 2008 NFL season with a free Sept. 4, 2008 concert at New York's Columbus Circle. Highlights will be sprinkled across the NFL Network, NFL.com and Sprint's NFL Mobile Live. NBC will also air footage the following day. The Sept. 4 show will lead into the NFL season opener between the Super Bowl champion New York Giants and the Washington Redskins at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J. John Mellencamp, Faith Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Hinder and Keyshia Cole performed at last year's NFL Kickoff concert in Indianapolis.

 

JAY-Z VOLUNTEER HIS SERVICES [Aceshowbiz, 8/12/08]

Hip hop star Jay-Z has joined New York officials in an effort to transform New York City into traffic-free playgrounds this weekend. Together with the city's Mayor Michael Bloomberg, he has announced a new program that will close 11.3 kilometers (seven miles) of city road starting from the Brooklyn Bridge to Central Park. Furthermore, his involvement has made some hope that teens will be inspired and get involved in more positive activities, such as playing music or doing some sports. This program is scheduled to run every Saturday until August 23, 2008.

 

P. DIDDY TO LAUNCH NEW MEN'S FRAGRANCE, 'I AM KING' [Aceshowbiz, 8/12/08]

Having the commercial for his latest fragrance "Unforgivable" being banned from airing in U.S. TV, apparently, couldn't prevent P. Diddy from making more new scents. The rapper, actor, record producer, clothing designer and entrepreneur is about to launch a new fragrance for men, which he calls "I Am King." Explaining on the scent's name, Diddy said during an interview at his Bad Boy Entertainment offices in Manhattan, "I Am King is a statement about all men." He furthermore revealed, "We are all descendants of royalty - and if we carry ourselves and respect ourselves in that manner and believe in ourselves, then we are all king ... It has nothing to do with being arrogant. I Am King is not a statement about myself - I Am King is about every man who is going to go and buy the fragrance." "I Am King" is set to be released through U.S. department chain Macy's in December, 2008 before going out to other stores February, 2009, WWD reports.

 

"DANGEROUS" No. 7 ON BILLBOARD HOT 100 [Klassic Magazine, 8/21/08]

Dangerous, the track written by R&B superstar Akon with a unique rap-style by Toronto's own Kardinal Offishall has hit No. 7 on Billboard Hot 100 Music Chart. No Change since last week.

 

JAY-Z KEEPING MUM ABOUT MARRIAGE TO BEYONCE KNOWLES [Aceshowbiz, 8/11/08]

It's been months since reports on him marrying longtime girlfriend Beyonce Knowles first leaked in April. And Jay-Z has, in a recent interview with Vibe magazine, spoken for the first time about why he and the songbird choose not to talk publicly about their marriage. Talking about his silence about their marriage to interviewer Elliot Wilson for the September issue of the magazine, the hip-hop star claims it is important for him and Beyonce to keep certain issues of their lives away from the media and public. He says, "That's ridiculous for me to confirm. I don't have ... I'm gonna say, I think that was a ridiculous question. I just think it's really a part of your life that you gotta keep to yourself." He continues telling Vibe, "You have to, or you'll go insane in this type of business. You have to have something that's sacred to you and the people around you. I shared so much of my life, my childhood, and my family, the death of my nephew with the world. I should have something to hold on to. You need something for your sanity ... to say, Okay, I could chill out, and this is it." Jay-Z and Beyonce reportedly wed on April 4 in a "very special, very private, very intimate rooftop ceremony" at his New York apartment. Neither him nor his bride has ever actually confirmed the wedding did occur. Aside from his love life, Jay-Z currently is working on his eleventh album, titled "The Blueprint 3." He has on Wednesday, August 6 during an appearance at Kanye West's Madison Square Garden concert performed a new song, "Jockin' Jay-Z", which is speculated to be one of the tracks from the upcoming LP. No release date has been set for it.

 

RAPPER YUNG BERG ARRESTED ON GUN AND MARIJUANA CHARGES [Aceshowbiz, 8/11/08]

Rapper Yung Berg was arrested early Saturday morning, August 9 in New York City on gun and marijuana charges. His arrest was first reported by Urban411.com but the site had no details on the encounter. TMZ, elsewhere, reported on its site that Berg's arrest occurred after a limousine driver filed a complaint with police claiming he got into a dispute with Yung Berg and his entourage of four people. Following an investigation, police then arrested Berg and his companions and charged them all with criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of marijuana and menacing. The Saturday arrest wasn't Berg's first though. He was arrested in Miami late last year for marijuana possession. The hip-hop recording artist catapulted to fame with his first single "Sexy Lady" which features R'n'B singer Junior. Kicking off his singing career at the age of 15, he was formerly affiliated with DMX's Bloodline Records. Berg in the meantime is on a promotional tour in support of his latest album titled "Look What You Made Me". The set will hit stores on Tuesday, August 12. No word has been given by his camp on his arrest.

 

JONAS BROTHERS DELIVER RECORD-BREAKING PERFORMANCE [Aceshowbiz, 8/11/08]

Performing a free concert for "Good Morning America" on Friday, August 8, pop rock band Jonas Brothers have taken over the Big Apple. Performing on the stage erected at Bryan Park in Midtown Manhattan, the trio created a history of their own setting a new record for the largest crowd the morning show has ever hosted up to the date. In front of more than their 10,000 hysterical teenage fans, the band consisted of Kevin, Joe and Nick performed a quick set of songs, including "S.O.S.", their latest hit single "Burnin' Up" and parts of a couple other songs from their upcoming new LP, "A Little Bit Longer". The large number of the concert's attendees allegedly prompted show hosts to compare the band with legendary bands, including The Beatles. One interesting story came from their performance was when they share stage with Big Rob, Britney Spears' former bodyguard, while delivering "Burnin' Up". The man hired to protect the three singing sensations collaborated with them on stage rapping his part of the song. R&B hitmaker Usher switcheroo also comes after Usher's rep shot down rumors that he and Foster were having marital issues.

 

AKON AND KARDINAL OFFISHALL TALK MUSIC WITH MTV [MTV, 8/11/08]

First he had T-Pain and Colby O'Donis, and now it looks like Akon is going to go three-for-three with breaking artists. Kardinal Offishall has the most mainstream momentum ever. "The key is not to smother the artist," Akon said about why he's been so successful as a label CEO. "My brand is Akon the brand. T-Pain has T-Pain the brand. Colby is Colby the brand. Even though Konvict is pretty much the umbrella, it adds more muscle to what we do. We use that as an example to open up doors and build our own brands. The whole key of even creating this unit is for everybody to be entrepreneurs. Everybody be label owners, everybody be their own person. "That way," he added, "I may have an artist one day — my roster's full; I couldn't release him — I may call Pain: 'You got room on Nappy Boy [Records]?' Or call Kardi: 'What's up with Black Jays? You got room?' The whole vision was for all of us to always have an outlet." Kardi's mixtape is called Limited Time Only, and the official LP Not For Sale, including the hit "Dangerous," comes in the fall. . . "Not for Sale, that's why you got the bar code over the mouth," Kardi explained about the album's weird artwork. "What that represents is all my words, all my music, my feelings, energy and passion I put in the music. That's something that couldn't be swayed by the amount of money that a label would pay me at the end of the day. Any music you hear associated with Kardinal Offishall is because it means something to me. This album is dope because 'Kon allowed me to put it out there, and he didn't want me just to stay in a certain lane."

 

LIAM GALLAGHER CALLING RADIOHEAD AND COLDPLAY'S FANS BORING AND UGLY [Aceshowbiz, 8/11/08]

Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher has attacked fans of Radiohead and Coldplay with harsh critics. He said that these people are boring and ugly as they don't know how to have fun. Speaking of them, he says during an interview, "I've mellowed, but not in the sense of liking Radiohead or Coldplay. I don't hate them. I don't wish they had accidents. I think their fans are boring and ugly and they don't look like they're having a good time." Meanwhile, when asked about his taste of music, Liam admits that he doesn't like contemporary bands and prefers older bands. He says, "I play The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks, Neil Young, Sex Pistols. Maybe a bit of The Stone Roses. Don't like modern bands. Topman music, innit?" Both Radiohead and Coldplay say nothing about Liam's comment. Furthermore, the band in which Liam plays are preparing to release their new studio album "Dig Out Your Soul" after an almost three-years of absence. The album is due out on October 6, 2008 in U.K.

 

TRUMP FIRED UP OVER PRIVACY SUIT [E! Online, 8/11/08]

If there's anyone out there who's well-versed in using Donald Trump's name as a promotional tool, it's Donald Trump. Now add to that list his former lawyers, though perhaps this wasn't the sort of attention grab they had in mind. The Trumpster has filed a $10 million lawsuit against his former attorneys, claiming unjust enrichment and violation of privacy after the legal eagles had the gall to identify the real estate tycoon as a one-time client of theirs, without his consent, on advertisements for their firm. However, Morrison Cohen LLP, who along with firm partner David Scharf were named in the suit filed in New York State Court last week, has fired back, claiming the legal action is nothing more than an attempt by Trump to get out of paying some $600,000 in overdue legal fees. "Defendants, without Trump's written consent, have used—really commercially exploited—Mr. Trump's name and reputation, and continue to do so, on Morrison Cohen's website," the lawsuit stated. As it is, Morrison Cohen's Scharf represented Trump between 2001 and 2006 against a golf course contractor the Apprentice host accused of overcharging him. Scharf said Trump was awarded $1 million in legal fees in the trial, but said the firm is still owed $475,000 plus interest. The firm's chairman, David Scherl, told Reuters that they, like their one-time client, were keen for compensation. "We are pursuing our collections claim, we are adamant that we get paid for the services rendered, and we view this claim by the Trump organization as completely frivolous."

 

DON JOHNSON IS HEADED BACK TO THE BIG SCREEN [E! Online, 8/11/08]

The erstwhile Nash Bridges star, Don Johnson, who hasn't appeared in a big-budget Hollywood film since 1996's Tin Cup, has signed on to play Kristen Bell's dad in Disney's upcoming romantic comedy When in Rome. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the flick centers around a young art curator (Bell) who's bombarded by a slew of wannabe suitors that magically fall for her after she steals coins the strangers toss into a Roman fountain. That's not the only paternal part for Johnson. The 58-year-old will also play the father of Saturday Night Live castmember Jason Sudeikis' character in Orgy, a comedy about a bunch of thirtysomethings who throw an end-of-summer party in the Hamptons. After Nash Bridges ended its five-season run in 2001, Johnson continued on the tube, headlining the dramedy Just Legal for one season. Following that show's cancellation, he crossed the pond for roles in three European films.

 

"HEROES" FATHER ACCUSED OF STRIKING WIFE

[AP, 8/11/08]

The father of "Heroes" star Hayden Panettiere was arrested early Monday on suspicion of hitting his wife, authorities said. Alan Panettiere was arrested by Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies in West Hollywood, jail records show. Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said Panettiere remained jailed at a substation on suspicion of spousal assault, and was being held on $50,000 bail. Whitmore declined to name the woman that Panettiere is accused of hitting, but said she reported to deputies that he struck the woman three times with an open hand. Whitmore said detectives would not release a mug shot of Panettiere. Los Angeles court records do not indicate any prior charges for the 49-year-old father of Hayden Panettiere, who plays Claire Bennett on NBC's hit show, "Heroes." A phone message left with Hayden Panettiere's publicist was not immediately returned Monday.

 

OUT-TAKES . . . [8/11/08

The Streets Are Talking: T-Pain "Can't Believe It" on his new single, and some fans are refusing to believe that a joint album between the hook specialist and Lil Wayne will really come to fruition.

 

BLONSKY'S DAD DENIED BAIL IN AIRPORT BRAWL [E! Online, 8/9/08]

Nikki Blonsky's dad is in for a rather long layover...in police custody. A judge in Providenciales Magistrates' Court in Turks and Caicos denied Carl Blonsky bail during a hearing this morning (Aug. 6), ordering the actress' father to remain behind bars until his Aug. 19 trial. The elder Blonsky was arrested on charges of assault and inflicting grievous bodily harm back on July 29 for his role in a bizarre airport brawl that involved his Hairspray-starring daughter, onetime America's Next Top Model contestant Bianca Golden and Golden's mother, Elaine, who wound up being airlifted to a Florida hospital as a result of the altercation. His lawyer Oliver Smith also argued that Elaine Golden's injuries were not as serious as announced and that she was simply setting up a lawsuit. Prosecutor Samantha Glinton, however, denied the latter claim, saying Golden was released to a neurologist after five days in the hospital and suffered "a right cerebral traumatic lesion" in the fight. The judge rejected the bid for bail on the grounds that the Blonsky patriarch was a flight risk due to his status as a foreigner. Should he be convicted of both charges, Blonsky could face up to five years in jail. Both Nikki Blonsky and Bianca Golden, both 19, were also arrested on lesser charges and released on $6,000 bail apiece. Golden has opted for a jury trial, which begins Sept. 17, 2008. Nikki, who was not present for her father's hearing, has requested a bench trial (meaning a judge, and not a jury, will decide her fate), set for Dec. 1, 2008. But she won't be twiddling her thumbs in the meantime. It was announced just yesterday that the teen is set to make her nightclub debut later this fall in New York. Blonsky is currently preparing a cabaret act she'll perform at Feinstein's at Loews Regency, running Sept. 23 through Oct. 4, 2008.

 

COMEDIAN BERNIE MAC DEAD AT 50 [Klassic Magazine, 8/9/08]

Comedian Bernie Mac died at Northwestern Memorial hospital early Saturday (Aug. 9) morning, according reports. He was 50. Though the cause of death has not been confirmed, Mac had been hospitalized recently for pneumonia. The comedian, whose real name is Bernard McCullough had been responding well to treatment for the illness. Bernie Mac, whose career began in Chicago's comedy club starred in the critically acclaimed Fox television series ''The Bernie Mac Show.'' His film credits include roles in the ''Ocean's Eleven'' franchise. The actor's upcoming movies include "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa" starring Ben Stiller, Chris Rock and David Schwimmer; and "Soul Men" with Samuel L. Jackson and Isaac Hayes.

 

MTV NOMINEES continues [Klassic Magazine, 8/9/08]

MTV nominees for the following categories are revealed — Best Pop and Hip-Hop Videos. Best Pop Video nominees are: Danity Kane (Damaged); Jonas Brothers (Burnin' Up); Panic at the Disco (Nine in the Afternoon); Britney Spears (Piece of Me) and Tokio Hotel (Ready, Set, Go!). Best Hip-Hop Video nominees are:  Mary J. Blige (Just Fine); Lupe Fiasco (Superstar); Flo Rida (Low); Lil Wayne (Lollipop) and Kanye West (Homecoming). Madonna's clip for "4 Minutes" is among the nominees up for Best Dancing in a Video. The Material Girl is joined by Ne-Yo (nominated for "Closer"), Chris Brown ("Forever"), delicious girl group Danity Kane (whose "Damaged" was also singled out in the Best Pop Video category) and the Pussycat Dolls, who get their first-ever nod for "When I Grow Up." Britney Spears is nominated for two Moonmen: in the Best Female and Best Pop Video categories, for her track "Piece of Me." Despite 16 nominations in previous years, Spears has never won a Moonman, but is hoping to break that dry spell next month. The MTV  Video Music Awards will be held Sept. 7, 2008 at 9 p.m. on the Paramount Pictures lot in Los Angeles. Russell Brand, co-star of "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," will host the show.

 

RICHARD DREYFUSS "JAWS" SUES FAMILY OVER LOAN [BBC News, 8/9/08]

Actor Richard Dreyfuss is suing his father and uncle over a 24-year-old loan he claims was never repaid. The Jaws star, 60, says he gave his relatives $870,000 (£453,000) in 1984 when they owned an interest in a Los Angeles office building. In court papers filed on Friday (Aug. 8), he claims the loan is still outstanding and that his uncle, Gilbert, has refused to turn over financial records. Neither Norman nor Gilbert Dreyfuss could be reached for comment. The actor is seeking repayment of the loan, plus interest and punitive damages. Dreyfuss became a Hollywood star in the mid-1970s, appearing "Jaws", Close Encounters of the Third Kind and winning a best actor Oscar for The Goodbye Girl in 1978. After a publicised drug problem, he re-established himself in the 1980s with roles in Down and Out in Beverly Hills, Stand By Me and Nuts. He claimed in 2004 that he was no longer interested in making movies, but has since appeared in disaster remake The Poseidon Adventure and will soon be seen in romantic comedy My Life In Ruins.

 

JOHN LEGEND WILL PERFORM AT PEACE ONE DAY CELEBRATION & AFRICA RISING MUSIC FESTIVAL [Klassic Magazine, 8/8/08]

John Legend has been added to the line-up of the Peace One Day Celebration concert at the Royal Albert Hall in September, 2008. The five-time Grammy winner will join a star-studded line-up which includes Annie Lennox and her full band, as well as Bryan Adams, who will do an acoustic set. Peace One Day is a campaign asking for awareness of annual Peace Day, on September 21, 2008, a day of global ceasefire and non-violence. Jude Law will also play part of the proceedings by introducing the screening of Jeremy Gilley's new documentary, The Day After Peace, in which the actor featured. Proceeds from the Peace One Day Celebration are earmarked to assist the non-profit organization in its ongoing mission. The campaign says that as a result of activities last year, political parties in Afghanistan recognized Peace Day and vaccinated 1.4 million Afghanistan children against polio. . . .Africa Rising Music and Fashion Festival, created by media mogul Nduka Obaigbena, was officially launched in Nigeria  and campaigns for a different approach in Africa. The event is on a four-city, three-nation tour to culminate in a grand finale in London's Royal Albert Hall on October 14, 2008.

 

JAY-Z RAPS ABOUT GLASTONBURY ROW [BBC News, 8/8/08]

Jay-Z has performed a song on stage in New York criticising Noel Gallagher over comments he made about the rapper headlining Glastonbury. The musician, in a surprise appearance at a Kanye West concert, rapped about "that bloke from Oasis". Gallagher caused a stir when he told the BBC in April that a hip-hop headliner was "wrong" for the festival. The guitarist has played down his comments saying they were "taken wrong" and called for an end to the spat. Jay-Z's performance continued with lyrics about Gallagher claiming that the rapper could not play the guitar. "Somebody should have told him I'm a rock star," he rapped before using a line from the Oasis hit Wonderwall. Jay-Z's unnamed track is expected to appear on his forthcoming album Blueprint 3. Gallagher has complained that the amount of attention his Glastonbury comments had received was "ludicrous". The musician told NME magazine: "I wasn't saying I was better than Jay-Z as a person or rock was greater than hip-hop as a thing or whatever it is." In an interview with the BBC's Colin Paterson in April, Gallagher said: "Glastonbury has a tradition of guitar music... I'm not having hip-hop at Glastonbury. It's wrong."

 

RAPPER/SINGER ESTELLE NEW MUSIC 'SHINE' [Klassic Magazine, 8/8/08]

British rapper/singer Estelle never gives out her number to groupies, because they use idiotic chat-up lines. The American Boy singer has enjoyed a surge in male attention since releasing her hit second LP Shine, which she recorded in the U.S. with the help of R&B heavyweight John Legend and Kanye West. And the star admits that when she is back in her native U.K. she is often bombarded by guys trying to get a date. She says, "They'll come out and say, 'Yeah babe I really respect you.' Then they're also like, 'The beautiful Estelle', and I'm like, 'Euh, what do you want?' And they'll go, 'I have seen you a lot...' And I'm like, 'Because I'm a rapper and a singer and I'm on TV?'" She adds, "It's funny. I'm like, 'Yeah cool, nice to meet you. You don't need my number. You really don't. I don't have a U.K. phone. I don't live here anyway .  .  .Estelle reckons she's the "female version" of Jay-Z; and says that having one of her songs sampled by the rapper helped her realize she'd made it as an artist. The British songstress, who worked with Kanye West on her smash hit single American Boy, was on cloud nine after the '99 Problems' hitmaker used her work. Estelle was nominated for the Nationwide Mercury Prize in the U.K with her album "Shine" and with her top 30 hit, No Substitute Love, and a new single Pretty Please out on September 15, 2008, she is creating musical waves.

 

HOLLYWOOD PLAYER BERNIE BRILLSTEIN DIES AT 77 [AP, 8/8/08]

Bernie Brillstein, a veteran Hollywood manager, producer and power broker, has died of heart disease, his production company said Friday. He was 77. Brillstein died Thursday (Aug. 7) night at a Los Angeles hospital, Brillstein Entertainment Partners CEO Jon Liebman said in a statement. As a manager and talent agent, Brillstein helped guide the careers of John Belushi and Jim Henson, and as a producer, he helped bring "Saturday Night Live" and "The Sopranos" to television. Brillstein founded the influential management and production company Brillstein-Grey Entertainment with partner Brad Grey in 1991.

 

SUGARLAND FOUNDER FILES $1.5M LAWSUIT AGAINST BAND [AP, 8/8/08]

A founder of the country band Sugarland is suing the two current members of the popular group for $1.5 million. According to a lawsuit filed late last month in U.S. District Court in Atlanta, Kristen Hall was to get a cut of the group's profits even after she left in 2005 for a solo career. The lawsuit says Hall, who founded the band in 2002, has an agreement with Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush to equally share profits and losses. Hall says in the lawsuit that she has been excluded from the group's profits since she left. Sugarland's publicist referred calls to the band's attorney, Gary Gilbert, who was unavailable for comment. The band's album, "Love on the Inside," released last month, is No.1 on Billboard music charts.

 

FASHION CRITIC MR. BLACKWELL REGAINS CONSCIOUSNESS [AP, 8/7/08]

Acid-tongued fashion critic Mr. Blackwell regained consciousness in a hospital Thursday as he battled a serious infection, his publicist said. Richard Blackwell, 85, collapsed at his home and was unconscious when he was brought to the hospital on Tuesday, publicist Harlan Boll said. Blackwell was given antibiotics to treat the unspecified infection. "He appears to be cognizant of his surrounding and acknowledged his partner, Spencer," Boll said. Blackwell was a noted fashion designer in the 1950s and 1960s who dressed the likes of Jane Russell and Dorothy Lamour. However, he is best-known for his annual list of worst-dressed women. First issued in 1960, it has skewered the style sense of Hollywood celebrities, politicians and other celebs with tongue-in-cheek cruelty. Victoria "Posh Spice" Beckham topped this year's list: "In one skinny-mini monstrosity after another, pouty Posh can really wreck-em," Blackwell snipped. Singer Amy Winehouse and actress Mary-Kate Olsen were listed second and third.

 

LAWSUIT: BLIGE STOLE TUNES, INCLUDING iPOD AD [AP, 8/7/08]

Mary J. Blige has been sued in New York for $2 million by a company that says she stole some of the music she used on her latest hit album, including one used on an iPod commercial. The Drama Family Entertainment company filed the lawsuit in federal court in Manhattan on Tuesday (Aug. 5). The lawsuit claims the company suffered copyright infringement because the singer's "Growing Pains" album contains the song "Work That." The suit says the song was created by a producer who worked for the company at the time. The song was featured with a silhouetted Blige in an iPod commercial. Apple Inc. isn't named in the lawsuit. A message left with a lawyer for the Grammy-winning singer Thursday (Aug. 7) hasn't been returned.

 

PARIS HOPES PRESIDENCY FITS HER (AND YOU) TO A TEE [E! Online, 8/7/08]

Forget Barack Obama. Push John McCain aside. Paris Hilton is firming up her run for the White House. Right on the heels (stilletoed heels, of course) of the hotel heiress' megaviral spoof about declaring her candidacy, I'm told she's rushing to release "Paris for President" T-shirts. "They'll probably be a women's T-shirt and one for men," a source tells me. "They're hurrying to get them out as soon as possible." I'm told that the shirts are likely to be sold exclusively at—where else?—Kitson boutiques in L.A. "If Paris wears one, they'll sell huge," my source predicts.

 

LISA KUDROW SUED FOR NON-PAYMENT OF COMMISSIONS [E! Online, 8/7/08]

Joining Matt LeBlanc in the fight against ticked-off business associates, Lisa Kudrow is now the target of a lawsuit that claims she stopped paying her former manager his guaranteed cut of her earnings after she fired him in 2007. Scott Howard, who started working with the Emmy-nominated actress in 1991, long before she was climbing the Hollywood food chain as Phoebe Buffay, sued Kudrow for breach of contract Aug. 1. He says that since she gave him the boot, she has simply failed to pay him anything stemming from his days as her manager. Per documents filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Kudrow paid Howard and his company, Howard Entertainment Inc., commissions from Friends totaling around $400,000 over the years. Friends ended in 2004 and she continued to cut him checks, according to the suit. But now, Howard says, Kudrow owes him at least $50,000 for the TV, film and other entertainment work she did during the 15-plus years she worked with him—payments that weren't supposed to stop when the Friendship ended. A rep for Kudrow opted not to comment, but at least the Comeback star knows where to find a kindred spirit. LeBlanc's ex-manager sued him last August for $1 million in unpaid commissions, saying he hadn't cut her a check since 2000. The actor petitioned the court last month to order a psych evaluation for his former colleague, arguing that any contract between them could be null and void if she was too unsound to handle his affairs.

 

MAC IN STABLE CONDITION, EXPECTS RELEASE SOON [AP, 8/7/08]

A spokeswoman for Bernie Mac says the actor is responding well to treatment for pneumonia and hopes to be released in the next few weeks. Publicist Danica Smith said Thursday in a statement that Mac's condition is "stable." Smith first announced on August 1st that Mac was hospitalized in Chicago. Smith has said the pneumonia isn't related to an inflammatory lung disease Mac also has. That condition has been in remission since 2005. The Chicago native made waves last month with off-color jokes during a fundraiser for Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. The comedian starred in the critically acclaimed Fox television series "The Bernie Mac Show." His film credits include roles in the "Ocean's Eleven" franchise.

 

MORGAN FREEMAN RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL [E! Online, 8/7/08]

Morgan Freeman is a free man once again. The 71-year-old Oscar winner has been released from Memphis' Regional Medical Center, just four days after his car-flipping crash and three days after undergoing four-and-a-half-hour surgery for his injuries, hospital spokeswoman Kathy Stringer confirmed. "I left the hospital today just after 12 noon, Memphis time," Freeman said in a statement to E! News. "I'm doing very well. I feel really good. "I just really, I thank the staff at Elvis Presley [Hospital] and many, many thanks to my many well-wishers. It's great to know people care about you." The Dark Knight star, who was said to be "doing well" and "in good spirits" while recovering earlier this week, will likely have to wear a neck brace for the next six to eight months, according to Freeman's attorney, business partner and ad hoc spokesman of recent days, Bill Luckett. "The doctors have said it will be six months to a year before he plays golf again," Luckett quipped to USA Today. "He hates that." Luckett also cleared the air on reports that Freeman had severed a nerve in his arm. Although the actor's publicist, Donna Lee, announced on Tuesday that Freeman had undergone surgery "to reconnect nerves and to repair damage to his left arm and hand," Luckett insisted that "nothing was severed." "A nerve can be bruised or stretched. It was injured but not severed." Freeman's exit is a bit of good news for the actor in an otherwise rough stretch. Earlier today, Luckett confirmed that Freeman and his wife of 24 years, Myrna Colley-Lee, were planning to divorce and have been quietly separated since December 2007.

 

ELVIS JUMPSUIT SELLS FOR $300,000 U.S. [CBC, 8/7/08]

One of the outrageous jumpsuits that defined Elvis Presley's image in the 1970s sold Thursday for $300,000 US – a record price paid for Elvis memorabilia. The peacock jumpsuit – a white outfit with a plunging V-neck and a blue-and-gold hand-embroidered peacock design on the front and back, and along the side of the trouser legs – was the King of Rock 'n' Roll's favourite stage costume in the years just before his death in 1977. He paid $10,000 US in 1974 to have it made by Los Angeles designer Bill Belew, who created all of the Elvis's costumes between 1968 and 1977. Elvis was pictured in the peacock suit on the cover of his album, Promised Land. The pre-sale estimate of auctioneer Gotta Have It! Collectibles ranged from $275,000 US to $325,000 US. The online sale ended at 7 a.m. GMT Thursday with a sum that fell exactly between those two figures. The previous record for an Elvis collectible was $295,000 US for his 1956 Lincoln Continental Mark II. The most that was previously paid for one of Elvis's costumes, the so-called aloha cape worn on one of his last television shows, was $105,250 US. The auction house told the Associated Press that the seller of the jumpsuit was "a big Elvis collector" but refused to identify the buyer. Aug. 16 will mark the 31st anniversary of Elvis's death at the age of 42 at his home in Memphis, Tenn.

 

UNIVERSAL LICENSES NEW MILEY ALBUM FOR EUROPE [Billboard, 8/7/08]

Universal Music Group (UMG) has licensed Miley Cyrus' U.S. No. 1 album "Breakout" from Disney Music Group's Hollywood Records for distribution in Europe. The agreement was announced today (Aug. 7) by executive VP UMG International Max Hole. The 15-year-old pop vocalist and TV star's previous albums as Hannah Montana were distributed by EMI Music in Europe. "Breakout" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 last week (July 30) with sales of 371,000 and its two-week total in the U.S. is 534,000, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Promoted as her first album outside the "Hannah Montana" Disney Channel TV show, "Breakout" will be released in Europe by Universal Music and by Polydor Records in the U.K. on Sept. 1, 2008. It will be preceded by the first single "See You Again" on Aug. 25. "Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus" and "Hannah Montana" have achieved gold status in the U.K. according to Disney Music Group. The "Best of Both Worlds" live album peaked at No. 69 on the European Hot 100 in May.

 

BOBBY VALENTINO SNAGS EMI DISTRIBUTION DEAL [Billboard, 8/7/08]

R&B singer Bobby Valentino has signed a distribution deal with EMI Global Music Services for his Blu Kolla Dreams imprint. The first album released will be Valentino's "The Rebirth," slated for a late 2008 street date. "With Blu Kolla Dreams, I have the opportunity to step out on faith and use the knowledge and experience that I have gained to take my career to the next level," says the former Def Jam/Disturbin' Tha Peace signee. EMI Global Music Services is EMI Music's third party and independent label unit; it will distribute the Blu Kolla Dreams imprint in the U.S. and Canada as well as provide marketing and promotional support. "The Rebirth" will be Valentino's third album, following his 2005 self-titled debut and last year's "Special Occasion," which have sold 708,000 and 270,000 copies in the United States, respectively, according to Nielsen Soundscan. Recently, Valentino released the "Come With Me" EP digitally and can be heard on the track "Mrs. Officer" from Lil Wayne's "Tha Carter III."

 

USHER BACK IN MOMMY'S ARMS AFTER DUMPING MANAGER MEDINA [E! Online, 8/6/08]

R&B hitmaker Usher has dumped Hollywood power broker Benny Medina and rehired mom Jonnetta Patton as his manager, E! News has exclusively learned. “With an artist like Usher, the bar is set really high," Medina tells E! News. "Whether it was management, marketing or the music, we achieved a No. 1 single and a No. 1 album...I had a great time and we parted ways amicably.” The behind-the-scenes shakeup also saw the voluntary departure of publicist Patti Webster. "I was not fired," she tells E! News. Sources say the Medina split is a direct result of disappointing record sales for the team's first and only collaboration, Here I Stand. "The record is pretty stiff, and nowhere nearly as successful as Confessions," an insider says, referring to the singer's 2004 blockbuster. Confessions was a worldwide sensation, selling 19 million copies under the supervision of Patton. Usher's fifth studio album, has chalked up a comparatively paltry 2 million in sales worldwide. This, despite the radio success of the single "Love in This Club (Part II). Usher dumped the momager for Medina last year amid reports of tension between wife Tameka Foster and Patton. News of the switcheroo also comes after Usher's rep shot down rumors that he and Foster were having marital issues.

 

"DANGEROUS" No. 7 ON BILLBOARD HOT 100 [Klassic Magazine, 8/7/08]

Dangerous, the track written by R&B superstar Akon with a unique rap-style by Toronto's own Kardinal Offishall has hit No. 7 on Billboard Hot 100 Music Chart.

 

LIV TYLER TO LAUNCH MUSICAL DEBUT [Aceshowbiz, 8/6/08]

Liv Tyler is desperate to grab a musical role in Broadway. She plans on launching her music career in the New York show. "I would love to do a musical-like on Broadway. That's like the dream of my whole life," said Liv. "I always wanted to be a singer. Or get to sing. I haven't been able to do that, and I would love to do that." Liv is an American actress and model with a promising career in acting and modeling. She comes from a singer family. Her father is Aerosmith's vocalist Steven Tyler. Meanwhile, her mother Bebe Buell is also known as a singer who then withdrew from stage to focus on helping her daughter's career.

 

ARTIST "BURIAL" REVEALS IDENTITY [BBC News, 8/6/08]

Mercury Prize nominee Burial has revealed his identity after keeping it a secret for several years. On his MySpace blog, the dubstep musician told fans: "My name's Will Bevan, I'm from south London." He added: "I wanted to be unknown because I just want it to be all about the tunes." His announcement followed rumours in a newspaper that Burial might be a pseudonym for dance DJs Fatboy Slim or Aphex Twin. Bevan has been known as Burial since his eponymous debut album was released in 2006 to critical acclaim. He has consistently refused to be photographed and has rarely granted interviews or played gigs. When his second album, Untrue, was nominated for the Mercury Prize two weeks ago, pressure grew on the artist to reveal his identity. The Sun newspaper appeared determined to "out" him with a plea to readers to help "dig up the real Burial". On social-networking site MySpace, Bevan wrote: "I'm a low-key person and I just want to make some tunes, nothing else. "Over the last year the unknown thing became an issue so I'm not into it any more," he added. As to what he was doing now, Bevan said: "I'm keeping my head down and just going to finish my next album. "There's going to be a 12" maybe in the next few weeks too, with four tunes. Hope u like it." The winner of this year's Mercury Prize will be announced at a ceremony in September. Previous winners include PJ Harvey, Arctic Monkeys and Dizzee Rascal.

 

WOLFMOTHER'S MEMBERS IN SERIOUS FIGHT [Aceshowbiz, 8/6/08]

A serious dispute has occurred among Wolfmother's singer Andrew Stockdale and other two founding members Chris Ross and Myles Heskett, making speculation on their split. Moreover, Andrew is reportedly about to join a new band with two American players. The band have refused to give any statement relating to the break-up report. Meanwhile, their manager John Watson promises to give statement in the next two weeks. He said, "Unfortunately, I can't make any comment other than to say that as soon as the band has clear future plans they will issue a statement and we hope to be able to do that in the next week or two." On other news, the band fail to save their recording label from bankruptcy. Their 2006 mini album "Dimensions [EP]" could only reach 350,000 copies on sales and this couldn't repay the label's losses of $5.9 million.

 

DAVID ARCHULETA WANTS THE 'MILEY TOUCH' [E! Online, 8/6/08]

David Archuleta's camp knows what works. E! News has exclusively learned that the 17-year-old crooner is working on songs for his debut album with Rock Mafia Records, the Santa Monica-based tune factory behind the Miley Cyrus hits "7 Things" and "See You Again." A source tells us that Jeff Archuleta, the little one's infamous father-manager recently met with Rock Mafia producers Antonia Armato and Tim James, who cowrote and coproduced eight of the tracks on Cyrus' latest album, Breakout. They have also worked with Mariah Carey, Vanessa Hudgens and Aly & AJ. Father and son came away from the powwow convinced that they should proceed "in that direction," our insider said. "They want a Miley touch to the album." Well, Archuleta will certainly need a wealth of infectious pop to equal his Disney-driven forebear, especially now that his label has orchestrated a plan to have his freshman effort drop the same day as American Idol winner David Cook's debut, sometime in November. Over the next two weeks, David A. will record at least two Rock Mafia-sanctioned songs that 19 Recordings and RCA Records are hoping could turn into hit singles, the source said. "David knows he needs to have a big radio hit, and Miley's producers are the closest thing he can get to a guarantee."

 

T.I.'s 'WHATEVER YOU LIKE' PHOTOS OUTED [Aceshowbiz, 8/6/08]

"Swing Your Rag" and "Whatever You Like", the second and third single respectively from T.I.'s upcoming album "Paper Trail" will soon have their music videos premiered. Before the footages are made available for public viewing, a behind the scene for the former single's video and a bunch of on-set photos for the latter have been outed. Despite its status as the second single, the video of "Swing Your Rag" reportedly will be premiered via MTV only on September 8, 2008. Meanwhile, "Whatever You Like" the video has been officially scheduled to hit the screens earlier on Wednesday, August 8 via BET's "Access Granted". The rapper will then personally deliver the video on the following day through BET's "New Joint". Several on-set photos from the "Whatever You Like" shoot have made their circulation on websites. According to T.I.'s official site, the clip was directed by Dave Meyers in Los Angeles and Malibu. On the other hand, little is known regarding the "Swing You Rag" video other than a footage that shows him shooting inside a colorful studio set, literally swinging his rag. "Paper Trail" is scheduled for a release on September 30 via Atlantic Records. In an exclusive interview with Sohh.com, he revealed several people taking part in the project. "We got Rihanna on there," he unleashed. "We got Fall Out Boy on there. Usher, Justin (Timberlake), uh let me see here, John Legend, that's all I can give you." He also hinted a possible collaboration with Nelly, saying that they have "recorded a few songs together over time."

 

LIL JON SELLS BANKRUPT LABEL FOR $6 MILLION [Aceshowbiz, 8/6/08]

Rapper Lil Jon has ended his multi-million-dollar obligation to his bankrupt TVT Records label. He reached an agreement to sell TVT's assets to a digital entertainment company called The Orchard for $6 million and work with the company to develop a lifestyle-oriented marketing and promotion programs as a consultant for some artists, labels, and branding opportunities. In addition, as part of the deal, the company will provide him the rights to record his upcoming album, "Crunk Rock". The Orchard will also digitally issue Lil Jon's back catalog with new material coming from him. Commenting on the move, Lil Jon said, "It's unfortunate things have turned out the way they did, but artists deserve to be compensated fairly by their labels for the work they do, and that wasn't happenin'. In my case, I'm happy to finally be a free man and make a new start!" His forthcoming album was originally scheduled for release in mid-2006, rescheduled for late 2007, and then sometimes with no fixed date in 2008. The unsure release schedule of his upcoming album is due to the internal dispute in TVT. Now that the agreement is settled, the rapper is rushing to work on new tracks for the album. Some of the tracks will have Trick Daddy's vocals. Besides that, other artists are also lined up to guest on the album, including P.O.D., Kid Rock, Ciara, Ice Cube, R. Kelly, Remy Ma, Lil Wayne, The Game, and Three 6 Mafia.

 

CONFIRMED: LISA MARIE PRESLEY PREGNANT WITH TWINS [Aceshowbiz, 8/5/08].

Previously issuing a "confirmation under the gun" that she's pregnant with husband Michael Lockwood's child back in March, it was just recently that it was confirmed that Lisa Marie Presley is having twins. To Entertainment Tonight her mother shared some details, including that the babies are due in the fall. Lisa's actress mother Priscilla Presley broke the news of the twins, saying her daughter actually "wanted it really to be kept a secret for a long time." She went on adding, "And I think women should, because they should be able to announce what they're having and when it's time to make the announcement." Twins actually run in the Presley family. Lisa's famous father, the late Elvis Presley, had a twin brother. His brother was stillborn and given the name Jesse Garon. Priscilla too has younger brothers who are twins. Speaking on Lisa's twins, Priscilla commented "It's a shock because you think, 'twins, oh my gosh, what are we going to do with them?'" The expectant grandmother continued saying, "I even told her, if you don't want twins, I will take one and make life easier for you!" The twins will be Lisa's first children with husband Lockwood, who serves as her guitarist and music producer. She also has two other teenage children, daughter Riley and son Benjamin with ex-husband Danny Keough. Speculation about Lisa's pregnancy first surfaced in late February after the Daily Mail published unflattering photographs of her and alleged that she had an unhealthy appetite. She soon thereafter issued a confirmation on her MySpace Celebrity blog in early March that she and Lockwood are expecting their first child together.

 

UPDATE ON MORGAN FREEMAN'S LATEST CONDITION AFTER SURGERY [Aceshowbiz, 8/5/08]

A representative for Morgan Freeman previously confirmed that he's in "good spirits" following a car accident he experienced late Sunday night, August 3 in Mississippi despite serious injury he suffered as a result of the crash. An update on his condition was released by his publicist Donna Lee who said Tuesday, August 5 that the actor is doing well after surgery. "Morgan is doing well after surgery last night to reconnect nerves and to repair damage to his left arm and hand," Lee said. "The surgery lasted approximately four and a half hours, including recovery, and he is in good spirits and was visiting with family members this morning." One of Freeman's business partners who visited him in the hospital reported the star "is up and walking around. He's really sore, but he's doing better. He's hoping to be out of the hospital by Thursday." Lee verified Freeman's business partner's statement, saying "The Dark Knight" actor "was walking this A.M., and is looking forward to his release as soon as possible." Lee also added that Freeman expressed his gratitude for the many support people have given him in the wake of the car accident. "Thanks from Morgan to the many who sent good wishes and prayers," Lee said. As of early Tuesday afternoon, August 5 Kathy Stringer, a spokeswoman for Memphis' Regional Medical Center where Freeman was being treated, still listed the actor in serious condition. There has yet immediate word on his passenger Demaris Meyer as of press time.

 

DR. DRE COGNAC ABOUT TO HIT THE MARKET [Billboard, 8/5/08]

Details of the first alcoholic drinks from Dr. Dre and Interscope Geffen A&M Records joint venture with beverage company Drinks Americas have begun to emerge. In the Drinks Americas Q4 earnings, which were released yesterday, the company said it would introduce Aftermath Cognac in the next 60 days. The production, supply and European distribution of the cognac will be handled by Abecassis Cognac, a cognac producer. Following that, an 80-proof flavored and unflavored sparkling vodka will hit the market, also within the next 60 days. According to the earnings statement, the cognac and vodka will be introduced at the same time as Dr. Dre's long awaited "Detox" album and will be part of an integrated marketing plan surrounding the project. In late, July Dr. Dre told USA Today that the album would be out in "November or December, 2008".

 

GOVERNMENT GETS PAYBACK FROM WESLEY SNIPES [E! Online, 8/5/08]

Wesley Snipes continues to pay. A Florida judge ruled last week that the tax-evading actor must reimburse the government for more than $200,000 in legal fees it spent prosecuting his federal case. Snipes, who has appealed his conviction for failing to report nearly $11 million in income to the IRS, had argued that the U.S. Attorney's office was unfairly billing him for what it cost to go after his codefendants. But U.S. District Court Judge William Terrell Hodges said that Snipes has got to pay $217,363.75. According to the Orlando Sentinel, the tab includes $193,716 for paperwork (scanning, printing and numbering documents seized from the antitax organization that told the Blade star he could legally avoid paying income tax) and $21,000 in witness fees. Meanwhile, Snipes remains free on a $1 million bond pending the outcome of his appeal. He was sentenced in April to three years in prison on three misdemeanor counts of failing to file a tax return. Last month, Hodges gave the 46-year-old actor permission to travel to London and then to Bangkok in September to work on two films.

 

IGGY POP, STOOGES' TRUCK FOUND, NO GEAR [AP, 8/5/08]

A rental truck containing Iggy Pop and the Stooges' equipment has been recovered empty after being stolen in Montreal. Stooges road manager Eric Fischer says the 15-foot truck stolen Monday contained all the group's instruments and stage gear. He tells the Detroit Free Press the lost items are worth tens of thousands of dollars. Police say the truck was found empty Tuesday several blocks from the hotel where it was stolen. The Stooges are in the middle of a tour with stops in Belgium, Britain, Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Spain and the United States. Fischer says the Stooges will make their scheduled Wednesday gig in Toronto using rented and donated equipment.

 

JUELZ SANTANA SOLD TO DEF JAM FOR $2MILLI [Aceshowbiz, 8/5/08]

Rapper Juelz Santana has been sold by his Dipset group leader Cam'ron to Def Jam Records for 2 million dollars. This agreement has been made following ongoing dispute among Dipset members which results on holding back Juelz's third upcoming album "Born to Lose, Built to Win (The Reagan Era)" from its release schedule in summer 2008. Despite the internal battle, Juelz said that even though he is no longer in Dipset, he will continue representing the group in his future project. "Yeah, I'm free and ready to do me but its still Dip Set 4 life! It's just going to be a new chapter. I have no hard feelings for Cam, after all, he did give me a chance. But I will say this, I was loyal to him and he took advantage," Juelz said in a statement. The rap star came to fame in 2002 after he appeared with Cam'ron in singles "Oh Boy" and "Hey Ma" from Cam'ron's third album "Come Home With Me". He then released first solo album "From Me to U" on August 19, 2003 that was followed by second album in September 22, 2005 entitled "What the Game's Been Missing! [Limited Edition]". Now that he is settled with Def Jam, Juelz gives hints that his forthcoming album will come out soon. In a statement, he said, "Mix tape coming up soon, my solo mix tape (the Reagan Era)."

 

IGGY POP, STOOGES GEAR STOLEN AFTER MONTREAL SHOW [AP, 8/5/08]

A rental truck containing Iggy Pop and the Stooges' equipment has been stolen after a concert in Montreal. Stooges road manager Eric Fischer says the 15-foot truck stolen Monday (Aug. 4) contained all the group's instruments and stage gear. He tells the Detroit Free Press the lost items are worth tens of thousands of dollars. The Stooges are in the middle of a tour with stops in Belgium, Britain, Canada, the Czech Republic, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Norway, Russia, Serbia, Spain and the United States. Fischer says the Stooges will still make their scheduled Wednesday gig in Toronto using rented and donated equipment. The 61-year-old Pop is considered widely influential in the development of punk and heavy metal rock.

 

OPRAH WINFREY TO OPEN EMMY? [E! Online, 8/5/08]

There will be five co-hosts this year at the Emmy—Ryan Seacrest, Heidi Klum, Tom Bergeron, Howie Mandel and Jeff Probst—but sources say Oprah Winfrey will open the show. The Emmys take place Sept. 21, 2008 at the new Nokia Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.

 

AMERICAN IDOL LOSES A MASTERMIND [E! Online, 8/5/08]

Nigel Lythgoe is striking before the iron cools off. The American Idol executive producer, who flashes his extremely pearly whites in front of the camera as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance, announced he's leaving the über-successful singing competition, which is heading into its eighth season on a ratings downswing despite still being the most watched show on TV. "I will step back from my day-to-day producing work on American Idol and will be devoting my time" to a new development venture with 19 Entertainment head and fellow Idol mastermind Simon Fuller, Lythgoe said in a statement obtained Monday by E! News. "Due to the huge success of So You Think You Can Dance, my summer will be taken up by travels to South Africa, Australia and Canada to work on local versions of the show," the 59-year-old former dancer-choreographer said. The deal, which encompasses TV, film and stage projects, was also confirmed by the company, with Fuller calling Lythgoe "the best producer I have ever worked with." Fox admitted that the network is "disappointed," but they wished the Brit well—although no exec can be too happy about the shakeup, especially now that Idol needs to bust out the heavy artillery to avoid losing more than the 2.4 million weekly viewers the show has already dropped between 2007 and 2008. "He is an extraordinarily talented producer whose creative contributions to the No. 1 show on television have been immeasurable," a Fox rep said. There's no word yet on who might step in to replace Lythgoe. Auditions for the eighth season of American Idol kicked off July 17 in San Francisco. Paula, Simon and Randy and their tired, ringing ears are scheduled to touch down in Kansas City, Mo., this Friday (Aug. 8, 2008).

 

ROCK STAR PETE WENTZ BACHELOR PAD FOR SALE [E! Online, 8/5/08]

After marrying Ashlee Simpson-Wentz in May, Pete Wentz is finally ready to sell his sweet Hollywood Hills bachelor pad. E! News has learned that Wentz put his three-bedroom, three-bath house on the market this week. The rocker purchased the house in 2006 for $1,625,000 and is trying to sell it now for $1,799,000. According to Wentz’s realtor listing, the "late mid-century" house has “sweeping 180 degree views of the Valley to the Hollywood Sign." The "secluded celebrity Hollywood Hills hide-a-way features a light and bright floor plan with fantastic architectural details, land, pool, spa & outdoor BBQ entertaining area." And did we mention a rock star used to live here? When Wentz and Simpson-Wentz were engaged, they split their time between two houses, but they've settled at Simpson-Wentz’s more family-friendly Beverly Hills home, a nearly 6,000-square-foot place with four bedrooms and four baths. This way, even if they were to have the now almost-mandatory Hollywood twins, they will still have plenty of space for their family to grow.

 

SLIM THUG LEAVES INTERSCOPE FOR KOCH RECORDS [Vibe, 8/5/08]

Houston rapper Slim Thug has left Interscope Records, along with the Neptunes’ subsidiary label Star Trak to pursue his own ventures at Koch Records and prove that he is still the dirty South boss who’s already platinum. Slim Thug is currently prepping a new album with his Boss Hogg Outlawz crew and will be looking for a September 2, 2008 release date. The album, Back By Blockular Demand (Serve & Collect 2), will be their second LP. The group has recently released the video “Ridin’ Wit No Ceiling” via the Internet and are preparing their next video “Keep It Playa” with Ray J. Also in the works is Slim Thug's new solo album, tentatively titled The Boss of All Bosses. The album’s original first single “Wood Grain Wheel” was released last year.

 

OFFICIAL: MARY KATE OLSEN SILENT ON LEDGER OD [AP, 8/4/08]

Federal investigators want to question actress Mary Kate Olsen about how Heath Ledger got two powerful painkillers that contributed to his accidental overdose death, but she's not talking, a law enforcement official said Monday (Aug. 4). Olsen's lawyer has twice refused requests to have her sit down with investigators probing the death of the scene-stealing star of "The Dark Knight" earlier this year in a Manhattan apartment, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation has not been concluded. The official confirmed a report that Olsen — a close friend of Ledger who learned about the 28-year-old actor's death in a frantic phone call from a masseuse — wants a promise of immunity before she speaks to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The activity demonstrates that federal authorities are still actively trying to figure out how Ledger got some of the drugs that killed him. The masseuse discovered Ledger's body on Jan. 22, 2008 after the actor had completed filming his role as the Joker in the new Batman film. Police say the masseuse spent nine minutes making three calls to Olsen before dialing 911 for help, then called the "Full House" actress a fourth time after paramedics arrived. Shortly after the Australian-born actor's death, Olsen issued a statement that read: "Heath was a friend. His death is a tragic loss."

 

RIHANNA IN THE HOT TUB WITH CHRIS BROWN [Aceshowbiz, 8/4/08]

Are they or aren't they? Never admitting that they indeed are dating despite the many persistent rumors, it seems that Rihanna and Chris Brown just let their public display of affection (PDA) do the talking. Much contrary to their denial of romance rumors, both recording artists were seen getting very close to one another during an outing in Ocean City, Maryland this weekend. Adding evidence to their love relationship, Rihanna and Chris were snapped enjoying each other's companion while they were down in a hot tub. The Barbadian singer at one point was even photographed popping his pimple. Rumors on Rihanna and Chris' romance have been circulating for quite a long time. Neither of them has ever admitted that they're couple though. They instead insisted that they're just friends and nothing more. He was last reported to have bought her two ruby-and diamond necklaces from Jason of Beverly Hills, worth more than $100k.

 

MORGAN FREEMAN INJURED IN CAR ACCIDENT [AP, 8/4/08]

Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman was in a hospital in Memphis, Tenn., on Monday (Aug. 4) after being injured in a car accident in Mississippi. Regional Medical Center spokeswoman Kathy Stringer said Freeman, 71, is in serious condition. The hospital is about 90 miles north of the accident scene in rural Tallahatchie County in the Mississippi Delta. Mississippi Highway Patrol spokesman Sgt. Ben Williams confirmed Freeman was in a wreck shortly before midnight Sunday, but said he was still gathering information and had few details Monday. Clay McFerrin, editor of Sun Sentinel in Charleston, said he arrived at the accident scene on Mississippi Highway 32 soon after it happened about 4 miles west of Charleston, not far from where Freeman owns a home with his wife. McFerrin said it appeared that Freeman's car was airborne went it left the highway and landed in a ditch. "They had to use the jaws of life to extract him from the vehicle," McFerrin said. "He was lucid, conscious. He was talking, joking with some of the rescue workers at one point." McFerrin said bystanders converged on the scene trying to get a glimpse of the actor. When one person tried to snap a photo with a cell phone camera, Freeman joked, "no freebies, no freebies," McFerrin said. Freeman won an Oscar for his role in "Million Dollar Baby." His screen credits also include "The Shawshank Redemption", "Driving Miss Daisy" and "The Dark Knight" now in theatres. The hospital where Freeman is being treated is commonly known as The Med, and is an acute-care teaching facility that serves patients within 150 miles of Memphis.

 

ACTRESS CHRISTINA APPLEGATE FIGHTING CANCER [Reuters,  8/4/08]

Actress Christina Applegate, famed for playing ditzy daughter Kelly Bundy on TV comedy "Married ... With Children," is fighting breast cancer, but expected to make a full recovery, her spokeswoman said on Saturday (Aug. 2). Applegate, 36, was diagnosed with cancer during a regular MRI, spokeswoman Ame Van Iden said in an email. "Christina is following the recommended treatment of her doctors and will have a full recovery," Van Iden said. Applegate, whose mother battled both breast and cervical cancer, has been an advocate for breast cancer research. She rose to fame in the 1980s on "Married ... With Children," won an Emmy for a guest role as Jennifer Aniston's sister on "Friends," and now plays an amnesiac in her own sitcom, "Samantha Who?" Applegate's cancer diagnosis was reported earlier by the Hollywood gossip TV show Extra.

 

GOSSIP GIRL AND THE JONAS BROTHERS WINS SIX AT TEEN CHOICE [E! Online, 8/4/08]

The Jonas Brothers took home six ceremonial surfboards Sunday at the 10th Annual Teen Choice Awards, aka TC08, at California's Gibson Amphitheatre. More than 30 million Internet-savvy youngsters, preferably between the ages of 13 and 19, deemed the dapper trio Choice Breakout Band, Male Hotties and Male Red Carpet Icons, as well as the purveyors of the Choice Single ("When You Look Me in the Eyes") Summer Song ("Burnin' Up") and Love Song ("When You Look Me in the Eyes"). Joe, Nick and Kevin's tally was matched only by teen soap Gossip Girl, which also notched six wins: Choice TV Drama, Breakout Show, breakout acting nods for Chace Crawford and Blake Lively (who was also named best actress in a drama) and top villain for the diabolical Ed Westwick. Actor Will Smith picked up three of the surfboard trophies, one for Hancock and two for I Am Legend. Chris Brown, the 19-year-old cutie got five boards for Choice Male Artist and R&B Artist; his "Forever" was named top R&B track; his collaboration with Lil Mama and T-Pain, "Shawty Get Loose," won for rap/hip-hop track, and he shared a win with Jordin Sparks for choice musical hookup for their ballad "No Air." Other winners included Heroes star Hayden Panettiere as best TV action-adventure actress, while David Beckham won best male athlete a year after he moved to the US. Teen Choice Awards host 15 year old Miley Cyrus who stars in the Disney hit series Hannah Montana, picked up three awards herself. After kicking off proceedings with her new single 7 Things. The star picked up prizes for best TV comedy, comic actress and female artist.

 

BMI TO HONOR JACKSONS AT ANNUAL URBAN AWARDS [AP, 8/4/08]

There's a possibility for a Jacksons reunion of sorts — the brothers are set to be honored as BMI Icons at its annual Urban Awards next month. So far, all the brothers, with the exception of Michael, have confirmed their attendance at the event, to be held Sept. 4, 2008 at the Wilshire Theatre in Beverly Hills, according to Broadcast Music Inc.'s publicist. An all-star tribute is planned, according to a release issued Monday (Aug. 4). The Jackson Five — which included Michael along with Marlon, Jackie, Tito and Jermaine — were a groundbreaking, best-selling act with classics that include "ABC" and "I Want You Back"; they have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The group, with brother Randy replacing Jermaine, became the Jacksons after leaving Motown in 1976. They continued their multiplatinum success with hits including "Heartbreak Hotel" and "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)." Both versions of the group will be honored. There have been rumblings of a possible Jacksons reunion for years. The last album that featured all of them in some form was in 1989 and they haven't performed together in years. The BMI Urban Awards honor R&B and hip-hop's top hitmakers.

 

LaBEOUF LAWYERS: LEFT HAND WAS 'CRUSHED' [AP, 8/2/08]

Shia LaBeouf could have a long road before him as he recovers from the accident that crushed his hand, his lawyer says. LaBeouf, 22, was injured in a late-night crash last Sunday in West Hollywood that flipped his truck. The "Indiana Jones" star was cited for drunken driving, but authorities have since said he was not at fault, and that the other driver apparently ran a red light. Michael Norris, LaBeouf's attorney, said in a statement Friday, LaBeouf underwent four hours of surgery. His left arm remains immobilized from the elbow down and will need regular medical supervision until his doctors clear him to return to work. LaBeouf has been filming the "Transformers" sequel, "Revenge of the Fallen." Director Michael Bay said the injury may be added to the script. "His two fingers are pretty smashed, but we're figuring out a way to shoot around it, kind of write it into the story," Bay told "Access Hollywood" in an interview aired Friday. LaBeouf's passenger in the accident was Isabel Lucas, a 23-year-old Australian actress who appears in the "Transformers" sequel was not injured. LaBeouf has more than a dozen film credits, including last summer's blockbuster "Transformers," which grossed more than $700 million worldwide. Steven Spielberg was a producer on the first "Transformers" (and is again for the sequel), and he cast LaBeouf as Harrison Ford's son in "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" — a sought-after role in which LaBeouf evoked the look and attitude of a young Marlon Brando. LaBeouf can next be seen in the thriller "Eagle Eye," due next month. The accident is still under investigation.

 

BOW WOW WANTS TO BE THE NEXT WILL SMITH [Aceshowbiz, 8/2/08]

Owning growing passion for acting, Bow Wow has previously revealed his plans for an early retirement from rapping. And joining the cast of U.S. TV program "Entourage" for its fifth season, the recording artist talks about giving acting more of his priority. In an interview with MTV he talks about his soon-to-come retirement and sex scene on the HBO's series. Having his seventh album "Pedigree" due out later this year, it won't be until he completes his eight LP that Bow Wow will quit rap and start making more movies. "After the eighth album, I'm done. I already feel it. I love acting. I love my music like I said, but I feel it. After this one, probably one more in me and that's eight. Like, I'm one [album] behind Nas,and that's crazy," so he said. On his career invasion, Bow Wow has openly revealed "I wanna be the next Will Smith." And when he was asked about starring in "Entourage" which requires him to take his clothes off and lay down with a porn, he said "I know the girls, they're going to go crazy when they see it." He continued saying, "The ladies are gonna go crazy when they see Bow Wow's first sex scene. It's crazy 'cause for me, it was normal. It was normal, but I know when I look back at it, when I see it, I'm gonna be like, 'Damn! Look at this. This is crazy!' I stun myself sometimes, I can't even front." "It was with a porn star. I don't know her name," Bow Wow added. "She probably watching this like, 'What?! I did a scene with him, and he doesn't remember my name?!' Nah, I don't remember her name, but she was bad though. She was baaaaad! I was cool. I was comfortable with it. I was definitely comfortable with it. It is what it is - normal stuff that happens." The interview and its footage are on MTV. The fifth season of "Entourage" which stars Bow Wow will debut in September, 2008.

 

AKON CANCELS RETIREMENT PLAN [Aceshowbiz, 8/1/08]

Rapper Akon is said to seek for retirement after accomplishing his big dream of collaborating with King of Pop Michael Jackson but the issue has been slammed by the rapper. "That was a dream come true," Akon told MTV on Tuesday (July 29). "You know how you come into a career and set your goals as to where you wanna start and where you wanna end? I had a wish list of all the collaborations I ever wanted to do. Mike was at the top. I was saying, 'Well, if ever I get to Mike, then that'll be the sign I can retire.' But I got to Mike 10 years earlier than I expected. So I decided not to make retirement goals anymore." Akon has been approached by Michael to produce his forthcoming comeback album, which will be released under Akon's record label, Konvict Music. In a press release, the rapper gave hints by saying, "When (Jackson's) record comes out, read the label." Meanwhile, in return for his help, Akon is having Michael's vocals in his new single "Hold My Hand" which will be on Akon's forthcoming album "Acquitted". "He's fully committed," Akon said about the duet. "We're gonna set up a whole tour around it. It's a big play."

 

N.E.R.D. SHARE STAGE WITH RAPPER FRIENDS [Aceshowbiz,  8/1/08]

Alternative rap band N.E.R.D which is influenced with such various genres as hip-hop, soul music, alternative rock, and blues rock, are reported to sing with their rapper friends such as Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco, and Pusha T in their new video for remixed "Everyone Nose." Commenting on the issue, lead vocalist Pharrell Williams said, "I think Pusha put the meltdown on it but I mean, I like everybody's verse because I think that Lupe killed it, Kanye killed it. Mine was more about style than how dope the rhyme was. It was really my melody that I liked more than anything-that's why my vocal approach was a little different from what you would hear me do. I wanted to just do something different that would look different on me." Meanwhile, when asked about the concept, Pharrell said, "The concept [is based on] old '80s video-game graphics playing behind us while we're rhyming. We just want to have fun with the project. In a day and age where the record industry is what it is, I'm lucky enough to be on a label that understands and they'll just let us have fun." With four major guys united on the video, a source said that the remix is indeed a nod of nostalgia. This is not their first collaboration because recently from April to June this year, the band had shared stage with Rihanna and Lupe as the opening act of Kanye's Glow in the Dark Tour. In addition, they had also played on Project Revolution's U.K. show at Milton Keynes Bowl on June 21, 2008 to support Linkin Park and Jay-Z's performance.

 

BERNIE MAC HOSPITALIZED WITH PNEUMONIA [E! Online, 8/1/08]

Listen up, America, Bernie Mac needs your good vibes. The veteran funnyman is in a Chicago hospital, with a bad case of pneumonia. "Mr. Mac is responding well to treatment and will be released soon," publicist Danica Smith tells E! News. "He asked that his privacy and that of his family is respected while he gets well." Smith says the pneumonia is not related to sarcoidosis, an autoimmune disorder that the 50-year-old comic actor was diagnosed with more than 20 years ago. The disease, which causes inflammation in organs, especially the lungs, "has been in remission since 2005," says Smith, the same time Mac went public with his health woes.

 

NIKKI BLONSKY AND DAD ARRESTED ON ASSAULT CHARGES [E! Online, 8/1/08]

Nikki Blonsky's needs no aerosol to make her hair stand on end today. The 19-year-old Hairspray star and her father were arrested on assault charges after a dustup with the family of former America's Next Top Model contestant Bianca Golden at the Providenciales International Airport in Turks and Caicos. "They were involved in an altercation at the airport in the departure lounge," Sgt. Chase of the Turks and Caicos Islands Police Department tells E! News. The skirmish apparently involved a dispute over saved seats. Blonsky's rep, Teal Cannaday, declined comment on the incident. Nikki Blonsky was charged with assault and actual bodily harm as well as common assault; her father, Carl, was rung up on a count of inflicting grievous bodily harm. Bianca Golden was also charged with actual bodily harm and assault. Golden's mother, Elaine, was hurt so badly she had to be airlifted to a hospital in Aventura, Fla., according to Chase. The elder Golden was not charged, but the rest of the battling broods were taken into custody. Nikki Blonsky appeared in court this morning sporting a neck brace ("she received some kind of injury," says Chase); a judge allowed her to be released on $6,000 cash bail and ordered to return to court Dec. 1, 2008. Her father is being held until Aug. 8, 2008. Golden was also freed on bail. According to Chase, Golden and Nikki Blonsky's charges carry a maximum penalty of two years, while Carl Blonsky could face up to five years in prison.

 

LAWYER: TAGS ON SNOOP DOG POT-BUST BUS WERE GOOD [AP, 8/1/08]

A lawyer says a bus carrying hip-hop artist Snoop Dogg did not have expired tags in a stop that led to two people on board charged with marijuana possession. Attorney Chris Lewis, who represents the two men charged with misdemeanor possession, told The Associated Press on Friday that he saw the bus and was in contact with the driver. Lewis says he believes Snoop Dogg was asleep when Texas troopers Thursday pulled over the bus on Interstate 45 in Corsicana. DPS said the bus was examined for an expired registration sticker. Ethan Calhoun, 27, and Kevin Barkey, 26, both of the Los Angeles area, were arrested, then later freed on $1,500 bond each. Snoop Dogg, whose birth name is Cordozar Calvin Broadus Jr., was not arrested. He appeared in concert Thursday night in Dallas.

 

ALICIA KEYS ADDS NEW TOUR DATES, CONFIRMED AS 007 SINGER [Aceshowbiz, 7/31/08]

It looks like that Alicia Keys is still enjoying her time on the road and won't be taking a break anytime soon as she has already added more dates for her tour in support of her latest LP "As I Am". On her official website, Alicia has announced 11 new dates for her tour with 10 of them are in the U.S. The new dates for the U.S. concerts will be starting on September 12, 2008, at Foxwood Cassino in Manshantucket, CT and scheduled to end on September 28 at Anselmo Valencia Ampitheater in Tucson, AZ. Beside the 10 new schedule in the States, Alicia also added one other date which is a trip to Rotterdam, Holland on October 27, 2008. In other news, just as previously predicted Alicia has won the race to be the singer of the new James Bond movie, "Quantum of Solace". For the theme song that will be titled "Another Way To Die", the singer will be teaming up with The White Stripes' Jack White who also produces and writes the track. The upcoming project also marks the first time that the famous detective movie's theme song is being performed by a duet. Unfortunately, there is no confirmation yet on the release date of the song but according to Billboard.com the soundtrack album of the movie itself will be spawned on October 28, 2008.

 

SNOOP'S DAWGS FACING MARIJUANA RAP [E! Online, 7/31/08]

Maybe Snoop Dogg should've popped for the pine-tree air freshener. Two members of rapper's entourage were busted for marijuana possession Thursday in Texas after state troopers smelled pot during a routine traffic stop, E! News confirms. The identifies of the men were not provided, but we know that their ringmaster was not involved. "Snoop was not arrested," his manager, Constance Schwartz, told E! News. "Snoop continues to enjoy touring with 311 on the Unity Tour." Authorities said that officers pulled the bus over on Route 45 in Corsicana, where the group was on its way from Houston to Dallas, for possibly having expired registration. They then detected an "odor of marijuana." According to a Texas State Troopers spokesman, the search turned up two ounces of pot and the two alleged offenders admitted it belonged to them. They were taken to the nearby Navarro County Jail and booked on charges of misdemeanor possession. The busful of people, Snoop included, was allowed to continue on its way.

 

JOHNNY DEPP IN 'ALICE IN WONDERLAND' [Aceshowbiz, 7/31/08]

Having had memorable characters from the eccentric man with dangerous shears and scissors for hands to cut-throat barber in Tim Burton's movies, acclaimed Hollywood actor Johnny Depp seems to haven't had enough of his collaborations with the director. Recent report regarding his future film project suggested that the 45-year-old is going to team up with Burton once again in "Alice in Wonderland". In the upcoming adaptation of Lewis Carroll's classic tale, the Academy Award-nominated actor is said to be given the role of the erratic Mad Hatter. While most publications noted that the casting is still a rumour, especially with Disney have yet to confirm the report, MSN News Latin America via AICN has claimed that the star of "Pirates of the Caribbean" trilogy has become the second confirmed actor to work on the project. If Depp is indeed tapped for the role, he will star alongside the earlier signed Australian actress Mia Wasikowska who has been tapped to play the titular character. It would be his seventh feature film with the renowned director following "Edward Scissorhands", "Ed Wood", "Sleepy Hollow", "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory", "Corpse Bride" and "Sweeney Todd". Following the adventure of Alice in a magical world filled of peculiar and anthropomorphic characters, "Wonderland" is a 3-D movie from Walt Disney Pictures. The movie scripted by Linda Woolverton is set for March 5, 2010.

 

ELIZABETH TAYLOR VISITS HOSPITAL, TO RETURN HOME [AP, 7/31/08]

Elizabeth Taylor was hospitalized for an undisclosed reason but was expected to return home soon, representatives for the Oscar-winning actress said Thursday (July 31). A statement released by Dick Guttman, her Los Angeles-based publicist, did not say where Taylor was staying, nor did it specify what might have been ailing the 76-year-old actress. "Ms. Taylor is fine," the statement read. "Her hospital visit was precautionary. She will be returning home shortly. At present, she is surrounded by family, friends and fabulous jewels." Guttman said he had no further details. A person who answered a call placed to Taylor's home Thursday, who would not give her full name, said only that Taylor's condition was "nothing to worry about." A number of health issues have dogged Taylor through the years, including congestive heart failure in 2004 that, compounded with spinal fractures and the effects of scoliosis, left her nearly bedridden. She's also battled ulcers, amoebic dysentery, bursitis, acute bronchitis, two serious bouts of pneumonia, drug and alcohol addiction and a benign brain tumor that was removed in 1997. Taylor won Oscars for roles in "Butterfield 8" in 1960 and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" in 1966. She also won a special Oscar, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, mainly for her work as an AIDS activist, in 1993. She still lives in Bel-Air, a tony section of Los Angeles that's home to many of Hollywood's elite figures.

 

WYCLEF SUED BY NEW YORK JEWELLER [BBC, 7/31/08]

Rap star Wyclef Jean is being sued by a New York jeweller which claims the performer owes the company money.  Jacob & Co alleges Mr Jean has not paid for over $300,000 (£150,000) worth of watches and jewellery. The company's founder, Jacob Arabov, known as the "king of bling", was jailed in June by a Detroit judge for lying to investigators of a drug ring. Mr Jean, who gained fame as a member of the The Fugees, has not commented on the legal action.  The 35-year-old singer was made a roving ambassador for Haiti, his birth country, in 2007 by President Rene Preval. Arabov, famous for his diamond-encrusted watched and necklaces, was known as a jeweller to the stars before he was jailed. His nickname, Jacob the Jeweller, is mentioned in tracks by many artists, including Kanye West, The Game and Beyonce. His other clients included Madonna and Elton John.

 

KATY PERRY STARTS SIXTH WEEK ATOP HOT 100 [Billboard, 7/31/08]

Katy Perry's "I Kissed a Girl" begins a sixth week at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, with digital sales of 151,000 copies keeping the song of the summer ahead of Rihanna's "Take a Bow" at No. 2 and Chris Brown's "Forever" at No. 3. Another Rihanna song, "Disturbia," races 15-4 thanks to digital sales of 122,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Coldplay's "Viva La Vida" and Lil Wayne's "A Milli" hold at Nos. 5 and 6, respectively, while Wayne's "Lollipop" featuring Static Major slides 4-7. Kardinal Offishall's "Dangerous" featuring Akon rises 9-8, Leona Lewis' "Bleeding Love" declines 6-9 and Jesse McCartney's "Leavin'" remains No. 10 to round out the top portion of the Hot 100. Also new this week is Miley Cyrus' "Breakout" at No. 56. It's the title track of her new Hollywood album, which debuted yesterday at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Keyshia Cole's "Heaven Sent" continues its rule over Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs for an eighth week. On that tally, Lil Wayne sets a new record by placing 13 titles as a lead or featured artist this week. He surpasses T.I.'s previous mark of 11, set in February. Alan Jackson is No. 1 on Hot Country Songs for a second week with "Good Time," while Foo Fighters begin a second week atop the Modern Rock chart with "Let It Die." Disturbed's "Inside the Fire" rules the Mainstream Rock roundup for a 13th weeK.

 

CHEECH & CHONG PLAN FIRST TOUR IN 25 YEARS [Billboard, 7/30/08]

Comedy duo Cheech and Chong will reunite for their first tour in more than 25 years, beginning Sept. 12, 2008 at the Tower Theatre in Philadelphia. More than 20 dates have been confirmed for the Live Nation-produced U.S. trek, with more to be announced in the coming weeks. Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong's upcoming "Light Up America..." tour will visit such markets as Washington, D.C., Detroit, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Los Angeles, Boston and Denver. Tickets for the jaunt go on sale Aug. 8 via livenation.com.

 

LEBANESE SINGER 'KILLED IN DUBAI' [BBC News, 7/30/08]

Lebanese singer Suzanne Tamim has been found dead at her home in the Gulf emirate of Dubai, media reports say. Police in Dubai have declined to comment on the case apart from to say they are investigating and will make an announcement soon. Media reports say her body was stabbed repeatedly and her face mutilated. Tamim won fame after appearing on a TV talent show in Lebanon in 1996, but her career was marred by stories about a troubled private life. After winning a Gold Medal on the Studio al-Fann programme, she was a hailed both for her beauty and as well as a voice that was equally suited to pop tunes and classical Arabic melodies. Tamim was reported to have fled Lebanon to Egypt some years ago after a number of bitter legal battles with her estranged second husband, music producer Adel Maatouk. Reports say she disappeared from public view in Cairo in 2007 and was thought to be living in Dubai's exclusive Jumeira district.

 

JERRY LEWIS CITED FOR GUN IN LUGGAGE [AP, 7/30/08]

Police say they have confiscated a gun belonging to Jerry Lewis that was found in the 82-year-old entertainer's carryon bag as he prepared to fly to Detroit from Las Vegas. Las Vegas policeman Bill Cassell said Tuesday that the actor was cited Friday for carrying an unloaded concealed weapon at the Las Vegas airport. Lewis' manager, Claudia Marghilano, says the handgun is a hollowed-out prop gun that Lewis sometimes twirls during his show. She tells The Associated Press that the gun couldn't fire. Marghilano says Lewis didn't know the gun was in the bag along with other props. Cassell says if the gun were merely a prop "it wouldn't be a weapon and we couldn't cite him for carrying a weapon."

 

MANICS AGREE TO PLAY ONE-OFF GIG [BBC News, 7/31/08]

Manic .Street Preachers have agreed to play a one-off gig at the Forever Heavenly festival on London's Southbank in September. The Welsh band will only play a six song set list, which will include hits such as Motown Junk and Starlover. All the tracks they will perform were recorded for the Heavenly label prior to signing with Sony in 1991. The gig, which also features Doves, takes place at the Royal Festival Hall on 12 September 2008. The event will be the band's last live commitment before going into the studio to start work on their ninth studio album. Winners of this year's Ivor Novello Best Contemporary Song award, Cherry Ghost complete the bill.

 

NAS "UNTITLED" ALBUM CAUSING A STIR? [BBC News, 7/29/08]

Veteran Fox News broadcaster Bill O'Reilly has retaliated against claims made by U.S rapper Nas that the corporation is racist. The presenter called the singer a "vile rapper" who peddled violent lyrics to children and young adults. His comments came after Nas joined a protest in New York claiming some of Fox's news coverage was racist. The row began when Nas called the organisation "visual cancer" in a track on his new number one album Untitled. In the song Sly Fox, Nas takes direct aim at the news channel stating the "only black man that Fox loves is in jail or a dead one". When the 34-year-old rapper performed the track in New York recently he urged fans to "Turn channel 5 off", referring to Fox News. Last Wednesday the performer joined protesters outside the corporation's head office to denounce what they claim is its racist campaign coverage. One of the pieces they were angry about was a guest who confused Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama with Osama bin Laden and joked they should both be assassinated. Another was when Fox News referred in a graphic to his wife Michelle, as "Obama's baby mama". Nas told the crowd: "Fox poisons this country every time they air racist propaganda and try and call it news." Addressing the issue on his programme, O'Reilly said the rapper's protest was timed to promote his new album which he called "a bomb, a disaster, a catastrophe". He also stated that any media which had given Nas any attention were "corrupt". A spokeswoman for Fox said: "Fox News believes in all protesters exercising their right to free speech, including Nas, who has an album to promote."

 

MTV VMA BEST FEMALE / MALE NOMINEES [Klassic Magazine, 7/29/08]

MTV has announced the nominees for best female and best male video for the 2008 The nominees are Best Female Video: Britney Spears "Piece of Me", Jordin Sparks  "No Air" with Chris Brown, Katy Perry "I Kissed A Girl", Mariah Carey  "Touch My Body", Rihanna  "Take a Bow". Best Male Video: Lil Wayne, "Lollipop" Tha Carter III, Chris Brown "With You", Usher, "Love In This Club" f/ Young Jeezy, T.I., "No Matter What", Flo Rida, "Low" f/ T-Pain. The nominees were determined by fan voting at vma.mtv.com or by texting via Verizon Wireless phone; two new categories will be open for voting each week through the end of August. The current categories accepting nominations are best hip-hop video and best pop video. The Video Music Awards will be held Sept. 7, 2008 at 9 p.m. on the Paramount Pictures lot in Los Angeles. Russell Brand, co-star of "Forgetting Sarah Marshall," will host the show.

 

EXTENSIVE AC/DC TOUR TO BEGIN IN OCTOBER [Billboard, 7/29/08]

As expected, AC/DC will embark on an 18-month world tour beginning this October. Creative Artists Agency managing partner Rob Light confirmed the news during a touring panel today (July 28) at the 83rd annual IAAM conference and trade show in Anaheim, Calif. Light didn't reveal further details about the trek, which will come in support of AC/DC's upcoming Wal-Mart exclusive release. A single is expected to hit radio in August. In addition to AC/DC, other acts touring in the near future include Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Christina Aguilera, Depeche Mode, Shakira, Green Day, Kid Rock, Usher, Robin Williams, Mylie Cyrus, Slipknot, John Mayer, Keith Urban, Tim McGraw and Daft Punk, according to Light. Also, "We have a great idea for KISS to go out and do big arena tour," Light noted. Other touring in 2009 include OneRepublic, Plain White T's, Jack's Mannequin, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Weezer, the Killers and Journey, among others, according to various booking agents on the panel, which was moderated by Billboard executive director of content and programming for touring and live entertainment Ray Waddell. Additionally, there are talks of rolling out a non-Christmas version of the annual Trans-Siberian Orchestra tour, according to William Morris Agency's Brad Goodman.

 

PATRICK SWAYZE BACK ON THE SET [E! Online, 7/29/08]

Patrick Swayze turned up Monday on the Chicago set of the A&E series The Beast to begin work on his first acting gig since confirming his pancreatic cancer diagnosis earlier this year. The 55-year-old actor was accompanied by wife Lisa Niemi and was photographed laughing and chatting with the crew throughout the day. Swayze plays an unorthodox FBI agent who becomes the target of an internal affairs investigation. The series' pilot was filmed in December, roughly three months before Swayze's health became a national topic of conversation. The erstwhile Dirty Dancer publicly confirmed his diagnosis in March. He has been undergoing chemotherapy, though not radiation, at the Stanford University Medical Center. Just last week, he gave an upbeat assessment of his health. "I'm a miracle, dude," he told reporters at Los Angeles International Airport, where he was en route to the Chicago set, last Monday. "I don't know why." Swayze is expected to continue receiving treatment while filming. The series is set to debut in early 2009.

 

AMY WINEHOUSE TAKEN TO E.R. AFTER RX REACTION [AP, 7/28/08]

Amy Winehouse was hospitalized Monday (July 28) night for a reaction to medication but was expected to be released by morning, representatives for the Grammy-winning singer said. An ambulance took Winehouse from her north London home to University College Hospital, spokesman Chris Goodman said. "Doctors have advised that she will be kept under observation overnight and is likely to be released tomorrow," read a statement released by Goodman and Tracey Miller, the 24-year-old's U.S.-based publicist. It was the second time in as many months that Winehouse has been in the hospital. She was admitted to a London clinic in June after collapsing at home, and father Mitch Winehouse said at the time she had developed early stage emphysema from smoking cigarettes and crack cocaine. Winehouse underwent a series of tests but was discharged in time to perform at the Glastonbury music festival and celebrations for former South African president Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday. The troubled soul diva became an international star after she released the Grammy-winning album "Back to Black" in 2006, but her music has been overshadowed by reports of drug use and run-ins with the law.

 

GEORGE MICHAEL TO REUNITE WHAM! ? [Aceshowbiz, 7/28/08]

George Michael seems set to end his touring career in an unforgettable way by preparing to treat his fans at his upcoming final two shows, to be held at the Earls Court, London, on August 24 & 25, 2008 with a special performance. According to the latest news George is planning to tap his fellow band mate on Wham!, Andrew Ridgeley to take the stage together at those concerts. The news was revealed by a source who told TheSun.co.uk saying, "George is planning a series of surprises for his final shows." Wham! were a famous duo formed in 1981 by George and Andrew which managed to sell about 20 million albums throughout their musical career. Unfortunately, the duo don't last that long as they decided to split in 1986 because of George's ambition to expand his solo career.

 

FAITH HILL PERFORMS 'FOOTBALL' THEME [Billboard, 7/28/08]

Faith Hill will once again perform the opening theme for NBC's "Sunday Night Football" this season. The song, "Waiting All Day For Sunday Night," will debut on Sunday, Sept. 7, during the network's first regular season "Sunday Night Football" broadcast of 2008, and will continue every Sunday night throughout the NFL season.  "What a thrill it was to be invited back this year. I'm a huge football fan." said Hill via a statement. "Waiting All Day For Sunday Night" is set to the original Joan Jett song, "I Hate Myself For Loving You," which Hill recorded with producer Byron Gallimore. In addition, the country singer will also be a part of an NBC promotional campaign that features Hill as well as players including the Kansas City Chiefs' Tony Gonzalez and Rams' Torry Holt. The promos will begin running during the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game on Sunday, Aug. 3rd, through the network¹s coverage of the Olympics August 8-25, 2008. Hill said that the first promo, which finds her prepping snacks for a game, "is one of the funniest things I have ever seen. Fans will be in for a real treat getting a glimpse of these guys in the kitchen." Hill's last album, 2005's "Fireflies," has sold 2.2 million copies in the United States, according to Nielsen Soundscan, and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Pop Album and Country charts.

 

U2 BONO AND ANGELINA JOLIE'S EX-LESBIAN LOVER TO BE TWINS' GODPARENTS [Aceshowbiz, 7/28/08]

Brangelina have asked Bono to be their twins' godfather but the actor has not yet said yes to Jolie's option of the infants' godmother who's her ex-lesbian lover Jenny Shimizu. All attention is to Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt and their clan. Rumor has it that the celebrity power couple have asked their friend Bono to be the godfather for their newborn twins; Knox Leon and Vivienne Marcheline. Jolie and Pitt, alongside their children, reportedly have been spending a week with the rock star at his home in a leafy village in the South of France. In return for his kind gesture and impressed by his humanitarian work, they then asked the U2 frontman to take on the role which he accepted immediately. "Brad and Angie think the world of Bono. They have been friends for years. Brad is a massive U2 fan and told Bono how much he admired him when they were introduced at a party a few years back," a source tells British newspaper the Sunday Mirror.As for the twins' godmother Jolie reportedly will ask her ex-lesbian lover, model Jenny Shimizu, to willingly take over the role. Pitt hasn't agreed on the idea just yet. No words on when Pitt and Jolie will hold christening for their twins.

 

KELSEY GRAMMER HOSPITALIZED AFTER FEELING FAINT [AP, 7/28/08]

Kelsey Grammer has been hospitalized in New York after feeling faint following a recent heart attack. Publicist Stan Rosenfield says Grammer checked himself into an undisclosed hospital over the weekend as a precaution and his condition is not life-threatening. The publicist says it's possible Grammer's medication led to his symptoms. At the time, the actor was in town to promote his new film, "Swing Vote." The "Live with Regis and Kelly" show says the 53-year-old actor canceled his Tuesday morning appearance. Nearly two months ago, the former "Cheers" and "Frasier" star suffered a mild heart attack in Hawaii, where he lives, while paddle-boating with wife Camilla.

 

KEYS 'SORRY' FOR TOBACCO ADVERTS [BBC News, 7/28/08]

Grammy-award winning singer Alicia Keys has apologised to fans in Indonesia after discovering one of her forthcoming concerts was sponsored by tobacco firm Philip Morris. Billboard posters for the Jakarta gig, which takes place on 31 July, 2008, featured a logo for the A Mild cigarette brand. In a statement, Keys said she asked for "corrective actions" as soon as she learned of the advertisements. As a result, she added, the company had withdrawn their sponsorship and all signage had been removed. Keys had been criticised by anti-smoking campaigners, who claimed the deal would encourage young fans to take up smoking. Campaigning organisation Tobacco Free Kids said the branding was "inconsistent with (Keys') advocacy for children's health through her involvement in Keep A Child Alive, a campaign to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in poor countries". It sent an open letter to the R&B star, signed by several anti-tobacco agencies, calling on her to "put the health of Indonesia's children first" and remove the advertising or cancel her concert. In her statement, Keys said: "I apologize for any misleading advertising initially associated with the show. "I'm an unyielding advocate for the well-being and health of children around the world and do not condone or endorse smoking. "I look forward to bringing my music and message to my wonderful fans in Jakarta."

 

KANYE WEST WOWS GLOBAL GATHERING [BBC News, 7/28/08]

Grammy winning Kanye West has headlined a major UK music festival, reigniting the debate over whether rap music is suitable to top the bill at similar events. Global Gathering made its name as one of the UK's biggest dance weekends at Long Marston Airfield near Stratford-upon-Avon. With artists like Mark Ronson, Moby and Eric Prydz playing not everyone was sure a U.S rapper would fit in. Last year Basement Jaxx and Faithless headlined, so for some fans bringing in a hip-hop artist to face the 55,000 crowd was a brave move by organizers. It follows a similar row over Jay-Z's headline slot at Glastonbury in June, 2008. The dance festival is for trance heads, dance heads, electro, drum and bass, so the idea of inserting R&B creates a clash of genre. But while some weren't enthusiastic about Kanye's appearance, a massive crowd gathered around the main stage as night time fell. There was talk the rapper was waiting for it to get dark before going on stage to reveal a glow-in-the-dark set. He didn't leave the crowd waiting long and made his entrance virtually on time to deliver an hour and a half set of big hit after big hit. His version of American Boy got the crowd singing along the loudest, while Gold Digger and recent number one single Stronger got the biggest cheers. Audience  reaction to the performance is mixed but so far it has scored a 9 out of 10.

 

RAPPER GUCCI MANE ARRESTED ON DUI, DRUGS AND GUN CHARGES [klassic Magazine, 7/27/08]

Rapper Gucci Mane was arrested on charges of driving under the influence of drugs, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, but was freed after posting bail. The criminal charges are triple for Gucci Mane when he was arrested early Wednesday (July 23) morning,  in Atlanta. The rapper was busted for driving under the influence (DUI) following a routine traffic stop during which police found a small amount of marijuana and a gun in his vehicle. He was taken to the Henry County Jail in McDonough, Georgia at approximately 6:00 A.M. He was booked under charges of driving under the influence of drugs, possession of less than an ounce of marijuana, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Details of his arrest are sketchy, yet it's been confirmed that Mane was released from the prison approximately three hours later, after posting a $3,356 bond. Mane, who catapulted to stardom with his 2005 album "Trap House", has yet worked on a new LP. His latest music effort was the 2007 "Back to the Traphouse".

 

NEW WHITNEY HOUSTON SONG LEAKED ON INTERNET [E! Online, 7/27/08]

Whitney Houston says it all in a new track making the rounds online. "I want you to love me like I never left," the legendary songbird trills in the aptly titled "Like I Never Left." MIA from the music scene since her private life went on a roller-coaster ride full of substance-abuse problems and a trainwreck marriage to Bobby Brown, Ms. Houston hasn't released a new tune in approximately forever—or at least since 2003's "One Wish (for Christmas)." While "Like I Never Left" is technically a love song featuring Akon, the lyrics couldn't be more perfect for her return to recording. In one verse from the three-minute, 39-second cut, Houston coos, "Yes, your girl is coming back." Whit is expected to release her new—and much anticipated—album this coming fall. Welcome back, Whitney! And please stay this time.

 

KARDINAL/AKON DANGEROUS No. 9 No. 8 ON BILLBOARD HOT 100 [Klassic Magazine, 7/27/08]

Dangerous, the track written by R&B superstar Akon with a unique rap-style by Toronto's own Kardinal Offishall has hit No. 9 on Billboard Hot 100 Music Chart. This year MTV is letting the fans decide who the nominees are for the VMA’s! Voting for the Best Hip-Hop and Pop Video categories closes on Wednesday, July 30, 2008.  Vote for Kardinal Offishall‘s video “Dangerous” in the Pop category. Kardinal Offishall was also a special guest on Bad Man Radio on July 23, 2008 which is hosted by the DJ Trasha. [July 31/08 — No. 8 on Billboard 100]

 

"NO CHANCE" AGAINST FRENCH FIRST LADY: BRITISH PM's WIFE [AFP, 7/27/08]

Prime Minister Gordon Brown's wife Sarah conceded in an interview Monday that she "didn't stand a chance" in the glamour stakes when French First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy visited Britain with her husband in March, 2008. Speaking to The Times newspaper, the former public relations executive shrugged off the suggestion that she was under pressure to dress up to meet with the former Italian supermodel. "Well, I didn't stand a chance, did I?" Sarah Brown told the daily. "I mean, I was standing next to a supermodel. I thought that whatever I wore didn't matter. With all due respect to myself, I knew that day I couldn't win." Bruni-Sarkozy charmed the British public, and graced the front page of several newspapers during the state visit, with one newspaper carrying an article headlined: "Crazy for Carla: How Britain went mad for France's First Lady".

 

CARMEN ELECTRA AND KIM KARDASHIAN DAZZLE COMIC-CON FANS [AP, 7/27/08]

The line snaked through the Comic-Con floor. Hundreds of camera-toting fans jockeyed for position, barely able to contain their excitement. They weren't trying to see the latest world-saving superhero or never-before-seen footage. They were waiting to see Carmen Electra and Kim Kardashian. The two beauties made their Comic-Con debut Saturday, signing autographs to promote their new film, "Disaster Movie." Both wore formfitting, cleavage-bearing dresses as they posed for fans' photos. For 18-year-old John Kilgore, attending the signing was the day's top priority. "It's Carmen Electra," he explained. "What's not to like about a woman like that?" David Benker, 46, was embarrassed to reveal exactly how excited he was to meet the two women. "Aw, come on," he said. "My son is here and he'll tell his mom." Most fans sheepishly shuffled by collecting their posters, but a few were brave enough to talk to the pinup pair. "You look even more beautiful in person," said one blushing fan. "Wow." Another whipped out his cell phone to show Electra her own photo. "You're on my screen saver right now," he said. Despite the frenzy of excitement, the fans were well behaved, Electra said: "They were all really sweet." A Lionsgate release, "Disaster Movie" — which features a wrestling scene between Kardashian and Electra — hits theaters Aug. 29, 2008.

 

INDIANA JONES CO-STAR LABEOUF ARRESTED FOR DUI [Klassic Magazine, 7/27/08]

Officers in Los Angeles say "Indiana Jones" co-star Shia LaBeouf has been arrested for drunk driving following an early morning car accident in Hollywood. According to our sources, LaBeouf was the driver of a vehicle that was involved in a 3 a.m. collision where he and his passenger were injured, as was the other driver. The extent of their injuries are unknown at this time, but it was clear to officers at the scene that LaBeouf was intoxicated. It is unknown whether LaBeouf will face felony or misdemeanor charges.

 

STONES DITCHING EMI FOR UNIVERSAL [BBC News,  7/27/08]

The Rolling Stones have signed an "exclusive, long-term, worldwide" record deal with music giant Universal, the record company has announced. The contract covers future albums by the veteran rockers as well as their extensive back catalogue. Their previous deal with EMI ended in March, 2008 after 31 years together. The Stones, fronted by Mick Jagger, had already released a live CD in March - recorded in New York in 2006 - with Universal in a one-album deal.  That album accompanied Martin Scorsese's documentary Shine a Light, which featured footage of two shows played in New York in 2006 as well as behind-the-scenes and archive material. New recordings will be released through Universal's Polydor label. Universal said it was also planning "an unprecedented, long-term campaign to reposition the Rolling Stones' entire catalogue for the digital age". The EMI Group, meanwhile, wished the Stones "well in their new venture", adding it looked forward to "a continuing relationship" with the band because it still held their publishing rights. The Stones have followed the lead of long-time contemporary Sir Paul McCartney, as well as Radiohead, in leaving EMI. The Stones, renowned for their extensive tours, were the highest-earning musical act in the world between June 2006 and June 2007. They made $88 million (£44m), according to US business publication Forbes. Last week, a spokesman for guitarist Ronnie Wood confirmed the 61-year-old was "seeking help" with his battle with alcohol in a British rehabilitation centre.

 

LINDSAY UNHURT AFTER RUN-IN WITH MOTORCYCLE [E! Online, 7/26/08]

Lindsay Lohan and her constant companion Samantha Ronson were leaving a club late Friday night in New York City when the Ugly Betty guest star was side-swiped by a motorcyclist. Lindsay was treated at Beth Israel Medical Center and released early Saturday morning. "She's not hurt. That's all I really care about," her father, Michael Lohan, told The New York Post. With her history of car crashes, a SUV chase and now a run-in with a motorcycle… it's clear that LiLo and moving vehicles just don't mix! 

 

NANA MOUSKOURI "NICKELS AND DIMES" SAYS FAREWELL [CBC, 7/24/08]

Internationally acclaimed singer Nana Mouskouri took her last bow after 50 years in music Thursday (July 24) with a farewell concert in her native Greece. An estimated audience of 10,000 people filled the ancient Odeon of Horodes Atticus at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens to hear her final concert. Mouskouri, 73, announced her plans to retire three years ago and has completed a worldwide tour. "I have been known to sing in a certain way and my fear is to lose this way of singing which will disappoint a lot of people," said Mouskouri, explaining her retirement to Reuters. "It's not that I abandon singing or that I will never sing again in my life anywhere now, but I will not go on tours anymore. I don't want to have this fear all the time when you go on stage, this stage fright." On Wednesday, in the first of two concerts in Athens, Mouskouri wore her trademark black glasses and a red dress and sang from her wide repertoire. Mouskouri has sold more than 300 million records worldwide, and is one of the world's best-selling artists. Born in Crete, she sings in French, English, German, Greek, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Hebrew and Japanese, her record company Universal says. Mouskouri trained as a singer in Athens and sang in her first Greek music festival at 25. Since then she has recorded 1,500 songs and toured with artists such as Harry Belafonte. Her life has been a "fairy tale," she said, and the farewell tour was a way to express her gratitude to her legions of fans. "This tour was the opportunity to say thank you to the people," she said. "I wouldn't really go without saying thank you because, thanks to the audience, I have been around for so many years because they listen to me." Mouskouri, who has been a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, said she now wants to involve herself more closely with humanitarian causes. She may also mentor young singers.

 

CIARA AND BROWN ROCKS THE 2008 BET AWARDS [Reuters/Billboard, 7/26/08]

The 2008 BET Awards at the Shrine Auditorium featured all the heavy hitters: Usher, Lil Wayne, Alicia Keys and T-Painassisted by DJ Khaled, Ludacris and Rick Ross.  But the audience was wild about Chris Brown's set with Ciara. For a performance of Brown's "Take You Down," she ditched her traditional oversized sweat pants and bedazzled sports bra in favor of a black, skin-tight dominatrix-style cat-suit, thigh-high black stiletto boots and a black wig. The performance's steamy choreography ended with Brown and Ciara seductively staring at each other as the crowd gave them a standing ovation. The message couldn't be more clear: Ciara is no longer the teen princess of crunk & B (a blend of crunk, a drum-machine-heavy style of hip-hop, and rhythm and blues). Now 23 and with two platinum records under her belt, she's reinventing her career, beginning with "Fantasy Ride," a conceptual album due in the fourth quarter via LaFace/Zomba, as well as a modeling contract and movie roles. The album features three distinct musical styles, tentatively called "Groove City," full of sensual songs; "Crunk Town," with Atlanta-based crunk music similar to her introductory single, "Goodies"; and "Kingdom of Dance," with uptempo, house-leaning, freestyle-tinged cuts. Akon, Lil Jon, the-Dream and Ludacris make guest appearances. Ne-Yo, T-Pain and Frankie Storm (from Rihanna's "Don't Stop the Music") are contributing writers. 

 

RAPPER LIL WAYNE SUED FOR STONES COPYRIGHT BREACH [Reuters, 7/24/08]

Abkco Music Inc, a musical publishing company that owns the rights to the Rolling Stones' song "Play With Fire" sued U.S. rapper Lil Wayne on Thursday, saying he released an altered version of the song without permission. The company has accused Lil Wayne, his artistic collaborators and his record company, a unit of Universal Music Group, of copyright infringement and unfair competition. The lawsuit filed in federal court in Manhattan seeks unspecified damages. Lil Wayne's "Playing with Fire" is a clear derivative of the Rolling Stones song with the original lyrics and music altered in a recognizable way, Abkco said in its lawsuit. In one example, the lawsuit said a lyric from the Stones song is "But don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire," and the Lil Wayne version has the line, "But you can't blame me if I set this stage on fire." Representatives for Lil Wayne and Universal, owned by the French company Vivendi, were not immediately available for comment. Abkco also said that Lil Wayne's version uses "explicit, sexist and offensive language" and could lead the public to believe the company and the Rolling Stones approved of and authorized the new version. Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter, was proclaimed rapper of the year in 2007 by The New Yorker magazine., a musical publishing company that owns the rights to the Rolling Stones' song "Play With Fire" sued U.S. rapper Lil Wayne on Thursday, saying he released an altered version of the song without permission. The company has accused Lil Wayne, his artistic collaborators and his record company, a unit of Universal Music Group, of copyright infringement and unfair competition. The lawsuit filed in federal court in Manhattan seeks unspecified damages. Lil Wayne's "Playing with Fire" is a clear derivative of the Rolling Stones song with the original lyrics and music altered in a recognizable way, Abkco said in its lawsuit. In one example, the lawsuit said a lyric from the Stones song is "But don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire," and the Lil Wayne version has the line, "But you can't blame me if I set this stage on fire." Representatives for Lil Wayne and Universal, owned by the French company Vivendi, were not immediately available for comment. Abkco also said that Lil Wayne's version uses "explicit, sexist and offensive language" and could lead the public to believe the company and the Rolling Stones approved of and authorized the new version. Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter, was proclaimed rapper of the year in 2007 by The New Yorker magazine., a musical publishing company that owns the rights to the Rolling Stones' song "Play With Fire" sued U.S. rapper Lil Wayne on Thursday, saying he released an altered version of the song without permission. The company has accused Lil Wayne, his artistic collaborators and his record company, a unit of Universal Music Group, of copyright infringement and unfair competition. The lawsuit filed in federal court in Manhattan seeks unspecified damages. Lil Wayne's "Playing with Fire" is a clear derivative of the Rolling Stones song with the original lyrics and music altered in a recognizable way, Abkco said in its lawsuit. In one example, the lawsuit said a lyric from the Stones song is "But don't play with me, 'cause you're playing with fire," and the Lil Wayne version has the line, "But you can't blame me if I set this stage on fire." Representatives for Lil Wayne and Universal, owned by the French company Vivendi, were not immediately available for comment. Abkco also said that Lil Wayne's version uses "explicit, sexist and offensive language" and could lead the public to believe the company and the Rolling Stones approved of and authorized the new version. Lil Wayne, whose real name is Dwayne Michael Carter, was proclaimed rapper of the year in 2007 by The New Yorker magazine.

 

50 CENT SUES TACO BELL OVER AD CAMPAIGN [AP, 7/23/08]

The Get Rich or Die Tryin' rapper, 50 Cent, sued Taco Bell Corp. on Wednesday (July 23) claiming the fast-food restaurant chain is using his name without permission in advertising that asks him to call himself 99 Cent. The rapper says in a federal lawsuit filed Wednesday that the Mexican-themed chain features him in a print ad asking him to change his name to 79 Cent, 89 Cent or 99 Cent. His real name is Curtis Jackson. The rapper's court papers say the ad is part of Taco Bell's "Why Pay More?" campaign, which promotes items for under a dollar, including Cinnamon Twists for 79 cents, Crunchy Tacos for 89 cents and Bean Burritos for 99 cents. The papers say the Irvine, Calif.-based company sent a bogus letter requesting the name change to the news media but not to the rapper. The rapper's lawyer, Peter D. Raymond, said his client didn't learn about the letter or that he was featured in the ad campaign until he saw a news report about it. Raymond said his client is seeking $4 million in damages. Taco Bell Corp. spokesman Rob Poetsch issued a statement saying: "We made a good faith, charitable offer to 50 Cent to change his name to either 79, 89 or 99 Cent for one day by rapping his order at a Taco Bell, and we would have been very pleased to make the $10,000 donation to the charity of his choice." This isn't the first time 50 Cent has sued over his name or image. The rapper has been nominated for 13 Grammys, including for the song "In da Club" and the album "Get Rich or Die Tryin'." In 2005, he starred with Terrence Howard in a semi-autobiographical movie based on that album. He also starred in the 2006 film "Home of the Brave" as a soldier returning home from Iraq. Yum! Brands Inc., which owns the Taco Bell brand, along with KFC, Pizza Hut and several other familiar drive-thru-type establishments, has not commented on the suit. A Taco Bell spokesman said he had not yet seen the documents.

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TEXAS HAS THE JONAS BROTHERS FEELING NEIGHBOURLY [E! Online, 7/23/08]

The Jonas Brothers (Joe/Nick/Kevin) apparently figured that they literally needed an area the size of Texas to accommodate their massive fan base. Local news outlets are awash with reports that the dreamy tween-friendly trio have corralled themselves a six-bedroom house in Vaquero, a gated community in the northern Texas town of Westlake. Tarrant County records show that the Jonas sibs inked papers June 12, 2008 giving their mother, Denise Jonas, power of attorney to close the deal, according to the Dallas Morning News. The real estate agent who listed the residence for more than $2.8 million would only confirm that the house had been sold. Pro golfer Brian Watts, who lives down the street didn't even know who the Jonas Brothers are and the type of music they played, but his wife and kids were enthralled. The New Jersey-bred boys have been on their Burning Up tour all month and will be stopping tomorrow in Indianapolis, followed by shows in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Ohio...Let's just say they won't be returning to Texas for awhile. After their schedule cools down Sept. 5, 2008, it'll heat right back up again two days later, when the Jonas Brothers are going to premiere the second single from their upcoming album, A Little Bit Longer, at the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards in Hollywood. Also on their itinerary now is an Oct. 12, 2008 appearance in Phoenix, where they're set to headline Kristi Yamaguchi's annual Friends and Family Ice Show at US Airways Arena, benefiting the Olympic gold medalist's Always Dream Foundation. The event will air on NBC at a later date.

 

FOREIGNER'S MICK JONES NEW RELEASE AND TOUR [AP, 7/23/08]

Foreigner's Mick Jones says the band's new career retrospective "No End in Sight: The Very Best of Foreigner" is a signal that new material is on the way. Besides the band's hits as well as some deeper album cuts and live versions, the double-disc set released last week includes one new track, "Too Late." Jones, a founding member of the group, told the Associated Press on Tuesday (July 22) that a "fuller" new album will be out next year. Foreigner had a run of hit singles and albums from the late 1970s through the '80s with Lou Gramm on vocals. They included "Cold as Ice," "Urgent" and "Waiting for a Girl Like You."  A reconfigured lineup featuring Kelly Hansen at the mike has been touring the past few years and is currently co-headlining shows with Bryan Adams. "I kind of wanted to almost reconstruct the foundation of the band. I wasn't happy with the way the band drifted into obscurity toward the end of the '90s," the 63-year-old Jones said. "So this is a chance to re-establish ourselves and regain some prestige and respect." The tour stops Thursday.

 

COMME SI DE RIEN N'ETAIT" NO. 1 IN PARIS [Reuters, 7/23/08]

France's first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy shot to the top of the charts with her latest, entitled "Comme si de rien n'etait" (As if nothing had happened) in its first full week on sale, a music industry body said on Wednesday (today). Released under the first lady's maiden name Carla Bruni, the album hit the shelves on July 11 in a blaze of publicity. The album has generated massive interest because it is the first by the Italian-born-former- model- turned- pop-star, since her whirlwind romance with President Nicolas Sarkozy, whom she married in February less than three months after they met. The SNEP, an industry group that tracks record sales, said that in the week starting July 13 the album knocked Viva la Vida, the latest offering from British band Coldplay, off the top spot in the charts. The SNEP did not, however, specify how many copies of the album had been sold. Bruni-Sarkozy has said she wrote the lyrics of the new songs partly before she met Sarkozy and partly since they fell in love. This has prompted intense scrutiny of the lyrics by French media obsessed with the presidential love life. 

 

SELENA GOMEZ'S SUPERSWEET 16 DEAL [E! Online, 7/23/08]

Wizard of Waverly Place star, Selena Gomez, who turned 16 (July 22), has signed her first record deal with Hollywood Records, a source has told E! Online. Music execs have been after the starlet for months now, ever since they got the scoop that Disney was crowning her as the next Miley Cyrus. While Hollywood Records is part of the Disney Music Group, Gomez was courted by others because she doesn't have an exclusive deal. Days ago, she shot a music video for "Tell Me Something I Don't Know," a single from her upcoming Warner Premiere movie, Another Cinderella Story. A source says that this was no low-rent production. It was shot in a house in Northridge, Calif., and choreography was by Hi-Hat, the dance impresario who has worked with Missy Elliott, Kanye West, Gwen Stefani, Mary J. Blige and on the movies Bring It On and Step Up 2. This was Gomez's second video in as many weeks. She also shot one for "Fly to Your Heart," a song from Disney's upcoming animated Tinker Bell: North of Neverland. Meanwhile, Gomez got her Sweet 16 celebration on with a party at Hollywood hot spot Kress. Guests included her Wizards of Waverly Place costar David Henrie best friend and Camp Rock star Demi Lovato; Kim and Khloe Kardashian and Cheetah Girl Sabrina Bryan.

 

RAPPER KID ROCK SENTENCED FOR BRAWL [BBC News, 7/23/08]

Atlanta Rapper Kid Rock has been sentenced to a year on probation and fined $1,000 (£501) for his part in a fight in an Atlanta waffle restaurant in 2007. The 37-year-old, whose real name is Robert J. Ritchie, also received 80 hours community service and six hours of anger management counselling. Ritchie pleaded no contest to one count of battery. Four other assault charges were dropped. The incident took place last October at a branch of the Waffle House chain. The rapper and five of his crew were arrested at the time. All five appeared with Ritchie in court but the charges against three of them were dropped. Two others pleaded no contest and were also sentenced to community service and probation. At the time of the incident, Ritchie had just scored his first number one album in the US charts with Rock N Roll Jesus. Ritchie is originally from Detroit and has sold more than 20 million albums. He is currently number three in the UK singles chart with the Lynyrd Skynyrd-sampling All Summer Long. Rock N Roll Jesus is released in the UK next week. Ritchie was previously married to Baywatch star Pamela Anderson, but the actress filed for divorce after four months of marriage in 2006.

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