J.D.'s Dirt

COUNTRY MUSIC NEWS

KID ROCK TO HOST 2010 CMT MUSIC AWARDS! Kid Rock is set to host the 2010 CMT Music Awards. He announced his hosting gig on his website yesterday from Cayman Islands. “The rumors are true. I'm hosting the CMT Awards live from Nashville on June 9. ... All I can promise is I will be awesome." Kid Rock has a lengthy history with CMT, including the taping of CMT Crossroads with Hank Williams, Junior. in 2001. At last year's CMT Music Awards, he won in the Wide Open Country video of the year category for "All Summer Long." The first round of fan voting ends Monday and the final nominees will be announced on Tuesday May 11^th.

 

PEOPLE’S MOST BEAUTIFUL PEOPLE. People magazine has released their list for Most Beautiful People, and Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift have made the list. This is Carrie’s fourth time being selected for the honor, as well as Julia Roberts –who will grace the cover of the issue as the most beautiful person. Others recognized include, Jennifer Aniston, Rihanna, Robert Pattinson, and Bradley Cooper.

 

KEITH URBAN AND JOHN MAYER TO PERFORM TOGETHER ONCE MORE. Keith Urban and John Mayer will join forces for a special performance together at the The Gorge in Spokane, Washington on August 28^th.  The two recently performed together for the first time at a CMT Crossroads taping, set to air June 18^th. Keith says, "I had the best time playing with John on CMT Crossroads. There's a  certain simpatico between us as guitar players that , I think , comes   from sharing the same desire to express the unwritten.” Pre-sale tickets for the show will run from May 3^rd to May 5^th, at CMT.com.

 

CMA FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES RIVERFRONT LINEUP. The CMA Music Festival has announced the Riverfront Park stage lineup, and also adds Julianne Hough to the night concert at LP Field. Thursday June 10^th, The Judds will give the kick off performance, followed by Keith Anderson, Diamond Rio, Colt Ford, Joey + Rory, Love and Theft, Neal McCoy, Jake Owen, Josh Thompson, and Clay Walker. Friday night includes, Rodney Atkins, The Band Perry, Bucky Covington, Eli Young Band, Jack Ingram, Patty Loveless, Craig Morgan, Sawyer Brown, Gretchen Wilson, and Chris Young. Saturday night Big Kenny takes the stage with, Lee Brice, Mark Chesnutt, Emerson Drive, Gloriana, Josh Gracin, Lorrie Morgan, David Lee Murphy, Joe Nichols, and Mel Tillis. Closing night will include, The Bellamy Brothers, Sammy Kershaw, Lonestar, Jo Dee Messina, James Otto, Restless Heart, Steel Magnolia, Pam Tillis, Uncle Kracker, and Darryl Worley.

 

ALAN JACKSON DEDICATES CONCERT TO WEST VIRGINIA FAMILIES.  Alan Jackson will dedicate his May 22^nd show in Charleston, West Virginia, to families who lost loved ones in the Upper Big Branch Mining Disaster. Profits from the show will go towards a local disaster fund to assist the families of the 29 miners who lost their lives. West Virginia’s Governor said, “Alan is a world-famous entertainer who has never forgotten his small-town roots and the importance of family.” The twenty dollar ticket can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.

 

GEORGE STRAIT BREAKS HIS OWN RECORD. George Strait has broken his own ticket sales record at the Alamodome in San Antonio. More than 51-thousand tickets have been sold for tomorrow night’s show surpassing his 1997 concert there that filled more than 47-thousand seats. With ticket sales going the way they are, George doesn’t plan on ending his touring days any time soon.  “I’m just still having fun at it. I’ll keep doing it as long as I’m having fun at it. When that day comes, that I’m not, I don’t see that in the near future, but all of that will have to quit. But, right now, it doesn’t take a lot to get me fired up.” Because the show is completely sold out, more seats were made available yesterday. Reba McEntire, Lee Ann Womack and Randy Rogers Band will also perform at the concert.

• Related News – George has taped a humorous video for the Don’t Mess With Texas litter campaign. Check it out here: http://www.people.com/people/videos/0,,20365020,00.html?xid=rss-topheadlines&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+people%2Fheadlines+%28PEOPLE.com%3A+Top+Headlines%29&utm_content=Google+Reader

 

MARTINA MCBRIDE FORCED TO CANCEL EUROPEAN DATES. Martina McBride had to bag her six-date tour of Europe in late June and early July due to scheduling conflicts and routing issues. She took to her website to apologize to fans and give a brief rundown on the problems saying the problems were out of her control. Here are the cancelled dates:

• June 25 Stavanger Norway Forus Travbane
• June 26 Skien Norway Telemark Live
• June 28 London United Kingdom Indigo2
• June 30 Killarney Ireland INEC
• July 1 Dublin Ireland Helix
• July 2 Castlebar Ireland Theatre Royal

 

JOE NICHOLS SAYS STARRING IN BROADWAY PRODCUTION UNLIKELY. Joe Nichols says the chances of him starring as Rusty in the Broadway adaptation of Pure Country are getting slimmer and slimmer. Broadway in general isn’t doing well so the production has been pushed back causing possible scheduling conflicts for Joe. But if he is able to be part of the production, he already has his lines memorized. Here he is talking about a scene in the script. “He finds his way back to Poteet, Texas and he winds up drunk at a bar talking to Earl Blackstock and says something along the lines of, “I hitched tire across these here three Unite States. Lets see there’s Kansas, Oklahoma, wait Texas! Yeah Texas!”

 

COUNTRY STARS CELEBRATE GRAND OLE OPRY’S 85^TH BIRTHDAY. Vince Gill, Brad Paisley, Ricky Skaggs, and Steve Wariner will launch a months-long celebration for the Grand Ole Opry’s 85^th birthday celebration, Tuesday May 25^th. Each artist will individually take the stage, followed by a guitar jam finale featuring all the country stars as they take on some of the most popular songs in Opry history. Other special shows and events will last through December.

 

TAYLOR SWIFT VERSES JOHNY WEIR – WHO WORE IT BETTER? Taylor Swift and Olympic ice skater Johnny Weir, are going head-to-head on the Style Watch website, which lets fans vote who wore the same sparkly head piece better. Taylor wore the accessory at the Country Music Awards last year in Las Vegas, while Johny wore his at an event for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Currently Taylor leads the poll with over 80 percent of the votes.

 

GARTH BROOKS PARTNERS WITH NFL LEGEND TO CREATE CHILD PLAY AREA. Garth Brooks teamed up with NFL legend Troy Aikman, to create a play area called the Child Life Zone in Denver’s Health Medical Center, for children battling cancer.  "It allows a child to be a child again. That's the most important thing because children are the strongest things on the planet. So if you get them back in an environment where they remember they're a child and not fighting this uphill battle, all of a sudden these wonderful things start happening to them that the doctors can't explain,” Garth says. The center was built with funds by both Garth Brooks Teammates for Kids Foundation, and the Troy Aikman Foundation.

 

SHANIA TWAIN BLOGS ABOUT AMERICAN IDOL EXPERIENCE. After mentoring the remaining six American Idol contestants this past week, Shania Twain took to her blog the feelings she had for each individual. "It was fantastic to meet up again with Crystal Bowersox and Lee Dewyze, two of the artists that I rooted for at the auditions in Chicago," writes Shania. Though she insists she can’t pick favorites, a couple of the show’s numbers moved her. “A few of the performances during the mentoring made me tear up, as they sang with such beauty and emotion," Shania insists.

 

TAYLOR SWIFT MAKES TIME MAGAZINE’S MOST INFLUENTIAL LIST. TIME Magazine has selected their “Most Influential” list, and Taylor Swift has been selected for the number nine slot. After performing with her on the Grammy’s, Stevie Nicks says, “Taylor is writing for the universal woman and for the man who wants to know her.It's women like her who are going to save the music business." Others recognized on the list include, Robert Pattinson, Sandra Bullock, and Ashton Kutcher.

 

SHANIA TWAIN JOINS THE TWITTER WORLD. Shania Twain has officially joined the rest of the world with her first Twitter account. Fans can now follow her official social networking link at twitter.com/FollowShania. Not much has been posted yet, but surely it will change as her new album comes closer to being released. Shania’s also been active on her official website, blogging about her recent American Idol week.

 

MINDY MCCREADY OK’S SEX TAPE? Vivid Entertainment has come up with what appears to be an authentic notarized consent, signed by Mindy McCready, for her recent sex tape. The document issued in January of 2009, states Mindy has been paid for all sex tape footage. Her attorney fired back saying, "Mindy doesn't believe she signed those papers. And if she did, she was in no condition to make those kinds of decisions."

 

FIRST PEAK AT JOHN RICH’S CASH. The first photo of Cash Rich, son of John Rich, was tweeted yesterday not by his dad, but by Sebastian Bach. He was on the set of John’s latest video shoot when he tweeted a picture of him, baby Cash and Ted Nugent.

 

Fox News' Mike Huckabee Recording Country Project in Nashville. Fox News personality and former presidential candidate Mike Huckabee is in Nashville to record a music project with various country artists. A source close to the sessions, who declined to provide any other details, said it will probably be officially announced in June in conjunction with the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) show in Nashville. Apart from his other achievements, the one-time Arkansas governor is also a bass player.

 

GRAMMY VIP EXPERIENCE AUCTION! Do you want a be a VIP?  You can through a GRAMMY auction, which is offering a VIP concert experience plus a meet and greet with Taylor Swift, John Mayer, Michael McDonald and others.  The auction also features a private Josh Groban concert and a weekend getaway in Los Angeles.  All proceeds will go to MusicCares and the GRAMMY Foundation.  Bid now at Ebay.com/GRAMMY. 

• ABOUT THE CHARITIES:  MusiCares ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical and personal need by providing programs and services including emergency financial assistance, educational workshops, and flu shots, hearing tests, and medical/dental screenings. The MusiCares MAP Fund allows access to addiction recovery treatment and sober living resources for members of the music community.The GRAMMY Foundation offers GRAMMY In The Schools music education programs for young people around the country throughout the year, and archiving and preservation initiatives to protect our cultural heritage.

 

THIS AND THAT

• Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum says performing on American Idol was great validation after she tried out for the show twice and didn’t make it to the second round. The trio recorded their performance with a live audience and Hillary says the room isn’t as big as you think.
• Congratulations to Emerson Drive’s lead singer Brad Mates and wife Jana welcomed baby boy Tyler Robert at 7:04 p.m. Wednesday in Nashville.

 

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 

• SANDRA TALKS ABOUT LIFE! Sandra Bullock is now a working, single mom. We caught up with her awhile back and she told us about how she keeps secrets, and balances her home life and her busy acting career.
  •  “I’m really excited when I do something and I want to tell everyone else about it and I have the energy of five people but when I want to be home and I do not want to be anywhere, now a days it didn’t used to be this way I have to go home I sort of realized that I like being at home I don’t want to leave it as much, but I love being creative so how can I figure out how to protect my home life and get home when I want to get home but still be able to go off and be creative you know, so you just have to be really good at scheduling.”

 

• BULLOCK DIVORCE DETAILS! The news that Sandra Bullock has filed for divorce is already out there, but now we know the reasons why Bullock officially cited in the divorce. The papers did not include the phrase, “Jesse James is a cheating, scumbag,” instead, Bullock cited a “discord and conflict of personalities without any reasonable expectations of reconciliation” as the reason for the separation. Learn more at News.Yahoo.com.
  • TALKING POINT: What other euphemisms can you think of for what James is rumored to have done?

 

• BRET MICHAELS UPDATE. Some good news coming from Bret Michaels’ camp.  The Poison singer’s MySpace page has been updated by his management who wrote that Bret’s upcoming solo gigs have been postponed until late May.  This means that, provided there are no further complications, they expect the rocker to be touring again in less than a month, and able to stay on the road through the fall.  In the meantime, doctors are searching for the cause of Bret’s brain hemorrhage and will release more specific information on Monday.  Stay up to date at MySpace.com/BretMichaels. 
• WORLD’S MOST BEAUTIFUL! The Sandra Bullock adoption story sort of overshadowed People’s list of World’s Most Beautiful this year, but nonetheless, the magazine released its picks. Julia Roberts takes the top spot this year and in the article, Roberts dished on her beauty secrets and on her three children. Diane Kruger, Twilight’s Ashley Greene, Kerri Washington, Heidi Klum and Amanda Seyfried also made the list and posed without makeup for the outlet. Pick up the new issue of People magazine on newsstands now for more.
• TIME’S LEAST INFLUENTIAL! Heidi Montag, Spencer Pratt, Lindsay Lohan and Jon Gosselin all made Time Magazine’s list of the least influential people of 2010. Check out People.com for more.
• FELONY DROPPED! The felony charges against Randy Quaid have been dropped. This means that Randy won’t have any more court dates to not show up to. His wife Evi pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charge of defrauding an innkeeper and will have to perform 240 hours of community service. Read more at News.Yahoo.com.
• CARELL TO LEAVE OFFICE?! Steve Carell told BBC Radio recently that his contract with the NBC show The Office runs out at the end of next season and that he doesn’t think he’ll come back to the show after that. Check out more at OfficeTally.com.
  • TALKING POINT: Would you watch The Office without Steve Carell? Who would you get to replace him?

 

• TWILIGHT NEWS! Dreamgirls director Bill Condon has been chosen to direct the fourth and final Twilight film, Breaking Dawn. Summit Entertainment recently announced their choice to MTV News. Condon beat out contenders like Gus Van Sant and Sofia Coppola for the coveted job. Breaking Dawn is rumored to be broken down into two films.
  • ENGAGEMENT RING! Fans of Twilight can also buy the engagement ring “Edward” gives “Bella” in the third installment of the films, Eclipse. Twilight author Stephenie Meyer designed the ring and there are three versions you can check out over at ExtraTV.com.

 

• GHOSTBUSTERS 3 UPDATE! People have been talking about a third Ghostbusters film for a while now. When we chatted with Bill Murray this week, he told us about the slow-going third installment. For now, check out Bill, Robert Duvall and Sissy Spacek in the new film Get Low, in theaters July 30^th.
• HOLMES AS JACKIE O! Katie Holmes will play First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy in a miniseries on the History Channel. The scripted show will be called The Kennedys and Greg Kinnear will be playing President John F. Kennedy. The miniseries is scheduled to air on the History Channel in 2011, and will be the network’s first scripted miniseries. Hit up News.Yahoo.com for more.
• MISTRESS TALKS! John Edwards’ mistress, Rielle Hunter, sat down with Oprah Winfrey for her first interview since the former presidential candidate admitted to being the father of Hunter’s two-year-old daughter. Rielle told Oprah she doesn’t think she’s a home wrecker and that Edwards’ wife didn’t find out about the full extent of John’s affair with her until the televised interview he did back in 2006. Check out News.Yahoo.com for more.
• DOWNEY, JR. TALKS DRUGS! In an interview with Rolling Stone, Robert Downey, Jr. talked about his previous drug use and his time behind bars back in the mid to late ‘90s. The Iron Man 2 actor revealed that he did cocaine with Jack Nicholson, felt very safe behind prison bars and was given drugs by his father when he was six. Head over to NYDailyNews.com to read more.
• ALBA FISHSTICKS! Jessica Alba started a small fire in a Tribeca hotel this past week when she tried to cook fish sticks. According to the New York Post, fire alarms went off and the fire department came to the hotel, but the blaze was tiny and put out quickly. Right after she accidentally set the blaze, Alba headed over to the premiere of her new film, The Killer Inside Me at the Tribeca Film Festival. There, she talked with Vh1 Radio about her almost two-year-old baby girl, Honor .
• JENNA DROPS CHARGES! Jenna Jameson and Tito Ortiz are now backtracking. Jenna has dropped the domestic violence charges she filed against Ortiz earlier this week, and Ortiz is now saying he doesn’t think Jenna is addicted to pain pills. The Ultimate Fighter accused Jenna of being addicted to the pain medication OxyContin after the former porn star told police Ortiz hit her.  A drug test on Jenna came up clean. Check out TMZ.com to find updates.
• SEX TAPE! Chelsea Handler is the latest celebrity with a sex tape. Radar Online has gotten their hands on the explicit video filmed about a decade ago, which features Handler having sex with a man. The not safe for work footage is spliced between Handler’s standup routine.  The E! host commented on the tape saying it’s all a joke and that she used the stand-up with the sexual footage included in the middle as her audition tape back in the day. See a photo from the video over at RadarOnline.com. 

COUNTRY MUSIC NEWS

TAYLOR SWIFT BRINGS HUGS AND KISSES TO AUBURN. CMT Radio Network caught up with the creators of AHugFromTaylorSwift.com, Michael Wekall and Ryan Leander, about Taylor’s surprise visit to Auburn on Tuesday. Taylor’s third challenge included gathering as many students in their convocation center as possible, for a karaoke of “You Belong With Me.” She stunned the crowd as she walked through the doors with her band, and gave Michael and Ryan what they’ve been waiting for - a hug.“It was even more than what I expected because she came down to Auburn. We always expected it to happen, at maybe a concert or something like that. But the fact that she came down to Auburn to do it made it one hundred times better.” Not only did they receive a hug from Taylor, but a kiss as well.“I was in complete shock. I was like, ‘Taylor Swift just gave me a kiss on the cheek.’ By that point it was already unreal and totally surreal, but it just took it to the next level. It was just ridiculous I couldn’t believe she was there, still.” You can see footage of Taylor’s Auburn appearance at Vimeo.com.

 

WHICH AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT WANTED A KISS FROM SHANIA TWAIN? American Idol went country this week with Shania Twain, and contestant Casey James tells US Magazine he’s kicking himself for not giving Shania a kiss! He didn’t hear Simon Cowell urging him to kiss Shania on Tuesday night’s show, and Ryan Seacrest badgered him about the missed opportunity during a commercial break. "I want them to crank up the monitors because if I had heard it, I would have laid a big one on her!" Casey says.

 

LADY ANTEBELLUM WOULD HAVE NEVER BET ON THIS SUCCESS. Lady Antebellum has the number one album on the Billboard Country Album chart and the number two album on the Billboard Top 200 chart falling just behind the Glee soundtrack. Charles Kelley of the band says he’s not the betting kind so he never dreamed in a million years they’d have this success. And speaking of betting, he says he’s only been lucky in Vegas once.   “One time I put 25 dollars on zero and it hit. Then I turned around and lost it the next hour, but that was the greatest moment in my life in Vegas.”

 

TOBY KEITH PLANS USO TOUR. Toby Keith will embark on a USO/Armed Forces Entertainment tour later this month with seventeen shows in eleven days for U.S. troops. Toby told reporters at the Academy of Country Music Awards that he will be visiting Afghanistan, and that his band will be supporting him on several of the shows. Toby’s had some big hits with slower love songs, but when he's performing for soldiers he tries to get rid of sappy songs and have some serious fun.  “My songs for the troops are a little different, they are a little humorous. I’ve got my own little group of songs. She didn’t say no, she said hell no, I try to entertain the troops with a smile.” Toby recently received the Distinguished Service Award from the Military Officers Association of America which recognizes civilians who give back to military personnel.

 

 

LADY ANTEBELLUM GOES OLD-SCHOOL IN WEBISODE WEDNESDAY. Lady Antebellum’s latest Webisode Wednesday takes fans back to their childhood years with home video footage. The same videos played behind them during their recent ACM performance of “American Honey.” Hillary Scott’s childhood timeline includes many encounters with Santa and her performance at her high school graduation. Charles Kelley shows off his athletic abilities while swimming in the pool with his brother, Josh Kelley, and performing in his living room as a child. Dave Hayewood shows off his music ability with footage of learning to play his first guitar and performing with childhood friends.

 

DARIUS RUCKER TALKS AMERICAN IDOL. Darius Rucker tells Country Weekly he has what it takes to be a judge on American Idol. Darius says, “I think I would be a great judge because I like a lot of different things, you can play a Sinatra or Hank Williams tune and I’ll sing it.”  The Idol devotee says he has compassion for the shows less impressive hopefuls. Darius admits, “That’s a common debate in our house. My wife says it every year, that person cant really think they sing great and I say, yes they do.”

 

JOE NICHOLS THE NEW FACE OF ROPER APPAREL. Joe Nichols has been named the new face of Roper Apparel. He will be featured in the company’s advertising and marketing campaign which kicks of in May with a series of magazine ads. Joe will appear for multiple autograph signings and in-store appearances at Roper retailers, which begins June 10^th through the 13^th at the 2010 CMA Music Festival in Nashville.

 

SHOOTER JENNINGS BRINGS OUTLAW WAYS TO TELEVISION. Shooter Jennings will be an executive consultant and music supervisor for the Nashville-based drama, Outlaw Country featured on the FX network. The pilot episode for the show is describes as a thriller and family drama of Southern organized crime. His outlaw ways will assist with the show portrayed as Music City meeting the Mafia.

JOSH TURNER IN COUNTRY WEEKLY.  Josh Turner recently sat down with Country Weekly to reveal some interesting facts about himself. In the article, Josh admits he’s never carried a wallet and just puts what he needs in his pocket. One of his biggest quirks is he always looking for a toothpick when leaving any restaurant no matter how fancy it is. And if he could change places with anyone in the world, Josh answered his wife. “I wonder what it would be like to be a wife and a mother. I think it would help make me a better person and husband.” Josh also gives some advice to men saying, “If you don’t want to do the weekly chores just buy your wife really nice appliances.” Since he upgraded the family’s washer and dryer, Josh’s wife Jennifer won’t let him touch her new appliances which means he gets out of doing the laundry.

 

COUNTRY’S HOTTEST BACHLORS. Country’s hottest bachelors have been revealed in the latest Country Weekly. After logging and counting nearly 40-thousand votes at countryweekly.com, the top ten have been named. Here are countries hottest bachelors in order:

1. Gary Allan
2. Chris Young
3. Josh Thompson
4. Chuck Wicks
5. Keith Anderson
6. Danny Gokey
7. Jake Owen
8. Bucky Covington
9. Phil Vassar
10. Stephen Barker Liles

 

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 

• SANDRA ADOPTS BABY, DIVORCES JESSE JAMES!  In a new interview with People magazine, Sandra Bullock has revealed that she has filed for divorce from Jesse James, adopted a baby boy back in January and was shocked when she saw photos of her-soon-to-be-ex giving a Nazi salute.
• MORE ON THE DIVORCE! Bullock told People that she has indeed filed for divorce from Jesse James after months of media speculation about whether she and Jesse would reunite. Ten days after Bullock won an Academy Award, she and James separated amidst rumors that James had been unfaithful.
  • SECRET DIVORCE! According to E Online, Bullock was able to keep her divorce filing secretive because the papers didn’t contain their names.  Instead, the documents used the scrambled initials of the celebs in the filing.

 

• JESSE REACTS TO DIVORCE! In reaction to Sandra Bullock filing for a divorce from him, Jesse James said that Bullock is the “love of his life” but knew he had to let her go because of the devastation he caused her.  James also told People.com that he has a “huge hole” in his heart because he won’t be around Louis, the son Bullock and James adopted in January.
• MORE ON THE ADOPTION! Sandra told People.com that she and Jesse began the adoption process four years ago and brought home their new baby boy, Louis, in January. Louis Bardo Bullock is three-and-a-half months old and was born in New Orleans. Sandra has since finalized the adoption as a single parent.
  • OTHER CELEBS WHO’VE ADOPTED! Sandra now joins the ranks of Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Katherine Heigl, Sherly Crow, Jamie Lee Curtis and others who have adopted children.

 

• JON & KATE MAKE-UP! Jon and Kate Gosselin are acting civil towards each other. According to TMZ, Jon has dropped the lawsuit he filed against Kate for full custody of their children. Jon is also saying he never thought Kate was an absentee mom, as the lawsuit he filed claimed. And, according to TMZ, the reality couple is amicably working together to hash out a more appropriate custody and child support agreement.
• GLEE ON MADONNA! Cory Monteith plays “Finn Hudson” on Glee. The cast of the FOX show tackled Madonna last week and their album of covers of the Queen of Pop’s tunes has landed at number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Cory told us about working with Madonna’s tunes. Tune in to another episode of Glee this Tuesday on FOX after American Idol.
• TIM URBAN TALKS IDOL! Tim Urban was voted off of American Idol last week. He talked with us about all the press he’s been doing since then . Urban was loved by the ladies for his good looks, smile and charm on the show so we asked him if he realized his “dreamboat” status while competing on Idol .

 

• CONAN TO SPEAK SUNDAY! On this Sunday’s 60 Minutes, Conan O’Brien will give his first official interview after his Tonight Show switch-a-roo. It’ll air at 7 PM Eastern.  Meanwhile, O’Brien is on a comedy tour and will return to late night television, by way of TBS, this November. Conan and his Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour head to San Diego tonight.

 

• DENIS LEARY COMEDY TOUR! Denis Leary is heading out on the Rescue Me Comedy Tour 2 starting May 22^nd in Atlantic City.  During the trek, he’ll take his comedy throughout the United States ending up in N-Y-C on June 27^th. When we caught up with Leary, he talked with us about heading out on the road with his buddies and co-stars, Lenny Clarke and Adam Ferrara . A portion on tickets sales from the Rescue Me Comedy Tour 2 will go towards the Leary Firefighters Foundation. Head over to DenisLeary.com to see a full list of dates and to buy tickets.
  • TUNE-IN! The new season of Rescue Me on FX, begins in June!

 

• GOLDEN GLOBE NEWS! It’s just been announced that Ricky Gervais will return to host the 2011 Golden Globe Awards. The Globes are set for January 16^th, 2011. Hit up Variety.com for more.
• NEW COUPLE ALERT! The hunky Josh Hartnett and Bright Star actress Abbie Cornish are an item. The pair was in New York this past week helping actor Channing Tatum celebrate his 30^th birthday. Also at the fete, Tatum’s wife Jenna Dewan and Ray Liotta. Learn more at NYPost.com.
• NEW COUPLE ALERT! Sopranos star Jamie-Lynn Sigler is dating New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez. The pair apparently met at a Tribeca Film Festival premiere this past week, but have really hit it off and sources are saying they’re now an item. Learn more at UsMagazine.com.
• TIKI BARBER DIVORCE! NFL player Tiki Barber is apparently shocked that his pregnant wife filed for divorce earlier this week. A source told TMZ that the original plan was for Ginny Barber to file the separation papers a month from now, and Barber is shocked she did it early. Several weeks ago, rumors began that he had an affair while his wife Ginny was pregnant with their twins

Sandra Bullock is "Dropping the Douche".......finally.....read the other shocking part of this story People Magazine broke today.  They had just adopted a son!  Here is the article.....

It's official: Sandra Bullock wants out of her nearly five-year marriage to Jesse James. 

"Yes, I have filed for divorce," the actress, 45, tells PEOPLE in the latest issue, in which she also reveals she has adopted a son, 3½-month-old Louis. 

A rep for Bullock confirms the star filed legal papers seeking to end her marriage, but declines to specify in what jurisdiction they are filed. Says Bullock of her decision to divorce: "I'm sad and I am scared."

It was a cheating scandal that rocked the couple's marriage, with several women claiming to have had illicit affairs with James, 41.

The motorcycle mogul, who has publicly apologized to Bullock and his three kids, recently returned home after a 30-day stay in a treatment facility where he sought help for "personal issues."

COUNTRY MUSIC NEWS

JOE NICHOLS EARNS FOURTH NUMBER ONE SONG. Joe Nichol has the number one song this week with “Gimmie That Girl” making it his fourth career number one and eighth top ten hit. With a huge hit on his hands, Joe is planning out his summer tour while also keeping a prospective major tour partnership top secret for now.“I’m touring heavy. Fairs and festivals, you know. Summertime and country music. Later on in the year I think we have a big tour we’re going to hook up with. I can’t say who, because I don’t know if it’s a final deal yet.” Lady Antebellum has the number two song on the charts with “American Honey,” followed by Kenny Chesney’s “Ain’t Back Yet.” Chris Young’s “The Man I Want To Be,” is number four followed by Zac Brown Band’s “Highway 20 Ride,” which rounds out the top five on the Country Aircheck Chart.

 

LADY ANTEBELLUM TAKE A BREAK WITH TAYLOR SWIFT. Lady Antebellum recently took a break from the road to see Taylor Swift’s Fearless tour. The trio crashed the tour and couldn’t believe how loud the screams were from the audience. Hillary Scott and Taylor have also become friends off the road, as Taylor showed Hillary around her new penthouse in Nashville. Hillary says, “I heard there will be freshwater stingrays, but I don’t know how that will go.”

 

GOOD MORNING AMERICA SUMMER CONCERT SERIES. Good Morning America has announced their summer lineup with some of country music’s best. Next month, Sugarland will be stopping by to perform on the 28^th. At the end of the summer, Lady Antebellum will be live on the series August 27^th.

 

CARRIE UNDERWOODS MANY LOOKS. Carrie Underwood quickly became known for costume changes when she kicked off her first headlining tour Carnival Ride and her latest tour, Play On, isn’t any different.   “It depends on what defines a costume change. I go underneath the stage to change my clothes three times. So there is four outfits I think, there might be five I don’t remember. But, all my outfits serve a double purpose. One minute it might be one thing, and the other it’s something different.” Craig Morgan and Sons of Sylvia are touring with Carrie for now. Sons of Sylvia just released their debut, Revelation, album yesterday.

 

KELLIE PICKLER’S BLABBER MOUTH. Months before it was announced Kellie Pickler would be opening for Rascal Flatts, the she had the media guessing which A-list act she was opening for next. She did a good job of keeping the secret for such a long time, but she admits secrets usually aren’t safe with her.  “I have the biggest mouth, and I get excited and just want to tell everyone. I don’t like to wait the last minute because I feel like when people know things in advance they can plan for it, so I’m really excited.” Kellie’s first major tour was with Brad Paisley and she’s currently opening for Taylor Swift.

 

COUNTRY MUSIC AND WINE COLLIDE FOR CHARITY. The 11th annual celebration of the T.J. Martell Foundation’s Eco-Energy Best Cellars Dinner was held on Monday, and just as usual, country artists were there to support the cause and drink some good wine! Martina McBride, Jamey Johnson, Blake Shelton, Jewel, Luke Bryan, Danny Gokey, Big Kenny Alphin, Kellie Pickler, Sarah Buxton, Whitney Duncan and Phil Vassar were in attendance to celebrate the Foundation’s annual soiree. Total, the event raised over 400-thousand dollars.

 

ZAC BROWN BAND AND CHRYSLER HELP SOLDIERS. The Zac Brown Band and Chrysler Group’s Ram truck brand will offer free music to fans, while boosting the morale of U.S. soldiers. In May, the Letters for Lyrics campaign will give those who write a letter to a U.S. soldier an album called Breaking Southern Ground which features three new Zac Brown Band songs. The Chrysler website will make available to the first 100,000 fans an exclusive live version of the band’s latest single, “Free.”

 

CLAY WALKER BIKES TO RAISE MONEY FOR A GOOD CAUSE. Clay Walker and the Band Against MS bike team participated in the annual BP MS150 bike ride in Houston last weekend, raising over 130,000 dollars for the National MS Society. Clay was the ride’s grand marshal, and sang the national anthem before the ride. Over 108 riders on the team pedaled 180 miles to raise cash. The money raised will help further the mission of funding research to find a cure for MS.

 

COUNTRY WEEKLY’S HOTTEST BACHELOR IN COUNTRY MUSIC. According to a poll hosted by Country Weekly, Gary Allan was voted as country music’s hottest with nearly 40,000 votes.  Other candidates listed on the ballot include Phil Vassar, Jake Owen, Danny Gokey, Josh Thompson, Billy Currington, Kenny Chesney, Chuck Wicks, Lee Brice, Blake Shelton and Chris Young.

 

JOE DON ROONEY AND TIFFANY FALLON ANNOUNCE THE GENDER OF THEIR SECOND CHILD.  Joe Don Rooney and Tiffany Fallon told People magazine they are expecting a girl.   They had a little bet going as Joe Don thought it was a girl, while Tiffany was convinced it was a boy. Tiffany told People “I had in my head that we were having two boys,” she went on to say “It would have been just fine either way but this evens out the playing field at the house!”  The couple has not decided on a name for their little girl Tiffany said “We’re one of those couples that has to play with names. I can’t even decide what I want for dinner half the time and this is naming a child for the rest of her life!”  Tiffany is due in September.

 

Trace Adkins' New Album, Cowboy's Back in Town, Arriving in August. Trace Adkins' new album, Cowboy's Back in Town, is scheduled for an August 24^th release. It's his first project for Show Dog-Universal Music, a company formed earlier this year as a venture between Toby Keith's Show Dog label and Universal South Records. "This Ain't No Love Song," the first single from the album, will be released May 17^th. He will perform the song on the Miss USA pageant in Las Vegas on May 16^th. The ceremony will air live on NBC. "Toby has said this new music has a smile on it, and maybe that's just a reflection of where I'm at right now," Trace said. "I have this new sense of invigoration, and making this record was a lot of fun."

 

Reba McEntire, George Strait Outfits Update Country Music Hall of Fame Exhibit. Reba McEntire's blue suede gown from the 1986 CMA Awards and George Strait's cowboy hat, starched shirt and Wrangler jeans will be added to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum's main exhibit on May 14^th. Reba's black-and-white boots from her 1977 Opry debut and George's lasso and hand-tooled leather belt will also be displayed. Wynonna Judd's custom-made Gibson Les Paul guitar and Naomi Judd's black jersey gown worn to the 1990 ACM Awards also join the exhibit which commemorates country music's "new traditionalists." Ricky Skaggs' mandolin that he played as a 7-year-old prodigy on Flatt & Scruggs' TV series also will be on display. In addition, Naomi Judd and former RCA label head Joe Galante will be interviewed at the museum on May 15 about country music's recent past.

THIS AND THAT

• This & That: Bruce Allen Talent confirmed last week the company and longtime client Martina McBride have gone their separate ways after being with her the singer since her early career. She has launched a search for new management.

 

• This & That: You can watch a step by step tutorial on how to play “American Honey” on the guitar by visiting Lady Antebellum’s website.  The video is near ten minutes long and Dave Hayewood even shows you how to tune your guitar.

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 

• BABY NEWS! Matt Damon and his wife Luciana are expecting their third child together. A rep for the couple told People.com that Matt and Luciana are really happy about the baby news.  The pair has been married since 2005 and already has two girls. Luciana also has an 11-year-old girl from a previous marriage. <AZ>
• BRET MICHAELS IS GRATEFUL!  Bret Michaels is still hospitalized after suffering a brain hemorrhage.  Doctors tell the New York Daily News that it is just a coincidence the hemorrhage happened as Bret recovered from his recent appendicitis that required an emergency surgery.  The experts also say that only ten to 20 percent of people who suffer a hemorrhage make a good recovery, half have residual effects and 40 percent die within three months.  Most people who know Bret though know he is a fighter.  He is also grateful for his life, as he recently told us .  Bret went on to tell us how much he loves what he does .  Stay up to date with Bret through his website, BretMichaels.com.  <DB>
• Bret’s dad told EXTRA that Bret spoke to him, slowly but fine.  He wasn’t his usual cheerful self but knew who his dad was even though he is under sedation.  Learn more at ExtraTV/WarnerBros.com.  
• ·       STARS SPEAK ABOUT BRET MICHAELS! Cyndi Lauper, Sharon Osbourne and Donald Trump are all sending their well wishes Bret Michaels way, hoping he has a speedy recovery. The Poison rocker and current contestant on Celebrity Apprentice is currently in the intensive care unit in a hospital with a brain hemorrhage. Head to  E! News for more. <AZ>
• JESSE JAMES’ FATHER TALKS! Jesse James hasn’t spoken to his father in years, but that doesn’t mean the motorcycle man’s dad isn’t going to talk to the press. James’ father Larry James told TMZ that Jesse was “fascinated” with Nazi culture when he was young and did research on the Neo-Nazi movement while living with his dad.  Larry continued by saying he wasn’t surprised when recent photos of James surfaced where he was wearing a German military cap.<AZ>
• TITO ACCUSES JENNA OF ADDICTION! Ultimate Fighter Tito Ortiz is firing back at his girlfriend, former porn star Jenna Jameson, after he was charged this week with felony domestic violence. Ortiz is claiming Jameson is addicted to pain medication and that’s why she accused him of hitting her. Ortiz, through his lawyer, says he was merely trying to help Jameson while she was on the meds. The pair is not married, but have twin boys together.  Hit up News.Yahoo.com for more. <AZ>
• RELATED AUDIO! Back when things were better between the couple, Tito talked with us about threatening violence against Maroon 5 frontman Adam Levine when he tried to hit on Jenna . <AZ>
• ·       MICHAEL LOHAN TWEETS! Yesterday, tweets from Michael Lohan’s Twitter account insinuated that one of his daughters was HIV positive. Later in the day, the estranged father of Lindsay Lohan said that someone had broken into his Twitter account and that he was seeking to prosecute the offender. Follow Michael, or at least someone pretending to be him, at Twitter.com/MichaelJLohan. <AZ>
• ·       GOSSELINS HEAD TO PARENTING SCHOOL! Kate and Jon Gosselin have both been ordered to go to parenting school. According to TMZ, both reality star parents have to take a three hour course called Children in the Middle which must be completed before June 8^th. The class is mandatory for all parents involved in custody battles in the county they live in, in Pennsylvania. Luckily for them, Jon and Kate don’t have to attend the class together.<AZ>
• LESS KIDS AT JACKSON HOUSE! Michael Jackson’s mother Katherine Jackson is cleaning house. She’s asked four of her grandchildren and their mother, who were all living in her mansion, to move out. Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza, who has two children with Randy Jackson and two children with Jermaine Jackson (yes, you read that right) will be moving with her four children Jaafar, Jermajesty, Donte and Randy Junior to a condo in San Fernando Valley. The condo is still owned by Michael Jackson’s estate. Read more at TMZ.com. <AZ>
• PALTROW WANTS MORE KIDS! Gwyneth Paltrow wants more babies with her husband Chris Martin of Coldplay. The Iron Man 2 star and Martin have been married since 2003 and have two children together already, Apple and Moses.  Head over to People.com for more.<AZ>
• HEFNER SAVES HOLLYWOOD! Hugh Hefner has saved the iconic “Hollywood” sign. The Playboy mogul donated the remaining 900-thousand dollars needed to prevent the iconic L-A sign from being torn down.  Learn more at NYDailyNews.com. <AZ>
• IDOL ELIMINATION TIME! Tonight is another elimination night on American Idol.  One of the six remaining contestants is going home, and will be out of the public eye until the Idol summer tour.  Tim Urban was eliminated last week on the show and he told us about the judges criticisms and being sent home (See Related Cut #10). Tune in tonight at 9 PM Eastern on FOX to see someone else lost their chance at being crowned champion. <AZ>
• STARS DO GOOD! The ladies of Sex and the City 2, along with Ted Danson, comedian Zach Galifianakis and more have all donated items to raise money for cancer and for one small child in particular, nicknamed Minty Python. Head over to MintyPython.com to see how you can donate to the cause. <AZ>
• VIRAL VIDEO! Do you need to laugh or be inspired by a song about America’s favorite pastime? Well, then check out Creed singer Scott Stapp’s new tune for the Florida Marlins baseball team, it’s called “Marlins Will Soar.” We promise you’ll either think its musical magic, or laugh your butt off.  We got the chance to ask Scott about creating the song . Head over to Marlins.com and look in the “video” section to hear the song. <AZ>
• BEWARE THE GONZO! Beware The Gonzo is a new teen comedy that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last week  Up-and-coming actor Ezra Miller talked with us about why he took the lead role in the flick about a high school journalism student (See Related Cut #12). Jesse McCartney and 30 Rock’s Judah Friedlander also star in the movie.  Head over to TribecaFilm.com to learn more. <AZ>
• AZIZ ANSARI HAS STAR POWER! Aziz Ansari is hosting this year’s MTV Movie Awards. In a new promo video for the show that aired last night during The City and The Hills, Diddy, Zach Efron and Kristen Bell all stood behind the Parks and Recreations comedian. Cute baby pictures of the comedian were shown during the clip as well. The 2010 MTV Movie Awards airs live Sunday June 6^th in L-A on MTV. <AZ>
• WHITNEY SPILLS ON THE CITY While to promoting the season premiere of The City, Whitney Port revealed that the show has way more drama this time around and even spilled on some of the show highlights). If you didn’t check out the season opener last night, head over to MTV.com to watch the first episode of The City and catch every show on Tuesday nights at 10:30 PM.
• MTV’S NEW SERIES DOWNTOWN GIRLS MTV is set to debut a new late night series called Downtown Girls. The show follows the life of Shallon, a Glamour magazine blogger and her four socialite friends Gurj, Klo, Victoria and Nikki as they navigate the crazy streets of Manhattan. The series premier airs on June 1^st at 11 PM Eastern on MTV. Head over to MTV.com to check out the Downtown Girls trailer.

COUNTRY MUSIC NEWS

CMT Crossroads: John Mayer and Keith Urban Premieres June 18^th. CMT Crossroads: John Mayer and Keith Urban is set to premiere June 18^th on CMT. Taped recently near Nashville before an invitation-only audience, Mayer and Urban are the first artists to ever perform on two episodes of the concert series. Mayer and Brad Paisley were featured in an episode that premiered in May 2004, and Keith and John Fogerty were paired in an episode that premiered in February 2005. The latest taping includes collaborations on Keith's "'Til Summer Comes Around" and "Sweet Thing" and Mayer's "Perfectly Lonely" and "Gravity." Their performance concludes with a cover of George Michael's 1987 pop hit, "Faith."

 

TAYLOR SWIFT SURPRISES AUBURN UNIVERSITY CAMPUS. Taylor Swift not only surprised the creators of AHugFromTaylorSwift.com, but the entire campus of Auburn University yesterday. Taylor and her band boarded a plane and headed to Auburn University Hotel & Dixon Conference Center to perform a free concert for fans while wearing a homemade shirt reading, “A Hug for Ryan and Michael,”- the creators of the website. At first she greeted fans via video, and then surprisingly made her way through a back door. She belted out an acoustic version of her songs including, “Love Story,” and “You Belong With Me.” At the end of the performance she joined the crowd with the Auburn chant, “War Eagle!”  

Lady Antebellum's Need You Now Album Certified Double Platinum. Lady Antebellum’s second album, Need You Now, has been certified double platinum by the RIAA for shipments of two-million copies, and the title track is now certified triple platinum for retail sales of 3 million copies. The album is spending its 12^th week atop the Billboard country albums chart. In other news, the trio will perform the song on Wednesday's episode of American Idol. The appearance was taped prior to the recent Academy of Country Music Awards show. Also, Never Alone, a special CD/DVD package containing Lady Antebellum's 2008 collaboration with composer-pianist Jim Brickman, will be released today. Lady Antebellum's performance with Brickman on the title track marked the group's first commercial CD release and music video. Never Alone also features Brickman's collaborations with Carnie Wilson and the late Gerald Levert.

 

KEITH URBAN SINGS KARAOKE. Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman took over the microphone at a local hangout in Indio, California while Keith was in town to perform at Stagecoach this past weekend. Keith performed a few karaoke songs for the small audience including, “Amie” by Pure Prairie League, “Jack Daniels, If You Please” by David Allan Coe, and Journey’s classic “Don’t Stop Believin’.” The crowd let the couple hang-out without interrupting.

 

JEWEL GIVES ADVICE TO AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANTS DURING COUNTRY WEEK. Tonight kicks off Country Week on American Idol. Jewel made the jump from pop to country music two years ago and says these contestants are in for a treat this week but they need to keep one thing in mind; country music is all about telling a great story.   “Rather you are singing pop music, country music, or blues that’s your job. And I think what is great with country music; it will really help put a highlight on that. Because you know, in country music we demand a good story and we demand a great lyric. We aren’t going to let something get by on the radio that’s just oh baby baby and let that be a hit. We demand a well written song.” Lady Antebellum and Rascal Flatts will take the stage tomorrow night to perform on American Idol and Shania Twain will be the contestants mentor this week.

 

BEHIND THE SCENES OF SUGARLAND’S NEW TOUR. On Sugarland’s official website, the duo takes fans behind the scenes of the creation of their upcoming tour - The Incredible Machine. The stage was built in New York and designed by Stephen Cohen, who is excited to work with the band because they are specific with how they wanted to speak to their audience and how to incorporate the stage with their music. Sugarland coined the term, Steam Punk, which is a literary movement they branched from science fiction. The theme focuses on what our generation would do without electricity, causing their stage to be made of wood, gears, and machine oriented parts, which Jennifer Nettles says “makes the mood romantic.”

 

TAYLOR SWIFT NEW FACE FOR SONY ELECTRONICS. Taylor Swift is the new face for the Sony Electronics TX7 Cyber-shot camera. In the new commercial, Taylor discusses with a Sony executive the best way to take a panoramic view of her fans. Hundreds of screaming people attached to strings fall from the air as Taylor captures the moment on her the camera. As fans are lifted away, one guy remains confessing his love, much like any scene you could see at her concert.

 

FAITH HILL’S PROJECT RUNWAY APPEARANCE MAY INSPIRE NEW LINE. Faith Hill joined the cast of Project Runway on Thursday to help decide the winning designer for the show. She says, “I was honored to be a part of such an important show. We were making the decision that could change the lives of these designers." Faith’s known for being a fashionista, so it’s only plausible for her to create her own line. Faith tells the Associated Press, "If the right opportunity presents itself, I can guarantee you it would be my passion, and I would put my heart and soul into making it the best it could possibly be.”

 

GARTH BROOKS TO PERFORM BENEFIT CONCERT IN IDAHO. Garth Brooks will perform a benefit concert with the Sun Valley Summer Symphony in Sun Valley, Idaho on August 1^st. This event will mark as the symphony’s only fundraiser of the year, and Garth’s solo show will only consist of him and his guitar.  Steve Wynn, who is responsible for pulling Garth out of retirement, and also a Sun Valley resident, was the person who encouraged Garth to be a part of the good cause. He says, “We are putting this show together with Garth. It is a collaborative effort." Ticket information for the concert will be available at svsummersymphony.org.

 

WYNONNA JUDD TEAMS UP WITH CRACKER BARREL FOR GOOD CAUSE. Wynonna Judd has joined Cracker Barrel Old Country Store to support the Wounded Warrior Project with the release of her Love Heals album - a collection of Wynonna’s top singles and three other tracks not available for sale until now. Cracker Barrel will donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of every album to the Wounded Warrior Project. The new CD can be pre-ordered beginning today and will arrive in all Cracker Barrel locations on May 24^th.

 

REESE WITHERSPOON MAKES TIME TO ENJOY BROOKS & DUNN. Reese Witherspoon was spotted at Brooks & Dunn’s performance during Stagecoach in California on Sunday. She took in the events at the country music festival as she enjoyed a beer and kicked back to watch the show. There was no word if her new agent boyfriend Jim Toth was with her, but they did enjoy a walk earlier in the day before the show.

 

WILLIE NELSON DISCUSSES NEW ALBUM, COUNTRY MUSIC. CMT.com recently conducted an interview with Willie Nelson, discussing his new album Country Music. He compares his new album to his old album Stardust, insisting both albums are similar to the same type of standard songs in country music. Though he did receive speculation for releasing his album on the same day as marijuana lovers favorite holiday 4/20, he admits he didn’t put the two together. “I wasn't even aware of a 4/20 kind of the release date. I never put anything together because I'm usually kind of slow on things like that. But I think it's funny,” he says. For the complete interview and information on his upcoming plans with Johnny Knoxville, visit CMT.com.

 

MORE ARTISTS’ FLOCK TO COLLOBORATE WITH TAYLOR SWIFT. The frontman for the indie-rock band Girls’, Christopher Owen’s, doesn’t want to receive a hug from the country princess, he’d rather have her sing his songs. He claims she is his favorite artist, and wants to write songs for her. “I want to at least write some and send them to her label. That's something I plan to do, and I don't think that's crazy. That's perfectly realistic for me," he says. She has been known to collaborate with all sorts of artist from Boys Like Girls to T-pain, so maybe Christopher’s band has a chance.

 

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 

• KATE PLUS 8! The world will once again get a glimpse inside the lives of Kate Gosselin and her eight children. According to TMZ, TLC has obtained permits for Gosselin’s eight children to be filmed in the updated reality show Kate Plus 8. No permits have been filed for the children to appear in the spin-off Twist of Kate show, which means we may not see them in that series. According to MyGloss.com, Kate and her kiddies will begin filming Kate Plus 8 right away.
• NO WEDDING RING! Jesse James was pictured out and about in Seal Beach, California this weekend without his wedding ring on. Last week, pictures of his wife, Sandra Bullock, hit the Internet and she was sans wedding ring as well. No official announcement has been made yet about whether the couple is getting a divorce or not. Check out James’s photos at UsMagazine.com.
• MISTRESS APOLOGIZES! What’s the most sincere way to issue an apology? Well, if you’re rumored Jesse James mistress Melissa Smith, it’s via fax. Smith faxed Sandra Bullock’s agent a letter telling the actress she’s sorry for sleeping with her husband. TMZ obtained a copy of the note, in which Melissa says she never meant Sandra any harm and that her actions were “unforgivable.”
• DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARREST! According to TMZ, Ultimate Fighter Tito Ortiz was arrested on felony domestic violence charges yesterday at the home he shares with former porn star Jenna Jameson. The outlet is reporting that when cops arrived at their home, Jenna had visible injuries. The pair is not married but have twin boys together. Jameson told TMZ that her children were not hurt in the alleged incident.
• THE HILLS TONIGHT! The final season of The Hills begins tonight on MTV at 10 PM Eastern. Fans can also pick up The Hills: Season Five, Part Two on DVD in stores today.
• SHEEN REALLY SPLITS?! After months of rumors, reports and speculation, E! News is reporting that Charlie Sheen and Brooke Mueller have split up. Of course, the Two and a Half Men’s publicist is denying those claims. We’ll keep you updated as to whether Mueller has really moved out of the home she shared with Sheen and if she’s about to file for divorce.
• BANKRUPTCY! Jennifer Lopez’s first ex-husband, Ojani Noa, has filed for bankruptcy. The chef told the Associated Press that he went bottom up after the legal battle he had with JLo following his attempt at using their private home videos in a movie. Lopez filed a ten-million dollar lawsuit against Noa and got a court order preventing him from using the footage.
• AMERICAN IDOL TONIGHT! The top six American Idol contestants perform Shania Twain tunes tonight at 8 PM Eastern on FOX. You’ll get to see the judges give their commentary on the performances as usual. Here’s Idol judges Kara DioGuardi and Randy Jackson giving you some advice on how you can clean up your act as a wasteful human being (See Related Cuts #8 - #9).
• OLDER LADY SEX! 65-year-old Michael Douglas told Elle magazine that he had sexual relations with two of his mother’s friends when he was 16 and that they taught him everything he knows about sex. In the article, Douglas didn’t reveal the names of the 30-year-old sexual dynamites because he says his mom still doesn’t know what went down all those years ago. Check out NYDailyNews.com for more.
• MARRIED! Olympic gold medalist Kerri Strug has gotten married. The gymnast, who famously vaulted for the gold at the 1996 Olympics with an injured ankle, married a lawyer in her hometown of Tucson, Arizona this past Sunday. Check out People.com to see a photo of the happy couple.
• HELLO, MRS. ROBINSON! Kick-Ass star Aaron Johnson is causing a stir in the entertainment world for more than just his performance in the action hero movie. The 19-year-old British actor is engaged to a 43-year-old British artist, who happens to be seven months pregnant with his child. . You can still check out Kick-Ass as it’s still in theaters.
  • TIDBIT! Yup, you did the math right, Johnson’s fiancée is 24 years older than him.

 

• VIRAL VIDEO! Jim Carrey popped up at Conan O’Brien’s Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour this past weekend in L-A. The comedian was wearing a “Superman” costume and sang a duet of Five for Fighting’s tune “Superman (It Ain’t Easy)” onstage with O’Brien. Check out EOnline.com to see the odd and funny video.
  • TIDBIT: The newly single Carrey seems to be popping up everywhere lately. The funnyman was featured in a segment for last Wednesday’s Idol Gives Back show as well.
• BABY NEWS! NCIS actor Sean Murray and his wife have welcomed their second child. According to People.com, Sean, who plays “Special Agent Timothy McGee” on the show, named his new son River James Murray.  The baby was born in L-A this past Thursday. The pair already has a two-year-old daughter together.
• DUCHOVNY TALKS THE JONSES! We caught up with David Duchovny to find out what attracted him to star opposite Demi Moore in the new flick, The Jonses.  The Jonses also stars Amber Heard and Ben Hollingsworth. It’s now playing in theaters.

COUNTRY MUSIC NEWS

BROOKS & DUNN KICK OFF LAST RODEO TOUR. Brooks & Dunn kicked off their Last Rodeo tour over the weekend in California. While preparing for what could be their final tour as a duo, Ronnie Dunn has been thinking about some of their early years on the road such as opening for Reba McEntire in 1993.   “We just had I think our second hit and being back there and being absolutely star struck over how it went down and coming in with jets and big limos.” Brooks & Dunn take their tour to Spokane, Washington on Friday.

 

HILLARY SCOTT STILL ON THE MARKET. Despite rumors Hillary Scott is dating Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Hillary tells Us Weekly magazine, she is still on the market. Her band mate Charles Kelley recently got married and she feels as if their relationship gives her something to look forward to in the future. “Not necessarily right now, because I'm definitely single, but when the timing's right. It gets lonely out here, but you can't really focus on that, because you'll drive yourself crazy,” Hillary said.

 

MIRANDA LAMBERT CELEBRATES MOTHER’S DAY WITH COUNTRY WEEKLY. Miranda Lambert and her mother will be featured on Country Weekly’s Mother’s Day issue, on stands May 3^rd. Miranda and her mom tell the magazine how they are able to work together as a team, and the importance of keeping a close family, despite busy schedules. Miranda will also celebrate the holiday in a special Mother’s Day episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition as a volunteer, and will also perform “The House That Built Me,” this Sunday on ABC.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO JAY DEMARCUS OF RASCAL FLATTS. Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts turns 39 today. He was born in Columbus, Ohio as Stanley W. DeMarcus, Junior. His first musical performance was during a fifth grade talent show.

 

DIERKS BENTLEY INTRODUCES FANS TO BLUEGRASS PALS. Dierks Bentley couldn’t be more excited to incorporate his longtime pals, the Travelin’ McCourys, on his new bluegrass album, Up on the Ridge. Dierks has known the guys since he moved to Nashville in 1994, and was even the groomsmen for fiddler, Jason Carter’s wedding. Dierks says, “I feel lucky and honored to play the host, to bring these guys and their music to my audience. They’re some of the greatest musicians in the world.”

 

DARRYL WORLEY’S STARS FOR STRIPES TOUR. Darryl Worley will kick-off his Stars for Stripes military tour this week from April 29^th to May 3^rd. His We’ve Not Forgotten tour will include full-band concerts, as well as acoustic shows for various bases in Iraq. When Darryl returns back to the states, he will begin working on his new album.

 

BRAD PAISLEY TO MAKE SECOND APPEARANCE AT THE CAPITOL. Brad Paisley will perform at the 2010 National Memorial Day Concert on the lawn of the U.S. Capitol for the second time. He will be joined by classical artist Katherine Jenkins, gospel singer Yolanda Adams and the National Symphony Orchestra. Actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna will share duties co-hosting the event. Last summer, President Obama hosted Brad for the series Country At The White House.

 

HOW CARRIE UNDERWOOD STAYS SLIM. Carrie Underwood tells US Magazine she stays slim by avoiding fast food, admitting it isn’t easy. Carrie says, “I think the hardest thing about what I do is eating healthy because were all over the place.” Carrie also says working out is a big part of it and avoiding all of the food she gets after her shows. Carrie adds, “It’s all about making a conscious effort. I don’t do anything crazy, but I definitely try to take care of myself.”

 

SUGARLAND PLAN TO DEBUT NEW MUSIC ON THE ROAD. Sugarland is planning to introduce music from their upcoming album The Incredible Machine to fans in concert rather than on the radio.  “Fans will all start to hear the record as we play it, not as we release it. So, we will start to release it and you will get to hear the beautiful studio version of those songs but you will hear some of those songs as we go through the year.” Jennifer Nettles tells Billboard magazine the album will have 10 or 11 tracks on it and they recorded the project in Atlanta where they also recorded their 2008 album Love on the Inside.

 

JAKE OWEN ON TOURING. Jake Owen recently sat down with Arizona Daily Star to talk about his concert series at the 2010 Pima Country Fair. Along with performing, Jake says he will enjoy some funnel cakes and might even jump in line for the Ferris wheel or roller coaster. His appearance at the fair will come between opening slots on tour with Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert and Sugarland. When asked how he feels about headlining his own tour Jake says, “It’s a growing process. Everybody's got their times, and I'm working on mine. I want my name on the ticket; I don't want to be an opening act for the rest of my life."

 

MARTINA MCBRIDE’S MARTINA MOMENT. This weeks Martina Moments shows Martina McBride talking about Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan joining her on her Shine All Night Tour. In the video, Martina says there are six reasons why she is excited to have them on her tour. Blake and Luke will join Martina in Greensboro, Atlanta and Columbia, South Carolina on her Shine All Night Tour.

• “Luke’s ACM Award for top new artist actually makes a great bottle opener.”

 

• “It’s in the contract every offended person that drops Blake on Twitter has to follow me.”

 

• “If I accidently call Blake Trace it’s a compliment, but if I do the same thing to Trace, not so much.”

 

• “I finally have back up dancers for my show.”

 

• “Every time Blake comes out on the road, my daughter’s vocabulary gets bigger.”

 

• “Luke volunteered to baby sit during my set, I said ok you guys can watch one song, but then you have to put Blake to bed.

 

 

ALAN JACKSON’S NICKNAME IN NEWNAN, GA. Alan Jackson reveals to Y108′s Monty and Zeke that he goes by a bizarre nickname back in Newnan, Georgia. Alan says, “My wife’s father called me rabbit head growing up and I don’t know why.” Alan also says when he was presented a piece of highway with his name on it back in Newnan, he also received another road sign that day. Alan jokes, “When they presented me with a big green road sign, my daddy-in-law gave me one as well that said Rabbit Head Road.”

 

COURT YARD HOUND’S CMT WEBISODE. In Court Yard Hounds recent webisode on CMT.com, Martie Maguire and Emily Robison talk about how important music is to them as artists. Martie says, “The live nature of music is so impactful.” The two say it is great starting over but admit some of the greatest moments come from the early days.” Emily says, “Its fun and exciting to do something new and do something we probably wouldn’t be able to do with the Dixie Chicks.” To watch the full video and see them perform live, go to CMT.com.

 

VOTING FOR THE 2010 CMT MUSIC AWARDS. Mark your calendars for the only fan-voted awards show in country music. This year, the CMT Music Awards promise to be better than ever with more music and more stars when the 2010 CMT Music Awards air live on June 9. Voting is now open for the first round and can be done by logging on and choosing four of your favorite videos per category. Your picks will determine which videos make it to the final round of voting on May 11. Visit the website below to vote:

• http://www.cmt.com/cmt-music-awards/

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 

• TWO AND A HALF MEN! According to Radar Online, if Charlie Sheen does not return to Two and a Half Men next season, the show will be canceled. A source told the sometimes reliable website that without Sheen there is no show. It’s previously been reported that Charlie doesn’t want to come back for another season.
• TRUMP SAYS WOODS DIVORCE IS ON! According to Donald Trump, Tiger Woods and his wife Elin are getting a divorce. Apparently, Trump and the golfer are friends and “The Donald” told USA Today that he thinks Elin just couldn’t stand how many women Woods is rumored to have slept with.
  • DIRECT QUOTE: Trump told USA Today he can’t blame Elin for dumping Tiger, “Who can blame her? I am sure that my wife would be extremely OK with one, two, or three infidelities, but 15 is a bit much.”
• LOHAN UPDATE! Lindsay Lohan has been all over the gossip sites recently, from her feud with her father, to cops investigating the theft of a watch. Luckily for us, Lohan has an official Twitter account where she can address some of these matters. Lohan has commented on the situation with her father, calling him a pathological liar and saying he had no right to break into her apartment with police officers to check on Lohan’s 16-year-old sister Ali. Follow Lindsay at Twitter.com/LindsayLohan.
• JACKSON CIRQUE DU SOLEIL! MTV News is reporting that Michael Jackson’s father Joe won’t see the new Cirque Du Soleil show in the making that’s inspired by his son’s music. However, Michael’s mom Katherine has said she’s thrilled about the partnership between Jackson’s estate and Cirque Du Soleil.
• CELEB TAX MONEY! Black Snake Moan actress Christina Ricci owes almost 200-thousand dollars in unpaid taxes. According to TMZ, the debt dates back to 2008 when she failed to pay those federal taxes. A rep for Ricci says the actress was just notified about the tax lien filed against her and that Christina is addressing the matter immediately.
• BABY NEWS! Publicists have confirmed to MTV Radio that Amanda Peet has given birth! The actress and her screenwriter husband, David Benioff, welcomed their second child on Tuesday. E! Online is reporting they named their new daughter Molly June Benioff.
• HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON! The animated film How to Train Your Dragon has been out since late March, but it’s still doing well in theaters. Superbad actor Christopher Mintz-Plasse voices the character “Fishlegs” in the hit flick and he told us about the voiceover process for the movie . How to Train Your Dragon is still in theaters, so you can check it out today.
• GREEN HORNET PUSHED BACK! The release date of the new action film The Green Hornet starring Seth Rogen has been pushed back. Variety is reporting the date change, from the high ticket selling holiday spot on December 22^nd to the less prime Martin Luther King Day weekend, is because of the “negative buzz” surrounding the flick.
• NEW MOVIE! Woody Allen has announced his new film. It’s called Midnight In Paris and will star Owen Wilson, Marion Cotillard, Rachel McAdams and Kathy Bates. According to a press release, Midnight In Paris will begin filming this summer in Paris, France.

 

TWEETABLE CELEB NEWS

• Kill Bill actress Vivica Fox now has a line of wigs. The fake hair debuts this spring, Head to Fox’s Facebook page to see pics of the hair. 
• Last week’s Idol Gives Back show has raised almost 45-million dollars for various charities! You can still donate at AmericanIdol.com. 

 

COUNTRY MUSIC NEWS

KENNY CHESNEY’S VIEW OF THE BIG SCREEN. Kenny Chesney recently sat down with CMT.com to discuss his role in his concert film in theaters nationally, Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D. Though he’s excited for fans to see the memories made throughout his 17-year career, he doesn’t enjoy watching himself on the big screen. “I still hate seeing myself onscreen. I think videos are a necessarily evil,” Kenny says. “It was a little easier to watch myself in the last three or four years than it was the first three or four years that I started. I mean, I had a mullet, dude! I was trying to be George Strait!” It’s obvious Kenny would rather work behind the camera, so don’t expect him to be the next Brad Pitt. “I love making music too much. And to do that it would just take away from what I think I do best. I've got some friends that do it very well. But I see what it's taken of their time.” The rest of Kenny’s interview can be found on CMT.com.

SHANIA TWAIN AND RASCAL FLATTS ADDED TO AMERICAN IDOL. Rascal Flatts will perform Wednesday on American Idol when Shania Twain returns to the show as a mentor. The band will perform "Unstoppable" and join Shakira in singing her song, "Gypsy." The trio previously performed on American Idol with Carrie Underwood in 2005 on the night she won the fourth season of the competition. Rascal Flatts also appeared on the show's Idol Gives Back episode in 2007. As already announced, Lady Antebellum will also perform during the episode.

 

LADY ANTEBELLUM’S ACM WEBISODE WEDNESDAY. Lady Antebellum’s latest Webisode Wednesday outlines the group’s success at the 2010 ACM Awards, as well as candid moments with some of their favorite country stars. Before their “American Honey” award show performance, the trio warm-ups up in a bathroom, and is greeted by Luke Bryan who finishes their verse. Later, Charles Kelley sits down next to Taylor Swift and Keith Urban’s seat and jokes with Taylor’s cardboard cut-out about their great friendship and jokes. He also asks for input from Keith’s cut-out. The episode also features Charles soaking wet after jumping into a pool at the Capitol Records ACM after-party.

 

GATOR 911 ALL STARTED WITH AN ALLIGATOR AND A POOL. Gary Saurage of CMT’s Gator 911 was just minding his own business capturing alligators as a way of making a living in Beaumont, Texas until one assignment got him a lot of attention. “I caught an alligator in the swimming pool a guy was about to jump in for a swim. He happened to look down and there was a six foot alligator in there. I was frustrated with the alligator because he kept staying in the deep part so I just jumped in and caught it. The news media was there and that went to Fox and friends nationwide. That really started blowing things up.” CMT’s Gator 911 airs tonight at 9 Eastern followed by Danger Coast, only on CMT.

 

DAVE HAYEWOOD’S FAVORITE MOMENTS IN VEGAS. Dave Hayewood described his three favorite moments from Lady Antebellum’s trip to Vegas on their official website. His third most memorable moment was Charles Kelley celebrating at the Capitol after-party by diving into the pool, which he says was, “Priceless!” Following that stunt, his second favorite moment was meeting his all-time favorite musician Brad Paisley, who he says was a really nice guy. Finally, his favorite moment at the ACM’s was Hillary Scott looking stunning in her fushia gown at the awards.

 

ANNUAL GRAMMY BLOCK PARTY SCHEDULED IN NASHVILLE. The Nashville chapter of The Recording Academy will host the 12^th annual Grammy Block Party May 11^th at Owen Bradley Park near Music Row. The gathering will include performances by Darius Rucker, Steel Magnolia, Dailey & Vincernt, Plumb, and others. Admission is free for Recording Academy members, and additional guests will be admitted for 20 dollars.

 

REBA ADMITS HER MARRIAGE ISN’T PERFECT. Reba McEntire isn’t known for recording love songs but her latest song “Keep On Loving You,” celebrates relationships making it through the best and worst of times.  “It is, it’s an anniversary song. We have been through rough times and tough times, and arguments, and makeup, and over again, and we argue about the business, we argue about the kids, we argue about where we’re going on vacation – isn’t that a tough argument to have.  But it’s things that everybody has. They go through it.” Reba performed the song during the ACM Awards. Check out pictures of her performance now at CMT.com.

 

SCHEDULING CONFLICTS MAY KEEP JULIANNE HOUGH FROM CUTTING FOOTLOOSE. Scheduling conflicts have made it hard for actors to commit to filming Footlooseincluding Chace Crawford, and Julianne Hough may be in the same situation.  "It's been such a back-and-forth thing with scheduling and everything. I understand Chace's schedule was off. My schedule's almost off. It's still working its way through things," Julianne tells VH1. A nationwide search to fill the part of Ren, will be held, and Julianne would like to see a certain type of man to replace Chace. “Somebody edgy and a little rough," she says.

 

JULIANNE HOUGH NOT DATING RYAN SEACREST. Julianne Hough cleared up her relationship rumors with OK Magazine, confirming she is not dating Ryan Seacrest. “I keep hearing these rumors, but I don’t know. I know him from interviews. We’ve had lunch together with people – my manager, and stuff like that,” she said. Since her break up with Chuck Wicks, Julianne has been linked to Dane Cook, and Kings of Leon, Jared Followill. She is still in search of a man who she says should be, “Funny and just driven – ambitious – and cute!”

 

JULIANNE HOUGH DEFENDS KATE GOSSELIN. Julianne Hough went out to dinner with reality TV mom Kate Gosselin, after the Dancing With the Stars premiere, and is sticking up for Kate. “She is putting herself out there and good for her. But I have to say, I would be completely guarded and standoffish a bit. Because you think everyone is out to get you. Once you break that, she is really great," Julianne says.  She may have missed Kate’s last performance on the show, since she was scheduled to have lasik eye surgery following ACM festivities.

 

RASCAL FLATTS READY FOR NEW ALBUM DESPITE LABEL CLOSURE. The closing of the only label Rascal Flatt’s have ever known, Lyric Street, may have come as a surprise to the band, but one thing is certain – they are excited for their new album to be released in the fall. "It was out of the blue. It's still a little shocking. That was our family for 12 years. It's just a sad deal," Gary LeVox said. Luckily, the band found comfort in the coastal setting of California, resulting in a new and different sound. "For one intense period of time, we got to concentrate on the music we were making. That kind of intense focus shows in those tracks that were recorded there."

 

MEET RAY STEVENS AT THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM STORE. American country music singer-songwriter and musician, Ray Stevens, will be signing autographs in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Store tomorrow at 3 pm following the Nashville Cats program in the Ford Theater.

 

RASCAL FLATTS TO SING AT DERBY. Rascal Flatts, will help Churchill Downs continue the newest Kentucky Derby Day tradition when the trio performs the national anthem live on Saturday, May 1^st, prior to the running of the 136^th Kentucky Derby. The performance will be broadcast by NBC Sports as part of the network’s live coverage of Kentucky Derby 136 from 4 to 7 PM Eastern. Little Big Town will perform the national anthem prior to the running of the Kentucky Oaks, the Derby's sister race for 3-year-old fillies.

 

CARRIE UNDERWOOD PERFORMS ON AMERICAN IDOL AND REFLECTS ON CHARITIES. After performing "Change" during Wednesday's Idol Gives Back episode of American Idol, Carrie Underwood talked to reporters about the importance of supporting charitable causes. "This is the stuff that really makes a difference," she said. "We're coming up on 10 seasons of American Idol. Twenty years later, people might not remember who won what, but this is the kind of stuff that can make lives better and people will remember that." The Idol Gives Back episode calls attention to the needs of the less fortunate throughout the world. During her fall tour, 36 cents of every ticket sold will benefit Save the Children's programs in the U.S. The amount was determined by a reference to "36 cents" in the lyrics of "Change."

 

DIAMOND RIO OAK RIDGE BOYS AMONG WINNERS AT DOVE AWARDS. Diamond Rio, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Ty Herndon were among the winners at the Gospel Music Association's 41^st annual Dove Awards held Wednesday night at the Acuff Theater in Nashville. Diamond Rio picked up the country album award for The Reason, and the Oak Ridge Boysreceived long form music video honors for A Gospel Journey. Ty, who enjoyed three number one singles as a country artist in the '90s, won a Dove in the bluegrass recorded song category for co-writing "When We Fly" with Joel Lindsay and Wayne Haun. Country recorded song of the year honors went to "Somebody Like Me," written by Neil Thrasher and Michael Boggs and recorded by Jason Crabb. The Casting Crowns, a worship music group from Atlanta, received artist of the year honors during the awards presentation.

 

ROY ORBISON BIRTHDAY FESTIVITIES. The late country singer Roy Orbison would have turned 74 today, and Nashville, his hometown, is the site for his two days of observance. Last night the Nashville Sounds baseball team declared it the Roy Orbison Night for their game. Today, the Hard Rock Café chain worldwide will feature Roy’s music, and the Nashville restaurant will host a music night honoring him with performances from Rodney Crowell, J.D. Souther, Jeffrey Steele, Sweethearts of the Rodeo and surprise guests. The Nashville event is a fundraiser for Musicians on Call –an organization which brings live and recorded music to healthcare facilities.

 

JOHNY CASH PROJECT CELEBRATES OFFICIAL LAUNCH. The Johnny Cash Project, an online global art project and visual testament to the life and career of Johnny Cash, was officially launched yesterday with over 5,000 frames submitted to the website.  The website celebrates the February 2010 release of American VI: Ain’t No Grave - Johnny Cash’s final studio recording. Fans can create a single image template, and by using a custom drawing tool, they can share their visions of Johnny Cash by designing their own frames, which will then be strung together and played in sequence over the title track of the album.

 

THIS AND THAT

• Rascal Flatts will perform on Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution show tonight at 9 PM EST on ABC. The band made the trip to Huntington, West Virginia to participate in the show earlier this spring between tour stops.
• Blake Shelton was so excited about buying Laura Bell Bundy’s new album yesterday, he tweeted about it saying, “Just bought Laura Bell Bundy's album. Holys***balls!! Daddy likey!! I still think Blakin' & Shakin' would've been a better title though.”

 

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 

• WOODS DIVORCE 100%?! According to Us Weekly magazine, Tiger Woods and his wife Elin are getting a divorce. The outlet cites a source who said the divorce is 100 percent on and that Elin met with lawyers right before she and her children flew to Sweden this week.
• JON GOSSELIN FIRES LAWYERS! Jon Gosselin has been tweeting his little heart out lately. The Jon & Kate Plus 8 reality show dad revealed that he fired his lawyer on April 15^th and that he is now working with his estranged wife, Kate Gosselin as well as her lawyers, to hash out their divorce. Jon also told TMZ that he never wanted to file for primary custody of his children and that his former lawyer filed without his permission.  Head over to Twitter.com/JonGosselin1 for more.
  • TWEETS: Here’s what Jon had to say on Twitter:
    • “Mr. Anthony List Sr., Esq. is not my representing attorney; I terminated him on April 15, 2010.”
    • “He has no legal right to speak to the press or anyone on my behalf.”
    • “Kate, her attorneys and I are moving forward to work out things privately and amicably.”

 

• ELIMINATED AMERICAN IDOL! 20-year-old Tim Urban was eliminated from American Idol Wednesday night. The aspiring singer talked with us about being sent home. Urban left at the end of the two hour Idol Gives Back special and he told us what it was like being onstage and seeing all the performances that night . Tune in toAmerican Idol next Tuesday at 8 PM Eastern on FOX to see the remaining six contestants perform Shania Twain songs.

 

• SANDRA’S RAZZIE DRAMA! Sandra Bullock’s publicist has commented on the story that the actress accidentally took home the wrong Razzie when she was awarded the Worst Actressprize last month. The actress’s spokesperson said Bullock had no idea she took home the prototype statue at the award show, rather than the cheap replica winners get. Bullock plans to return the award immediately.  Hit up EOnline.com for more.
• JERSEY SHORE NEWS! While there are rumors out there that season three of Jersey Shore has been set in motion, MTV Radio can confirm that’s not true. A rep for MTV told us that there has been no discussion about season three. We also know that nothing for the third season has been filmed or is scheduled to be filmed.
• STATEMENT FROM SOUTH PARK! South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone are saying the censorship included in the latest episode when it aired on Comedy Central this week was not in the episode they turned in. The creators recently received online threats from a jihadist group and it’s being hypothesized that Comedy Central added in the censorship to appease the people threatening the creators. Matt and Trey end the statement by saying they’re moving on to something completely different for next week’s episode, per usual.
  • DIRECT STATEMENT: Here’s what Matt and Trey wrote on SouthParkStudios.com: “In the 14 years we've been doing South Park we have never done a show that we couldn't stand behind. We delivered our version of the show to Comedy Central and they made a determination to alter the episode. It wasn’t some meta-joke on our part. Comedy Central added the bleeps. In fact, Kyle’s customary final speech was about intimidation and fear. It didn’t mention Muhammad at all but it got bleeped too. We’ll be back next week with a whole new show about something completely different and we’ll see what happens to it.”

 

• MACGUBER NEWS! MacGruber is the new action- comedy flick based on a running sketch on Saturday Night Live. The movie stars Will Forte and Ryan Phillippe and revolves around a character similar to “MacGyver.” Forte co-wrote the script with two of the comedy writers from SNL and he talked with us at the film’s premiere about how they all worked on the movie together . Check out MacGruber in theaters on May 21^st.
• MEN IN BLACK THREE! Men In Black Three, starring Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith, has been given the green light. According to ShowBiz411.com, both actors, director Barry Sonnenfeld and Sony are all down to create the third installment, and it is will be in 3D. Right now, the flick is slated to come out in May of 2011.
• JESSICA ALBA NEWS! Jessica Alba helped launch a new campaign in Washington, D.C. this week. It’s called 1Goal: Education For All and is part of a campaign coinciding with the FIFA 2010 World Cup. The campaign aims to fight to make educating the children of the world a top priority. Check out USAToday.com for more.
• WHOOPI GOLDBERG TALKS NEW MOVIE! It was announced last week that Tyler Perry is directing the new film For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf, based on the 1975 play of the same name. MTV Radio caught up with Whoopi Goldberg on a red carpet recently, and she told us about how she got cast in Perry’s film. As of now, the flick is set to hit theaters on January 14^th on 2011.

ALYSSA MILANO TALKS! Alyssa Milano stars in the new ABC comedy Romantically Challenged. When we caught up with the Who’s The Boss? star, she told us about choosing to do the TV series because of its good script. Tune in for a new episode of Romantically Challenged Monday after Dancing With the Stars on ABC.

COUNTRY MUSIC NEW

LADY ANTEBELLUM READY FOR THEIR OWN HEADLINING TOUR. Lady Antebellum swept the ACM Awards Sunday, taking home five trophies, and Hillary Scott chatted with US Weekly about the group’s success. The trio has yet to be affected by the recent attention, and if anything it keeps them working harder. “It keeps us moving forward and wanting to just continue to create music that we're proud of,” Hillary said. After the Southern Voice tour with Tim Mcgraw, Lady A has sights on a headlining tour of their own in the fall.  Hillary said, “We're just brainstorming on what kind of show we want to make and then just writing. We're such forward thinkers.”

RELATED AUDIO – Lady Antebellum performed “If You See Him, If You See Her,” during the ACM tribute to Brooks & Dunn Monday night in Las Vegas. The group says they plan to add the song to their set list from here on out.  “I have a feeling after we perform the song that we are going to perform we will end up putting it in our live show. It’s one of those things that is such a moment for us, we’re going to want to relive it.”

 

TAYLOR SWIFT TO TAKE OVER THE COMIC BOOK WORLD. Taylor Swift is the next superstar to get the comic treatment, as her biographical comic book will be released in July. The 32 page series will feature the journey she has traveled so far, including writing music at the age of ten. Taylor’s noted appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show detailing her split from Joe Jonas will be covered as well. Spectators are unsure if the Bluewater Comics’ Fame comic book will include the Kanye West stunt.

 

FAITH HILL TO JOIN SEASON FINALE OF PROJECT RUNWAY. Faith Hill will join the judges of Project Runway tonight for the season finale, on Lifetime Network. “Faith Hill stepped into the toughest Project Runway guest judging seat of the season - the finale, which made her a deciding voice in naming the winner,” Executive Producer of the show said. The cast enjoyed Faith’s passion as she gave constructive criticism with her strong point of view. “The passion that these individuals showed, and their eagerness to learn from feedback and criticism, should prove an inspiration for those that follow them,” Faith said.

 

ZAC BROWN BAND FILMING DOCUMENTARY DURING USO TOUR. Zac Brown Band will release a documentary based on their recent USO Tour. The group wasn’t able to attend the ACM Awards because they felt entertaining the troops was more important.  “It’s not front page news anymore, a lot of people don’t think about it anymore, outta sight outta mind. But to the people who are actually living there, and the families that are missing their folks, it’s very real. We are excited to go over and help to give them a little relief from the monotony that’s going on.” No word on when the band will release the documentary. The group is nominated in the first round nominees for the CMT Music Awards. You can vote for them now at CMT.com.

 

CARRIE UNDERWOOD NOT NERVOUS ABOUT HER WEDDING. Carrie Underwood sat down with the Ellen DeGeneres Show yesterday to discuss her nerves, or lack of, for her wedding day. She’s claiming she has not even given the big day a thought. "Everybody would always ask me questions like, 'What have you always dreamt of? This is your day, Carrie says, "I never thought about it until I was engaged. I wasn't one of those little girls that always dreamt about getting married. So I have no idea what I'm doing, basically." Reports have speculated Carrie and Mike Fisher will tie the note in Nashville, sometime this summer.

 

TRACE ADKINS TO SING WITH KID ROCK. Trace Adkins just won an ACM Award for his duet with Blake Shelton, “Hillbilly Bone.” He hasn’t recorded many duets in his 14 year career, but he does have another duet in the works. “No I really don’t. I’ve sang on a Gene Watson record and a Ronnie Milsap record, and this record. I just sang on a Kid Rock record, but that’s not really singing.” Trace will release a new single, “This Ain’t No Love Song,” May 10^th and is expected to release an album in August.

 

BRAD PAISLEY TALKS JASPER AND HUCK. In a recent People article Brad Paisley admits that at just one year, son Jasper Warren is a better kid than his older brother William Huckleberry who is now three. Brad says, “The second kid just kind of takes the table scraps and doesn’t complain much.” When it comes to disciplining the boys, Brad says him and wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, are pretty strict and want their kids to understand that you can’t do certain things in life. Brad adds in the article that parenting for him has been a blast and utter joy.

 

LIVE NATION COUNTRY MEGATICKET IS BACK. Live Nation has announced the return of the Country Megaticket which allows fans to pick their city’s venue, and a variety of ticket packages featuring various artists, and seating. Some artists included are Brad Paisley with Darius Rucker, Brooks & Dunn with Jason Aldean and Gary Allan. Rascal Flatts with Kellie Pickler and Chris Young, Sugarland, Toby Keith, and Tim McGraw with Lady Antebellum are included as well.

TIM MCGRAW’S BOWLING FOR BRAINS EVENT. Tim McGraw will continue to keep the memory of his father, Tug McGraw, alive with his annual Bowling for Brains fundraiser event this Friday at the Tusculum Lanes in Nashville. Members of the Team McGraw training program that raises funds and increases awareness for the Tug McGraw Foundation will host the event as a warm up party before the 11^th Annual Country Music Marathon and ½ Marathon. The evening will consist of a silent auction, a carb out pasta bar, bowling and music entertainment from Lance Miller. Tickets can be purchased through the official Tug McGraw Foundation website.

 

BROOKS AND DUNN’S ALL-STAR TRIBUTE SPECIAL. The Academy of Country Music honored Brooks & Dunn’s twenty year career with an all-star concert this past Monday. The hard working duo reminisced over a three hour concert with many opening acts they have taken on tour in the previous two decades. All the artists kicked off the night offering a memory of Brooks & Dunn before playing one of the duo’s songs. Keith Urban was the first act who opened with a story about Kix Brooks coming to see his old band play thirteen years ago. Faith Hill recalled Brooks pulling a prank on her by placing an eel between her sheets years ago when they toured together. Miranda Lambert talked about being invited to party with Brooks & Dunn one night, and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland recalled Ronnie Dunn seeing her “believe” tattoo and thinking she got it because of his song. George Strait played “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” while Tim McGraw received the loudest cheers of the night when he sang “That Aint No Way To Go.” Ronnie and Reba McEntire surprised Lady Antebellum on stage to help them sing the hit “If You See Him, If You See Her.” Watch for the special to air May 23^rd on CBS.

 

BLAKE SHELTON PLANS SECOND SIX PACK ALBUM. Blake Shelton recently told reporters at the ACM Awards on Sunday night that he expects to release his second Six Pak album in late summer. The Six Pak is a marketing concept from his label, Warner Bros., that packages six songs per album in an effort to release more music each year. Blake’s first Six Pak, Hillbilly Bone, debuted at number one on the Billboard country chart earlier this year. Blake says, "Looking back at the last one, I definitely think it worked. It did everything we hoped it would do." Blake also said he would like to release more than one single off his Six Pak albums but that the final decision would come from his record label. Blake and Trace Adkins won the ACM's vocal event of the year award for “Hillbilly Bone.”

 

HEIDI NEWFIELD COUNTRY MUSIC MARATHON PLAYLIST. Heidi Newfield will appear as a special guest at this year’s Country Music Marathon Annual Post Race concert on Saturday, April 21^st. She has put together a playlist for marathon runners filled with her favorite songs. “These are just a few of the choices that get me jacked up to get a full workout or run completed,” Heidi said. The playlist includes Led Zepplin, “Kashmir,” Kid Rock, “Rock N Roll Jesus,” the entire Kings Of Leon Only By The Night album, and many others. The concert is open to the public and tickets can be purchased at the Bridgestone Arena box office.

 

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 

 

HIT AND RUN ARREST! On Saturday, Heather Locklear was arrested on a misdemeanor for a hit and run car accident. Apparently, she hit a “no parking” sign at 4 AM and didn’t report the incident until 7:48 PM that night. No other people were involved in the car crash. According to TMZ, Locklear was cited and released the same day.

• SEAGAL SEX CASE! According to TMZ, two more women have come forward claiming that actor Steven Seagal made sexual advances towards them while they were employed by the Under Siege actor. Last week, a woman filed the first lawsuit against Steven, claiming she was hired to be his assistant and he sexually harassed her. Seagal, through his lawyers, has denied the claims.
• LAWSUIT DROPPED! The woman who accused magician David Copperfield of rape has dropped her federal lawsuit. The same woman was recently charged with fabricating sexual assault claims against another man. Head over to USAToday.com to learn more.
• LAWSUIT DROPPED! Heidi Montag has decided not to sue the man who created The Hills. Recently, Montag accused Adam DeVillo of inappropriately touching her during a photo shoot for the show, but after consulting her lawyers she has decided not to pursue the matter. Learn more over at NYPost.com.
• EARTH DAY AUDIO! Earth Day is today and it’s a good time to reflect on how you can help save the environment. House M.D. actress Olivia Wilde gave us one way to help cut down on the waste we create . Head over to EarthDay.org to learn more.

 

• SEX AND THE CITY NEWS! The ladies of Sex and the City will be lending their voices to the Sex and the City 2 soundtrack. According to the New York Daily News, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon will all sing a cover of Helen Reddy’s tune “I Am Woman” for the disc. Sex and the City 2 hits theaters on May 27^th.
• SUSAN BOYLE NEWS! British singer Susan Boyle will be writing an autobiography. The woman, who broke into the spotlight after competing on the TV show Britain’s Got Talent, will write about her rise to fame in the new tome. It’s set to hit stores this fall. Learn more at NYPost.com.
• BAD BOYS 3! According to Martin Lawrence, the Bad Boys movie franchise could become a trilogy. The actor told MTV News about how Will Smith stopped by the set of Lawrence’s flick Death at a Funeral to talk about Bad Boys 3 . Fans can see Lawrence alongside Tracy Morgan and Chris Rock in Death at a Funeral, which is in theaters now.
• ANISTON TO DIRECT! Jennifer Aniston has announced that’s she’ll be directing a movie in the near future. According to Reuters, the 41-year-old has not announced the flick she’ll direct yet, but she told the outlet that she’s ready to turn her creativity in a new direction.
• SECRET SERVICE! The Secret Service is now helping Washington D.C. police investigate the mugging of actor Kal Penn. According to TMZ, one of the cell phones taken from the Harold and Kumar star was government issued so the Secret Service has stepped in to try and get it back. Kal is currently working for the government as the Associate Director in the Office of Public Engagment and was mugged on Tuesday morning.
• ADDICTION TALK! Oscar-nominated actress Melanie Griffith is talking about her drug addiction problems. Griffith told People magazine that she looks at her substance abuse as a monster and right now she’s got the beast under control. 
  • DIRECT QUOTE: “I think of it as a monster. If I feed it, it will always want more and more, so now I’m letting it starve to death in a corner. But it's always there.”
  • She entered into rehab for the third time last August after becoming addicted to painkillers due to a skiing accident.
• NEW MOVIE?! According to the L-A Times, Robert Downey, Jr. is in talks to play “The Wizard” in a new prequel to the Wizard of Oz, which delves into how “The Wizard” actually became a wizard. The outlet is also reporting that American Beauty director Sam Mendes or Hairspray director Adam Shankman are in talks to be at the helm of the flick.
• FOOD REVOLUTION! The season finale of Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution airs tomorrow. In the reality series, the British chef takes on the town of Huntington, West Virginia, trying to show it’s residents how to cook for themselves and change their eating habits. Oliver told us the key to healthy eating is learning how to cook
• THE DRAWN TOGETHER MOVIE!  The animated series Drawn Together ran for three seasons on Comedy Central starting in 2004 and now, the cast of characters are back in a new direct-to-DVD movie.  The unrated film is aptly called The Drawn Together Movie: The Movie and Executive Producer Dave Jeser told us about the plot .  If the DVD is really successful, there could be another film, or better yet, the series could return to the airwaves, so it is important fans don’t illegally download the flick.  Jeser and fellow EP Matt Silverstein have a compromise for their fans   The Drawn Together Movie is out now. 
• BREAK OUT FILM: BREAKING UPWARDS! Breaking Upwards, a refreshing tale of a New York City couple struggling with the boredom of a long-term partnership and testing the waters of an open relationship, is getting a lot of comparisons to a classic New York film about love in the Big Apple – Woody Allen’s Annie Hall. Breaking Upwards star Zoe Lister Jones says the association is a huge compliment Jones stars in the picture alongside her real-life boyfriend, who also directed the flick, 27-year-old Daryl Wein. The film is loosely based on their own adventure into the world of open relationships. Did the stress of making the movie prove to be too much for the pair? Wein says they proved triumphant . For more on the movie, visit BreakingUpwards.com now.

COUNTRY MUSIC NEWS

CMT ANNOUNCES FIRST SET OF PERFORMERS FOR 2010 CMT MUSIC AWARDS. Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert, Toby Keith and Lady Antebellum have all been announced as performers for the 2010 CMT Music Awards which take place Wednesday June 9^th, live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.  The CMT Awards are the only fan voted award show which artists tend to like quite a bit. Carrie Underwood counts on her fans during these award shows, but just to be certain she stands a chance, she always votes for herself. She did just that in the Entertainer of the Year category during Sunday night’s ACM Awards and ended up taking home the award.  “Oh my gosh yes! I know my fans are awesome and they come out and support me every single night while I’m out on stage. They are just the most amazing fans anyone could hope to have. But I was like, ‘I don’t know, I have very  little chance.’ But I voted for myself.” More performers and presenters will be announced in the weeks to come. The first round voting for the awards has begun and lasts until May 3^rd. Visit CMT.com now to vote for your favorite artists.

 

LADY A’S HILLARY SCOTT SEEN WITH NFL PLAYER. Several outlets, including TMZ, are reporting Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum was seen around Las Vegas with Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Reports say the two danced the night away at Vanity Saturday night and then celebrated Lady A’s three award wins at an ACM Award after party.

• http://www.tmz.com/2010/04/18/green-bay-packers-aaron-rogers-lady-antebellum-hillary-scott-las-vegas-hard-rock-hotel-vanity-hook-up-couple-dating/
  
  

KENNY CHESNEY INVADES MOVIE THEATRES TONIGHT – IN 3D! Kenny Chesney’s much awaited film Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D hits theatres tonight in limited release for two weeks only. Just like all of his projects, Kenny was a part of the film from start to finish.  “I was incredibly involved in this film. Not only am I in the film, I made the film. I was editing the film. I was in the marketing meetings. I was in the art direction meetings. You name it, I was there. So that has consumed my life since I got off tour last year. So I really haven’t had a mental break yet, but I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created. I’m incredibly proud of what the film says. I’m incredibly proud that we documented this part of our life and it will be there forever.” Outside of releasing this movie, Kenny is working on his next album while taking time off from touring.

 

LEANN RIMES COVERS CLASSICAL LOVE SONGS WITH NEW ALBUM. LeAnn Rimes is in the finishing stages of her new album Lady and Gentlemen, which features her favorite love tunes, produced by Vince Gill.  "We came up with this idea of doing a covers record of all my favorite love songs and when I started digging into those, they were all by men so I decided to cover all my favorite love songs that were originally covered by men.” The album features everything from George Jones, “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” to Waylon Jennings, “Good Hearted Women.” "Some of the songs are ballads that we cut,  and we turned them into uptempo songs. It's not just a covers record where I'm covering the songs from front to back where it sounds exactly the same." LeAnn will hit the road in June playing select dates this summer.

 

KIRSTIE ALLEY FIRES BACK AT REBA MCENTIRE. Actress Kirstie Alley fired back at Reba McEntire on Twitter, after Reba commented on Kirstie’s weight during her hosting duties at the ACM Awards. Reba joked, “Next is Toby Keith. Toby has a chain of restaurants called I Love This Bar and Grill. It specializes in fried onion rings, fried mozzarella sticks and southern fried Twinkies. Yeah, that sounds like Thanksgiving at Kirstie Alley's house to me." Kirstie tweeted, “Wow, thought we girls would stick together. Next time you need a fat joke about me, just ask. Mine are funny."

 

LUKE BRYAN SAYS HE WON’T BE HEADED BACK TO APPRENTICE. Luke Bryan was part of Celebrity Apprentice Sunday night and says he quickly learned reality T-V isn’t his thing.  “It was interesting. I’ve never met Donald but I met his son which is essentially Donald in a younger better-haired version. Yeah I think I’m good on the whole reality thing. You won’t ever see Home with the Bryan’s on anything. I think I’m going to go straight to big time, high production movies, all the good stuff. Try to win a couple Oscars.” The Nashville themed episode challenged the teams to makeover Luke and Emily West and prepare them for a show and interview.  Luke’s performance of “Rain Is A Good Thing” and Emily’s performance of “Blue Sky” are available for 30 days exclusively on iTunes. All proceeds from the sale of these two live performances will benefit Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors Fund.

 

Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson Release New Albums This Week. Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson -- two artists in their 70s who continue to create compelling music -- each released their first albums on new labels yesterday. Merle's I Am What I Am was recorded with his band, the Strangers. Willie revisited an array of classic songs on his aptly-titled Country Music , his first project with producer T Bone Burnett.

 

David Allan Coe Marries for the Sixth Time. Singer-songwriter David Allan Coe, 71, married longtime girlfriend Kimberly Hastings, 48, Saturday during a ceremony at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas. Toby Keith attended the ceremony as an official witness. Hastings is a singer and often accompanies Coe onstage. It's his sixth marriage and her second.

 

CMT.COM HAS THE ACM’S COVERED. There’s no party like a Vegas party and the 45th annual ACM Awards delivered. This year's CMT.com ACM Awards microsite features the latest in ACM Awards news, a complete list of nominees and winners and current and past ACM/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award winners. You can watch all the winning videos and browse photos from this year's event, along with several artist photo galleries featuring their ACM styles over the years. The site also features an ACM radio station, a link to the message board, along with fashion poll voting. Be sure to check out all the ACM Award coverage at CMT.com. http://www.cmt.com/acm-awards/ 

 

BONNAROO GETS THEIR OWN BEN & JERRY’S FLAVOR . It seems the Bonnaroo line-up just got tastier! The festival now has its own Ben & Jerry’s ice cream flavor, aptly named Bonnaroo Buzz. So what does Bonnaroo taste like in ice cream form? It’s described as having a taste like “light coffee and malt ice creams with whiskey caramel swirls and English toffee pieces.” Fans who head down to Tennessee for the music festival can try the ice cream there or can pick it up at Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shops starting on May 4^th. Bonnaroo gets underway on June 10^th in Manchester, Tennessee.

THIS AND THAT

• Jason Aldean will appear on the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson Friday.
• Gretchen Wilson will perform "Work Hard, Play Harder" on today’s Ellen DeGeneres Show, replacing Annie Lennox as the episode's musical guest.

 

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 

• SANDRA BULLOCK SEEN! The first photos of Sandra Bullock since news of her husband Jesse James’s affairs came out, have hit the Internet. The shots show the actress walking in a wooded area without her wedding ring on, drinking a cup of coffee. To see the photos, head to People.com now.
• BACHELOR DIVORCE! Bachelor reality star Bob Guiney is getting a divorce. Bob’s wife, All My Children actress Rebecca Budig, just filed for divorce in L-A and is asking the court to deny Bob spousal support. People.com is reporting that the couple’s split has been civil so far.
• JERSEY SHORE UPDATE! In Jersey Shore news, Snooki has dumped her boyfriend, saying he was just into her to get famous. According to the New York Post, the little reality star broke up with her man last week, and her ex, Emilio Masella, tweeted this week that he was “back on the market.” In related news, the New York Post is also reporting that this season, the Jersey Shore gang will be working at an ice cream shop in Miami as their required job.
• KELSEY GRAMMER GETS RIGHT-WING! The New York Daily News is reporting that actor Kelsey Grammer is backing a new right-wing television station called RightNetwork. The network will feature right wing and conservative content. Fans and haters alike can expect to see the RightNetwork debut sometime this summer.
• SEAGAL SEX SLAVES UPDATE! Steven Seagal is being sued by a former employer who is claiming he had women on his staff who he used as sex slaves. And now, Seagal’s ex-wife, Kelly LeBrock, is telling TMZ that she’s not surprised at all that about the former employee’s claims. LeBrock is apparently planning on cashing in on her life with Seagal soon, and told the outlet she’s releasing a tell-all book in the near future.
• ADVICE FOR ANSARI TO HOST MOVIE AWARDS!  Parks and Recreation and Human Giant funnyman Aziz Ansari will host the 2010 MTV Movie Awards.  This will be Aziz’s first time hosting the show, which is set to air live on Sunday, June 6^th at 9 PM Eastern on MTV.  Comedian Sarah Silverman has previously hosted the awards show and she told us what she thinks about Aziz taking on the role . The 19^th annual Movie Awards will broadcast live from Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California and will feature categories like Best Kiss, Best Villain, Best Action Sequence and more.
• DOUGLAS GETS FIVE YEARS IN PRISON! Yesterday, Michael Douglas’ son Cameron was sentenced to five years in prison for selling drugs out of his New York City apartment complex. The 31-year-old pled guilty to the charges and apologized for his actions. Cameron’s father, step-mother Catherine Zeta-Jones and grandfather Kirk Douglas all wrote letters to the judge in the case asking for leniency.  Check out CNN.com for more.
• SHEEN’S JUNE COURT DATE! Charlie Sheen will be heading back to court on June 18^th in Aspen, Colorado to face charges over an alleged spousal abuse incident that occurred on Christmas Day. Sheen is charged with felony menacing, misdemeanor 3^rd degree assault and misdemeanor criminal mischief. Check out TMZ.com for more.
• OPRAH TALKS BIOGRAPHY! Oprah Winfrey addressed the Kitty Kelley-written book that is supposed to be a biography of Winfrey’s life. According to EOnline.com, the talk show host called the tome a “so-called biography” and poked fun at the fact that the book alleges she has a secret birth father.
• ABUSE. Oscar winner Mo’Nique has been fairly open when talking about being molested by her brother when she was young. According to the Associated Press, the comedian and actress’ brother has finally admitted to the molestation on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Gerald Imes says he was 13 when he began sexually assaulting a then seven or eight-year-old Mo’Nique.
• KICK-ASS CONTROVERSY! After the final ticket sales numbers were in, it was announced that Kick-Ass had the top spot at this weekend’s box office. For those who saw the flick this weekend, they know that some strong language is used in the film. Kick-Ass star Aaron Johnson doesn’t understand what the big deal is when it comes to the movie’s adult language. Kick-Ass also stars Nicolas Cage and Christopher Mintz-Plasse and it’s in theaters now.
• CURB RENEWED! Listen up HBO fans, the network has renewed Curb Your Enthusiasm for its eighth season. The hit comedy show stars Larry David and production on the new season will begin this summer with a debut in 2011.
• MORE COLBERT AND STEWART! Comedy Central has extended the contracts of their late night show hosts Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. Fans will now get to enjoy Stewart’s The Daily Show through at least 2013 and The Colbert Report through 2012. Check out ComedyCentral.com for more.
• JAMES BOND MOVIE SUSPENDED! According to E! Online, the newest “James Bond” film, Bond 23, has been put on hold indefinitely because of the uncertain future of MGM, which may be sold to another movie company. Sources say the movie will likely be saved by another studio, as the “James Bond” films are such a successful franchise.
• JACKSON THEMED CIRQUE? According to TMZ, Cirque du Soleil has signed a deal with Michael Jackson’s estate to create a show featuring the King of Pop’s songs. According to the outlet, fans will get to see the new show in the fall of this year and a second show will then open in 2012.
• PAPER MAN! Jeff Daniels, Superbad’s Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds and Lisa Kudrow star in the new film Paper Man. When we caught up with Stone, she told us what drew her to the movie. The flick begins a limited release this Friday. Head over to PaperManTheMovie.com for more on where you can see the film. <
• ACTOR ROBBED! You’d think the actor who played “Kumar” in the Harold and Kumar stoner comedies would have a pretty good 4-20. Well, it looks like Kal Penn did not. According to People.com, the actor was robbed at gunpoint in Washington, D.C. in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Penn’s wallet and some other possessions were taken, but the actor was not hurt. 

COUNTRY MUSIC NEWS

ARTIST SING TRIBUTE TO BROOKS & DUNN DURING TAPING. Multiple artist took the stage last night during ACM Presents: Brooks & Dunn --- The Last Rodeo last night in Las Vegas. Darius Rucker is one artist who performed during the taped event and says he ended up singing his second song selection.  “I wanted to do ‘Maria’ but I can’t sing that (laughs) so we had to (laughs) so my second choice was ‘Hard Workin’ Man,’ and it’s going to rock. That band is just killin’ it.” The special will air May 23^rdwith performances by Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Brad Paisley, George Strait, Taylor Swift, Sugarland, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban.

 

RASCAL FLATTS ANNOUNCE SUMMER TOUR DATES. After spending the spring recording their next album, Rascal Flatts announced their summer tour plans yesterday. The first leg will launch on June 25^th in Raleigh, North Carolina at the Time Warner Cable Pavilion and will continue with 26 shows through September 19^th atBoston’s Comcast Center. Kellie Pickler and Chris Young will open.

TOUR DATES:

6-25     Raleigh NC                  Time Warner Cable Pavilion

6-26     Charlotte NC               Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

6-27     Atlanta GA                   Lakewood Amphitheatre

7-16     Stateline NV                 Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena

7-17     Stateline NV                 Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena

7-22     Wichita KS                  In Trust Arena

7-23     Tulsa OK                     BOK Center

7-24     Frisco TX                     Pizza Hut Park

7-30     Virginia Beach              Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

7-31     Hartford CT                 Comcast Theater

8-6       Cincinnati OH               Riverbend Music Center

8-7       Indianapolis IN             Indiana State Fair Grandstand

8-8       Columbus OH              Columbus Crew Stadium

8-12     Hershey PA                  Hershey Park Arena

8-13     Scranton PA                 Toyota Pavilion at Montage Mountain

8-14     Washington DC            Jiffy Lube Live

8-27     St Louis MO                Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

8-29     Louisville KY               Kentucky State Fair- Freedom Hall

9-2       Bethel NY                    Bethel Woods

9-3       Darien Lake NY           Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

9-4       Syracuse NY                New York State Fair Grandstand

9-5       Toronto Ontario           Molson Amphitheatre

9-16     Cleveland OH              Blossom Music Center

9-17     Pittsburgh PA               First Niagara Pavilion

9-18     Philadelphia PA            Susquehanna Bank Center

9-19     Boston MA                  Comcast Center

 

MIRANDA LAMBERT AND BLAKE SHELTON FEEL PRESSURED TO MARRY IN VEGAS.Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton were both winners during the ACM Awards. And since they were in Las Vegas, some of their good friends thought it was the perfect occasion to tie the knot.  “Reba and Ronnie Dunn were pushing us a little bit, ‘Might as well go to the church.’ We were out having dinner and I was like, ‘No, I’m not going to let him off the hook that easy. He’s got to do the ring and the whole deal.’ But no, we’re not because my family would kill me. My mom would be so mad.” Miranda and Blake celebrated Sunday night with their family and close friends who were in town for the award rather than hitting up the industry parties.

 

Montgomery Gentry Ship New Single, "While You're Still Young". Montgomery Gentry shipped a new single, "While You're Still Young," to country radio yesterday with an album to follow in early to mid-September. Montgomery Gentry were presented the ACM/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award during the ACM Awards Sunday night. In the pressroom, Troy Gentry told reporters, "We have some great songs. That's one of the reasons it took us so long to get this album finished. It seemed like every time we were getting ready to wrap up the album, we would come across two or three songs that we felt had to be heard." Eddie Montgomery added, "I can't wait until it gets out. It's in-your-face and it's rockin'. I can't wait for everybody to hear it."

 

Little Big Town, Designer Isaac Mizrahi Set for Nashville Symphony Fashion Show.Little Big Town and famed fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi will appear at the Nashville Symphony's spring fashion show taking place Tuesday at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in downtown Nashville. The event benefits the Nashville Symphony's educational and community outreach programs. Little Big Town members Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook and Phillip Sweet will perform and serve as emcees. Each year, the fashion show features a collection from one of the fashion industry's most respected and recognizable designers. In addition to his designs, Mizrahi hosts The Fashion Show on the Bravo network.

 

LUKE BRYAN GETS STEAMY WITH DAVID NAIL. Luke Bryan started off his Sunday morning working up a sweat in the steam room with his good friend David Nail. While in Las Vegas, a lot of artists lose their voice from the dry air and Laura Bell Bundyshared the steam room trick with the two guys.  “I’ve been going everyday and its like the bleep you know what I mean? It helps your voice gets you a little humidity. It’s good for your soul especially if you’re from Georgia.” Luke jokes he had a video camera in the steam room and will be posting the video later. But in all actuality, Luke was giving David marriage advice.

 

Natalie Maines to Receive $17,590 in Legal Fees From Slain Child's Stepfather. The stepfather of one of three 8-year-old boys murdered in 1993 in West Memphis, Arkansas, has been ordered to pay $17,590 in legal fees to Dixie Chicks lead vocalist Natalie Maines after a federal court ruling that the singer did not defame him, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported Saturday. Damien Echols, Jason Baldwinand Jessie Misskelley, known as the West Memphis Three, were convicted in 1994 of murdering the children, including Terry Hobbs' stepson, Steve Branch. Natalie and several other celebrities, including Pearl Jam's Eddie Vedder, actor Johnny Depp and actress Winona Ryder, claim the West Memphis Three are innocent and should be released from prison. In 2008, Hobbs, Branch's stepfather, filed a lawsuit against Natalie, claiming she defamed him on the Dixie Chicks' Web site by implying he was involved in his stepson's murder. In December, District Judge Brian S. Millerdismissed Hobbs' lawsuit. As a result, the judge ruled Hobbs is responsible for paying Natalie's attorney and court fees.

 

GLORIANA TWEETS ABOUT TOP NEW ARTIST AWARD. After Luke Bryan took home the Academy of Country Music Award for Top New Artist, nominee Gloriana expressed their feelings by tweeting to their fans. Gloriana’s, Tom Gossin, tweeted on Monday night, “So friends lets break it down. Luke had a number one song before we even started recording our album.” After realizing some people took that in a negative way, he later tweeted to let fans know he wasn’t hating on Luke. Tom says, “I love Luke. I’m just trying to keep everyone’s mind open. I don’t play music for awards; I play it because I love it more than anything.”

 

COUNTRY ARTISTS SPILL SECRETS. In a recent People Country article, fans learn a little more about their favorite artists as they share some secrets when it comes to being on tour. Lady Antebellum’s, Hillary Scott, tells readers she enjoys listening toJustin Beiber’s music to get pumped up before their shows. Eric Church also says when it comes to touring he brings real wine glasses to avoid drinking wine out of paper or plastic cups. In the article, Sugarland’s, Kristian Bush, tells readers, “If I have learned anything from touring with Brooks & Dunn, it’s to never phone it in and always make the show the best you can.”

 

BROOKS & DUNN SHARE TOP CAREER MOMENTS. After being the top-selling duo in the history of country music, Brooks & Dunn have made plenty of memories along the way. Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn sat down with USAToday.com to share which memories stand out the most as it comes closer to the two parting ways. Kix says his top memory was the crowd’s reaction when they played in Arco Arena in Sacramento. Although Ronnie admits that was a great career moment, his top memory is a once in a lifetime experience. Ronnie says, “When our first song, “Brand New Man,” made No. 1, my wife was so excited that she called American Airlines, and the pilot announced it over the public-address system on the plane. I got a standing ovation.” To see their top ten career highlights visit:

• http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/news/2010-04-19-acmbrooksdunn_ST_N.htm

 

JULIANNE HOUGH TALKS FOOTLOOSE. Although Chace Crawford announced he will be dropping out of the planned remake of “Footloose,” co-star Julianne Hough says the remake is still kicking. Julianne told Access Hollywood at the ACM Awards on Sunday night that scheduling conflicts were to blame but everything is still moving forward. Julianne also talked about her upcoming album by saying, “This one is all me, it’s a little bit more groove orientated and I feel like I can actually move to it,  like a little rock, a little more groove.”

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 

• LARRY KING DIVORCE MAY BE OFF?  Even though both Larry King and his wife, Shawn Southwick, have both filed for divorce, there could be hope for the couple.  King’s lawyer told People magazine that there is a “50-50 chance the divorce is not happening.”  We will keep you posted.
• ANSARI TO HOST MOVIE AWARDS!  Parks and Recreation and Human Giantfunnyman Aziz Ansari will host the 2010 MTV Movie Awards.  This will be Aziz’s first time hosting the show, which is set to air live on Sunday, June 6^th at 9 PM Eastern on MTV.  The 19^th annual Movie Awards will broadcast from Gibson Amphitheatre in Universal City, California and will feature categories like BestKiss, Best Villain, Best Action Sequence and more.
  • PAST HOSTS OF THE MOVIE AWARDS: In the past, the likes of Andy Samberg, Ben Stiller, Jimmy Fallon, Mike Myers, Sarah Silverman andJustin Timberlake have hosted the show.
• MCGEE AND JUNGERS FOR CELEBRITY CHEATERS? TMZ reports that a new reality show about celebrities who cheat is in the works.  It’ll be hosted byJesse James’ alleged mistress, Michelle “Bombshell” McGee, and one ofTiger Woods’ women on the side, Jamie Jungers. The series would reportedly be called Celebrity Cheaters and is now being shopped around Hollywood.
• GLEE ON MADONNA! The cast of Glee will be covering Madonna songs on their show tonight! When we caught up with the star of the series, Lea Michele, she told us about being a huge fan of the Queen of Pop . “Coach Sue Sylvester” portrayer Jane Lynch told us her favorite Madonna songs . Tune in to FOXtonight right after American Idol to see the characters of Glee performing Madonna tunes.
• GIBSON WILL HAVE TO PAY EX!  Mel Gibson has broken up with his girlfriend,Oksana Grigorieva, the mother of his five-month-old daughter Lucia.  So how much will the break-up cost the actor?  A family law specialist told Peoplemagazine that since the two weren’t married, Mel doesn’t have to worry about alimony, but he will have to shell out child support, which could be upwards of 15-thousand dollars a month.  See all the details at People.com. 
• JOAN RIVERS DOES NOT LIKE MEL GIBSON! Joan Rivers has never been one to hold back how she feels, and she recently opened up about Mel Gibson. TMZ caught up with the TV personality who proceeded to say that the reason that Mel is getting divorced is because “he heard that [longtime companion ofAdolf Hitler] Eva Braun had a daughter” and that he’s “disgusting” and people shouldn’t see his movies.  See the video now at TMZ.com.
  • DIRECT LINK:
  • http://www.tmz.com/2010/04/16/joan-rivers-mel-gibson-should-die-video/
• CHRIS ROCK GIVES ADVICE! Funnyman Chris Rock has navigated his way through show business and into an impressive career. When we caught up with Rock, he let us in on some advice he gives to young stars trying to reach his level of success . Fans can see Chris alongside Martin Lawrence, Tracy Morgan and Danny Glover in the comedy remake Death at a Funeral, which is in theaters now.
• PRINCE’S SAX PLAYER ON THE TONIGHT SHOW!  Prince’s saxophone player,Candy Dufler, is going to be playing on the Tonight Show now that Ricky Minorhas replaced Kevin Eubanks on the show.
• GWYNETH PALTROW PULLS OUT OF MOVIE!  Oscar-winner Gwyneth Paltrowhas pulled out of her latest film, The Danish Girl, to spend more time with her family.  Sources told PerezHilton.com that Paltrow and Danish Girl co-star Nicole Kidman failed to bond, but Harpers Bazaar is reporting that Gwyneth pulled out due to the schedule and location change.
• CHUCK NORRIS’S FACT ABOUT FACTS! Hopefully you have heard some Chuck Norris “facts” by now. You know, like, “Chuck Norris is the reason why ‘Waldo’ is hiding,” and “It only takes 20 minutes for Chuck Norris to watch 60 minutes.” Well, when we caught up with the legend himself, he gave us some facts on how the Chuck Norris facts got started . Head over to ChuckNorris.com to learn more.
  • TIDBIT! The Web site ChuckNorrisFacts.com has a long list of funny “facts” about the action star.
• CAMERON AND A-ROD IN MIAMI? Have Cameron Diaz and Alex Rodriguezbeen getting close in Miami?  According to the New York Post, a source says that the actress and the Yankee slugger have “been hanging at A-Rod’s multimillion-dollar bungalow” in South Beach, and that “he jets in and out of Miami all the time.”
• KARDASHIAN KISSING SOCCER STAR! Kim Kardashian was spotted with soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo last week. Us Magazine reports the pair was seen having a romantic lunch – and kissing – in Spain.
• LINDSAY LOHAN IN MAJOR CREDIT DEBT! According to RadarOnline.com,Lindsay Lohan is reportedly struggling with massive credit card debt. A source claims the actress owes credit card companies 600-thousand dollars and could potentially face a lawsuit if she does not pay down the balances. With no income other than her paid appearances at night clubs, it’s unknown how Lohan will afford to do so.
• QUAIDS ON THE RUN!  The Quaids are on the run again.  Actor Randy Quaidand his wife, Evi, skipped two court dates for felony charges in California this week and are now wanted by the state as fugitives.  The Santa Barbara D-A told People that if the Quaids are picked up in California, they will be put in jail, adding, “They cannot be released on bail until they come back here and a judge [agrees to] set bail for them.” The couple is in trouble for not paying a bill at a hotel where they stayed.
• CELEBS TALK EARTH DAY! Earth Day is this Thursday and it’s important to think of ways you can help conserve our Earth’s precious resources that day and all year long. Here’s Fringe actor Lance Reddick on the importance of being green . For ideas on how to be a less wasteful human being, like turning off the water when you brush your teeth or unplugging your phone charger when you’re not using it, head to EarthDay.org.
• MACHETE GETS RELEASE DATE! Robert Rodriguez’s Machete, which starsRobert De Niro, Jessica Alba, Michelle Rodriguez, Danny Trejo and Lindsay Lohan, will chop into theaters on September 3^rd.  According to Variety, the film is a spin-off of a fake trailer used in the Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantinofilm Grindhouse.  The flick follows a machete-carrying ex-Federale who is betrayed by a politician. 
• BILL HELPS WITH CHELSEA’S WEDDING PLANNING! During an interview withNBC’s Today show, Bill Clinton revealed that he is getting involved with planning his daughter Chelsea’s wedding. The former president revealed that he “participates” and is glad that “Chelsea has been good enough to include me in the decisions they’re making in how to do it.”  Meanwhile, when Bill walks her down the aisle later this summer, he expects to feel “proud, grateful and wistful.”
• GEORGIA TOURIST ATTRACTION? Milledgeville, Georgia, the town where Ben Roethlisberger allegedly assaulted a woman in a nightclub, has reportedly become a tourist attraction – and it’s all thanks to the Pittsburgh Steelersquarterback.  TMZ spoke to Milledgeville Mayor Richard Bentley, who said that even though the situation surrounding the new interest in the town is unfortunate, “if it piques people’s interest about our city, we would certainly welcome them here.”

 

Well, look at that.  Hilary Scott from Lady Antebellum had a familiar face with her after the ACM's in Vegas.............back together again?  I think so.  Nice work keeping it under wraps for so long you two!