(Image Source: Jalopnik)

BY LUKE LEONARD

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

At $7 million a minute, ad makers battled it out for audience appraisal during Sunday night’s Super Bowl. So which ads captivated audiences and which ones fell through?

From H&M’s “sex sells” approach featuring David Beckham to Doritos’ comedic crunches, social media sites saw record-breaking comments, likes, and tweets about the ads. (Youtube)

ABC News reports Bluefin Labs tracked more than 109,000 social media comments about H&M’s sexy ad. Among others, Doritos’ “Man’s Best Friend” spot was the most positively commented ad on Twitter.

Doritos held its annual contest for filmmakers to submit their own Doritos commercials. Jonathan Friedman, the winner, spent a mere $20 on production for this submission, but netted a cool $1 million in the end. (YouTube)

Analysts saw a trend amongst advertising agencies involved in production for the Super Bowl. Fox News spoke to the chief innovation officer for Boston based advertising agency Mullen, who said ...

“... just about every brand built interactive elements into their commercials, knowing that the true measurement of success these days is immediate consumer reaction and long-term consumer engagement ...”

After Volkswagen’s 2011 commercial featuring a pint-sized Darth Vader won over viewers last year, they chose to bring back the motif in their newest ad starring an exercising dog. A writer for Forbes critiques the use of canines -- which were featured in several of this year’s spots ...

“You would think that the utilization of pets – and dogs specifically – would eventually be overplayed. And yet there is something about the emotional connection that so many of us have with pets that help advertisers tug at our funny bone and heart every year.”

The Guardian analyzes -- saying agencies tend to be more family-friendly and less forceful with Superbowl ads than during the majority of the year.

And looking at which ads didn’t fly -- like the demographic-defined approach taken by Kia and GoDaddy. (Youtube)

“Want to live your fantasies of nubile women, badass rock and giant sandwiches? Kia and GoDaddy have got your back. Their ads felt like some kind of grumpy heterosexual antidote to the camp spectacular of the half-time show.”

And a poll from The Huffington Post leaves GoDaddy’s commercial rated the worst ad of the night by readers. The accompanying article explains...

“ ... the gravest sin of some of the least popular ads in 2012 was not that they were particularly offensive but that they were particularly unoriginal.”


Prior to the game airing, Google reported pre-released Super Bowl preview ads were viewed more than 30 million times on YouTube.
 

(Image Source: That Grape Juice)

 

BY CODY LAGROW

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

Trips, middle finger slips and just moving the lips -- all three were part of Madonna’s Super Bowl halftime show. Metro gives us a peek.

“Madonna had a ‘choreography malfunction,’ falling off stage during a dance routine.”

LMFAO, Nicki Minaj, M.I.A. and Cee Lo Green joined Madonna on stage. The New York Times praises the halftime spectacle, saying...

“Madonna went all out ... a queen on her throne, a homecoming queen strutting in the bleachers, a church singer fronting a choir.”

Not everyone in Hollywood vogued along with Madge. Yahoo! News says some celebrities wanted more.

“Sharon Osbourne tweeted, ‘Madonna is back! She’s the queen. Just sensational!’ Piers Morgan responded to Mrs. O saying, ‘Queen of what? Lip-synching?’”

And People Magazine says British rapper M.I.A. stole the show from Madonna by flipping the bird to network cameras.

“The Queen of Pop was upstaged by her collaborator M.I.A. who flipped off the camera at one point during the performance. … There were no reports of fines … as of Monday morning."

Both NBC and the NFL released statements apologizing for M.I.A.’s mistake. Rolling Stone explains.

The NFL pointed the finger directly at NBC saying, “There was a failure in NBC’s delay system. The obscene gesture in the performance was completely inappropriate, very disappointing, and we apologize to our fans.”
 

NBC fired back, “The NFL hired the talent and produced the halftime show. Our system was late to obscure the inappropriate gesture and we apologize to our viewers.”

M.I.A. did not comment on her middle finger malfunction—but a source close to the singer tells the Daily Mail why it happened.

“She wasn’t thinking. … She was struck with a case of adrenaline. It wasn’t any kind of statement.”

Madonna sang her new single “Give Me All Your Luvin’” from her upcoming album “MDNA” as part of the show. It’s her twelfth studio album.


 

(Image source: Ace Showbiz)

BY BRICE SANDER

Demi Moore has reportedly entered rehab -- after being rushed to the hospital on a reported drug overdose last month. Here’s NBC’s Today.  

“The actress is being treated at the Cirque Lodge in Sundance, Utah for an eating disorder and addiction issues. The super posh rehab center is known for it’s one-on-one approach to addiction treatment.”

E! News was the first to break the story, claiming Moore consulted with a spiritual healer and psychic before seeking treatment.

“A rehab insider says -- quote -- ‘She is on total lockdown and only talking to a small group of people’ … Cirque Lodge is the same facility where Lindsay Lohan, Eva Mendes and Mary Kate Olsen reportedly went for help.”

Celebrity Health and Fitness takes us inside the upscale facility.

“The Cirque Lodge addiction treatment center looks more like a ski lodge than a hospital, and therapy there can cost north of $1,500 a day … The lodge specializes in alcohol and substance abuse treatment. It also provides services for ‘co-occurring mental health concerns...’”

After reports surfaced that Moore’s exes Bruce Willis and Ashton Kutcher were taking care of her in her Hollywood home, Jezebel questions how the media could have missed Moore’s move to Utah.

“... it seems like with a little bit less speculation about Moore's rumored Red Bull addiction and a little more relentless stalking we would have known that she'd gone to rehab and could have then made the appropriate arrangements to organize a vigil outside the Cirque Lodge's gates.”

No matter how she got there, an Us Weekly source says this move was needed for Moore to get better.

“Friends are relieved the actress is seeking treatment -- more than 20 years after she first went to rehab in 1985. ‘She knows she's in a bad place and needs help,’ a source explains. ‘Rehab is the only thing she can do right now. She needed something serious to get her back on track.’”

Moore is expected to stay in treatment for at least 30 days.

(Image source: AceShowbiz)

BY BRICE SANDER

Legendary rock band Queen could be getting a new front man in “American Idol” alum Adam Lambert.


Lambert first drew comparisons to Queen’s original lead singer, Freddie Mercury, when he performed with the band on “Idol” in ’09…

“But it’s been no bed of roses. No pleasure cruise.”

And rumors of Lambert landing the lead gig went wild after he performed with the band at last year’s European Music Awards.

“You got mud on your face, you big disgrace. Kicking your can all over the place.”

The rumor became reality when British tabloid The Daily Star quoted Lambert, saying he confirmed a summer tour.

“The intention is to pay tribute to Freddie and the band by singing some f*****g great songs. It’s to keep the music alive for the fans and give it an energy that Freddie would have been proud of.”

A Cinema Blend blogger says Lambert is perfect for the gig – especially when compared to other rumored replacements like Lady Gaga.

“I think this tour would really work. Lambert has the voice and the charisma to do Freddie’s work justice, but he’s also enough of a music fan to know it’s an insult to try and fully replace the icon.”

But Rolling Stone says not so fast, quoting a Queen spokesperson.

“The Daily Star item only mentions that Adam may perform with Queen at [music tour] Sonisphere. This is not confirmed. Nothing has been signed. However, if this were to happen, Queen would be returning to the setting of their final concert with Freddie Mercury, which took place in 1986.”

And Lambert is playing coy – tweeting the Daily Star jumped the gun.

“Oooh them clever reporters takin my quotes outta context … I haven’t confirmed any guest appearances. I was talking about the EMA’S.”

Lambert followed up the tweet by saying he is “truly flattered” by the assumption. So now Entertainment Weekly questions the holdout.  

“Should Lambert hit the road with Queen, wouldn’t that cut into the promotion of his album? Perhaps, but it would also be quite shrewd … he would almost certainly convert more fans, which would give him a big leg up on avoiding the dreaded sophomore slump.”
 

(Image Source: ABC News/James Deen)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

James Deen -- no, not the one you’re thinking of -- is the subject of a special on ABC’s Nightline -- because of his following of young women. ABC reports teenage girls are flocking to 25-year-old porn star Deen’s doings.

“The young fans tell us they’re drawn to Deen because he’s different -- a porn star who holds hands with his leading ladies.”
DEEN: “They’re sexual enough that it is something they desire, they crave, they want.”

But -- news on the Nightline piece is becoming less about Deen’s package, and more about ABC’s video package. Salon.com says the piece is propaganda targeting parents.

“ … [it’s the] finest piece of parental scaremongering that I’ve seen in some time. … reporter Cecilia Vega announces that the adult business ‘has now targeted and reached a new demographic: teenage girls.’
… It’s not like teenage girls would ever happen across this X-rated material because they want to watch porn — there must be some cute ‘boy next door’ tricking them into it.”

The controversy surrounding the story doesn’t stop there -- Amanda Hess, lifestyle editor at Good magazine, says Nightline ripped off her work. She wrote a piece on Deen in November. After seeing Nightline’s story, she Tweeted at the show and reporter Cecilia Vega ...

“Hey @Nightline @ceciliavegaABC I liked your James Deen story better when I wrote it.”

MediaBistro sides with Hess.

“ … Hess … has a right to be upset. … Nightline on Thursday completely ripped off her November 2011 profile of rising male porn star James Deen … the ABC News report by Cecilia Vega seems to be the TV equivalent of the Web’s rampant and often egregious lack of proper hat tipping …”

A writer for The Washington Post points out similarities between the pieces -- but gets Nightline side of things, too.

“‘Nightline’ has this take: ‘Anyone that spends five minutes with James Deen would come up with these same observations.’ … Says … Deen: ‘People copy people. . . . At the end of the day, who cares? … Be happy and have fun.’”


 

(Image source: fanpop)

BY EMILY SPAIN

You're watching multisource entertainment news analysis from Newsy. 

Turns out Harry Potter showed up to Hogwarts under the influence. More sauced than spellbound.
Actor Daniel Radcliffe admitted to being drunk in several “Harry Potter” scenes.
E! News has more on hungover Harry.

“The 22-year-old tells Britain’s Heat magazine he often showed up for filming wasted. ‘It was bad,’ he admits. ‘I drank a lot and it was daily.’ Though Radcliffe says he didn’t break out the alcohol on set he ‘went into work still drunk.’”

Radcliffe also told Heat World:
“I can point to many scenes where I’m just gone. Dead behind the eyes.”

Radcliffe explained to the magazine that drinking was a problem for him because of his addictive personality. A writer for Entertaiment Weekly’s PopWatch calls the wizard’s confession “sad.”

“That’s sad on multiple levels: As a fan, it’s tough to hear that someone wasn’t fully present for a film that means so much to you, but it’s also difficult to imagine how hard that must have been for Radcliffe — the Harry Potter kids have always been the poster children for healthy young actors.”

Radcliffe told ShortList magazine the drinking was pathetic and not like him, and that when drinking he often blacked out. Radcliffe says he no longer drinks.

The actor also said even though others told him he had a problem, he had to come to the realization himself. A writer for Cinema Blend says many actors go through phases with drinking, but Radcliffe’s seemed to come on at a young age.

“If Radcliffe is to be believed, he went through his boozed-up life phase at twenty-one and was on the right side of sobriety by twenty-two. I’m not sure if that’s a sign of great maturity since he figured it out so quickly or an awful sign since the whole thing progressed so quickly. Either way, it’s where Radcliffe is now.  

Daniel’s drinking confession may have disappointed some fans, but others are praising him for not hiding his problems. On People Magazine’s story about Radcliffe, a reader posted this comment:

“Bravo to Daniel for 'fessing up about his problem, and for manning up and doing something about it. I don't see it as hurting his past or future career at all, he's not a kid anymore, he's acting like the adult he has become.”

Transcript by Newsy.

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY MICHAEL COLLINS

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

The Material Girl finds her way -- to sports’ biggest stage.
The Super Bowl halftime show this Sunday features Madonna, in a performance she promises will be ‘the greatest show on Earth’.
 

But is the Super Bowl the wrong forum for the occasionally controversial performer?

In a highly controversial wardrobe malfunction at the 1984 MTV VMA’s, Madonna flashed the audience during her performance of ‘Like A Virgin’, which instantly got everyone talking.


Super Bowl executives fear another media stunt -- a potential repeat of Janet Jackson’s 2004 nipple-slip. Super Bowl executive Joe Browne says there were plenty of promises made by the producers and artists for that show, too.

“We were extremely disappointed by elements of the (2004) MTV-produced halftime show. They were totally inconsistent with assurances our office was given about the show.”

Entertainment Tonight reveals what we can expect this Sunday.

“They gave you a list of rules; ‘I’m sorry, you know you can’t say, oh no, we have to ok that song etc’. Well for sure, no nipples.”
 

The Huffington Post estimates--with all the buzz and hype being generated around the singer’s Super Bowl performance...
 

“...the promotional campaign will reach more than 150 million people around the world.”

So, with well more than 100 million viewers tuning into the Super Bowl this Sunday, the question remains: will Madonna stage another stunt of her own?
 

(Image source: The New York Times)

BY LOGAN TITTLE

Facebook is painting a pretty picture for an artist who previously painted its headquarter walls.

According to the Daily Mail—35-year-old artist David Choe was asked to paint the social media’s office space back in 2005.  After the job was done he had a choice of how to get paid.  A few thousand dollars cash for his creativity—or a share in Facebook stock. 

Christian Science Monitor tells us— “He eventually decided on the stock option, even figured his choice was ‘ridiculous and pointless.’ Fast forward a few years, and Choe is poised to become a multimillionaire.”

But he’s not alone. The New York Times reports he and many others who helped out Facebook in those early years will receive between 0.1 to 0.25 percent of the company. Might not sound like much—but it is.

“…a stake that size is worth hundreds of millions of dollars, based on a market value of $100 billion. Mr. Choe’s payment is valued at roughly $200 million, according to a number of people who know Mr. Choe and Facebook executives.”

Even Facebook is setting itself up for new heights.

The Wall Street Journal reports the company’s initial public offering--

“…would top rival Google Inc.'s…record for the largest U.S. Internet IPO...raising $1.9 billion…Facebook said it is seeking to raise $5 billion, but that figure is a placeholder and will likely grow.”

So when can we expect to see the social site soaring? ABC News says—if all goes as planned, the company will likely be trading publicly in May.

(Image source: Reality TV Magazine)

BY CHRISTINE KARSTEN

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

MTV’s Jersey Shore has had its share of drama -- now a new spin-off with Snooki and JWoww is making headlines. The mayor of Hoboken, New Jersey, has denied the show a permit to film in her town. The Jersey Journal reports:

“ … Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer wrote, ‘Based on protecting public safety and quality of life concerns for Hoboken residents, the city has denied a film permit for a spin-off of the Jersey Shore to be filmed in public locations.’”

The Jersey Journal reports the show planned to film about 700 hours for every hour of actual programming. Perez Hilton wonders if, with all that filming, Zimmer is denying her town some income …

“We understand why the city would have mixed feelings about this, BUT it would bring looooooots of tourism!”

But TMZ understands Zimmer’s ‘quality of life’ concerns -- saying they outweigh economic stimulation.

“Causing traffic, creating large noisy crowds, and completely disrupting day-to-day life.

 Of course, Snooki can also stimulate a local economy -- so is banning her really worth it? Probably.”

But will this stop the show altogether? E! Online notes the production company has seen these problems before.In September, Governor Chris Christie denied ‘Jersey Shore’ a $420,000 tax credit for the show to film in the state, saying he would not pay for a project that would, quote, “perpetuate misconceptions about the state and its citizens.”

So -- what’s next for JWoww and Snooki’s spinoff? E! says ...

“ ... if you think this will stop these two from doing their show, think again. Snooki posted on Facebook earlier today, ‘NYC for lots of press with my girl Jwowwzers ! love my booboo! Can't wait for our spinoff!!’ The show must go on …”

And any word on when the show might hit the airwaves? As of this January 3rd interview with Hollywood Reporter, JWoww wasn’t too sure.

“It’s starting soon. I think it will hit the air after, um, Jeez I don’t know. (Laugh)”

495 Productions can appeal the decision to the Hoboken City Council.

(Image Source: LALate)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Don Cornelius -- the creator of ‘Soul Train’ -- died Wednesday at the age of 75 after an apparent suicide. WFAA reports.

“Los Angeles police say he shot himself at his home on Mulholland Drive. Soul Train began in 1970 as a local show in Chicago and was syndicated nationally for three decades. No word on what might have prompted the suicide.”

KDFW says Cornelius hosted the show until 1993, and ‘Soul Train’ stopped filming in 2006. But, the station reports, Cornelius seemed to have plans for the future.

“Cornelius recently announced he was working on a movie project focusing on things that really happened on the show and exploring the program’s creation.”

Celebrity reactions poured in after the news hit. WSVN has a few:

“Reverend Al Sharpton saying, ‘I’m shocked and grief-stricken by the reported suicide of Don Cornelius of Soul Train. I’ve known him since I was 19 years old.’ Ice Cube Tweets, ‘Rest in peace. Love & Soul ... Don Cornelius.’”

And media are posting in-memoriams, too. Most wrote of Cornelius and the show as one and the same -- the show’s impact was his, and vice-versa. The Washington Post says of Soul Train ...

“It was a highlight of the week. And it’s all thanks to Don Cornelius, who introduced us to the latest music and fashion.”

And The New York Daily News says the show was “his show.”

“Don Cornelius brought color to American television — in every sense of the term. … ‘Soul Train’ made as deep, and beloved, an impression on audiences for what it looked like as what it sounded like.”

Though media reports indicate the death appears to be a suicide-- The Los Angeles Times explains, police are still investigating.

“Officials said it probably will take several days to make a final determination about the death … they stressed it will take days to fully investigate, including interviewing friends and family and examining evidence …”

(Image Source: Scrape TV)

BY CODY LAGROW

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

What would you do to win a game show like Fear Factor? Or what wouldn’t you do? NBC pulled an episode that showed twins Brynne and Claire Odioso drinking a whole mug of donkey semen. The two explained their experience with the Cowhead Radio Show.

“You got 15 minutes and if you vomited you would have to start over. What I ended up doing was just vomited in my glass and just drank that.”

Sad you missed it? NBC is not.  Inside TV reports what the network had to say.

“NBC entertainment president Robert Greenblatt released this statement: ‘I reviewed the episode late last week and decided it wasn’t a segment we should air.’”

Fear Factor host Joe Rogan hinted at the semen swallowing stunt months ago to the Huffington Post and said the network expressed doubt then.

“NBC’s still looking at the footage and going, ‘Uhhhh, can we do that?’ There’s gonna be a lot of people that are going to be upset---it really is ridiculous. It’s just completely foul and offensive.”

Foul or just fun and games? Yidio says some critics compare the stunt with another genre.

“As some harsher critics apparently do, consider the stunt ‘porn’ or ‘bestiality.’

TMZ caught up with the Odioso twins to discuss the donkey drink. The duo would not talk about the episode with TMZ—but did speak out on their new pornstar labels.

“What’s the difference between that and porn?” “Uhh…Obviously a large difference, are you serious?” “No sexual acts involved.”

Here’s something to hee haw about: The twins say the taste of donkey semen has “a hint of hay” and that they’d probably do it again. 

(Image Source: WikiCommons)

BY BRIAN LEWIS

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

Mitt Romney may be the frontrunner in Florida, but he’s strictly backup vocals when compared to President Obama.  At least that’s what the pundits are saying after this video of the Republican hopeful singing “America the Beautiful” surfaced Monday.
 

Mitt Romney: “Oh, beautiful for spacious skies for amber waves of grain. For purple mountains majesty...” (Video source: C-SPAN)

Gawker media blog Jezebel had this to say about Mitt’s performance:

“Have you ever wondered what it looks like to lose a presidential election in two minutes or less? This video is your answer.”

The Washington Post’s Opinions blog echoed that sentiment:

“If the November election were a sing-off, the Obamas wouldn’t have to bother hunting for moving boxes.”

Why are the media being so hard on Romney for his musical abilities -- or lack thereof? After all he’s a politician-- not a singer. Well, the answer may be that he’s competing against this:

President Obama: “And then to know that Reverand Al Green was here.  … I'm so in love with you…those guys didn’t think I would do it.”
 

(Video Source: CBS)

Still, Romney can at least carry a tune, which is more than you can say for other political figures the world over. Take Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, who often sings during his marathon TV appearances in that country.

Chavez: Translation - “I’m not loved by Hillary Clinton and I don’t love her either.”

(Video Source: BBC)

Or Vladimir Putin singing Blueberry Hill on TV:

Putin: “I found my thrills on blueberry hill.  On blueberry hill.  When I found you.  The moon stood still, on blueberry hill.”

(Video Source: RT.com)

All of whom could learn a thing or two from former Attorney General and Singing Senator John Ashcroft, who’ll take us out:

Ashcroft: “Let the eagle soar…like she’s never soared before…From rocky coast to golden shore, let the mighty eagle soar.”

(Video Source: WBTV)

(Image Source: The X Factor)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger along with host Steve Jones have all been cut from the American version of ‘The X Factor’ -- but why, and what’s the plan for Simon Cowell’s competition show?

The word ‘bloodbath’ was a popular one Tuesday as reports hit that the three had gotten the ax from X. This leaves only LA Reid and Cowell as judges. The New York Daily News says the shocker is Abdul’s dismissal.

“While Scherzinger and Jones had both gotten mixed reviews … there seemed to be a consensus that Abdul was just what Cowell thought he'd hired.”

And Deadline reports “none of the three left on their own accord.” 

But E!’s telling a different story, saying it was Scherzinger’s choice to leave.  She wants to focus on her music career. 

Fox News points to ratings, reporting Cowell is upset the show only drew 12 to 13 million viewers per episode.

“The show had very good ratings … but came up short against ... ‘American Idol.' Cowell's former talent competition pulls in about 20 million viewers, and Cowell had said that if he didn't beat that number, he would consider the 'X Factor' a failure.”

But will the changes get Cowell the ratings he wants? Deadline speculates Cowell could see backlash from cutting Abdul, but EW writes …

“It’s clearly a smart move … Not only has the series gotten rid of its weaknesses, but it’s also made a move to keep the show in headlines for the next few months.”

So who could replace Scherzinger and Abdul? Media are guessing Mariah Carey --- Cowell has mentioned her in the past, and MSNBC applauds the possibility of new women on the show.

“Haven’t we seen enough of women playing the ‘It's too HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARD’ role on these shows? Could ‘X Factor’ really not find women more capable of being critical … and throwing elbows at the men on the panel?”
 

(Image source: Comedy Central)

BY BLAKE HANSON

It appears the “Definitely Not Coordinating with Stephen Colbert Super PAC” is definitely coordinating again. The satirist took back control from Jon Stewart on his show last night...

Colbert magically takes back Super PAC
COLBERT: “Super PAC!”

While you might’ve chuckled over the skit -- the money the Super PAC raised was no joke. It reported raising more than $1 million.

“ … Colbert noted that he had gotten his money back just in time for the Jan. 31 deadline for super PACS to release donor information … Yes, you got it – he’s making fun there. That’s why he’s got a super PAC, to comically illuminate the faults and absurdities of the US campaign finance world.”

Some notable donors: former West Wing star Bradley Whitford & the Lieutenant Governor of California, Gavin Newsom. But now comes the question many in the media are asking, including the New York Observer...

“While we’re glad to have gotten a lesson on how super PACs work, we’re wondering where that million plus bucks is going now that it’s back in Colbert’s control.”

When posed with that question, a writer for ology isn’t laughing, writing...

“Colbert’s PAC risks angering voters, both Democratic and Republican, who do not appreciate the shenanigans that the comedian is playing with the presidential race. … emotions will run hot and the stakes will be high – people do take this stuff seriously, even if Colbert and his fans do not.”

So, will the Super PAC play a role in the campaign process? A panelist on CNN doesn’t think so...

“I don’t think Colbert is going to have a big effect on the campaign. The people he’s talking to really are people who are already checked out.”
“I really hope he can at least shame the other campaigns into behaving less badly.”

And take a look at some of the official filing to the Federal Election Commission. Politico has a portion written by the Super PAC Treasurer, Shauna Polk...

“‘Stephen Colbert, President of ABTT, has asked that I quote him as saying, ‘Yeah! How you like me now, F.E.C? I’m rolling seven digits deep! I got 99 problems but a non-connected independent-expenditure only committee ain’t one!’’ Polk wrote, adding, ‘I would like it noted for the record that I advised Mr. Colbert against including that quote.’”
 

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY SAMANTHA KUBOTA

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

It ain’t easy being green, especially when you’ve caught the eye of Fox Business. After being accused in December by the network of being anti-oil, the Muppets held a press conference last week to address those claims.

KERMIT: “It’s a funny thing- they were concerned about us having some prejudice against oil companies and that I can tell you is categorically not true. And besides if we had a problem with oil companies why would we drive in around the whole film in a gas-guzzling Rolls Royce?”

And Time Magazine reports “Miss Piggy chimed in too, though a bit more confrontational, deeming the allegations ‘almost as laughable as accusing Fox News of being … news.’”

In the movie, the Muppets are up against an oil giant. All the drama started back in December, when FOX Business gave its take ...


“Let’s point this out, the oil rich giant man is called ‘Tex Richman.’”
 

“Yeah, it’s amazing how far the Left will go to just to stoop to you know, you’ll manipulate your kids to convince them, give the anti corporate message..."

So why all the fuss now? MSNBC reports the Muppets Movie is set to be released in the UK next month, hence the promotional conference.

And as the Atlantic Wire puts it -- the Muppets, are quote, “never ones to forget a slight.”

(Image source: Chicagoist)

BY MICHAEL COLLINS AND BRICE SANDER

With less than a week to go until the Super Bowl, corporate giants are set to roll out some of their most expensive ad campaigns.

To kick off the launch of the 2012 CR-V, Honda took it back to the ‘80s- creating a ‘Ferris Bueller’ send-up with original star Matthew Broderick. (Honda)

A 10-second teaser for the spot racked up more than 4 million views before the full length commercial went up online Monday. While some find the ad a little disappointing- Broderick plays himself, not Ferris- the Chicago Sun Times says job well done.

“ ... you have to give kudos to Honda for making such a big splash prior to Super Bowl Sunday, when we’ll no doubt once again see a bunch of ads featuring talking or comic animals, men suffering blows to the crotch, people you wouldn’t expect to listen to hip-hop listening to hip-hop and women getting wet and/or doing something in slow motion.”

And Honda’s not the only car company releasing a movie-themed ad.

Twilight fans can also expect some blood-sucking fun from Audi. The auto maker takes inspiration from the hit franchise with a vampire-themed commercial for the new S7. (Audi)

Entertainment Weekly explains why companies are keen on borrowing from Hollywood this year.

“Super Bowl commercial aficionados will recall that last year’s Star Wars-themed Volkswagen commercial — in which a little boy in a Darth Vader costume uses Jedi mind tricks to start his dad’s Passat — became a web sensation, with 8 million people watching the ad online before it actually aired during the game.”

Coca-Cola gets in on the nostalgia game, too- bringing back its iconic polar bears. And USA Today says they’re going high tech.

“The bears, appearing to watch the game, will respond in real time to the real game's action, such as touchdowns, turnovers, bad calls and even commercials for other brands.”

ABC explains why other advertisers, like GoDaddy.com and Dorito’s, are joining Coke in integrating social media into their ads.

DAVID MUIR: “The ads this year will try to reach out to your technology, because it’s estimated 60% of viewers will have a second screen in their hand- their smart phone.”


That’s just a preview of all the ads you’ll see Sunday. Average cost for a 30-second spot? $3.5 million.

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons/Amazon)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

A new book from a former Marine promises to reveal Hollywood secrets. 88-year-old Scotty Bowers’ new memoir details his alleged sexual exploits with some of Hollywood’s golden-era elite. He name-drops Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn, to name a couple.

“Full Service: My Adventures in Hollywood and the Secret Sex Lives of the Stars” is out in February. In the memoir, Bowers tells how he was paid for sex by some stars, and served as a matchmaker for others. The New York Times reports …

“ ... a lot of what Mr. Bowers has to say is pretty shocking. He claims … to have set Hepburn up with ‘over 150 different women.’ Other stories … involve Spencer Tracy, Cole Porter, the Duke and Duchess of Windsor … he also gained a following among heterosexual actors like Desi Arnaz, who used him as a type of matchmaking service.”

And The Daily Mail describes …

“The book is as explicit as it is bawdy. … an era of 'amazing, intoxicating days, wildly erotic and carefree,' he writes … He describes … having 'really hot sex' …”

And PinkPaper reports on how it all began.

“Bowers … said it all started in 1946, when he was 23. He claims that, post-military service, he got a job in a petrol station near the Hollywood film studios. One day, [actor] Walter Pidgeon is said to have propositioned him with a $20 bill ...”

Bowers says he kept quiet until now because he didn’t want to hurt former clients. But how did no one else ever hear of these stories? The Wrap reports …

“Younger readers -- at least those raised in the Internet and TMZ age -- may find nearly as shocking the fact that the stories were squelched by studio publicists and remained largely under wraps back in the day.”

Bowers says he got out of the game in the ‘80s because of the onset of AIDS, and he’s been married to his wife, Lois, for 27 years.

(Image source: Stereotude)

BY BRICE SANDER

It’s Elton versus Madonna, round … well, who can keep count anymore?

After telling ABC he would never, ever do the Super Bowl halftime show, Elton John gave some sarcastic advice to this year’s performer - frenemy Madonna.

ELTON JOHN: “Make sure you lip sync good.”

This is the latest bitter banter between the music legends. Gawker provides a history lesson on the superstar spat.  

“Oh, snap, girl. Their feud started way back in 2004 when John publicly accused Madonna of lip-syncing in her concerts at an awards show … If he keeps this up, I know one not-so-delicate flower Madonna is going to hate more than hydrangeas.”

John reignited the feud at January’s Golden Globes when he said Madonna didn’t have a, quote, “f-ing chance” of beating him for best original song. After she did, John’s husband -- David Furnish -- ranted about Madonna’s “embarrassing” win on Facebook. (Video: E!)

So far, the blogosphere is siding with Madonna on this one. An iVilliage contributor applauds her for taking the high road - for now.

“Madonna has been mum on the subject. But she does have a big week ahead of her.”

And Crushable suggests it’s time to grow up, Elton.

“As a father Elton might want to learn to let bygones be bygones. Otherwise he’ll end up teaching his son Zachary, ‘If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything at all, unless it’s about Madonna. That hack needs be taken down a few pegs.’”

Plus, Slate says Elton doesn’t have much room to talk.  

“Elton might not have much room to make jokes about lip-syncing; he and X Factor winner Melanie Amaro plan to pimp out Pepsi for a Super Bowl commercial. That’s about as far from a live performance as you can get.”

(Image source: Sony Pictures)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

“The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo’s” graphic rape scene had been buzzed about in the U.S. long before its release, but now it’s an issue in India. The country has deemed the American movie “unsuitable” for Indian audiences.

Director David Fincher’s movie version of the hit novel was set to debut in India February 10th, but India’s Central Board of Film Certification wanted several scenes cut -- including a sex scene between actress Rooney Mara and actor Daniel Craig that shows frontal nudity, a sexual scene between Mara and another female character and a graphic rape scene. 

Digital Spy reports Fincher would not approve the cuts, and has a just-released statement from the Mumbai-based branch of Sony Pictures.

“Sony Pictures will not be releasing The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo in India. The Censor Board has judged the film unsuitable for public viewing in its unaltered form and, while we are committed to maintaining and protecting the vision of the director, we will, as always, respect the guidelines set by the Board.”

E! Online agrees with Fincher’s stance.

“Sounds like some key scenes in the movie to us. We definitely understand why Fincher wouldn't make those cuts.”

And CinemaBlend is glad to see the studio’s support.

“This is artistic integrity at its best. David Fincher made The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo the way that he meant it to be seen and it's great to hear that the studio has his back.”

But Gawker is less impressed.

“The statement … was a little too resigned for my tastes. … Where is your outrage, Sony Pictures India? While the standard practice in India is to simply blur out the naughty bits, Fincher was being asked to get rid of certain scenes entirely.”

Several outlets report there was high anticipation for the movie in India -- especially on the heels of Mara’s Oscar nomination for the role. But The Hindustan Times says even the poster was offensive to some.

“The film's official poster itself shows frontal nudity and is raising eyebrows in Malaysia and the Gulf countries also.”

And how will the decision affect the film’s worldwide box office take? The Huffington Post reports.

“...don't rally the troops for a telethon just yet; ‘Tattoo’ is closing in on $100 million domestically, and should [comfortably] sail past $200 million in global sales …”

(Image source: Lionsgate Films)

BY STEFANIE REDDING

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

The opening weekend numbers are in for Katherine Heigl’s latest romantic comedy, ‘One For The Money’ -- and the Hollywood Reporter says ..

“One for the Money opened No. 2 on Friday with a better than expected $4.1 million. If business holds, the Lionsgate and Lakeshore Entertainment pic should gross $11 million to $12 million for the weekend.”

Although the movie is doing better than expected in its opening, will those numbers hold?

Rotten Tomatoes reports the film has only a 3 percent approval rating from critics overall.

A writer for the New York Daily News says Heigl is “miscast.”

“Heigl tends to imbue her characters with an off-putting mix of insecurity and abrasiveness ... She’s too movie-star glam, too stiffly prissy, and too lacking in any affection for Stephanie [the main character] herself.”
              
This is the latest critical flop for Heigl, after ‘Killers’ and ‘Life As We Know It.’ Now, Heigl tells MTV she wouldn’t mind reprising the role that helped make her famous -- Izzie on Grey’s Anatomy.

“I’ve thought about this a lot actually. I would love it if Izzie came back and actually having really just sort of gotten to the next level. She was always one step behind and struggling with her career.”

But critics point to that same prissyness the New York Daily News noted in its ‘One For The Money’ review -- saying how Heigl left the show may make it impossible for her to come back. EW reports:

"...a source close to the show tells EW that a return trip doesn’t look good for Heigl, who once memorably said in 2008 that she did not put her name in for Emmy consideration because she did not feel she was given material to justify it. (She also complained to David Letterman that the 17-hour work days were 'cruel and mean.')”

And New York Magazine has some career advice for Heigl.

“She needs to stay away [from the limelight] for a while, come back with a film worth seeing, and be given extremely detailed talking points to promote it. She has to prove herself as a human being and an actor.”

(Image source: Ebony)

BY BRICE SANDER

Soul legend Etta James was laid to rest Saturday. HLN takes us inside the star-studded ceremony.

“The singer died January 20 from complications of leukemia. Reverend Al Sharpton presided over the funeral in California. He even read a note from President Obama. It said that Etta James’ talent transcended genres.”

USA Today echoes that sentiment calling the funeral ...

“...a rousing goodbye to an artist remembered for her authentic singing style and her triumph against all odds to break down cultural, racial and musical barriers.”

The memorial included performances from Stevie Wonder...

“And I’ll be your shelter in the rain.”

...and Christina Aguilera with James’ signature song ‘At Last.’

“And life is like a song...”

MTV UK calls Aguilera’s performance “powerful,” a moving tribute to the late singer.

“[She] told the assembled crowd that she had been inspired by James and that she included the song in every concert … ‘It's very emotional for me to sing today, as this has meant so much to me.’”

The performances followed words from James’ family and U.S. congresswoman Maxine Waters, who noted what she hopes will be the singer’s lasting legacy.

“‘Etta has always been one of my artistic heroines,’ Waters said. ‘Think about the strength of a woman who beat her addictions … Etta is special to me because she represents the life, the trials and the tribulations of a lot of black women all over this world ... She was a survivor, and I love her for that.’”

The memorial took place only a few miles from the church where James first started singing. She leaves behind two sons, her husband of 42 years and a legion of loyal fans.

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

The trailer for a new web series from actor James Franco is causing controversy at the University of Southern California. Franco’s brother helped with the show and has called it “part documentary, part reality, part scripted” -- but no matter what it is, USC isn’t happy.

KTTV reports school officials are upset because the show only follows five students -- they say it doesn’t represent the whole student body. The show -- called Undergrads -- depicts students drinking, partying, and hooking up with each other.

“Things you could probably find on any college campus, but … A lot of students are upset because James Franco went to USC’s rival, UCLA at one point -- and they feel like he didn’t choose UCLA to make this series.”

A blogger for LA Weekly seems to agree, noting that Franco attended Columbia and NYU, and wondering why he couldn’t have set the show at one of those universities.

“...are all the airheads only in L.A? Targeting the shallowness of USC undergrads fresh out of their moms’ Mercedes SUVs is too easy. ... James Franco’s a self-absorbed tool.”

The Los Angeles Times says the show comes at a time when USC has been working to build up its reputation and …

“...by many measures, the school has undergone a notable shift, with an investment to attract stronger faculty, more research dollars and an increasingly diverse student body...”

The Vice President of Student Affairs said in a statement on the show:

“More accurately representative of USC are the students who provide hundreds of hours in community service, who rank among the country’s most academically and artistically gifted, and who value diversity in cultures, nationalities and socio-economic backgrounds among their peers.”

But KNBC quotes Franco’s producing partner, who says they didn’t expect the trailer to “have this type of backlash.”

“It’s not a reality show and it’s not just about USC. … We felt that as entertainers that [the trailer] might hook in audiences better than footage of someone studying, which we have a lot of … We never mention the name of the college because we didn’t want a backlash like the one we got [from USC].”

The trailer for ‘Undergrads’ has been removed from Franco’s website. It’s set to debut February 2nd.

(Image source: NY Daily News)

BY BRICE SANDER

A frantic, 10-minute 911 recording reveals parts of what went down Monday just before medical crews rushed actress Demi Moore to the hospital. The City of Los Angeles released a redacted version of the call, sparking a media firestorm. CBS’ Lee Cowan gives insight into why the media are publishing the tape.

LEE COWAN: “The scene sounds a lot more dire than her publicist led on. After Demi had been rushed to the hospital Monday night, a statement read that she would be seeking professional help for exhaustion and over-all health.”

Some reports claimed Moore inhaled whip-its -- nitrous oxide inhalants -- before she collapsed. But there’s no mention of those on the tape, just a substance “similar to marijuana.” TMZ says the call leaves more questions than answers.

HARVEY LEVIN: “They were not specific about anything illegal or—when they talked about just smoking. That’s a general statement. When you get into- when you get into a specific substance, whatever the substance is, that’s what they cut out.”

Media have made the recording one of the weekend’s top stories, but Entertainment Weekly examines if releasing it was right.

“[Legal expert] Tony Stuart …believes Moore should have a right to privacy because of the nature of that 911 call. ‘It seems to me that a call for medical assistance ought to be private, period’ … But unless the public’s interest in that type of private information wanes considerably, the celebrities themselves should expect to see their 911 calls continue to [be released] to the media.”

911 calls in Los Angeles are public information. Anyone can obtain them, and celebrity emergency calls have been released before. Still, a writer for CinemaBlend thinks this one crosses the line.

“I listened to the tape this morning, but admittedly, I felt a little squeamish doing so. Sensitive pieces of information like the star’s address may have been bleeped, but I was still listening to a frantic situation that potentially could have been life or death."

(Image source: BuddyTV)

BY BRICE SANDER

She came over the bridge from Flushing to the Sheffields’ door-- but did the nanny named Fran make a pit stop in space first? That’s what Fran Drescher claims in an interview with the Huffington Post.

"You know, it's funny because [my ex-husband] and I both saw [aliens] before we knew each other, doing the same thing, driving on the road with our dads … We were both in junior high. A few years later, we met, and we realized that we had the same experience. I think that somehow we were programmed to meet.”

Drescher says she and her ex have matching, inexplicable scars on their hands -- evidence, to her, of alien-implanted chips. But her ex isn’t so sure. Here’s Portland’s KATU.

ANCHOR 1: “Her ex, who’s now openly gay by the way, doesn’t believe the abduction even happened. But Fran says that’s just what the aliens programmed him to think.”
ANCHOR 2: “Who hasn’t been abducted by an alien?”
ANCHOR 3: “Right?”

But some suspect the story’s a hoax in itself -- meaning the interview is a joke. The Today Show says …

“It's hard to read this story without wondering if The Huffington Post is using it as a test run for a possible Onion-like publication, or if Drescher is putting them on -- she is a comic actress, after all -- but [Huffington Post] writer Rob Shuter says Drescher told him the story ‘in all seriousness.’”

While there might not be a way to prove Drescher’s claims- the Examiner says more people will believe her than you think.    

“According to a Gallup poll, one-third of Americans believe in aliens that can program our thoughts. It is assumed aliens possess a power to alter our awareness of reality with delusions of everyday incidents to cover-up the experiments performed on humans.”

Drescher isn’t the first celebrity to claim an alien encounter -- Elvis, William Shatner and Mick Jagger all made headlines when they shared their experiences.

(Image Source: LA Times)

BY LOGAN TITTLE

Pat Sajak is putting a whole new twist on the term “drunk behind the wheel.”

The popular Wheel of Fortune host revealed this in an interview with ESPN.

BATARD: “Have you ever done Wheel of Fortune a little bit drunk?”

SAJAK: “Yes…I had a great time. I have no idea if the shows were any good but no one said anything so I guess I did pretty good.”

Sajak confessed to consuming two to six pre-show drinks with his co-host Vanna White . That’s according to the Huffington Post.

“In ‘Wheel of Fortune's’ early format, Sajak found himself with two-and-a-half-hour dinner breaks while they changed up the prizes. So he and his right-hand woman Vanna White would go out to…a nearby Mexican restaurant…for some margaritas.”

But many people aren’t stunned by the confession. A commenter on the Globe and Mail says hey-- it makes sense.

“Heck, after decades of hearing the ‘TR-TR-TR-TR-TR-TR’ grinding of that wheel, the vapid audience applause, the slide-whistle of the ‘Bankrupt’, and people who aren't sure what is a ‘vowel’, the bigger surprise would be if he DIDN'T drink!”

And a blogger for Entertainment Weekly says-- actually-- knowing the two were a little tipsy would’ve made the show better.

“I can only imagine how much more wonderful the viewing experience would be if I had known that Sajak and Vanna were _bsol_tely w_sted.” (absolutely wasted)

But even with the lack of backlash, Sajak tells ABC—he may have spun the wheel a little too hard on this one.

“To be honest…it was probably a half a dozen times we went across the street and had a margarita … But when you’re telling a story on the air, you want to make it sound more exciting than it was.  In truth, you really can’t do television if you’re stumbling all over the place.”

Liquid lunches or not, the Washington Post says Sajak is now sticking with sobriety on set.

(Image source: E! Online)

(Image Source: Gossip Celebrity News)
 
BY EMILY ALLEN

ANCHOR ANA CAMPAIN-ROMERO

It could be exhaustion, excessive partying or an adolescent street drug?  New reports are surfacing about Demi Moore’s Monday night hospital stint.  WPRI reports.
 
“We know from friends that were with her, they were telling us, she was doing what they call whip its.  One of those things that kids basically do in rage parties.”

If you’re wondering what a whip-it is, here’s a description from The New York Daily News.
 
“The gaseous canisters of nitrous oxide, inhaled from whipped cream dispensers, send users into a state of other-worldliness.”
 
Sources told E! News it started off as a normal girls night, but then the details get sketchy.
 
“A source says Moore, for unknown reasons, began to convulse and act ‘like she was having a seizure.’ The female friend was understandably concerned and dialed 911.”

TMZ says these symptoms coincide with an excessive use of nitrous oxide.  It says these drug reports are true, but don’t make any sense.
 
“It’s not common at all, it’s common you know in early college and late high school parties and no one of her age and social status does this drug at all.”
 
KTLA justifies Moore’s behavior, citing her recent split with hubby Ashton Kutcher.
 
“One therapist told KTLA Moore’s teenage-like behavior may be a coping mechanism, understanding the crushing pain of divorce.”
 
ABC News says Moore is going to return to rehab for the second time but also says those reports have not been confirmed yet.
 
 

(Image source: Twitter/MrsKutcher)

BY CODY LAGROW

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

She’s recently separated … and now seeking treatment. Actress Demi Moore was rushed to the hospital Monday night and the reason why is still unclear. HLN reports.

“She has been rushed to the hospital for substance abuse. I can also tell you that now that she has been in the hospital overnight, they have decided to transport her to a long-term facility for substance abuse.”

Sources scream addiction, but Moore’s rep tells a different tale to TMZ.

“Because of the stresses in her life right now, Demi has chosen to seek professional assistance to treat her exhaustion and improve her overall health. She looks forward to getting well and is grateful for the support of her family and friends.”

If Moore is exhausted, People Magazine reports-- maybe she should be. The mag links the 49-year-old actress’ sleepiness to a party she went to with her 23-year-old daughter less than two weeks ago.

“When she first arrived, she kept to herself…but she started loosening up and getting into party mode. Though she was not seen downing any alcohol, Moore appeared to be lapping up male attention.”

The news comes after a high-profile split with six-year hubby Ashton Kutcher. E! News says the difficulty of divorce pushed Moore over the edge.

"Demi has decided to enter a facility to get help. While it’s unclear exactly what the actress is being treated for, it sounds like a case of fatigue brought on by stress.”

Whether stress or substance abuse—the Mirror reports Moore is feeling the love on Twitter from a few famous friends.

"Eva Longoria joined the Twitterverse in sending her shout-out to the star. Longoria said, ‘Sending my love and support to one of the most beautiful people I know...’”

Moore planned to star in upcoming film “Lovelace” with Amanda Seyfried—but has pulled out with plans to focus on recovery.

(Image Source: Fox News)

BY HARUMENDHAH HELMY

ANCHOR JIM FLINK

This is Newsy Now and here are your latest headlines.
 

In U.S. news, the Navy SEALs rescued two kidnapped aid workers in Somalia in what the media call a ‘daring raid.’ Somalian pirates took the two aid workers -- an American and a Dane -- as hostages back in October. Fox News noted an interesting interaction between President Barack Obama and Defense Secretary Leon Panetta last night.
 

“If you watched the State of the Union last night, there was a hint of what was going down!”
Obama to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta: “Leon, good job tonight. Good job tonight.”
 

In world news, Cairo’s Tahrir Square was alive with rallies once again. Wednesday marks a year after the start of the uprising that toppled former President Hosni Mubarak. Al Jazeera talks to one Egyptian who says she’s not quite celebrating the anniversary.  
 

“For Shayma, January 25 is an opportunity to demonstrate, not a reason to celebrate.
Shayma: “All my Egyptian brothers who were killed, justice has not been served for them.”
 

In business news, Apple is reporting fourth quarter earnings that blew every Wall Street expectation out of the water — thanks to record iPhone and iPad sales over the holiday season. The company sold 37 million iPhones and doubled their iPad sales. One veteran CNN reporter says...
 

“I’ve never seen a quarter like this. And this is a company that today when it opens for trading, could actually be the largest publicly traded company in the world... it would surpass ExxonMobil.”

And in... somewhat entertainment news, Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is getting his own TV show. It will begin airing in March exclusively on Russia’s RT network. One of the network’s reporter has the details on what the show will be about.
 

“Basically what he’s going to be doing is discussing the issues of the day with people who he says will shape what tomorrow looks like essentially. And he’s going to be challenging them on his ideas on how to secure a brighter future.”
 

Stay with Newsy for more news analyses throughout the day. For Newsy Now, I’m Jim Flink, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

(Image Source: Oscars.go.com)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

This year’s Academy Award nominees are out. The surprise nominations and who wasn’t named at all are the talk of the town. First, on Access Hollywood -- Entertainment Weekly’s Dave Karger says the Best Picture category has some shockers.

KARGER: “To see ‘Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close’ get in for Best Picture -- it only got two nominations overall, including Best Picture. ‘Tree of Life’ didn’t get that many overall but was still able to get in for Best Picture.”

Also getting chatter is the movie ‘Bridesmaids.’ The comedy didn’t make it into the Best Picture category, but Kristen Wiig was nominated for Best Screenplay, and Melissa McCarthy got a Best Supporting Actress nod. It’s rare for comedies to get recognized, but the ladies of CBS’ ‘The Talk’ don’t think McCarthy can win.

“Being the comedy person in a bunch of serious nominees, she’s probably not going to win. People don’t take comedy seriously, and it’s hard work.”

So, it’s perhaps a loss for McCarthy. But what about those who won’t even get a shot? The LA Times notes a few snubs.

“The big news was about the losers, notably Leonardo DiCaprio, who didn't get a best actor nod.  Albert Brooks, who didn't make the supporting actor cut, and ‘Cars 2’ and ‘Tintin,’ two high-profile animated films that didn't qualify for best animated feature.”

And CBS News points out …

“Ryan Gosling may be watching from home next month - despite earning praise for roles in ‘Drive’ and ‘The Ides of March,’ he did not receive any nominations.”

Indeed, Gosling is at zero this year, but maybe Meryl Streep can loan him one of her nominations. She’s up for her role as Margaret Thatcher in ‘The Iron Lady’, and it’s her 17th nomination. That’s a record for any actor or actress -- ever. Also getting love is Martin Scorsese’s 3D movie ‘Hugo’ -- leading the pack with 11 nominations. Critical favorite, ‘The Artist’, is close behind with ten. It’s the first time in 85 years a silent film has been up for Best Picture. And KCBS points out, ‘The Help’ did well.

“The ladies of ‘The Help’, Oscar darlings, including Viola Davis for Best Actress and Supporting Actress nods for Octavia Spencer and Jessica Chastain.”

See our transcript below for a link to the full list of nominees.
 

(Image Source: Senior Living)

BY HARUMENDHAH HELMY

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

This is Newsy Now and here are your latest headlines.
 

In U.S. news, GOP presidential contender Mitt Romney released his tax records late Monday. The Wall Street Journal says he paid a 14 percent effective tax rate in 2010, on an income of about 21 million dollars. The average effective rate for an American taxpayer is 11 percent. CNN says the revelation won’t stop all the tax talk.
 

CNN: “I feel like in a way, this just brings another round of conversation... we haven’t even gotten the full release yet.”
David Frum, contributor: “It opens two conversations: the first conversation is one about Mitt Romney, the second is about the way the tax system works.”
 

Still in the U.S., President Barack Obama is set to deliver the annual State of the Union address at 9 p.m. Eastern Time tonight. CBS explains what’s at stake for the man developing a re-election strategy.
 

“There will probably be no other speech this year, where the president has the attention of tens of millions of Americans, where he can make his case for his vision in this election year.”
 

In world news, a group of armed pro-Muammar Gaddafi residents have captured a city near the Libyan capital of Tripoli. Reuters calls it the gravest challenge yet to the country’s new government. Fox News has more.
 

“Pro-Gaddafi forces recapturing now. The city of Bani Walid near Tripoli. Libya’s new leaders have struggled to unify the country, three months after Gaddafi was captured and killed.”
 

In entertainment news, nominations for the 84th Oscars have been announced. The ceremony will be held February 26. Nine films have been nominated for Best Picture -- NBC’s Today Show has some of the surprises.
 

“Pleasant surprise for Steven Spielberg, whose War Horse hasn’t had as much awards action as you would think it would have had. Tree of Life, which, you know, a small independent movie that did very well, but a lot of people thought it was incredibly confusing, a little bizarre, Academy loved it.”
 

List of nominations, courtesy of the AP. 

Stay with Newsy for more news analysis throughout the day. 

(Image source: The Guardian)

BY BRICE SANDER

It’s another Spike Lee controversy. The filmmaker is making headlines after going off on Hollywood at the premiere of his latest film, ‘Red Hook Summer,’ at the Sundance Film Festival. As the New York Post reports, at a Q and A session after a screening -- actor Chris Rock sparked the tirade.

“Rock asked Lee about self-financing the film, saying, ‘You spent your own money... What would you have done differently if you'd actually gotten... studio money?’”

Lee responded…

“‘We never went to the studios with this film. I bought a camera and said we’re gonna do this mother[bleeping] film ourselves. I didn’t need a mother[bleeping] studio telling me something about Red Hook! They know nothing about black people! Nothing!’"

This is the second time this month an industry power player has criticized Hollywood’s relationship with black-fronted films—

George Lucas gave interview after interview about how difficult it was to get ‘Red Tails,’ a movie about World War II’s Tuskegee airmen, made. The movie opened to solid numbers, but took years to make with very little studio financing. (USA Today)

A writer for Big Hollywood plays devil’s advocate, explaining why Hollywood isn’t big on black-focused films at the box office.

“The truth is black-led films sometimes struggle to make money overseas, one reason why Hollywood is uneasy about such projects. But will the success of ‘Red Tails,’ combined with the recent smash ‘The Help’ start to open up the industry to the black experience?”

Comedienne Sherri Shepherd discussed the give-and-take in Hollywood on CBS’s ‘This Morning,’ saying both studios and filmmakers need to step up to better the black legacy on screen.

SHERRI SHEPHERD: “I think that it’s very well documented, Spike Lee- the problems that he has had with studios ... And I think that it’s also a shame when I see a promotion, a commercial, for ‘Red Tails’ and I don’t see faces.”

Lee’s film got people talking just as much as his rant- making the LA Times suggest Lee should let ‘Red Hook Summer’ speak for itself.

“It didn't help -- or, rather, it made things more surreal -- that the voluble Lee had just shown what was by any standard one of his most audacious films … But it was also, undeniably, Lee doing what he does best: using low-budget filmmaking and street-friendly storytelling as a means of provocation.”

After lashing out at the Q and A, Lee did apologize for his tone, but not for what he said.

(Image Source: Twitter/The Daily Mail)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Supermodel Heidi Klum and singer Seal announced Sunday night they are splitting. In a statement to People magazine, the couple said:

“While we have enjoyed seven very loving, loyal and happy years of marriage, after much soul-searching we have decided to separate. We have had the deepest respect for one another … and continue to love each other very much, but we have grown apart. This is an amicable process …”

The announcement comes after a weekend of conflicting reports. On Saturday, TMZ broke the break-up news -- saying Klum would be filing for divorce early this week  and Access Hollywood also said its sources had confirmed a split. But Us Weekly said the two were still together, though having problems, and People said the same, even calling out TMZ.

“Seal and Heidi Klum are not headed for divorce court just yet … Contrary to reports that surfaced Saturday … [People’s] source says ... ‘They're not divorcing.’”

Seems People is eating its own words a bit -- though it’s true the couple have not said they’re divorcing -- just separating. But, the question now is -- what went wrong? Good Morning America reports the split is a surprise because Klum and Seal are known for their PDAs and renewing their vows in a lavish ceremony every year on their wedding anniversary.

“They are the superhero couple of Hollywood. They’re the couple that’s always giving the advice in magazines about how to make your marriage work -- they’re a brand together.”

And only last month, the pair vacationed in Aspen, tweeting out photos. But The Daily Mail says Seal has been partying too hard for Heidi lately. Commentators on the Today show speculate ...

‘She makes a lot of money every year. $20 million. She’s much more famous than Seal. Men don’t like that. They want to be the breadwinner, and I think that’s the problem.”

And TMZ’s latest report is that Seal’s temper became too much for Klum. The couple has three children together, and Seal adopted Klum’s daughter from a previous relationship.

(Image Source: The Los Angeles Times)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Vanessa Bryant filed for divorce from her husband -- NBA star Kobe -- in mid-December after almost 10 years of marriage amid rumors of infidelity. With no pre-nup, it was expected she would get millions -- now, news is breaking of just how many millions.

AJ HAMMER: “The divorce deal is done and Vanessa will reportedly walk away with $75 million. That’s about half of the couple’s fortune.”

And that $75 million isn’t all. Vanessa will also keep the couple’s three Orange County homes -- worth $19 million total. KCBS reports from Newport Beach, where the houses are all within a half-mile of each other.

“There’s the family’s primary residence in the gated community of Pelican Ridge ... a second huge home ... then a massive estate in an ocean-front development across the street in Pelican Crest.”

That last house was custom-built for Bryant -- but he and Vanessa never even moved in. So $75 million, three houses -- and, reports The LA Times ...

“Legal experts said Vanessa Bryant will probably receive [the] $75 million in addition to ongoing spousal and child support.

WPBF says Vanessa will joins an elite group of wealthy former sports wives -- taking a look at a few famous faces.

“Michael Jordan’s wife Juanita netted $168 million after their marriage of 17 years ended in 2006.”

And noting Elin Nordegren got …

“$100 million after separating from husband Tiger Woods.”

But while Nordegren has remained quiet except for one interview since her split from Woods after he cheated -- TMZ says -- Vanessa may not do the same. VH1’s reality show “Basketball Wives” has plans to court her ...

“Vanessa Bryant has become the Holy Grail for ‘Basketball Wives’ producers ... and TMZ has learned, the people behind the VH1 show are prepping to make her an offer she can't refuse.”


The couple has two children together.
 

(Image Source: Cheryl Cohen Greene)

BY CODY LAGROW

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

Sex...as therapy. That’s the premise of “The Surrogate”--which premieres this week at Sundance.

Such Much Films explains self-proclaimed “surrogate partner” Cheryl Cohen Greene’s relationship with one client -- Mark O’Brien.

“By the age of 36, Mark, confined mostly to an iron lung as a result of childhood polio, is eager to lose his virginity before his use-by date….On the advice of his therapist and with the guidance of his priest, Mark contacts Cheryl, who aside from her unusual occupation, is a typical soccer mom.”

Cohen Greene is now 67 years old and married -- to one of her former clients. She says business is booming, and explains her work in a documentary for WeTV.

CHERYL COHEN GREENE: “A surrogate partner is a coach, a guide, an expert in helping people become more comfortable with who they are sexually, honoring and loving their sexuality, and more confidence so they can go out into the world.”

Cohen Greene is an equal opportunity employer and works with all types of men. The San Francisco Chronicle says, “She’s worked with couples, with married men and single men, with disabled people, with men in their 60s, 70s, and 80s who have never had sex.”

But is finding a surrogate partner as healthy as Cohen Greene believes? CNN reports some mental health experts don’t agree.

“You have a person holding themselves out to be an expert or an authority figure engaging in an act that puts the another person in tremendous vulnerability.”

Whether you’ve got the money for making love or not, critics say “The Surrogate” makes for a great movie. It’s starring Helen Hunt and John Fawkes--and is already nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance.

(Image source: When The Gramophone Rings)

BY BRICE SANDER

It’s been a rough week for singer Lana Del Rey. The virtually unknown 22-year-old performed on Saturday Night Live a week ago Saturday and got a ton of blogosphere backlash for the less-than-stellar performance. Here’s a clip.

LANA DEL REY (SINGING): “And I know that love is mean, love hurts. I still remember that day we met in December. But I will love you ‘til the end of time.”

Everyone from NBC’s Brian Williams to actress Juliette Lewis lambasted Lana online. Web personalities like Michael Buckley wrote the singer off.

“Is having no stage presence the new stage presence? She has since replied to her critics- maybe she’ll become a big star and we can all suck it?”

But the UK’s Guardian says that’s exactly what’s going to happen -- noting Del Rey’s yet-to-be released album is now a top-seller on Amazon.

“…Lana Del Rey’s rise says much about the nature of modern fame in the US … the huge backlash to Del Rey is happening before her first album has even been released. This reveals a cultural obsession with the ‘authenticity’ that fans, artists and corporations all prize above all else.”

A Technorati blogger suggests her sudden fame reinforces the old notion “all press is good press.”

“…her status as a pariah of the music industry has granted her the support of scores of sympathetic teenagers, which is precisely the demographic Del Rey and her label are marketing to.”

But after Del Rey gave an interview saying she’ll never be a good live performer, Idolator isn’t so sure the singer can come back from her SNL stint.

“Why would someone – a ‘professional’ performer- ever, ever say this? To be self-deprecating? To be humble? Humble doesn’t work on a pop star, sweetie. You’re making it incredibly easy for South By Southwest-goers to skip over your show for someone/anyone else’s set.”

But if it’s any consolation, there’s always Ashlee Simpson’s SNL performance to make you feel better, Lana.

(Image source: The Salt Late Tribune/Facebook)

BY EMILY SPAIN

You're watching multisource entertainment and U.S. news analysis from Newsy.

Wedding bells will ring for well-known kidnapping victim Elizabeth Smart.
The 24-year-old Mormon is engaged and wedding plans are set for sometime this summer according to People magazine.

Smart’s name made headlines when she was kidnapped from her home in Utah at age 14. She was sexually abused and kept in hiding for nine months before escaping, and testified in front of her kidnapper in 2010. Now - Smart works as a child advocate and an ABC News contributor.

Her decision to tie the knot has the media buzzing about wedding plans - but there’s little to be said.
So far, The Salt Lake Tribune reports online wedding registries show Smart will marry Matthew Gilmour who’s from Scotland this summer. Why all the secrecy? Smart’s rep tells Us Magazine...

" … she wants to keep the details of her personal life private. She wants to continue to be involved with her child advocacy work, but, at the same time, she doesn't want her husband or children to be in the spotlight."

In response to Smart’s silence, a writer for The Stir says good for her, praising Smart’s decision to keep her private life on the D-L.

“Given that the woman's life has been a spectacle for nearly a decade … it should come as no surprise that she wants some privacy. And knowing that all she wants is to keep what's close to her heart out of the headlines, any sort of poking and prying around, asking family members for details, or trying to get Smart or her publicist to dish just feels so wrong and tacky!”

But, it seems the motive for knowing Smart’s story is largely good-natured. Many are happy for the lovebirds and glad Smart’s past hasn’t kept her from finding Prince Charming. A writer for Gather says:

“Congratulations to Elizabeth Smart and the Smart family on this exciting and very encouraging news. It's not often that a child kidnapping victim and victim of sexual abuse winds up to lead such a fulfilling and successful life.”

Smart’s dad told People Magazine the couple’s engagement didn’t surprise him -- and the family is happy for this next stage in his daughter’s life.

Transcript by Newsy.

(Image Source: 20th Century Fox)

BY ALLYSON BROWN

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

Is George Lucas’ ‘Red Tails’ going to be a hit, or get shot down? The film is facing struggles of its own, just like the Tuskegee Airmen portrayed on-screen.

“Nothing is difficult, everything is a challenge, through adversity, to the stars, from the last plane,  to the last bullet, to the last minute, to the last man. We fight! We Fight! We Fight! We Fight! We Fight! We Fight!”

Lucas has been trying to make the movie for 20 years, but he says studios weren’t interested in a movie with a predominantly black cast. Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush couldn’t believe studios would say ‘no’ to the man who made ‘Star Wars’ -- actor Terrence Howard explained what studios said.

“We don’t know how to market it. It’s like, ‘Why? You just market it. It’s an action movie.’ ‘Well, it’s an all-black cast, and the white guys are the bad guys.’”

Lucas ended up paying for production himself -- at a whopping $58 million. Eventually, 20th Century Fox stepped in to help distribute. But, now that it’s finally made -- how is Red Tails being received?

By critics -- not well. It only had a 33 percent approval rating on RottenTomatoes.com.

Still, the critics might not be reflective of box office numbers. Red Tails isn’t No. 1 thus far in its opening weekend, but it’s at a strong second. Deadline calls it a “surprise” hit, and reports it brought the movie brought in $6.2 million Friday.

“Hollywood studios were stunned by how well … Red Tails, did in matinees today. … Right now the pic appears very frontloaded but could keep surprising by flying towards $20M because of its ‘A’ CinemaScore from audiences.”

Deadline reports the success may be from Lucas’ marketing push in the African-American community. We’ll see who wins the battle at the box office when final numbers are reported on Monday.
 

(Image source: On The Red Carpet)

BY BRICE SANDER

This-- is the end of ‘American Idol.’ At least that’s what some people are saying after the reality show’s eleventh season slipped sharply in viewership. The New York Times has the ratings.

“‘American Idol’ may have officially crossed over from phenomenon to mere hit television show on Thursday, as the second outing of this year’s edition fell a steep 27 percent in the ratings from its performance on the same night last year – and 44 percent from its number two years ago.”

Those Thursday numbers follow a similar slip in Wednesday’s premiere. CNN’s AJ Hammer gives us some insight.

AJ HAMMER: “I’m thinking it’s got to be some kind of a disappointment of sorts at least for the people behind the show. At its height, ‘Idol’ saw 32 million people tuning in for a premiere episode- that was back in 2007.”

Deadline points out other shows are starting to draw more viewers.

“After ABC’s Modern Family on Wednesday logged its best ratings ever against American Idol, CBS’ The Big Bang Theory did one better last night, besting the Fox reality juggernaut for the first time [in key demos].”

This is the first time a regularly scheduled, competing show bested ‘Idol’- ‘The Insider’ points out this might be because ‘Idol’ isn’t the only singing competition out there anymore.

MARY MURPHY: “Ratings are down because of a glut of reality singing contests. There’s ‘The Voice,’ there’s ‘The X Factor,’ now ‘American Idol’ returns. I think the audience may be reaching a saturation point.”

And Gawker suggests this is the beginning of the end for ‘Idol.’

“...it looks like ‘Idol’ is more like fat, drugged out Elvis in a jumpsuit than his smooth, slick, money making younger self … this is the first sound of its death rattle.”

But the Washington Post says, hey- it’s still America’s number one show.

“‘American Idol’: steady, reliable, always there — an institution, not like that pack of new guys. ‘American Idol’: the Mitt Romney of Singing Competitions!”
 

(Image Source: Last.Fm)

BY ELIZABETH RINEHART

You're watching multisource global video news analysis from Newsy

Legendary singer Etta James died Friday morning at Riverside Community Hospital in Riverside, Calif. Although her death was attributed to complications from leukemia, CelebTV reports it was not her only ailment.

“The singer was plagued with a string of health problems. In 2010 she was diagnosed with leukemia. She also suffered from dementia and Hepatitis C.”

The New York Daily News remembers her wedding-favorite hit, “At Last”:

“Her version of ‘At Last’ is absolutely unparalleled and when you listen to someone like Christina Aguilera, who’s done it prominently recently, you really hear the difference. You can really hear that no one else has that depth of feeling.”

James was born in 1938 to 14-year-old Dorothy Hawkins and never knew for sure who her real father was. As The New York Times reports, she recorded her first single at age 15, “The Wallflower,” which became a success.

“‘The Wallflower’ rose to No. 2 on the rhythm-and-blues charts in 1954. As was often the case in those days with records by black performers, a toned-down version was soon recorded by a white singer and found a wider audience: Georgia Gibbs’s version, with the title and lyric changed to ‘Dance With Me, Henry,’ was a No. 1 pop hit in 1955.”

James’s life took a turn in 1960 when she was signed to Chicago-based label Chess Records. According to The Telegraph...

“She began taking heroin, which was soon to become her drug of choice: ‘If I felt vulnerable and anxious when I was straight, I felt unapproachable and mellow when I was high,’ she wrote years later. ‘I got hooked real quick ... In a world where cool meant so much, junk pushed me into the territory of the extra-cool.’”

James spent the better part of the 60s addicted to the drug, and in the mid-70s was found writing bad checks to support her habit, and, according to the Los Angeles Times...

“James was offered a choice between prison or rehab. She chose the latter and kicked heroin, but she started using cocaine a few years later. A spiritual epiphany led her to give up cocaine and alcohol, and in the 1980s she began a personal and professional renaissance, reestablishing her credibility in the music world.”

WABC reports, her career shot back up once again in the 90s, when she was inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.

“[She] captured a Grammy in 2003 for best contemporary blues album for ‘Let’s Roll;’ one in 2004 for best traditional blues album for ‘Blues to the Bone;’ and one for best jazz vocal performance for 1994's ‘Mystery Lady: Songs of Billie Holiday.’ She was also awarded a special Grammy in 2003 for lifetime achievement and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”

James is survived by her husband of 42 years, Artis Mills, and her sons Donto and Sametto James.
 

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Mark Wahlberg landed in hot water Tuesday when Men’s Journal published its February issue interview with the actor. Wahlberg was scheduled to be on one of the Boston-to-Los Angeles flights that crashed into the World Trade Center, but changed his plans a week before -- and he told the magazine ...

“If I was on that plane with my kids, it wouldn’t have went down like it did. There would have been a lot of blood in that first-class cabin and then me saying, ‘OK, we’re going to land somewhere safely, don’t worry.’”

The comments quickly drew criticism. The Washington Post’s ‘Reliable Source’ blog writes …

“Oh, really? … Is Wahlberg saying he’s smarter and stronger than everyone else? Or just that he loves his family more?”

And New York’s WNYW spoke with a man whose wife was killed in the attacks -- he speaks as if talking directly to Wahlberg.

“You can’t say that you knew what you were going to do because you weren’t in the situation. He’s looking at it with hindsight right now. ... As much as you might have wanted to stop this thing, you are not the superhero your movies depict you as.”

But Wahlberg quickly apologized. The actor gave this statement to TMZ:

"To suggest I would have done anything differently than the passengers on that plane was irresponsible. … To speculate about such a situation is ridiculous to begin with. … I deeply apologize to the families of the victims that my answer came off as insensitive, it was certainly not my intention."
 

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

The rumors started about a week ago, and now it’s a cover story. Johnny Depp and his partner of 14 years, Vanessa Paradis, have reportedly split.

The couple have two children together, and the family spends most of its time in Europe -- Paradis is a French singer. Over the last week, The Daily Mail and other European outlets have reported the two are on the rocks, and Paradis didn’t accompany Depp to Sunday’s Golden Globes.

Now, the story is splashed on the cover of this week’s People magazine with the headline ‘Love Gone Wrong.’ People reports …

“Multiple sources tell PEOPLE ... the relationship is all but officially finished. In fact, some in their circle say the couple of nearly 14 years have already split. Says one insider: ‘It's so sad.’”

So -- how did this love go wrong -- that is, if it did? The latest from the Daily Mail is that Depp’s partying and time apart proved problems.

“ … he is often away filming or promoting his projects for weeks on end. … he had been spotted in Los Angeles, falling over while signing autographs, apparently drunk. … before that, a Vanity Fair interview described how he insisted on going gambling at the Ritz casino in London and ended up with the interviewer finding him asleep in one of the hotel’s toilets.”

Access Hollywood reports sources say Depp’s flirting also grew into a source of conflict.

“The womanizing has become an issue over the years. Vanessa knew what she was getting into -- it’s Johnny Depp. He gets a lot of attention from females.”

And some even say Depp has already moved on -- like so many Hollywood affairs, with a co-star. The National Enquirer says he’s been spending a lot of time with Eva Green, his love interest in the upcoming Tim Burton movie, ‘Dark Shadows.’

“ … Vanessa senses that she’s exactly Johnny’s type. … it’s caused so much tension that rumors are flying they’re about to split up.”

And what will happen to Depp’s millions if the two are parting ways? Depp has said he does not pay taxes in France, and Access Hollywood reports if he’s paying taxes in California, the two would divide assets equally, according to California law.

(Image Source: pauladeen.com)

BY BREANA JONES

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

The rumors are true. Queen of Southern cooking and lover of all things buttered Paula Deen announced on the Today Show Tuesday she has type 2 diabetes. But some are questioning her timing.

“She waited three years, she’s known about it three years. In the meantime some books have come out with the normal, fatty delicious recipes, right? And then, she’s also now a spokesperson for a drug maker who makes a diabetes drug.”

Indeed, Deen’s diabetes announcement came accompanied with an endorsement deal with for Novo Nordisk ... Huffington Post has the details.

“The [company], which is based in Denmark, manufactures the Type 2 Diabetes drug Victoza, which Deen told USA Today she injects daily.”

Also part of that deal -- Deen is publishing lighter versions of some of her most famous recipes. All this news comes with criticism from health officials and fellow celebrity chefs. Anthony Bourdain has slammed Deen in the past for her unhealthy cooking, and he had plenty to say on Twitter about her announcement.

CNN has more...

“Here’s what Bourdain tweeted to Paula Deen, “Thinking of getting in to the leg breaking business so I can profitably sell crutches later.”

But some say Deen’s not to blame here. On The View, Sherri Shepherd argues Deen’s recipes would be extremely dangerous for diabetics, but Whoopi Goldberg says -- people choose what they eat.

“If you as a diabetic know, you know you’re not supposed to do it. Why then should Paula Deen not put the recipe in there for those of us who are not diabetic and can do it?”

With the announcement, Deen says she’s changing her diet by giving up staples like sweet tea. People reports:

“Also on the chopping block: white products, which she's swapping for wheat grains. ‘I don't eat as much cake as I would like,’ she adds.”

And, Deen has long worked with her sons -- seems they’re making the business of diabetes a family one, too. Bobby Deen’s new show “Not My Mama’s Meals” debuted on the Cooking Channel earlier this month -- in it, he explains healthier versions of his mother’s recipes.

(Image Source: Globo Internacional)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

(Image source: Earth Sky/Bryan Lessard)

BY EMILY SPAIN

You're watching multisource entertainment and news from Newsy.

Do you think you can handle this?
Beyonce’s booty is making headlines... Why?
Because her rump is so bootylicious researchers named a horse fly after her.

It’s called Scaptia beyonceae. The fly is native to Australia and has a large golden hind quarters. That’s what made the scientists think of the singer. One researcher calls the fly the “all-time diva of flies,” telling The Telegraph:

“It was the unique dense golden hairs on the fly's abdomen that led me to name this fly in honour of the performer Beyoncé as well as giving me the chance to demonstrate the fun side of taxonomy – the naming of species...”

A writer for Entertainment Weekly says -- wait a second... While the naming may be fun for scientists, it’s probably not that flattering for bottom-blessed Beyonce.

“[The description] may make the insect sound visually appealing, but, well, it’s not... Although that gleaming fanny is oddly mesmerizing, the bug itself is, empirically… icky.”

A writer for Pop Crush points out Beyonce isn’t the only star to have a creepy crawly named after them.

“Now that Beyonce’s legacy is being carried on through a fly (we’re sure her mama’s very proud!), she joins a small list of other celebrities who have had small creatures named after them. Sting has a frog...and Frank Zappa was the inspiration behind naming a rare spider species...”

The Australian science agency behind the naming hasn’t heard from Beyonce yet, but says it hopes she’s a fan and takes the scientific gesture as a compliment. Still, a blogger for Joe.ie says the agency shouldn’t get their hopes up.

“Telling one of the most famous women in the world that you’re naming a fly after her because of some striking similarities, eh…we wouldn’t be holding our breath if we were you…”

Another thing linking the bootiful Beyonce and the horse fly together besides their behinds?
The year scientists collected the fly -- 1981 -- is also the year Beyonce was born.

Transcript by Newsy.

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons/Peter Dutton)

BY EMILY SPAIN

You're watching multisource entertainment news analysis from Newsy.

And the Golden Globe goes to...
The 69th annual award show hit airwaves Sunday night with the same host as the last two years -- Ricky Gervais. The show has people talking about the results, speeches and of course the controversial Gervais.

Here’s the Today Shows take:
Natalie: “Maybe we’re all getting used to his humor, but I actually found him last night to be not so offensive.
Al: “Well, I think once you got past last year.

But ABC points out that this year the stars were prepared for Gervais’ jokes.

REPORTER: “But this time reinvigorated stars chose to swap snaps with their would-be tormentor.”
MADONNA: “If I’m still just like a Virgin Ricky, then why don’t you come over here and do something about it. I haven’t kissed a girl in  a few years.”
MERYL STREEP: “When Ricky Gervais’ deal fell through and they came to me to play Margaret Thatcher.”

A writer for The Envelope notes another difference at this year’s awards... TV winners went to unpopular shows.

“When it came to honoring television, the Golden Globes went small. Really small. Some of the biggest winners at Sunday's Golden Globes were critically acclaimed cable shows that draw relatively tiny audiences — in some cases, far fewer than 1 million viewers per week. These included HBO's comedy "Enlightened," Starz's political drama "Boss," BBC America's crime thriller "Luther," and Showtime's show-biz comedy "Episodes."

And Deadline Hollywood complains about some of the results... taking a stab at the credibility of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

“Here’s why I hate the Golden Globes: Studios and networks who lavishly lobby the HFPA almost always score nominations. Stars win in direct correlation to their glamour quotient. Everything about the awards is geared towards hyping the media’s interest and the telecast’s ratings.”

One of the big stand-outs of the night? George Clooney... who won best actor for his role in The Descendants.  He also won over the audience with his poke at competitor and friend Brad Pitt when Clooney came on stage with a cane mimicking Pitt’s.  MTV writes:

“The mutual love between George Clooney and his "Ocean's Eleven" co-star Brad Pitt is anything but new. But on Sunday night (January 15), their love was on full-display as the pals put on some major emotional PDA for Golden Globe viewers.”

“The Artist” led the winnings with three awards. According to Deadline Hollywood, the TV rankings for this year’s Golden Globes are comparable to last year... coming in at 11.7 out of 18 shares.
For a full list of winners click here.

Transcript by Newsy.

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY HARUMENDHAH HELMY

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

This is Newsy Now and here are your latest headlines.
 

In U.S. news, today marks what would have been the 83rd birthday of civil rights activist Martin Luther King, Jr. This federal holiday was first celebrated in 1986, nearly twenty years after King was assassinated. Congress designated it as a day of service in 1994. Here’s CNN.
 

“Many people are going to celebrate the day by visiting the new memorial in D.C. dedicated to him. It’s the first MLK day, by the way, since it was completed.”
 

And in U.S. politics, former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, Jr. is dropping out of the GOP presidential nomination race. Fox News reports Huntsman will endorse another candidate he believes will have a better chance to beat President Barack Obama.
 

“He’s expected to endorse Mitt Romney. Keep in mind... I guess you could say this for most of the candidates. They have been attacking one another, here and there, and now, he’s going to support Governor Romney...”
 

In world news, the latest update on the cruise ship disaster off the coast of Italy. A sixth body has been found-- and the ship’s owner Costa Cruises is citing “human error” as the reason for the deadly disaster. MSNBC reports the ship’s captain is currently under investigation.
 

“Well just this morning, his company says he made an unauthorized deviation in the course of the ship. Brought it to close to shore then made mistakes in handling it.”
 

Still in world news, union leaders have suspended strikes in Nigeria after President Goodluck Jonathan announced the government will partially reinstate its fuel subsidies. The decision will push fuel prices down, but not as low as its initial price of about $1.70 a gallon. euronews says more negotiations are expected.
 

“The dispute has cost the country billions in lost revenue and will continue until the government and unions thrash out the details.”

 

And in entertainment, Hollywood kicked off its self-congratulatory awards season last night with the Golden Globes ceremony. Big winners included the film The Descendants, which won Best Drama, while its star George Clooney won Best Actor in a Drama.
 

And the black-and-white silent film The Artist won for Best Comedy or Musical. Meryl Streep won her 8th Golden Globe for her portrayal of Iron Lady Margaret Thatcher, while Michelle Williams won for her role as Marilyn Monroe. (Video: NBC's Today Show)
 

Stay with Newsy for more news analyses throughout the day. For Newsy Now, I’m Lauren Gores, highlighting the top headlines making you smarter, faster.

(Image source: Flickr/Alan Light)

BY HARUMENDHAH HELMY

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA
 

Heather Locklear was rushed to the hospital in Los Angeles last Thursday night after a frantic 911 call from her sister. She’s been discharged -- but now, her family wants the actress hospitalized again. First, Entertainment Tonight gets us up to speed on what happened last week.
 

“Xanax and alcohol were reportedly the dangerous cocktail Heather took which prompted her older sister to take swift action in fear that Heather would hurt herself.”
 

According to People Magazine, 50-year-old Locklear was, quote, “out of control.” A source says …
 

“‘Heather became a different person on drugs,’ adding that Locklear … may be heading into rehab shortly.”

TMZ reports a similar story, saying Locklear’s family wants her to get help, but it seems she won’t comply.
 

“Sources tell us the family wants her in a hospital setting this time around -- not a boutique rehab place … [But] as of [Friday], we're told Heather did not want to go to rehab again ... period.”
 

And ABC News notes — run-ins with substances and mental health issues aren’t new for the former ‘Melrose Place’ star.
 

“The last few years Heather’s had a lot of problems with substance abuse. She’s had a DUI. She had a reported suicide attempt...”


(AOC)
Locklear and boyfriend Jack Wagner broke off their engagement back in November -- reports are now saying the reason may be that he’s sober -- and she’s not.

SOC

(Image source: PaulaDeen.com)

(Image source: Comedy Central)

BY JJ BAILEY

ANCHOR LAUREN GORES

George Lucas is making the rounds, promoting his new movie, Red Tails, which he co-wrote and executive produced. And he should, he’s been trying to get it made for 23 years. In an interview on the Daily Show, he gives his take on why it’s taken so long. 

LUCAS: “I showed it to all of them and they said ‘nooooo.’ We don’t know how to market a movie like this. 

STEWART: Why?

LUCAS: It’s because it’s an all black movie. There’s no major white roles in it at all.” It’s one of the first all-black action movies ever made.”

He says it’s one of the first action movies with an all-black cast -- and now it’s coming to theatres. When the legendary producer and director started writing, he had 40 real Tuskeegee Airmen working with him on the script. Now, upon release, he’s lost all but seven. The Detroit Free Press talked to some of them about the film.

“I was glad they finally started to recognize what we did. ... More than just letting the world know that we were in existence, to act as role models for underprivileged youth. ... One of the things I try to tell them, because We were told that we would never fly for the United States, don’t ever let anybody tell you what you can’t do.”

The president of the Detroit chapter of Tuskeegee Airmen Inc. told the paper the film should get four or five Oscars at least-- and that idea may gain support from other filmmakers as well. The BBC notes Lucas is sharing an argument with some well-known company.

“Lucas's comments echo those of Spike Lee, who criticised the lack of black faces in Hollywood war movies in 2008. Speaking about Clint Eastwood's movies Flags Of Our Fathers and Letters From Iwo Jima, Lee said: ‘He did two films about Iwo Jima back to back and there was not one black soldier in both of those films’”

But the Hollywood Reporter points out, Lucas is going to need a lot of support in the box office on this one. Reportedly, he has a considerable amount of his own money invested in the film. They say the Star Wars creator...

“...put $58 million of his own money into the movie and is spending $35 million more for its distribution. It will be released by Lucasfilm Ltd. on Jan. 20, with Twentieth Century Fox distributing it.”

Lucas has said if the films go well, he hopes to expand the story in both a prequel and a sequel.

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

The Supreme Court seems to be saying strict rules for broadcast TV are not going anywhere.

This week, the court has been evaluating the Federal Communications Commission’s policing of curse words and nudity on the major networks -- ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox. The networks want the court to overturn a 1978 decision that upheld the FCC’s authority to regulate radio and TV content during prime-time hours before 10 p.m. Back then, there were only a few broadcasters, the networks argue -- today, there are hundreds, but only broadcasters face big fines from the FCC. (Video: CNN)

The New York Times reports the justices seem weary of change.

“ … there seemed to be little sentiment for a sweeping overhaul of the current system … Justice Antonin Scalia [said] ‘This has a symbolic value … just as we require a certain modicum of dress for the people that attend this court.’ … Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., the only justice with small children [said] … ‘What the government is asking for is a few channels where you can say they are not going to hear the S-word, the F-word. They are not going to see nudity.’”

The Los Angeles Times says these sentiments mean the court is stuck in the ‘60s.

“Wow. In much of America, it's 2012, and we're watching shows such as ‘Californication’ and ‘Mad Men.’ But in the marble halls of the Supreme Court, it's 1963 -- and hold up, honey, call the kids, it's time for ‘Bonanza’ and ‘Gunsmoke.’”

At one point during arguments, an attorney for the networks pointed out there are nude carvings on the ceiling of the Supreme Court’s room itself. After some laughter, justices did concede the FCC’s policy is sometimes confusing. Here’s ABC.

“One bad word from a celebrity brings a fine, while a stream of profanity in the TV version of ‘Saving Private Ryan’ doesn’t. Justice Elana Kagan: ‘The way that this policy seems to work, it’s like nobody can use dirty words or nudity except for Steven Spielberg.’”

The court is expected to hand down a ruling by June, but Variety reports:

“This time around, there's a chance that the court may find itself in a tie vote. Justice Sonia Sotomayor recused herself, leaving the decision to the remaining eight justices.”

Sotomayor recused herself because she had heard the issue before while on a lower court.

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons/Wikimedia Commons)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Lindsay Lohan channeled Marilyn Monroe for ‘Playboy,’ and now she might play another icon on screen. Here’s HLN.

ROBIN MEADE: “Could Lindsay Lohan be up for the role of Elizabeth Taylor? Reports do say she’s in early talks to play the late Taylor in an upcoming Lifetime movie about her on-again, off-again romance with Richard Burton. Taylor died last year at the age of 79. So far, there is no word from Lohan’s camp about the possible movie.”

The Lifetime movie, called ‘’Elizabeth & Richard: A Love Story,’ has promise -- it’s by the same screenwriter who wrote HBO’s award-winning ‘Temple Grandin.’ But the question media are asking is -- can the 25-year-old Lohan do the role justice? She was critically praised for 2004’s ‘Mean Girls,’ but her acting career since has been sporadic at best. As E! News puts it …

“ … such a gig could very well be what the 25-year-old needs to boost a career that has seen better days.”

Access Hollywood reports Liz Taylor fans are against the idea of Lohan, but the anchors say she’s got the talent for the part.

“The message boards are blowing up -- sacrilege in a way, but if you really think about it -it’s good. Why not? She’s a good actress, Lindsay Lohan, and she’s back on track -- seems to be.”
“We’re all for it. I’m all for it.”

And Entertainment Weekly points out the similarities -- and differences -- between the two.

“It wouldn’t be a massive stretch for Lohan to play Taylor. Like the late actress … Lohan grew up in spotlight. She began her career at age 3 … But Lohan … never won an Oscar ... She’s no philanthropist, and she’s yet to amass multiple husbands, much less an enviable collection of magnificent baubles …”

But, on the whole -- media seemed to support the idea. Perez Hilton sums it up.

“True, Liz didn't get into nearly as much trouble as LiLo has by her age, but both of these ladies know a little something about being infamous! … Despite the stigma of doing a Lifetime movie before turning 45 … If Lindsay really worked hard at this, we can imagine many more doors opening for her.”
 

(Image Source: Disney/Pixar)

BY MADISON MACK
ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

Looks like Netflix isn’t the only web giant releasing original series this year. Yahoo will debut ‘Electric City’, an original animated series developed by Tom Hanks -- this spring. Yahoo! VP Erin McPherson explains why the company went for the futuristic show …

“What we found really compelling is that this is perfect for a highly digital audience, a lean-forward audience who likes to utilize the medium of the Internet.”

Electric City will stream exclusively on Yahoo! as 20 three-to-five minute episodes, with Hanks producing and voicing for it. Geekosystem says original scripted content seems like a logical move for the company.

“... Broadening their repertoire of content would give Yahoo another tool to lure viewers, and perhaps other series creators down the road.”

But a writer for Business Insider sees ‘horrendous flop’ written all over the series.

“Web video companies tried to make these sorts of series in the past and they've never made a dent. It's unclear Netflix's model will work, but we are much more interested in the shows it’s about to make. They look awesome. Electric City sounds like second rate, snoozy material.”

AdAge notes -- either way -- it’s an expensive investment. The outlet points out Yahoo! touts its current web series as being highly watched …

“But none of those are scripted, so they are considerably less expensive investments. The Tom Hanks deal looks a lot like a traditional studio content deal, meaning Yahoo buys exclusive rights to distribute for a period of time, an expensive proposition, especially given the talent involved, but also likely to draw a lot of advertiser attention.”

And Fox News says --- look out for more headlines like this one in 2012, reporting YouTube alone is slated to spend $100 million on original programming.

“We are going to see a lot of original Web TV shows announced this year with big stars. … Making TV shows for the web is nothing new. What is new is the level of commitment in terms of dollars and star power being thrown at Web video. … It’s a risky strategy that depends on hits. But TV has always been a hits-driven business.”

(Image source: CBS)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

CBS’ new early show -- ‘This Morning’ premiered Monday. The reviews are in -- and they’re favorable across the board -- though critics point out a few kinks.

‘This Morning’ features Charlie Rose, Gayle King and Erica Hill. CBS has been in last place in the morning for years. The revamped show was first announced in November, and at the time -- critics noted they’d heard the promise of ‘something new’ from CBS before. But now, writes The New York Daily News:

“With the new version of “CBS This Morning” they actually stayed true to their word.”

Entertainment Weekly calls the debut ‘lively,’ and says the trio has chemistry. 

“The best thing about the show … is that most of the time, all three hosts seemed perfectly at ease and confident negotiating the various roles required on a morning show. I’d encourage more interaction among them, and the show clearly needs to add a supporting character in the tradition of Al Roker to deliver both the weather and a few zingers for the three hosts to chuckle over.”

In the first hour, Rose handled hard news, in the second, King did pop culture. TIME says the format isn’t perfect, but applauds CBS for branching out of typical morning fare.

“ … the two hours … are almost literally night and day. … Rose … is ineffably associated with the wee hours from his years in PBS late-night … Essentially, CBS is betting that there’s a market niche for viewers looking for an evening newscast in the morning. … at least the network is trying something besides a pure copy of Today and GMA. Anyone up for a stiff cocktail at 7 a.m.?”

The Guardian speculates this new format is being utilized to attract older audiences for the show, calling it: 

“...breakfast TV for the greyer-haired, more sedate demographic. … In short, this is morning TV for the Cocoon, not the caffeine, set. And, so far, it works.”

Rose, King and Hall were largely applauded by media for their work -- but one point of contention among critics was the show’s new set. It features a glass walls green room -- through which waiting guests can be seen chatting and snacking, and a glass round table for the hosts. 

The New York Daily News calls it ‘homey’ and …

… The Atlantic Wire, ‘classy,’ but The Boston Herald writes:

“If ‘CBS This Morning’ wants to be taken seriously, it needs to fix that set, which looks like the collateral damage from a war between HGTV designers and ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ nerds.”

The show is already lining up some big guests -- First Lady Michelle Obama is slated for Wednesday.

(Image Source: Facebook/Paramount)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

“The Devil Inside” is killing it in theaters across America. The low-budget horror pic is Hollywood’s first surprise hit of the new year -- taking in a scare-worthy $34.5 million its opening weekend. WFTV.

The flick -- featuring a cast of unknown actors -- had the advantage of being the only new movie of the weekend. But Friday, outlets were reporting it wouldn’t fare well. Here's 

“Because of the star power of Tom Cruise, movie critics believe ‘Mission Impossible’ will continue to come in the top spot.”

Unfortunately for Cruise, “The Devil Inside” cruised right by his flick and took that No. 1 spot, though “Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol” did well for the weekend -- its fourth -- and made $20.5 million. Paramount bought “The Devil Inside” for just $1 million, and ClevverMovies notes it more than made up for that...

“… just from the midnight release alone. It’s actually pretty rare to see a movie pay off for itself on a midnight release.”

Entertainment outlets are hailing “Devil” as the boost Hollywood needed after a disappointing 2011 -- a feat it accomplished even with bad reviews from both audiences and critics. USA Today notes …

“About 19% of audiences gave the film an F, says survey firm CinemaScore. According to … Rottentomatoes.com, only 57% of audiences said they enjoyed the movie, a low score considering that paying audiences rarely score a move below a 60%. Critics were savage: Only 7% gave the picture a thumbs-up … ”

But, Bloomberg BusinessWeek reports the movie’s success means …

“Box-office sales rose 30 percent in the first full weekend of the new year, suggesting studios and theaters owners are getting off to a faster start in 2012.”

Deadline calls the flick a quote, “crapfest,” but says it was marketed well for cheap. Ads ran with like-minded shows such as AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” and the movie profited from a more modern marketing strategy. Deadline quotes a Hollywood executive, who says the devil is in the mobile details.

“The Devil Inside iPad and iPhone application served as another opportunity to scare unsuspecting fans … The application is presented as a test to find out how possessed you are, that in turn surprises fans with a scare from the film. Since its launch in late December, the app continues to see [a] 4-star rating on iTunes from a global user base.”

Paramount also spiced up midnight screenings with food trucks, DJs and prize giveaways -- and advertised about the events via Twitter. But, despite “Devil’s” success -- Entertainment Weekly says, don’t get too excited, Hollywood.

“Is this a sign of things to come in 2012? Perhaps. But it’s more likely a sign of the recent popularity of possession movies.”

“The Devil Inside” had the third biggest January opening ever, behind “Cloverfield” and a re-release of “Star Wars.”

(Image Source: Facebook)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Beyonce has given birth! The 30-year-old singer welcomed a baby girl Saturday night.

Beyonce reportedly gave birth by caesarean section in New York. She was first reported to have had the baby New Year’s Eve weekend, but turns out those were just rumors. And now -- another big rumor -- the New York Daily News says she and husband Jay-Z rented out the entire fourth floor of Lennox Hill Hospital for the birth at a costly $1.3 million. The paper describes the scene: (ITN)

“ ... people were seen bringing bags of takeout and a dozen bottles of red wine onto the heavily guarded hospital wing. After 11 p.m., even doctors and nurses were barred … In an effort to keep images from leaking to the public, hospital workers placed tape over security cameras and are forcing employees to turn in cell phones when they arrive for their shifts, a source said.”

And, it’s always the question with celebrities -- what’s the baby’s name? Reports are varied. Seems the little lady’s first and middle names are definitely ‘Blue’ and ‘Ivy’ -- but different outlets are reporting different orders.

Sites such as CinemaBlend and ...

… the singer’s hometown paper, The Houston Chronicle, say ‘Ivy Blue’

But People magazine ...

… and The Daily Mail say ‘Blue Ivy’

Must we turn to Twitter for confirmation? Celebrity pals including Russell Simmons and Rihanna have Tweeted congrats to the very private couple -- neither of whom have Twitter accounts of their own. And it’s friend Gwyneth Paltrow’s Tweet that names a name.

The actress calls her baby ‘Blue.’

Indeed, Beyonce and Jay-Z didn’t confirm their wedding in 2008, so it’s no surprise -- the two have not made an announcement regarding the birth. But WABC reports, the girl is practically a public figure already.

“It’s the first child for both parents and it is such a trending topic on Twitter. The baby’s name is the top trending topic worldwide.”




 

(Image Source: WhoSay)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Goodbye Regis, hello Rob? Regis Philbin went off the air from ABC’s Live! in November, and ever since speculation has run rampant about who could replace the TV icon. Now, it seems Rob Lowe is being serious considered.

Since Philbin left, various guest hosts have sat in that stool next to Kelly Ripa. Last week, actor Rob Lowe did for two days. On air, Lowe said he loved the gig.

LOWE: “I had so much fun yesterday.”
LOWE: “To sit next to you and have you be so darn, unrelentingly nice. I say keep it up.”

TMZ caught up with the actor at the airport post-gig, where life in NYC was on his mind. See what he said.

“I had a blast.”
“Do you think you could live in New York?”
“We were just talking about that. I love New York. I like the energy.”

And rumor-monitoring site Gossip Cop reports network execs were pleased as punch.

“Gossip Cop is told ABC is already in talks with Lowe’s people after the actor proved to be “a natural — really great,” says a network insider.”

Entertainment Weekly gives Lowe points for his interview skills, but questions if he’s the perfect replacement -- or if there is one at all. Kelly has welcomed several guest hosts since Regis’ departure, including Jerry Seinfeld, Neil Patrick Harris and Jerry O’Connell.

“ … Lowe today wrapped a largely enjoyable two-day stint at the talk show. … I’m torn on which host has best filled the Regis-sized void in my morning show-loving heart. (He’s not a large man, so it’s worth clarifying that the proverbial void is larger than you might think.)”

And despite how happy Lowe seemed about the prospect of the morning gig, Perez Hilton questions if he’ll leave his sitcom home.

“The only issue is that Lowe has a pretty sweet acting gig on Parks and Recreation, so we're going to doubt that he'll bite.”
 

(Image Source: Twitter)

BY EMILY SPAIN

ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN


On a 91-tweet rant Kanye West surely got a lot off his chest...touching on the Grammy’s, his passion for fashion and his plan to start-up a new design company.
He’ll call it Donda, after his late mom.


According to the tweets the company would be a team of experts including video game designers, tech guys, bankers, scientists and lawyers. This is what he tweeted about Donda:


“DONDA is a design company which will galvanize amazing thinkers and put them in a creative space to bounce there dreams and ideas…”

“I want to put creatives in a room together with like minds that are all waaaay doper than me”



Even though Kanye left us with a lot of tweets to decipher, people are still confused about what exactly his Donda company will accomplish. Here’s Pop Dust’s sarcastic take:

“...[it’s] an entity that is not easily defined and will not rest until it changes the course of creativity and human life as we know it...”


Kanye went on to tweet that the world needs “to pick up where Steve Jobs left off.” But some ask how Kanye can compare himself to Steve. CNET writes...


“You might think this is the mere boastfulness of a large-ego’d rapper. You might be right. For Kanye also tweeted that ‘DONDA will be comprised of over 22 divisions with a goal to make products and experiences that people want and can afford...’ Might its first product be cheap, 7" iPad, um, killer? Kanye’s ambitions seem not to be as mundane as that. For he also tweeted: ‘We need scientist and top world designers to directly affect governments.’”


WXRK also wonders about the motivation behind Kanye’s tweets, and poses a couple reasons for why the rapper went-off on Twitter.


“Some could interpret his rant as another way for Kanye to seek attention when he’s bored, and others could certainly interpret this as a way to use his celebrity to reach out to the world in order to help others succeed...Whether Kanye is just twitter happy, dreaming, or serious about these ventures, it seems that if it plays out how he envisions it, Ye’ could employ a city of creatives.”


Interested in Kanye’s latest aspiration?  If so, the rapper included an email for you in his tweets ContactDonda@gmail.com


 

(Image Source: Facebook)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Kanye West’s ex-girlfriend Amber Rose is slamming Kim Kardashian, alleging Kardashian and West were having an affair while Rose was dating West and Kardashian was dating NFL player Reggie Bush. Here’s The Insider.

“Model/actress Amber Rose is claiming Kim Kardashian is the reason she and Kanye West are no longer together. She told Star Magazine, “She’s a homewrecker. They were both cheating on me and Reggie” -- meaning Reggie Bush -- “with each other.”

“Crazy Kim Kardashian in that situation, but it’s one of the worst kept secrets in Hollywood for a long time. My sources tell me Reggie went looking for Kanye West when he learned of the alleged affair.”

Kardashian split from Bush in 2009 after several years together. West and Rose parted ways not long after. Here’s more from the Star magazine interview -- straight from Rose’s mouth.

“Kim is one of the main reasons why me and Kanye are not together … She was sending pictures, and I was like, ‘Kim, just stop. Don’t be that person … It’s very important that us women stick together … “

31-year-old Kardashian and 34-year-old West haven’t gone to great lengths to hide their interactions -- he even appeared on one of her many E! reality shows, Kourtney and Kim Take New York, earlier this year. The footage was filmed in summer 2010.

KARDASHIAN: “We’re gonna go to Vegas. You want to come?”

WEST: “I do.”

KARDASHIAN: “I know you do.”

A writer for Gather says Kardashian’s reputation is already suffering from overexposure -- especially after her quickie divorce from Kris Humphries in August of last year. And this news isn’t helping.

“This latest claim gives all of Kardashian's haters more fuel. Those who believed the reality TV queen to be a fake must feel vindicated with Rose's admissions. Nothing says fake more than smiling to one's face while sleeping with one's man.’

But celeb gossip site Holy Moly! says Rose should be thanking Kardashian for putting her in the spotlight.

“ … if she'd never done it in the first place you would never have been in the magazine at all.”

And PopCrush notes things worked out for Rose in the end.

“... [she] has been happily partnered with [rapper] Wiz Khalifa for more than a year. She does offer Kardashian one backhanded piece of praise: ‘I want to thank her. Because if she was never a homewrecker, then I never would have met Wiz, and I wouldn’t be as happy as I am now.’”

And the alleged affair might not be over. West and Kardashian were reportedly spotted together at a party in mid-December. Neither West nor Kardashian have commented on Rose’s interview.

(Image source: Taylor Swift Official)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

From country star to Broadway belter? Taylor Swift has reportedly been offered the lead in the movie version of Tony-award winning musical ‘Les Miserables.’ KNXV has the story.

“She’s been offered the role of Eponine in the upcoming film adaptation of the musical ‘Les Miserables.’ Swift reportedly beat out Scarlett Johansson, Lea Michele and Evan Rachel Wood for the part. ‘Les Miserables’ will also star Hugh Jackman and Russell Crowe.”

But 22-year-old Swift’s acting experience is limited. She had a small role in the 2010 film ‘Valentine’s Day’ and appeared in an episode of ‘CSI.’ Idolator says that’s just not enough for such an iconic part.

“ … this show requires extremely gifted actors. It’s a musical, but it’s an emotional drama, too, and director Tom Hooper (The King’s Speech) certainly knows that by the pedigree of the rest of the cast he’s picked out.”

Helena Bonham Carter and Anne Hathaway are also starring in the movie.

And The Washington Post questions Swift’s singing chops, too -- noting that ‘Glee’ star Lea Michele, who Swift beat for the part, has a Broadway background. The Post did a reader poll, and the majority were behind Michele for the part.

“Of the nearly 3,000 people who voted in our poll, 79 percent of voters thought Broadway vet Michele should get the role, compared to Swift’s 6 percent. … Sure, Swift can sing a sad ballad about sitting on the bleachers and pining for a boy. But it’s hard to imagine her belting out the unrequited love anthem, ‘On My Own,’ while wandering the streets of Paris.”

Still, Cinemablend says -- maybe Swift just hasn’t been given a chance.

“ … her acting talents are basically untested. Maybe she went in and nailed the audition and somehow bested a trained theater actress like Michele. Or maybe Hooper is enjoying getting people riled up, amping up the anticipation for his movie all the more.”

It’s also been announced that Amanda Seyfried will play the role of Cosette in the movie. She proved her singing skills in the 2008 movie version of ‘Mamma Mia!’

(Image source: NBC)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

The cast for the fifth season of Celebrity Apprentice has been revealed. With 18 members, it’s the biggest cast ever. Donald Trump revealed his new hires Wednesday on Today.

To name just a few, they include Clay Aiken, ‘Real Housewife’ Teresa Giudice, Lou Ferrigno, Victoria Gotti, Arsenio Hall, Lisa Lampanelli, George Takei, and Cheryl Tiegs. 

A writer for The Stir says she isn’t a reality fan, but this ensemble has even her hooked.

“...this season’s cast lineup ... is a twisted bit of marketing genius ... producers clearly went all out in their efforts to pull together an eyebrow-raising collection of semi-recognizable names ... I’m actually considering setting my TiVo to start recording.”

And The New York Times says NBC needs that viewership, and is counting on The Apprentice.

“The show … is part of a revived prime-time schedule for NBC that is much more dependent on reality shows. The network is hoping to find a way out of what has been a persistently woeful ratings period … That will mean 8 of the 19 hours NBC schedules with original programs … will be filled with reality shows.”

And a writer for TIME notes the Donald picked an interesting day to break the news -- the day after the Iowa caucuses, putting him at-the-ready to discuss the results.

“...it probably does not hurt NBC that Trump will soon benefit, and probably encourage, another round of speculation that he will run for President as an independent—which he will not, of course, but if history is a guide he will wait until after the season finale to say so.” 

The show premieres February 12th.

(Image soure: Ology)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Is the one-time star of one of America’s biggest boy bands ready to settle down? Us Weekly reports 30-year-old, Justin Timberlake, has popped the question to on-again, off-again girlfriend, 29-year-old actress, Jessica Biel.

“... the couple of four and a half years became engaged in late December. … After a brief three-month split in 2011, Biel made it clear that she wanted to spend her life with Timberlake, 30. ‘When they reunited, they had a conversation about taking the next step’ [a source said].”

News12 has details on the proposal.

“It happened while they were vacationing in Jackson, Wyoming -- a testament to Biel’s love of snowboarding and the mountains.”

When the couple parted ways last year, reports credited the split to Timberlake not being ready for marriage -- some going so far as to say he had cheated on Biel. Anchors on WCBS hope the singer is finally taking the plunge.

“Tough to get keep up with that young man. Maybe this will settle him down.”

But The Fab Life is skeptical about the news itself -- wondering if Us Weekly is just trying to sell magazines.

“A couple of weeks ago, sources in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, started spreading the rumor … But if it’s true, we’ve heard nothing official since then. … Us Weekly is hyping its new issue by citing ‘several insiders’ who say the story is true.”

And with the headline, “Justin Timberlake Crushes The Dreams of Women Everywhere,” PopDust says -- if the news is true, bring on the Kleenex.

“Someone please check the stock of Ben & Jerry’s at our local bodega, as well as the boxed wine supply at the liquor store around the corner.”

Biel and Timberlake have neither confirmed nor denied the reports.

(Image source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Don’t go chasing waterfalls -- unless you’re Angelina Jolie. The Daily Buzz explains.

“What do you get the man who has everything? If you’re Angelina Jolie and the man is Brad Pitt, apparently you buy him a waterfall. Brad just loved the Falling Water house built by Frank Lloyd Wright in the ‘30s, and now plans to build his own over the falls Jolie bought for him in LA. It was a Christmas slash birthday present.”

The pair visited that Frank Lloyd Wright house in 2006. Pitt is a self-proclaimed architecture buff, making the gift the seemingly perfect present. The Daily Mail first broke the story. Its source says:

“‘Brad has always wanted to design his own house. He wants to pull all aspects of nature, light, glass and varying levels into the concept,' says the friend. … ‘Angelina wanted to get him something incredibly special and, because she knows how much he loves architecture, she thought this would be perfect.’”

No word on exactly how much the land costs, but The Inquisitr sarcastically says, perfect present -- and perfect timing for such a purchase, after another real estate deal.

“Fortunately for the Hollywood couple, who must be struggling to make ends meet, they recently sold their humble Malibu mansion to Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi.”

But mostly, the media is applauding Angie on the gift. Access Hollywood says the actress’ only problem now is topping herself.

“They do enough with charity that an extravagant gift like a waterfall is OK. They make up for it.”

“But how are you gonna top that? His 50 is coming. A waterfall for 48.”

“What do you go with? River? Lake?”

“Town?”

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

There’s a biopic in the works about Elton John, and John himself has named his pick to play for the lead, of well, himself -- Justin  Timberlake. John told The Los Angeles Times:

“No. 1 on my wish list is Justin Timberlake, because he played me before in a David LaChapelle video of ‘Rocket Man’ and was superb.”

KSBI has that video, and more details on the movie.

“Elton says the flick will be more like a Moulin Rouge than a normal biography, and he is currently working on fine-tuning the script.”

Anchors on HLN say, bring on the Justin.

“Can he pull it off? I think he could.”
“Yeah, I do believe Timberlake could pull it off.”

But, KDVR is torn -- wondering if Timberlake needs more acting experience to portray such a monumental music icon.

“I don’t know. I don’t really see it.”
“Tough role for Justin. Can he play piano? I mean -- Elton John.”
“It is Elton John, but Timberlake did great in ‘Social Network,’ he’s a singer himself.”

Some outlets are reporting this might be only part one of two films about John, because this movie will only cover his life up until he went into rehab in 1990.

(Image Source: Entertainment Weekly)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Rooney Mara made headlines a few weeks ago not for her starring role in one of the season’s most anticipated films, but instead for what she said about one of her first roles -- an appearance on Law And Order: SVU. She told Allure Magazine:

“"It was so awful. So stupid. People are obsessed with that show. I don't get it.”

It rarely bodes well to burn a former employer. And now, it seems Mara is doing it again. In the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly, 26-year-old Mara talks about her role in the 2010 remake of “A Nightmare on Elm Street.”

“You kind of learn to self-sabotage with things you don’t want to get. … That’s kind of [what happened] with A Nightmare on Elm Street – I didn’t even really want it. And then I went in [to audition] and I was like, [whispering] ‘F**k. I definitely got that’.”

The two quotes combined are making media outlets mark Mara as the newest Megan Fox -- remember when she slammed ‘Transformers’ director Michael Bay?

Celebitchy has had enough.

“Dear God, what is wrong with Rooney Mara? … Be grateful. Acknowledge that your early career made you the actress you are today. … Be a professional.”

And a writer for Gather says -- don’t forget the origins of celebrities who are far more A-list than Mara.

“ … there are tons of desperate, struggling actresses who would have loved to get the role … here's some news for Rooney Mara: Johnny Depp starred in the first A Nightmare on Elm Street movie before he became big, and getting killed off in that film hasn't killed his career. So stop complaining!”

PerezHilton sees a bit of Mara’s side of the story -- but not much.

“ … to be fair - that movie is crap … but we are not enjoying this false sense of entitlement … Just ask Katherine Heigl’s career what happens when you start to bite the hand that feeds it. Oh wait. You can't find it, can you?”

For now, Mara has at least one role secured -- Sony says the sequel to “The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo” is in the works, despite low box office take from the first film.
 

(Image Source: CNN)

BY HARUMENDHAH HELMY

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

This is Newsy Now and here are your latest headlines.

In U.S. politics — it’s caucus day for Iowa and four GOP candidates are still neck and neck — according to an American Research Group poll. MSNBC reports -- the candidates’ jabs are now directed to the guy at the top of the poll.

“The latest polls show four candidates within striking distance of each other. In Iowa, Romney, Paul, Santorum and Gingrich. As Santorum becomes a competitive force here in Iowa, he’s getting increasingly aggressive in the campaign trail, aiming his shots at Mitt Romney. Santorum is not alone, of course, in going after Romney -- Gingrich trying to regain his footing after being cut down with a barrage of negative ads here in Iowa.”

Still on the Iowa caucus — Rick Santorum has been surging from behind at the polls and now -- thanks to an endorsement from a big family group of reality stars -- he might just get another push. Here’s Fox News.  

Bill Hemmer: “The stars of ‘19 Kids and Counting’ throwing their weight behind Santorum. They they are! Right there!”
Martha MacCallum: “Gotta have a lot of weight, with all those kids put together, right?”
Bill Hemmer: “They say voters with more conservative values have to get behind him too. They have 19 kids. They see a kindred spirit in Santorum, who has seven kids of his own.”
Martha MacCallum: “He’s a slacker.”

In business news — escalating tensions between Iran and the West are pushing oil prices to rise a little above $100 a barrel. Iran is the world’s fourth largest oil producer — and it faces potential embargo sanctions from the West over its nuclear program. CNBC has more.

“The latest of course with military exercises happening with Iran in the gulf area and the fact that Iran officials are telling the U.S. Navy not to enter the Persian Gulf. On top of that we have tougher sanctions being called on by France against Iran and all of this is causing Brent Crude and NYMEX crude to reach the highest levels we’ve seen since the middle of December.”

And in world news — the latest reports show Spain’s jobless claims rose in December for the fifth consecutive month. euronews says the unemployment rate has now hit a 15-year high.

“Estimates vary between 4.4 and nearly 5 million for the total number out of work. The overall percentage wasn’t given, but it’s thought that almost one in four is jobless — more than twice the European Union average.”

And finally — look out Apple fanboys and girls. A Chinese modelmaker is coming out with a lifelike action figure of the one and only Steve Jobs. It’s a little pricey -- but CNN says the enthusiasm for the doll is already creating Twitter drama.  

“This generation’s action figures aren’t superheroes or He-Men, they’re nerds! It’s the new Steve Jobs doll, complete with a signature black turtleneck and the jeans. This is trending on Twitter because people are upset because he is pictured with a tiny iPhone accessory, but it’s not included. It’ll be available next month, folks, for $100! (laughter).”

(Image source: Cee Lo Green)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Grammy winner Cee Lo Green is getting a big fat ‘Forget You!’ from John Lennon fans after changing the lyrics to his classic song ‘Imagine’ for a New Year’s Eve performance in New York’s Times Square. The city’s News12 has the story.

GREEN: “Nothing to kill or die for, and all religions true.”

ANCHOR: “That line, ‘nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too,’ was changed to, ‘and all religions true.’ Fans say he changed the meaning to the song.”

And, armed with anger over the switcheroo -- naysayers found even more to criticize.

WXIN: “Music experts say ‘Imagine’ has been criticized before for that line, but it does hold its place in musical history.”

KSWB: “He also got heat for singing the song with a message that there’s no need for greed or hunger, while Cee Lo was wearing a fur coat and jewelry.”

KOMO: “He didn’t sing very well either. Ouch.”

So, how’s Green responding to this now full-blown debacle? CBS News reports that he Tweeted:

“Yo I meant no disrespect by changing the lyric guys! I was trying to say a world were u could believe what u wanted that's all."

But Green has since deleted the Tweet. LezGetReal says, as innovative as Green’s music is, he shouldn’t have touched such an era-defining tune.

“There are some songs which are, quite honestly, pretty close to sacred. … if there is one song like that, it would be ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon.”

And a writer for Inquisitr agrees -- saying, he sees Cee Lo’s point, but don’t mess with the best.

“John Lennon imagined a world without religion as a more peaceful place. Cee Lo Green thinks that the key to peace is to let everyone believe what they want. Valid points could be made for both arguments, but when singing Lennon’s ‘Imagine,’ you should probably stick to the original lyrics.”

(Image Source: Perez Hilton)

BY MADISON MACK

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

Kelly Clarkson’s Twitter endorsement of Republican Presidential candidate Ron Paul last week was first met with some harsh criticism and even a few boos from fans. But, it looks like she may have picked up more than she lost. HLN reports.

“When she announced her support for GOP hopeful Ron Paul, her sales shot up 442%! That took Stronger from number 38 to seven on Amazon’s sales list. In the review section, some people even admitted they were buying it because of her Paul endorsement. “

On fan sites like Daily Paul, the candidate’s supporters organized a quote “music bomb” after getting wind of Clarkson’s tweet.

“Let's return Kelly some love today by getting her latest album back into the top 10. … Maybe the small surge in sales will be noticed by other musicians who are skeptical or afraid to come out in support.”

A few hours after Clarkson’s tweet, singer Michelle Branch responded -- saying she supports Paul, too. Now, a blogger for Mediaite wonders if even more musicians will follow suit in hopes of sales.

“Given the significant boost in sales for the singer, one wonders whether other Republican public figures will try to court the Rep. Paul constituency, too. And not just Michelle Branch.”

And what does this mean for Paul? Perez Hilton questions if the spike means much for Paul’s popularity.

“Crazy! Could this be a sign of the times - a foreshadowing when it comes to the presidential race in 2012?? Or did her sales increase just because her name was in the news??”

But, a writer for Popbytes says -- either way -- don’t take celebrity involvement in politics so seriously.

“She’s not a political analyst and doesn’t claim to be one. …. Stop pretending like celebrities are political savvy. They’re just normal people who, for various reasons, you’re intimately aware of. Whoever they do or do not vote for isn’t my concern.”


 

(Image Source: Facebook)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

New year, new baby? That’s the New Year’s weekend buzz for Beyonce and Jay-Z. Rumor has it the singer gave birth to a baby girl on Friday -- the couple’s first child. But without an official statement from either parent’s PR rep, the media is left with speculation.

30-year-old Beyoncé first revealed her baby bump at the MTV Video Music Awards in August. In late September, she confirmed she was six months pregnant -- putting her due date in -- that’s right -- late December. The Daily Mail says the diva reportedly gave birth in New York City...

“The internet rumour mill has gone into overdrive … The appearance of the Beyoncé's mother Tina, 57, sister Solange, 25 …  in the city in recent days has added weight to the reports that the birth was imminent.”

Late last week, it was Media Take Out that first reported the news, naming Beyoncé as the woman at the center of a hospital buzz.

“ … just EXCLUSIVELY learned that last night, nurses and security at New York's St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital were placed on ALERT, and told that a very HIGH PROFILE patient was checking in TODAY - to give BIRTH!!! According to TWO nurses at the hospital, the ‘Celebrity VIP’ has booked HALF THE FLOOR of the hospital's luxury ‘Labor and Delivery Suite.’”

But The Hollywood Reporter calls MediaTakeOut out for its Beyoncé track record…

“In 2010, Media Take Out set off false Beyoncé pregnancy alarms and, this year, it cited a source as claiming that the singer had been wearing a prosthetic baby belly. (Beyoncé was forced to deny the rampant faux bump allegations.)”

And -- adding more the mystery, ABC’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve host Ryan Seacrest promised Extra that Beyoncé would be delivering a “midnight surprise.”

RYAN SEACREST: “You will see Beyoncé on the show. I can’t tell you too much, AJ, because they don’t tell me too much. But you will see -- if you’re a Beyoncé fan, man she’s looking good these days. You’ll want to see Beyoncé.”
“That’s a tease.”

Some of the reports on the birth even named the rumored baby girl. She’s reportedly Tiana May Carter -- Jay-Z’s legal last name is Carter. Still, the Los Angeles Times says -- don’t send out congratulatory cards just yet.

“We wouldn't get too excited; speculation has been a central theme in the diva's pregnancy. … As we toboggan into 2012 ... for those on Beyoncé bump watch: Relax. Confirmation of the golden child's arrival will come in due time … ”
 

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons/Wikimedia Commons)

BY LAUREN ZIMA
 

Earlier this week, they were spotted without their wedding rings. They spent Christmas 7,000 miles apart. Speculations ran rampant. By Friday, it’s confirmed: comedian Russell Brand and singer Katy Perry are heading for splitsville. Brand filed for divorce, and People magazine has his statement.

“‘Sadly, Katy and I are ending our marriage … I'll always adore her and I know we'll remain friends.’”

Perry has yet to release a statement, but TMZ reports on why Brand filed the papers, and not her.

“ …both Katy and Russell were on board with the divorce a few weeks ago … Since Katy's parents are evangelical Christians, we're told she didn't want to be the one to ‘officially’ end the marriage by filing the docs ... since she was raised to believe divorce is wrong.”

27-year-old Perry and 36-year-old Brand dated for just four months before getting engaged in December 2009. They married in India in October 2010. The Daily Mail says it was Perry’s partying that sent the two toward a split, because Brand is a self-proclaimed recovering drug and sex addict.

“If he had to turn up to support her at an awards ceremony, he would leave before the celebrations got going at the after-party … He never liked her friends such as the fun-loving singer Rihanna. … [he] disapproved strongly of [Perry’s] benders – such as a long day-into-night party in Rio earlier this year.”

The Today show adds that time apart sent the edgy couple over the edge.

NEIL SEAN: “Late October, they had a huge row over the fact that Russell wanted to travel and make more movies, and she continued with this world tour. Neither of them wanted to back down from this, and consequently -- it exploded. ... They will say they’re friends on the outside because they have a brand, for want of a better word, to protect. More Russell than Katy. People will take her side, but they’re [Brand and Perry] not too friendly.”

And, if things do get a little unfriendly, what’s at stake? Celebrity Dirty Laundry points out the couple doesn’t seem to have a pre-nup. In Brand’s filings, he requested that community property assets be determined.

“In non-legalese, that means that Russell and Katy will likely have to negotiate whether one of them will keep or whether they will jointly sell their assets, including their $6.5 million Hollywood home and $2.7 million New York penthouse.”

The site notes Brand even told the press last year they did not have a pre-nup, but …

“Still, we shouldn’t take the Get Him to the Greek‘s star word that the couple didn’t sign a prenuptial agreement. After all, this is the same man who only months ago said that he was happily married!”

According to Forbes, Perry’s net worth is about $44 million, while Brand’s is between $6 and $15 million, so Brand stands to gain in the break-up.

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY ERIK SCHUTE

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

Kelly Clarkson was caught playing politics on Twitter -- and it’s caused some of her following to break away.


On Wednesday she tweeted her support for independent candidate Ron Paul.

“I love Ron Paul. I liked him a lot during the last Republican nomination and no one gave him a chance.  If he wins the nomination for the Republican party in 2012 he’s got my vote. Too bad he probably won’t.”


The resulting firestorm throughout the Twitterverse accused Clarkson of supporting racism and the death penalty, and not supporting equal rights for same-sex couples. The Young Turks replay some of the backlash.


WOMAN: “Look, it’s not her job to be a political pundit or some sort of political researcher -- she made a tweet, who cares take it with a grain of salt.  But people lost it. I’ll give you an example: one person tweeted, ‘Now THAT is how you get someone to unfollow you on Twitter ... and in your career. Good luck — you’ll need it.’”
MAN: “Bah-bye!”
WOMAN: “That was actually the tamest one.”
 

Ouch. But is Ms. Independent fully supporting the ‘Independent?’  A blogger for Republican Redefined doesn’t expect much from the pop star.


“I applaud Miss Clarkson for speaking her mind.  I only wish she’d had the conviction to go in with both feet.  A measured, walked-back, endorsement is only good for so much; and coming from a celebrity, it wasn’t that much to begin with.”


The first-ever Idol winner has never been shy about her conservative roots.  The Washington Post notes Clarkson publically tweeted she’s a Republican -- and she voted Democrat in the 2008 election.  In response to the recent attacks she told her followers...


“If y’all ever disagree with something I say please don’t feel the need to attack me. I will listen to what you say and any articles or viewpoints you have when you say it with respect. Being hateful is not a healthy way to get people to see or hear you.”


And she’s not the first celeb to endorse their favorite candidate.  

Screen Junkies broke down some of this year’s best including: Gary Busey for New Gingrich, and Chuck Norris for Mike Huckabee.”
 

Clarkson also came back to Twitter to clarify her pledge to Ron Paul’s.  She made it clear she does not support racism, the death penalty, and supports equal rights for all.  
 

(Image Source: Splash News / Flynet)

BY LAUREN ZIMA
ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN

Katy Perry and Russell Brand have been fending off rumors of a split for months, but now there might be photographic evidence that the celebrity couple is on the rocks. Here’s WFLD.

“The couple allegedly spent Christmas apart after having a huge yelling match. UsWeekly says it got so bad Katy Perry canceled plans to travel with her family to travel to Brand’s hometown of London for Christmas. Instead, she went to Hawaii with friends without wearing her wedding ring.”


And, indeed, UsWeekly has the photos to prove it.

There’s Perry in Hawaii, and Russell in London for Christmas -- both not wearing their rings.


27-year-old Perry and 36-year-old Brand got married in October 2010. As People magazine reports -- the two have been fighting off rumors of a split for some time.


“ … Brand … laughed off reports of problems earlier this month … telling Ellen DeGeneres, ‘I am really happily married.’”


But Celebrity Dirty Laundry says the Christmas apart speaks volumes -- despite the denials.


“ …  actions speak louder than words – and the couple’s decision to spend Christmas apart tells us to expect more news soon.”


And TooFab analyzes -- does the ring mean a thing?

“Though Brand has stepped out on the street without the band on a few times in the past, he's worn it to every single public event he's been to this year -- and, with all the tabloid talk, the ring's absence today may be telling.”



 

(Image Source: BBC)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

2011 had Newsy covering some pretty wild entertainment stories.

Teen bride Courtney Stodden …

… babies dressed as prostitutes on Toddlers and Tiaras, which some say isn’t all that different from Courtney Stodden …

… a paternity suit against Justin Bieber ..

… and --  sadly -- a suicide that rocked the usually superficial reality show The Real Housewives.

But, we forced ourselves to narrow it all down -- here are Newsy’s top five.

At No. 5 -- It was a year of goodbyes from iconic daytime darlings. First -- in May, Oprah Winfrey signed off -- telling fans:

OPRAH: “You and this show have been the great love of my life.”

In June, Meredith Viera tearfully departed The Today Show.

And in November, Regis Philbin left LIVE! -- and kept his promise not to cry.

PHILBIN: “God bless you all, and I hope I see you again real soon. Thanks everybody!”

At No. 4, a different kind of goodbye -- celebrity splits.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Maria Shriver separated when it was revealed he’d fathered a child with their longtime housekeeper.

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore announced their divorce after a 22-year-old woman said she and Kutcher had a one-night stand.

In the surprise split of the year, Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony separated in July.

And in the not-so-surprising, but oh-so-short marriage debacle of the year -- Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries parted ways after 72 days.

In our Number 3 spot -- the trial that helped give peace to Michael Jackson’s family -- Conrad Murray’s murder trial.

“Find the defendant, Conrad Robert Murray, guilty of the crime of involuntary manslaughter trial.”

Murray got the maximum sentence. And at No. 2 -- it’s Charlie Sheen’s very public meltdown.

Goddesses, getting fired from Two And A Half Men, a national tour -- it can all be summed up in one word:

“Winning.”

“I’m bi-winning. I win here and I win there.”

“I got tiger blood, man.”

“Dying’s for fools.”

“I’m just epic.”

And after all the splits and craziness, the world was happy to watch a sane, loving couple make their union official. Dum-dum-dum-dum -- it’s the Royal Wedding!

“Lots of shouts in the crowd here [kiss], and that’s the reward.”

23 million people in the US alone watched the wedding of William and Kate, with hundreds of millions tuning in worldwide. From the hats to the horses to Pippa fever -- the wedding was the year’s hot topic, and a happy one at that.

That’s all for this year -- but what will happen in 2012? Will the world finally be done with the Kardashians? Will Justin Bieber father a baby for real? Newsy’s got you covered.

(Image Source: Fox News)

BY CHRISTINA HARTMAN & HARUMENDHAH HELMY

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

First up, in world news -- former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak is back in court today after a three-month break. The 83-year-old was seen wheeled into the courtroom on a hospital gurney. Fox News has more on the trial Mubarak is facing.  

“Mubarak is accused of ordering the killing of protesters during the uprising -- his attorneys want the judge to consider evidence of killings that took place after Mubarak step down as proof that he was not the one who was responsible. In the meantime, prosecutors are relying heavily on testimonies from members of Mubarak’s former inner circle.”

Still in world news -- more threats from Iran of closing a strategic strait through which a sixth of the world’s oil supply flows. But, according to MSNBC, the threat is doing little to shake the industry.

“Iran’s Navy chief is repeating the government’s threat that his country could close down the Strait of Hormuz if the west puts sanctions on Iranian oil shipments. Despite the threat, oil prices remain relatively stable today and countries in the Gulf said they would be able to offset any laws.”

Now in U.S. news -- Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson has announced he will not seek re-election in 2012. Bloomberg reports -- analysts think his party could take a hit in 2012.

“Getting on to the senate just got harder for the democrats. Ben nelson decided not to seek Reelection. In order to seize control, Republicans only need four seats in November.

Still in U.S. news -- Morgan Stanley is cutting 580 jobs from four offices in New York City. The cut is part of the planned 1,600 layoffs the company announced earlier this month. CNBC has more.

“Morgan Stanley says that rolling layoffs began Dec. 15. The company cites economic reasons for the cuts, and the sharp drop in investment banking and trading revenue across Wall St.”

Finally in entertainment -- Suncoast Primate Sanctuary has announced Cheetah the Chimp has died. Tampa’s WTVT has more.

“Cheetah was Tarzan’s loyal sidekick to 1930s. He was one of a number of different chimps used for role pin different scenes and different locations.”

(Image Source: Amazon)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Now this is a story all about how … Will Smith might be a total jerk.

Most of the cast of ‘90s sitcom hit The Fresh Prince of Bel Air reunited last Thursday for a charity luncheon, but one actress was notably absent -- the matriarch. TMZ dug a little deeper to find out why -- and reports Janet Hubert, who played Aunt Viv on the show, quote, “hates” Smith.

KDVR spoke with TMZ’s Dax Holt.

DAX HOLT: “She said, ‘I will never ever do a reunion if it involves that a-hole Will Smith.’ She went on to just berate him, say that he’s an egomaniac and all these negative things. I guess he had talked about her a couple years ago to a radio station, said she didn’t like him, had a very sour personality and left the show in the middle of the run.”

Yet Hubert says Smith is the reason she left -- claiming he had her fired because she didn’t praise him enough. She was replaced by another actress, who played Aunt Viv until the show went off the air in 1996. But PopBytes says Hubert’s tale is far from fresh -- in fact, it stinks.

“The best she can do is say that as a 22-year-old rising star, he was a little arrogant and ambitious. The entire thing comes across as what would happen if Helen 'Won’t somebody PLEASE think of the children?!' Lovejoy from The Simpsons wrote a tell-all. So I guess all in all, Smith won this round by a goddamn mile.”

Still, AllieIsWired takes Hubert’s side, citing a radio interview Smith gave in 1993 about her departure. In the interview, Smith said:

“‘She has basically gone from a quarter of a million dollars a year to nothing. She's mad now but she's been mad all along. She said once, |I've been in the business for 10 years and this snotty-nosed punk comes along and gets a show.' No matter what, to her I'm just the AntiChrist.’”

And AllieIsWired says:

“Or maybe you’re just an a**hole Will Smith, maybe you’re just an a**hole.”

This isn’t the first time Hubert has slammed the actor -- in her 2009 memoir, she said he was arrogant and jealous of other people’s talent. TMZ reached out to Smith for comment -- he has not responded.

(Image Source: YouTube)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Move over, Kim Kardashian. ‘90s pop star Sinead O’Connor might not have had an extravagant wedding, but she’s bested the reality starlet when it comes to marriage length. O’Connor is ending her marital union -- after just 18 days.

The Irish singer made the announcement on her website, citing her husband’s family’s dislike for her unusual ways.

“Within 3 hours of the ceremony being over the marriage was kyboshed by the behaviour of certain people in my husband's life. And also by a bit of a wild ride i took us on looking for a bit of a smoke of weed for me wedding night as I don't drink.”

The Atlantic Wire says nothing compares to this break-up announcement, calling it, quote, “delightfully bizarre.”

“That is pretty perfect, we think ... Basically she is saying that his parents were like ‘Oh hellll no’ and that she took him on a Miss Sinead's Wild Ride around Las Vegas looking for hashish and that it terrified him. She added, ‘ … Aye, 'tis only the strongest o' men what can ride with Black Sinead.’ Congratulations, everyone.”

O’Connor’s soon-to-be ex is a 38-year-old therapist. The two tied the knot December 8th, her 45th birthday -- in the back of light pink Cadillac at A Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas. Billboard reminds us of how their short-lived love began.

“The two met during the singer's online search for a ‘wham-bam’ sexual partner that drew much media attention several months ago.”

Indeed -- news of that search sent O’Connor back into the spotlight, coupled with photos that surfaced of the formerly fit O’Connor looking hefty in a transparent top. Crushable says -- Sinead, can’t you get it together?

“Considering how much she hates being lonely, one might think Sinead O’Connor would fight harder to keep the guy ... [because he] works as a counselor for people with addiction problems, it might not be the best move for him to publicly do things like going on a ‘wild ride’ in search of marijuana … ”

So -- seems like third time is not the charm -- O’Connor was married twice before this one, but will her music career have nine lives? She releases her ninth studio album in February. Now all we’re wondering is if she’ll rip up those wedding photos.

(Image Source: DragonTattoo.com)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo is being labeled by some as a flop at the box office. The movie opened Christmas weekend to $13 million -- putting it in fourth place, behind even Alvin and the Chipmunks.

The movie stars Daniel Craig and newcomer Rooney Mara -- it’s based on the best-selling book of the same name, and is a remake of the Swedish movie version. With ‘The Social Network’ director David Fincher at the helm, a big budget and a built-in audience, it seemed like the flick couldn’t fail -- especially …

... when critics gave it a resounding 85 percent approval rating.

But, it was beaten by Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol in the top spot, followed by Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows at No. 2 and Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked at No. 3.

So -- why couldn’t Dragon slay the weekend nights?  E! calls the debut a dud, and offers insight into moviegoers’ minds.

“‘... during the holidays … people want only escapism or sentimentality. The Dragon Tattoo series offers neither …”

And MTV spoke with an industry expert who says the problem might be that this version has come too quickly after the Swedish film. He asks:

"’Do overseas audiences really want to see the Hollywood version after the original is so fresh in their minds and was equally well-received?’”

But, don’t scorch Dragon just yet. A Sony exec told The Wrap this could be just the beginning for the film, because on Christmas weekend, moviegoers were split between several well-reviewed movies.

“With no new major movies opening [this] Friday … Rory Bruer, Sony's distribution chief, told TheWrap … the film ‘is off to a good start and it's just going to get better with every day through the rest of the holiday season and well into the new year.’”

And what about the hot movie industry topic of the past several weeks -- this year’s overall box office take? Reports have been rampant that numbers for 2011 are down …

“We’re predicting that we’re behind about $500 million if we compare it to last year -- that’s a 4.5 percent fallout.”

But in the year’s final week, things seem to be on the upswing. Deadline Hollywood reports that Steven Spielberg’s movie War Horse had a surprisingly robust opening, and sums the Christmas weekend up with the headline:

“Christmas Cheer Here! Better Numbers for New Movies.”

And the cheer could get even, well, cheerier -- outlets have also cited Sunday’s NBA games specifically for keeping moviegoers out of theaters on Christmas weekend.

(Image Source: Inquisitr)

BY DANNY MATTESON

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

You're watching multisource entertainment news analysis from Newsy.

Tease out your hair and pull on those zebra print spandex pants Van Halen fans, because the band is getting back together -- with original lead-singer David Lee Roth, no less.

The band initially announced its plans by posting this video on its website. As the band plays and 57-year-old Roth practices some of his signature stage antics, the ticker at the bottom reads “Van Halen on Tour 2012”.

The tour will commemorate the 40-year-anniversary of the founding of the band and according to Billboard...

“...will presumably feature Eddie Van Halen, bassist Wolfgang Van Halen, drummer Alex Van Halen and David Lee Roth...”

If you’re a Van Halen aficionado you may have noticed that’s not the entire original lineup. New York Daily News points out...

“Original bassist Mike Anthony is enjoying success with another ex-Van Halen singer, Sammy Hagar, in the supergroup Chickenfoot. Eddie’s son Wolfgang took over Anthony’s spot during an ill-fated 2007 tour - that was shortened when Eddie Van Halen went into rehab for alcohol abuse.”

And more exciting than the tour for some may be plans for the bands first album with Roth since 1984. MTV reports...

“In addition to the tour, the group are working on their first album of new material with Roth in 27 years. They recently signed to Interscope Records after spending their entire career on Warner Bros. Records.”

Although the band has yet to announce tour dates, tickets are set to go on sale January 10th.

Transcript by Newsy

(Image Source: WhoSay)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

People magazine’s former Sexiest Man Alive is off the market. Matthew McConaughey has proposed to longtime girlfriend Camila Alves. Here’s KYW.

“Actor Matthew McConaughey gives his longtime girlfriend a nice Christmas gift. He is engaged to Camila Alves. Matthew began dating model Camila in 2006. They have two children together -- a son and a daughter.”

McConaughey sent out this pic on Christmas Day via his WhoSay account with the caption, “just asked Camila to marry me -- merry Christmas.”

42-year-old McConaughey had previously dated Sandra Bullock and Penelope Cruz, but People magazine says 29-year-old Alves seems to be the one who tamed the sexy Southerner.

“ … McConaughey told PEOPLE in 2008 that Alves was the woman he wanted to start a family with. ‘I always wanted to be a father,’ he said. ‘It just took the right woman and the right time to make it happen.’ The actor previously gushed … ‘[Alves] is the love of my life. Everything is right.’”

But, perhaps surprisingly -- McConaughey is getting some flack for proposing on Christmas. A writer for The Stir says:

“From now on, Christmas will be the day they got engaged rather than Christmas. … Perhaps a ‘better’ engagement strategy would be to propose on a day that is its own special day.”

But CinemaBlend calls the proposal a feel-good story.

“The best Christmas celebrations don’t always come with the biggest, shiniest gifts. … Sometimes the best Christmases are those that take a little planning, but ultimately lead to a pleasant and close moment with the people you care about most. Such seems to be the case with Matthew McConaughey …”

McConaughey’s move to announce the engagement via social media has also grabbed attention, with outlets saying celebrities are starting to speaking more through their Twitter accounts than through their PR reps.

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Academy award-winner Robert De Niro and his wife have welcomed a new baby girl -- here’s HLN with the story.

“His rep says little Helen Grace was carried by a surrogate. She is the second child for the 68-year-old actor and his wife, Grace.Their first son is now 13-years-old.”

And De Niro’s wife -- who he met in 1987 and married in 1997 -- is 56 years old. WTVJ commends the couple on their ageless attitudes.

“Those are some dedicated parents, because they knew the baby was coming. They planned for it. 68 and 56 to start raising a child.”
“I think if you’re a loving couple and you feel like you can still pass that love on to someone else, it’s a blessing. Good for them.”

But on ABC.com video, anchors say the adults’ age isn’t fair to this newborn.

“I think it’s very, very, very, very, very ambitious.”
“They’re gonna have a little trouble climbing the bleachers at the high school graduation.”
“That’s what I’m saying. Some people would say that’s not so fair to the little girl.”

And The Los Angeles Times points out the age difference with little Helen Grace’s siblings, too. De Niro has five other kids through three other mothers. The Times says sarcastically:

“Robert De Niro has become a father again at age 68. Perhaps even more exciting, Drena De Niro has become a big sister again at age 40.”

Still - Cinemablend points out -- De Niro and his wife will likely have some help around the house with diaper duty.

“At his advanced age, De Niro might not be a prime candidate for fatherhood, but with his resources, a firm commitment and a mother who’s fifty-six, Helen should turn out just fine.”

Though De Niro rarely speaks about his personal life, his rep did release a statement saying Helen Grace weighed in at a healthy 7 lbs, 2 ounces.

(Image source: Los Angeles Times)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Adam Lambert apparently wasn’t feeling the Christmas spirit this week. The reality star was visiting his boyfriend in Finland -- where HE is a reality star, and the two wound up in a barfight … with each other. Here’s KTTV.

“Adam Lambert, the former American Idol runner-up, was thrown behind bars in Finland overnight after a brawl with his boyfriend outside a bar. In fact, both he and his boyfriend ended up in the pokey after allegedly assaulting each other and those who tried to break up the fight.”

Lambert had been in Finland since Monday to celebrate the holidays with his partner, who he has been dating since 2010. And, in case this fight wasn’t dramatic enough -- The Hollywood Reporter points out another saucy detail.

“Finnish beauty queen Sofia Ruusila, an ex-Miss Helsinki, who had been celebrating with Lambert and Koskinen, told a Finnish entertainment channel that she had tried to get between the quarrelling couple when Lambert accidentally hit her by mistake.”

USA Today has the couple’s responses post-smackdown. Here’s Lambert’s Tweet, followed by his boyfriend’s blog post.

“‘Jetlag+Vodka=blackout. Us÷blackout=irrational confusion. jail+guilt+press=lesson learned. Sauli+Adam+hangover burgers= laughing bout it. :)’ Koskinen posted about the incident in his blog, writing, ‘Publicity is not easy, but also celebrities are just human. Love is not easy either, but it lasts forever!’”

But PerezHilton.com doesn’t approve of the tone in Lambert’s Tweet.

“Making fun of what happened does not make it okay. … How many times does your fist need to connect with things for your to understand that violence is NEVER okay?!”

And The Los Angeles Times seems to imply that celebrity status actually has helped in this case.

“Getting released without being charged probably helped too. No need to wait for bail, then don the hoodie-and-sunglasses uniform of morning-after shame and slink around waiting for his publicist to kick into gear.”

29-year-old Lambert competed on American Idol in 2009.

(Image source: ABC)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

It’s round three of Damon vs. Obama. Academy award-winning actor Matt Damon supported President Obama in 2008 when he was a candidate, but in March he said he’s become disappointed with Obama as a president.

And at the White House Correspondents Dinner in May, the president provided a zinger in return.

OBAMA: “I love Matt Damon, love the guy—Matt Damon said he was disappointed in my performance. Well, Matt, I just saw The Adjustment Bureau, so...right back atcha, buddy.” (C-SPAN)

But not to be outdone, Damon has fired back. In a newly-published interview with Elle magazine, he says …

“I've talked to a lot of people who worked for Obama at the grassroots level. One of them said to me, ‘Never again. I will never be fooled again by a politician’ … You know, a one-term president with some balls who actually got stuff done would have been, in the long run of the country, much better.”

Looks like he’s going balls to the wall on this one. But, the media seem to think it’s not so much what Damon said as how he said it that proves a potential problem. Anchors on ABC talk it out.

“I don’t like that. That is inappropriate. You’ve got to show some respect for the President of the United States. I don’t care who you are -- I don’t care if you’re Matt Damon. I don’t like it.”
“He’s disappointed with the President, he’s not being bashful about it.”
“He can voice his disappointment in a different way -- you don’t disrespect the pres.”
“Hey Matt, call Sunny.”

And a writer for TheRoot says Damon’s phrasing makes him sound uninformed.

“The opinion of this actor/armchair political … reflects a sense of frustration with Obama's performance that we've heard before. … But we're dealing with the difficult realities of D.C., not the storybook endings of Hollywood. And with 2012 approaching, the actual choice isn't between ‘some balls’ and no balls but, rather, between Obama and one of the candidates for the GOP nomination.”

But The Stir says -- hear, hear, Matt! And applauds his true grit.

“Agreed and agreed. Obama's first term has let a lot of people down … I think a lot of us feel that way. Yes, Obama has faced a ton of opposition when it comes to the House and Senate, but I don't know if that's really an excuse. … many of us strongly believed Obama would be able to do more with his time in the White House. That he'd effect change.”

Still, Damon might have gotten an Academy Award for writing “Good Will Hunting,” but he wasn’t so creative with this insult -- in November of last year, James Carville said Hillary Clinton needed to give the President one of her balls so that he’d have two.

(Image Source: FashionGrail.com/QVC)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Another day, another Kardashians story - and another incident of he said/she said. Reports are running rampant this week that the Kardashians’ clothing line is made in sweat shops. The story was first reported by Star Magazine -- here it is, with some added snark, from HollyScoop.


“The Institute for Global Labor and Human Rights tells Star Magazine, quote, ‘The Kardashians are in bed with some pretty bad people. Not only are celebrities like the Kardashians taking advantage of these workers, they are holding hands with a government that spits on democracy and women’s rights. Most of the workers spend seven days a week working in a factory to produce a product filled with a stench of sewage.’ Now we know how the family made their reported $65 million last year.”

The report concerns areas of China, and according to the article -- workers at some factories worked 12 hour days, six days a week for less than $2 an hour, and some were as young as 16. The clothing lines included are K-Dash and the Kris Jenner Collection, not the Kardashians’ line for Sears. The investigation was conducted from July to August of this year.

But, TMZ spoke with the watch group’s executive director -- and he says he did an interview with Star Magazine, but the mag jumped the gun on which factories did what.

CHARLES KERNAGHAN: “We were just in the process of trying to track the factories down.”
HARVEY LEVIN: “Are you prepared to say they are losing slave labor? Because that’s the issue.”
“I can’t say that because we haven’t finished our research, but what I’m saying is -- with every single research campaign we’ve done in China, you always come up with nasty sweatshop conditions.”

The story has spurred a back-and-forth between the Kardashians and Star. E! -- on which the family’s reality shows air -- spoke with the family’s rep:

“The family was tipped off [on] the explosive allegations after the dubious tandem of Star magazine … ‘The story is not true,’ the Kardashians' rep … tells E! News.”

But Star then also spoke with the group director in response to the Kardashians’ denial -- and used his responses to fire back at both the Kardashians and TMZ.

Star said the director told them the Kardashians’ denial is, quote, “ridiculous.”

“Kernaghan also lashed out at TMZ’s claims that Star’s story had misquoted him or was not correct. ‘We don’t know what they are talking about,’ Kernaghan said. ‘I don’t disagree with a single thing (Star) said so I don’t know what they are saying.’”

So who’s telling the truth? At this point in the back-and-forth of blunders and alleged bad reporting, it seems impossible to tell, but a writer for Ology asks -- ultimately -- does anyone care? These are the Kardashians, after all.

“Sounds to us like there’s something seriously fishy going on. Could there be truth in the Star’s report? Does the drama ever end for this endless spotlight-sucking troupe of reality television nobodys? Is anybody still reading?!”


But a panelist on Fox News feels the opposite about the family’s star power, and says -- Kim is embodying American ideals of success.

“She is not a mockery of what makes this country great. She epitomizes it. It’s all about the definition of luck -- opportunity meeting preparation. She’s what makes this country great.”
“What about her looks? You forgot about that.”
In response to the allegations, a website called boycottkim.com has popped up -- an online petition on it already has several hundred thousand signatures.
 

(Image Source: Inquisitr)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Earlier this month we brought you the story of home improvement retailer Lowe’s pulling its ads from TLC’s reality show “All-American Muslim” after pressure from the Florida Family Association. Since then, the situation has only escalated. And Tuesday, despite being presented with a massive petition -- the retailer still refused to reinstate its ads. Here’s WSOC.

“Religious leaders hand-delivered 200,000 signatures to Lowe’s Improvement Headquarters in Mooresville.”
“The group wanted Lowe’s to reinstate the ads, but said afterwards, they understood the company’s decision not to.”
“I think many of us would love for Lowe’s to have continued to advertise, to continued to have supported that community. But they have talked with us about their support of diversity.”
“But I asked, ‘Did they talk about Muslims and their faith?’”
“Not specifically about Muslim-Americans.”

Over the weekend, hundreds of protesters gathered at a Lowe’s stores in Michigan, where they were met by Lowe’s supporters carrying handguns -- albeit, legally -- and calling themselves the Michigan Militia. The situation remained peaceful, but Muslim-Americans and their supporters are still not satisfied with Lowe’s.

The company has apologized for offending people, but still won’t reinstate its ads -- saying it pulled the ads not because of anti-Muslim sentiments, but because the show was controversial. The Florida Family Association had said the program riskily hides an Islamic agenda.

A writer for The Huffington Post slams the FFA, and says Lowe’s looks bad and should feel ashamed.

But USA Today spoke with some of the cast members, who actually put a positive spin on the controversy.

“It’s definitely unified people, so honestly, I just want to thank the Florida Family Association for doing this, because I think what they were trying to do has totally backfired.”

And a blogger for OpenSalon says she does see why Lowe’s made its decision.

“Had Lowe’s simply been Islamophobic, as articles seem to insinuate, they would not have advertised with the show in the first place. … They did a simple calculation: Are we likely to increase our customer base by advertising on a show about ordinary Muslim Americans, or are we going to lose customers who do not even watch the show because the Muslims portrayed are too ordinary?”

As serious as the situation seems to have become, there’s still some room for the lighthearted. Three actors put together a parody of the problem - and created a Lowe’s commercial all their own.

In it, they shop at Lowe’s -- for what, we don’t know. Until the end.

A spokesperson for Lowe’s said the company pulls ads from controversial shows eight to 10 times a year, but would not provide examples.

(Image Source: Facebook/Warner Bros.)

It’s been a week of highly anticipated trailers. First, The Dark Knight Rises trailer debuted -- now, the first teaser for Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit” is out.

GANDOLF: “Bilbo Baggins, I’m looking for someone to share in an adventure.
BAGGINS: “I can’t just go running off into the blue. I am a Baggins of Bagend.”
GANDOLF: “Bilbo, allow me to introduce [names].
“I cannot guarantee his safety.”
“Understood.”
“Nor will I be responsible for his fate.”
“Can you promise that I will come back?”
“No. And if you do, you will not be the same.”
“My name is Bilbo Baggins.”
“Baggins? What is a Baggins? Precious.”

Critics and fans alike were quick to praise. Here’s Good Morning America:

“Sir Ian McKellen back as Gandolf, Cate Blanchett as Elf Queen and Martin Freeman from The Office will take the lead as a young Bilbo Baggins.
“The trailer has already received 250,000 views and counting in less than 12 hours, and it doesn’t even come out a year from now.
“I’m gonna go watch it another 250,000 times.”
“It’s that good.”
“I can not wait for that.”
“Yeah, the movies are really good.”

And The Washington Post:

“The only bad news about the trailer is that it’s a preview for a film that doesn’t release until a year from now, on Dec. 14, 2012.”

But a writer for TIME says this teaser seems all too familiar. Originally, Guillermo del Toro was set to direct The Hobbit, but after money problems in production, he stepped aside, and Peter Jackson took the job. Jackson directed all three Lord of the Rings films -- and the writer wishes the del Toro deal had worked out.

“We’ll sadly never know a new Lord of the Rings story without Peter Jackson behind the camera — and yes, that is sad, for as good a job as he did with the first trilogy, J.R.R. Tolkien’s world could use someone with a different eye. … Instead, it appears as if we’ll have a Lord of the Rings redux. With a dragon.”

And, what’s with all the trailers this week anyway? The BBC spoke with the features editor of Empire Magazine, who provides some inside-the-industry perspective -- noting that Warner Bros. is the studio behind both The Dark Knight Rises and The Hobbit.

“Dan Jolin … says it is the first year he can remember so many trailers on offer, so far in advance of release dates. "I think the studio is extremely keen to be showing off to the world how impressive its slate is for 2012. … Quite simply, they are foghorning a bold statement of intent - dominance of the 2012 box office.”

Similar to Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit will be followed one year later by a second film -- “The Hobbit: There and Back Again.” Both will screen in 3D.

(Image Source: Jackie Magazine/Facebook)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Grammy-winning singer Rihanna took to Twitter this week to slam a Dutch magazine for referring to her using a racial slur/cuss word combo. Here’s Rolling Stone with the story.

“In a brief item that was apparently meant as humorous praise, the magazine Jackie called Rihanna ‘the ultimate ni**abitch,’ saying, ‘She has street cred, she has a ghetto ass and she has a golden throat.’”

Those words quickly started a war of words between Rihanna and the publication. E! has the songstress’ first response.

“Riri Tweeted, ‘I hope you can read English, because your magazine is a poor representation of the evolution of human rights. I find you disrespectful.”

And things went downhill and dirty from there. Here’s The Daily Buzz with what happened next.

“The mag is saying sorry. The editor of Jackie issued an apology, and went on to say the words were meant to be a joke and admits it shouldn’t have happened. Riri issued her own statement, saying, ‘On behalf of my own race, here are two words for you.’ Just look at the screen.”
[On screen: F*** you!!!”]
“Ooooo!”

Yikes! ABC News calls that: “Choice Words”

Still, MTV reports readers were, quote, “shocked by the magazine’s language,” and sides with the singer.

“Even with the apology it’s not difficult to see why Rihanna responded the way she did.”

And The BBC reports the magazine’s editor-in-chief, who had worked there for eight years, has now resigned. She said:

“Through this my credibility has been hurt, and that neither fits the role of an editor-in-chief, nor Jackie Magazine.”

(Image Source: Warner Bros.)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

The first full trailer for The Dark Knight Rises hit the web this week -- and blogs are abuzz with analysis of Christopher Nolan’s third Batman flick.

ANNE HATHAWAY: “There’s a storm coming, Mr. Wayne. You and your friends better batten down the hatches. ‘Cause when it hits, you’re all going to wonder how you ever thought you could live so large and leave so little for the rest of us.”
(Chanting)

The first two Batman films from Nolan garnered major critical acclaim and box office success, and reviews of this trailer have been overwhelmingly positive. But entertainment value aside, comments have also cropped up about the movie’s possible political undertones.

The Guardian’s headline: “The Dark Knight Rises gives us Occupy Gotham,” and the writer asks if Nolan is ..

“ ... now set for ... a shift into political allegory territory?”

The Los Angeles Times says yes -- that the quote from Catwoman, played by Anne Hathway makes it clear she represents the 99 percent. The paper applauds Nolan’s vision.

“Not a lot of filmmakers would attempt to roll together Occupy, Egypt and Time Magazine’s Person of the Year in one cinematic package, let alone in one with superheroes. But Nolan is, as ever, thinking big … ”

But a writer for The Atlantic is worried by the theory, saying it will sully the director’s perfect record.

“The Occupy Wall Street angle is a little tired by now (do you really want to follow in Brett Ratner's footsteps, Mr. Nolan?) and feels tacked on and incongruous with the last two films, both thematically and in terms of plot.”

Outlets agree that the trailer creates more questions than answers. But Entertainment Weekly notes that there might be a different motivation for Catwoman: cash.

“Among many burning questions … Are Catwoman and Bane revolutionaries motivated by ideology — or cynical rogues exploiting a volatile moment for pumped-up kicks and personal profit?”

Either way, Batman is back -- and you can see him for yourself when the flick hits theaters in July.

(Image source: KimKardashian.com) 

BY EMILY SPAIN

Happy holidays from the Kardashians!  The family released its 2011 Christmas Card and the dramatic photo already has critics talking.

The card features the entire family - minus Kim’s soon-to-be ex-husband Kris Humphries - standing spread out on stairs. All are dressed for a black and white affair except for mom Kris Jenner in her sparkly teal dress.

A blogger for the Bleacher Report spouts off about how the card reflects the family’s place in American society.

“The 2011 Kardashian family Christmas card features a bunch of Kardashians doing things that Kardashians do. This is to say that it features a bunch of Kardashians dressed at the height of fashion and just kind of standing around. Kardashians are ubiquitous in this culture of ours, so it's oddly fitting that they're just kind of there in their Christmas card.”

A new twist to this year’s card?  It’s in 3D. A writer for the National Post notes that people should’ve expected the extra feature.

“Why am I surprised that the Kardashian family Christmas card is in 3D? I should know by now that their cheeziness knows no bounds…”

What are people noticing the most? Kim standing by herself.  According to the Daily Mail she had planned to release a Christmas card with her wedding photo, but the pending divorce changed her season’s greetings. The Improper gives this analysis of the lone Kardashian:

“...this year, Kim is alone and isolated, standing on a lower step than momager Kris and sister Khloe. She’s clearly subordinate, perhaps reflecting her fall from grace after filing for divorce. Kim looks sullen, almost angry and possibly defiant, a subconscious acknowledgement of her demotion.”

Despite, the media’s criticism, the family loved their holiday pic. On their sites Kourtney and Kim gave the card some praise:

Kourtney wrote:
“There’s nothing I love more than getting everyone together for the Christmas card shoot! I love everyone’s matching bow ties!”

And Kim said:
“I love our family Christmas cards shoots and I think this one looks amazing!”

Transcript by Newsy. 


 

(Image Source: ChazBono.Net)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Chaz Bono and fiance Jennifer Elia have called off their engagement after six years together. Here’s CNN with the news.

“This is really sad news for all of Chaz Bono’s fans. The pair were dating since 2005 and we just saw Bono’s proposal on his reality show, ‘Being Chaz.’ A spokesperson says the couple have decided to split up and, quote, ‘They leave this relationship with great love, respect and affection towards one another.’”

But The Daily Buzz was not so kind, calling Bono a, quote, “celebrity hot mess.”

“Chaz Tweeted about the breakup with the obligatory ‘we remain on good terms’ nonsense, and ‘don’t take it so bad. You know we can still be lesbians.’ Actually, I did it wrong. ‘Don’t take it so bad.’ It’s the testosterone. Come on.”

Bono proposed in November on his reality show on the OWN network, ‘Being Chaz.’ The couple had begun their relationship both as women, then stood by each other as Bono revealed he was transgender and wanted to transition into being a man. Elia said the process had its challenges, but she was supportive of Bono.

So, what went wrong? Was it the strain of Bono’s transgender process, or something else? Between Dancing With The Stars, his documentary ‘Becoming Chaz,’ the OWN show, and a book deal, 42-year-old Bono had quite the year in 2011.

WFLD speculates that fame took its toll.  

“Was it the fame? What was it? Dancing With The Stars?”
“Too much exposure, I think.”

But The Huffington Post’s Rob Shuter writes that his sources say otherwise, and that the relationship had been rocky for a while.

“‘Relationships are not easy,’ a friend of Bono's tells me. ‘Add on top of that, when this couple started this relationship they were both women -- and now one is a man. Add to that, they both have had substance issues and a lot of personal problems they needed to figure out.’ … No tales of fame-gone-awry here.”

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Guess he should have brought this teacher an apple. A former New York University professor is suing the school, and James Franco is in the middle of it. Here’s KHOU.

“One professor at NYU, where Franco previously attended, is actually suing the university for firing him. He says he lost his job for giving the actor a D.”

Franco was at the school for a master’s in filmmaking. Inside Edition has the details of what exactly the professor says Franco did wrong, and the actor’s response.

“Franco persistently played hooky here at New York University, and actually missed 12 out of 14 classes. ... Franco acknowledged missing a number of classes in this interview with the website Showbiz411.com. He was busy making 127 Hours, for which he was nominated for an Oscar.
FRANCO: “I did all my work and I finished the film that was required that year, but I didn’t show up for class.”

TMZ spoke with the professor, Dr. Jose Santana, who was the head of the acting program. He says NYU considered Franco to be veritable “swag,” and basically let the Oscar nominee buy a degree.

SANTANA: “Numerous conflicts of interest in the department transpired relative to James Franco. ... I saw what every other student did during that time, and I saw what this celebrity student did at that time. There was no comparison.”

Santana also pointed out Franco hired another NYU professor who gave him a good grade to direct him in a short film. But he emphasizes that his problem isn’t with Franco personally, but with how the school handled Franco as a student. So, where does NYU stand? CBS has its statement.

“ ... it is regrettable and disappointing to see a faculty member -- former or otherwise -- discuss any student's grade for the purpose of personal publicity.”

While attending NYU, Franco was also enrolled at three other universities, filming movies like Planet of the Apes, guest-starring on General Hospital and putting up art shows famously filled with drawings and sculptures of male genitalia. A writer for iVillage says Franco’s celebrity status shouldn’t have translated to a high GPA.

“....it’s no wonder that his attendance was spotty. … If Franco missed that many days on a movie set, he’d be fired in a heartbeat. It doesn't seem fair to the other students that he's allowed to blow off college classes whenever he has a scheduling conflict.”

But the university stands behind Franco, and it looks like this will all have to play out in court. Santana says he wants his job at NYU back, but the school doesn’t seem to be interested. And, in fact -- it hired Franco. The 33-year-old actor taught a course on adapting poetry into film this fall.

(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Actress Brittany Murphy’s mother is bringing forth a new lawsuit.  She claims it was black mold that killed her daughter.

Murphy died in 2009 - she was 32. Rumors swirled that her death was the result of a drug overdose.  But an autopsy revealed she died of cardiac arrest brought on by a deadly mix of pneumonia, severe anemia, and  prescription drugs. Then, her husband, 40-year-old screenwriter Simon Monjack, died just five months later of the same things -- pneumonia and severe anemia -- and he had no drugs in his system, making their deaths all the more mysterious.

Now, TMZ is reporting that Murphy’s mother, Sharon, who tragically found both Brittany and Monjack’s bodies, says their deaths were caused by black mold in the house the couple lived in. TMZ writes:

“Sharon alleges she was duped by her lawyers into giving up her rights to sue the builders for wrongful death. … Sharon says her lawyers convinced her to accept a settlement.”

And on KDVR, a reporter for TMZ explains what Sharon wants.

“After looking more and more into this, she realizes this black mold is what she believes killed Brittany, killed Simon. Now she’s suing her lawyers for giving her bad legal advice, and she wants to be able to go after the construction company to recover some of those damages.”

But CelebGossip.com says the case’s history might prove problematic for Sharon.

“The coroner was aware of Sharon’s hypothesis … however he didn’t believe that the mold played a part in Brittany’s death. Also, Brittany’s house was tested for mold two months before her death. Simon received the results that the house was safe … "

And a writer for Gather sees Murphy’s mother’s side, but worries she won’t be able to support it in court.

“It is unusual for a woman so young to die of pneumonia. And when her husband, Simon Monjack, died the same way, someone should have taken note. But proving the mold in the house's walls caused two deaths is a difficult issue.”

(Image source: Playboy)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

When Lindsay Lohan’s Playboy issue leaked online 10 days ago, before its scheduled release date, we brought you a story about how that leak would affect the magazine’s sales. Now, Lohan’s spread has hit the stands -- and reports are as uncertain as Ms. Lohan’s movie career.

Hugh Hefner sent the media into a frenzy with this Tweet on Sunday:

“The Lindsay Lohan January-February Double Issue is breaking sales records.”

Outlets were quick to report on Hef’s Tweet. Here’s New York’s News12.

“Hugh Hefner announced on Twitter that the January/February issue of Playboy has broken sales records.”

And not long after the tweet, TMZ published its own article about the hot-selling issue, full of information from unidentified “sources.”

“...the issue is selling out all across the country … According to our sources, newsstands in major cities like New York and Los Angeles have had to re-order the issue multiple times. We're told Playboy is even getting re-orders from cities that usually never order more issues.”

But Fox News had a totally different report.

“...shoppers aren’t rushing to pick up their copy of the much-talked about Lindsay Lohan issue of Playboy this week. … interest seems low … ‘No one has bought it,’ was the resounding answer to our query at each stop.”

And The Daily Mail didn’t know what to say -- the outlet published these two articles within three hours of each other.

First, calling the issue “disappointing.”

Then, a sellout! It’s “flying off the shelves”!

So -- what’s the truth? KSBI seems to sum it up best based on the conflicting information.

“Retailers confirmed that the rag is selling well, though rarely selling out.”

Playboy has not released any official sales figures.

(Image Source: Warner Bros.)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows opened nationwide this weekend to $40 million. NY1 has the details.

ANCHOR: “Sherlock Holmes was a crowd pleaser this weekend.”
JUDE LAW: “How I’ve missed you, Holmes.”
ROBERT DOWNEY JR.: “Have you? I barely noticed your absence.”
ANCHOR: “The sequel, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, was the top box office draw on an otherwise slow weekend. The Robert Downey Jr. action flick uncovered $40 million in its first week of release, but that’s about $20 million less than the first movie’s debut.”

But can the movie really be called a crowd-pleaser? Media outlets are interpreting the box office take differently, with entertainment industry trades calling it a disappointment. Deadline Hollywood says it’s part of a growing trend in slacking sequels.

“Audiences keep rejecting Hollywood’s sequels and threequels. … Execs are hoping to make up the difference [for ‘Sherlock’] before year’s end. But more pics will open, too, creating clutter. So if this weekend’s low grosses continue, then the domestic box office slump may very well ruin Christmas for Hollywood.”

The New York Daily News calls the overall low ticket sales the, quote, “Mystery of the Missing Moviegoer,” and notes the difference between this year and last.

“The weekend box office haul … was 12% lower than this time in 2010, causing a lot of handwringing in an industry that’s seen an overall dip of four percent over the year …  “

And The Los Angeles Times notes more big-budget films, are on the way -- but says the latest numbers make their futures even more uncertain.

“The weekend's overall lackluster results … may be a red flag for the moviegoing period over the Christmas holiday. With a handful of expensive, highly anticipated films hitting theaters in the next two weeks -- including … "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" -- studios are banking on strong end-of-year ticket sales to help turn around what has been a underwhelming 2011 at the box office.”

But is there still time for a Christmas miracle -- from Tom Cruise, of all people? The fourth Mission Impossible movie -- Ghost Protocol -- also opened this weekend, and E! Online reports the movie ...

“ … which opened in limited release on 425 screens, most of them IMAX, easily delivered the weekend's biggest bang. Ghost Protocol's fantastic per-screen average of  nearly $31,000 translated into a $13 million Friday-Sunday take, enough to outearn films playing on thousands more screens … “
 

(Image Source: KCNC)

BY LAUREN ZIMA

ANCHOR LAUREN ZIMA

Lakers star Kobe Bryant’s wife of 10 years, Vanessa, has filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences. But what does that really mean? Talk of Bryant’s alleged cheating and his rape charges scandal years ago may be coming to the court again.

33-year-old Bryant and 29-year-old Vanessa announced that she had filed for divorce late Friday night. She is seeking spousal support, and both parties are seeking joint custody of their daughters -- aged 8 and 5. They married in 2001, when Bryant was just 22 and Vanessa was just 18 -- and as KCNC recalls -- until now, their marriage had weathered quite the storm.

KOBE BRYANT: “I’m innocent.”
ANCHOR: “You might remember that. Vanessa Bryant stood by her husband, or sat by her husband, when he was charged with sexually assaulting a woman in Vale back in 2003. Those charges were later dropped.”

Though the charges were dropped, Bryant did admit to having an affair with the accuser -- and not long after, Vanessa was spotted wearing a $4 million, 8-karat, purple diamond ring, which many called an “I’m sorry” gift. But according to TMZ, even a diamond isn’t going to cut it anymore.

The site says “irreconcilable differences” really means “cheating.”

“Vanessa … decided to end the marriage because she believes Kobe has been unfaithful ... again. As one source puts it, ‘She's been dealing with these incidents for a long time and has been a faithful wife, but she's finally had enough.’”

So, if cheating is at the center of the break-up, will the split see a bitter court battle? The New York Daily News says -- surprisingly -- no.

“The splitting spouses released a joint statement saying they had resolved all issues privately and expected a full divorce sometime next year. … Bryant filed his answer to the divorce petition within minutes of his wife, signaling a coordinated effort between the two legal camps.”

That means this divorce will never see a courtroom, and the question on every gossip hound’s mind becomes -- was there a pre-nup? HLN reports.

JOE CARTER: “Kobe has already moved out of the mansion permanently because in the divorce settlement Vanessa gets the estate. The couple did not have a prenup, which means Vanessa is entitled to half of every dollar Kobe made since the two were married 10 years ago, and everybody knows that man’s made a lot of money.”

How much, exactly? Forbes did the math.

“He has banked $200 million in salary from the Lakers during his career and another $250 million from endorsements ... Bryant’s net worth is likely in the neighborhood of $300 million after the tax man, his agent and others have taken their cut.”

And all sports fans want to know -- how will this affect Kobe? With the NBA lockout and the loss of his pal Lamar Odom from the Lakers to the Dallas Mavericks, the former MVP is facing a rough season. But Yahoo!Sports says, don’t bench the baller yet.

“If there is one thing Lakers fans have learned watching Kobe Bryant grow up it is that he thrives when the chips are down. … Count on Bryant becoming more focused and developing the younger Lakers to work their way into the lineup.”
 

(Image Source: CNN)

(Image Source: ScreenCrave)

BY CHRISTINA HONAN

Piers Morgan is out--
And Howard Stern is in.
The controversial radio personality will replace the newsman as a judge on NBC’s America’s Got Talent.

Howard TV:

“The people at ‘America’s Got Talent’ said we feel you’re uniquely qualified to be a judge. We feel you know Piers has done a great job, as do I, I think Piers has been fantastic. I will say that and I’ve told him that... I said if you’re really serious about me as a judge, I’ve got to tell you something. You might think I’m out of my mind. You might think I’m crazy, but I take judging very seriously.”

MTV took to the streets to see how people are reacting to the news.

“It’s great publicity I think for America’s Got Talent. I mean Howard Stern’s got a lot to say”
“You never know what’s going to come out of his mouth. Hopefully the majority of it they’ll be able to use on network television.”
“Howard Stern is a funny, crazy dude. I will definitely be in there watching.”
“I feel like families who are watching are going to be like what is this guy doing on the show??”

One group was already quick to voice its disapproval. The president of the Parents Television Council responded to the news with a statement in which they called NBC desperate for hiring a performer synonymous with shock, profanity and obscenity.

“The once-proud broadcast network has lost its way and has made it clear it holds no concern whatsoever for children and families. It also risks losing millions in advertising dollars. Whatever principles NBC had in the past, when the network was successful, have clearly gone out the window.”

But many aren’t so sure about that. TMZ talked with several celebrities and television personalities who say-- give Stern a shot.

Simon Cowell: "He’s done a lot of TV over the years and he’s not stupid. He’s not doing it to be boycotted or to have people desert the show. It’s his ego — he wants the show to go on."
Howie Mandel: "What he does on Sirius radio is not what he’s going to bring to this show."
Reporter: "What do you think about Howard Stern on — ?"

Zach Braff: I love that! I love Howard, he’s hysterical — I’m gonna watch the show now.

Reporter: Did you watch the show before?
Zack Braff: No, but I’m such a Howard fan, that I’m gonna try it out.

According to the New York Daily News, Stern also got support from daytime host Wendy Williams...

“..who praised Stern for being a great father and noted how he took care of his first wife even after his divorce.”

And it’s not only celebs backing Stern. A writer for Entertainment Weekly gives three reasons why this  is “the best decision NBC has made in years.”

“1. People like me will start watching America’s Got Talent.
2. The Howard-generated publicity alone will boost ratings immediately. When you hire Stern, you court controversy. NBC is already benefiting...
3.He’s one of the best interviewers ever. The questioning of the contestants is going to be a lot more insightful and fun.”

Morgan reportedly wants to focus more on his CNN show ‘Piers Morgan tonight.’ Stern will replace Morgan on the next season of ‘America’s Got Talent.’ Production for the series will begin in February. 

(Image Source: Idolator)

BY CHRISTINA HONAN

Baby, one more time. Yep, Britney Spears is engaged once again, this time to longtime boyfriend and former manager Jason Trawick.

Trawick, who starred as Britney’s love interest and hero in her Criminal music video, popped the question Thursday night on his 40th birthday. The two have been together since 2009, but have known and worked together since 2006.

The news didn’t exactly come as a surprise. Jason’s been spotted ring shopping and gushing about Spears, sparking plenty of false alarm engagement stories along the way.

“Sources recently told PEOPLE that Trawick was ready to pop to the question -- and that the two had ‘been talking about marriage for a long time.’”

According to TMZ, Spears knew the engagement was coming. Splash TV has more.

“The pop star’s camp is said to have already signed off on the wedding plans and a judge will most likely follow suit. Trawick reportedly even went to Spears’ dad, Jamie to ask permission for her hand in marriage. We wonder if Mr. Kevin Federline did the same thing. Somehow, we doubt it.”

This time, it’s the real deal. Trawick confirmed the engagement to Access Hollywood’s Billy Bush and Spears took to Twitter early Friday morning to hint at the exciting news.

“OMG. Last night Jason surprised me with the one gift I’ve been waiting for. Can’t wait to show you! SO SO SO excited!!!! Xxo.”

The gift in question? A diamond ring. No pictures have been released yet, but according to a few reports, Spears will be rocking a Neil Lane sparkler weighing in at over 3 carats. The two plan to celebrate the engagement in Vegas, which has some raising eyebrows.

“So when sources confirmed to E! News that the newly engaged pop star and her hubby-to-be Jason Trawick are set to celebrate their happy news with a party in Las Vegas tonight, suspicions were naturally raised -- could they possibly be bypassing a very long engagement and simply getting the deed done during their weekend in Sin City? After all, it wouldn't be the first time for Britney.”

Still, many sources insist Britney has learned from her past and the wedding won’t be for a long time.

The marriage will be Britney’s third after she famously married a childhood friend Jason Alexander for 55 hours in Vegas before getting it annulled and then later married and divorced Kevin Federline, former back-up dancer and the father of her two sons.

So, third time’s the charm? Spears seems to think so.

"He makes me laugh, and we are so comfortable being ourselves...I've never been happier."