July 31, 2008

Remember this past weekend when Transformers star Shia LaBeouf got into that car accident and had to have emergency hand surgery? Like I told you, he’ll miss a full month of production on the Transformers sequel which can cost up to $200,000 a day. Speaking of Shia, car accidents and money – some loonatics are trying to sell debris from that same sidelining car accident. So far the auction is at 99 cents and ends on Saturday.

As if we don’t get enough of the Tinseltown train wrecks that are Britney Spears and Paris Hilton, now they’ve been thrust into political attack ads. Republican Presidential hopeful John McCain rolled out a new TV commercial comparing Democratic Presidential hopeful Barack Obama to the fallen pop princess and hotel heiress. A rep for Paris told me she was never asked nor gave permission to have her likeness used in the ad and has no further comment. Thank God the ad left out the doctored photo of Obama getting out of a limo with a skirt and no underwear.

40 Year Old Virgin co-stars Steve Carell and Seth Rogen will team up for a new Ghostbusters movie. The original four Ghostbusters, Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray, Harold Ramis and Ernie Hudson, will hand over their "proton packs" to the new guys, for a whole series of new movies.

Never again! That’s what comedian and star of My Life on the D-List Kathy Griffin says about the possibility of more cosmetic surgery. Kathy’s never been shy about going under the knife – she’s had a face lift, eye job and “all that stuff” but she tells me, “What I found was that it didn’t help one bit. It didn’t make me happier or didn’t make me look particularly younger.” ...Should have renamed the show My Life on the Operating Table.

I’m not sure how this was documented but evidently on her way out of a doctor’s office Jennifer Garner was carrying a piece of paper with "March 2nd" circled on it. Does this mean hubby Ben Affleck should prepare for a second wave of diaper duty in 8 months? Or is it just the date she needs to get her cholesterol checked? This story does conflict with past reports that Jennifer is due in 5 months.

I’ve told you Jennifer Aniston is definitely the focus of paparazzi while on tour with boyfriend STAR Artist John Mayer but how is Jennifer fitting into John’s circle of friends? One of his pals tells me Jen fits perfectly with the group of friends, crew and musicians that John has on tour. The same pal also tells me the couple is only “getting closer.”

STAR Artist Timbaland and OneRepublilc have been added to the lineup for this September’s Fashion Rocks event. They join STAR Artists Justin Timberlake Mariah Carey and others. Look for that September 5th on CBS.

So STAR Artist Leona Lewis is just huge right now. She’s got a number one single in “Bleeding Love” and I’m sure her new record has more hits in store for us – she’s obviously a shoo-in for a bunch of Grammy nominations – so when can we expect to see her live? Leona says not anytime soon. "At the moment, people are just getting the feeling for me and what I do musically, so we'll see."

Most women love a man in uniform (yes?) and evidently Katie Holmes is no exception – she just can’t get enough of New York City firefighters. Last November she was sporting a NYFD hat and just yesterday she randomly stopped by a firehouse to pose for pictures. No word on if she worked the pole or not.

STAR Artist Maroon 5 will take a day off their tour with the Counting Crows to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina. They’ve got a show in New Orleans in a month and a half and all proceeds will benefit Brad Pitt’s Make It Right Foundation for New Orleans’ Ninth Ward.

The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor marks the third time we’ve seen Brendan Fraser do a bad impression of Indiana Jones and hopes to top The Dark Knight at the box-office this weekend. These Mummy movies have made serious cash in the past so it could be a true competitor for the number one spot. It opens tomorrow. Swing Vote starring Kevin Costner as an apathetic guy who’s vote determines the next president.

July 30, 2008

Wanna see pictures of Brad and Angelina’s new twins? You’ll have to check out a future issue of People magazine. Yep, People won the bidding war – rumor has it it cost the mag between $10 million and $15 million. That money’s already been earmarked by Brad and Angelina for charity and I’ll let you know when that particular People issue hits store shelves.

It’s been a while since we talked about the Lohan family. It seems Lindsay’s mom and sister are taking over the gossip page, at least for today. At an after-party for the New York premiere of The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2, mom and sis Lohan were asked to leave. Lindsay’s mom on the other hand says a staffer at the party raised his voice to them so they left voluntarily. Ok…no way did they leave on their own – not when there’s free booze to be had.

Vanity Fair has a new list for you to memorize: The Best-Dressed of 2008. Aneglina Jolie, Ivanka Trump, Tilda Swinton, and Sarah Jessica Parker took top honors. The Today Show host Matt Lauer and 007 Daniel Craig were a couple men that made the grade. Check out all 42 honorees in the September issue of Vanity Fair.

As The Dark Knight worldwide publicity tour rolls on, star Christian Bale is still not talking about his recent assault arrest calling it a “private matter.” He does however love to talk about his costar Heath Ledger, "You could see how much glee and delight he got from playing this character." The Dark Knight’s earned over $300 million domestically and some critics say Heath deserves a posthumous Oscar nomination.

As Macy’s gets set to celebrate 150 years in retail, STAR Artist Christina Aguilera is helping to mark the occasion by lending her beautiful self to some commemorative pictures. Check out one of those pictures:Seriously, if a large cake is part of the celebration, I vote she’s the one to jump out of it.

I blame myself. 2 days ago I had a Lance Armstrong “Livestrong” bracelet in my pocket and today we find out Lance and his girl, Kate Hudson, have broken up after 3 months.

A rep for STAR Artist Madonna says the rumors Madonna ghost-wrote some of her brother’s tell-all book are “ludicrous,” and “if she had anything to do with that book, it would have been better written and more eloquent.”

Briefly:
STAR Artist Fergie has landed herself a nice fat movie role…as a prostitute. This is in the movie Nine which also stars Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Kate Hudson and Judi Dench. Fergie told me she plans to “be a sponge on set.”

STAR Artist Alicia Keys will team up with Jack White of the band the White Stripes for the new Bond movie theme called "Another Way to Die." Quantum of Solace opens November 7th.

Lightning...meet our radio tower.

EXCLUSIVE: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince!

July 29, 2008

Shia LaBeouf’s mother says he’s doing fine after surgery needed after being in a very serious car accident over the weekend. She’s been by his bedside since he got to the hospital. I’m now also hearing Shia may not be charged with anything. A spokesperson for the LAPD says the person Shia hit ran a red light while he was trying to make a legal left turn. That actually makes sense. I guess he was just in the wrong place at the wrong time…with the wrong blood alcohol level.

Lead singer of STAR Artist OneRepublic Ryan Tedder is helpin’ Kelly Clarkson with her new album and according to him it’s come together really nicely, “I’ve never been more excited about material that I’ve worked on with any artist. She thinks it will be better than any record she’s put out so far.” So get excited – the new CD is tentatively scheduled for an end-of-year release.

Well here’s an awkward story. A family who appeared on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is now facing foreclosure on the home built for them. Apparently the family used the home as collateral for a loan to start a business that eventually ran aground. Though ABC gives families a house maintenance fund a rep from ABC explained to me all financial matters after that are personal. A volunteer who helped build the home said a lot of people are now mad at the family, “It just makes you mad. You do that much work, and they just squander it."

Ugly Betty star America Ferrera is very excited about her recent Emmy nomination. “It’s really exciting. I mean it never stopped being exciting. It’s the Emmys and that’s so wonderful and an honor.” As for the move the show’s production is making to New York City she says “I think this is where the show belongs and it’s really going to give the show a third season boost in terms of the energy that’s onscreen.” Ugly Betty is back on your TV on ABC September 25th.

New parents Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are supposedly halfway to their ultimate goal. A source tells me, "A dozen kids would be their dream." Right now there are six Jolie-Pitts: three naturally born, three adopted. But a Hollywood clinical psychologist tells me most people think their baby-gathering is nuts, "There is not one mother that I know that would trade places with Angelina Jolie even if it meant they got to sleep with Brad Pitt."

STAR Artist David Cook is one of many celebrities scheduled to be on Stand Up to Cancer, a telethon that’ll air simultaneously on ABC, NBC and CBS September 5th. He’ll be joined by others like Jennifer Aniston, Scarlet Johansson, Charlize Theron, Christina Applegate. Well with all those super hot women do you think he’d turn the offer down? The broadcast will raise money for cancer research and treatment.

STAR Artist Alicia Keys takes the health of her fans very seriously. She recently apologized for a tobacco company’s sponsorship of her tour. She had all mentions of the company removed from all the promotional material, t-shirts, sets…everything, and issued a statement “I apologize for any misleading advertising initially associated with the show. I'm an unyielding advocate for the well-being and health of children around the world and do not condone or endorse smoking.”

More celebrity baby news! Actor Matt Damon says his wife is “due soon.” Another girl is on the way, it’ll be the couple’s third. Matt told me, “I’m so outnumbered down here!”

Briefly:
Johnny Depp has been tapped to play the Mad Hatter in Tim Burton's adaptation of the classic film, Alice in Wonderland. Well you know that’s gonna be fun to watch. Look for it in summer 2010.

First, her brother and now STAR Artist Madonna’s manager is planning to release a coffee table book about her, hopefully free of any major controversy.

STAR Artist Maroon 5 will make a guest appearance on CSI: New York. Look for them in the second episode of the season.

STAR Artist Hinder will release their new album, "Take It To the Limit", on November 4th.

July 28, 2008

The Dark Knight zipped past the $300 million mark this weekend making it the fastest movie to get to that mark. Here's the full Top 10 recap of the box-office.
1. The Dark Knight, $75.63 million
2. Step Brothers, $30 million
3. Mamma Mia! $17.9 million
4. The X-Files: I Want to Believe, $10.2 million
5. Journey to the Center of the Earth, $9.4 million
6. Hancock, $8.2 million
7. WALL-E, $6.3 million
8. Hellboy II: The Golden Army, $4.9 million
9. Space Chimps, $4.4 million
10. Wanted, $2.7 million

Shia LaBeouf is young and stupid and proving it more often then I’d prefer. The star of the Transformers movies was arrested this weekend for suspicion of DUI after he was involved in a very serious accident. Shia was trying to turn left and struck another car, causing his car to flip twice. He was brought to the hospital where he had to have emergency surgery on his hand and knee and now he’ll miss a month of shooting the Transformers sequel. Everyone else involved with the accident was treated for minor injuries and released from the hospital. Shia should take a lead from his cinematic costars and transform into a responsible young man, as soon as possible. Here's Shia's truck post-accident:
So this past weekend I went to San Diego for 2 days to check out Comic-Con which is basically the ultimate nerd convention. Comic book companies, TV shows, movies and lots of celebrities come out to promote whatever they’re doing and give fans a chance to interact with them. I actually got to be backstage for my favorite show, The Office’s Q&A panel. Here's me meeting star Rainn Wilson:
And here I am with The Office's Executive Producer Greg Daniels: Check out more coverage of The Office at Comic-Con at OfficeTally.com

STAR Artist David Cook has finally revealed the release date of his highly anticipated debut CD – November 19th. David tells me he’s got 7 songs ready at the moment. He says, "I just want the record to be both eclectic and cohesive, and have something to say. The music is rock, but there's going to be some interesting twists and turns.”

STAR Artist Colbie Caillat has been’ lovin’ her time with fellow STAR Artist John Mayer on their summer tour. She says his fans seem to know, love and appreciate her music. There’s also been a lot of attention on the tour since John’s girlfriend Jennifer Aniston has been spotted at some shows. Colbie and Jennifer actually look very similar, but luckily the paparazzi haven’t mistake one for the other. Check out a side-by-side comparison of Colbie and Jennifer:
Say it ain’t so! Miley Cyrus may be getting ready to say goodbye to Hannah Montana. Or at least she's thinking about it. Miley told me she feels the time may be right for her hit Disney Channel series to come to an end. "We’re thinking this is our last season.”

Don't think STAR Artist Madonna is outraged by her brother’s new book about her. Inside sources tell me Madonna actually ghost-wrote parts of it with him, making sure hers wasn't the reputation taking any hits. Madonna and Guy Ritchie are reportedly planning to renew their vows just so we know everything’s cool.

STAR Artist Taylor Swift recently got her high school diploma in the mail, but she's not headed straight to college like most 18-year-old girls. She'd like to continue her studies at some point, but Taylor says, "At this moment, gearing up for my second album, I'm not gonna take four years and walk away from something that I am so lucky to have." Who can blame her?

Some sneaky paparazzi, dressed in camouflage, managed to get onto the grounds of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's chateau in southern France, where they got into a fight with the couple's bodyguards. Halle Berry has some paparazzi issues of her own. She’s filed criminal charges against the photographers who snuck onto her private estate and took pictures of her holding her four month old daughter, Nahla.

Former Saved by the Bell actor and recent reality series regular Dustin Diamond is writing a tell-all book about the show. Diamond's ghost-written tome, "Behind the Bell", will detail "sexual escapades among cast members, drug use and hardcore partying." Diamond played the nerdy Screech on Saved by the Bell and its spin-offs. No word on when this masterpiece will hit store shelves.

Briefly:
Ryan Seacrest was bit by a shark over the weekend. Thankfully, the accident was nothing too serious. A baby shark tried to take a hunk out of the “American Idol” host’s foot. It even left a little tooth behind as a souvenir.

Break out the baby toys for Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell. Romijn is pregnant with twins, their rep confirms. The twins, due this winter, will be the first babies for the parents-to-be.

Fido, meet Yum-o. Rachael Ray is bringing her trademark brand of culinary perk to the pet world, launching a new line of premium dog food.

Bono will be the godfather of Brangelina’s twins, thus making them even more chosen.

A little less than two months after Kelsey Grammer suffered a heart attack in Hawaii, the veteran actor admitted himself into a New York hospital for an irregular heartbeat.

July 24, 2008

Christian Bale attended the Spanish premiere of The Dark Knight last night, signed autographs and smiled but didn’t answer any questions about the recent assault charges filed by his mother and sister. He did issue a quick statement to the press, "It's a deeply personal matter," Bale said. "I would ask you to respect my privacy in the matter."

Speaking of Batman...The Dark Knight, as of Tuesday, has made $200 million. Analysts fully expect the movie to blow past the $300 million mark after this weekend. Steve Mason of FantasyMoguls.com said in an e-mail to me, “There’s never been anything like it.”

Here’s a big skeleton in the Spears family closet: Mom killed a young boy several years ago. The incident happened in Kentwood, LA, in 1975 when Lynne Spears was 20 years old. She was driving her brother to the hospital after he'd suffered an injury when she ran over the 12 year old boy on his bicycle. She rounded the curve and couldn’t avoid the boy in the street as there was oncoming traffic in the opposite lane. She tells us to this day she’s grieved by the incident.

Yesterday, I told you Will Smith was the highest paid actor in Hollywood according to Forbes.com. Today, Forbes has put out another list anointing the celebrity who gets studios the most bang for their buck. Vince Vaughn is apparently one heck of a cash cow. For every dollar a studio pays him in salary, he makes them $14.73. What’s the general conclusion to draw? He stars in cheap, funny movies. Tobey Maguire came in second, Julia Roberts in third. Will Smith landed at 21.

STAR Artist Sheryl Crow kicked off her summer tour tonight. It’s just a matter fo weeks before she’s at the Resch Center. You can easily win tickets into that show – tomorrow is another Free Ticket Friday with Sheryl Crow and STAR 98. Get details at star98.net! Speaking of Sheryl Crow, she’s one of many STAR Artists contributing a song to "AT&T Team USA", an album designed to benefit America’s Olympic Athletes. Fellow STAR Artists Colbie Caillat and 3 Doors Down also have songs on it – you’ll be able to download it next month.

Is one of Hollywood's most stable marriages in trouble? Sources tell me Matthew Broderick, who's married to Sarah Jessica-Parker, had an affair with a 25-year-old woman earlier this year. Apparently Matthew and this unnamed redhead were cavorting while Sarah was shooting the Sex & the City movie. A rep for Matthew had no comment.

The Simpsons creator Matt Groening has promised to deliver fans a sequel to last year's film adaptation of the popular animated series. "It will happen at some point, but I have no idea when." Speaking of sequels…Will Ferrell is reportedly set to reprise his role as Ron Burgundy in a sequel to the hit comedy Anchorman. Ferrell's collaborator Adam McKay says the pair have begun work on a follow-up that will jump ahead a decade to the 1980s. And a sequel to last year's hit musical Hairspray is planned and could hit theaters in 2010.

American Idol winner and STAR Artist David Cook is keeping details of his highly-anticipated debut CD under wraps, but he did say, "It's not really carrying the vibe of a generic melodic rock record. I think there's some twists and turns on it." He added, "Lyrically, I feel like I've had something to say for a while. To be able to put pen to paper and actually get it out of my system is pretty therapeutic." David says the album is set for release in November, and then he'll do a tour in the new year.

Briefly:
STAR Artist Jesse McCartney will perform on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno tomorrow night.

STAR Artist The Pretenders will release a new album, Break Up the Concrete, on September 2nd, their first in over 6 years.

July 23, 2008

We always have to be on some kind of celebrity baby-bump watch, and it’s become evident after the past couple days, we’ve moved on from Angelina Jolie to Jennifer Garner. Friends of hers have told me she is expecting and may be 5 months along. Judge for yourself - here's a recent candid photo of Jennifer...

Two photographers were arrested outside of Britney Spears’ home Monday. What did they do wrong? They were loitering on city property. LA police say they’re going to use existing laws to crack down on what’s being called “increasingly aggressive paparazzi” behavior. “Existing laws to keep order”? Am I missing something? Isn’t that what’s supposed to happen?

Former star of Melrose Place Heather Locklear has checked out of rehab after 4 weeks of treatment for anxiety and depression. Her rep had no comment but I hear she’ll be catching up on lost time with her 10 year-old daughter.

The first pictures of Matthew McConaughey’s baby boy Levi are out. Evidently the pressure is already on for baby Levi. Matthew wants his son to be “a little cooler” than him. Here's mom, dad and the new bundle of joy:

STAR Artist John Mayer wants everyone to know that just because you see his mug in the tabloids every 12 hours doesn’t mean he’s lost touch with the fans. On his website today he wrote “This has become more than just ticket sales and career advancement. These shows have transcended. This is about making 20,000 people feel okay in the world.” He certainly has a way with words. He also wrote to the magazines, blogs and gossip mags “You may have my image, but you cannot take my sound.”

Will Smith is shakin’ his moneymaker after news today he’s the highest paid actor in Hollywood. Over the past year, Will made $80 million – his per-movie paycheck ranges in the 8-figure range. Will’s nearest moneymaking rival is Johnny Depp who made $72 million in the last year. Not bad for a drunk, demonic, pirate barber.

Here’s a study I thought was awesomely interesting. Two-thirds of people who have tattoos removed are female. Why? Three main reasons: general embarrassment, negative comments from family and friends and they have trouble finding clothing to cover up the tattoo. For those who haven’t had a tattoo removed, it so super-fun – like…having your skin smacked with a rubber band over and over, or like getting splashed with hot grease. Have you had a tattoo removed?

Hulk Hogan’s daughter Brooke wants to pose naked in Playboy. Is that something you want to see? Sources tell me Playboy wants a cover or at least a photo-shoot. Speaking of the messed-up world of Hulk Hogan’s family, guess how his son will spend his 18th birthday – transferring to an adult prison. He’ll get released in October.

The stars along the Hollywood Walk of Fame apparently need more than a little help to keep sparklin'. The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce is hoping to raise 4.2 million dollars to restore 778 damaged stars, including Joan Collins’. Well this is easy, just ask Joan, I’m sure she knows some surgeons who do great touch-ups...

We certainly get quick turnarounds on rumor denials nowadays. Spokespeople out in Hollywood say that Tom Cruise will not be back as Maverick for the Top Gun sequel I told you about yesterday.

STAR Artist The Plain White Ts are giving STAR listeners a view of what went into making their new album Big Bad World. Starting June 30th, you can go to MeetMeInCalifornia.com and watch webisodes about the making of the CD.

STAR Artist Pink is all set to release her fifth CD on October 28th. It’s her first studio album since she and her hubby split up so it should provide some good, deep, emotional material.

July 22, 2008

Christian Bale needs to figure out when he’s NOT playing Batman, he can’t hit people. Bale’s mom and sister filed a complaint against him last night after some sort of incident at a London hotel. He (and his super high-powered lawyers) denies any wrong-doing. In the meantime, Christian’s co-stars are still trying to wrap their minds around the success of The Dark Knight. Aaron Eckhart who plays the new D.A. Harvey Dent (and eventually Two-Face) says it was an honor to be in the movie.

Estelle Getty was a very good mother. The actress, whose knack for being cast as a maternal unit paid off handsomely when she was cast as Beatrice Arthur's no-holds-barred mother on the long-running TV hit The Golden Girls, died early today at her Los Angeles home at the age of 84.

Film critic Roger Ebert has announced he’s following in co-host Richard Roeper’s footsteps and leaving their nationally syndicated review show At the Movies with Ebert and Roeper. Producers have tapped E!'s resident movie buff Ben Lyons and Turner Classic Movies go-to man Ben Mankiewicz as the new cinematic tastemakers on the weekend show. The best news of all this? Ebert owns the trademarked “thumbs up” and “thumbs down” so the show can’t use them after he’s gone.

Who knew that four years later, we'd still be talking about a wardrobe malfunction? A federal appeals court yesterday brought back memories of STAR Artists Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson's half-second peep show at the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show when it threw out a $550,000 indecency fine. That’s right. No one is in trouble. All that outrage for nothing!

STAR Artist Natasha Bedingfield wraps up her first big headlining tour in the US this weekend and then moves on to opening for New Kids on the Block. Natasha’s hit songs all seem to be so relatable. So what’s her secret? She doesn’t have one. "I just try and write from a very real place, on issues that are quite universal...I don't have a formula."

STAR Artist Alanis Morissette has lined up a 38-city North American tour that kicks off in September. You’ll be able to check her out live at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee on October 5th.

22 years after the release of Top Gun, they've decided to make a sequel, and Tom Cruise is in talks to bring back Lt. Pete Mitchell. This time, the 46 year old Maverick is at the Top Gun school as an instructor who has to deal with a cocky new female pilot. Sounds like a perfect role for Katie Holmes.

With all these negative rumors recently about STAR Artist Madonna, her marriage and which New York Yankee she’s lovin’, Madonna’s health is suffering. A close friend tells me she’s “miserable” as she starts her tour and feels like “nobody has taken her side.” The speculation is all the bad press has affected her health so much so she has to cut back on rehearsing.

Jennifer Garner is pregnant. While Jen and Ben Affleck haven't been saying anything, their close friend, former Alias star Victor Garber, shared the good news with me, "Yes, she is." And word is Jen is already five months along! She and Ben are house hunting for a bigger place.

Briefly:
The 34th season of Saturday Night Live will debut on September 13th.

Bill Murray, who probably wanted to hop a plane to escape the messy divorce issues that plagued him in May, will be jumping out of a plane at the 50th Annual Chicago Air and Water Show in August.

July 21, 2008

This weekend at the box-office, it was all about The Dark Knight. It broke 3 major records:
* Midnight showing record - earned $18.5 million
* Opening day record - earned $68 million
* Opening weekend record - earned $158 million

Why did you see The Dark Knight - vote in our online poll at star98.net. Here's the complete list of the Top 10 movies from the weekend:
1. The Dark Knight, $158 million
2. Mamma Mia!, $27.6 million
3. Hancock, $14 million
4. Journey to the Center of the Earth, $11.9 million
5. Hellboy II: The Golden Army, $10 million
6. WALL-E, $9.8 million
7. Space Chimps, $7.4 million
8. Wanted, $5.1 million
9. Get Smart, $4.1 million
10. Kung Fu Panda, $1.8 million

More details are coming out surrounding STAR Artist Sheryl Crow’s Christmas album. It’ll be available in Hallmark Gold Crown stores September 30 and will feature a new Christmas song she’s written called “There’s a Star That Shines Tonight.” The other ten tracks on the album will be her renditions of traditional holiday tunes. Sheryl’s coming to the Resch Center on August 6th, you can win tickets into the show with another Free Ticket Friday, this Friday, on STAR 98!

Wisteria Lane is slowly coming to a dead end. According to Desperate Housewives creator Marc Cherry, he’d like to end the show after 7 seasons – meaning only 3 seasons remain. Marc told me, “We’re going to get out while people still like us.” The fifth season premieres September 28th on ABC.

Speaking of things ending...
The balcony will be closed permanently for Richard Roeper after next month. The film critic who does the show with Roger Ebert said an agreement was never reached on his new contract and his final show will air the weekend of August 16th and 17th.

Speaking of MORE things ending...
Whether he likes it or not, Jay Leno’s final monologue on The Tonight Show will happen May 29, 2009. That means Conan O’Brien will take the reins on June 1st and Jimmy Fallon will eventually take Conan’s old spot once he’s ruled “good enough”.

How far would you go to see STAR Artist Daughtry in concert? One woman recently shaved her head, just like Chris, for a pair of tickets. Daughtry is coming to Green Bay for a one-of-a-kind acoustic performance at the Meyer Theater. Tickets go on-sale Friday at 10 a.m.

A week after giving birth to twins, Angelina Jolie has left the French hospital where she delivered. She joined Brad, their other 4 children plus her brother and Brad’s parents at their French mega-residence.

STAR Artist Coldplay has pulled a good chunk of its tour merchandise because the quality wasn’t up to their standards. Singer Chris Martin told me, “We put so much work into our music. The same quality control has to extend to stuff being sold at our shows.” So next time you buy a $35 t-shirt at a Coldplay concert, know you’re getting a QUALITY $35 t-shirt.

I wonder if Jennifer Aniston likes roughing it? Her boyfriend STAR Artist John Mayer says the next time he has time off he wants to “do some camping and learn to live in the wilderness.” Of course considering how much John loves his electronic toys (his tour is sponsored by BlackBerry), this could very well just be a phase.

STAR Artist Avril Lavigne’s new clothing line is in Kohl’s department stores now. She says it’s very rock ‘n roll with lots of pink, purple, black and skulls. That’s right skulls. Nothing says back to school style like the skeletal system.

STAR Artist Fergie has landed the biggest role of her film career in the movie version of the Broadway musical Nine. She costars with Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman and Kate Hudson.

July 18, 2008

The latest Batman movie, The Dark Knight, inspiring thousands of sold-out screenings and countless desperate hunts for seats, grossed a record $18.5 million at midnight screenings, studio estimates said today. A box-office analyst told me, "That's just a portion of the day. I think this could break a lot of records."

Jay Leno is definitely done with NBC next year, but isn’t retiring. They’ll replace him with Conan O'Brien even though Jay showed no signs of wanting to leave. His departure will set off a bidding frenzy for him at ABC, Fox and several cable channels.

The rumors continue to build - I’ve got confirmation from several sources that Jennifer Garner is expecting another baby with Ben Affleck. One even told us she’s five months along.

STAR Artist Gwen Stefani is going to click her heels together three times -- in the name of fashion. Gwen is one of 19 designers who've been selected to re-interpret Dorothy's ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, in honor of the movie's 70th anniversary next year. The idea is to answer the question, "If Dorothy were living in the 21st Century, what would she wear?"

Denny lives! Or, okay, probably not, but the ABC rep for Grey’s Anatomy just confirmed to me that Jeffrey Dean Morgan, known affectionately ‘round here as Dr. Sexy Pants, will return to Seattle Grace in the coming season. When? How? Why?

The woman who reportedly claimed STAR Artist John Mayer hit on her recently says it's not true. In an interview with UsMagazine.com, Chaton Anderson said last month's story in In Touch magazine that suggested Mayer was hitting on her while dating Jennifer Aniston, "Is completely not true."

Well duh - STAR Artist Barenaked Ladies singer Steve Page has pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal possession of a controlled substance, according to published reports.

July 17, 2008

Here are the Emmy nominations for the main categories:
Outstanding Drama Series
* Boston Legal
* Damages
* Dexter
* House
* Lost
* Mad Men

Outstanding Comedy Series
* Curb Your Enthusiasm
* Entourage
* The Office
* 30 Rock
* Two and a Half Men

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series
* James Spader, Boston Legal
* Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
* Michael C. Hall, Dexter
* Hugh Laurie, House
* Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment
* Jon Hamm, Mad Men

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series
* Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters
* Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer
* Glenn Close, Damages
* Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
* Holly Hunter, Saving Grace

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
* Tony Shalhoub, Monk
* Steve Carell, The Office
* Lee Pace, Pushing Daisies
* Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
* Charlie Sheen, Two And A Half Men

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
* Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures of Old Christine
* Christina Applegate, Samantha Who?
* Tina Fey, 30 Rock
* America Ferrera, Ugly Betty
* Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds

Check out the COMPLETE list of nominees here.

Actor-comedian Andy Dick lived up to his surname a couple nights ago and was arrested for sexual battery and possession of a controlled substance. According to some witnesses, Andy was drunk and pulled down the tank-top and bra of a 17 year-old girl. Lock him up.

The Dark Knight opens tonight at midnight and I know a lot of STAR listeners will be at the movies to check it out – including the winner of reserved seats Jodi Dietrich and her husband! As of Tuesday, The Dark Knight ranked 17th on Moviefone’s list of the top advance ticket sellers of all-time.

STAR Artist Natasha Bedingfield recently told us she and fellow STAR Artist John Mayer talked about writing some songs together. She also told me, “I love the way he writes. He’s one of the coolest people in the mainstream. He’s doing real music and not selling out.” Natasha has good taste in music collaborations. On her new CD she wrote a song with STAR Artist Maroon 5’s Adam Levine.

I love movie trailers. So…SO much. The first teaser trailer for the new Terminator movie, Terminator Salvation is out. Christian Bale stars as an older John Connor in the Arnold-free action flick. Watch the trailer here:

Is STAR Artist Mariah Carey in or out? I hear Mariah is being actively pursued by producers of Project Runway to be a guest judge on the season finale. If she agrees to be on, she’ll be following in the footsteps of Victoria Beckham, Debra Messing, as well as Natalie Portman and Brooke Shields who were on last night’s premiere.

Poison frontman Bret Michaels and VH1 have agreed on plans for a third season of his reality show Rock of Love. Rock of Love 3 will depart from the Los Angeles-based concept of the first two seasons as Michaels takes his potential love interests on a tour bus across America in early 2009. VH1 says fans can expect such challenges as "a BBQ cook-off beneath the World's Largest Thermometer." No premiere date has been set.

Sarah Jessica Parker has split from a long time friend – no, not husband Matthew Broderick, her famous beauty mark/mole. A friend of Sarah’s confirmed to me she had it removed from her chin.

Won’t this be a little awkward? Back in 1991 Julia Roberts left Kiefer Sutherland at the altar and took up with his friend, Jason Patric. Now we’ve heard that Julia may guest-star on Sutherland’s show, 24.

July 16, 2008

Here's Moviefone's list of the
25 Greatest Movie Villains of All-Time:

1. Lord Voldemort (Ralph Fiennes) -- Harry Potter series
2. Darth Vader (David Prowse, James Earl Jones) -- Star Wars series
3. Wicked Witch of the West (Margaret Hamilton) -- The Wizard of Oz
4. Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) -- The Silence of the Lambs
5. Joker (Heath Ledger) -- The Dark Knight
6. Goldfinger (Gert Frobe) -- Goldfinger
7. Chigurgh (Javier Bardem) -- No Country For Old Men
8. Hans Gruber (Alan Rickman) -- Die Hard
9. Max Cady (Robert De Niro) -- Cape Fear
10. The Queen (voiced by Lucille La Verne) -- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
11. Harry Powell (Robert Mitchum) -- Night of the Hunter
12. Michael Myers (Tony Moran) -- Halloween
13. Freddy Krueger (Robert Englund) -- A Nightmare on Elm Street
14. Mrs. Iselin (Angela Lansbury) -- The Manchurian Candidate
15. Tom Powers (James Cagney) -- Public Enemy
16. Annie Wilkes (Kathy Bates) -- Misery
17. Dr. Christian Szell (Laurence Olivier) -- Marathon Man
18. T-1000 (Robert Patrick) -- Terminator 2
19. Joan Crawford (Faye Dunaway) -- Mommie Dearest
20. Lex Luthor (Gene Hackman) -- Superman
21. Alonzo Harris (Denzel Washington) -- Training Day
22. Cruella de Vil (voiced by Betty Lou Gerson) -- 101 Dalmatians
23. Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper) -- Blue Velvet
24. Khan Noonien Singh (Ricardo Montalban) -- Star Trek: Wrath of Khan
25. Agent Smith (Hugo Weaving) -- The Matrix
(Feel like a villain was left off unfairly? Leave a comment with the name of the villain you think should have made the list!)

Speaking of villains...
No critic was more pleased with the performance of Heath Ledger as The Joker in The Dark Knight than his own father. As I told you a couple nights ago, Kim Ledger and his family traveled from Australia to New York City to attend the premiere of The Dark Knight and told us the movie and his sons performance specifically was “everything we hoped for and more.” I’m not lying to you when I say the first time I read that today I got a little lump in my throat. It must be quite an experience for Heath’s family to watch that movie.

CSI just won’t be the same without him. William Peterson, who plays Gil Grissom on the original (and the best) CSI will be leaving the show after the 10th episode of the upcoming season. He’ll still be involved with the show as an executive producer but a rep from CBS tells me that when they need the character on the show, he’ll be available.

In the ongoing saga of Madonna’s brother’s tell-all book, yesterday on Good Morning America, he said Madonna was so paranoid he would tear her apart, she tried to turn their father against him. He also mentioned their was a specific part in Madonna’s life where he realized she only cared about herself, “If you've seen the movie Truth or Dare, where she's rolling around on my mother's gave, I thought to myself, 'OK, there are no boundaries now, my mother has become a bit player in her life.' And it hurt me and my opinion of her altered at that moment."

If you enjoyed seeing contestants rock out on guitars or pianos on the previous season of American Idol, you’ll be glad to hear that feature is coming back. Producers also tell me you’ll see more half-hour results shows and the audition phase will get to the top singers much more quickly. By the way, auditions for season 8 start tomorrow in San Francisco.

STAR Artist Natasha Bedingfield is donating a live version of a song from her latest album to benefit the VH1 Save the Music Foundation. Wanna get it? Text the word “SAVE” to 66555 from your LG phone. It’ll cost you $2.99.

STAR Artist Matchbox Twenty wants you to decide which songs to include on their upcoming live release. The catch? The songs and voting are only available on a USB wristband which you can plug into your computer. You can order it online from MatchboxTwenty.com.

Most men would accept Megan Fox for all her minor imperfections, but director Michael Bay wanted her to pack on a few pounds for the Transformers sequel after she shed weight for another movie role. She had to gain 10 pounds in three weeks. The sequel, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, also starring Shia LaBeouf, hits theaters next year.

Eddie Murphy’s latest "comedy", Meet Dave, opened with $5.3 million this past weekend. That's obviously a disaster. To show you just how bad a disaster it was, here's a list of 50 (mostly bad) movies that opened better, click here.

Briefly:
STAR Artist John Mayer’s writer’s block is over, thanks to new girlfriend Jennifer Aniston. She’s inspired a new song, "Moonbeam," that’s about his love for Jen. He’s planning to release the romantic song soon.

STAR Artist Barenaked Ladies singer Steven Page was arrested in Fayetteville, N.Y and charged with criminal possession of cocaine and marijuana. The 38-year-old Page was released after coughing up $10,000 bail. Oops.

Amy Poehler is in talks to star in NBC's hugely anticipated spinoff of The Office, per the Hollywood Reporter.

Brett Favre breaks his silence (Second half)

Part 1:

Part 2:

July 15, 2008

Last night was the celebrity-infused New York City premiere of The Dark Knight and the star that was on everyone’s minds was, of course, Heath Ledger. Critics who have seen the movie can’t stop raving about his performance as The Joker. Heath’s father and stepmother traveled to the Big Apple to be a part of the evening. Fans at the premiere had nothing but good things to say about Heath, as did stars of the new movie Christian Bale and Maggie Gyllenhaal who said Heath inspired her every day on the set. You can see what everyone is talking about when The Dark Knight hits theaters on Friday. I’ve got tickets for you to win with What’s In Matt’s Pocket through tomorrow night.

While Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are fielding offers for the first photos of their twins, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have reportedly turned down millions of dollars for the first snapshots of baby Sunday. The couple will eventually release an official photo of their daughter for the low, low price of free! A source tells me, "They don't think it's appropriate to make deals."

STAR Artist Madonna’s brother’s new tell-all book is in stores and despite some weird truths he’s brought to light he does tell us there’s no validity to any of the rumors that say Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie will divorce. He says there’s no way she’d walk away from her marriage.

Paris Hilton is hoping a little bundle of joy will bring her a bigger bundle of press. Evidently she wants to be a mommy after seeing all the attention her pal Nicole Richie got. Some sources have told me she’s so serious about making a baby, she’s given up drinking. Well that’s no way to not get pregnant!

STAR Artist Sara Bareilles just recorded her first live DVD this past weekend. Look for that in stores relatively soon along with a re-release of her very first album, "Careful Confessions". She says she’s just as proud of that album as "Little Voice", the one featuring “Love Song.”

STAR Artist Chris Daughtry wrote on the band’s website recently that the new album is coming along really well even though he feels like his brain has “turned to mush.” They’ll even break out a few of those new songs on their summer tour to get, what he calls, “honest feedback.”

STAR Artist the Plain White Ts new album will be in stores September 23rd and will be titled “Big bad World.” Will there be another song like “Hey There Delilah”? Lead singer Tom confirms yes, a song called “1, 2, 3, 4.”

The Welcome Matt hears Jennifer Garner is pregnant, and just passed her first trimester. If this is true, it'll be the second child for Jen and her husband, Ben Affleck. Their daughter, Violet, will be 3 in December.

Jack Black will reprise his role as Dewey Finn in School of Rock 2! In the sequel, Jack Black will take "a group of summer school kids cross-country to learn the history of rock 'n' roll, exploring its roots in blues, R&B, country and folk,"

STAR Artist Jordin Sparks just got back from Europe and needs some time to relax. So she’s going to camp. No, really, she is. Jordin will spend a couple weeks at Camp Kanakuk, a Christian athletic camp she’s been going to for years. She says it’ll be good to unplug, "You're not allowed to have cell phones or computers...so it'll probably be really detoxifying for me!"

And...
STAR Artists Jesse McCartney, Jojo, Pink and Mariah Carey will all perform at this year’s Teen Choice Awards on Nickelodeon. Check that out on August 4th.

Brett Favre breaks his silence! (1st Half)

Part 1:


Part 2:

July 14, 2008

Doctors told us a few weeks but I guess two little twins had plans of their own. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt welcomed their two new babies into the world on Saturday night. Son Knox and daughter Vivienne came out “adorable and in excellent health” according to the doctor who delivered them. It’s still unknown which magazine will have the “honor” of buying the photo rights for first pictures but expect magazines to pay anywhere between $15 and $20 million for ‘em.

Here are the Top 10 Movies from the past weekend:
1. Hellboy II: The Golden Army, $35.9 million
2. Hancock, $33 million
3. Journey to the Center of the Earth, $20.6 million
4. WALL-E, $18.5 million
5. Wanted, $11.6 million
6. Get Smart, $7.1 million
7. Meet Dave, $5.3 million
8. Kung Fu Panda, $4.3 million
9. Kit Kittredge: An American Girl, $2.5 million
10. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, $2.3 million

The boys from Jersey, STAR Artist Bon Jovi, crossed the Hudson on Saturday night to play in front of 60,000 people at a free show in Central Park. Check out the full set list:
"Living on a Prayer"
"You Give Love a Bad Name"
"Lost Highway"
"Born To Be My Baby"
"Runaway"
"Sleep When I'm Dead"
"Blaze of Glory"
"Whole Lot Of Leavin'"
"In These Arms"
"We Got It Goin' On"
"It's My Life"
"I'll Be There For You" (Sung by Richie Sambora)
"Have a Nice Day"
"Keep The Faith"
"Who Says You Can't Go Home"
"Bad Medicine"
"Always"
"Wanted Dead Or Alive"
"I Love This Town"

Here’s some really weird “revelations” from STAR Artist Madonna’s brother’s new tell-all book:
*When Madonna was dating Warren Beatty, he was so jealous that he went through her trash, looking for evidence that she was cheating on him.

*Madonna has an 8-by-12-foot picture of herself wearing S&M gear and lying on a bed of dead animals -- and it's hanging in the house in full view of the kids. Ciccone writes, "It's the creepiest thing I've ever seen."

*When Madonna decided to have a baby, she first wanted basketball star Dennis Rodman to be the father. Ciccone also says when Madonna settled on Carlos Leonas the father, she had doubts about whether or not he, quote, "fulfilled the intelligence requirement."

*When Madonna had a fling with JFK Jr., she said, "I feel like I'm repeating Marilyn Monroe and the president."

*Ciccone claims Madonna's husband Guy Ritchie is a homophobe.

*Madonna's first husband, Sean Penn, once cornered Ciccone, pulled out a knife, said "Let's be blood brothers," and sliced open both their thumbs. Years later, Penn approached Ciccone, who's gay, mentioned the incident and asked him "You don't have AIDS, do you?"

Life With My Sister Madonna hits stores tomorrow.


STAR Artist OneRepublic is on the road this summer, next month hooking up with fellow STAR Artist John Mayer and at every show they play their huge hit “Apologize.” But there’s another tour going on right now where “Apologize” is performed every night – the American Idols Live Tour. David Archuleta sings it at every show. As for the rumor OneRepublic lead singer Ryan Tedder is writing songs for the two Davids’ debut albums...those rumors aren’t true, “It even says on Wikipedia that I'm working with them. I have not worked with either of them and I don't have either of them on the schedule."

Disney unveiled the first trailer for High School Musical 3: Senior Year. Here it is:

The cheerleader on Heroes, 18-year-old Hayden Panettiere, might have a big question to answer. Boyfriend and co-star, 31 year-old Milo Ventimiglia, was spotted ring shopping at Cartier and intends to spend around $200,000."

STAR Artist Coldplay kicked off their North American tour tonight – it had been delayed for two weeks because of “production” issues. You can see if the wait was worth it for yourself, Coldplay plays Chicago for two nights on July 22nd and 23rd.

Briefly:
A sequel to the big screen version of Sex and the City is in the works.

Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and comedian Sarah Silverman have split after more than 5 years of dating.

STAR Artist Hinder’s new album Take It To The Limit will hit stores November 4th.

STAR Artist Maroon 5 has shot a new exclusive video for the human rights organization Amnesty International. Check out the exclusive clips now on MusicForHumanRights.com.

July 11, 2008

Here's a look at the new movies opening nationwide today:
* Hellboy II: The Golden Army -- Demon superhero Hellboy, who battles an underground dictator and his army of fantasy creatures. Rated PG-13.

* Journey to the Center of the Earth -- The classic novel inspires a digital 3D adventure starring Brendan Fraser as a science professor who, with his nephew and a female guide, explores, well, the center of the Earth. Rated PG.

* Meet Dave – Eddie Murphy stars as the title character, which is actually a spaceship in human form controlled by very small aliens who live inside the body. Dave takes its appearance from the captain -- played, of course, by Murphy. Rated PG.

As part of Major League Baseball's All-Star celebration, STAR Artist Bon Jovi will rock the Great Lawn of New York City's Central Park in a free concert tomorrow night. Though the show is free, fans need a ticket to get in, and 60,000 have been handed out, even though the city wants to limit the number of people attending to 50,000.

American Idol champ and STAR Artist David Cook has revealed that he's working with some heavy-hitters on his debut CD, including some of his personal musical idols. David tells Entertainment Weekly that he's written songs for the project with the lead singer of his favorite band, Our Lady Peace, as well as with Ed Roland, frontman for STAR Artist Collective Soul.

Jessica Alba reportedly sold herself short - or should we say, she sold her baby short - by accepting "only" $1.5 million from Ok! magazine for photos of Honor Marie, who was born last month.

Thousands of teens will be glued to their TV sets on Sunday night, when Ashley Tisdale presents the world premiere of the High School Musical 3 trailer on the Disney Channel at 6:55 p.m. The movie hits theaters on October 24th.

I'll say one thing for Jessica Simpson's boyfriend, Tony Romo: he's loyal. When asked by People magazine to name his top three iPod tracks, Tony named Journey’s "Don't Stop Believing," Guns ‘n Roses' "Sweet Child O' Mine" and, quote, "something by Jessica Simpson."

Nicole Kidman has received hundreds of bouquets of flowers from well-wishers congratulating her on the birth of her daughter Sunday Rose, but the largest delivery apparently came from her ex, Tom Cruise. A source tells me, "Tom was one of the first people to get in touch and he sent enough flowers to fill a room."

Have a great weekend!

July 10, 2008

Now that Angelina Jolie is cooped up in a French hospital waiting to give birth to twins, she’s become a bit camera shy. Some pictures have surfaced recently claiming to be photos of Angelina and Brad in their room but the hospital says those pictures are fakes. How do they know? Because they installed a special material on their windows to prevent anyone outside from seeing in. The first pictures of the twins are expected to go for $16 million! And whatever publications gets those pictures, also has to stop calling the couple "Brangelina".

Speaking of celebrity baby pictures…Photos of Matthew McConaughey’s baby Levi were sold to Ok! magazine for $3 million. They also have first rights to wedding photos should Matthew and his girlfriend ever decide to do that.

There’s one show out there that really takes advantage of the power of the internet, and that is The Office on NBC. Today the first episode in a series of webisodes debuted on nbc.com. It’s all about the character Kevin and his money problems. Check out the full webisode here:

I’m sure you can attest to this but I hear it’s not easy to run in heels. But hundreds of women did just that this morning in Central Park as part of Regis & Kelly’s High Heel-A-Thon which raised more than $60,000 for March of Dimes. Check out video highlights from the race here.

The website MusicRadar.com has come up with the 10 worst lyrics of all time. Thankfully, only a couple STAR Artists made the list. Here they are:
1. "I'm serious as cancer, when I say rhythm is a dancer" -- "Rhythm Is A Dancer" by Snap!
2. "I don't want to see a ghost, it's a sight that I fear the most, I'd rather have a piece of toast, watch the evening news" -- "Life" by Des'ree
3. "Is that yo a$$, or yo mama half reindeer?" -- "Shake Ya Tailfeather" by Nelly, P Diddy and Murphy Lee
4. "He was a boy, she was a girl. Can I make it any more obvious?" -- "Sk8er Boi" by Avril Lavigne
5. "I love you like a fat kid love cake" -- "21 Questions" by 50 Cent
6. "Time is like a clock in my heart" -- "Time (Clock Of The Heart)" by Culture Club
7. "You got a Prada bag with a lotta stuff in it" -- "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It" by Will Smith
8. "Lucky that my breasts are small and humble, so you don't confuse them with mountains" -- "Whenever, Wherever" by Shakira
9. "She had dumps like a truck, truck, truck" -- "Thong Song" by Sisqo
10. "Only time will tell if we stand the test of time" -- "Why Can't This Be Love" by Van Halen

STAR Artist Daughtry's self-titled debut album will be reissued in a deluxe edition on September 9th. The expanded CD/DVD package will include four additional songs, including acoustic versions of "Home" and "What About Now," a live take of "It's Not Over" and a cover of Foreigner's "Feels Like The First Time." The DVD will contain behind-the-scenes footage, music videos and other content.

Get this – 80s sensations Patty Smyth and Scandal are getting back together to crank out their first new material since 1984. We’ll see a new album and a full-fledged tour from them in the near future.

STAR Artist John Mayer’s recent girlfriends have been of the high-profile variety, Jennifer Aniston being the latest, but that doesn't mean he's never been involved with a non-famous person, like fans. But he says he hasn’t done that since camera phone were invented. He says no matter what you're doing, especially if you're sleeping, camera phone will get ya.

STAR Artist Natasha Bedingfield is currently on the road, doin’ the “touring” thing. She says to loves to travel the country quote “Every state is so different, so I'll try to get whatever time I can to take a peek and really see it." When she's not sightseeing Natasha tells us she kills time on the road by working out and talking on her phones - she has three!

Briefly:
STAR Artist Sheryl Crow will be singing the National Anthem at this year’s Major League All-Star game.

Forbes magazine says that by 2010, Tiger Woods will officially become the first person ever to earn a billion dollars solely by playing sports.

Paris Hilton is so serious about clearing up a rumor she was slugged in the face at a club the other night, she has reportedly vowed to have her photo taken without any makeup on. AHH!!!!!!

Jennifer Garner has been calling close friends telling them she’s three months pregnant. This would be the seconds child form Mr. and Mrs. Ben Affleck.

July 9, 2008

It only cost them $1 million, but the newest Ok! magazine issue has the first pictures of Jamie Lynn Spears’ (Britney’s 17 year-old sister) new baby girl, Maddie Briann. Here's the cover of the latest issue:

A survey of over 4,000 British men yielded the Greatest Ever Male Style Icons. Here's the Top 10:
1. Cary Grant
2. David Beckham
3. Johnny Depp
4. Steve McQueen
5. Sean Connery
6. Brad Pitt
7. James Dean
8. Frank Sinatra
9. Elvis Presley
10. Justin Timberlake

A couple days ago Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban had a baby girl and named it Sunday Rose. How’d they pick Sunday? Nicole’s dad suggested it after reading about a very prominent woman involved with the arts in Australia. And what about Matthew McConaughey’s new baby Levi? Is he named after a pair of comfortable jeans? No. Matthew tells us it came from his favorite Bible passage in the book of Matthew (go figure). I thought McConaughey's favorite Bible verse was, "And on the seventh day, God took off his shirt and went surfing."

STAR Artist 3 Doors Down is swingin’ by the Marcus Amphitheater in Milwaukee on the 12th and wow!...will it be a LONG show with a set list of 22 songs. 22 songs?! At an average 4 minutes per song that’s…an hour and a half of pure music, not counting breaks and story time. Catch that show if you can – tickets are on-sale now through the Concert Calendar at star98.net.

About a month ago I told you about Grey’s Anatomy star Katherine Heigl and how she withdrew her name from Emmy contention. Would you believe this? The story was blown out of proportion. Chandra Wilson, one of her costars, came to the rescue recently saying, "Anyone will tell you this...sometimes you submit, sometimes you don’t.” Nominees for this year’s Emmys get announced next week.

The new Batman movie The Dark Knight has some serious buzz. So much so, movie theaters are creating 6 a.m. opening-day showings to meet the demand created after midnight and 3 a.m. showings sold-out already. A box-office analyst says midnight showings for movies like this are normal. But 6 a.m. shows? He says “That’s not normal.” Starting tomorrow night you can win tickets to see The Dark Knight with What’s In Matt’s Pocket at 7:30 p.m. All the daily ticket winners qualify to win a pair of RESERVED tickets for one of those sold out midnight showings.

This is scary stuff. Two Canadian cops saved the life of STAR Artist Van Halen's David Lee Roth. David was pulled over in Ontario for speeding, but when the officers approached his car, they realized he was in anaphylactic shock. He has an allergy to nuts and was suffering a severe reaction after coming into contact with a contaminated substance. The officers kept him calm until paramedics arrived.

STAR Artist David Cook has pulled a move I thought only NBA players do. He has a sneaker deal. Skechers will unveil a new pair of shoes that “reflects David’s personality, interests and appeal.” How do you convey making out with Kimberly Caldwell on a shoe?...

Speaking of David Cook...he says his dream Broadway role would be the title role in Phantom of the Opera. David says quote “I find the role so intriguing and mysterios…I’d love, love to play the Phantom.”

STAR Artist Sara Bareilles performed on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno tonight and tells us she’s ready to get back into the studio to start writing and recording new music. She says she definitely writes about real life and real ex-boyfriends – the best part about that? She tells the exes when she’s written a song about them. Sara will be in Milwaukee with STAR Artist the Counting Crows and Maroon 5 on August 23rd.

July 8, 2008

Matthew McConaughey has a new baby. His wife delivered a healthy baby boy last night. His name is Levi. Thank God Matthew didn't go with his first inclination to name it “Dude”. I guess you can tell the baby boy already looks like his dad – he came out shirtless and drooling.

STAR Artist Madonna, for some reason, wants Brintney Spears to be a part of her new tour. Will she risk the pop train wreck actually appearing in person? Thankfully no. Britney will record some sort of video message or performance as will STAR Artist Justin Timberlake. And no, Britney and Justin will not be appearing in the SAME video. That’s a whole other train wreck waiting to happen.

STAR Artist Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin is a dad – a dad to some babies with some very strange names like Apple and Moses. But Chris doesn’t see anything odd or peculiar about the names, “People make a big fuss over names. Names of babies, names of albums, names of bands. There’s nothing weird about calling your baby Chewbacca if that’s what you want to call your baby. It’s no stranger than Sarah.” Sure. Chewbacca...Sarah...I see the similarities.

Why do we love Steve Carell from NBC’s The Office? Because he’s a super nice guy and proves it daily. His co-star in Get Smart Anne Hathaway recently broke up with her boyfriend who’s now in prison for a laundry list of charges. Anne has had a strict policy of not being asked about that by reporters but at a recent premiere one reporter asked if the break-up was painful. Anne politely smiled and Steve Carell swooped in saying, “In my role of agent for Miss Hathaway, I would like to say that she does not answer questions relating to this subject." What a gentleman.

According to The Today Show, 80s fashion trends are starting to come back. I can’t believe I’m saying this but shoulder pads might be in again! What?! Neons and brights, shrunken leather jackets, short full skirts – they’re all on the rise and some of the outfit combinations I’ve seen actually look good. Are you going to pull out some old closeted 80s outfits? I think my Members Only jacket needs to stay as far from daylight as possible.

Here’s a few things you’re probably familiar with – Camp Rock, Hannah Montana and…High School Musical. In terms of the latter, writers at Disney have begun working on a script that would follow the High School Musical stars into their college years.

Briefly:
STAR Artists Ashlee Simpson and Fergie are doing their part to help young women – they’ve signed on to headline Seventeen magazine’s “Body Peace Project” which helps young ladies develop positive body images. Look for those later this summer.

How's Angelina passing the time in the hospital as she waits for her twins? According to Star magazine, she's been watching reruns of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. Angelina is due in the next few weeks.

Drew Barrymore and Justin Long have split up after nearly a year of dating.

Paula Abdul’s ex won’t be finding his next true love on ABC’s The Bachelor. A recent report said he was in talks to appear on the show but ABC denies the rumor.

STAR Artist David Cook has been named one of VH1’s “Hottest Hunks Under 25.” Check out the entire list at vh1.com.

STAR Artist Nickelback just signed with Live Nation as part of a deal worth cbetween $50 and $70 million.

July 7, 2008

Here are the Top 10 Movies from the 4th of July Weekend:
1. Hancock, $66 million
2. WALL-E, $33.4 million
3. Wanted, $20.6 million
4. Get Smart, $11.1 million
5. Kung Fu Panda, $7.5 million
6. The Incredible Hulk, $5 million
7. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, $3.9 million
8. Kit Kittredge: An American Girl, $3.6 million
9. Sex and the City, $2.3 million
10. You Don't Mess With the Zohan, $2 million

There must be something in the proverbial Hollywood water because another actor is being charged with tax evasion. First Wesley Snipes, now Crocodile Dundee Paul Hogan. The tax authorities down under are supposedly looking to the IRS for help in building their case. The Mr. Dundee held an impromptu press conference, ya know, ‘cause we all care so much, where he laughed at the charges and told the Australian government to come and get him. Which sounds all bad and tough but he wasn’t kidding. He needs someone to pay for his plane ticket home...

The latest in the Madonna rumored divorce saga (thanks to eonline.com:
Never one to shy away from controversy, Madonna issued the mother of all denials on Sunday, quashing rumors of an affair with Yankee third baseman Alex Rodriguez, refuting claims that she converted him to Kabbalah and denying plans to divorce her husband of seven years, Guy Ritchie. "My husband and I are not planning on getting a divorce. I know Alex Rodriguez through Guy Oseary, who manages both of us. I brought my kids to a Yankee game. I am not romantically involved in any way with Alex Rodriguez. I have nothing to do with the state of his marriage or what spiritual path he may choose to study,” Madonna said in a statement to People magazine. A-Rod isn't off the hook either, thanks to a whole bunch of stuff, his wife has filed for divorce. To escape the media circus, A-Rod's wife fled to the home of pal Lenny Kravitz sparking rumors they were an item which Lenny immediately and angrily denied. Isn't this fun?...

Susan Olsen, A.K.A. Cindy Brady nearly vomited on-camera at a recent television interview blaming some friend for getting her “so wasted last night.” She bolted out of the taping before she could show the interviewer just how much she liked him. She’ll be known for playing Cindy Brady but evidently she wants to be remembered for acting like Lindsay Lohan.

STAR Artist John Mayer may have the most amazing sense of humor of any singer I know. At a concert last week he told those there he was so fed up with internet rumors. He said they just tempt him to say things, so throughout the concert he delivered some shocking confessions like he’s afraid of the color green, that he wrote the lyrics to Kenny Loggins’ “Danger Zone” when he was 9 and when he was 12 he weighed 400 pounds. And my two favorite John Mayer confessions: that he’s always felt he was born a woman and he’s 33% done building a time machine.

STAR Artist Bon Jovi’s "Lost Highway" tour will wrap up in about a week and Jon has no idea what to do next, "I'm not quite sure where to go, is it Greatest Hits Vol. 2, or is it time for a solo record, or is it time to walk away? I don't know what it'll be yet." If they do “walk away”, they’ll have gone out on top. The tour they’re wrapping will have reportedly brought 966,000 people to their concerts.

Supposed insiders are claiming the cast of the hit show Friends wants to get back together…in the movies. Since Sex & the City had such a hugely successful leap to the big screen, Jennifer Anniston, Courtney Cox, and all are ready to bring the laughs and try that leap themselves. If you believe rumors, and who doesn’t, look for the Friends movie in the next year and a half. Thank God, David Schwimmer will work again.

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Congratulations to Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban – they had their first child together this morning, a healthy 6 pound 7½ ounce baby girl named Sunday Rose.

Everyone loves Brad and Angelina, especially the French. The mayor of the town they’re living in as declared them honorary French citizens.

This hasn’t been confirmed but don’t be surprised if Olympics host and sportscaster, Bob Costas, ends up replacing Tim Russert as host of “Meet the Press."

STAR Artist Coldplay’s new album will spend its second week in the number one spot on the Billboard charts but it’s also set a pretty cool record. In just the two weeks its been out it’s sold more downloads than any album in digital history – over 354,000.

July 2, 2008

Who saw this one coming? The French doctor who will deliver Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s twins has told us we won’t be seeing the newborns pop out for another couple weeks. Check out the video from the press conference - the only catch is it’s completely in French, with no subtitles. So unless you wanna translate for the next hour, just take my word for it.

America turns 232 on Friday (though I don’t think she looks a day over 80) and to celebrate, E! Online has released its Top 9 Most Totally American Movies Ever list. Here it is:
1. Die Hard
2. The Godfather: Part II
3. South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut
4. Do the Right Thing
5. E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial
6. Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle
7. Titanic
8. Friday Night Lights
9. Forrest Gump

It seems like only yesterday Lindsay Lohan turned 21 and Bacardi’s stock prices soared. Today Lindsay turned 22. Don’t try crashing her exclusive Hollywood party. Not ‘cause you won’t get in but because I don’t think you want to see what she’ll look like after 9 Captain & Cokes.

Even though the Screen Actors Guild contract expired yesterday, the president of the group says a strike is not imminent, “Whatever stops, slow-down in the work won’t be our fault it’ll be the fault of the AMPTP.” SAG and the AMPTP met again today to negotiate. I don’t know about you but after last season’s Lost finale, I don’t think I could handle another break in new episodes.

You and the family get to enjoy a holiday weekend this weekend to celebrate our Independence and with that comes several new movies including Will Smith’s drunken super-hero Hancock. Also expanding into additional theaters is the American Girl movie Kit Kittredge. That means get ready to take your daughter, her friends and their dolls to the movies.

STAR Artist Taylor Swift will unleash her inner rockstar when she teams up with fellow STAR Artist Def Leppard in the new installment of CMT’s Crossroads show. Taylor says the new generation is no much obsessed with genres of music as it is good music and, “I have been screaming the words to Def Leppard songs for years.” Look for that on CMT November 8th.

STAR Artist John Mayer kicked off his summer tour in Milwaukee tonight at Summerfest with fellow STAR Artist Colbie Caillat who says their show is going to be especially good for a couple big reasons, “We write summer music and John is so good live. He’s such a great performer and it’s just going to be a really fun, laid-back summer concert.”

STAR Artist David Cook will perform the most songs on the American Idols Live Tour this summer, with good reason. Of course he’ll sing “Time of My Life” but he’ll also do Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing” Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and a couple others. You can see the tour for yourself when it’s at the Resch Center. Win tickets this week on STAR 98!

STAR Artist The All-American Rejects say they’re working to finishing a new CD by this fall. According to band members they’ve written a musical ton of material, over 30 songs. Guitarist Nick says, “The songs that are coming together are sounding really good and we’re really excited about it. It’s different but we’re not trying to make it different – we’re just having fun with the songs.” Look for the new Rejects CD by September.

July 1, 2008

BREAKING: Our looming Independence Day may have double meaning for Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt as the twins are ready to be liberated from her tummy! We’ve confirmed Angelina Jolie is officially in a French hospital as we speak. We know the name of the doctor who will deliver the twins and we know he’ll make a statement when they pop out. For now, we wait… Check out this picture of a waiting room from the hospital. Can't ya just picture the whole clan hangin' out there?

STAR Artist Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine was caught out and about at some Hollywood clubs last night. On the way out, amid the flashbulbs goin’ off he said “I feel like Paris Hilton.” Though in fairness he didn’t act like her – there was no underwear-less crotch-shot. Check out the video:

American Idol winner & STAR Artist David Cook and the rest of the American Idols kick off their nationwide tour today and David Cook says he’s thrilled, “I’ve always been enamored with the idea of waking up in a different city every day. You wake up to sensory overload every morning so that’s what I’m looking forward to most.” And runner-up David Archuleta he’ll just enjoy performing and not worrying about the judges, “It’s just all about really enjoying the time and spending that time with all your friends…touring with them.” The American Idols LIVE Tour is coming to the Resch Center September 2nd. You can win tickets all this week on STAR 98!

Speaking of the two Davids...The last song David Archuleta listened to on his iPod was by STAR Artist Sara Bareilles and he seems to have developed a musical crush on her, “She’s just so clever. She’s so awesome. I wish I WERE her.” By contrast, David Cook said the last song he listened to was STAR Artist Anna Nalick’s “Breathe” He doesn’t want to BE her though.

STAR Artist Bon Jovi has officially confirmed it will play a FREE huge concert on Central Park’s famed Great Lawn. That’s happening July 12th and Jon and the boys are super excited, “This is the center of the universe and I’ve just traveled the globe again, got home from the UK yesterday, and I’ll tell ya, once again, loudly and proudly, New York is the greatest city in the world.” Up to 60,000 fans will be at the show but tickets will be claimed fast so get ‘em now at mlb.com.

Remember when Hollywood writers went on strike? You couldn’t watch new episodes of Lost or Grey’s Anatomy for what seemed like forever? It was horrible! Well the stage is set for another Hollywood strike, this time the actors are looking for compensation for online distribution and DVD residuals. The Screen Actors Guild’s contract expired last night. As of now, there’s still no agreement. Get ready for another 6 months of America’s Got Talented Celebrity Circus Baby Borrowers.

George Clooney has denied rumors that he’s started dating anyone after recently breaking up with cocktail waitress turned Hollywood arm candy Sarah Larson. Well when George is ready to date, I’m sure we’ll see a profile on match.com...

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Variety reports a follow-up to 300 is being developed. Prequel, sequel, spinoff? We don’t know for sure yet.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has joined an elite group: the handful of films that have earned $300 million.

Multiple actors from the TV series Arrested Development have confirmed a movie is being developed. YAY!

Eddie Murphy is hinting that Beverly Hills Cop 4 will be his last movie, because he wants to get back to stage work in comedy clubs and theaters.

Molly Ringwald told us she's up for doing a sequel to 16 Candles. Don’t we all want to know what foreign exchange student Long Duk Dong is up to nowadays?