February 25, 2009

Rihanna has been planning to meet Chris Brown soon after the battery case involving them is settled, a source tells the National Enquirer. The estranged lovers are said to be planning to see each other "at a secret rendezvous location outside of Los Angeles."

"Everyone is advising Rihanna to stay away from Chris and concentrate on her career. But she won't listen. She's been talking to Chris on the phone, and she's made it clear she doesn't want their romance to end," the source utters. "They've been talking on the phone, and they've agreed that once the legal problems are ironed out, they'll be together. But as far as Rihanna is concerned, she's already taken Chris back."

Ellen DeGeneres has signed on to "Dog Show". Making a return to animated film since providing voice to Dory in 2003's "Finding Nemo", the 51-year-old talk show host of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" has been touted to lend her voice in the Warner Bros. animation.

DeGeneres was approached by writer John Glenn and producer David Manpearl after the two developed the film's idea with Alan Schoolcraft and Brent Simons. Aside from providing voice for the feature film, the eleven-time Emmy Award-winning comedienne will also serve as the film's producer along with Glenn.

Rumor has it, Lil Wayne's forthcoming rock-inspired album "REBIRTH" will not be released under Universal Music Group. The decision is withdrawn by the record label's executives because they fear that the album will fail and knock Wayne from being the top-selling singer.

According to This Is 50, people at the recording company have warned Wayne through his manager Cortez Bryant, saying that "if Wayne doesn't brighten up they have to turn into Mr. Evil Record Company and just tell him it's never going to be released." As of press time, no comment has been shared by the rapper's management team concerning the rumor.

Genesis Awards continue to hand out honors for entertainment media that put animal protection issues on the spotlight. This includes TV series, feature movie, local news and printed publications that make up 19 categories. In the TV and movie nominees, spotted are "Bones", "Grey's Anatomy", "Marley & Me" and "Bolt".

The 23rd year is dedicated to support the end of Canadian seal hunt, and the Wyler Award is given to Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi. "Ellen and Portia stand up for their beliefs, and they have had a major impact in spreading the message about animal protection," said Wayne Pacelle, CEO of the Humane Society of the U.S.

Playing guitar in his band Jonas Brothers, Kevin Jonas gives credit to John Mayer, claiming the singer as one of the reasons that he "started to learn to play guitar." Recalling the day he first met John, the eldest of the Jonas boys admits he got starstruck.

"I had a moment about five years ago when we were at a meeting and John Mayer walked in," Kevin tells In Touch Weekly. "When he walked into the room, I was too stunned to go up and meet him. After that, I thought to myself, 'I'm never going to let that happen again.' We got to meet him later and he complimented us."

With "Watchmen" coming closer to its theatrical release date each day, details about the highly-anticipated adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' comic book series have been dispensed by director Zack Snyder. Talking to MTV News, the 42-year-old filmmaker spilled the bean on the key differences between his live-action film and the graphic novel.

Revealing the contrast one by one, Snyder started by exposing that in contrast from the comic, the movie will have Nite Owl being a witness to the killing of Rorschach by Dr. Manhattan. "I just felt that I needed a moment at the end," he explained. "That relationship between Rorschach and Nite Owl is a sweet relationship that we establish in the movie."

An insider has brought forward an update on Chris Brown's whereabouts, claiming the R 'n' B singer currently is avoiding to make public appearances and has been surrounding himself with security guards because he is afraid that someone might harm him. "Chris is scared. Not only did he probably lose his career and his girlfriend, but he's also fearing for his security and his life," an insider tells In Touch Weekly on the effect that his alleged battery to Rihanna has on him.

"Chris is a marked man. He faces criminal charges and possible jail time, but he's going to have to deal with Rihanna's legion of fans and her close-knit friends in the industry," a music insider chimes in. "That photo was the last straw," the music insider adds when referring to the leaked photo of Rihanna's bruised face. "The threats started pouring in the moment that appeared online."

The status of LL Cool J in the spin-off to "NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service" has been upgraded. If previously he was in talks to nab the role of Sam Hannah, it has now been confirmed that he has secured the part.

Hannah is described as tough but charming former U.S. Navy Seal and is "an expert on the Middle East." The pilot to the spin-off will air as one half of a two-part episode of "NCIS" later this season. Behind the new series which is yet to have a title is "NCIS" scribe Shane Brennan.

Jonas Brothers have opened up about the progress of their new album during a press conference announcing a surprise coast-to-coast appearance at numerous showings of their movie "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience". Nick Jonas told Hollyscoop, "The new album is coming together were working on it right now about 5 songs in were very excited about the way it's sounding."

"Its kind of a back to the roots sound for us," the youngest member of the band added. "Just going back to who we are and just the real kind of the musical side of the Jonas Brothers - it's a lot of fun. The songs are sounding cool and excited to share them all with you soon."

British actor Jamie Bamber, who is known for starring as Lee 'Apollo' Adama in TV series "Battlestar Galactica", sheds his clothes off and poses topless for the latest PETA's ad campaign, which is aimed to help saving black bears killed for their fur. "Bears suffer and die for the Queen's guards' caps. Support the campaign to end this cruelty," so read the tagline that accompanies his ad, featured as the news photo.

"I initially decided to do the PETA ad because a great friend of mine in L.A., Lucy Davis, had just done a similar ad, and I love Lucy and it was a cause I didn't know about - I'll be honest. So as soon as Lucy opened my eyes, I was thrilled to join her and do my bit," Jamie says of his involvement in the cause. Offering a solution to the issue, he explains, "The obvious alternative [to real fur] is to make caps out of faux fur. You know, use synthetic materials to avoid killing a beautiful animal. They're not to keep warm. It's not particularly freezing outside Buckingham Palace. You could wear something else. And you could certainly wear faux fur."

With many still wondering on her status in "The Twilight Saga's New Moon", Vanessa Hudgens finally comes clean about the circulating rumor, linking her to Leah Clearwater character. At the 2009 Oscars, the "High School Musical 3: Senior Year" starlet told Mario Lopez of "Extra" that the speculation is "still a rumor".

Though clearing up the rumor, the 20-year-old admitted that she still keeps her hope on joining the "Twilight" sequel. "I'm really interested," she fessed up, adding, "I think it's a great project but nothing's happening as of now." Asked further whether she is a fan of the first film, she responded, "Yes love it. My sister has read all of the books, too."

The first champion of "True Beauty" has been crowned in the season finale airing Monday, February 22. Former Miss Teen Texas and magician assistant, Julia Anderson came first as the person who has the "entire package", good look and inner beauty. Julia beat software salesman Joel Rush and vitamin store owner Billy Jeffrey who are in second and third place respectively.

"This is definitely the second chance that I've always wanted and I finally found true beauty, I did it," Julia commented on her win. "I finally found myself and I won the competition. I feel like a winner in every way possible, honestly." For one thing, Julia confessed to a dark past as a teenager.

A music video aimed to promote Akon's single called "Beautiful" has made its debut. In addition to guest-starring Sean Kingston, it has cameo appearances from Colby O'Donis and Kardinal Offishall, who are both featured in the song.

Narrating a man's search for a girl he loves, "Beautiful" is lifted from Akon's third major studio album entitled "Freedom". Since being released on January 6 in U.S., the track peaked at number 19 on Billboard Hot 100, selling over 91,000 from its digital downloads.

Rumor has it, Paris Hilton and Doug Reinhardt are having a romantic getaway in Tokyo. The report comes hot on the heels of the hotel heiress' denial that both of them are an item.

Previously insisting she and Doug are "just friends," Paris however is said to have been secretly hooking up with Doug for several weeks. They, according to E! News, were seen leaving Los Angeles International Airport late Tuesday morning, February 24 on a United Airlines flight bound for Tokyo.

"Valkyrie" actor Kenneth Branagh has secured his place as the director of "Thor". Marvel.com reported that Marvel Studios have officially picked the "As You Like It" director to take on the feature film installment of the blonde-tressed and hammer-wielding hero by serving as its helmer.

Branagh will be filling the void left by director Matthew Vaughn, who was earlier attached to direct the adaptation, but dropped out when his contract ended. Beside being picked up as the director, the Professor Gilderoy Lockhart of "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" has also been rumored to have an acting part in the movie, with the possibility of him portraying the titular character. No words have been shared on the matter by the studio though.

Three days before "Jonas Brothers: The 3D Concert Experience" rocks theaters all across the U.S., Walt Disney Pictures have thrown down a world premiere for the 3D film starring Jonas Brothers in Los Angeles. Using El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood as the venue for the special screening event, the studio exchanged the usual red carpet with a dark purple-colored carpet.

Three of the film's main attractions, Kevin Jonas, Nick Jonas and Joe Jonas, as well as Demi Lovato, who appears in the film as a guest performer, were greeted by the screaming fans when they arrived at the event and walked down the purple carpet. Before going into the theaters, the three Jonas and Lovato made time to answer some questions with On The Red Carpet.

Some raunchy photos that Kourtney Kardashian does for 944 magazine have hit the web. Four shots, showing the reality TV star striking various sexy poses for the camera, have been obtained by E! Online.

One of the shots features Kourtney donning a Marilyn Monroe's trademarked blonde hairdo and leopard print outfits. Another pic sees her donning a black, short hairdo under a hat, whereas the other one shows her wearing a polka dot bra. The last shot sees Kourtney dressing in sexy white outfits, letting loose her long black hair, and holding a gun on her right hand.

Britney Spears' forthcoming roadshow dubbed "Circus Starring Britney Spears" to support her sixth studio album "Circus" will feature magic tricks, illusionist-comedian Ed Alonzo confirms. "Right away, she got into the boxes and into the magic contraptions to learn the stuff, and she's so excited about this tour and all the elements that are in it," the magician says.

"We're going to be doing the classics of magic but a little high-tech," Alonzo explains more to E! Online. "We'll be doing a little dissection, transposition, a vanish, an appearance - and if I do a trick, she doesn't just hold the props, she's actually getting inside the big boxes or I am slicing her up."

A steady number of rating has delivered a bunch of The CW series another season order. Shows like "Gossip Girl", "Supernatural", the long-running "Smallville" and several others will be extended for the fall season, the network's president of entertainment Dawn Ostroff announced on Tuesday, February 24.

Three other shows picked up for another season are "90210", "America's Next Top Model" and "One Tree Hill". Ostroff announced in a press release, "As we continue to build The CW Network as a destination for young women, these six shows have clearly contributed to strengthening our schedule and our brand identity. By securing these signature hits for next season, we're furthering our commitment to deliver high-quality, original programming to our viewers, advertisers and affiliates."

Former lovers Evan Rachel Wood and Marilyn Manson have sparked rumors that they are rekindling their romance after they were seen together over the weekend. The twosome was seen leaving the W Hotel in L.A. together on Sunday morning, February 22 before Wood walked the red carpet at the 81st Oscars later that day, the New York Post's Page Six reports.

An onlooker spotted Manson outside the hotel and claimed that the goth rocker "said he was waiting for his girlfriend." Soon thereafter Wood appeared and the two stars climbed into a waiting car. Neither of them has offered a single comment on the report though.

Rapper Shawty Lo has announced an official release date for his sophomore studio album, which is titled "Carlos". In a press release dated February 24, it was confirmed that he plans to drop the album in U.S. stores on May 5.

"The whole concept of this album is really an interpretation of how I and a majority of the people around me feel or have felt and the lives we've lived," Shawty Lo explained about the concept behind the upcoming record. "This record is even more personal than 'Units in the City'."

Hot on the heels of the report that "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" has found a villain in actor Nick Moran, Warner Bros. have come out with the announcement of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part II" release date. Revealing their upcoming tentpole and franchise films, the studio revealed that they have set the last "Harry Potter" movie to make its debut on July 15, 2011.

This new schedule puts "Part II" in U.S. theaters roughly eight months after "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part I" sees the big screen on November 19, 2010. At this point, the final half of the last "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling is listed to be up against Marvel Studios' anticipated superheroes film, "The Avengers", which is currently set on the same date.

It may be the end of Conan O'Brien in "Late Night" but it's not the end of his combined force with Andy Richter. By the time O'Brien takes over "Tonight Show" from Jay Leno this summer, he will be joined by his "Late Night" co-host Richter who will be a full announcer.

"Andy is one of the funniest people I know, and we've maintained a close friendship since he left Late Night," O'Brien said. "We have a proven chemistry that will be an incredible asset to The Tonight Show." He added as a joke, "I'm looking forward to working with Andy on a daily basis again, particularly since he owes me $300."

On-screen lovers Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer are officially dating in real life. Both stars, who are romantically linked in HBO's "True Blood", initially sparked dating rumors when they auditioned for roles in the vampire TV series last year.

Speaking to TV Guide Magazine on the "True Blood" set, Moyer confirms he and Paquin "are together." On what keeps them waiting to go public with their romance, the actor explains, "The reason it was dodged last year was very intentional on both our parts. It was very important to me that the cast and crew we were working with didn't feel it was fickle, and didn't feel it could possibly potentially encroach on their lives, you know, just like, 'Oh the two stars are having a thing.'"

Jennifer Hudson has been announced to entertain the audience of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on Friday, February 27. During the Oprah Winfrey-hosted talk show, she is going to sing "If This Isn't Love", one of the songs appearing in her self-titled debut album.

In related news, Jennifer Hudson has reportedly been set to record a gospel album. Rumor continues swirling around, claiming that the singer, who won Best R&B Album at 2009 Grammy Awards, will begin crafting new songs for her new project in spring.

"Iron Man 2" is days away from kicking off its principal photography. Giving the latest update to the "Iron Man" sequel, Marvel Studios announced on Wednesday, February 24, that the second movie of the superhero in armored iron suit will begin filming in early April.

While speculations around the casting of this movie have been running wild, the studio's press release only named Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Don Cheadle as the film's cast ensemble. No words have been shared regarding the circulating casting rumors around Sam Rockwell as Justin Hammer, Mickey Rourke as either Crimson Dynamo or Whiplash, and Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow, among others.

Becoming a hot topic concerning her planned world tour, Britney Spears is said to have been "obsessed" to find herself a new boyfriend before she kicks off the tour on March 3. "She looks around and sees other women her age in successful relationships and says to herself, 'Why can't that be me?' Finding a man she can love is becoming an obsession for Britney," a source tells Heat magazine about the pop singer.

"Britney really wants to get her life back on track. She has her family around her and a couple of assistants, but no one to really share things with," the source continues. "I think Britney would be happier living in a trailer park, looking after her kids and working as a hairdresser as long as she had a guy by her side who really loves her."

It has been confirmed by David Archuleta himself that he will appear as a guest star in an episode of "Hannah Montana". The runner up for "American Idol" seventh season raved about his experience filming his cameo in L.A. last week for the series starring Miley Cyrus.

"It was another thing I was really nervous about and wasn't really sure about at first," he wrote on his blog live from Virginia. "However, once I got there I had a great time! Everyone there was fun and Miley was a cool person to hang out with. She has a lot of energy and is really funny haha. Getting to watch how they rehearsed the scenes for the show was really cool too."

Two months shy of its theatrical release, "Crank: High Voltage" has got another trailer released. This time, it is a new U.K. trailer, which was debuted exclusively by Empire. Timed at one minute sharp, the newly-outed promo video is basically a shorter version of the previously-released trailers and yet to expose the plot.

A sequel to 2006 action thriller "Crank", "Crank: High Voltage" will pick up exactly where the first film left off. In this follow-up movie, hitman Chev Chelios finds himself in a chase through Los Angeles in pursuit of the Chinese mobster who has stolen his nearly indestructible heart. During his wild chase, he will be seen shocking himself with regular jolts of electricity to stay alive until he gets his hands on his heart.

"Chuck" will get a visit from three Sports Illustrated swimsuit models including Brooklyn Decker, in its episode called "Chuck Vs. the Beefcake", airing March 2. Each of the models will be in for an interview with Jeff and Lester to be the new "green shirt". Four clips from the episode have been released as sneak peeks.

Jeff and Lester talk their way into hiring the new Buy More employee but decide to search for the "Buy More Babe." Meanwhile, Morgan deals with his mother's relationship with Big Mike by crashing at Chuck's apartment much to Ellie and Awesome's chagrin.

Jonas Brothers have been appointed to make a live performance at 2009 Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards. Sharing what they want to do during the annual event, the three brothers have a big hope to get slimed.

Noting that the awards' show is "all about fun," Nick Jonas tells People, "Our fans are the most important thing to us." Kevin Jonas adds his brother's statement saying, "We were almost slimed just by getting hugged by [last year's host] Jack Black. Maybe it's our year. We'll have to see."

Kate Winslet won't shed her clothes off for Playboy as she isn't interested in the offer that the men's magazine's boss Hugh Hefner has made. Despite the fact that she has regularly stripped off for her movies, naming some are "Titanic" and "The Reader," the Oscar-winning actress doesn't think she's sexy enough to grace the cover of the publication.

Hefner recently was quoted as expressing his desire to have Winslet posing naked for his magazine, saying "There's no question we would be interested in Kate. It's a competitive market, more than it used to be, so she would be a most welcome addition in our pages." But, a spokesperson for Winslet has confirmed, "This is not a proposal that would interest her."

The last "Harry Potter" movie, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows", may have found its villain in Nick Moran. According to Metro, the actor who plays card sharp Eddie in "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" was overheard telling guests at the Global Cool London Fashion Week party in London about his role in the seventh "Harry Potter" film.

While reportedly excited about his villainous part, the 40-year-old allegedly was not happy with the shooting location of "Deathly Hallows" in Watford. No words were shared on which baddie he will be portraying in the film. Additionally, neither Moran nor Warner Bros. Pictures has made any confirming or denying comment about this report.

Longtime lovers Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green have called off their engagement, US Weekly confirms in an exclusive report on its site. "The relationship had run its course," the publication cites an insider as claiming. "It's completely amicable, and they are remaining friends."

For the time being, both Fox and Green are "focusing on their careers," the insider adds. More details on the pair's split are exposed on the new issue of US Weekly, going on sale Wednesday, February 25.

After debuting "Right Round" music video, Flo Rida comes out with another video, this time to promote his new song called "Shone". Joined by Pleasure P, he is captured having a wild party with several girls.

"Shone" is a song produced by Jim Jonsin and Dre & Vidal for Flo Rida's forthcoming sophomore studio album "R.O.O.T.S.". Before officially being released on February 24, its demo version has been leaked with Rico Love singing Pleasure P's verses.