May 24, 2010

Since MGM faces uncertain future, it was speculated that "The Hobbit" would be in trouble. However, latest report mentions that the film is expected to start principal photography in November this year in New Zealand.

Additionally, Mike Fleming from Deadline Hollywood got a scoop that scripts for two parts of the movie have been completed and casting will begin soon. It was further said there are discussions underway right now to determine whether "The Hobbit" will be shot in 3-D or not.

Melissa Etheridge's former partner Tammy Lynn Michaels has opened up about her heartbreak over the pair's split, slamming the singer for calling the break-up "mutual". The "Come to My Window" hitmaker announced in April she had separated from Michaels - nine years after they exchanged vows in a commitment ceremony in California.

Michaels has now accused Etheridge of not being honest about the end of their relationship, after she told Oprah Winfrey in April the separation was "as mutual as those things can be". And the actress admits she's hurting because she's still in love with Etheridge.

Robin Gibb shocked onlookers at Heathrow Airport in London on Sunday, May 23 when he allegedly hurled expletives at staff and refused to board a plane bound for Los Angeles over a security issue. The Bee Gees' star was randomly selected for an extra security check and reportedly fumed at British Airways employees before storming out of the pre-check-in.

A source tells Britain's The Sun newspaper, "He went absolutely crazy and was swearing his head off at the check-in team. It wasn't their fault - people are selected at random by the computer for extra checks. But he wasn't having any of it."

Ronan Keating fought back tears as he struggled through a gig over the weekend - just days after announcing his split from his wife of 12 years. The Boyzone's singer stunned fans by declaring his break-up from partner Yvonne earlier this month, with his spokesperson insisting the split was "amicable".

Keating, who shares three children with Yvonne, has since been hit by rumors suggesting he had a fling with a dancer on his tour in 2009, while his rep has revealed the pop star is finding it "really hard" to cope with his troubled personal life.

British model Sophie Dahl has slammed reports her marriage to singer Jamie Cullum is in trouble - insisting the pair is "happier than ever". The beauty, who married the jazz crooner in January, is fuming after reading reports she has lost weight due to the "stress" of her fractured relationship.

Dahl insists her figure always changes shape and her marriage is still solid. In a series of posts on her Twitter page, she writes, "I have never or will never go out of my way to be thin. I have no control over my weight, it fluctuates as and when it pleases."

British supermodel Naomi Campbell celebrated her birthday in style over the weekend - stars including Jennifer Lopez and the Black Eyed Peas turned out to party with her. The beauty turned 40 years old on Saturday, May 22 and her Russian billionaire boyfriend Vladimir Doronin made sure his partner enjoyed her tiger-themed bash in France.

Campbell began the festivities by sharing lunch with Doronin, Lopez and her husband Marc Anthony, before venturing to the Hotel du Cap for the party. The "Boom Boom Pow" hitmakers performed for Campbell at the venue while she took to the dance floor with Lopez and Mary J. Blige and chatted to Grace Jones throughout the evening.

Justin Bieber reportedly got booed when he was announced to take the stage at BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend Music Festival over the weekend. But, the Canadian singer was defended by 30 Seconds to Mars' frontman Jared Leto. "He's a young kid," Leto told BBC. "He'll be able to charm the crowd."

Justin performed three songs live on the main stage at the gig taking place on Saturday, May 22 in Bangor, Wales. The sound of those unhappy with his set were firmly drowned out by the screaming of teenage girls who rushed to the front row soon after he appeared on the stage.

Another sad news comes from Brittany Murphy's Los Angeles house. Five months after she died, her husband Simon Monjack faced the same fate. On Sunday, May 23 at around 9:30 P.M., the screenwriter was found unconscious in the master bedroom by his mother-in-law who then called 911.

Simon was pronounced dead on the scene soon after paramedics arrived. The cause of his death was not immediately known, but local broadcasts cited law enforcement sources saying it appeared to be a heart attack, E! Online reports. LAPD is at the scene right now and conducting a death investigation.

Soulja Boy has secured today's hottest young music talent Justin Bieber as his collaborator. The rapper hooks up with the teen pop singer in a song called "Rich Girl" and the fresh material now can be found on YouTube.

The two young musicians from different genres of music recorded the duet after they met on iChat. "He's the truth. He reminds me of myself," Soulja told Billboard. Their collaboration is expected to appear in his upcoming third studio album "Dre".

After dropping out of "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, Orlando Bloom is set to swing his sword once again. The 33-year-old British actor is officially signed for "The Three Musketeers", in which he has been previously rumored to star.

Bloom is tapped to portray the Duke of Buckingham, the arch-nemesis to the Musketeers who is described as "so cool that you can chop him into cubes and serve with vodka." Another British star James Corden has also been announced to join the upcoming project, playing the servant Planchet.

A new promo for SyFy's upcoming series "Haven" has been out for viewing pleasure. Using The Heavy's song "Short Change Hero" as a theme song, this clip shows how people live in Maine, Haven, a place where everyone's hiding something, whether they know it or not.

Based on Stephen King's novella "The Colorado Kid", this TV series stars Emily Rose, Eric Balfour and Lucas Bryant. It is scheduled to be premiered in July and will be "full of complex, yet identifiable, characters and compelling supernatural situations."

Chris Brown has debuted a music video in support of his latest song "Deuces". With the Los Angeles river on the background, the R&B performer is seen delivering his verses with his two collaborators Tyga and Kevin McCall in this glossy, black-and-white clip which is directed by Colin Tilley.

"Deuces" is taken from Chris Brown's first mixtape "Fan of a Fan". "It's about you getting rid of this girl. You try to make it work, but you gotta move on," Tyga explained to MTV about the song. "So you basically put up one finger, then another and say, 'Deuces'."

David Krumholtz and Vanessa Britting, who were engaged in July 2008, have tied the knot. A representative for the actor has confirmed to People that the pair got married on Saturday, May 22 at the terrace room of The Plaza Hotel in New York City in a non-denominational ceremony.

"They're a perfect compliment to each other," wedding planner Michelle Rago gushed about the pair. "You can tell they're old souls. They have incredible mutual respect and make all decisions as a couple. I predict they'll be married for ever and ever."

Donald Trump says, 'You're hired' to Bret Michaels on "The Celebrity Apprentice" finale on Sunday night, May 23. The former Poison rocker won over Holly Robinson Peete in a challenge to create a new flavor of Snapple tea, in addition to a print ad and a commercial.

Bret actually was not allowed to travel to New York for the finale following a brain haemorrhage last month and a medical treatment later on for a "warning stroke." Mr. Trump managed to ask him about that matter, "Are you risking your life being here? This is a lot of pressure." To this question, the musician made audience laugh with his answer, "Lately it seems like me just standing up is risking my life."

Lionsgate Films has dropped the first trailer for "Alpha and Omega". The video shows how Humphrey, an Omega wolf, is convinced that he does not fit Kate, an Alpha. However, when they fall together in an adventure, the two unlikely friends create a strong bond.

The film follows Kate and Humphrey as they are trying to get home after being taken by park rangers and shipped halfway across the country. Back home rival wolf packs are on the march and conflict is brewing. Only Kate and Humphrey can restore the peace. But first, they have to survive each other.

Two years after ruling Billboard Hot 200 with his "Untitled" album, Nas is ready to storm the U.S. albums chart once again. This year, the rapper dropped a "provocative collaboration" in an album titled "Distant Relatives" with reggae musician Damian Marley.

Making its way across the United States on May 18, the album already cracked the Top 10 on the U.S. iTunes reggae albums chart. On Billboard Hot 200 itself, this album which features the likes of K'naan, Stephen Marley, Joss Stone and Lil Wayne is also expected to debut high.

Lady GaGa brought her dad to tears after presenting him with a luxury car on her parents' wedding anniversary. The "Paparazzi" singer decided to treat her parents, Joseph and Cynthia, to an expensive Rolls-Royce, which she decorated with a huge bow and had delivered to their door with the message, "A car to last like a love like yours".

GaGa admits her parents thought she'd rented it for them to drive for the day - and her dad was overcome with emotion after realizing she'd purchased it for them to keep.

Slash has fired off at former band mate Axl Rose after the rocker accused music mogul Irving Azoff of attempting to "sabotage" the new-look Guns N' Roses, so the singer would reunite the classic line-up. The guitarist admits Rose's $5 million (3.1 million pound sterling) legal battle with his former svengali has left him lost for words.

In his suit, Rose accuses Azoff and Front Line Management officials of "devising a secret plan to set up Rose and the band for failure so that Rose would have no choice but to reunite with the original Guns N' Roses' members." Rose's legal attack comes a month after his former manager sued him, seeking $1.8 million (1.1 million pound sterling) in commissions.

New sneak peeks to the upcoming season of "True Blood" have hit the web. In a fresh trailer, a worried Sookie tells someone she is confident that Bill is in danger. A scene where the vampire is surrounded by a pack of wolves is then flashed. In addition, the clip features an intimate moment between Sookie and Eric.

Other previews to the vampire drama series are also offered though HBO's "Welcome Home" promo and minisode. The promo, which is mashed up with scenes from the network's other TV series, opens with a scene where Sam is standing in the dark, while the minisode highlights on Bill.

Reese Witherspoon and Jim Toth are not such in a rush with their new romance. The couple who has been dating for four months was recently reported to live together under the same roof, but a representative for the 34-year-old star has debunked the rumor, telling Gossip Cop they are "not moving in."

Previously, Us Magazine reported that Reese and Jim were already "talking about moving in together" although they never confirmed that they are dating. A source additionally said the pair wanted to take their relationship to the next level because they allegedly "don't want to spend any time apart."

will.i.am's mum has fueled further speculation about the rapper's love life amid reports he's dating U.K. singer Cheryl Cole, admitting the Black Eyed Peas star has a secret girlfriend. will.i.am - real name William James Adams, Jr. - is said to have recently split from a partner of eight years and has since been linked to Cole following the breakdown of her marriage earlier this year.

Now his mum Debra Cain has sparked further rumors about his love life by hinting at a mysterious lover. She says, "William does have a girlfriend, but I can't tell you who it is. It is a secret." Cain insists Cole has been welcomed into their family and has even been invited to attend will.i.am's sister's wedding next week.

The Rolling Stones have stormed to the top of the U.K. album chart for the first time in 16 years. The classic rockers' "Exile on Main St." album, which was first issued in 1972, has been remastered and re-released with the addition of several new songs - and it has scored the group its first number one since "Voodoo Lounge" hit the top spot in 1994.

Dance music supergroup Faithless debut "The Dance" at two on the new countdown, while Plan B's "The Defamation of Strickland Banks" drops to three. The Baseballs' "Strike" debuts at four and Lady GaGa's "The Fame" rounds out the new top five.

Beloved baseball star Jose Lima died on Saturday, May 22 just hours after he attended a tribute to his career at the Los Angeles Dodgers. The 37 year old took a bow before fans during Friday night's, May 23 game against the Detroit Tigers and then died in his sleep from an apparent heart attack.

The pitcher's wife says, "I called the paramedics, but they couldn't help him." The death is currently under investigation, but there are no signs of foul play. The colorful star and fan favorite played baseball for five different teams, including the Dodgers, Houston Astros and Kansas City Royals.

Russell Brand has reportedly dealt his dad a blow by omitting him from the guest list for his wedding to Katy Perry. The "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" star has invited his beloved mum Barbara to the October ceremony but not his dad Ron, with whom he has had a strained relationship following his parents' divorce as a child.

But his father has brushed off the snub, insisting, "No one has been invited. It's going to be a very small wedding." Ron is believed to be thrilled his funnyman son has found love after a string of girlfriends. A source tells Britain's News of the World, "He respects Russell's wishes and never wants to cause him any grief. He's glad he's found the woman he wants to settle down with. Of course he would like to see his son get married but he is respectful of the situation."

Internet pin-up, reality TV star and singer Tila Tequila has signed up to star on the new season of "Celebrity Rehab" in a bid to clean up her act following the death of her partner Casey Johnson in December 2009. The bisexual star has been involved in a series of bizarre meltdowns this year and now she has agreed to seek celebrity counselor Dr. Drew Pinsky's help on his VH1 reality show, according to TMZ.com.

She is expected to clear up the confusion surrounding pregnancy announcements she made in January this year - the colorful star looked nothing like a four-month-pregnant mum-to-be when she launched her new album with concerts recently. And her new publicist, Brad Taylor, has confirmed his client is no longer with child.

2010 Cannes Film Festival came to an end on Sunday, May 23 and was marked with Palme d'Or closing ceremony. Numbers of stars gathered at the event, including Kirsten Dunst and Diane Kruger who hit the red carpet with their colorful dresses.

The "Spider-Man" trilogy babe, who was slated to present an award during the ceremony, wore a bright blue long dress by Channel. Kruger, in the meantime, was covered in a pink strapless Jason Wu gown which sports black color on its bust part.

Oscar winners Javier Bardem and Juliette Binoche added major trophies to their collections on Sunday, May 23 when the two European stars landed the acting awards at the Cannes Film Festival in France. Spaniard Bardem shared the Best Actor Prize with Elio Germano, while "The English Patient" star Binoche was named Best Actress for "Certified Copy".

The Cannes Film Festival's competition jury president Tim Burton handed the coveted Palme d'Or honour to acclaimed Thai movie "Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives". The runner-up Grand Prix prize went to "Of Gods and Men". French actor/director Mathieu Amalric claimed the two-week festival's Best Director award for "Tournee", while the event's Best Screenplay prize went to Lee Chang-dong for "Poetry".

Jamiroquai star Jay Kay has been accused of threatening a pet breeder in a foul-mouthed phone rant about his dog last week. The singer can allegedly be heard hurling abuse in the voice message he left for Carole Brooks, who had asked for permission to breed Kruger, the rare Blue German Shepherd she sold him.

In the recorded rant, a man believed to be Kay shouts, "You need to get something through your f**king head. You breed dogs, I bought one off you, now it's my dog. I'm not f**king joking... You f**k me about with f**king emails and messages anymore I'll personally come down there and sort it out - do you understand me? You don't f**king dare send me messages, he's now part of my f**king family."

Rihanna is contemplating adopting a child in the future - because she's terrified of giving birth. The "Umbrella" singer has opened up about her future family plans, insisting she's excited to experience motherhood and she'll do whatever it takes to have kids.

She tells Britain's In:Demand radio show, "I'm really scared of the actual childbirth situation but I do want to be a mum one day. Even if I have to adopt, I want to be a mum."

Racing driver Lewis Hamilton has been charged over a stunt he performed on a public road ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in March. The Formula One ace, dating The Pussycat Dolls star Nicole Scherzinger, was arrested by authorities who spotted him doing a 'burn-out' turn into a busy street in a loaned Mercedes after a practice at the Albert Park circuit in Melbourne.

Hamilton has now been charged with "intentional loss of control of a motor vehicle". A hearing has been scheduled for August 24 in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court - five days before he is to participate in the Belgian Grand Prix.

"Harry Potter" star Emma Watson has dismissed reports she's dating Spanish rocker Rafael Cebrian, telling fans she is currently a single woman. The actress was linked to drummer Cebrian after her split from longterm partner Jay Barrymore in March. She had been dating the financier since 2008.

But the 20 year old, who is currently studying at the prestigious Brown University in Rhode Island, insists Cebrian is just a friend she met at London's Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art (RADA) years ago.

It seems that Lindsay Lohan will face a serious problem when she meets Judge Marsha Revel on Monday, May 24. The star who has been ordered to refrain from consuming alcohol and drugs reportedly can barely live a day without them.

"She can't make it through a day without it. She's a mess," says one person who claims to be connected to Lindsay. Another source, meanwhile, tells TMZ that the "Mean Girls" actress starts craving drugs as soon as she "wakes up" and "satisfies them fast."

The new line-up of The Pussycat Dolls has been unveiled. "Fame" star Kherington Payne, "America's Best Dance Crew" alum Rino Nakasone-Razalan and Vanessa Curry have been booked to fill in the vacant slots. Additionally, Jamie Lee Ruiz, the former contestant of PCD's reality show, also joined the group.

The four new girls replaced previous members Melody Thornton, Ashley Roberts, Kimberly Wyatt and Jessica Sutta who left the group earlier this year. Joining remaining member Nicole Scherzinger, they have debuted their performance in a private event in Los Angeles on May 21.

Shrek's new adventure has led its way to North American Box Office. Based on studios' estimation, "Shrek Forever After" tops the chart with $70.8 million on its debut weekend. Despite becoming a champ, the film does not perform as great as it is expected.

The latest installment of the DreamWorks' animation franchise gains far less than 2007's "Shrek the Third" which earned $121.6 million on its opening weekend. "This was on the low end for a 'Shrek' film," DreamWorks worldwide marketing chief Anne Globe admits. "But we're very optimistic that it's on its way to becoming a worldwide hit."

The first season of "Glee" hasn't been wrapped and the second season is yet to air, but the TV series has gotten early season 3 pick-up. "In just one year, Glee has transcended the television landscape and emerged as a global pop culture phenomenon," Peter Rice, Chairman of Fox Networks, said in a statement.

When the musical starring Jane Lynch, Matthew Morrison and Lea Michele was premiered in May 2009, it received around 9.6 million viewers. And now, it has become the No. 1 new scripted series among adults 18-49 and adults 18-34, according to Entertainment Weekly.