April 11, 2011

Michael Jackson's young children and family members including mother Katherine and sister Janet Jackson are set to be called as witnesses at Dr. Conrad Murray's upcoming involuntary manslaughter trial, according to a U.S. report. The physician stands accused of administering the powerful dose of anesthetic Propofol which led to the King of Pop's death in June 2009.

Murray has pleaded not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter and is due to stand trial in May, and a document, obtained by TMZ, has revealed new details about proceedings. In the papers, more than 100 potential witnesses are listed, including the "Thriller" icon's three children 14-year-old Prince Michael, 13-year-old Paris, and 9-year-old Blanket.

Former Spice Girls star Melanie Brown has reached out to her family on Twitter after two years of not speaking because of an alleged feud over her husband Stephen Belafonte. Brown, who lives in Los Angeles, wed Belafonte in 2007 and lost contact with her loved ones in her native U.K. because of the relationship.

"I'm so sick of pretending everything's okay," her sister Danielle recently revealed. "Mel hasn't spoken to any of our family or friends in the U.K. for over two years. Our family had concerns about her husband Stephen. Ever since we expressed those concerns, we've not heard anything from her. I follow her on Twitter to make sure she's okay."

Big Sean has debuted a music video in support of "Made", a single recorded for his upcoming debut effort "Finally Famous: The Album". The video is a live-performance clip which highlights Sean's concerts over the past few months.

An unauthorized leak of the song arrived last year with Drake featured on it. In an interview with TheHipHopUpdate, Sean expressed his disappointment over the premature arrival, calling it an unfinished version both musically and verse wise.

"Rio" has been premiered at Grauman's Chinese Theatre, Los Angeles on Sunday, April 10. Coming to the event were the voice cast of the film, including Anne Hathaway, Leslie Mann, will.i.am, Jesse Eisenberg, Jamie Foxx, and Rodrigo Santoro.

As the stars started coming to the event at around 01:00 P.M., everybody wanted to take pictures of the celebrities. As a result, there was a riot on the blue carpet, and the actors were hurried to go inside the theater to begin the screening which was 20 minutes late from the schedule at 02:00 P.M. Mann was the last actor to enter the theater after she took pictures with her fans.

"The Borgias" are gearing up for Lucrezia's wedding in its upcoming episode. The soon-to-bride has a kiss practice with Giulia Farnese to prepare the big day, but she is not happy with the fact that her mother will not attend the nuptials.

Lucrezia's financially and politically motivated wedding to Milanese nobleman Giovanni Sforza is a disaster thanks to Juan's inappropriately bawdy play in his sister's honor, Cesare's brazen flirting with a married baroness, and the arrival of the Borgia children's illegitimate mother. Meanwhile, Della Rovere seeks the aid of the illustrious Medici family and their counselor, Machiavelli.

Hugh Hefner is apparently happy with Karina Smirnoff's spread for the May issue of Playboy magazine. Having tweeted that the naked pictures will be "unforgettable", the 85-year-old founder and Chief Creative Officer of the adult magazine went on to gush that he is proud of the photos.

The May issue will feature the "Dancing with the Stars" beauty taking it all off and wearing only a few red ribbons in front off the camera. It is said that she incorporates her dancing into the poses. About the photos, Hef himself told People Magazine at his 85th birthday party at Las Vegas' Palms Casino Resort on Saturday, April 9, "It's a beautiful shoot and I'm very proud of it."

Kim Kardashian is involved in a latest talent search held to find new members of The Pussycat Dolls. The project will be documented into a new reality show, and the socialite who dropped a debut single "Jam (Turn It Up)" earlier this year will serve as a producer.

PCD's creator Robin Antin teased of what to expect from the show, "It's really about finding that sexiness." She revealed further, "Obviously I'll look for a triple threat. I want girls who are incredibly talented, incredible singers, incredible dancers...Beautiful girls on the inside and out."

Celebrities from television, film and music came together to celebrate 2011 TV Land Awards which was held for the first time in New York on Sunday, April 10. The ceremony was filled with tributes to iconic shows such as "Family Ties", "The Cosby Show", "Welcome Back, Kotter" and "The Facts of Life".

To mark the change of venue, Liza Minnelli performed "New York New York" as the opening. The event went on honoring Regis Philbin with Legend Award, Daryl Hall and John Oates with Music Icon Award, and the aforementioned TV shows. Jane Lynch, Barbara Walters, Jane Leeves, and Ben Stiller were among the presenters.

A movie revolving around former U.S. President Abraham Lincoln was premiered at Ford Theater, Washington D.C. on Sunday, April 10. "The Conspirator" tells a fictional story in the aftermath of Lincoln's assassination where seven men and one woman are arrested and charged with conspiring to kill the President, Vice President, and Secretary of State.

Director Robert Redford said at the screening, "The movie was inspired by telling a story that nobody knew about, tied to an event that everybody knows about." Robin Wright Penn's Mary Surratt was the lone woman charged for owning the house where John Wilkes Booth, and others met and planned the simultaneous attacks.

Two new clips from "Thor" have been debuted at Kapow! ComicCon in London during the weekend. Coming Soon correspondent Ben Mortimer has recently shared what are seen from the snippets.

The first clip sees Loki taking over the throne of Asgard after Odin has fallen into a coma. Loki's sinister manner leads the Warriors Three and Sif plead for Thor's return from exile, to which Loki responds, "My first order can't be to undo my father's last." He later refuses to grant the wish.

Contrary to swirling reports, Lindsay Lohan didn't hide in her closet when her father Michael paid her a surprise visit on Sunday, April 10. The troubled actress, who made her big break at the age of 11 with the remake of "The Parent Trap", has come forward to set the record straight.

To E! News, the 24-year-old actress insisted that she wasn't even at her beach home apartment in Venice, California when Michael was reported desperately trying to get her to open the door. "I'm fine," she assured as explaining further, "I wasn't even home so its funny how I was in my closet."

GLAAD Awards have hailed "Glee" and "Modern Family" at a gala dinner on April 10. Battling it out for the coveted best TV comedy series kudo, the two shows ended up sharing the title. Chris Colfer, who plays gay teen Kurt, and his on-screen father Mike O'Malley represented the Fox musical to accept the prize, while from the ABC dramedy, there were Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who plays openly gay Mitchell Pritchett, as well as Julie Bowen and Ariel Winter.

At the 22nd annual prize-giving event held in Los Angeles this weekend, "Project Runway" won outstanding reality program. Mondo Guerra, who revealed his HIV-positive status to friends and family on the Lifetime show, accepted the award.

No Doubt's long-awaited new studio album is due later this year. The frontwoman Gwen Stefani confirmed it when chatting in a recent radio interview with Ryan Seacrest, saying "We've been going for awhile trying to make this record and it s been super challenging but really fun."

"We're trying to enjoy the moment of writing and...it's just a really fun process and I think it's going to be out this year," she added. "It's generally a really happy album...the main thing we were trying to do is write really catchy good songs...we got about 10 songs done and we want to do a few more just in case, but it's a really good record, I really love this record."

Miranda Lambert has become such a regular name at Academy of Country Music Awards since 2007 that at this year's ceremony Lady Antebellum's Charles Kelley joked, "Thank you, Miranda Lambert, for winning this last year and not being in the category this year. That really helps a lot." Lambert astonishingly received nine nominations at Country Music Association Awards last year and won four of them including Album of the Year for "Revolution".

Although her latest album was released in 2009, Lambert continued to be a big contender for country music awards. At the recent 2011 ACM Awards, she won four out of six nominations excluding Entertainer of the Year. Her victory was revolving around the single "The House That Built Me" which also delivered her first Grammy for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

"American Idol" has delivered one surprising result last Thursday night, April 7 with the elimination of Pia Toscano. While many celebrities were outraged by the result, will.i.am, who served as a mentor for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame week's performances, would rather to give the fallen contestant and previous outcasts a piece of advice.

"Learn from why you got eliminated," said the Black Eyed Peas member when asked by Entertainment Tonight at the Los Angeles premiere of "Rio". Sharing more of his words of wisdom on the blue carpet on Sunday, April 10, he added, "Just because they say 'no' doesn't mean that's it. I got told 'no' a bunch of times. I still get told 'no.' That doesn't mean I'm going to stop."

The filming of "The Bachelorette" season 7 is currently underway, and Chris Harrison has hinted that the contestants are traveling to Asia. The host recently tweeted, "View from my office this morn in Hong Kong! Shooting #bachelorette," and posted a picture of him standing with a background of a city landscape.

The new season of "The Bachelor" spin-off is going to premiere May 23 on ABC. Ashley Hebert, who was dumped by Brad Womack in the last season of "The Bachelor", has been announced as the new bachelorette.

Australian pop star Kylie Minogue is eyeing a move behind the camera, insisting she'd love to direct a film. The "Spinning Around" hitmaker shot to fame Down Under on long-running soap opera "Neighbours" and she admits she'd love to get back on a movie set - as the director.

And the singer is adamant she would be a great filmmaker - because she's so "bossy". She says, "Professionally, I'd love to be behind the camera more. I think there's a director in me somewhere as I get older and bossier. I don't know how I ended up with a music career that has lasted that long when I thought I'd just be an actress."

Newlywed actress Reese Witherspoon escaped to Belize on April 8 to enjoy a romantic honeymoon with husband Jim Toth. The pair wed at the "Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde" beauty's California home on 26 March, but had to delay their first vacation as a married couple as Witherspoon promoted her new movie "Water for Elephants" with Robert Pattinson.

However, the happy couple recently found some time to jet off to the Central American country, where they were joined by Witherspoon's two children, Ava and Deacon, by ex-husband Ryan Phillippe, according to People.com.

Movie star Dennis Quaid struggled to control his cocaine addiction when he first found fame - he alleges the drug was so accessible, it was even accommodated for in movie budgets. "The Day After Tomorrow" actor has been open about his previous battle with drug abuse, and he's revealed all about cocaine in Hollywood in a candid account for the latest edition of Newsweek magazine.

In the article, Quaid admits it was no surprise he became hooked on the illegal substance in the 1970s and '80s because he claims it was used as "petty cash" throughout the industry and was "even in the budgets of movies, thinly disguised". He adds, "My greatest mistake was being addicted to cocaine. Doing blow just contributed to me not being able to handle all that fame, which, at the time, I guess I felt I didn't deserve."

Former Spice Girls star Melanie C is in no rush to marry her long term partner because she is "missing the bride gene". The British singer has been in a relationship with property developer Thomas Starr for nine years and they are parents to a two-year-old daughter, Scarlet - but Chisholm insists they are not planning a wedding.

She tells Daily Mirror, "I'm missing the bride gene. Spending lots of money on a wedding just doesn't interest me. I'd rather buy a lovely new kitchen. I know most girls grow up with dreams of a wedding but I never did."

Soul sensation Adele is continuing to make history atop the U.K. albums chart after "21st Century Breakdown" racked up its 11th week at number one. The singer has been dominating the countdown with her sophomore release and has already gone down in record books as the first act to land 10 weeks atop the British chart since Dire Straits in 1986.

She added another title to her name on Sunday, April 10 as the record held strong for another seven days - 21 has now scored the most consecutive weeks at number one for a solo artist's studio album in U.K. history. Newcomer Katy B debuted "On a Mission" at two, while Adele had another entry at three with her first release, "19".

Nigel Lythgoe said nothing is wrong with Pia Toscano being eliminated from "American Idol" on April 7. Contrary to what most people believe, the executive producer of the singing competition thought the result was not that shocking because Pia was never close to the champion title.

"Number one, I know the results so I know she was never a frontrunner," Nigel said at the callback auditions for his other show "So You Think You Can Dance" in Las Vegas on April 8. He quickly added that he "was pretty upset" and "angry" upon learning that Pia was eliminated, "but the more I've sort of thought about it, the more I've calmed down, I've realized that at the end of the day, this is going to happen every week now because the talent is so strong."

Rapper/actor Ice-T has opened up about his criminal past, revealing he continued to steal even after finding fame. The hip-hop star was a street thief in Los Angeles as a teen and admits it was difficult to turn his back on crime even after scoring his first hit album "Rhyme Pays" in 1987.

But Ice-T realized the error of his ways after a terrifying incident when he tried to steal a convertible roof from a parked Porsche - to replace his own sports car's damaged top - and got caught by a group of fans. In his new book "Ice: A Memoir of Gangster Life and Redemption-from South Central to Hollywood", the star writes, "I was just ratcheting into the canvas tarp when I heard screams coming from the window of an apartment above. I thought I'd been busted."

The forthcoming "Superman" movie has got official title as well as the villain depicter. Warner Bros. Pictures has issued a press release on Sunday, April 10, announcing that the revival of "Superman" film will be called "Man of Steel".

In the announcement, the studio also makes it official that Michael Shannon will take the role of General Zod, Superman's megalomania nemesis from Krypton. The character will make its big screen appearance once again after it was portrayed by Terence Stamp in 1980's "Superman II".

Michael J. Fox is hopeful Charlie Sheen will return to work on Two and a Half Men, calling the actor "a tremendous talent". Sheen was axed from the sitcom on March 11 after weeks of controversy, which included a public feud with the show's creator Chuck Lorre, hospitalizations, rehab and a number of headline-grabbing stunts.

Fox insists he has no plans to take over the troubled star's role in the series - and is praying Sheen overcomes his personal problems and is reinstated on the comedy. He tells ETOnline.com, "No (I won't be on the show)... my sincere hope is that Charlie goes back to work."

Rocker Ozzy Osbourne and his wife Sharon Osbourne are facing a massive tax bill in the U.S. over allegations they owe more than $1.7 million. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) bosses filed a lien against the stars with the Los Angles County Recorder's Office on April 11.

The papers, obtained by TMZ.com, state the couple owes $718,948 for the 2008 tax year, and $1,024,175 for 2009 - totaling $1,743,123. The website also reports the couple's daughter Kelly Osbourne was hit with a tax lien on March 11 for $34,000.

Pia Toscano, the former contestant of "American Idol" who got booted last week, reportedly has inked a record deal with Interscope. A source told Us Magazine that the 22-year-old aspiring singer is preparing to hit studio soon and going to rush her debut album. However, the rumor was denied by her representative.

Talking to E! Online, the spokesperson said that the rumor is not accurate. The publicist spilled the beans that Interscope, which is chaired by "Idol" mentor Jimmy Iovine, wants to produce Pia's debut single and then release it while "American Idol" is still running. Although the rep confirmed that Pia has indeed been approached by Interscope, no record contract has been signed just yet.

Although it honors college student produced video, digital and film production, College Television Awards boasted huge TV stars on its red carpet. In its 32nd year, the annual awards show was held on Saturday, April 9 at the Renaissance Hollywood with "24" star Mary Lynn Rajskub as the host.

"Glee" new muse Darren Criss arrived in gray suit and black tie while "90210" star Shenae Grimes paired her new dark hair with a black dress. Rajskub gave casual a go with an animal print dress, the same style which "House M.D." star Amber Tamblyn picked with her pants, white top and leather jacket.

"American Idol" alum Jason Castro is going to add father to his resume. The 24-year-old singer has announced on his website last Friday, April 8, that his wife Mandy Mayhall is pregnant with a baby girl. He began sharing the happy news by writing, "Now, I am excited to announce that there will be a new addition to the Castro family!"

"My wife and I are expecting our first child this August," he continued. "We just found out yesterday that it is going to be a girl! haha that makes me laugh... what am i going to do with a sweet little girl?! probably just smile a lot... i cannot wait!!! It's an exciting time, Im in a happy place. so thankful for the presence of God in my life! Anyways, Ill keep ya posted... I've got a soundcheck to get to!"

A series of musical guests who will be performing at the upcoming Billboard Music Awards have been revealed. Jennifer Lopez and Rihanna are listed as the performers along with Black Eyed Peas, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum and Taio Cruz.

The awards show is going to air live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 22 on ABC. It honors those musical acts who frequently occupied the Billboard charts during the period of February 28, 2010 through March 1, 2011.

Actor Tim Robbins has paid tribute to his folk star dad Gil Robbins, who died on Tuesday, April 5 at the age of 80. Gilbert Lee Robbins, a folk singer and member of the early 1960s group The Highwaymen, passed away at his home in Esteban Cantu, Mexico.

He started his career in New York's Greenwich Village folk scene as a member of the Cumberland Three and the Belafonte Singers before joining the Highwaymen in 1962. He played and sang baritone on five of the Highwaymen's albums before they broke up in 1964.

First teaser trailer for "The Woman in Black" has been debuted. The preview, debuted via IGN, features Daniel Radcliffe's Arthur Kipps who has a scary experience while he is working in a spooky house.

Based on the novel by Susan Hill, the thriller film revolves around Kipps, a lawyer who is forced to leave his young son and travel to a remote village to attend to the affairs of the recently deceased owner of Eel Marsh House. While working alone in the isolated mansion, he begins to uncover the town's tragic.

Hollywood legend Faye Dunaway has lost her legal battle with a film editor after failing to show up for a court hearing. "The Story of Bonnie and Clyde" star was sued by film editor John Paul Horstmann, who accused the actress of owing him $5,780 for three weeks' unpaid work.

She was due to appear at a small claims court in Beverly Hills, California on Thursday, April 7 to battle it out with Horstmann but did not attend. According to TMZ.com, the judge issued a default judgment against the actress, who will now have to pay out the full amount.

Mark McGrath was picked as a project manager on "The Celebrity Apprentice" April 10 and he was fully responsible when his team lost in the game. In this episode, the teams were tasked to create an environment that imbodies Australian Gold's brand. La Toya Jackson led the women team.

Ever since Backbone pitched the pirate idea, Gary Busey had been skeptical. During the meeting with the executives, Gary crossed the line by making a sexual comment. Lil Jon gushed, "I have to babysit Gary all d**n day." But the execs were interested in the theme idea so Backbone went ahead with it.

Former "James Bond" Roger Moore is hobbling around on crutches after injuring himself on a movie set in Romania. The 83-year-old actor was hurt after tripping over a set of wires while shooting the upcoming comedy "Christmas at Castlebury Hall" on March 11.

Three electricians also fell in the on-set accident, crushing the veteran star. But his agent Jean Diamond is adamant Sir Roger will make a full recovery, insisting: "He is relaxing quietly at home. He'll be on his feet in no time."

Actress Kristin Chenoweth was honored with a top award from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) on Friday night, April 8. The "Glee" star was handed the Vanguard Award for "increasing understanding" of the rights of homosexuals.

During the ceremony, she opened up about her Christian upbringing in Oklahoma and how it inspired her to make gay rights awareness one of her "purposes in this life". She says, "I never set out to be this girl, but I am. Saying I'm a Christian and also a gay-rights advocate is one of my purposes in this life. It's a very big dichotomy, but that is exactly what I believe."

Josh Duhamel and Fergie, a.k.a. Stacy Ferguson, made a lovely couple at the American Red Cross Annual Red Tie Affair last Saturday, April 9. The "Transformers" actor came to the event held at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel in Santa Monica, California as an honoree accompanied by his singer wife who looked gorgeous in knee-length red dress.

At the benefit dinner, 38-year-old Josh was presented with Red Cross Spirit Award. He recently teamed up with the Red Cross to raise $150,000 for the Japanese earthquake/tsunami relief at the Youth Run 4 Japan fundraiser. He has also worked with the organization after a devastating earthquake hit Haiti in 2010.

Preparing to release his upcoming debut album later this year, Joe Jonas has hit studio with Chris Brown. Producer Hit-Boy broke the news on Twitter by posting a picture of him standing next to Joe and Breezy. "Swag! @joejonas @HitBoy_SC @chrisbrown just did a smash! Whoooo #SurfClub," he wrote.

Beside having recording sessions, Joe has also done photoshoot for the album. On Wednesday, April 6, the middle of the Jonas Brothers tweeted, "Finished the album photo shoot today. So excited. A dream come true indeed. Can't wait to show you all!"

After a week hiatus, "The Amazing Race" returned on April 10 with the contestants continuing their journey in India. They had to depart for the Tonga Stand in Varanasi as the first challenge. Jet and Cord arrived the last because they took a flight that arrived an hour after everyone else, but they managed to complete all the tasks before Ron and Christina.

For the Road Block, the teams had to find six men to collect a piece of paper from each to create the phrase "Once your over the hill you pick up speed." Ron and Christina were already left behind in this task because Ron spent too much time in the wrong area.

"Hop" is keeping the grip on the top rank of North American box office. The Easter-themed movie obtains $21.3 million, or sliding 43.3% from last week's revenue. Regardless, the animated film grosses total of $67.7 million.

Newly-released "Arthur", Russell Brand's other film beside "Hop", scores the second rank. Reportedly budgeted around $40 million, the Warner Bros. Pictures film gains $12.2 million in its ticket sales from 3,276 theaters.

Jennifer Lopez could be People Magazine's pick for its Most Beautiful Person this year. Gossip Cop has come up with the report that multiple sources confirmed the 41-year-old songstress, who serves as a judge on "American Idol", will grace the cover of the publication's "Most Beautiful" issue.

On Friday morning, April 8, the "On the Floor" hitmaker gave a slight hint on the possibility in her tweet. She wrote, "Good Morning #LOVE?RS!!!!! Early Call Today for @peoplemag shoot! The weekend is here!! What are you guys doing?" While her rep has yet to comment on the rumor, Gossip Cop claimed that People Magazine will announce the cover star for the issue on April 13.

The latest "Waiting Sucks" promo of "True Blood" takes place in the living room of Terry and Arlene at night. Arlene and her two kids fall asleep on the couch and seem restless. Terry enters the room, shocked to find scribbled on the wall the words "Baby Not Yours".

In season 3, it was revealed that Arlene is pregnant with Rene's baby. When she attempted to have an abortion, her boyfriend Terry told her that paternity is not a problem for him so they kept the baby. There has been a speculation that the baby is not going to an ordinary one since his or her father is the first season's murderer.

Being 65 years old did not stop Helen Mirren from exploring her sex appeal on "Saturday Night Live". The Oscar winner had a lesbian kiss and let two girls grope her breasts on April 9. But one of the most talked-about parts is perhaps a skit in which she took a jab at mini series "The Kennedys".

Introducing a fake series called "The Roosevelts", she portrays Eleanor Roosevelt who turns out to be a lesbian. She shares a passionate smooch with Marilyn Monroe who is played by Abby Elliott. The parody also claims that Eleanor forced Adolph Hitler to start World War II and personally ordered the bombing of Pearl Harbor while topless.

There might be a romance blossoming for Pia Toscano. The "American Idol" contestant, who shockingly got the boot last Thursday, April 7, has gone on a date with "Dancing with the Stars" professional dancer Mark Ballas, and according to TMZ, it was all thanks to wrestler Chris Jericho.

Words are, 22-year-old Pia has a friend who is friends with Chris, who is competing on this season of "DWTS". After the aspiring singer gave her friend her phone number in a piece of paper, the friend passed it along to the 40-year-old wrestler who passed it onto 24-year-old Mark. It was further noted that Mark rescheduled a music video shoot for the date.

Rihanna and Britney Spears' duet is on the way. The two top-notch female singers are set to hook up in an official remix for RiRi's naughty single "S&M". This news comes out just a few days after Britney revealed her interest to record an all-female track with the Bajan songstress, Adele and Lady GaGa.

"I got a #SEXY collabo comin your way supa dupa soon!!!! OH YEAH!!! By popular demand.... Its BRITNEY B****!!!!" RiRi posted in a series of tweets. "MAJAH Rihmix to S&M MAJAH!!!! #S&Mrihmix #itsBRITNEYb**** #S&Mrihmix now that's too much sex in the air Think u can handle it? You're the only ones who can #3snaps."

Legendary director Sidney Lumet has died at the age of 86. The critically-acclaimed filmmaker passed away on Saturday morning, April 9 at his New York home after a battle with lymphoma.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to actor/director Baruch Lumet and dancer Eugenia, he began his career as a child actor, appearing in a number of Broadway plays, including 1935's "Dead End" and "The Eternal Road".