December 16, 2011

Russell Brand will be channeling his jokes and thoughts on a new talk show presented by FX. The husband of Katy Perry has struck a deal with the network to headline a series of six half-hour late-night comedy specials which will debut next year.

Filmed in front of live audience, the show will see the British comedian's "unfiltered take on current events, politics and pop culture" and him drawing "heavily on interaction with that audience". "Flight of the Conchords" producer Troy Miller is working on the specials' format with Brand, and together they aim for Spring premiere.

Words on the street are, Jason Trawick will pop the question to Britney Spears pretty soon. The boyfriend has got the ring and is ready to get down on one knee in Las Vegas, before first asking a permission from Britney's father.

TMZ said Jason has been given a green light from the pop star's conservators and "the matter will go before the judge in the conservatorship case". Another site, Radar Online, heard from its sources that Jason has personally selected the diamond ring a few months ago and asked a friend to pick it up for him.

While some people might be pessimistic about the "American Psycho" remake, the author of the original book, Bret Easton Ellis, believes that the newest take on the cult thriller movie will present something different. He gushed that the upcoming remake is going to be "genuine".

Taking to his Twitter account, the 47-year-old author recently wrote that he has discussed the project with Noble Jones, who will pen the script and direct the film. He wrote, "Haters beware: I just had a long discussion with Noble Jones, the writer/director of the 'new' American Psycho movie. His take is genuine..."

Alicia Silverstone is going to step her feet on "Suburgatory". The Batgirl of 1997's "Batman & Robin" is set to appear for a multi-episode arc on the comedy series, which stars her former "Clueless" co-star Jeremy Sisto.

While ABC has not confirmed the news, sources reveal to TVLine that Silverstone's character, Eden, sets her eyes on Sisto's single dad character, George. Additionally, when arriving in Chatswin, her unusual line of work is said to cause "a rift between George and his BFF Noah (Alan Tudyk)."

After avoiding elimination for three weeks in a row, Marcus Canty finally has to bid goodbye to "The X Factor (US)". The 20-year-old singer got voted off from the show on Thursday, December 15 night, but when speaking to reporters backstage, he was nothing but relieved.

"I didn't win it, but I feel like a million dollars right now," Canty said. "Honestly, I've been trying to keep it positive this whole time. But I'm going to keep it real - the pressure is off. I don't have to sing no more save me's. I don't got to worry about America shooting me down. I ain't got to worry about Simon [Cowell] giving me heat. I can just relax."

The life and legacy of Amy Winehouse is going to be remembered at this year's "VH1 Divas" concert. One of the performers at the special tribute will be Florence Welch. The lead singer of Florence and the Machine is going to collaborate with Wanda Jackson to perform the late singer's hit single "Back to Black".

Reflecting Winehouse's "contribution to modern, London soul music," the segment will also feature Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings performing "You Know I'm No Good". The tribute medley will be introduced by Nas, who joined forces with the "Rehab" hitmaker on the first single of her current posthumous album.

Reese Witherspoon is set to land a serious role in a crime drama based on the West Memphis Three case called "Devil's Knot". The Oscar-winning actress has been attached to the true-story movie which is an adaptation of Mara Leveritt's investigative book "Devil's Knot: The True Story of the West Memphis Three".

The story follows the prolonged murder trial of defendants Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley Jr. The three, known as the West Memphis Three, were accused of killing three 8-year-old boys in a wooded area known as Robin Hood Hills in Arkansas in 1994. After spending 18 years in prison, the West Memphis Three were finally released in August this year.

"The Amazing Race" will debut its 20th cycle on February 19, 2012 at 8 P.M. on CBS. The show's return will push "Undercover Boss", which will premiere the new season earlier on January 15, from the Sunday slot to Fridays at 8 P.M., effective February 17.

"Undercover Boss" move will also affect "A Gifted Man" airing time. Accordingly, the Patrick Wilson-starring medical series is pushed back an hour, to Fridays at 9 P.M., also beginning February 17.

Westlife are looking back at their heyday in a music video for their single "Beautiful World". The cameras follow the boys from Ireland as they travel around the globe to perform for their screaming fans. Compiling footage from the past years throughout their career, it additionally highlights their bromance on and off stage.

The boyband list "Beautiful World" in their latest "Greatest Hits" album. They will follow up the release of the compilation CD by hitting the road for a final tour before going their separate ways. "We see the greatest hits collection and the farewell tour as the perfect way to celebrate our incredible career along with our fans," so they stated.

Jennifer Aniston is setting the record straight on rumors that she is taking the advantage of cosmetic enhancements to maintain her beauty. In a recent interview, the 42-year-old actress told In Style magazine, "People think that I do a lot of injections, but I don't. I'm not saying that I haven't tried it."

Asserting that she's not a fan of the procedure, the Nicole Hurly of "The Bounty Hunter" said, "But I see how it's a slippery slope." She went on to say that she won't be having Botox or any other facial injections in the near future as reasoning, "All that cosmetic stuff looks ridiculous on me."

After being snapped looking all trimmed up as Abraham Lincoln while having lunch at a restaurant in late November, Daniel Day-Lewis has recently been caught on camera donning a full attire of the 16th American President on the set of "Lincoln". Richmond Times-Dispatch has obtained the on-set photo that sees the actor rocking a three-piece suit complete with Abe's trademark stove-pipe hat.

In the image, the 54-year-old Oscar winner is seen walking side-by-side with filmmaker Steven Spielberg at the Grace Street near the Virginia Capitol on Monday, December 12. Donning a long coat paired with a scarf, a cap and sunglasses, Spielberg is seen talking to the actor while holding a beverage in his hand.

Just when it seems that he's got everything he wanted, Michael loses someone that matters the most for him on "Burn Notice". A newly released teaser for the upcoming sixth season of the show highlights the season 5 finale cliffhanger and stresses that the new chapter will see Michael trying to get Fiona back.

The ultimate episode of the fifth season, which aired Thursday, December 15, ended with [SPOILER ALERT!] Fiona surrendering herself to authorities. Sharing her thought on her character's move, Gabrielle Anwar believed "it was inevitable." She reasoned, "I think it was the only choice that Fiona has. Otherwise Michael, Jeffrey [Donovan]'s character, is going to be strung along by Anson indefinitely."

Just one day after revealing official cover art and snippet of his new single "Better Than I Know Myself", Adam Lambert announces the official release date for his upcoming studio album. The runner-up of "American Idol" season 8 is set to drop the CD which is titled "Trespassing" in the United States on March 20, 2012.

29-year-old Lambert will serve as an executive producer in the album. He promises to take his devotees to "an exciting journey through the past two years" of his life. He adds, "It's been a transformative period and I really wanted to make music from what I've experienced. All these songs honestly explore the ups and downs of my reality."

"Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close" has been premiered in New York City on Thursday night, December 15. Hitting the red carpet rolled out outside the Ziegfeld theater, lead actors Sandra Bullock and Tom Hanks became the center of attention upon their arrival.

Stunning in an all-black ensemble, Bullock was all smiles as she posed for the cameramen at the special screening event. The 47-year-old actress donned an Alexander McQueen satin pantsuit, which she paired with a blazer that showed off her toned chest and neck. She let her long brown hair loose and finished off her look with a natural make-up.

Christian Bale had an unpleasant encounter with local guards in eastern China. The leading man of "The Dark Knight Rises" recently attempted to visit Chen Ghuangcheng, a blind activist living under house arrest, in the village of Dongshigu. Instead of meeting the man, he got involved in a scuffle with local guards. The CNN crew, who tagged along, documented the incident.

It began with Bale telling the guards in English, "I am here to see Chen Guangcheng." They sternly replied with an order to get away and started to get physical. Amid the scuffling and yelling, the 37-year-old actor then took out a little camera and asked, "Why can I not visit this free man?" But, he quickly got shoved and dragged away by the guards, who tried to grab for the camera.

Simon Cowell assures parents that he won't let Howard Stern cross the line on "America's Got Talent". Seemingly responding to the Parents Television Council's concern over Stern's judging gig, the show's creator believes the shook jock is "not stupid" to enrage the group, but promises, "If he goes too far, he'll be kicked off."

Howie Mandel, who has joined as a judge on the reality series since 2010, also backs NBC's decision to hire Stern. Calling PTC "ignorant" for attacking the radio host, he claims, "It's ridiculous to think that he's bringing the Sirius show to 'America's Got Talent'."

Nicole Scherzinger was one of the performers on the result show night of "The X Factor (US)" semifinals. Decked out in black outfit, the former frontwoman of The Pussycat Dolls showcased her new single called "Pretty". Wearing her long brunette locks in a high ponytail, she delivered the song in a simple set which focused on her belting out lyrics in powerful voice.

The other musical guest on the December 15 episode was British band Florence and the Machine. Led by Florence Welch, the "No Light, No Light" performers catered the audience with a live debut of their song "Spectrum" which is taken from their second studio album "Ceremonials". They were accompanied by a number of dancers.

The Kardashians made it to Barbara Walters' list of her "10 Most Fascinating People of 2011" special, but it wasn't without criticism from the host's part. During an interview aired Wednesday, December 14 night, the 82-year-old journalist bluntly told Kim Kardashian and her family that they have no talent.

When asking the famous family how they are able to maintain fame and riches, the co-host of "The View" pointed out, "You don't really act; you don't sing; you don't dance. You don't have any - forgive me - any talent!" Quick to respond was Kim's younger sister, Khloe Kardashian who stated, "But we're still entertaining people."

Angelina Jolie couldn't hide her happiness after her directorial debut "In the Land of Blood and Honey" was nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the 69th Golden Globe Awards. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Jolie said that she was driving two of her kids to the dentist when she heard that her movie has landed a nomination at the prestigious awards.

"I was on my way and turned on my phone, and saw the subject line on an email. I thought, this can't be," the long-time partner of actor Brad Pitt said in a phone interview. "Just to be able to make a film you care about and then get a distributor makes you happy."

One more look-back at the past twelve months before the 2011 curtain is pulled down is revealed. This time around, it's provided by Google in a form of "Zeitgeist" lists which see two young music stars Justin Bieber and Rebecca Black, who both claimed their fame through YouTube, ruling two of the top-10 compilations.

Showing the most-searched terms typed by people from around the world, the list puts Bieber as the most popular person this year. The 17-year-old singer beats Kim Kardashian, Lady GaGa and Nicki Minaj who are ranked second, third and fourth respectively on the "Most-Searched People" list.

Fresh of unveiling her surprising choice of Most Fascinating Person of 2011, Barbara Walters continues grabbing headlines with a retirement report. However, it doesn't take long before ABC News debunks the wild buzz.

"Barbara has joked that she is retiring every year since the Clinton Administration," says Jeffrey Schneider, Senior Vice President of ABC News Communications, who contacted the co-host of "The View" after the rumor spread. "This seems like a typical week in the life of Barbara Walters - from interviews with the president of Syria, to the president of the United States, to the Kardashians!!"

Sofia Vergara is guilty of overexposure. When stepping out in Los Angeles on Wednesday, December 14, the actress famous for her portrayal of Gloria Delgado-Pritchett on "Modern Family" was caught on camera flashing her butt a little more than she may have hoped in a pair of see-through leggings.

From the front, the 39-year-old beauty looked chic. Dressed in black, she paired up the leggings with gray cape, Chanel bag and black bootie heels. It wasn't until she tried to unlock the door to her white SUV that she turned around and offered paparazzi a view at her seemingly knickerless behind.

The cursed stunt rider Johnny Blaze brings more actions in a brand new trailer for "Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance". In addition to unveiling some new action scenes, the freshly released sneak peek gives a better look at the villains, and how Blaze attempts to save a boy from becoming a demon.

Nicolas Cage reprises his role as Blaze a.k.a Ghost Rider in the anti-superhero movie. Still struggling with his curse as The Devil's bounty hunter, Blaze is hiding out in a remote part of Eastern Europe as he's recruited by a secret sect of the church to save a kid from The Devil. At first, Blaze is reluctant to embrace the power of the Ghost Rider, but it is the only way to protect the boy and possibly to rid himself of his curse forever.

"The X Factor (US)" has eliminated another contestant before entering the final round next week. On Thursday, December 15, viewers' votes determined the fate of the remaining four finalists since the judges had no say in who went home that night.

After dodging elimination several times, Marcus Canty was eventually voted off from the show for being the lowest vote-getter following his performances on Wednesday. This means Chris Rene, Melanie Amaro and Josh Krajcik will continue their race for the champion title.

Chris Brown throws a fabulous party in a music video for his new single "Strip". Baring his six-pack body, the R&B singer hangs out with eye-candy women who are dressed to impress in flimsy bikinis. He shamelessly ogles them while addressing his fans at home through his flirty lyrics.

Expected to appear in Breezy's new studio album "Fortune", "Strip" features Kevin McCall who makes a cameo appearance in the Colin Tilley-directed clip. The rapper throws some equally playful rhymes while being flunked by two scantily-clad ladies at one of the corners.

The comic book industry has lost another of its most revered writers, artists and editors. Joe Simon, the co-creator of "Captain America", passed away at the age of 98 at his home in New York City on Wednesday, December 14. A family spokesman said on Thursday that he died of natural causes after a short illness.

Steve Saffel of Titan Books, who worked with Simon on his recent autobiography, "Joe Simon, My Life In Comics," called the comic book writer "one of a kind." He further remembered the man who was born in Rochester, New York, in 1913 "lived life on his terms and created incredible things in the process. It was a privilege to know him and to call him my friend."

Zooey Deschanel, Johnny Galecki and Sofia Vergara were some of the stars who received good news on early Thursday, December 15 when the 2012 Golden Globe Award nominations were announced. Playing the bubbly Jess on "New Girl", Deschanel saw her best musical or comedy actress nomination as "a huge vote of confidence for nerdy girls everywhere."

"I am completely overwhelmed with happiness!" she admitted, before praising the "incredible cast, crew, team of writers and producers" she has been working with. She added, "I am so grateful to the HFPA for giving us all this honor and grateful to be nominated with such talented and amazing ladies who I respect so much."

A hundred days before opening wide in the U.S. theaters, "The Hunger Games" debuted its brand new poster. After randomly unleashing 100 puzzle pieces of the one-sheet, Lionsgate Films finally unveiled the full version of the image that sees Katniss Everdeen from the back, heading to the main Capitol arena while carrying her trusty bow and arrows.

The lead heroine is seen getting ready to enter the arena under the watchful eyes of thousands of spectators. A number of banners featuring her and Peeta Mellark's face are being put up on either side of the arena, while high above the stage hangs a flaming mockingjay symbol.

2011 is a year of girl domination in the music industry. From ruling year-end charts to breaking records, some female artists continue to leave their marks in the game. Two of the powerhouse ladies who own this year are Katy Perry and Adele for they top MTV's Artist of the Year and Song of the Year lists respectively.

27-year-old Katy, who is ranked third on Billboard's Top Artist of the Year and Forbes' Biggest-Earning Women in Music, comes out atop the MTV list for "riding high off the success of 2010's 'Teenage Dream' " which produces a record-breaking feat of five No. 1 singles and six top 5 tracks on Billboard Hot 100.

Michelle Duggar has found a little bit of peace over the lost of her 20th child in a miscarriage. The "19 Kids and Counting" star and her family have held a memorial service in honor of baby Jubilee Shalom on Wednesday, December 14, and she told PEOPLE, "I feel a great sorrow and grief, and yet at the same time I have a peace in my heart."

"This is so sad, but I have peace," said the 45-year-old, who discovered on December 8 at a routine doctor's appointment that the baby she's carrying no longer had a heartbeat. "There are people praying for us and angels surrounding our home, and there was peace in the sorrow and the grief. Those feelings are mingled together."

The first trailer for Bryan Singer's "Jack the Giant Killer" has been debuted, teasing a thrilling adventure in the ancient time. A courtesy of Apple, the fresh promo video sees Singer's epic take on the classic "Jack and the Beanstalk" tale that tells about a young man who opens a gateway between humans' world and a fearsome race of giants by accidentally growing a gigantic magic bean tree.

Unleashed on the Earth for the first time in centuries, the giants strive to reclaim the land they once lost, forcing the young man into the battle of his life to stop them. Fighting for a kingdom, its people, and the love of a brave princess, he comes face to face with the unstoppable warriors he thought only existed in legend, and gets the chance to become a legend himself.

The end of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" season 9 will also mark the series finale. ABC has announced that it cancels the long-running reality show after the current ninth season concludes with the 200th episode.

"It is with a somber heart I close this chapter, but with such excitement I begin the next one," designer Michael Moloney, who has been participating in providing home renovations on the show, said in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter. "I have 'EM:HE' to thank for the platform I have to continue doing good work and great design in 2012 and on."

Shortly after being rejected by Ashley Hebert on the finale of "The Bachelorette", Ben Flajnik got a date proposal from Jennifer Love Hewitt but no romance blossomed between the two. During a recent conference call, the new "The Bachelor" star exposed that it was the actress who initiated the date in the first place.

"She reached out and wanted to come up to the winery, which she did," the 29-year-old from Sonoma, California opened up to reporters on Wednesday, December 14 as he promoted his ABC show's January 2 premiere. "We went out to dinner and just kind of chatted about life and the experience."

Country star Rodney Atkins is divorcing his wife Tammy Jo, but the case is more complicated than just a separation. It was found out that Rodney was arrested last month in Tennessee for domestic violence.

Tammy called 911 on November 21 at 7:47 A.M., saying her husband tried to smother her with pillow and grabbed her face. According to court docs filed in Williamson County, the couple had been arguing throughout the night in their home. Tammy claimed Rodney "had been drinking alcohol all night and was intoxicated."

"America's Got Talent" officially snags Howard Stern as the new judge to replace Piers Morgan who leaves it for his CNN talk show. Announced on Thursday, December 15 morning on his Sirius XM radio show, the news already meets protest from Parents TV Council (PTC).

"In an act of desperation by a flailing network, NBC has hired Howard Stern - a performer who is synonymous with shock, profanity and obscenity - as a judge on a prime-time talent competition," said PTC president Tim Winter. "Not coincidentally, in just over three weeks the network will be standing before the United States Supreme Court arguing for the right to use the F-word at any time of the day, even in front of children."

Courtney Love is accused of setting fire on the luxury NYC pad that she rents. The owner of the property consequently wants the rocker to move out of the "landmark luxury 4-story townhouse in Manhattan's West Village".

Love rents the townhouse for $27,000 a month. According to the owner, the place was custom designed by a famous architect and interior designer. The agreement is for Love not to mess with anything inside the place without permission but she reportedly has done some damages, including leaving burn marks.