December 19, 2011

Though their heyday has passed behind, Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt are apparently still selective when it comes to singing up for a show. Words are, the couple has passed on a chance to star together on "Relationship Rehab", a spin-off to VH1's "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew".

According to TMZ, Speidi "flat-out rejected" an offer from producers to work on their domestic issues on the show. The pair, whose marriage was once on the edge of a divorce, allegedly claimed that they are now on great terms and don't have any issues to work out.

"American Idol" alumna Jennifer Hudson and Kelly Clarkson came to Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City on Sunday night, December 18 to perform at the "VH1 Divas" concert. The former wore a colorful long dress, while the latter rocked a dark-green mini gown when taking the stage.

This year, "VH1 Divas" paid homage to the places like Chicago, Detroit, London, Memphis and Philadelphia with The Roots as a house band. The other headliners were Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Jessie J and Florence Welch from Florence and the Machine.

After penning the script for such high-profile films as "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)" and "Moneyball", acclaimed screenwriter/filmmaker Steven Zaillian is set to serve behind the lens for another adaptation movie. The Oscar-winning scribe has revealed his interest to direct a Hollywood take on Spanish sci-fi film called "Timecrimes".

Speaking to Collider during the press junket of "Dragon Tattoo" in New York on Saturday, December 17, Zaillian shared that he has been in talks to helm the film. He said, "I also have been talking about the possibilities of directing this little film called 'Timecrimes', which is a movie that we are going to transplant to the United States."

Chris Brown, Drake and J. Cole were some of the stars taking the stage at Power 106's annual Cali Christmas concert. Visiting the gig as Big Sean's special guest, Breezy treated concertgoers flooding Gibson Amphitheatre in Los Angeles on Friday night, December 16 with "Strip" and "My Last".

Drizzy made this year's celebration merrier as he took over the stage with singles from his latest No. 1 album "Take Care". The Young Money MC dedicated "Fancy" to "my ladies that took a long time to get ready," and acknowledged those who graduated high school or are still attending in "Make Me Proud".

It's another battle on another TV show on Sunday, December 18. While the final three castaways pled their win on "Survivor: South Pacific", the remaining two chefs on "The Next Iron Chef: Super Chefs" showed off their cooking skill and made the best dishes for the judges.

Taking place in the Kitchen Stadium, Geoffrey Zakaria and Elizabeth Falkner faced off each other in the finale. Iron Chefs Bobby Flay and Masaharu Morimoto came as guest judges, joining regular judges Simon Majumdar, Judy Joo and Michael Symon.

Melissa Rivers has been offered a chance to star in a sex tape. Just a few days after it was unraveled that the daughter of Joan Rivers is dating Vivid Entertainment honcho Steven Hirsch, PornHub.com sent her a letter, asking her if she and her Porn King boyfriend are interested in filming a tape for them.

In the letter obtained by TMZ, the adult company first congratulated Melissa for her relationship with Steven. "We are very happy to see that you two have hit it off, and are getting to know each other better," they stated before revealing that their loyal visitors "want to see a celebrity sex tape" with her as the star.

"Star Wars" movies have inspired the rise of a new religion in the Czech Republic. According to the latest census in the country, it was revealed that 15,070 citizens listed themselves as Knights of the Jedi. It was reported that the largest proposition of the adherents live in the country's capital Prague.

On the phenomenon, the deputy of the Czech statistical office Stanislav Drapal commented, "Fifteen thousand adherents, which is the size of a small town, is not a negligible social phenomenon." He added, "We included this option (in the census form) despite a fierce debate over whether it's serious or not. But it's not up to statisticians to say what is or is not a religion."

Although losing one of its performers, Chicago's Jingle Bash was still a star-studded affair on Saturday night, December 17. The gig lost Selena Gomez as a musical guest after she was forced to cancel her set because her mother suffered miscarriage. No empty spot was left though since it had enough of big stars like Joe Jonas and Enrique Iglesias to bring the cheers.

Wearing a leather jacket matched with a dark-colored tee and a pair of jeans, Jonas Brothers' member Joe rocked the star-studded concert with his solo songs including "See No More". Like the JoBros star, Spanish singer Enrique was also decked out in a casual attire and catered the crowd with tracks from his latest studio album "Euphoria".

It is the relationship between Dexter and Debra that leaves a big question mark in the season 6 finale of "Dexter". As if Deb's growing feelings to her adoptive brother are not complicated enough, she now has to [SPOILER ALERT!] deal with a shocking fact that the man she loves is a serial killer.

In the season ender, Dexter managed to convince Travis to switch his son Harrison with himself as a sacrifice. He pretended to be drugged and then knocked out Travis when he got the chance. He later took Travis back to the church, in which Travis set up shop, and got him on his table.

Kourtney Kardashian celebrated the second birthday of first son Mason in style. According to Life & Style, the older sister of Kim Kardashian threw a party with "a Wild Wild West theme" at the Calabasas, California house of her mother Kris Jenner and stepfather Bruce Jenner.

"There were haystacks, ponies, goats and pigs. The front yard was literally turned into a petting zoo; it was awesome," one of the guests spilled details about the birthday bash. "There were burgers and a Hansen's cake for the kids and adults. And there were bandannas and other cowboy props for guests to take, as well."

The International Press Academy has announced the winners of the 16th annual Satellite Awards. During an event at Beverly Hills hotel on Sunday night, December 19, it was revealed that "Drive" became the biggest winner, while "The Descendants" took home the top prize at the awards.

"Drive" collected four kudos in total. They included prizes of Best Actor in Motion Picture for its leading star Ryan Gosling, Best Actor in a Supporting Role for Albert Brooks, Best Director for its helmer Nicolas Winding Refn and Best Sound (Editing and Mixing).

Common is eying another top 10 album. The G.O.O.D Music rapper is predicted to easily break the top 10 list on Billboard Hot 200 with his ninth studio effort titled "The Dreamer, The Believer" which is due to come out across the United States on December 20.

He collaborates with Nas, Maya Angelou, John Legend and Lonnie "Pops" Lynn in the CD. On Monday, December 12, he held an intimate listening party at Catch not only to showcase his new music but also share some story behind the making of the album.

Cape Verde is mourning the death of one of its legendary singers. Cesaria Evora, who won a Grammy in the World Music category for "Voz D'Amor", passed away at Baptista de Sousa Hospital in Mindelo on her native island of Sao Vicente this past Saturday, December 17, and officials said her funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, December 20.

The body of Cesaria, who was known as the "Barefoot Diva" because she always performed without shoes, will be rested at her family home in Mindelo until Tuesday when it is taken to the local town hall before being transferred to the cemetery for the burial that is planned to start at 17:00 GMT.

The girls will take part in a battle when "Merlin" reaches its season finale in the U.K. After Morgana and Helios have successfully captured Camelot, Gwen will face off Morgana in a sword duel which seemingly puts the former in a difficult situation.

Meanwhile, trapped in Ealdor with a ruthless army closing in, Arthur and Merlin's situation becomes desperate. The young king must take control before Camelot is lost forever. But faced with Agravaine's betrayal and the strength of Morgana's force, Arthur has lost his conviction.

Footage from Stevie Wonder's 16th annual House Full of Toys benefit concert has landed online. The music veteran is seen performing with his celebrity friends like Drake and Justin Bieber at the annual charity gig which took place at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles this year.

The Canadian rapper played "Headlines" and "Best I Ever Had". Being the only MC on the line-up, he jokingly said on the stage, "I go by the name of Drake. I'm probably the only rapper you've ever met that's trying to be a role model to your kids." He additionally revealed he's recording a duet with Bieber.

Kevin Federline is giving his blessing to ex-wife Britney Spears for her recent engagement to Jason Trawick. When met during a break from filming "Excess Baggage" in Sydney, Australia, the 33-year-old told TV Week magazine, "I'm really happy for her - I think he's a great guy."

"She's happy; she's doing really well. I want to say she's in a good place," he continued on to share. "I haven't spoken to her much since I've been over here, both of us have been busy with her being on tour, but I do know from talking to the kids and talking to the kids' teachers that they're doing really good. It's a good step in the right direction. I'm totally happy for her."

"Survivor: South Pacific" has ended with a surprising victory for Sophie Clarke. The medical student, who was widely seen as a dark horse, won most of the jury's votes when it was down to her, Benjamin "Coach" Wade and Albert Destrade in the race to win the grand prize.

The two-hour finale of "Survivor" season 23 on Sunday, December 18 began with the final duel between Ozzy and Brandon, who made a huge mistake by giving up his immunity before he was sent to the Redemption Island in the previous episode. The challenge was to holding onto a pole as long as possible.

Looking back the past twelve months, it's clear that Nicki Minaj shines brighter than she has already had. However, things didn't turn out well for Kim Kardashian when the reality TV series tried her hands at music. She released a debut single "Jam (Turn It Up)", but it flopped on the chart and was bashed by music critics.

After taking iTunes' Breakthrough Artist of the Year title, Young Money femcee Nicki is named by Entertainment Weekly as an artist who has the best song of 2011. She rules this year's top 10 list through her single "Super Bass" which also helped her land at the first place on a similar list by Billboard.

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" hasn't been released in the U.S. just yet, but David Fincher already has plans for its sequels. During a press conference in New York on Saturday, December 17, the director revealed that he considers to shoot "The Girl Who Played with Fire" and "The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest" back-to-back.

"The second two books are very much one story and it doesn't seem prudent to me to go to Sweden for a year," said the 49-year-old filmmaker when explaining the reason why he plans to shot the follow-ups one after the other. "Come back for a year. Put out the second one. Go to Sweden for a year. Come back for a year."

Lindsay Lohan might be worthy of her reported near $1 million payment after all. Playboy founder Hugh Hefner has recently taken to Twitter to share that the magazine's January-February issue featuring the "Machete" actress is not only selling like hot cakes, but is also breaking sales records.

"The Lindsay Lohan January-February Double Issue is breaking sales records," tweeted Hef on Sunday, December 18. Supporting the 85-year-old's claim was Playboy's spokesman, who told CNN that the particular issue was selling "very well." The rep, however, refused to release the sales numbers.

After being removed by Warner Bros. Pictures on Thursday, December 15, the leaked six-minute prologue of "The Dark Knight Rises" has gone back online. The video highlights Bane's brutal action as he hijacks a military plane. It additionally gives a first listen at the antagonist's deep, unclear voice that represents his inner villain.

It opens with a scene where Jim Gordon makes a formal speech before showing Bane, with his head covered in mask, being taken forcefully into an aircraft. While on the plane, he is seen fearlessly threatening a CIA agent with his evil plan. "It doesn't matter who we are, what matters is our plan," he says. Minutes later, a slew of mercenaries attack the plane and and fight the troops. They win the battle and get away by another cargo plane.

Rihanna spent the third weekend of December by reaching out to her fans on Twitter to give update about what to expect from her now that "Loud" tour is closer to pull its final curtain. The Bajan songstress hinted she's going to premiere music video for her latest single "You Da One" sometime soon by posting its first official still.

"#YOUDAONEVIDEO you know im already in trouble 4 this but, i like to keep yall in the loop," so Riri tweeted a message along with the sneak peek at the Melina Matsoukas-directed video. The "We Found Love" hitmaker is pictured in what looks like a dark room facing up the ceiling with smoke oozing out of her mouth.

"Saturday Night Live" closed the year with a season best in the ratings. The December 17 episode which featured Jimmy Fallon as the host dominated its time period with a 5.3 rating, in metered-market households.

According to Nielsen, it's the highest metered-market household rating since the show's last season finale on May 21 this year, which was hosted by Justin Timberlake and featured Lady GaGa as the musical guest. In the 25 markets with Local People Meters, the latest "SNL" episode averaged a 3.0 rating in adults 18-49, making it the No.1 telecast of the night.

Michael Jackson's personal possessions from the house he lived with his three children just before his death in 2009 have gone under the auction hammer. On Saturday, December 17, Julien's Auctions gave collectors a chance to bid on the 524 items furnishing the Holmby Hills mansion, and by the end of it, the auction brought in an estimated total of nearly $1 million.

Among the highlights of the daylong auction were a kitchen chalkboard with a "I love daddy" note from all three of MJ's children, and an armoire which had a "Train, perfection March April Full out May" note from the late "Thriller" hitmaker to himself on the mirror. The chalkboard was sold for $5,000, while the armoire went for $25,750.

"Work It" has received opposition from two groups just weeks away from its premiere. The ABC new comedy was slammed by the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) which deem the show offensive to transgender community.

"During a period in which the transgender community now routinely finds itself in the cultural crosshairs, the timing couldn't be worse for a show based on the notion that men dressed as women is inherently funny," GLAAD associate director of entertainment media, Matt Kane, stated.

After being taped on December 11, the 30th anniversary of "Christmas in Washington" concert finally aired over the weekend. Soon after the broadcast, footage from the special charity gig flooded the web featuring the likes of Justin Bieber and Jennifer Hudson making live performances in front of President Barack Obama, his family and guests.

"I'm so excited now to introduce our first performer 'cause we both have a lot in common. We both young, handsome and the subject of millions of young women's desires, plus we both still live with our parents," so host Conan O'Brien introduced Bieber to the attendees. The teen singer performed "Mistletoe" and returned to the stage to sing "Away in a Manger".

"Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows" claims the top spot in North American box office this week. On its first weekend, the Robert Downey Jr.-starring action comedy rakes in $39.6 million. The result, however, is rather disappointing since the film is expected to gross at least $50 million in its opening week, judging that its first installment "Sherlock Holmes" opened with a massive $62.3 million in 2009.

Though so, Warner Bros. Pictures claims it didn't wish "Sherlok Holmes 2", which cost $125 million to produce, to open at the same level as the first movie. Dan Fellman, Warners president of domestic distribution, says, "We never had any intention of replicating those grosses. We have 9 days before we get to Christmas, and we will have substantial box office revenues by the time we get there. We will get to where we ended up with the first movie."

Turning 48 on Sunday, December 18, Brad Pitt celebrated the milestone by spending some quality time with his family. The night before his birthday, the "World War Z" actor was spotted taking longtime girlfriend Angelina Jolie and all of their six children to watch Cirque de Soleil's "Michael Jackson: The Immortal World Tour".

Arriving at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino just in time to catch the early performance, the "Moneyball" star wore a dark suit and donned round glasses. His partner, Jolie, hid her light grey dress under a black coat as she held the hands of Shiloh and Zahara. Also joining them were Maddox, Pax, and twins Vivienne and Knox.

A.J. McLean of Backstreet Boys is a married man. The 33-year-old singer exchanged vows with model Rochelle DeAnna Karidis in a Saturday, December 17 ceremony at the Beverly Hills Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, officiated by photographer pal Tyler Shields.

The couple, who got engaged last year during his 32nd birthday celebration in Las Vegas, "exchanged vows under a gazebo adorned with white hydrangeas, while guests were surrounded by warm elements like romantic chandeliers". After the ceremony, the guests moved into the hotel's Crystal ballroom for dinner and dancing.

Daniel Craig has the potential to be the longest James Bond that people will see. The 43-year-old actor has been offered to sign a multi-million dollar deal that would make him the 007 agent up five more times.

"Daniel's been a terrific Bond, a superb actor and a ­terrific man. The fans love him and I don't think there's a better actor to play the part," legendary Bond producer Michael G Wilson told The People in an interview.

Sad news comes from Selena Gomez and her family. Three weeks after announcing that there will be new addition to the family, it was revealed that the singer's mom has suffered a miscarriage on Friday, December 16.

Selena was supposed to perform at two holiday-themed concert over the weekend, one in Chicago and another in Seattle, but she pulled out of them due to "family emergency". Selena found out the news while she was in the audience at Power 106's Cali Christmas 2011 concert in Los Angeles. She immediately left the show and headed home. It is unclear whether her boyfriend Justin Bieber tagged along or not.