December 20, 2011

There's a word floating out there that "The X Factor (US)" host Steve Jones will not return next season. The British host reportedly is dismissed from his job after a series of "terrible reviews" from American audience in the debut season.

"There have been mistakes and he just doesn’t seem to have the knack for dealing with contestants," The Daily Mirror reported. "The executives at Fox have already decided not to renew his contract and so, short of a miracle happening, it is pretty much a done deal that he will not take part next season."

Her name may be out of the headlines for a couple of weeks but Mariah Yeater is not backing down from her claim that Justin Bieber is her baby's father. The 20-year-old California woman spoke to Chicago Sun-Times about her plan of pursuing paternity claim against Bieber out of court.

"I am still pursuing the paternity claim through my Chicago attorney Jeffery Leving and my Los Angeles attorney John Carlson but outside of court," Yeater said. "I dropped my lawsuit, but never my claim. I still definitely want a DNA test and I want to refile my paternity case."

Parents of pop star Beyonce Knowles are officially divorced. Matthew and Tina Knowles who were married for 31 years finalized the process after postponing it once in early 2010.

Tina filed for divorce from Matthew in November 2009 after finding out that he has fathered a child outside the marriage. TMZ reported that the love child was proven to be his. Tina said in the divorce papers that the marriage was "insupportable because of discord or conflict of personalities [which] prevents any reasonable expectation of reconciliation."

After the release of "Roman in Moscow", another fresh track from Nicki Minaj has been unveiled, much to her fans' delight. Titled "Stupid Hoe", it's expected to make the cut to her upcoming studio album "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded". In this track, she once again channels her alter ego Roman Zolanski.

"I'm Angelina [Jolie], you Jennifer [Aniston], come on b***h, you see where Brad [Pitt] at," the femcee mentions three celebrities who interestingly had history in the past years. She then launches a fiery attack at her enemies, "Stupid hoe is my enemy/ Stupid hoe is so wack/ Stupid hoe shoulda befriended me/Then she coulda prolly came back."

Sean Penn lost his cool when confronted about his public support of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez by Maria Conchita Alonso recently. The "Fair Game" actor and the Cuban songstress ran into each other at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday, December 18, and before long, the two found themselves in a shouting match.

Alonso talked about the Sunday confrontation during a radio interview on Monday, December 19. Speaking to host Steve Malzberg on WMAL in Washington, she recalled seeing Penn at the baggage claim when she was picking up her mother. According to her, when she confronted him, the actor told her, "I don't wanna talk to you. You speak badly about me."

NeNe Leakes indeed lands a guest-starring role on "Glee". Following reports that she was spotted filming on the set of the FOX series, the show's stars Lea Michele and Chris Colfer finally confirmed the news when appearing on "Watch What Happens Live".

Sitting down for an interview with Andy Cohen on Monday night, December 19, the Kurt Hummel of "Glee" said, "We have a new guest star coming on 'Glee'... Miss NeNe Leakes." He later added that the cast member of Bravo's "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" will play a swim coach called Roz Washington.

After working on high-profile movie "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011)", director David Fincher is set to develop another potential big film with Angelina Jolie called "Cleopatra". Speaking to MTV News, the filmmaker shared that he's seriously working on the upcoming film and revealed that it is not going to be a "sword-and-sandal epic."

"That's something I would love to do with Angie. It's something that was brought to me that you have to take seriously," said Fincher. "[Producer] Scott [Rudin] has this wonderful book, and hopefully [screenwriter] Eric [Roth] can find a way in."

Mitt Romney showed his funny side by reading David Letterman's Top Ten list. Stopping by "Late Show with David Letterman" on Monday night, December 19, the candidate for the 2012 Republican Party presidential nomination poked fun at fellow presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich when reading "Top Ten Things Mitt Romney Would like to Say to the American People."

"Newt Gingrich, really?" he mentioned what's on number two of the list, as if he was questioning the rise of his competitor in the race for the Republican nomination. Still referring to the election, he joked with number 10 on the list, "Isn't it time for a president who looks like a 1970s game show host?"

Gerard Butler had a nearly fatal surfing accident while filming his latest movie "Of Men and Mavericks". The 42-year-old actor was shooting a scene at Maverick's, the infamous Northern California surf spot south of San Francisco, on Sunday, December 18 when he was suddenly clobbered by a set of giant waves.

Frank Quirarte, who witnessed the incident, wrote in his ESPN Action Sports blog, "Butler was held down for a solid two waves and took four or five more on the head before being washed through the rocks on the inside, where he was finally able to be plucked out." He added that the actor "had that 100-yard stare that surfers get after a two-wave hold-down or near-death experience."

Mary J. Blige has debuted a music video in support of her latest single "Mr. Wrong". The R&B diva is strutting her stuff on the dance floor illuminated with bright lights while belting out the soulful lyrics of the mellow track. "Even if I try, no, I never could give him up cause his loves like that/ Aint no way that I'm moving on," she sings.

Written and produced by Rico Love, "Mr. Wrong" appears in Mary J's new album "My Life II... The Journey Continues (Act 1)". The album version actually features Drake to voice the man who did her wrong, but the rapper's verses are absent in its newly-premiered music video.

Paula Patton is showing off the sexy side of herself for GQ. The actress playing Jane Carter in "Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol" flaunted her amazing body by stripping down to sexy swimwear and lingerie in a steamy photo spread featured in the magazine's January 2012 issue.

One of the pictures captures the "Precious: Based on the Novel PUSH by Sapphire" actress giving a suggestive look at the camera while taking off her coat, unveiling a pair of skimpy black lingerie underneath. Another one is a black-and-white photo that sees her rocking a black monokini that is paired with ankle boots.

"The Price Is Right" will welcome the new year with a number of celebrities. From supermodel Heidi Klum to Emmy-winning actor Neil Patrick Harris, all are set to support the show's first ever Celebrity Week which starts Monday, January 2.

Klum, who will be featured in a January 6 episode, and Harris, who will appear in a January 4 outing, will get a chance to spin the show's Big Wheel for money. They additionally plan special showcases full of their own personal favorite prizes.

The man behind the 2009 leak case of "X-Men Origins: Wolverine" has been punished. Gilberto Sanchez, a New Yorker who admitted to illegally uploading the unfinished copy of the 20th Century Fox film, was sentenced to one year in federal prison on Monday afternoon, December 19.

The sentence was said to be one of the hardest punishments given for an internet piracy case. Lisa E. Feldman, the assistant of U.S. Attorney told Variety, "We believe this is the longest sentence ever imposed for a defendant charged with uploading a single copyrighted film to the internet."

It's a soulful night on VH1 during the airing of its "Divas" concert on Monday night, December 19. Kelly Clarkson, Mary J. Blige, Florence and the Machine, Jennifer Hudson, Jill Scott and Jessie J stepped out to pay homage to the places, like Chicago, Detroit, London, Memphis and Philadelphia, where soul music originated and ultimately flourished.

The celebration night, which took place at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, kicked off with Kelly, Mary J. and J-Hud showing off their pipes in a joint rendition of The Supremes' classic "You Keep Me Hangin' On". They followed it up with a joint medley of their own tracks, "Since U Been Gone", "Real Love" and "Spotlight".

Although she would not run in the upcoming presidential election, Sarah Palin may be kept busy with her work as a reality star. According to New York Post, producer Mark Burnett is now in talks with TLC to bring back "Sarah Palin's Alaska" for a second season.

The reality series, which follows the former Alaska Governor observing nature around the place she is residing, may take the principal photography in summer 2012. However, it will not air until the next fall, after the November presidential election.

With Christmas around the corner, Kim Kardashian unveils what her family has prepared for the 2011 holiday season. On Monday, December 19, the "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star took to her official blog to share with fans the Kardashian/Jenner new Christmas card.

The card features all 11 members of Kim's family posing in their best formal attire complete with matching bow ties. All of them rocked black numbers with the exception of matriarch Kris Jenner, who opted to go with a shimmery teal dress. Missing from the group was Kim's estranged husband Kris Humphries.

A few days before the trailer for "Prometheus" makes its debut, 20th Century Fox hypes up the anticipation by releasing two previews. Both sneak peeks offer few glimpses at some horror scenes taking place in the extraterrestrial settings. They also give a look at some behind-the-scene footage with director Ridley Scott talking about what to expect from the thriller.

In "Prometheus", Scott creates a groundbreaking mythology, in which a team of explorers discover a clue to the origins of mankind on Earth. The discovery leads them to a thrilling journey to the darkest corners of the universe. There, they must fight a terrifying battle to save the future of the human race.

"The Real Housewives of Orange County" will welcome a new housewife when it returns for a seventh season on Tuesday, February 7 at 9/8c on Bravo. Announcing the premiere date, the network also introduces the new addition, Heather Dubrow, who will join returning cast members Vicki Gunvalson, Tamra Barney, Gretchen Rossi and Alexis Bellino.

Described as beautiful brunette, Heather is former actress and now stay-at-home mother of four. She is married to prominent Newport Beach plastic surgeon, Terry Dubrow. According to the bio on Bravo's official site, Heather meets Tamra while shopping for a new property to design and build her family's next dream house.

Demi Lovato scores another major gig. The former leading star of Disney's "Sonny with a Chance" has been recruited to make a live performance at the upcoming 38th annual People's Choice Awards. She joins previously-announced musical guest Faith Hill.

"Demi is a brilliant performer, a strong role model and a true fan favorite," Executive Producer Mark Burnett said in statement regarding the teen singer. "We're thrilled to have her on board for the 'People's Choice Awards' and look forward to a truly electrifying performance."

Terrance Malick's drama "The Tree of Life" became the biggest winner of the 2011 Chicago Film Critics Awards. In an announcement on ABC 7 Chicago's "News This Morning" on Monday, December 19, it was unveiled that the movie collected four awards, including the coveted prize of Best Picture.

"Tree of Life" led Malick to win the Best Director award. Its star Jessica Chastain was also named the Best Supporting Actress. Emmanuel Lubezki, meanwhile, was awarded with Best Cinematography prize for his artistic work in the film.

Jessica Lange and Sam Shepard are apparently great at keeping a secret. The "Grey Gardens" star and her longtime partner have called it quits after nearly 30 years together, and according to PEOPLE, the pair took the decision to end their their relationship almost two years ago.

A representative for 62-year-old Lange confirmed the break-up, but refused to dish on further details. A source, on the other hand, suggested that the former couple, who have two grown children, 26-year-old Hanna Jane and 24-year-old Samuel Walker, together, are both "pursuing independent lives."

"Glee" continues its tradition to cover hit singles by today's popular artists, and two songs from the TV series' upcoming midseason have been revealed for fans' listening pleasure. One is a cover of Rihanna's current hit single "We Found Love", and the other is Maroon 5's chart-busting single "Moves Like Jagger".

The "We Found Love" re-recorded version is performed by New Directions female members, Rachel (Lea Michele) and Santana (Naya Rivera). Meanwhile, the "Moves Like Jagger" cover is sung by Artie (Kevin McHale) who mashes it up with The Rolling Stones' classic "Jumpin' Jack Flash".

Jon Bon Jovi gets creative when squashing his death rumors. After news of his demise surfaced online, the lead singer of Bon Jovi puts up photo of himself standing in front of an ornamented Christmas tree while holding up a sign that read, "Heaven looks a lot like New Jersey."

The sign Jon holds also included the date and time the snapshot was taken, which is December 19, 2011 at 6 P.M. The photo itself was posted on the Facebook page of the 49-year-old rocker's band along with a message that reads, "Rest assured that Jon is alive and well! This photo was just taken."

Warner Bros. Pictures has finally unleashed a brand new trailer for the highly anticipated "The Dark Knight Rises". Hyping up a big battle between Batman and Bane, this fresh sneak peek gives a better look at Selina Kyle, Alfred Pennyworth, James Gordon, Miranda Tate, John Blake and Nixon, and teases battle scene on the streets of Gotham.

Opening with a scene where a boy sings "The Star Spangled Banner" at a football stadium, the trailer cuts to a tender moment Alfred shares with Bruce Wayne. It also offers a look at Selina giving Bruce a warning about impending danger. "A storm is coming, Mr. Wayne," she whispers in his ears at a masquerade ball. "And you and your friends better batten down the hatches."

Having just crowned the 23rd season winner, "Survivor" is already looking forward to the new cycle. A sneak peek to the 24th season, which is subtitled "One World", was debuted during the Sunday, December 18 reunion show and the video has now landed online.

It teases a new twist in which the tribes, called Salani and Manono, will live together on the same island while the previous seasons put the competing groups at separate camp sites. The teams will also have to decide whether or not they will share their resources while competing for the $1 million grand prize.

Having an eventful year in 2011, Lady GaGa continues to get recognition from music fans and critics alike as one of the musicians who stood out the most during the past twelve months. Due to her "influence on entertainment and culture in 2011," the Mother Monster is named Entertainer of the Year by members of The Associated Press.

"I am humbled and honored to be named 'Entertainer of the Year' by The Associated Press," she says. "My deepest gratitude to the broadcasters and journalists who've supported me over the years, and in turn, are now supporting the loves of my life: my fans. Thank you for believing in 'Born This Way'. May you continue to brave the dreams of Showbiz."

Daniel Radcliffe continues exploring the many kinds of entertainment show since wrapping up "Harry Potter" film series. After hitting Broadway stage with the revival of musical "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying", the British actor is set to make his hosting debut on "Saturday Night Live" this winter.

The Arthur Kipps of "The Woman in Black" will host a January 4, 12 episode in which Lana Del Rey is booked as the musical guest. His episode airs a week after Charles Barkley returns to "SNL" as host on January 7, during which Kelly Clarkson will make musical performance.

New York University isn't staying quiet over claims that James Franco's bad grade has cost a professor his job. Graduate film instructor Jose Angel Santana recently filed a lawsuit against the university, claiming that he was fired for giving the Hollywood star a D. In response, the university called the claims "ridiculous".

"We have not seen the lawsuit yet, but the claims we are seeing in the media are ridiculous," said NYU spokesman John Beckman in a statement regarding the wrongful termination lawsuit. "Beyond that, it is regrettable and disappointing to see a faculty member - former or otherwise -discuss any student's grade for the purpose of personal publicity."

The first trailer for "Wrath of the Titans" has been debuted, giving a look at a new epic war between the gods and the titans. The sneak-peek video is filled with intense battle and monster-killing scenes involving Sam Worthington's Perseus, who now has longer hair. It additionally gives a first look at Rosamund Pike who takes over the role of heroine Andromeda from Alexa Davalos.

A sequel to 2010's "Clash of the Titans", the movie is set a decade after Perseus defeated the Kraken. As he attempts to live a new life as a fisherman and a father to 10-year old Helius, a struggle for supremacy rages between the gods and the Titans. Weakened by humanity's lack of devotion, the gods are losing control of the imprisoned Titans and their ferocious leader, Kronos.

Nearly five years after releasing his last solo studio album, Paul McCartney finally decides it's time for him to come back with a brand new one. The former member of The Beatles is eying to release the effort in the United States on February 7, 2012. To tide fans over, he offers an audio stream of a new song called "My Valentine".

The musician, who just finished an extended leg of his On the Run tour, believed it's about time the songs "me and John [Lennon] based quite a few of our things on" received the recognition they deserve. Thus, he will pay tribute to "the songs which inspired the songs" with the new album of those standards he grew up listening to in his childhood.

The long talked-about return of "Punk'd" has finally been made official. MTV has announced that it will bring back the hidden-camera prank show sometime in 2012 with Ashton Kutcher on board as executive producer alongside Jason Goldberg.

While the "Two and a Half Men" actor hosted "Punk'd" during its original run in 2003-2007, the network has not revealed who will host the revived version. More details are expected to be unveiled when a clip from the show is premiered at "NYE in NYC 2012" set to air on Saturday, December 31 at 11 P.M. ET live from MTV's Times Square studio.

Chaz Bono can no longer call Jennifer Elia his fiancee. The former contestant on "Dancing with the Stars" and his longtime girlfriend recently announced that they have decided to call off their engagement and parted ways after more than six years of dating.

"They leave this relationship with great love, respect and affection towards one another," Howard Bragman, a publicist for the former couple, told PEOPLE when confirming news of the split. "No further amplification will be forthcoming and they ask that you respect their privacy at this time."