November 13, 2012

"Today" will undergo another major shakeup this year. According to sources from NBC, the formerly top-rated morning show will bid goodbye to executive producer Jim Bell and replace him with Alexandra Wallace.

Bell's departure hasn't been finalized just yet, but he reportedly will return to his roots by taking a full-time position at NBC Sports. He's expected to succeed Dick Ebersol who quit the position as NBC Sports chairman in May.

Internationally acclaimed rock group INXS have split after 35 years of touring and making great music together. The band members confirmed the break up in an official statement released on Tuesday, November 12 and thanked their fans all over the world and honored late frontman Michael Hutchence.

INXS members Andrew, Tim and Jon Farriss, Garry Beers and Kirk Pengilly stated that it's about time for their group to call it quits after a fruitful 35-year career. "We understand that this must come as a blow to everybody, but all things must eventually come to an end. We have been performing as a band for 35 years, it's time to step away from the touring arena. Our music will of course live on and we will always be a part of that," the group explained.

Sean Penn has landed his latest movie project which will likely become his own potential action film franchise. The Hollywood Reporter learns that the Oscar-winning veteran actor, who is best known for his works in various highly-praised drama films, is set to jump into the action thriller genre in a movie called "Prone Gunman".

The project is adapted from Jean-Patrick Manchette's book which focuses on Martin Terrier, an international operative. Penn will tackle the character, who is betrayed by the organization he works for and is forced to go on the run in a relentless game of cat-and-mouse across Europe.

Sundance Channel is gearing up to release its original drama "Restless" and teases viewers with a new promo video. Based on William Boyd's bestselling novel of the same title, the story begins as Ruth finds out her mother Sally Gilmartin isn't just an ordinary woman as she thought.

Having been living a double life, Sally was a Russian emigre named Eva Delectorskaya who was recruited to be a British secret agent by the shadowy figure, Lucas Romer, during World War II. A love affair started between Sally and Lucas, but soon a dangerous mission and a deadly betrayal forced her into hiding.

Barbadian diva Rihanna strips down anew for men's magazine, GQ. The singer shows off her flawless body and statement tattoos with only a cropped black leather jacket draped over her shoulders and her arms stretched across her crotch area.

The 24-year-old singer lands in front of the men's magazine's December issue and makes magazine history by becoming the only woman thus far to appear on the cover of the publication's annual "Men of the Year" issue. GQ teases more photos of RiRi's hot bare looks on November 12 via Twitter, which suggests that there is more coming for the men out there than just the daring front cover.

Gerard Butler gets a new job as a soccer coach in the first clip of "Playing for Keeps". In the newly-released snippet, the 43-year-old actor is seen being introduced as a new sports trainer for a group of young kids. Since it is his first stint as a coach, Gerard seems to have difficulties in answering some innocent questions from those children.

In addition to the clip, the drama unveils its first TV spot that gives a longer look at Gerard as a loving father who charms Jessica Biel. Jessica plays the ex-wife of Gerard's character. She seems to feel the chemistry with him again and decides to give him a second chance as he proves to be a good family man.

"Girls" hasn't premiered its second season yet, but HBO has possibly given a greenlight for a third installment of the critically acclaimed series. It's executive producer Judd Apatow who lets the cat ouf of the bag as saying, "We're about to shoot the third season of 'Girls'," during an interview for The DP/30 Channel to promote his upcoming movie "This Is 40".

Apatow doesn't share further details of the potential third season, but Deadline reports that HBO has been working on to bring back executive producer Jenni Konner for another season of the new hit comedy. Once Konner's deal is sealed, the show will move on to lock the writing staff in anticipation of the third season.

"The X Factor (US)" mentor Demi Lovato sent out exciting news about her upcoming fresh tracks for a new album that she has been working on in the studio. The semi-finished versions promise to give a new spin on the musical style of the "Give Your Heart a Break" hitmaker and Lovatics around the world should definitely watch out for it.

"Listening to rough cuts of some of my new songs.... Get excited Lovatics!!! WOO," wrote the singer on her Twitter wall on November 12.

It's been a while since fans last heard about Adam McKay's "Anchorman: The Legend Continues" project. Making sure that the comedy film is still happening, the director shares some updates on the sequel to 2004's "Anchorman". He reveals that the forthcoming Will Ferrell-starring flick will be more of a musical pic that features songs from the scrapped "Anchorman" Broadway show.

"There will be some music in 'Anchorman 2' though for sure, we have some songs already written," McKay tells The Playlist before explaining what took him so long to make the sequel. "We were going to do 'Anchorman 2' as a Broadway musical first, for like six months and then go shoot the movie. That was our initial idea," he opens up.

Another wave of layoffs is likely coming within NBCUniversal. A source says the media company is going to cut a total of 500 employees or 1.5% of its total workforce as a part of cost-cutting effort.

The decision will affect various TV divisions of NBCUniversal, including NBC, Syfy, USA, G4, E! and Bravo. The company reportedly didn't give individual divisions a target of a number of layoffs, but asked them to eliminate inefficiencies and duplications among staffs at various departments before year's end.

Joanna Garcia and husband Nick Swisher are all excited as they announced the good news of starting their own family soon. The couple are expecting their first child and shared their joy to family and friends by posting and elaborating about the news on their respective social media walls.

"So happy to finally be able to share our news!" wrote Garcia on her Twitter account on November 12. "Nick and I are expecting our first baby in 2013! Feeling so blessed and beyond excited!" gushed the former "Are You Afraid of the Dark?" actress.

New mom Snooki is no longer a brunette. The "Jersey Shore" star has just dyed her hair flaming-red, and she showed it off on her Twitter. "Love you boo, fab job as always! Xoxoxo @bradleystylenyc," she tweeted an Instagram picture of her posing with hairstylist Bradley Moreland.

The new redhead flaunted her post-baby body in a black long-sleeved top and blue leggings that she matched with a pair of studded black boots. "Rockin my spike Jeffrey's & galaxy leggings for my boo @bradleystylenyc," she gushed to her Twitter followers.

Selena Gomez struggled to hold back tears when delivering her speech after accepting Independent Spirit award at 2012 Glamour "Women of the Year" event on November 12. Her emotional speech came hot on heels of news that she broke up with Justin Bieber after nearly two years of dating.

"I am so honored to be in a room full of women that I can only aspire to be as good as they are one day," the young star told the crowd. "I just want to share to all the girls out there that you have a voice, you have a chance to do what you love, whether that is acting or singing. And just being true to who you are."

Will Darth Vader be resurrected in the upcoming "Star Wars Episode 7"? The most recent rumor surrounding the much-talked-about movie project suggests that the space villain will likely take part in the new trilogy despite the fact that he was dead in "Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi".

The report came from Express UK, which claims to have heard the info from some "industry insiders." The site notes that Walt Disney/Lucasfilm plans to bring back the iconic villain because "he's an integral part of the franchise." A source says, "Replacing him is virtually impossible. The plan is for him to return and play a significant role in the new films."

The Harajuku Barbie, Nicki Minaj, has a lot of music still waiting for unwavering fans to lay their ears on as she previewed her upcoming new LP, "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded - The Re-Up". The album snippet landed online and gave listeners a taste of how the remaining five new songs in the album would sound like.

"Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded - The Re-Up" has already attracted a lot of media hype and attention with its previous releases including the hit "Va Va Voom", "The Boys", and "Freedom". As the record's official release draws near, Minaj's fans can temper their curiosity by feasting on the five new songs found in "The Re-Up".

"Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars" paid tribute to those in the service of the U.S. in its week 8 performance show. Airing Monday, November 12, a day after Veterans Day, the episode saw the remaining contestants performing trio dances in addition to the usual couple routines.

Taking the stage first was Shawn Johnson who reunited with Derek Hough after the pro-dancer took a hiatus last week due to an injured neck. They danced a Viennese waltz which Len Goodman called "quiet and gentle ... poignant... fabulous," and Bruno Tonioli deemed "heavenly perfection." The retired gymnast earned 29.5 points.

Latino rap star, Pitbull, has teamed up with another Latina great, Christina Aguilera, to produce new single "Feel This Moment". The newly-released song sounds like a dance track that will definitely make the rounds at clubs and be played in endless loops at parties.

The single is taken from the rapper's seventh studio album, "Global Warming", and its release aims to push more fans to get into the hype and be amped up right on time for the record's release next week, November 19.

Derek Hough, who was forced to take a break from last week's episode of "Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars" due to neck injury, gives update on his health condition. He says on his website that he will get under the knife once he has time off, which may happen after the current season of the dancing competition ends.

Feeling better after the much-needed break, he vows to finish "DWTS" this season with his partner Shawn Johnson. "I've had a neck injury for quite a while and it's been plaguing me for some time. Eventually, when I have time off I'll have to get surgery but until then Im gonna push on and dance through the pain and discomfort," he says.

Becoming one of the most-anticipated movie promo events this month, the premiere of "The Twilight Saga's Breaking Dawn Part II" was finally held on Monday night, November 12. Taking place at the Nokia Theater, Los Angeles, the much-awaited special screening event was attended by a host of famous celebrities. However, people's attention were all centered on the film's power couple Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson.

All eyes were set on Kristen as she made her grand entrance on the black carpet with her real-life boyfriend Rob. The Bella Swan depicter looked astounding with her classy vintage look in a nude-colored bustier gown with sheer details that bared her firm legs. She sported daring red lipstick and let her wavy brown hair loose on one shoulder. Kristen looked inseparable from Rob as they both posed for the swarming cameramen. Rob himself oozed masculinity in a green suit to match Kristen's elegant look.

Having her fair share of high-profile breakups in the public eye, Taylor Swift says her past relationship has taught her how to make a relationship work. Unlike in her professional career where she's in total control of every decision, the 22-year-old country/pop singer chooses to hand over the reins to her man when she's in a relationship.

"It needs to be equal. If I feel too much like I'm wearing the pants, I start to feel uncomfortable, and then we break up," she says in the latest issue of Harper's Bazaar. "It's wonderful to hand over the reins to your boyfriend when you control so much of these big, high-pressure decisions, you know? That is a huge defining factor in who you choose to be with."

E! has picked up a new season of its reality series "Married to Jonas". The show centering on young married couple Kevin Jonas and Danielle Deleasa will return for a second installment in spring 2013.

"We are excited to continue following Kevin and Dani's journey as they juggle love and marriage with pop superstardom and eager in-laws," says Lisa Berger, president of programming at E!. "Season 2 of 'Married to Jonas' will continue to solidify E!'s can't miss Sunday night reality block."

Don't expect to see a cartoony take on Superman when "Man of Steel" hits theaters on June 14, 2013. Director Zack Snyder has made it clear that he would give a very serious tone to the upcoming superhero movie that would make it different from previous adaptations of the Kryptonian hero tale.

"It's a more serious version of Superman," Snyder told Los Angeles Times' Hero Complex. Elaborating further about what die-hard Superman fans could expect from his film, he said, "It's not like a heart attack. We took the mythology seriously. We take him as a character seriously. I believe the movie would appeal to anyone."

Rihanna has announced details of her much-awaited "777" tour and the seven countries she will be heading to during the span of the phenomenal concert series. The show has a bold concept: "7 countries, 7 days, 7 shows."

The Barbadian beauty is gearing to embark on this never-before-attempted world concert series that kicks off in Mexico City on November 14, followed by consecutive show dates in Toronto, Stockholm, Paris, Berlin, London, and ending in New York City on November 20. The R'n'B star will reveal the specific venues to her fans upon arrival in the different countries.

Viewers won't see Karlie Kloss walking on the runway wearing Native American-style costume when Victoria's Secret Fashion Show airs December 4 on CBS. The brand has decided to yank portion of the show from broadcast after it offended people, especially Native Americans, by putting an Indian feather headdress on the leopard-print lingerie-clad model.

Feather headdresses or war bonnets are a symbol of bravery and usually worn by Indian chiefs and honored warriors, but not women. Those who criticized the use of the headdres claimed the company disrespected the Native American cultures and history.

Building the anticipation of the release of "Les Miserables", a set of artistic photographs for the Tom Hooper-directed movie have been unveiled via Vogue magazine. Promoting the upcoming high-end musical drama, the magazine uncovers eight stunning images taken by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz which boast the mesmerizing visuals and gorgeous costumes of each major character in the film.

Among the beautiful pictures, there is one that shows Helena Bonham Carter and Sacha Baron Cohen in elaborate costumes as wicked couple Madame and Monsieur Thenardier. There is also a high-definition image that features Hugh Jackman's Jean Valjean in a dramatic scene where he rescues young Cosette (Isabelle Allen).

Allegation that Ariel Winter and her boyfriend were caught in bed by her mom last month is reportedly not true. A source tells New York Daily News that the couple had broken up "way before" the mother-daughter duo was entangled in a family drama.

"They have been broken up for several months," the source dismisses the mother's claim. "It is really unfortunate Ariel's mom has drug Cameron through the mud here." The insider additionally insists, "Everything her mom has said has been untrue."

First season winner of "American Idol", Kelly Clarkson, released the new clip for her track "Catch My Breath" on Monday, November 12. The song is the lead single from the chanteuse's first best-of compilation album titled "Greatest Hits - Chapter 1" due to hit stores on November 19.

The new clip definitely lifts Clarkson right into the center of the diva spotlight as she shows off her gorgeous blonde waves, standing extra tall, and looking sultry and svelte in an elegant black dress. The "Don't Rush" singer gets down to those power vocals against a studio backdrop projecting a mix of mesmerizing images of natural elements like water, fire, and of course a lot of wind blowing right in front of her to really deliver that pop diva attitude.

Matthew McConaughey didn't hesitate to undergo a very extreme diet to support his role as an AIDS patient in "The Dallas Buyer's Club". The "Magic Mike" actor prompted concern after he was spotted looking more skeletal than ever on the set of the movie in New Orleans on Sunday, November 11. He was accompanied by his kids and wife Camila Alves, who showed her growing baby bump.

Looking shockingly frail, Matthew rocked a plaid shirt and blue jeans as well as sported longer hair and mustache when he was spotted on the set. Last Friday, he also sparked frenzy when revealing his super gaunt look at LAX. Donning a long-sleeved blue shirt, he was seen walking solo at the airport with the new look which was a fry cry from his buffed look as Dallas in "Magic Mike".

"Nashville" has joined the list of 2012 fall new TV series which gets a full season order. The critically-acclaimed musical drama starring Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere has been given a back-nine order by ABC.

The network has also given a vote of confidence to Tim Allen's sophomore comedy "Last Man Standing" and Reba McEntire's freshman comedy "Malibu Country" by ordering three additional scripts each.

"Wild 'N Out" is revived with Nick Cannon on board. The host has confirmed to THR that the improv comedy sketch show has been revived by MTV2 through his NCredible Entertainment production house.

"I get asked everyday when Wild 'N Out will be back," Cannon said. "I'm thrilled to announce that the show will be making its long-awaited return very soon - bigger and better. With our show's original cast, everyone from Kevin Hart to Katt Williams, Affion Crockett and Taran Killam becoming household names, I am looking forward to working with MTV2 as we work to introduce the biggest comedic stars of tomorrow with the return of Wild 'N Out."

Newly-single Leonardo DiCaprio was surrounded by close friends and celebrities at his 38th birthday bash. The actor made his happy day an occasion to raise money for charities supported by the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation including the American Red Cross.

The Saturday, November 10 party was held at The Darby and attended by Beyonce Knowles, Jay-Z, Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, and Margot Robbie among others. The latest name is the Australian beauty who has been linked to the actor since his split from supermodel Erin Heatherton.

Swizz Beatz is the latest celebrity hit with tax problems. The music producer owes the state of New York $98,246.18 in unpaid taxes for the year 2010. He also has federal tax liens filed against him which amounts to a staggering $2.6 million.

This is not the first time Beatz's name popped up in the tax problem headline. In June 2010, he was slapped with an IRS lien of $652,727 for unpaid 2008 income tax. "We have been discussing the issue with the government for years and are currently negotiating an amicable resolution of the dispute," a lawyer for Beatz said back then.

Emma Stone acted as an officiant in the wedding of her publicist and her former director. The "Easy A" actress presided over the marriage of Holly Shakoor and "Gangster Squad" and "Zombieland" director Ruben Fleischer over the weekend.

The wedding took place in Ojai, California on Saturday, November 10. Stone was chosen to play the important part perhaps due to her role in the couple's love life. She was the matchmaker by introducing Shakoor to Fleischer while they were working on the crime drama together.