TV News Page 548

Britney Spears returns to "Late Show with David Letterman" on Tuesday, August 18 wearing only a black bikini. She shows off her new figure while reading the "Top Ten Ways the Country Would Be Different if Britney Spears Were President".

At no. 10 of her list is "I'd be the first president to wear eye shadow since Nixon" while at number 9 is "We would only invade fun places like Cabo". The list extends to "Free pies for everybody" and "Costume changes between press conferences". For the person who will assist her in the government, Britney says "Three words: Vice President Diddy".

When Lifetime said that a set of all-star designers will compete in the special edition of "Project Runway", it didn't mention the plan to have a big star coming as a guest. Considered as a fashion icon, Nicole Kidman reportedly will pay the show a visit to help the contestants with their challenges.

"Project Runway: All Star Challenge" is developed as a warm-up episode for the show's season 6 which premiere has long been denied from being aired. Designers who had competed in the previous seasons are brought back to get a second shot at winning $100,000 cash prize. There is no elaborate detail about what Nicole will do there other than the report from Access Hollywood that she will "help set up one of the challenges" for the eight designers.

"Family Guy" is launching a self-campaign in order to win at the upcoming Primetime Emmy Awards. One way to do that is by mocking "The Office" in an online video that pin points the NBC series' flaw of keep revolving around the same space for six years.

Dubbed from an old episode, it shows Stewie beating violently Brian the Dog who answered "The Office" when asked which show he will vote to win an Emmy in September. In the end of the footage Stewie said, "Indians and Hispanics don't live in Scranton."

Golden Globe-winning series "Californication" has released the official trailer to season 3. From the look of the footage, the new chapter will be largely dedicated to the relationship between Hank and his blooming daughter Becca apart from the writer's new job as a college professor.

No longer featuring Mia who is away for her book tour, the promo gives flashes on a fight between the father-daughter as well as the growing romance between Hank and Karen. In the end of second season, Hank and Becca were faced with tough decision when Karen accepted a job in New York City. In the new promo, Karen is still persuading Hank to move out of Los Angeles because it is not fit to raise a child in the city.

"American Idol" is adding a spice of country music to the judging panel. Shania Twain is confirmed to be a guest judge in the Chicago round auditions held on August 30 and 31. She will sit next to Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi to filter those with the potential to be an Idol.

Shania is the latest female guest invited to the reality series to fill in the vacant spot left by Paula Abdul. Victoria Adams aka Posh Spice was the first to get the guest seat last week, helping the three regular judges to select a few hopefuls in Boston auditions. Mary J. Blige joined the relay by auditioning in Atlanta on August 16 and 17.

Brian Austin Green in his new starring vehicle after "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles" is teased through a first look photo of him as Metallo. Unlike in its comic book version, the face of Brian's Metallo on "Smallville" is not half covered in metal because according to executive producer Kelly Souders, this is the "rough version" of the character before he eventually will "get sleeker".

Metallo is one of Clark's villains this season apart from General Zod. The cyborg will appear in a two-episode arc beginning the season premiere on September 25. Although short-lived, the appearance may be stretched to longer commitment. "We're actually throwing some ideas around right now in the hopes that we might be able to bring him back for another episode," Souders explained to TV Guide Magazine.

One scandal to look forward to on "The Beautiful Life: TBL" is the age-inappropriate liaison between Corbin Bleu's Isaac and an older female. The show has found the actress who will lure Isaac into her nest, signing the Lila Tournay of "Dexter", Jamie Murray, to star as Vivienne.

Vivienne is a wardrobe stylist who sets her sight on Isaac, one of the young models trying to create their existence in the super competitive world of fashion in New York City. The character will appear for a multiepisode arc in the first season that kicks off September 16 at 9/8c.

Names of celebrities that will show their dancing skills on the upcoming season of "Dancing with the Stars" have been revealed. Announced through "Good Morning America" on Monday, August 17, the line-up includes singer Kelly Osbourne and excludes designer Vera Wang.

Contrary to early rumors, Wang will not appear in this season, neither will Dean McDermott, Audrina Patridge and Lou Ferrigno. But the group is diverse in its own way because for the first time, it includes a former House Majority leader, Texan Congressman Tom DeLay.

"True Blood" will go back to Bon Temps in the brand new episode next week. Returning to their small northern Louisiana town, Sookie, Bill and Jason are presented with chaos and a series of challenges. Bill discovers that he doesn't know how to defeat Maryann as traditional vampire techniques don't work on her.

Sookie attempts to get through to Tara, who is engulfed in darkness. Hoyt and Jessica try to keep Maxine's madness a secret, while Sam and Andy are lured back to Merlottes by Arlene and find refuge from a group of bloodthirsty revelers. With all hell breaking loose, Jason takes the bull by the horns to rescue Sam, at least for the moment.

Paula Abdul won't be making a move to "Ugly Betty" after all. The Los Angeles Times reported ABC has confirmed exclusively on Sunday, August 16, that talks between the network and the former "American Idol" judge have fallen apart, resulting in her out from the guest stars' list of the comedy drama series' season four.

Following the confirmation, TMZ came up with speculation on one of the reasons behind the talk break-down, pointing out that Paula still thinks there's a chance she'll return to "Idol". Going further with another speculation, the site suggested that the 47-year-old was upset at the series' producers for leaking the news she was talking to them about doing the show.

Troubled pop/rock singer Kelly Osbourne is said to join the celeb contestants of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" for its ninth season. Her agent, according to a source, "is in talks with the producers", adding "They are close to clinching a deal and she is really excited about the prospect of appearing on the show."

Prepping for her not-yet-confirmed appearance in the hit dancing competition, Kelly reportedly has been busy getting in shape with trainer at a gym in her native London. "She has been to the KX gym in Chelsea for private classes to make sure she's in tip-top condition," continues the source. "She's not a natural dancer and wants to be in the best shape possible."

Supporting President Barack Obama's goal to have bigger number of highly-skilled workers in U.S., Kelly Clarkson and LeBron James team up with Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for a project called "Get Schooled: You Have the Right". The singer and the basketball ace will inspire America's youth to pursue higher education in a TV special aired on September 8.

MTV, Nickelodeon, BET, CMT and 18 other youth-oriented channels owned by Viacom TV will broadcast it simultaneously on the day that also marks the start of a new U.S. school year. Kelly and James, who are high school graduates, will talk about key educators in their lives who helped them to succeed.

Jerry Seinfeld takes the honor of being the first guest on the premiere of "The Jay Leno Show". The comedian will be the main talker on the September 14 episode where Jay Leno makes his debut after stepping down from his show of 17 years, "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno".

During his appearance, Seinfeld will promote his concerts at Ceasars Palace on December 26 and 27. He is also there to support the "Seinfeld"-themed story arc on the upcoming season of Larry David's HBO comedy "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and his upcoming NBC venture, "The Marriage Ref".

There are two previews shared for the upcoming episode of "True Blood". Both clips from "I Will Rise Up" show a conversation among three people, the first one being Jessica, Hoyt and his mother Maxine while the second one being Tara, Eggs and Maryann.

Maxine obviously shows her dislike of her son dating a vampire. On the other hand, Jessica is trying hard to impress her by recalling the time when she was still mortal. Meanwhile, Maryann offers Tara to be blackened out but she refuses, reasoning that she saw what it did to her mother.

The CW drops a promo of "The Vampire Diaries" that gives a whole new perspective about the show. After several times being previewed as dark and romantic, the series is shown its comedic and lighter side.

It's focused on the arrival of Stefan to Mystic Falls High School and how his all-black appearance turns a few heads. The girls, including Elena, are checking him out and thinking that he has a sexy back. Elena's potential rival Candice Accola's Caroline is previewed in this promo.