//Jacko's Lawyers Make Official Complaint Over Documentary
Michael Jackson has made an official complaint to TV watchdogs in Britain over 'Living With Michael Jackson', Martin Bashir's controversial documentary about his life. His lawyers claimed it "contains the clear innuendo that Mr Jackson is guilty of inappropriate behaviour with children."
//Justin And Christina- tour in talks - But Will We Pay Up?
The New York Post reports that the tour team-up of *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera was prompted by necessity according to an insider. "Justin is opening up for Christina because he didn't sell as many albums as she did, but - get this - together they don't even have enough pulling power to sell out arenas," the insider laughed. Promoters tell their label BMG that research shows the pair will have to play in 10,000-seat "theaters," and while BMG hoped to nab $75 a ticket, they'll have to settle for $35. A Jive rep responded to the charge saying, "The tour is an equal, co-headlining tour. Theaters were never even considered, it will be a multi-city arena tour. Tickets were priced relative to the economy and will be relatively cheap - $75 is way off. Justin and Christina sold about the same number of albums."
//It's Finally Official: P. Diddy Signs Deal With Universal
Associated Press reports Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs has signed a three-year deal with Universal Records to press, distribute and promote music from Bad Boy Entertainment, both sides said. Specific financial details of the agreement were not made public, but Combs said Thursday the deal's structure -- allowing him to keep control of Bad Boy -- is more important than the money. "I'm blessed to make the money," Combs said after the deal was finalized. "But what I'm trying to do is make history, make some hit records."
//Limp Bizkit Frontman Denies Dating Britney Spears
Despite the Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst's frequent recent postings about his feelings for Britney Spears, he told Extra TV that the two were never a couple. When asked if he and Spears had ever dated, he replied, "No. Hell no."
The New York Daily News caught up with Kelly Osbourne who performed at the Lane Bryant fashion show on Tuesday. Kelly didn't consider the gig different than any other in terms of why she was asked to be there. "I wouldn't call anything to do with me plus-sized," said Ozzy's daughter. "To me, plus-sized is a size 26 or something like that, but anything [around] a size 10 I wouldn't call plus-sized."
//Eminem Flooded With Movie Scripts
Globe magazine reports that movie producers have been begging Eminem to star in their films after the success of '8 Mile'. Since Eminem hates to read, one producer had his script drawn up into comic book form at considerable expense. Eminem read the 'Ground Zero' comic in one sitting - a story of a convict serving life who is released in order to infiltrate a gang of terrorists. Slim thought the script was too lightweight though, and passed on the project.
//O-Town Blast TV
O-Town have spoken about the devious tactics used by reality TV shows to spice up their programmes.
Speaking as the original TV pop group from MTV's Making The Band series, O-Town told us they feel sorry for the people involved who are manipulated by the programme makers.
"We see all these shows through different eyes cos we know what's going on behind the scenes," explained Dan. "I watch it and I feel so bad for these people because I know what's going on behind the cameras."
Bandmate Trevor continued: "When I watch it, I wonder what they are not showing. I know the power of editing is so strong and they can create any situation they want."
"Not everything is what it seems," revealed Erik. "In the first season we had no control. There were a lot of things that I wish we could have relayed differently. Towards the second and third season we were more hands on and it was more about our careers rather than about dramas between the band. But we've done more reality TV than anyone out there and it's time for us to be going."
//Zeta-jones Finally Gets Chicago Award
Chicago star Catherine Zeta-Jones has finally picked up an award for her role in the glitzy musical - she won the Best Actress gong at the Evening Standard Film Awards in London February 3rd.
Zeta-Jones was absent from the ceremony but sent a taped message from her California home So far the actress has fallen short of the major accolades by her Chicago co-stars.
Renee Zellweger won the Best Actress Golden Globe last month and is hotly tipped to take the Oscar home too. Richard Gere also took the glory in the Best Actor category at the same event.
//Brad + Jennifer's Building Madness
Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston have upset their millionaire neighbors in Beverly Hills - because they're sick of all the construction work the couple have been doing on their home.
Six of the 11 neighbors who share the quiet cul-de-sac where the Hollywood couple live have protested to local authorities after hearing Pitt plans to continue the work on his home by adding a gym.
The couple have already spent a reported $1 million on the home they bought last year, but perfectionist Pitt wants to carry on with construction work after getting hooked on gym sessions with top trainer Greg Roche.
Roche is helping the movie hunk get into shape for his next film Troy and has been advising Brad on the equipment he needs for a state-of-the-art gym.
But Brad's renewed love of fitness has upset his neighbours, who fear the new gym will mean the cul-de-sac won't be quiet for months.
//Kidman being offered "Catwoman" role now
The Hollywood Reporter reports that Nicole Kidman has been offered the lead role in "Catwoman," the spin-off of the Batman franchise featuring the "feline fetale" from the comic book series and "Batman Returns."
For years, Ashley Judd has been attached to the role but for one reason or another, has dropped out of the project. "Catwoman" will be directed by French director Pitoff.
//Interview with Nicole Heriot coming this weekend!
//Madonna Plans Complaint Over Pregnancy Story
Madonna's rep tells the New York Daily News that her client is so fed up with rumors that she's expecting again that she plans to file a complaint with Britain's press watchdog commission. "She dyed her hair brown instead of blond," the rep said. "She's been wearing track suits forever. And once people see her new video [which she's taping today], they'll see she's obviously not pregnant."
//Britney Spears Reportedly Gets 'Marigold' Role
'Marigold' director Willard Carroll has already finalized Britney Spears to play the heroine in the film. Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Love Hewitt are also said to be in the race for an important role.
//Kevin Richardson & Eve Scheduled For TRL Awards
The first artists scheduled to make appearances at the first ever MTV TRL Awards are Backstreet Boys star Kevin Richardson and Eve. The TRL Awards show will be a special 90-minute episode on Monday, February 17 at 4:00 p.m. The awards will be doled out fast and furious in categories that commemorate the finest moments in TRL history, like 'TRL's First Lady Award' and 'The Wet Your Pants Award.'
//Mariah proves to be the best singer in the world
In the latest edition of The Guinness Book of World Records, set for a March 2003 release date, pop-diva MARIAH CAREY scores still another title. According to Guinness officials, the siren's ethereal pipes hold the record for having hit the highest note in the history of recorded music. In a live rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" last year, Mariah hit a G7#-note, outdoing even the piano. Technically, the exertion of G7#-notes is "dolphin speak," since, in theory, these are the only mammals physiologically equipped with the proper lung-structure to produce G7#-notes. So powerful are G7#-notes that these are capable of countering water and electric currents, and have even been known to outdistance space and range. In the world, Carey is the only other living creature to have ever generated a G7#-note. Clinically, Mariah's voice is termed a medical wonder. But the "altisisima" Carey is no stranger to the Guinness Book, as the songbird is titleholder to dozen other titles. Correlating to Carey's latest record, in a back edition of the Guinness Book, Carey is credited with possessing a 7-octave range, meaning she is able to go from an A2 (eight full-scaled keys below the lowest possible note on a piano) to a G7#-note without deviating from perfect pitch and all in the time-span of one breath. Behind vocal wonder Carey, who still goes un-championed, are Yma Sumac, ringing in at 5 octaves, and the late Minnie Riperton, with 4.5 octaves.Mariah's single, 'Through The Rain' is out today in all USA Stores! Pick up your copy today. In other countries, the single has already hit stores.
//Whitney Houston's Father Dies
John Houston, the father of singer Whitney Houston and a theatrical manager since the early days of rhythm and blues, died Sunday after a lengthy battle with diabetes and heart disease, a family spokeswoman said. "The entire family is greatly saddened by the loss of someone they all loved so much,'' Nancy Seltzer said in a telephone interview from Los Angeles.
//Celine Says She'll Be Singing Plenty On 'A New Day'
The Las Vegas Sun spoke with Celine Dion when she introduced her new Coty perfume in Las Vegas on Friday (January 31). When her 'A New Day' concert debuts in March, she will be onstage and singing for a "very large part" of the show. "We are still in rehearsals and the final order is still being worked on," Dion said. "I am very sure that no one will be disappointed." Earlier reports had said she would only be singing 15 minutes of the 100 minute show.
//Dawson's Creek Cancelled
Hit TV show Dawson's Creek is set to end in May after six seasons.
The WB is cancelling the series but there are plans for a two-hour finale on May 14th set two years in the future when the angst-ridden characters have left college.
WB programming chief Jordan Levin says, "The show defined who we are and reflected the aspirational voice of the next generation of television viewers."
//Universal Music Cancels Post-Grammy Party Plans
The New York Post reports Universal Music has canceled its post-Grammy bash amid fears that it would turn into a shootout between rival rappers. Recent violence triggered by rap star 50 Cent's shunning of a record deal with Universal's Murder Inc. label has execs on edge, sources close to the situation say. "It's the first time in history they've caved to this stuff," a tipster said. A company rep cited economic reasons, not fears of violence though. "That is ridiculous," says the spokesman. "With the economy the way it is, it would seem insensitive to be hosting such a lavish affair, where there is an opportunity to do some good."
//Hip-Hop Plans Boycott Of Pepsi, Other Corporations
Russell Simmons and his Hip-Hop Summit Network plan to make announcements and detail the plans of a hip hop boycott against Pepsi and other companies that exploit hip-hop music. "We are going to show Pepsi and cooperate America just how powerful we are," Simmons said. A boiling point may have been when Pepsi used the Osbournes after dumping Ludacris -- and how that seems to be a double standard.
//New Music Reviews are here! See who has a perfect album according to our music reviewer! From Ja Rule to Norah Jones to Solange!
//No Doubt is the Artist of the Month for February! No Doubt had a great 2002 with their album, 'Rock Steady!' They also just picked up three Grammy Nods!
//Fashion updated! Why is Gwene looking so .. Gwene? See Beyonce's low, and a gothic Shania!
01. Wild Writings has opened a new store! The store is safe and fun - what more can you ask for? We have rare music, movies, and posters! Go there to also buy Nicole Heriot's authentic Autograph! The store will be updated daily, so visit it now!
02. Wild Writings has a great, diverse flow of traffic! If you have a site and would like to promote on Wild Writings - You can use the new Banner Exchange program! We will show your banner on one of our most visited pages. Your hits are bound to increase! E-mail contact@wildwritings.com for pricing info!
//Bedingfield Explains Why He Turned Down Maverick Renée Graham of the Boston Globe asked Daniel Bedingfield what his decision was to turn down an offer from Madonna's Maverick Records, and instead sign with Island Def Jam. "One says no to Madonna when another company offers you a better deal," Bedingfield responded. "As much as I like [top Maverick executive] Guy Oseary, and as hilarious and fantastic as he is, he would have controlled me, and made me play what he wanted me to play."
//Mariah Carey Likes Both Hip Hop Songs & Ballads
Mariah Carey chatted with Vista magazine and was asked about the her feelings producing both uptempo hip-hop songs and ballads -- and which of the two she prefers. "I like both. I have a lot of different influences," Mariah said. "I grew up mostly on R&B music. My mother is an opera singer. I've done a lot of different collaborations, like with Pavarotti. He sang Hero in Italian, and I sang it in English for his charity event that he has every year. I don't want to limit myself to one thing; I've always liked working with all different types of artists."
//Mary J. Blige Has A Gospel Album In Her Future
Mary J. Blige tells Launch.com that she's planning on recording a gospel album in the future. "I know that I'll record a gospel album," she insisted. "I know that is the next thing in Mary J. Blige's life. On her singing career list is recording a gospel album." Asked if her next release could be it, she says, "My next album could be a gospel album. If you wanted to, consider this album a gospel album--excluding 'PMS.' I mean, the curse words and stuff like that. Gospel means good news, and the good news is that Mary loves herself right now. Mary loves God, Mary loves people, and she tries to see good and she loves everything--not foolishly, but wise. She loves people from a distance, and I pray for them all. Enemies and all. So my next album will just be a full dedication to God, or the album after that, or all in the mix of it. All in the mix."
//Alicia Keys Says New Album Will Have 'Everything!'
Roger Friedman of Fox News was on hand for Clive Davis' party for Alicia Keys on Wednesday night. Friedman says Keys "has not changed since I first met her two years ago. She still seems largely unaffected by fame and is natural and friendly as ever." Asked about influences on her new album, Keys revealed, "There's going to be everything! I've been through so much and had so many influences while I was touring. You'll see." The album is due sometime before the September 30th Grammy deadline.
// Vote on your favorite songs on the Official Wild Writings Charts! New charts will enter the database by the end of today. All chart stats are based on Billboard Hot 100 and Wild Writings Requests by fans. Request Here!
//Ja Rule Says 50 Cent Used Him To Launch His Career
Ja Rule is over the pond now in the U.K. continuing his beef with 50 Cent. He explained the origins of the beef to Radio 1. "People use the biggest artists out there to try and catapult their careers. It's an old trick! But it works sometimes, unfortunately," Ja sniffed. "But it's not about tricks in this game, it's about making good music and hit records. So the trick worked. Let's see if he can keep making good music and hit records, because that's what the game is all about. It's not about gimmicks and tricks."
//Kylie Offered Big Bucks For Film Version Of 'Cats'
Kylie Minogue has been offered $4.8 million to star in the film version of the musical 'Cats', according to the Daily Star. "Every studio in town is looking to do a big musical - and that's why Kylie has been asked to do Cats," an insider revealed. Other names being considered include Madonna and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham. The $100 million project is set to start in the summer.
//Ben fears for ring
Ben Affleck was terrified about handing fiancee, Jennifer Lopez, the exquisite pink diamond engagement ring he got her; because he feared she'd think it was cheap. He apparently bought a 6.1-carat Harry Winston creation, reportedly valued at more than US$1.1 million. Since Jennifer has been seen proudly sporting the pricey piece of jewellery, the popularity of pink diamonds has soared.. much to Ben's relief.
"Halloween 9" in the works?
We can report that after modest earnings at the box-office from "Halloween: Resurrection," a ninth "Halloween" movie may be close to being greenlit. Also, WhatDVD Magazine reports on what could be the possible storyline of the aforementioned, Halloween 9. The trade says "It will be set two years after Resurrection and involve the old "movie within a movie" plot. Apparently it goes something like this : a director makes a film based on Mike Myers bloody activities, but Mr Halloween himself - who has escaped from the morgue - is none too pleased about it and decides to chop up those responsible (everyone's a critic)."
//Eminem Look-A-Like!
AllHipHop.com reports that in a less than lattering gesture, FBI officials have dubbed a bank robber who has knocked off 10 banks in New Jersey "Eminem," saying that the robber resembles the rap star.
>>Wild Writings is a part of the Jimmy's World Network, check out the brand new layout on the Jimmy's World Network here!
//Weighty Issues For Kelly Osbourne
Kelly Osbourne talked to TV Guide Online about the preconceived notion that she's fat, and how she was invited to sing at a fashion show for Lane Bryant, a plus-size women's clothing chain. "In a way, I was kind of like, 'They see me like the signature fat kid, so they want me to do their show,'" she recalls. "But most of those women were not fat. I think it's disgusting that they were labeled as plus-size. Size 12 is not a plus-size."
//Ozzy Osbourne Announces Ozzfest Lineup
Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne and son Jack opened their Beverly Hills house to journalists on Tuesday to announce the lineup for the eighth annual outing of Ozzfest. Ozzy will headline the event on the main stage, while Korn, Marilyn Manson, Disturbed and Chevelle make up the other main stage acts. A second stage will feature such up-and-coming acts as Cradle of Filth and Trust Co. Ozzfest kicks off kicks off on June 28 in San Antonio.
//The TRL awards Wrap-Up!
The 1st ever TRL Awards were held today with a shocking appearance by Britney Spears & Kevin Richardson. Times Square's very own Naked Cowboy was also on the show to present the award for the "Most Revealing Moment on TRL".. and Eve, Verne Troyer, JC Chasez, and Christina Aguilera called in to accept their awards. And, there were videos of Justin Timberlake & Mariah Carey thanking fans who voted.
//Nick Isn't Worried About How Justin's CD Is Doing
Ed Condran of The Record caught up with Backstreet Boys star Nick Carter who says he isn't paying attention to how *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake's solo debut 'Justified' is doing compared to his debut effort, 'Now or Never'. "I'm not paying attention to what Justin has done," said Carter. "I wish him well, but I'm doing my own thing. We made two different albums. There's room for everybody. He's doing his thing. I'm doing mine."
SJ from Mariah Inc. writes: ''For the past week my local radio station 99.1 KGGI here in Riverside, California have been giving listners a chance to win a free trip to New York City to be on tha red carpet interviewing their favorite muisc stars @ this years Grammy Awards. The winner will also be hanging with Ja Rule, Ashanti, Mariah and LL @ an ultra exclusive Def Jam meeting for the winner @ the Def Jam World Headquarters in New York City, Friday, Febuary 21st. After hearing this I called the radio station an asked for a lil more info
on this. Heres what all they told me.
- Their infomercial on tha radio mentions Mariah being there.
- It will occur Friday morning Febuary 21st. No exact time of event.
- This is a Private Event and is only open to radio station 99.1 kggi. Event is not open to the public.''
//JC Chasez Plots Solo Album Before *NSYNC Reuniting
*NSYNC star JC Chasez phoned into MTV's Total Request Live on Monday to accept the Gridlock Award for having the most fans outside the TRL Studios. JC revealed to hosts Carson Daly and Britney Spears his plans for a solo album, and said the group is planning to be working on a new album this fall.
//Britney Spears Says There Was No Fred Durst Romance
When Britney Spears co-hosted the first ever TRL Awards on MTV earlier today, Carson Daly quizzed her about rumors she was dating Limp Bizkit frontman Fred Durst. Britney called him "really sweet" but said she didn't know him that well and there's no relationship.
//50 Cent Fears Not Fitting In With Eminem & Dr. Dre
Despite being shot and under constant threat of his life, 50 Cent tells MTV News that the only people he fears are his bosses, Eminem and Dr. Dre. "I fear not fitting in with Eminem and Dr. Dre," 50 explained. "That's what counts to me. That other stuff [the threat of violence] has already been a part of my life, none of that is new. They signed me, so I'll never be equivalent to Eminem or Dr. Dre. If Em says I'm the future of music, then what he's saying is he's the future of music because he signed me."
//Ludacris Is Keeping Pretty Quiet About Pepsi Situation
Jim Abbott of the Orlando Sentinel spoke with Ludacris about the controversy regarding Pepsi and Bill O'Reilly, and why he's maintained a low profile about it. "I wasn't real vocal for a while because I didn't want to yap and bicker," he says. "This was bigger than me, so I went and got Russell. But I definitely feel like there was a double-standard." But he won't be coaxed into taking shots at the Osbournes. "I wouldn't want anybody singling me out on anything. I'm not a hater, so I'm not going to do that. I wouldn't want to mess up his opportunity."
>>Your Pick for March! 50 Cent, Shania, Pink and more!
Go to the Artist of the Month page and vote for your pick for Artist of the Month for March! The winner will most likely become the Featured Artist for March! Go to the polls now, they won't be up long!You can choose Pink, 50 Cent, Shakira, Shania Twain, Plus More! Artist of the Month Poll...
//Drafts From Daytona
FOX
When he was in high school, Steve Park would often give his girlfriend and a friend of hers a ride home.
The East Northport, N.Y., native said he and his girlfriend were always trying to get the friend to go to the beach or to a movie.
But the friend always had a voice class or some kind of musical commitment and never went.
Park and girlfriend came to feel a little sorry for the friend, he says.
On Sunday, the NASCAR Winston Cup driver will have the chance to see first-hand how all those music lessons turned out for his old girlfriend's friend.
Since that friend -- Mariah Carey -- will be at the Daytona 500 to sing the national anthem.
"Even in high school, she knew she wanted to be a singer and I knew I wanted to race cars," Park said yesterday. "Now, we've both done pretty well. It's pretty cool."
The Datona 500 is on fox at 12:00 noon ET. Mariah will be singing the National Anthem and another song.
Jimmy's World Network sites will all be getting a brand new design within the next week! Make sure to check out our top affiliate sites within the Jimmy's World Network:
The new issue of the Wild Writings charts are here. 50 Cent lands onto the charts, while Mariah's video (Boy) climbs the Video Chart. Christina fell a few spots on the song list, while Eminem drops off the charts. Get it all in Media!
Star magazine reports John Houston's tragic last words were, "Tell Whitney I forgive her." Whitney Houston wasn't with her stricken father when he died, instead, she was in Atlanta after spending the previous week partying in Miami. "John would have liked Whitney to be there. He wanted to tell her he still loved her," says one of his closest friends. "He knew the end was near and wanted to say goodbye."
//Justin Turns down playmates
Us Weekly reports that *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake proved that he is very well-behaved by rejecting the attentions of the Playboy Playmates. Justin teamed up with rapper pal Nelly to film the video for their new collaboration 'Work It' at Hugh Hefner's renowned Playboy Mansion in California. A source said, "Hefner told Timberlake that he could have the home numbers of any Playmate, but Justin turned him down.""
//Puffy Inks New Season For 'Making The Band II
HitsDailyDouble.com reports MTV has picked up 'Making the Band II' for a second season of 10 new episodes, premiering spring 2003. The show will begin production this month, following the adventures of the six band members as they begin working with Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs to record their first album. "MTV and I put the 'reality' back into 'reality TV," said Puffy. "We were able to inform and educate the world that hip-hop and rap music is a billion-dollar business."
//EMI Has Its Acquisition Sites Set on WMG
Music biz mergermania is in the air again.
The New York Post reports that EMI is holding talks about the possibility of acquiring AOLTW's Warner Music Group. AOLTW had previously announced it is seeking to sell assets to reduce its $25.8 billion in debt.
The music industry has been hit with declining sales, thanks, in large part, to free illegal downloads on the web. Estimates are sales will decline between 5% and 10% this year.
Many continue to believe that there will be four major music companies by the end of the year, rather than the current five. The world's largest indepedent music entity, EMI was previously considered a target for purchase by one of the other four media conglomerates that own its major record company competitors.
The Post reports this deal, valued at $3.5 billion, would be financed by private equity and banks because of the low value of EMI's stock.
Happy Valentine's Day from the staff at Wild Writings! Check back every few hours this weekend for major site updates, a poll concerning the March artist of the month, and a new contest! Love and Excitment are in the air at Wild Writings.
CJ of the Minneapolis Star Tribune spoke with Jimmy Jam's wife Lisa Harris, who talked about the couple attending the NBA All-Star game with their close friend and business associate Janet Jackson and her friend and music mogul Jermaine Dupri. "We sat with them at the game," said Harris, giving just the facts. Are they a couple? "They came to the game together. That's what I know." A couple of months ago, Dupri announced to 'Entertainment Tonight' that they have been a couple for 18 months. But CJ was told that at the time, Dupri was "just a prankster lovin' braggart who was exaggerating the situation." CJ now says, "I now hear, but obviously not from Harris, that Dupri appears to have worn down Jackson, and that they may indeed be having a romance."
//Mariah Carey Dedicates New Album To Father
Pop Dirt
MuchMusic spoke with Mariah Carey in Atlanta at the All Star game, where she talked about her new album 'Charmbracelet', which she dedicated to the memory of her recently deceased father. "This year was very, very difficult," said Carey. "I've never experienced anything like going through somebody battling cancer and then ultimately losing that person but I think that what I learned is, it's about celebrating every single bit of time you have with someone who is close to you, someone who you're related to." Mariah's new single, 'Through The Rain' is the #1 selling single in the USA!
//Puffy Gives Up 112 Fight With Def Jam
HitsDailyDouble.com reports that inside sources indicate that the issues surrounding the dispute between Def Jam and Bad Boy over the group 112 have been resolved by principals Lyor Cohen and Sean 'P. Diddy' Combs. Look for the group's new album to come out later this year through the Def Jam label.
//Gotti Threatened J.Lo Not To Work With 50 Cent
50 Cent chatted with MuchMusic about his much publicized public feud with Ja Rule and Murder Inc. "When I was coming up as an artist after I got shot and I came back to Columbia Records," said 50 Cent. "I did a record with Jennifer Lopez and Irv went out his way calling people (saying) 'Yo if you do records with 50 Cent I won't do records with you, I won't do this film' like his influence would be large enough to stop me from actually existing in the music business."
Frenchie Davis, the plus-size, neon-haired, full-voiced ''American Idol'' semifinalist, has been removed from competition, USA Today reports, because she has acknowledged to the producers that she worked for a porn website four years ago. Fox says she'll be replaced during the Feb. 25 episode.
There was no official word from Fox as to the nature of the 23-year-old singer's work for the unnamed website, or why it was grounds for dismissal when Nikki McKibbin, who acknowledged having worked in strip clubs, was allowed to remain in last year's contest and ended up in the top three. A Fox spokesperson told EW.com that the 23-year-old singer had not violated the show's eligibility requirements, but noted that the rules allow the producers to remove contestants at their discretion. Meanwhile, all traces of her have already been expunged from the ''Idol'' website.
However, The Smoking Gun reports that Davis posed topless for a website that purported to display pictures of underage girls (though Davis would have been 19 and of age when she posed). According to TSG, she has claimed that she posed to earn tuition money to re-enroll at Howard University, where the Washington, D.C., native is a theater major.
Still, coproducer 19 Entertainment, which manages the recording careers of ''Idol'' finalists and winners, remains a fan of Frenchie. The firm will ''endeavor to do all in its power to help Frenchie further her music career,'' a spokesperson told USA Today.
//Shakira Says Big Butts Are Important In Latin Culture
Pop DIrt
Shakira tells Blender magazine in their March issue that she sometimes gets insecure about her looks. "Some days I would look at my reflection and see garbage, and I guess I was worried about the size of my breasts for a long time," Shakira admits. "But now I think I have finally reached an age where I have accepted myself for who I am. And anyway, a big butt is far more important in Latin culture."
//Mariah Carey MSN Chat On MSN Tonight
What significance does 'Charmbracelet' have to Mariah Carey? Chat with Mariah Carey and find out on Wednesday (February 12) at 9pm ET/6pm PT on MSN.
High-energy musical Chicago heads the 75th Academy Awards nominations - competing in 13 of the categories announced earlier today.
The nominations were unveiled in Los Angeles by Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences President Frank Pierson and previous Oscar winner Marisa Tomei, who revealed Chicago actresses Renee Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Queen Latifah, the film itself and director Rob Marshall all compete for Awards.
Chicago is joined by Gangs of New York, The Hours, The Lord of the Rings: The Two towers and The Pianist in the Best Film category.
These films provide much of the actors, actresses and directors also nominated.
Nicolas Cage is one of the few surprises with his nod in the Best Actor category, in which veterans Sir Michael Caine and Jack Nicholson are also represented.
The 78-year-old Paul Newman continues the theme with his nomination in the Best Supporting Actor category, whilst 54-year-old Kathy Bates' performance in About Schmidt sees her in the Best Supporting Actress list.
//Frenchie & Kimberly Draw Interest From Just My Size
While 'American Idol 2' contestants Kimberly Locke and Frenchie Davis may not have the figure Simon Cowell has in mind, the pair have gotten interest from plus-size clothing manufacturer Just My Size. The New York Post reports the company has approached the two women, asking to create fashions just for them.
//50 Cent Loves Being The Bad Guy
Josh Tyrangiel of Time magazine caught up with 50 Cent and asked the controversial rapper if he thinks that maybe he should stop the musical aggression before he alienates people, or, even worse, things gets deadly. 50 laughed and responded, "Why should I? I love being the bad guy. When I watch a movie, I always root for the bad guy. Usually I just turn 'em off before they end, because the bad guy always seems to die."
//Who Ever Said I Did The Britney Thing?
Access Hollywood spoke with Colin Farrell at the premiere of 'Daredevil' and asked who the star brought with him this time. "Me mother, me brother, two sisters. Not as big as 'The Recruit' thing, it was a fu**ing fiasco." He was asked, "You're not going to do the Britney thing again?" Colin responded, "Who ever said I did the Britney thing?"
Don't tell Rusell Simmons, but a lot of people may well ignore the hip-hop mogul's proposed boycott of Pepsi products if they believe they have a shot at winning $1 billion. (That's right, stick your pinkie in the corner of your mouth, one beeeellion dollars.) Variety reports that Pepsi is sponsoring a two-hour special this fall on the WB in which contestants will compete for a 10-figure jackpot. And how will they be selected? By buying one of a handful of specially marked soda cans that will be randomly distributed across the country, Willy Wonka-style.
The random nature of the contest means that winners of the golden-ticket soda cans should come from all walks of life. Once selected, contestants will compete in what insiders describe to Variety as ''a game of nerve and 'chicken.'''
Producing the special will be Diplomatic Productions, the company that imported ''Who Wants to Be a Millionaire'' to America. As for that billion-dollar jackpot, no one's guaranteed to win it, but Pepsi is reportedly shopping for insurers in case it has to make such a payout -- and hoping that consumers get very, very thirsty between now and September.
As for Simmons, he's seeking just a $5 million windfall from Pepsi, which he wants the bottler to donate to the Ludacris Foundation, rapper Ludacris' charity. Last week, Simmons urged a boycott of Pepsi for dropping Ludacris as a pitchman over protests about his vulgar lyrics (complaints that were spurred by another boycott call, led by Fox News Channel host Bill O'Reilly), then hiring the similarly potty-mouthed Osbourne clan. Simmons is also asking Pepsi to apologize to the rapper and air his shelved ads.
//Mandy Moore 'Fans' Sink To New Low! Ouch!
The cruel comments from Mandy Moore fans on her official site continued this weekend with a "fan" -- who has over 4,000 posts on the forum -- stating: "Mandy, now that your music career is dwindling, your movie career failed to make the big splash as you hoped for, and with your ignorance and inconsiderate words have alienated some of your more hardcore fans. Do you have any plans on leaving the spotlight behind and go make something of yourself and start higher education, so you can actually make useful of yourself?" Mandy responded, "How can people say such hateful things? What does that accomplish? How does it make you feel? Although some of you assume I think so highly of myself... believe me: words hurt. I never meant to anger anyone and hurt anyone's feelings.... Especially people that work hard on this board like Ms. Angela. I've simply read too many posts like this, Ben, that make me want to tell my side of the story."
//Brand New Britney Spears
Britney Spears' wild night out with Colin Farrell at the premiere of Farrell's film 'The Recruit' is the cover story of the new Us Weekly. The mag leads their story saying, "Bye-bye, squeaky-clean teen queen! Now 21, with a trio of hot guys hung up on her, a sexier, stronger Britney Spears is out, about and - with her hiatus over - suddenly keeping everyone guessing again."
//JC's New CD - will Nsync meet up again?
'NSYNC star JC Chasez is to release his as-yet-untitled solo debut album this summer. The singer, who has spent recent months working with the likes of Dallas Austin, BT, Riprock, Alex G and Rodney Jerkins, is said to be near to completing the new LP, with a US release date scheduled for July.
Meanwhile, JC's first single, 'Blowin' Me Up (With Her Love)', has proved popular in the US, with the video currently on heavy rotation on MTV's TRL show.
Fellow 'NSYNC star Justin Timberlake - whose solo debut is riding high at the top of the charts. He recently said he was looking forward to the band working together again in the future.
He told Launch.com: "I know for a fact when we come back to make another 'NSYNC record, everybody's gonna have these incredible ideas.
"I think the challenge is going to be trying to get all of them into the music, and trying to get a certain kinds of focus on a certain sound. I think we'll rise to the challenge."
//Shania broke the record
Shania Twain has apparently broken a chart record in her native Canada; her new album "Up!" has been number one there for 11 weeks. The LP sold a staggering 150,000 copies in its first week of release in November and in just nine weeks managed to shift one million CDs in Canada alone. A chart statement reads, "Big news for Universal and Shania Twain as she remains on the current chart at No.1 for the 11th consecutive week breaking the record for the longest reign at a consecutive No. 1 position on the current chart in Canadian Nielsen Soundscan History"..
//Eminem Puts Together A Rap Night In Detroit This Summer
The Detroit Free Press Eminem will headline what just might be the biggest rap night in the Detroit's history: a July 12 show at Ford Field also featuring 50 Cent and Missy Elliott. Right now, it's the only U.S. concert scheduled for Eminem in 2003. "His entire North American tour takes place at Ford Field," said Rick Franks of Clear Channel Entertainment, which books shows at the Palace and Pine Knob. "We look at it as the highlight of the summer."
//Madonna Plans Graphic Video To Protest War
According to the Drudge Report, Madonna is working on a video concept which insiders say may be the most shocking anti-war, anti-Bush statement yet to come from the showbusiness industry. "She's taking it all the way this time," one source said from Los Angeles over the weekend, "pushing all of the buttons... It is a sweeping political commentary on the modern 'American Dream' and how 'nothing is what is seems.'" Dressed in commando fatigues, Madonna throws grenades as the techno terror beat pounds, claims a source. Limb-less men and women are reportedly shown, with bloody babies.
//The new interiew with Nicole Heriot is here! Check it out here. Jimmy sat down with her and talked about her life, her passion for music, and her new tour with 'Godspel' Wild Writings also got an exclusive photo shoot with Nicole! Check out her first ever interview here!
//Media Updated! Your votes have made a big difference this week! Mariah's new song cracks the top 10 songs, and hits #3 on the top video countdown! Justin grabs the top spot on the video countdown, while Christina's 'Beautiful' is the #1 on the top song chart! Eminem slips while J.Lo rises! Check out all the updated charts here!
//27 Million Watch ABC Jackson Documentary
Nearly 27 million television viewers watched ABC's two-hour documentary that offered a peek into Michael Jackson's unusual private life last night (Feb. 6), Nielsen Media Research said. That's on a par with what television's most popular show, "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," draws every week and is comparable to the 26.5 million people who watched the second-season debut of "American Idol" last month on Fox.
Those preliminary numbers demonstrate why American television networks had a bidding war for the rights to show the Jackson documentary, originally broadcast on Granada Television in Britain. ABC reportedly paid nearly $5 million to air the interview. Jackson has expressed anger about the documentary, which shows his children walking in public in masks and talks about how he occasionally invites children to stay with him overnight at his Neverland ranch.
//Mel C Apologizes For Spice Girls
The London Star reports Mel C apologized for the Spice Girls, who she says started all "this sh**" of manufactured bands. She also said she was worried for S Club singers and "Those little ones, the S Club juniors, that's sick."
//Justin Timberlake Throws A Hissy Fit
The Mirror reports *NSYNC star Justin Timberlake threw a diva-like tantrum when he appeared on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway last week and the show rolled the credits over his new single 'Cry Me A River'. "He really let rip in the green room afterwards. It was hilarious," an ITV1 insider said. "He was ranting on about how there was no point in him even being there. He said he'd never go on Ant and Dec's show again. All the people he was with looked quite embarrassed and were trying to calm him down. When he finally flounced off everyone had a laugh at his expense."\
//Christina's new man
Christina Aguilera seems to have strict requirements for her next boyfriend. She apparently told reuters that her next boyfriend has to be comfortable with her fame, fortune and sexuality. She then adds that she admits many people find her intimidating.. but there's still a problem with a sexually confident female. "Even in relationships I have experienced that. They kind of freak out that they're not the breadwinners and it can create a problem, because they're trying to get their careers going while seeing me as someone who's already established". She says that she's attracted to "guys who live interesting lives", adds, "I like realness. I like real people around me who are not scared of me or my lifestyle because they don't want to be in the public eye themselves".
//50 Cent On Pace To Clear Over 500,000 Units Of Debut
HitsDailyDouble.com reports that despite 50 Cent's 'Get Rich or Die Trying' being released on a Thursday (instead of the traditional Tuesday release), the rapper will easily top 500,000 units sold, and could reach as high as 650,000. IGA marketing head Steve Berman says he hasn't seen anything like this since the last Eminem album, which also came out early last Memorial Day Weekend, and ended up selling 1.7 million in a little under two weeks. "50 Cent has exceeded our wildest dreams," he said. "It's a tribute to the vision of Eminem and Dr. Dre and the artistry of 50 Cent."
//New Blink 182
Blink 182's next album will be, "the best thing that's ever been written by any band in the history of time", according to singer Mark Hoppus.
The band, currently recording in a converted Los Angeles house, say their music has moved in a more mature direction since the release of 2001's 'Take Off Your Pants and Jacket'.
"The structures of the songs are a lot more sophisticated and the arrangements are very different," he explained.
"We have these weird Polynesian Gamelan bells and turntables, which is cool. I think the record is gonna be a combination of straight-ahead Blink music and things people don't expect."
He told MTV: "We have a great song about me and my dog playing fetch that's 17 minutes long. It'll make you cry." ccording to Blink 182's official website, the as-yet-untitled new album is due to be released this mer
//R. Kelly Set To Top 50 Cent With 'Chocolate Factory'
HitsDailyDouble.com reports that 50 Cent will have his work cut out for him to top R. Kelly atop the charts next week as his new album 'Chocolate Factory' looks set to clear at least 700,000 copies in its first week, despite his current child porn legal problems. The album has been boosted by the success of 'Ignition', which has found a huge radio audience.
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//Simon Cowell Defends 'Lose A Few Pounds' Remark
Simon Cowell defended his remark to contestant Vanessa Olivarez that she needed to "lose a few pounds" on American Idol earlier this week. He says was only trying to help Vanessa out, explaining, "We as a show encourage all shapes and sizes. What we won't do is patronize and lie to people." America voted Vanessa on to the next round despite Cowell's criticism, as this year's final 10 is shaping up -- or out of shaping up -- to be much heavier than last year's.
//Grammys Are A More Fashion Edgy Awards Show
Stylist Rachel Zoe Rosenzweig tells the New York Post that if the Oscars are about looking classy, the Grammys are all about looking trashy or at the least, offbeat. "Typical awards-show rules don't apply at Grammys," she says. "They're much more edgy than any of the others Musicians tend to interpret fashion in their own way." One person not too worried about being edgy is John Mayer. His publicist says, "He's not big into [fashion]."
//NBC loses a Host
Jane Pauley, who's been one of the most recognizable faces at NBC News for 27 years, is stepping down in May, the New York Times reports. The paper says that the 52-year-old ''Dateline'' host shocked network executives by declining to renegotiate her expiring contract. She tells the Times that she's writing a book, and while she may return to TV in the future, she does not plan to sign on for a long stretch at another network's news division. Explaining her decision, Pauley said, ''I think women think a lot about cycles, biological and personal. This year another cycle came around: my contract was up. It seemed an opportunity to take a life audit.'' Pauley has two grown twins (her children by husband Garry Trudeau, the ''Doonesbury'' cartoonist) who went off to college last year. ''I keep walking by bookstores and seeing titles talking about second acts in life,'' she said, adding that she now wonders ''what's next, or even, what is it I really want to do?'' She said she won't miss at least one aspect of her job: ''I've always had a lot of ambivalence about fame and celebrity.''
//Spider-Man II all set
British character actor Alfred Molina, who last took on Salma Hayek as her husband in ''Frida,'' has a new sparring partner: Spider-Man. In the 2004 sequel to last summer's web-crawling smash, Molina will take on Tobey Maguire as Dr. Octopus, a deranged scientist who attaches four giant metal arms to himself, according to Columbia Pictures. ''Alfred Molina has a remarkable facility for everything from classic drama to mainstream comedy, and he is the ideal choice for Doc Ock,'' Columbia chairperson Amy Pascal said in a statement
The Grammy's will be hosted by celebs such as Marc Anthony, Queen Latifah, Paul Shaffer, Robin Williams, and Jamie-Lynn Sigler. Performers will include Ashanti, Vanessa Carlton, James Tayllor, John Mayer, Coldplay, Dixie Chicks, Norah Jones, Faith Hill, Avril Lavigne, No Doubt, Eminem, Nelly with Kelly Rowland, Nsync,Sheryl Crow plus more! Presenters will be Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Cyndi Lauper, Michele Branch, and Mary J. Blidge, and Rod Stewart. Two of the biggest awards of the night are:
RECORD OF THE YEAR
A THOUSAND MILES Vanessa Carlton; Ron Fair, producer
WITHOUT ME Eminem; Jeff Bass & Eminem, producers
DON'T KNOW WHY Norah Jones; Norah Jones, Arif Mardin & Jay Newland, producers
DILEMMA Nelly Featuring Kelly Rowland; Bam & Ryan Bowser, producers
HOW YOU REMIND ME Nickelback; Nickelback & Rick Parashar, producers
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
HOME Dixie Chicks; Dixie Chicks & Lloyd Maines, producers
THE EMINEM SHOW Eminem; Jeff Bass, Dr. Dre, Eminem & Denaun Porter, producers
COME AWAY WITH ME Norah Jones; Norah Jones, Arif Mardin, Jay Newland & Craig Street, producers
NELLYVILLE Nelly; Jason "Jay E" Epperson, Just Blaze, The Neptunes, The Trackboyz & Waiel "Wally" Yaghnam, producers
THE RISING Bruce Springsteen; Brendan O'Brien, producer
The Grammy's are on at 8 PM Et, with a preshow on CBS, E!, and MTV.
//Kevin Richardson Attends Pink's Pre-Grammy Bash
Backstreet Boys star Kevin Richardson, Godsmack, Usher and Faith Evans were on hand at Pink's pre-Grammy party at Show Nightclub on Friday (February 21) in New York City.
//Grammy Rehearsal Photos
*NSYNC, John Mayer, Destiny's Child star Kelly Rowland, Kid Rock, and Nelly rehearsed for the 45th Annual Grammy Awards on Friday (February 21) at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. Check out pictures from Getty Images
//Eminem To Perform 'Lose Yourself' With The Roots
Anonymous writes "In the tradition of his duet with Elton John at last year's Grammys, Eminem has enlisted Philadelphia hip-hop group the Roots to back him up during his live performance of 'Lose Yourself' at this year's awards ceremony, happening Sunday."
//Colin Farrell's Shocking Good-boy Past
Self-styled 'bad boy' of Hollywood Colin Farrell is really a well-behaved former pupil from a posh fee-paying school, according to those from his native Dublin.
The Irish Daredevil star has recently been shocking Hollywood with his reputation as a drug-taking, womanizing heavy drinker - insisting in interviews that he was expelled from school and has taken up to 15 ecstasy tablets in a night.
However, family and friends that grew up with Farrell claim this isn't the person they know.
The mother of his former wife Amelia Warner, says, "He is a lovely young man, polite and well-behaved."
>> Check back soon for a Grammy recap with Pictures, News, and Videos!
Here's the way to get people to watch an awards show: cut back on the awards. Sunday's Grammy ceremony, which was light on acceptance speeches (only 11 of the 104 awards were handed out on the air) and heavy on live music (some 18 performances, up from the usual 10), drew 31 percent more viewers than last year's show. The three-and-a-half-hour telecast averaged 24.9 million viewers, according to Nielsen, though CBS says at least 55 million watched at least some of the program. In any case, it drew enough to help CBS claim a victory in the four-week February sweeps period.
Sweeps month, during which ratings are used to set advertising price rates, doesn't end until Wednesday, but CBS projected a win with an average of 13.8 million viewers, compared with 12.5 million for NBC, 12.1 million for Fox, and 10.5 million for ABC. In a conference call to reporters, CBS president Leslie Moonves claimed that his network won February largely on the basis of its usual schedule, without Michael Jackson specials (as on ABC, NBC, and Fox), faux millionaires, or real marriage proposals. As he put it, ''It was the craziest sweeps in the history of show business, the month of Michael Jackson, reality finales, reality premieres and shows that just plain defied reality.'' (Of course, CBS did have its own gimmicky reality premiere this month, launching the battle-of-the-sexes season of ''Survivor.'') Nonetheless, such shows do attract the crucial 18-to-49 demographic, which is where Fox claimed a February victory. In the race for the group advertisers target the most, CBS came in third.
//Grammy Winner's List:
Grammy has a Jones for Norah. The rookie chanteuse won the top three prizes at the 45th annual Grammy awards -- album of the year (for ''Come Away With Me''), record of the year (for her single ''Don't Know Why''), and song of the year (for Jesse Harris, the songwriter behind ''Don't Know Why'') -- as well as best new artist. Norah Jones took home five trophies in all, eight counting Harris' songwriting award and the two awards that went to ''Come Away'''s engineers and producer.
Other big winners were Bruce Springsteen and the Dixie Chicks, who took home three trophies apiece. (The Chicks' album ''Home'' also won an award for the art design of its packaging.) Among other artists nominated for four or more Grammys, Eminem won two; Ashanti, Sheryl Crow, Nelly, Alan Jackson, and Raphael Saadiq won one; and Avril Lavigne, Chad Kroeger, and Remy Shand were shut out.
The awards were presented live on CBS at a ceremony held at New York's Madison Square Garden. A list of winners in major categories is below.
Album of the Year
''Come Away With Me,'' Norah Jones
Record of the Year
''Don't Know Why,'' Norah Jones
Song of the Year
''Don't Know Why,'' Jesse Harris (Norah Jones)
New Artist
Norah Jones
Female Pop Vocal Performance
''Don't Know Why,'' Norah Jones
Male Pop Vocal Performance
''Your Body Is a Wonderland,'' John Mayer
Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
''Hey Baby,'' No Doubt
Pop Vocal Album
''Come Away With Me,'' Norah Jones
Female Rock Vocal Performance
'"Steve McQueen,'' Sheryl Crow
Male Rock Vocal Performance
''The Rising,'' Bruce Springsteen
Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
''In My Place,'' Coldplay
Rock Song
''The Rising,'' Bruce Springsteen
Rock Album
''The Rising,'' Bruce Springsteen
Alternative Music Album
''A Rush of Blood to the Head,'' Coldplay
Female R&B Vocal Performance
''He Think I Don't Know,'' Mary J. Blige
Male R&B Vocal Performance
''U Don't Have to Call,'' Usher
R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
''Love's in Need of Love Today,'' Steve Wonder and Take Six
R&B Song
''Love of My Life (An Ode to Hip Hop),'' Erykah Badu featuring Common
R&B Album
''Voyage to India,'' India.Arie
Rap Female Solo Performance
''Scream a.k.a. Itchin','' Missy Elliott
Rap Male Solo Performance
''Hot in Herre,'' Nelly
Rap Performance by a Duo or Group
''The Whole World,'' OutKast featuring Killer Mike
Rap Album
''The Eminem Show,'' Eminem
Female Country Vocal Performance
''Cry,'' Faith Hill
Male Country Vocal Performance
''Give My Love to Rose, ''Johnny Cash
Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal
''Long Time Gone,'' Dixie Chicks
Country Song
''Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning),'' Alan Jackson
Country Album
''Home,'' Dixie Chicks
Best Compilation Soundtrack Album For a Motion Picture, Television, or Other Visual Media
