Randy Jackson and Nicki Minaj are out; Jennifer Hudson is in! The Academy-Award winner—who came in second during season three of American Idol—has signed on to judge season 13 of the Fox show. Sources say that she will be joined by other AI alum, including Kelly Clarkson and either Clay Aiken or Adam Lambert. [E! Online]
Folk singer Jewel is resurrecting June Carter Cash for a Lifetime biopic. Ring of Fire will chronicle the late country star’s career and her relationship with the iconic Johnny Cash. “This came to me out of the blue,” Jewel said of the film role, her first since 1999. “I tried to tell him [producer Jonathan Koch] I wasn’t really an actress, but he was pretty stubborn and insisted I consider it.” Ring of Fire will air Memorial Day at 9:00 p.m. EST on Lifetime. [The Daily Beast]
First there was Hogwarts and Diagon Alley; now Universal Studios is bringing one of America’s most beloved towns to Florida. The Simpsons are headed south this summer where the fictional world of Springfield will come to life. That means visitors of the attraction will be able to dine at Krusty Burger, curb sugar cravings at Lard Lad, and grab a brew at Moe’s Tavern. No d’oh’s here! [Entertainment Weekly]
We’re one day away from new episodes of Arrested Development, courtesy of the good folks at Netflix! In anticipation of the world-wide-web watch party, the streaming site has offered four clips to tease the cult favorite’s return. [The Hollywood Reporter]
He may be known as many things, but don’t call Tom CruiseU.N.C.L.E. The Oblivion star has dropped out of Man from U.N.C.L.E., (an adaptation of the 1960s secret agent sitcom), to move forward with Mission: Impossible‘s fifth installment.[Variety]
What does $485 million in concert revenue, $304 million in film earnings, $260 million in album sales, and $81 million from world tours add up to? If you’re Janet Jackson, the answer is simple. She now joins Oprah Winfrey, Tory Burch, and a handful of other female influencers in the elite billion-dollar club.
A spotlight on the 47-year-old icon’s trajectory from the 1970s to now revealed that she—like her business tycoon husband Wissam Al Mana—has earned exclusive billionaire status. Although that sum initially seems like a lofty one, Jackson’s four decades in the entertainment industry make the news more palpable. With 35 number one hits from 10 albums under her belt—including Janet, which just reached its 20th anniversary—the “Rhythm Nation” powerhouse has embarked on six world tours with her most recent, Number Ones Up Close and Personal, wrapping in December 2011. Between recording and touring, the amFAR advocate managed to film five motion pictures, three under the tutelage of media mogul (and Winfrey collaborator) Tyler Perry.
Despite her newfound status, Jackson assures her fans that there is more to come from her entertainment empire. “I am working on a new project now,” she said in an exclusive interview with Billboard. “We are creating the concept and initial thoughts on the music.” For long-time choreographer Gil Duldulao, Jackson’s awaited return will hopefully be laced in the distinct pop sound that defined her early years. “I see her as a pop icon first,” Duldulao said in an interview with Variety. “And if I may say, I think she needs to get back to her lane. Her lane, but in a current way, a way that she could be her again, but still take things to a new level.”
We imagine that “Pomp and Circumstance” was added to Eva Longoria‘s playlist this week as she received her master’s degree from Cal State Northridge in Chicano Studies. The Desperate Housewives grad took to WhoSay to announce her major accomplishment, writing, “You’re never too old or too busy to continue your education!” [E! Online]
Girls still run the world in our eyes (thanks Beyoncé), but it’s media multihyphenate Oprah Winfrey who reigns supreme in the realm of celebrity women. The Forbes annual list of the world’s most powerful women is here, and while political heads like Angela Merkel and Michelle Obama rank high, Winfrey won as the top celebrity influencer at number 13. Mrs. Carter ranked in at number 17, while Angelina Jolie and Sofia Vergara came in at 37 and 38, respectively. [Forbes]
Blondes aren’t the only ones to enter an ambitious streak. Lea Michelehas signed a deal with Harmony Books to pen a memoir of her own Brunette Ambition for next spring. The book will chronicle her rise from the Bronx and Broadway to her big break on Ryan Murphy‘s Glee. “There wasn’t a guidebook when I was growing up that detailed everything I would need to do, and know, to get where I am today,” Michele said in a statement. “But I believe I can write one of sorts: not a how-to-make-it-in-show-business book, but a guide to harnessing tenacity, passion, enthusiasm, and hard work to make your dreams come true.”[Yahoo News]
Guerilla marketing, an (alleged) controversial album title, and an anticipated return to the Saturday Night Live stage have primed Kanye West fans for his sixth solo album, but it seems like West has inspired another rap revival in Will Smith. “I’ve been messing around with Kanye; we went in the studio a couple times,” the After Earth star said. “I might get the bug. I’m not going to do it unless I’m truly inspired, but ‘Ye’s been pushing me a little bit.” Does this mean another seasonal anthem à la “Summertime” is on the rise?[CNN]
Speaking of musical comebacks, Cash Money Records is reportedly making room for hotel heiress Paris Hilton—yes, you read that right. Hilton, who recently starred in the label’s “Tap Out” video and released a solo effort in 2006, may join Nicki Minaj‘s clique if a deal with the Universal Music Group subsidiary is inked. According to label co-founder Bryan “Birdman” Williams, it could be a match made in (Hilton) heaven. “She’s always supported us, and we’ve supported her. It was a friendship first,” Williams said to the L.A. Times. “She played us music, and I was taken aback. I was impressed by her music, and I didn’t know she could sing so well.” [Business Insider]
Only God Forgives rang true in more ways than one when it premiered to a mostly unforgiving crowd at Cannes. The Ryan Gosling film noir was booed during its festival screening and cited as a shallow Nicolas Winding Refn effort from critics like Peter Debruge who slammed it as “an exercise in supreme style and minimal substance.” With Gosling involved, though, it’s safe to say any boo’s will be overshadowed by our own bravo’s! [Variety]
Forget premium jeans and designer denim. We want to know who’s willing to shelve out the dough for Jedi jeans worn by the original Luke Skywalker? A pair of pants worn by Mark Hamill in the 1977 Star Wars are on the Nate D. Sanders auction block, and experts say they can be sold for up to $100,000. [L.A. Times]
Jennifer Aniston is looking for some good advice from her friends (sorry we couldn’t help ourselves). Before the Wanderlust starco-hosted today’s episode of Ellen, she ought help from pals Courteney Cox and Matthew Perry. Check out these clip, which goes from friendly to awkward with hilarious results. [YouTube]
For her next role Emma Roberts will be putting in some extra time with her boyfriend Evan Peters. The Scream 4 star has signed on for the new season of American Horror Story: Coven as a party girl named Madison. She’ll join the likes of Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Patti LuPone, Taissa Farmiga, Gabourey Sidibe, Lily Rabe, and Frances Conroy this fall. [TV Line]
Those on the exclusive guest list for Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s upcoming baby shower received an unforgettable invite – a fully functional music box that played a lullaby version of West’s “Hey Mama” with a ballerina that resembled Kardashian. The dress code for the lavish affair? Garden chic. Guess our invite got lost in the mail. [TMZ]
If you were blown away by Candice Glover’s slew of covers, wait until you hear what she has on deck. The American Idol winner’s album, Music Speaks, is slated to drop on July 16th, in the middle of the show’s summer tour. We expect audiences to know the words to every song by the time the tour rolls through their towns. [Entertainment Weekly]
Cameron Diaz’s raunchy comedy, Bad Teacher is going back to school – this time as a TV show. Coming this fall to CBS, Ari Graynor will star as a foul-mouthed divorcee who becomes a teacher in order to find a husband. With names like Kristin Davis, David Alan Grier, and Sara Gilbert attached to the project, this show will definitely be at the front of the class! [The Hollywood Reporter]
Joseph Gordon-Levitt is taking a turn for the Jersey Shore in his newest film, Don Jon. Written and directed by Gordon-Levitt himself and starring Scarlett Johansson, Tony Danza, and Julianne Moore, Don Jon has a very….adult addiction (to say the least). The film swept Sundance and is headed to theaters in October. Before you check out the trailer, we suggest you turn down the volume. [Huffington Post]
You know it’s the start of the summer when the Teen Choice Awards are on the tip of everyone’s tongue. The first wave of nominations was announced today with the last chapter of the Twilight saga snapping up the most nominations with 7 nods. Teens up to the age of 19 can vote today on their favorites in movies, music, TV, fashion and more. See who will take home a surfboard on August 11th at 8:00PM on Fox. Here are a few highlights from the list of nominees:
Choice Movie: Action
G.I. Joe: Retaliation
Iron Man 3
Skyfall
The Bourne Legacy
The Dark Knight Rises
Choice Movie: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Beautiful Creatures
Iron Man 3
Oblivion
Oz The Great and Powerful
The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2
Choice Movie: Drama
Argo
Les Misérables The Great Gatsby
The Impossible
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
J.K. Rowling is sharing more Harry Potter secrets, but it’s not for a new book! The author has partnered with Ian McEwan, Hilary Mantel, and more to annotate first editions of their classic tales with behind-the-book info, including how a bear was originally meant to represent Hufflepuff. The editions will be put up for auction with proceeds benefitting English PEN, a non-profit to protect writers and their work all over the world. [The Guardian]
While everyone’s gearing up for the next chapter of The Hunger Games, Jennifer Lawrence is looking a little blue. X-Men: Days of Future Past director Bryan Singer was the first to share a snap of the star back in her scaly blue Mystique costume for the blockbuster that’s currently in production. While she might be blue, her character will see red when the movie hits theaters as he described her as “vengeful.” [Twitter]
After snapping up the Top Touring Artist Billboard award, her Madge-sty will grace another concert stage soon! Gucci has just announced that Madonna will be a presenter of The Sound of Change concert, which already boasts a roster of big names including Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Rita Ora, John Legend, and Florence + the Machine. This concert will be a summer show no one will want to miss! [WWD]
Homie hopper? Keek? If those words confuse, don’t worry; they confuse Nicole Richie, too. The Fashion Star mentor spent some time with her sister Sofia and her friends to find out the latest slang as part of #CandidlyNicole series for AOL. Bulk up your urban vocabulary by checking out the video. [AOL]
You can expect to see a new addition to The Voice tonight, but it’s not a new contestant. Coach Blake Shelton and his wife Miranda Lambert will sing a duet dedicated to their home state of Oklahoma in light of the tragedy, asking viewers to donate to the Red Cross. While the name of the song has yet to be released, it will be a touching tribute; you won’t want to miss! [Entertainment Weekly]
If it sounds familiar, you’re right! Audiences first heard a snippet of the track as Queen B danced with herself in her recent Pepsi commercial. The song is classic Beyoncé, a thundering female empowerment club banger. If you don’t start singing along, your feet will be itching to move! Take a listen below:
We knew Bill Hader would go out with a bang, but we didn’t see this coming! Hader’s signature character, Stefon, hosted the wedding of the year to none other than Anderson Cooper. But who else managed to nab an invite? Hobocops, evil celebrity chef Wario Batali, human parking cones, and Stefon’s brother David (Ben Affleck) filled the pews. While the vows weren’t exchanged, due to Seth Meyer finally admitting his feelings for the correspondent, it was an epic way to say goodbye! [Gothamist]
After his controversial stint as Oscar host,Seth MacFarlane revealed he wouldn’t make another appearance during Hollywood’s biggest night. The Family Guy creator tweeted the news today, stating “Traumatized critics exhale: I’m unable to do the Oscars again. Tried to make it work schedule-wise, but I need sleep.” But never the one to miss a joke, he happily suggested Joaquin Phoenix as a candidate for next year’s host. [People]
He got his start on Degrassi, and it looks like Drake is going back to his roots…sort of. The rap star was spotted on the set of highly anticipated sequel in an Afro alongside Will Ferrell, Christina Applegate, and Paul Rudd. He’s not the only hip-hop star slated for a cameo in the movie as Kanye West also filmed a spot for the film. While we have to wait until next year for it to hit theaters, we at least have a teaser trailer to tide us over for a while. [Huffington Post]
Antonio Banderas is set to become Super Mario, and we’re not talking the beloved Nintendo character. The Spanish actor will play Mario Sepulveda, one of the 33 Chilean miners who were trapped underground for 69 days in 2010. Producer Mike Medavoy secured the miners’ exclusive life rights last year and worked with the rescued men, their rescuers, and their families, making Los 33 the official version of the miners’ story. [Deadline]
We first heard his voice alongside Mandy Moore in Tangled, but now Zachary Levi is Broadway bound! Levi will play a tightly wound suitor to a serial dater (Krysta Rodriguez) in First Date. The quick drink turns into a high stakes dinner, complete with Google background checks, friends, exes, and parents. Performances will begin July 9th with an August 8th opening at the Longacre Theater. [Entertainment Weekly]
While Iron Man maintained it’s reign over the number one spot for two weeks in a row, it couldn’t fly as high as the Star Trek sequel. Find out what other films aimed high this weekend:
1. Star Trek Into Darkness $70.6M
2. Iron Man 3 $35.2M
3. The Great Gatsby $23.4M
4. Pain and Gain $3.1M
5. The Croods $2.8M
6. 42 $2.7M
7. Oblivion $2.2M
8. Mud $2.2 M
9. Tyler Perry Presents Peeples $2.2M
10. The Big Wedding $1.1M
Music’s biggest stars sparkled along with the bright lights and a slew of sequins at Vegas’s MGM Grand to honor the industry’s heaviest hitters at the Billboard Music Awards. Instead of seeing “red,” Taylor Swift only saw gold, picking up eight awards last night, including Top Artist. Gotye’s infectious track “Somebody I Used to Know” snapped up four awards while Rihanna had the R&B categories on lock. Here are some of the night’s biggest winners:
Top Artist: Taylor Swift
Top Hot 100 Song: “Somebody That I Used to Know” | Gotye feat. Kimbra
Top Billboard 200 Album: Red | Taylor Swift
Top Duo/Group: One Direction
Top New Artist: One Direction
Top Touring Artist: Madonna
Top Male Artist: Justin Bieber
Top Female Artist: Taylor Swift
Top Radio Songs Artist: Rihanna
Top Pop Artist: One Direction
Top R&B Artist: Rihanna
Top Rap Artist: Nicki Minaj
Top Country Artist: Taylor Swift
Top Rock Artist: Fun.
For the full list of winners, please visit Billboard.com.
