Awards / Awards Shows

It won't be a very happy 21st birthday today for Tara Conner: The Kentucky beauty is on the verge of losing her Miss USA crown over allegations of drug use and excessive partying, and sources tell TMZ she will be replaced tomorrow officially by Tamiko Nash, Miss California.

The damning evidence continues to mount against Conner, whose tumultuous reign began in April. Yesterday, the New York Daily News reported that Conner had failed a drug test for cocaine. Sources confirm to TMZ that after she was "caught red-handed," she took a hair follicle drug test that returned positive for coke.

What's more, we're told that pageant officials knew they had a problem with Conner and her wild ways "the minute she was crowned," and have been deeply troubled by her friendship with 18-year-old Miss Teen USA Katie Blair. The pair have been spotted

kissing (yes -- each other) in bars, and returning together to her posh Trump Place apartment -- which Conner has since vacated -- late at night with a variety of men. To be clear, a rep for the pageant says that the allegations about Miss Teen USA are totally unfounded.

Meanwhile, TMZ has learned that The Donald himself could have made a decision on Conner's future weeks ago, and allowed the matter to pass with a minimum of media attention. However, according to a well-placed insider, Trump has been relishing the publicity that the Conner situation has generated for his pageant and let the fiasco continue to play out.

The Billboard Music Awards roared into Vegas on Monday, and Hollywood's biggest stars celebrated by gettin' wiggy with it.

From Janet to Gwen to Wynonna, there haven't been this many weaves, wigs and extensions on one stage since the RuPaul Show got cancelled.

TMZ has combed through the whole hair-raising experience; bringing you the best of last night's hair don'ts!

A spectacular smorgasbord of stars -- from the sublime to the ridiculous and everywhere in between -- congregated backstage at the VH1 "Big in '06" Awards at Sony Studios , and TMZ was there exclusively to capture all the action.

Our man G-Hollywood unleashed his camera in the green room, and we were delighted to learn that rapper (and "Pimp My Ride" overlord) Xzibit likes us (and certain shots of Britney Spears too). Elsewhere, Eva Longoria and BFF Mario Lopez huddled in a corner, the Hoff puffed his chest, Danny Bonaduce introduced us to his lovely daughter, and Ant (of "Last Comic Standing" fame) offered to show us his full Britney.

We caught something that happens about once a season on "24" -- Kiefer Sutherland smiling -- as well as a teleported Masi Oka from "Heroes," the brilliant Ron Jeremy, baller John Salley, comic D.L. Hughley, Ice-T, a solo Lance Bass, the Hulkster, Weird Al Yankovic, and -- yes, boys, she's real -- YouTube starlet Lonelygirl15, aka Jessica Rose.

Britney Spears and Paris Hilton have dropped out as hosts of the Billboard Music Awards, and reps for FOX tell TMZ that the show will go on ... without one!

Paris Hilton bowed out over the weekend, apparently unhappy with some of the jokes she was supposed to deliver. "It is my understanding that some satirical references ridiculed some of her peers," said her spokesman, Elliot Mintz. "Paris did not want to say anything that could appear hurtful or embarrassing about people she knows." Spears had pulled out last Tuesday and gave no reason.

The show will go on for the Billboard Music Awards, live from Las Vegas, tonight at 8PM on FOX.

Michael Jackson made his much-hyped return to the stage last night, and it turned out to be anything but thrilling. The singer appeared at the World Music Awards in London to accept the Diamond Award for selling more than 100 million albums worldwide -- but based on this evidence, he might be lucky to sell even one more from this point. The world's most squirm-inducing human being was rumored to be performing "Thriller" with British pop star Chris Brown, but ended up coming out for just a few perfunctory (and not terribly in-tune) bars of "We Are The World." With his ghostly complexion and voice even reedier and shriller than usual, Jacko strolled down the stage with a swarm of children, and then just stopped singing completely, so he could hug the young ones.

Jacko's one moment of total abandon came when he threw his jacket into the crowd. No word on whether members of the crowd successfully avoided it.

Since December is the #1 month for engagements, Modern Bride magazine has compiled their winners for the Flawed Diamond Awards, which honors inane things celebs have said and done in the name of love.

Lindsay Lohan may not be married yet, but the consummate party girl still gets the "Way to Take It Seriously Award" for saying, "Marriage is a big deal, but who's to say I'm not going to pull a 'Vegas' and get married just to get married and see what it's like for a minute?" You can't make this up, people!

For taking great pains to have a super-private Fijian wedding -- that happened to come with a full spread in People magazine -- Tori Spelling receives the dubious "Please (Don't) Respect Our Privacy Award." Maybe Candy isn't so crazy after all.

Things were uncomfortable enough on the "One Tree Hill" set after Chad Michael Murray's 5-month marriage to his co-star, Sophia Bush, came to a screeching halt. They went from bad to worse just seven months later, when Murray popped the question to one of the show's extras, who just so happened to be a high school senior. Chad's rogue behavior wins him the "Can You Make It Any More Awkward to Go to Work? Award, and, we're guessing, a call from Human Resources.

Find all the Flawed Diamond award recipients in the December issue of Modern Bride, on sale November 14.

In the last eight years, six Academy Award-winning actresses have lost their B-list men on the heels of their Oscar wins. Whether it's a symptom of living in the shadows of their celebrated spouses, or just a wacky coincidence, their fellas can't seem to deal with Oscar being the other man.

For your consideration, TMZ takes a look inside the so-called "Oscar Curse."

Julia Roberts

Just three months after winning her 2001 Best Actress Oscar for "Erin Brockovich," Julia Roberts ended her relationship with sexy boyfriend Benjamin Bratt. The couple split amid rumors that Ben wanted Julia to work less and settle down. Apparently, that didn't fly with Roberts, but love didn't elude the "Pretty Woman" for very long. A year later, she married cameraman Danny Moder, with whom she had twins.

Happily married Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony helped honor fellow cantante Ricky Martin, as the Latin Recording Academy's Person of the Year. The sexy bon-bon shaker was given the prestigious honor on Wednesday in recognition of his showmanship and passionate humanitarian efforts.

Always the fashion-forward trendsetter, J.Lo was decked out in a voluminous red mini-dress that, although it was no green Versace, did its fair share to make sure the pop diva was well, er, exposed.

The 7th Annual Latin Grammy Awards airs tonight on Univision, and features performances by Andrea Bocelli, Shakira and el hombre de la hora, Ricky Martin.

Taylor Hicks may be an "American Idol," but, apparently, Paula Abdul is Nevada's!

The former Laker Girl, choreographer and "A.I." judge has been named the Nevada Ballet Theater's 2007 "Woman of the Year."

The illustrious award honors luminaries of the stage and screen who have a special connection to dance and musical theater. Bickering with Simon Cowell is a plus.

Past "Woman of the Year' recipients include Megawatt A-list Hollywood super-duper stars like Rita Rudner, Chita Rivera and Carol Channing.

A rep for the Theater said Paula's "warm personality and talent have touched every aspect of the arts and entertainment world. Paula exemplifies the qualities we look for in an honoree."

We couldn't agree more. I mean, who doesn't admire glazed looks, incoherent outbursts and canoodling with contestants?!

Ms. Abdul, and all her fabulous womanhood, will be feted at the Ballet's annual Black and White Ball on January 27 at the Wynn Las Vegas.

The MTV franchise knows how to do award shows. Typically, the the VMAs and the MTV Movie Awards both provide their share of memorable moments. The mtvU channel is doing the same and getting ready for its annual "Woodie Awards" where the winners are voted on by their college-aged target audience. Some great live acts are set to perform, including Beck, Imogen Heap, TV on the Radio and Gym Class Heroes. I'm sure you know Beck, but in case some of the other names are new to you here's a little run down on each.

Imogen Heap is long time college radio favorite. The singer songwriter is from just outside of London. Some of you may recognize her song "Can't Take It In" as the lead track for the soundtrack of The Chronicles of Narnia and her "Speeding Cars" has been featured on the OC.

TV on the Radio is a great NYC based indie / art rock group that counts David Bowie among its many fans. Bowie even recorded some backing vocals for the track "Province" from their latest album "Return to Cookie Mountain." TV on the Radio is a major part of the New York garage scene and founding member David Sitek took on a producer role for their friends the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.

Gym Class Heroes is one of my all time favorite band names. But, besides having a cool name these guys are getting some rave reviews for their music. GCH add some hip-hop flavor to the indie rock scene and are up for "Woodie of the Year" with label mates Panic! At the Disco.

It was a tiara-filled weekend with the crowing of Miss World, Miss Hawaiian Tropic and the one and only Mr. Gay UK. With all these pageants taking place at the same time, TMZ wants to know, who'd win if they went head-to-head?

New York Fashion Week kicked off in style last night with the Fashion Rocks concert at Radio City Music Hall.

The yearly event, honoring the relationship between fashion and music, benefits the Elton John AIDS Foundation and Elton was in house to perform with some of today's hottest pop acts. Christina Aguilera paired up with John to sing a rendition of "Benny and the Jets" while Black Eyed Peas performed The Temptations' "Get Ready" with the music icon.

The red carpet was also filled with some interesting couples as well. Richie Sambora and Denise Richards finally showed up somewhere together in public, Carmen Electra looked smokin' hot as she she arrived solo and Kimora Lee Simmons made an appearance with ex Russell.

Beyoncé Knowles, Bon Jovi and The Pussycat Dolls also performed at the concert, which airs tonight on CBS.

Ellen DeGeneres is getting called up to the big leagues.

The popular daytime talk show host will host the 79th Annual Academy Awards, it was announced today. DeGeneres has previously hosted the Grammys twice and the Emmys twice.

The two-time Daytime Emmy winner for Outstanding Talk Show Host will follow in the footsteps of Jon Stewart, Chris Rock, Billy Crystal, Steve Martin and Whoopi Goldberg -- the last five Oscar hosts.

All proceeds benefit Elton John's AIDS Foundation and will feature performances by such fashion forward artists like Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, Scissor Sisters and the Black Eyed Peas.

Another up-and-coming pop star, Rihanna, will be dressed by one of the fashion biz's brightest - Zac Posen. Posen has dressed everyone from Natalie Portman to Liv Tyler to Claire Danes.

Kanye West is also scheduled to perform and will soon appear in ads for Louis Vuitton. In 2004, West released a rare mix CD entitled "Kon the Louis Vuitton Don."

"Promiscuous" girl Nelly Furtado is set to sing her new single "Maneater."

Jared Leto's band 30 Seconds to Mars, fresh off a win at the MTV VMA Awards, have been chosen by Cingular customers to perform during arrivals atop Radio City Music Hall's marquee. Prior to 30 STM, Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray will kickoff the night's performances.

Presenters include "The OC's" Rachel Bilson, Eva Mendes and Jimmy Fallon.

Starting September 9, fans will be able to watch the entire fashionably loud event online at blueroom.att.com.

What would you do after being named International Man of the Year? For Justin Timberlake, the answer was to make a move for David Furnish's nipple.

After Kelly Osbourne and Furnish read Timberlake's name, the "SexyBack" singer tried to reenact the now famous "wardrobe malfunction" with Elton John's husband. During his acceptance speech JT said, "Wow, I'm extremely sick. Either that or I've just hit puberty, so congratulations to me."

Another memorable speech was made by Borat (played by Sacha Baron Cohen). Borat was sad his favorite Aussie couldn't be in attendance, saying "I speak with a heavy heart because there is one very special courageous man from Australia who should be here tonight, but because of tragedy cannot. I would like to dedicate this award to you Mel Gibson."

Other winners included "M:I:3" hottie Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Rod Stewart and Cillian Murphy.

Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson had a near-miss confrontation at MTV's VMA swag suite, the Style Villa, on Thursday.

As part of the endless barrage of gifts awarded to the already rich and famous, celebs were given car keys in a promotion to give away a Chrysler Crossfire. If their key started the engine, the black convertible was all theirs.

First Lachey tried his luck at winning the sports car, but came up empty-handed.

Just ten minutes after Nick's losing turn, Jessica arrived with her key in hand. Jess posed for photos with her fingers crossed and made her attempt at winning the car. This time luck was on her side as Simpson's key started the luxury automobile.

Surprised by her win, a coarse-voiced Jessica said "I'm kinda shocked. I'm shaking a little bit."

Why worry about about famine and war, when the world can sleep easier knowing Jessica Simpson has a brand new convertible to valet at The Ivy.