New York City has the world famous Times Square ball drop, and now the Big Apple hosts a showdown between two music stars with competing par-tays. Carey will throw a bash at Cipriani in midtown Manhattan, with ticket prices starting at $200. The party will be hosted by the ubiquitous Ryan Seacrest; he and Carey will presumably head to the event after they appear on ABC's New Year's Eve telecast. (Cipriani says that Carey and Seacrest will show up at the blowout around 3 AM) Meanwhile, Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine, who will be on MTV's New Year's Eve show, will host his own party at the luxurious Skylight Studios in the Village, complete with outdoor swimming pool, with a minimum $150 admission price.
Pitt's Personality Change
Published
Sources who interact frequently with Brad Pitt tell TMZ that the star has regained his sense of humor and is "fun" to be around, like he was before he married Jennifer Aniston.
For now, Pitt and Angelina Jolie are joyfully sharing the house in Malibu that he bought last year for $9 million. We're told the floors are riddled with kids toys and there are fingerprints on the walls as high as 30 inches from the base. Visitors often see "food all over the floor." Jolie's two kids live with the couple; Brad is in the process of adopting them.
The couple uses the tented tennis court to store toys, motorcycles and gym equipment. One source said it's turned into "a playground for kids."
The prior owner completely renovated the property, but that didn't stop Brad from putting his own touches on the place. A fanatic about home improvement, Brad ripped off the roof and installed crazy-sophisticated lighting. We're told Angelina "couldn't care less" about home improvement because her focus is solely on the kids.
'EXTRA': Hasselhoff Divorce Gets Messy
Published
The television show 'EXTRA' has obtained divorce papers filed Friday by Pamela Hasselhoff in Los Angeles Superior Court. Her petition is in response to papers filed yesterday by her husband of 16 years, actor David Hasselhoff. Pamela is asking for full custody of their two minor daughters and that visitation by David is monitored. She also requests spousal and child support.
In his papers, David requests joint custody (with him having physical custody) and to terminate the court's jurisdiction to award spousal support to Pamela.
Jessica's Black Eye?
Published
TMZ has obtained a photo of Jessica Simpson, taken last night, as she left the trendy Los Angeles Sushi restaurant, Sushi Roku. Does she have a black eye? You be the judge.
It's been a tough week for Simpson. She was skewered by George Lopez at the People's Choice Awards. After Simpson's ultra-sexy performance of 'These Boots Are Made for Walkin'' from 'The Dukes of Hazzard,' Lopez quipped, "Hey, that makes up for 'The Dukes of Hazzard.'"
She's also putting the finishing touches on her marriage to Nick Lachey. Just this week, the former couple unloaded the mansion that made them famous on 'Newlyweds' for a cool $3.75 million.
'EXTRA': Brad & Angelina Never Called Jen
Published
According to the television show 'EXTRA,' recent reports that Brad Pitt called Jennifer Aniston to tell her about Angelina Jolie's pregnancy prior to the public announcement are false. Aniston's publicist Stephen Huvane tells 'EXTRA,' "All the reports about phone calls between Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie are all made up lies."
The full story will air on the Thursday, January 12th edition of 'EXTRA'.
Celeb spotlight
Brad Pitt
Angelina Jolie
Jennifer Aniston
Battle of the Celebrity NYE Parties
Published
While millions of people watch New Year's Eve celebrations on TV, an intriguing competition will be going on behind the scenes, as many celebrities battle it out to have the hottest New Year's Eve party of the year.
In the ring: Sister against sister, and ex-lovers against ex-lovers. Even D-List reality stars have jumped into the fray, as many of them host their own New Year's Eve parties. Who will win? TMZ sizes up the competition and predicts who will emerge the winner.
The notorious Hilton sisters usually throw parties together. But this year, Paris and Nicky will both host competing New Year's Eve bashes in Las Vegas: Paris at Tao in the Venetian Hotel, while younger sis Nicky, along with her boyfriend, 'Entourage' star Kevin Connolly, will hold court at Pure at Caesars Palace in a winter wonderland-themed event. Both parties will feature views of fireworks displays and the hosts doing the midnight countdown.
But there are some major differences. Nicky's party is a black-tie event with a ticket price of $499. Paris' party is more accessible (at a ticket price of $200) and doesn't require formal wear. At the stroke-of-midnight, Nicky and her beau will open a bottle of Cristal champagne worth a reported $100,000. At midnight during Paris' party, 2006 pink balloons will drop and a snow machine will turn the place into a winter wonderland.
TMZ's winner pick: Paris is the bigger celebrity, so it's a no-brainer that her party will likely have more star power. Paris is also more likely to take off some of her clothes and do something wild at the party, which would also motivate people to be there. The bottom line: Paris' party sounds like a lot more fun.
Lindsay vs. Wilmer, Miami
Lindsay Lohan and Wilmer Valderrama's breakup is rumored to have caused hard feelings between the two, especially since Valderrama went on to date Lohan's friend, Ashlee Simpson. Now the two former lovebirds will be competing in a Miami showdown of New Year's Eve parties.
Lohan's bash at the indoor/outdoor club Prive/Opium will feature several DJs (including Samantha Ronson and DJ Irie), and will have a minimum admission price of $150 to $200 per person. Valderrama's party at Mansion will have DJ AM (aka, Nicole Richie's ex) and a live performance from trendy rock band the Bravery. The cost of admission to Valderrama's bash starts at $225.
TMZ's winner pick: Although Valderrama's party will have better music, Lohan's event will draw the cooler crowd. We're betting that a lot more of the beautiful people would rather see Lohan up close than Valderrama, and Prive is a much nicer space.
Pamela vs. Kid Rock
Pamela Anderson and Kid Rock were once engaged, and they've definitely gone their separate ways when it comes to what they're doing this New Year's Eve. Anderson will be in Los Angeles to host a party dubbed "Gridlock" on the Paramount Studios back lot. The Pussycat Dolls will perform, and the minimum admission price is $125. Kid Rock will DJ at the new Vegas nightclub Jet in the Mirage Hotel, with admission prices starting at $200.
TMZ's winner pick: Anderson's party will draw a hotter crowd since Kid Rock's party will have so much more competition in Vegas. Having a party on a movie-studio back lot is much more unique than just another hotel. And a lot of partygoers may not admit it, but a big appeal of Anderson's party is to see what she's wearing...or not wearing.
Reality Stars vs. Reality Stars
For anyone who wants to party with reality stars of dubious fame, there's no shortage of New Year's Eve choices. In New York City, Brittny Gastineau of 'Gastineau Girls' will host a bash at Nest, with tickets going for a minimum $50. Also in the Big Apple, Wes Bergmann and Johanna Botta of 'The Real World: Austin' will host a party at the sci-fi-themed restaurant Mars 2112; ticket prices start at $145. And from the first season of 'The Real World: New York,' Eric Nies will preside over a bash at Sequoia, with the cost of admission starting at $125.
Meanwhile, in Miami, a minimum $60 ticket price will get someone into a party at Crobar hosted by 'America's Next Top Model' first-season winner Adrianne Curry and her fiancé, Christopher Knight, who both starred in their own reality show, 'My Fair Brady.'
TMZ's winner pick: None. Why party with reality stars when these cities will be packed with bigger celebrities at relatively accessible bashes?
Celeb spotlight
Angelina's Paper Trail
Published
TMZ has obtained legal documents filed by Angelina Jolie which will bring Brad Pitt one step closer to adopting her two children.
Jolie has already filed adoption papers. Now she has filed legal notice to change the last names of Maddox and Zahara to Jolie-Pitt.
California law requires proposed name changes to be published four successive weeks in a local newspaper. Jolie has published her intention to change the last name of her children in the Daily Commerce. The notice reads: "The Court orders that all persons interested in this matter shall appear before this court at the hearing indicated below to show cause, if any, why the petition for change of name should not be granted."
A hearing on the name change is scheduled for January 19 at the Santa Monica courthouse.
So what's the deal? Will Brad and Angelina get hitched, or are they pulling a Goldie and Kurt? There's no evidence they've filed for a marriage license.
Documents
Jolie's proof of publication
Video
Brad Pitt's Hollywood Hills compound
Related Links
- Jolie Files Name Change Papers for Her Kids
- Did 'Mr. & Mrs.' Cause the Brad and Jen Breakup?
- Is Brangelina Getting Hitched?
- Will They? Is She?
- Brad and Angelina's First Official Public Outing
Brangelina
Celeb spotlight
Mike Myers and His Wife File for Divorce
Published
LOS ANGELES -- Actor-comedian Mike Myers and his wife, Robin Ruzan, are ending their 12-year marriage, a spokeswoman said Friday.
"They remain committed and caring friends," publicist Ina Treciokas said in a statement.
Myers and Ruzan, a writer and actress, were married in May 1993. They have no children.
Myers, formerly of 'Saturday Night Live,' has starred in all three 'Austin Powers' films and voiced the giant green ogre in the 'Shrek' films.
Zellweger and Chesney Annulled
Published
Renee Zellweger's marriage to country crooner Kenny Chesney never existed -- at least in the eyes of the law.
The couple's union has been annulled by the Los Angeles Superior Court, according to documents obtained this week by the television show "Extra." Publicists for Zellweger and Chesney did not return calls to The Associated Press on Wednesday.
An annulment is a judicial declaration that a marriage never legally existed.
In California, an annulment may be granted when either party in the marriage is under 18, of unsound mind, bound to a previous marriage or if the consent to marry was obtained by fraud or force.
In court papers filed last September, Zellweger listed "fraud" as the reason she was seeking an annulment after four months of marriage.
The Oscar-winning actress later issued a statement saying the term was "simply legal language and not a reflection of Kenny's character."
Zellweger, 36, and Chesney, 37, wed in a small ceremony on the Caribbean island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands in May. It was the first marriage for both.
Jessica's Lawyers File Challenge
Published
According to documents obtained by the television show 'EXTRA,' an attorney for Jessica Simpson filed a peremptory challenge Wednesday to have the assigned judge thrown off the case.
Simpson, who filed for divorce on Dec. 16, alleges through her attorney that "Michael P. Linfield, the judge before whom the hearing in the aforesaid action is pending, is prejudiced against Petitioner and/or Petitioner's attorney or the interest of Petitioner so that affiant cannot or believes that he and/or Petitioner cannot have a fair and impartial trial or hearing before Judge Linfield."
Sources connected with the case tell TMZ, both the purpose of the motion is to remove the case from the court system, and into private arbitration. TMZ is also told that both sides favor the motion.
In addition, TMZ has learned both sides will file confidentiality papers to ensure privacy in the divorce proceedings.
Jessica Files for Divorce
Published
Jessica Simpson officially filed for divorce Friday from Nick Lachey, her husband of three years. The papers, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, cite "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split.
The couple rose to stardom together as MTV chronicled their first years of marriage on the reality show 'Newlyweds.' Each had enjoyed success in the singing world -- him as a member of the hit group 98 Degrees and her with a fledgling solo career -- but the two rocketed to fame on their reality show.
Their relationship began to falter recently, as rumors circulated of reported infidelity and meddling by Jessica's father and manager Joe Simpson. Innuendo and the stress of celebrity apparently got to the couple, as a permanent split soon seemd a foregone conclusion.
Documents
Jessica's court documents, filed Dec. 16
Video
The way they were...
Dating Musical Chairs
Published
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Updated
What's going on with young Hollywood? Do they all date the same 12 people? And why are some of them getting engaged so quickly, when everyone knows that the relationship will probably end in a nasty breakup? The '80s Brat Pack has nothing on today's young hormone horde, whose love lives are starting to look like a game of musical beds, er... chairs.
After ending her brief engagement to Greek shipping heir Paris Latsis, Paris Hilton took up with another Greek shipping heir, Stavros Niarchos, shortly after Niarchos broke up with Mary-Kate Olsen. Meanwhile, Avril Lavigne is engaged to Hilton's ex-boyfriend, Sum 41 singer Deryck Whibley.
Lindsay Lohan was hot and heavy with Wilmer Valderrama for several months last year. After their breakup, he was romantically linked to Ashlee Simpson. Simpson's ex-boyfriend, Ryan Cabrera, was spotted canoodling with Kimberly Stewart in October, although Cabrera insisted to the press that he and Stewart were just friends. Stewart had apparently taken up with Cabrera after dumping her fiance, 'Girls Gone Wild' mogul Joe Francis, who also used to date Hilton.
Video
Young Hot Hollywood
'Tis the Season for Celebrities to Split
Published
Season's greetings and yuletide cheer aren't the only things that spread during the year-end holidays. It's also the season for celebrity break-ups.
Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey. Christina Applegate and Johnathon Schaech. Britney's hanging on to her marriage by a thread. Valerie Bertinelli just filed for divorce from her rocker hubby, Eddie Van Halen, just yesterday (Dec. 6). And that's not all: TMZ has learned that a famous entertainment mogul is also headed for divorce, and papers may be filed as early as this week.
Celebrity breakups over the holidays aren't unique to 2005. Other high-profile marriages that fell apart during the holiday season include:
Princess Diana and Prince Charles announced the end of their 11-year marriage in December 1992.
Nicolas Cage opted for a Thanksgiving breakup with Lisa Marie Presley, filing his divorce papers on Nov. 25, 2002. The couple had been married for just three months.
Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin ended their five-year marriage by separating in December 2000; they filed for divorce a month later. The former couple has been involved in an ongoing 'War-of-the-Roses'-type custody battle over their daughter, Ireland.
Video
Baldwin and Basinger
Simpson and Lachey
Cage and Presley
Applegate and Schaech
Hunter and Kaminski
Anderson and Lee
Catrall and Levinson
Barrymore and Green
Rodman and Electra
EXCLUSIVE: Jessica and Nick Lawyer Up
Published
TMZ has learned that Jessica Simpson hired celebrity powerhouse divorce lawyers Robert Kaufman and Lance Spiegel. We're told they were retained specifically to end her marriage to Nick Lachey.
As for Nick, TMZ has confirmed that he hired uber-celebrity lawyer Laura Wasser. We're also told that Nick decided he will not initiate divorce proceedings and will instead let Jessica make the move.
All three lawyers have represented a stable of stars. Most recently, Kaufman repped Jennifer Aniston in her divorce with Brad Pitt, Roseanne and Lisa Marie Presley in her divorce from Michael Jackson.
'Married' No More
Published
TMZ has learned that actor Johnathon Schaech has filed for divorce from his wife, 'Married with Children' star Christina Applegate.
The papers, filed today in Los Angeles Superior Court, cite irreconcilable differences as reason for the split. TMZ has also learned that Schaech, the star of the film "That Thing You Do," is represented by high profile divorce attorney Laura Wasser.
Applegate, star of such films as "The Sweetest Thing" and "Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy," was most recently seen starring on Broadway in "Sweet Charity."
Check back with TMZ for the latest on this developing story.
Calls left for representatives were not returned at press time.