Jessica Yanks Her Song from Kennedy Honors

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Jessica Simpson gave a less than stellar performance in tribute to her idol, Dolly Parton, at this month's Kennedy Center Honors, flubbing the words to "9 to 5."

Simpson says her nerves got the best of her during the star-studded D.C. event, resulting in her fouling up the song. After the show, an upset Jess was given a second chance to sing it -- with the results apparently unsatisfactory. Simpson has now had the flopped number completely cut from the telecast.

As TMZ first reported, Mama Simpson gave Jessica a verbal bitchslap as she exited the stage during the live show.

Simpson's rep, Cindi Berger, said in a statement, "She really wasn't happy with her performance and she did want it to be perfect for Dolly, who she idolizes."

As for the Kennedy Center, the producer of the show said, "We appreciate the time and energy Ms. Simpson put into this event, and respect the high standards she has for herself and that of the Kennedy Center Honors."

See the abridged version of the Kennedy Center honors on December 26 on CBS.

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Reichen to Perez: Back Off, B****!

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Reichen Lehmkuhl's latest MySpace harangue against Perez Hilton is just the beginning of what's shaping up to be a juicy Hollywood feud.

In a blog posted today by Lehmkuhl, he states that after posting his initial blog, celebrities and their "attornies" [sic] contacted him, prompting a brewing class action lawsuit against the self-proclaimed Queen of All Media, aka Mario Lavandeira.

Reichen says, "It is not clear how the lawsuit will be structured, but we are committed ... the goal of this lawsuit is to result in the stopping of your name being used in connection with untruths and gossip on the internet that obviously damage/ruin your name/reputation and lessen your ability to be successful in your profession." Well, that's clear.

Reichen is threatening to sue, after Perez posted a picture of him at the Dixie Chicks concert, claiming that Reichen's dilated pupils were because he was under the influence of crystal meth. Mr. Lance Bass claims that he had seen a Laser Eye surgeon in West Los Angeles that day, causing his eyes to dilate. He also takes issue with Perez linking him to men other than Bass, saying that they must be "PAID for by Mr. Levandeira (sic)." This threat of legal action adds to Perez's legal woes, he's currently being sued for $7.5 million by a photo agency for using their photos without authorization.

For his part, Perez shoots back, "Now that he can't comfortably ride Lance Bass' coattails, this is Reichen's latest transparent attempt to get publicity for himself. I applaud him. Reichen's almost as big a media whore as I am!"

Ooh snap!

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Miss USA's "Idol" Worship

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Former "American Idol" wannabe, Constantine Maroulis, seems to have a fan in the nearly dethroned Miss USA Tara Conner.

Maroulis and Conner spent a night on the town at a NYC pool hall last October, partying with pop singer Ryan Cabrera and "Six Degrees" star Jay Hernandez. As seen in this video, Conner smacks Maroulis' butt and kisses him on the cheek (facial). How's that for a talent!

Before signing off, Maroulis looks straight into the camera and admits that they "have to get to some partying. You know how it is." Tara knows.

Maroulis recorded the footage as part of video diary series for People.com.

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Reichen Lashes Out at Perez

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Reichen Lehmkuhl took to his MySpace blog to slam PerezHilton.com, and to clear up the saga of Lance and the one-named beefcake, or as Perez calls them, "Princess Frostylocks and The Third Reich." In turn, he calls Perez a "Big (blank) Ugly Liar, an Accused Thief and Criminal." It's ON!

Reichen says that Perez's report that he made out without someone other than Bass at a party is a "blantant lie" [sic], and that Perez erroneously reported that the former *NSYNCer and "Amazing Race" winner had broken up. "Contrary to what this ugly wind-bag has reported, I have not broken up with my boyfriend. I did not go home with anyone from "Survivor" from any party..."

He also defends rumors that he's with Lance Bass for his money or fame, "My book was done before I ever met Lance...I'm self-sufficient and happy to be that way. I have served my country, I have made my own money, my own career, written my own books, bought my own homes and other possesions, and I'm proud to be this way, on my own."

As for Perez, he tells us "I'm flattered that Reichen is such a fan of my website."

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Tamiko Nash: Miss USA 2.0

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With Donald Trump reportedly set to dethrone Tara Conner officially on Tuesday, first runner-up Miss California, Tamiko Nash, will assume the title of Miss USA. At 27, Tamiko will be one of the oldest Miss USA's in the pageant's 55-year history.

TMZ did some digging around, and multiple sources tell us that Nash is genuinely nice and that people in the pageant world "really like her." Trump's former "Apprentice" contestant and beauty pageant coach Omarosa Manigault-Stallworth, told "Tom Joyner Morning Show" entertainment reporter Jawn Murray, "It was a toss-up at Miss USA between Tamiko and Tara. I actually thought Tamiko had it in the bag. Tamiko will make an amazing Miss USA!!" And there you have it.

Prior to competing in the Miss USA pageant, Nash worked as an elementary school teacher and for the Recording Academy/Grammy Awards. Most recently, Nash pursued an acting career and appeared earlier this year on NBC's "Deal or No Deal," the E! special "Hidden Lives of Miss USA" and posed for a photo shoot for Snoop Dogg's latest album.

Nash's assumption of the Miss USA title marks only the second time in the pageant's history that a reigning Miss USA was forced to relinquish her title. In 1957, Miss USA was dethroned after it was discovered she was a married mother of two -- Mrs. USA is an entirely different pageant.

While Nash is single, she has been seen out and about with actor Brian White, who co-starred in the 2005 film "The Family Stone." A rep for White told TMZ the two are "just really good friends."

Meanwhile, Tara Conner must not be having a very happy 21st birthday today, but it looks like Tamiko has a lot to celebrate. And that's something all of us (who are of age) can drink to.

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Tara Sinks; Trump Likes the Ink

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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.

Tara may be cheered a bit to learn that at least one payday awaits: Penthouse magazine has been actively courting her services for a photo spread...

Hollywood Urban Legends

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Urban legends are stories with obscure origins, usually with little or no supporting evidence. Crazy circumstances associated with some of our favorite A-listers -- just happen to be true, while some are just myths. Find out which of Tinseltown's most outrageous legends are for real, and which are just a lot of baloney.

Jagger and Bowie Busted -- It's TRUE!

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David and Mick were dancing in the sheets, or at least just passed out naked when Angela Bowie walked in on the two. Angela went on the Joan Rivers show to dish on her ex-marriage, just after a ten-year silence agreement had expired. She got cold feet at first when Joan and fellow guest Howard Stern starting digging for the goods.

Eventually, she spilled the beans. She later reneged on the issue of bisexual implications, saying that the two were asleep and just happened to be naked. She later claimed that she believed what everyone else assumed. So, according to David Bowie's ex-wife, this legend is no myth.

Nicholson Legend -- TRUE!

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Jack was born April 22, 1937 to 17-year-old June Nicholson. Nicholson grew up believing that his grandmother, Ethel May, was his mother, and that June was actually his sister. Jack's aunt eventually revealed the outrageous secret to him. Jack was stunned. Neither June, who acted as his sister, nor Ethel ever told the truth about Jack's parentage ... and both went to their graves before it had been revealed.

Munchkin Hung

The legend says that an actor portraying one of the Munchkins in "The Wizard of Oz" hung himself on the set and that his death was captured and actually made it into the final cut of the movie.

Hudson and Nabors Vows -- FALSE

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This myth started way back in the day before gay celebrities like Elton John and Rosie O'Donnell had very public weddings. Rock Hudson said that this legend probably got started when some gay party-throwers in Huntington Beach sent out invitations to 500 people with the joke headline, "You are cordially invited to the wedding reception of Rock Hudson and Jim Nabors." Most of America didn't know about Hudson being gay until he said he had AIDS and was outed. Jim Nabors, who is listed as gay in various articles, has never publicly acknowledged his sexuality -- either way. This "wedding invite" apparently started the rumor, but the two, who knew each other, were never "married."

Marilyn Manson, Wonder Boy!

Legend is that King of Goth, Marilyn Manson, played Kevin Arnold's geeky sidekick Paul Pfeiffer on "The Wonder Years."

Manson Wonder Boy -- FALSE!

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Although Marilyn Manson, formerly Brian Warner, reminds us of the kid that was tormented in school for his nerdy appearance, he didn't play one on TV. The actual actor was Josh Saviano. You might also remember Josh from his TV movie, "Camp Cucamonga." Or not. Either way, this legend is as made up as Manson.

Mick Jagger and David Bowie in the Sack!

Legend is that David Bowie's wife caught him in bed with Mick Jagger.

Urkel's Death -- FALSE

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This horrible Hollywood Urban Legend was started by a fake Associated Press article that was spread via the Internet. The article stated that White was found with a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. They also claimed that he was "found dead" and at the same time pronounced dead on arrival. People were so shocked by the news that most who read the article failed to notice the conflicting reports. If there are any people left that haven't heard, Jaleel is alive and well. In fact, he's got a small role in "Dreamgirls" as a nasty booking agent.

Sly's Porn Days

Legend is that Sylvester Stallone made his screen debut in a porn flick.

Sly's Dirty Secret -- It's TRUE!

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Sly started his career by flashing his flesh in a little flick called "Party at Kitty and Stud's." Although it sounds very "Weekend at Bernie's," don't let that fool you. It's full-on porno. The movie was later re-released under the title "The Itallion Stallion," after "Rocky" made Sly a household name. For those interested, the Itallion stallion is said to be far from a stallion, if you know what we mean. This just goes to show that even though you shouldn't believe everything you hear, sometimes you should.

Richard Gere's Gerbil Mayhem

Legend is that "Pretty Woman" star Richard Gere was rushed to the emergency room to have a gerbil removed from his rectum.

Nicholson's Family Shocker

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Legend has it that Jack Nicholson found out at age 37 that his sister was actually his mother.

Munchkin Suicide -- FALSE!

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No little people were injured during the making of "The Wizard of Oz." The Wicked Witch, Margaret Hamilton, was badly burned when her flammable green makeup ignited, and the originally cast Tin Man, Buddy Ebsen, was sickened by silver makeup, but that's it for mishaps in Oz. What people claimed was a suicide caught on film was actually a large bird that was roaming around the set for the talking forest scene. You remember the scene where they discover the Tin Man rusted into silence? To make the indoor set appear more realistic, the Los Angeles Zoo loaned MGM several birds in various sizes. That's all it was. It was a giant bird but no one was hung.

The Death Of Urkel

Legend is that Jaleel White, who played Urkel on "Family Matters" committed suicide.

Gere's Gerbil Gibberish -- FALSE

Published

Although many sources have "confirmed" that an actual case (not Richard Gere) of the gerbil in the rectum does exist, TMZ wasn't able to find such a case. We will say that this myth is just that. A big lie that has been attached to many male stars, not just Richard. There is a rumor that Richard Gere believes Sylvester Stallone started this rumor when the two actors had bad blood on the set of the 1974 movie "The Lords of Flatbush." Sly, however, claims that he did not start this rumor. As far as we know, no actual rodents or rectums were harmed, just Gere's reputation.

Rock Hudson and Jim Nabors -- I Take Thee

Legend is that Rock Hudson and Jim Nabors were married.