Sheryl Opens Up On 'Ellen'

Published

Sheryl Crow spoke with Ellen DeGeneres for the first time about her break-up with Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong.


In an interview airing on Monday, February 13, Crow talks about how supportive people have been of her.

Just don't ask her to "hop back back on the bike" in the dating scene.

Watch the full clip here.

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Sheryl Crow on Ellen

Artist spotlight
Sheryl Crow

Clarkson Omits 'Idol' Mention at Grammys

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By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS


During Kelly Clarkson's two long, tearful Grammy acceptance speeches, the "American Idol" winner pointedly left out any mention of the show that made her famous.

Clarkson won two Grammys on Wednesday night in Los Angeles: best pop vocal album for "Breakaway" and female pop vocal performance for "Since U Been Gone."

Accepting those awards, the 23-year-old Clarkson thanked everyone from the musicians who performed on her album to radio itself. "American Idol," however, went unmentioned.

Backstage at the Staples Center, she defended the omission: "I did thank the fans, and that's 'American Idol.'"

That the prestigious Recording Academy would honor a former reality TV contestant surprised many, but also excited her fans.

"I think it's amazing. It validates the show," said "Idol" judge Randy Jackson during a party afterward. "I'm really happy for her. I think she's really over the moon because I think she thought she'd never win it."

Ironically, "American Idol" still got the best of Clarkson in a way. The Fox show ran Wednesday evening opposite CBS' Grammys broadcast.

During "Idol," 15.1 million people watched the Grammys, according to Nielsen Media Research figures released Thursday; 28.3 million watched "American Idol."

Page Six, The Magazine, Debuts

Published

By AP WRITER


For those who can't get enough gossip about starlets and socialites, The New York Post launched a glossy magazine Thursday based on its hugely popular gossip fixture, Page Six.

The 76-page magazine was distributed as an insert to Thursday's editions of the newspaper, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.

Angelina Jolie graces the cover of the first issue, which also has a quiz for readers to guess the false names celebrities use to register at hotels, and an Academy Awards preview. A piece called "Tale of the Tiaras" compares the lineage, loves, pet projects and bankrolls of the Hilton and Hearst heiresses.

In his opening letter, Editorial Director Richard Johnson writes, "You are holding in your hands the culmination of 30 years of blood, sweat and tears -- and plenty of threatened lawsuits." Page Six was started in 1976.

The magazine also includes an interview with a Victoria's Secret model, a roundup of new nightclub openings and a Hamptons real estate preview.

No publication date for a second issue has been announced. Page Six, which these days is more likely to appear on Page 8 or 10 of the Post, features celebrity sightings and gossip about Hollywood and high society figures.

Despite its regular financial losses, the New York Post is a key part of News Corp.'s global media conglomerate for the presence it gives Murdoch in New York.

Grammy Showdowns

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Bring out the boxing gloves.

Bitter feuds and rivalries among some artists could make for some uncomfortable moments at the 48th annual Grammy Awards as battling stars attend the same ceremony.

Grammy Awards executive producer Ken Ehrlich tells TMZ that anyone looking to start trouble on the show should be warned they could ruin their chances of being invited back. "We've had opportunities on the Grammys to have controversial moments and I don't do it, because I don't want the lead story the next day to be about [the controversy] and not who won awards."

Here's a look at some of the rivalries and feuds that could make the Grammys a showdown to watch:

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Grammy Couples on the Rocks?

Published

TMZ has learned that Lance Armstrong canceled his scheduled appearance Wednesday at the 48th annual Grammy Awards. Armstrong was supposed to be a presenter at the show, but sources tell TMZ the award-winning cyclist canceled his appearance after his break-up with Sheryl Crow became public. Crow, who was engaged to Armstrong, has been nominated and is scheduled to attend.


Reps for Armstrong and Crow could not be reached for comment.

Meanwhile, this year's Grammy show may also be the litmus test for other celebrity relationships rumored to be in trouble. Madonna and Bruce Springsteen are both performing on the show -- there's a buzz that both of their marriages may be on the rocks.

Madonna has been married to filmmaker Guy Ritchie since 2000, and Springsteen has been married to singer Patti Scialfa since 1991. No word if Ritchie and Scialfa will attend Grammys.

Madonna's and Springsteen's reps were unavailable for comment.

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News Exclusives: Vieira to Replace Katie? Woodruff In Bad Shape

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Insiders directly connected with NBC News tell TMZ that Meredith Vieira is now first choice to replace Katie Couric if she leaves 'Today.'


There's also talk of expanding 'Today' to four hours. If that happens, TMZ is told that Campbell Brown, once the frontrunner to replace Katie, would anchor a portion of the program.

We're told currently there's a 70 percent chance that Katie will jump to CBS.

And get this -- NBC insiders say another name the network has kicked around is Kelly Ripa, though we're told she is currently not available.

Insiders tell TMZ Vieira currently pulls in more than $5 million for her work on 'The View' and 'Millionaire.'

Vieira, once a correspondent with '60 Minutes' left CBS because she did not want to work as hard as the job demanded. Vieira has three children and a husband who has health issues.

On another news front, TMZ is told that ABC anchor Bob Woodruff "is not doing well" and that he has "a long road ahead." Woodruff suffered serious head injuries as the result of an explosion in Iraq. ABC has made no plans to replace him.

Courtney Love Says Drug Problem Behind Her

Published

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS


Rocker Courtney Love told a judge that she has put her drug problems behind her and said she has a renewed outlook on life.

Love, 41, appeared in court Friday as part of a progress report after violating probation in three criminal cases. Judge Rand Rubin sentenced Love to 180 days at a drug treatment facility but was released to an outpatient program in November.

Rubin ended that requirement but ordered her to return to court on May 12.

"You're doing really, really well," Rubin said. "We're all pleased with your progress."

Love, the former lead singer for the band Hole and the widow of Nirvana frontman Kurt Cobain, admitted in August that she had violated her probation in three cases, including two drug-related charges.

But Love said she has improved over the past several months.

Chappelle Says Stress -- Not Insanity -- Caused Him to Walk Away

Published

By ANNA JOHNSON, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS


CHICAGO -- Comedian Dave Chappelle told Oprah Winfrey he was stressed out and not crazy or on drugs when he abruptly left his hit Comedy Central show last spring during production.

In his first television interview since ditching "Chappelle's Show" in May, Chappelle said that after he signed a $50 million deal for the third and fourth seasons in August 2004, too many people were trying to control him and his show.

"I wasn't crazy but it is incredibly stressful," Chappelle, 32, said during his appearance on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" that aired Friday.

"I felt in a lot of instances I was deliberately being put through stress because when you're a guy who generates money people have a vested interested in controlling you," Chappelle said.

Last May, with the premiere date looming for the third season, Chappelle stunned his fans and the entertainment industry by leaving the show in mid-production. He spent two weeks in South Africa before returning home to his farm near Yellow Springs, Ohio, about 75 miles northeast of Cincinnati. Chappelle has since resumed performing live standup.

Judge: 'No Smoking Gun' in Spector Deposition

Published

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS


Phil Spector said he made the rounds at upscale restaurants but did not drink heavily or use drugs the night actress Lana Clarkson was killed in his mansion, according to a civil trial deposition.

But Superior Court Judge Larry P. Fidler said he found "no smoking gun" in the remarks, released Friday.

The documents were ordered released to prosecutors by the judge in Spector's upcoming murder trial. The deposition was taken in July 2005 as part of a civil court lawsuit he filed against his former attorney, Robert Shapiro, over a retainer fee.

Spector, 65, known for creating rock music's "wall of sound," has pleaded not guilty in Clarkson's death and is free on $1 million bail. He faces life in prison if convicted.

Shapiro, who was one of O.J. Simpson's lawyers, pressed Spector for details of the hours before he met Clarkson and took her to his home.

'Idol' Twins Out on Bond, Offered Record Deal

Published

Terrell and Derrell Brittenum, 28, the identical twins who appeared briefly on 'American Idol's' fifth-season premiere, have been offered a record deal from So So Def Records, according to CNN Headline News' 'Showbiz Tonight.' The twins, currently out of jail on bond, had been jailed since Jan. 10 on an outstanding warrant for charges related to the illegal purchase of a car in Rockdale County, Ga.

The So So Def record label, which focuses on hip-hop and R&B, was founded in 1994 by music producer and songwriter Jermaine Dupri as a joint venture with Columbia Records. So So Def is currently part of EMI's Virgin Records. Last year, Dupri was named president of urban music at Virgin.

Confessions of a Chauffeur

Published

TMZ has learned, the driver who escorted Jennifer Aniston and Joan Cusack around Sundance has been talking, and his stories are, to say the least, revealing.

Aniston and Cusack, along with Catherine Keener, were at Sundance for the premiere of their new film, 'Friends With Money.'

Watch interview with Aniston, Keener and Cusack

Here's what the driver is saying:

- Aniston was so wound up over paparazzi following her, she told the driver: "You need to take me where nobody is." He accommodated her by driving for 25 minutes, ending up in a church parking lot. Aniston got out of the car and immediately began chain smoking cigarettes. The driver says this happened several times during her stay.

- Cusack was "sick" of all the hoopla surrounding Aniston's personal life. Cusack told the driver that even though she's a celebrity she's a private person and able to live a "nice normal life." The driver says Cusack put it this way: "It's a choice an actor makes." The comment wasn't specifically directed at Aniston, but the implication is certainly there.

The driver also talked about other celebs at Sundance. He says two "well-known actors" (he did not specify whom) tipped another driver with the joint they had been smoking in the car.

And, the driver says, as a pregnant Katie Holmes was busy with the debut of her movie 'Thank You For Smoking,' Tom Cruise was having a blast on the snow-covered mountains.

TMZ Account: Confessions of a Golden Globes Gift Bag Guy

Published

By TMZ.COM CONTRIBUTOR

Over each of the past four years, I have worked as one of the people handing out the gift bags at the Golden Globes. I cannot keep from laughing when I recall some of the stories I have heard from attendees of such a prestigious event when trying to obtain one of the coveted bags. And throughout the course of the evening, as more and more alcohol is consumed, these stories increase in urgency, importance and emotion.

I'm still amazed at how many creative, needy, sad and desperate stories are told in the hopes of being rewarded with a gift bag. It's almost like judging a junior high drama contest. Because, you see ... there are strict rules that no gift bags are to be handed out without a ticket stub from the actual ceremony. End of story.

OK, but my story doesn't end there.

The experiences which emerge from this fly on the wall perspective at the Globes, makes for some great storytelling.

Sanaa Lathan Denies Fling With Denzel Washington

Published

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS


NEW YORK -- Sanaa Lathan denies she had an affair with Denzel Washington, her co-star in the 2003 thriller "Out of Time," in the February issue of Vibe.

"(The rumor) got started because the movie had a love scene with Denzel, and people took that and translated it to real life," the 34-year-old actress tells the magazine, now on newsstands.

"They said I was pregnant with Denzel's child, and people were calling my mother, saying I'm having his baby. It's frustrating. People are going to talk no matter what."

Washington, 51, has been married to his wife, Pauletta, for 22 years.

A call by The Associated Press to the actor's representative wasn't immediately returned Tuesday.

Lathan stars in the upcoming romantic comedy "Something New."

Washington, who won Oscars for his roles in "Glory" and "Training Day," stars in Spike Lee's new film, "Inside Man."

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

Censored in 2005

Published

While 2005 was plenty of fun, it did have the misfortune to follow censorship panic-laden 2004: the year of Janet's boob. Some of that backlash continued on into 2005 and kept pulses racing, censors fainting and corporate sponsors dropping the axe.

Without further ado, the top five censored moments of 2005:

Robin Williams at the Academy Awards

Amid rumors that cartoon character SpongeBob SquarePants was promoting a homosexual agenda, comedian Robin Williams worked up quite a routine for the 77th Annual Academy Awards. The comic went to 'Hairspray' songwriters Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman and asked them to put together a song for the telecast lampooning the whole affair (Shaiman wrote the music to Williams' 'Blame Canada' in 2000). Williams was taken completely by surprise when the song, "Stink Beneath the Ink," was axed by show organizers two days before the broadcast.

However, the irrepressible Williams did manage to get his song out to the masses by performing it for
Jay Leno on 'The Tonight Show' a few days later. Among the banned lyrics:

"Pinocchio's had his nose done, Sleeping Beauty's popping pills
The Three Little Pigs aren't kosher, Betty Boop works Beverly Hills.
Superman is hooked on steroids, Tinky Wink (sic) is in the pink
Damn it to hell, wake up and smell the stink beneath the ink.
Chip 'n' Dale both are strippers, Scrooge McDuck is really tight
Bugs Bunny's a cross-dresser, Snow White has been up all night.
There's something fishy about Nemo, Batman & Robin share a sink
Winnie the Pooh, we know what he's into. The stink beneath the ink."

Audio

Songwriter Marc Shaiman's demo version of 'Stink Beneath the Ink'

Celeb spotlight
Robin Williams



Kanye West on MTV

Although his most famous outburst of 2005 (on NBC's Katrina telethon) wasn't censored at all, outspoken rapper Kanye West did have his share of artistic troubles to overcome. MTV and many FM radio stations censored many of his most popular songs including 'All Falls Down' and 'Gold Digger.' Speaking to the Detroit Free Press, Kanye commented on his 'controversial' lyrics, saying, "On MTV, when they played 'All Falls Down,' they bleep out where it says 'And the white man gets paid off of all of that.' And on Canadian radio, I found out that on 'Gold Digger,' they bleep out when I say 'Leave your ass for a white girl.' I understand the word 'ass.' But white girl? That line would only be offensive to black guys that left their black girlfriends for white women. But I don't have anything against interracial relationships. If that's what you want to do, that's what you're going to do. I just talked about it."

Music videos

Artist spotlight
Kanye West

'The Aristocrats' Banned From AMC

One of the biggest surprises of 2005 was an insider's look at the craft of stand-up comedy, a shockingly offensive documentary called 'The Aristocrats.' The film features 100 of the top comedians in the world all telling the same joke, while delighting in who can deliver it in the absolute raunchiest way possible. In the course of exploring the filthiest way to tell the joke, a clear picture develops about what Americans find funny and what Americans find uncomfortable.

Unfortunately for 'The Aristocrats,' the national theater chain AMC refused to show the movie in any of its 3,500-plus screens. The theater company tried to avoid an overt ban, by claiming the film had a very limited appeal, causing comedian and co-producer Penn Jillette to comment to MSNBC, "It's the kind of thing that makes you go 'Come on, play fair.' It's not like we're trying to slide this by anybody by calling it 'Love Bug 2: Herbie Takes It Up the A--'."

Video

'Aristocrats' Trailer

The blonde bombshell made headlines recently when she was summarily cut out of an NBC broadcast of the Elton John special 'Elton John: The Red Piano.' But just two days before, the network had sent out preview copies of the program to media outlets and critics, making the omission rather blatant. The number in question featured Anderson pole dancing wearing a G-string and silver pasties.

In reponse to the uproar, NBC released the following statement: "We believed the content was not appropriate for 8PM / 7 Central time and decided to pull the song from the special." The opinions of millions of teenage boys notwithstanding, they may have been onto something.

Celeb spotlight

Pam Anderson

Paris Hilton's Carl's Jr. Commercial

Without a doubt, the top censored moment in 2005 was the short run of the infamous Carl's Jr. Paris Hilton spot. In the ad for Carl's BBQ Six Dollar Burger, the lithesome heiress lathered herself in suds and most of America into a frenzy as she redefined "hotness" for whole a generation of hamburglers to come.

While only a 30-second version of the ad enjoyed a brief television run, the hubbub was so great that Carl's Jr. parent corporation, CKE Restaurants, put up a website devoted to the full, uncut 60-second version of the spot which was deemed far too hot for TV at SpicyParis.com. Oh, and then there was the parody (also on the same above web page), which we found almost as entertaining.

Video

The 30-second version of Paris' commerical

Celeb spotlight
Paris Hilton