Music

Conan O'Brien's well-landed joke halfway through Sunday night's Oscars -- about Kendrick Lamar calling Drake a pedophile -- was nearly left in comedy purgatory, sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ Hip Hop.

Last night, Conan used a commercial break return to poke fun at the halftime cue for Kendrick to shade Drake, in a nod to rap's biggest moment last year, and last month's Super Bowl show (see below) ... but we're hearing both the Academy and ABC had strong reservations about getting the joke in, and pushed back in fear of how the crowd would react.

One particular producer made the case and fought the powers, because they firmly believed in the joke. Whether good or bad, the gag was bound to have a big, audible reception!!!

Aubrey O'Day had a few choice words about her former boss, Diddy, while on "The Masked Singer" stage ... but some people connected to him want to remind Aubrey -- don’t bite the hand that fed you.

A source close to Diddy, with direct knowledge of the O'Day situation, tells TMZ it’s all thanks to Diddy she had the incredible opportunity when he cast her on MTV's "Making the Band" as a member of Danity Kane nearly 20 years ago.

The source also reminded us, Diddy is only detained and hasn’t even gone to trial yet to present a defense -- so none of Aubrey's claims hold up, at least not yet.

Bob Bryar -- the drummer for My Chemical Romance from 2004 to 2014 -- died next to a large supply of nitrous oxide ... according to the medical examiner.

TMZ obtained the autopsy report from Bob's November death in Tennessee, and the Bedford County Medical Examiner says the rocker's badly decomposed body was found next to three large nitrous oxide canisters.

The ME says antidepressant medication was also found at the home where Bob was found dead. The report notes the nitrous oxide canisters had attached tubing -- meaning they were ready for use -- but the ME stops short of saying the substance played a role in Bob's death.

Conan O'Brien's joke writer wants everyone who missed the comedic timing of his Oscars bit about Kendrick Lamar and Drake's beef to just say that -- there was no malice on the host's part!!!

Skyler Higley, who penned the part about needing to "call Drake a pedophile" after the commercial break, tells TMZ Hip Hop ... "The idea that it’s being taken as a real call-out or taking sides in any way in the beef is absurd."

Social media immediately started buzzing with accusations Conan joined the Drake hate train in favor of Kendrick Lamar ... but Higley's been writing jokes for Conan since his late-night TV show days and says he knows a master at work when he sees one.

Elton John and Chappell Roan turned his annual Oscars watch party into their own "Pink Pony Club" ... performing some of their biggest songs together for a good cause ... and it's all on video.

The "Rocket Man" and the "Pink Pony Club" singer collaborated Sunday night at Elton's annual Academy Awards watch party, which benefits his AIDS Foundation.

Elton and Chappell grabbed the mic and hit the stage to perform her smash hit ... with Elton belting out 'PPC' lyrics while wearing a pink cowboy hat.

Music and Hollywood collided in the most epic way, with Beyoncé and Jay-Z throwing their legendary Oscars after-party -- and, of course, the A-list crowd didn't disappoint.

The party lit up L.A.'s Chateau Marmont Sunday night, with Tina Knowles serving family glam, Keke Palmer making a fierce entrance, and Timothée Chalamet brushing off his Oscar loss -- though with Kylie Jenner by his side, he was still winning.

Vin Diesel was suited, booted, and revved up -- fast and furiously making his way into the star-studded soirée to party with Taraji P. Henson, Karrueche Tran, and more.

The Oscars weren’t just about the big-time names -- celebrations were widespread, and we caught up with the winners of one major category who seized the moment to drop some solid advice for the next gen.

Check it out -- Molly O'Brien, Lisa Remington, and the rest of the crew were all smiles, proudly dangling their Oscar out of their car window, shouting to us from the rooftops that they won Best Documentary Short Film for "The Only Girl in the Orchestra."

They told us they were an all-women team, making their win even more historic -- and you’ve got to check out the vid, because they also dropped some major wisdom on what it takes for female filmmakers to thrive in the industry.

The 2025 Academy Awards mark the end of another exciting awards season ... and, the A-listers in attendance brought their best to the biggest night in Hollywood.

Oscar nominee Demi Moore stunned in a sleeveless silver gown ... glittering under the bright lights of the carpet -- while Selena Gomez looked like a golden statue herself in a rose gold gown. Miley Cyrus showed off her slender frame in a black dress.

Timothée Chalamet brought a bit of sunshine in a handsome yellow suit while Ben Stiller dressed in a much more traditional black one. Jeff Goldblum showcased his own unique style in a white dinner jacket and a colorful, feathery undershirt

Diane Warren has just joined an exclusive club she probably never wanted to be in ... 'cause she just tied the record for most Oscars losses without a win -- with a catch.

The singer-songwriter -- who was given an Honorary Academy Award back in 2022 -- was up for Best Original Song for her track "The Journey" from "The Six Triple Eight" ... but, she lost to "El Mal" from "Emilia Pérez."

The loss marked the 16th of Warren's career ... which ties her with sound engineer Greg P. Russell for most official nominations lost without ever winning a golden statue.

Joey Molland, the last surviving member of the rock band, Badfinger, has died.

Molland died on Saturday night surrounded by his family, according to the band's Facebook page. No cause of death has been revealed but he reportedly faced health issues over the years including pneumonia most recently.

“Thank you, Joey…for keeping the band’s music alive for so long and for being a friend to us all,” the band said in their statement on social media. Molland, who played guitar, was a founding member of the Welsh rock group.

Liam Payne was honored for his contributions to music and his lasting impact on the industry during a UK award show over the weekend.

During the BRIT Awards on Saturday, host Jack Whitehall honored LP saying ... "Last October, we woke to the devastating news that Liam Payne had tragically passed away."

He continued ... "He achieved so much in the short time that he was on this Earth, and was not only a supremely gifted musician, but an incredibly kind soul who touched the lives of everyone he came into contact with."

Diane Warren says if she finally wins an Oscar after her past 15 "Best Song" nominations this weekend, she'll probably collapse with excitement -- literally!

TMZ caught up with the legendary songwriter ahead of Sunday night's show, and Diane admits she’s not sure if she’ll have a speech ready if her song "The Journey" wins from the movie "The Six Triple Eight" -- joking she’ll probably not be conscious to hit the stage.

Jokes aside, Diane makes it clear you never know what could go down on the big night ... but she’s just grateful to be nominated.

G-Eazy can 'Still Be Friends' with all his Los Angeles pals ... they just can't come over to his place anymore -- 'cause it's up for sale!

Real estate sources tell TMZ … the rapper is selling his Hollywood Hills property because he's moving full-time to New York City -- a bittersweet decision since this house is the first he ever purchased.

He's mainly been living in NYC for the last three years, we're told ... so, it was time for him to put up the house -- and, he wants $3.7 million for it.

All the talk of celebrities being caught on video participating in Diddy's "Freak-Offs" is BS -- so says Diddy's lawyer, Teny Geragos, who came out swinging on TMZ's "2 Angry Men" podcast.

Geragos flatly told Harvey and her dad, Mark Geragos, no celebs are on any of the tapes seized by the feds during the raids at Diddy's homes.

Likewise, Teny says none of the criminal charges against Diddy involve minors ... something that has gotten a tremendous amount of play in the media. She says the media has gotten this case utterly wrong.

There have been allegations of Diddy sexually abusing minors in civil cases, and Teny has a lot to say about that ... and to say she has disdain for some of the civil lawyers would be a gross understatement.

Kesha says the party don't stop ... and, neither do her hottest pics -- 'cause we've got a whole bunch from her entire career to highlight her birthday!

The singer-songwriter turned 38 Saturday ... and, she's still baring all in her pics -- like in this one she posted where she got totally nude before going for a dip.

And, she's also willing to show ever inch of her bod in her professional life too ... getting on all-fours on the hood of a car in the music video for her song "Joyride" that came out just a few months ago.

The Oscars may be a time for celebrities to dress in their fanciest gowns and haute couture fashion ... but, The BRIT Awards are clearly a place for stars to play around with fashion -- and, many did just that.

While Sabrina Carpenter continued her award season style by channeling Old Hollywood glam and Teddy Swims wore an outfit completely comprised of stuffed animals -- though it may be hard for the star to use the restroom.

Millie Bobby Brown smoldered for the cameras in a low-cut silver gown ... pulling a hood from the outfit over her bleach-blonde hair.