TV

Gladys Knight was right ... Kelly Rowland IS the perfect person to play the legendary singer, and TMZ got the video and photos to prove it.

We've obtained the first images of Kelly playing Gladys in the new BET series, "American Soul" ... which chronicles the rise of "Soul Train" creator and iconic host, Don Cornelius. If you didn't know ... Gladys was one of the first singers booked on the hit show.

As you can see from this scene filmed last week in Atlanta ... the resemblance is uncanny -- Kelly's in 2 outfits for the scene she shot with Sinqua Walls, who's playing Don. The video's great too ... Kelly's on the piano with all eyes fixed on her as she delivers a soulful and breathtaking rendition of "Midnight Train to Georgia."

We caught her out Thursday night and she was all smiles when we brought up the iconic role. Talking about how she studied up for the part, she told us about what it's like to step into such big shoes -- but it sounds like she's not letting the nerves get to her.

It's no wonder Gladys gave her seal of approval back in 2016 when she said on Instagram, "It's no secret that I love my @kellyrowland So many people have said that Kelly would be the perfect person to star in my biopic. What do you think, #Knights?! #stunning #kellyrowland."

Kevin Sorbo thinks the #MeToo movement is a double-edged sword -- it's helpful to women but unfair to the accused -- and that's why President Trump went after Dr. Christine Ford so hard during his rally.

We got TV's Hercules Wednesday at LAX and asked him about Trump mocking Ford, and whether it was appropriate to so publicly pick a side during the FBI probe into her sexual assault claim.

Sorbo sidestepped a direct response, but said it was "sad" and "scary" that anyone can be accused of anything these days and they're no longer innocent 'til proven guilty. To that point, he said he's witnessed "hypocritical" women in showbiz who are using the #MeToo movement as a shield to make false allegations.

Kevin admitted many women really have been abused and he found that pathetic, but he wanted there to be a way to support both accusers and the accused.

Damon Wayans says he's had enough of working on "Lethal Weapon," so come December ... he's done.

The actor made the stunning announcement to Electronic Urban Report Wednesday, saying ... "I'm a 58-year-old diabetic and I'm working 16 hours a day," so he's over it. He even channels his character, Roger Murtaugh, telling the reporter he's "too old for this."

Wayans says his plan is to finish shooting the initial 13 episodes of season 3 of the FOX series, then officially quit in December. He admits he's not certain the network is on board with his plan.

Damon's dead serious too ... and says he's going to return to the stage after leaving the TV show to "try to find my smile again."

As we reported ... Wayans' time on "Lethal Weapon" hasn't been without controversy. He openly blasted his former costar, Clayne Crawford, in May after Crawford was fired.

Damon blamed Clayne for a stunt that left him bloodied, and claimed he was mean and intimidating on set and enjoyed making females cry. He said staffers referred to Crawford as an "emotional terrorist."

WHY IS NOAH SYNDERGAARD LETTING ANYONE NEAR THAT BEAUTIFUL HAIR WITH A RAZOR?!?!!

Because "Vikings." That's why.

The NY Mets pitcher -- who earned the nickname Thor because of that godlike blonde mane -- was offered a role on the insanely violent History Channel show but it came with a catch ... ya gotta tweak that 'do.

Don't worry, it's not all the way gone -- as Noah put it, "Party on top, business on the sides."

Noah says his character's name is "Thorbjorn" -- he's a badass -- and he'll be featured on season 6. Chances Thorbjorn meets a gruesome death? Very high (everyone dies on that show).

Producers must be stoked Noah actually showed up for the shoot -- as we previously reported, they've been screwed over by big celebrity guests in the past.

In fact, Katheryn Winnick -- who plays Lagertha on the show -- says Conor McGregor bailed on filming a scene at the last minute ... forcing Katheryn and her team to rewrite the episode.

Lindsay Lohan's friends are so alarmed about her mental state after accusing a homeless family of trafficking children and then getting punched in the face in Moscow ... they're practically begging her to return to the States.

Sources close to Lindsay tell us her buddies are making a full-court press to get her back with people who will take care of her. We're told a close friend of Lindsay has strong ties to Cincinnati and wants her there for 2 reasons -- his circle of friends who will support her, and the fact it's a paparazzi-free zone.

The plan was set in motion in reaction to Lindsay's bizarre video where she tailed a family in Moscow and accused them of child trafficking in several languages before getting punched in the face. There's no evidence the kids were being trafficked.

The wild card ... Lindsay is shooting her reality show at her beach club in Mykonos ... and moving to the U.S. could derail the show.

Lindsay's friends are also worried she might be in Moscow to meet up with her ex, mega-rich Russian Egor Tarabasov ... after her claims to friends he was abusive.

We're told Lindsay is currently in Paris with her publicist, Hunter Frederick ... we reached out to Hunter, but he wouldn't comment.

Bill Cosby's been locked up for a week ... and we've learned he spends his days getting friendly with prison staff, touring the grounds and chatting with his wife.

Cosby was locked up last Tuesday for 3 to 10 years, and is awaiting entry into general population at Pennsylvania State Correctional Institution Phoenix in Schwenksville, PA. Cosby's rep, Andrew Wyatt, tells TMZ the comedian's day starts early with breakfast in his cell.

We're told from there, Cosby is escorted through Phoenix by a personal guide -- Bill's legally blind -- to use the prison's library, yard and other facilities. Dinner and lunch are either in his cell or an open room.

Since he's not in general pop yet, he spends a lot of his time chatting with prison staff. Wyatt tells us Cosby has mentioned many times how respectful the staff is and how well they've treated him.

Bill Cosby's 3 to 10 year prison sentence reeks of unfairness and sets a dangerous precedent for the future ... so says fellow comedian Joe Torry.

We got Joe at LAX Sunday and he told us it's crazy to see what the judicial system is doing to someone he regards as an American hero.

Joe thinks Cosby's punishment for sexual assault is the first domino to fall ... because more people will end up in prison for mistakes they made "100 years ago."

Torry once walked into court with Cosby during his trial, so he's got a unique perspective. Joe says his heart goes out to the victims, but he's convinced Cosby got a raw deal in this particular case.

Jason Ritter's the latest celeb to get hit by a burglar, and this one was especially horrifying ... for his fiancee.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Jason's fiancee, Melanie Lynskey, was home alone last weekend in their Hollywood Hills crib when she heard some noise in the back of the house. We're told she thought it was Jason coming home, but then realized the back door window had been broken ... and it became very clear what had just happened -- a break-in.

Our sources say the burglar walked in through the door after breaking the window, but was apparently scared away after hearing Melanie, who then called 911.

Cops showed up, but the perp was gone by the time they arrived. LAPD's now investigating the attempted burglary. Jason -- son of the late John Ritter -- is just the latest celeb to be targeted by burglars. Rihanna's crib was hit a few days later in the same neighborhood.

10:29 AM PT -- A lot of people might've been upset with Kanye's MAGA fashion choice on 'SNL,' but one person who's coming to his defense ... none other than President Trump himself. The Prez tweeted Sunday that he no longer watches SNL, and called it a political ad for Dems. He then shouted out Kanye saying ... "Word is that Kanye West, who put on a MAGA hat after the show (despite being told “no”), was great. He’s leading the charge!"

Kanye West went on 'SNL' Saturday night ... but viewers didn't see it.

After guest host Adam Driver signed off, Kanye grabbed the mic and turned the stage into a bully pulpit, bitterly complaining producers were trying to muzzle him and deny him free speech and expression.

Kanye said he was pressured not to come on stage wearing what is now his signature "Make America Great Again" hat.

He complained the liberal news media along with others were painting a one-sided picture of the political and social landscape in America. Kanye vowed no one would tell him what he could say or think.

He mocked those who said he was in a "sunken place," and then broke into song.

Adam Driver reportedly walked off stage after he awkwardly stood in the corner.

As Bill Cosby settles into life behind bars, the convicted comedian will undergo a rigorous evaluation to determine the extent of his sex offender treatment ... and it all hinges on how much of a danger he poses.

Cosby will go through a program called Responsible Living: A Sex Offender Treatment Program ... something all sex offenders must complete as part of their sentence.

There are seven phases ...

-- Phase 1: Responsibility Taking

-- Phase 2: Behavioral Techniques

-- Phase 3: Emotional Well-Being

-- Phase 4: Victim Empathy

-- Phase 5: Anger Management

-- Phase 6: Sex Education

-- Phase 7: Relapse Prevention

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections, Cosby will go through an evaluation process to determine what category of risk he falls in and what sort of treatment is deemed fit in the state sex offender program.

Matt Damon went off the rails Saturday night, perfectly capturing Brett Kavanaugh for the cold open of Saturday Night Live's Season 44 Premiere.

The show spoofed the Supreme Court nominee at Thursday's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing ... and it was spot on. Damon guzzled water, contorted his face and had full-on agita.

Senators Chuck Grassley (Alex Moffat), Diane Feinstein (Cecily Strong), Amy Klobuchar (Rachel Dratch), Thom Tillis (Mikey Day), Cory Booker (Chris Redd), John Kennedy (Kyle Mooney), Sheldon Whitehouse (Pete Davidson) were all represented.

Most kids are looking forward to a weekly allowance, but Amirah Johnson, who plays Xan on "Shameless," is getting close to some huge paydays ... 'cause her immediate future is filled with stacks of cash.

According to Amirah's minors contract -- obtained by TMZ -- the 11-year-old will earn $10,000 per episode in season 10 ... and she's guaranteed pay for at least 7 eps.

Do the math ... that's upwards of $70k for Season 10 alone!

Amirah joined Showtime's hit series in season 9 ... and, if her role continues past season 10, she gets 4 percent raises and guarantees of at least 7 episodes each season. If she's still on the show for season 16, Amirah will be raking in $12,653 per episode!

We're guessing there's a good chance Xan sticks in the storyline ... 'cause on paper, it looks like Showtime is investing in a fresh face as it navigates Emmy Rossum's impending departure.

Congrats, Amirah, don't spend it all in one place.

Cardi B just took the stage for her first major performance in America since giving birth less than 3 months ago, and she may have been nervous and sweaty ... but she crushed it!

The "I Like It" rapper and new mom's one of the co-headliners at Saturday's Global Citizen Festival in Central Park. She came out looking fantastic in all red, but told the crowd she was having a nervous breakdown.

Seems like she was mostly joking, but either way ... she fought through her nerves like a pro.

Other featured artists include The Weeknd, Shawn Mendes, Janelle Monae, Janet Jackson and John Legend.

As we reported ... Cardi performed in Paris last week during the Etam Spring/Summer show as part of Paris Fashion Week, but this was her first big concert in the U.S. since she and Offset had their baby girl, Kulture, in July.

She's set to continue her comeback with her first awards show performance too ... on Oct. 9 at the 2018 AMAs. As we reported, she appeared at the VMAs, but it didn't include a performance.

Some fans have been giving the rapper grief for performing at the Global Citizen Fest since she backed out on Bruno Mars' tour due to being a new mother, but she's pointed out touring is a lot different than one-time shows.

Michael Darby's facing charges for allegedly grabbing a 'Real Housewives of Potomac' cameraman's butt, but at least one judge believes that's not enough to keep him away from the crew member.

Ashley Darby's husband was facing a restraining order on top of criminal charges for sexual assault, but for now it's been denied because the cameraman couldn't meet the required burden of proof ... according to new legal docs.

We broke the story ... Orville Palmer claims Darby groped him on Sept. 1 while he was filming an episode of the show and then gave him "a flirtatious look." The 'Housewives' star's been charged with felony assault and misdemeanor improper sexual contact. He's also been suspended from the show by Bravo.

According to the new docs ... the incident went down at the home of fellow 'RHOP' stars Chris and Monique Samuels. Palmer also claims Darby kicked him in the lower buttocks a couple weeks earlier.

Palmer obtained a temporary restraining order against Darby, but it expired Thursday ... and the judge rejected his request for a permanent one.

Actor Steven Grayhm's home was surrounded by cops when a maniac on the run ended up on his roof ... and TMZ has video of the crazy incident and arrest.

Grayhm -- known for his roles on the Netflix show "Between" and the movie "White Chicks" -- tells us he was awakened early Tuesday by his dog barking and knew something dangerous was going down ... which he confirmed when he saw cops with guns drawn at the front of his house.

Next thing he knew, the suspect smashed the bedroom window with a shovel in an attempt to get in his house, so he got his wife and dog and fled to safety with the cops out front.

Check it out ... instead of going in, Steven says the guy scaled his home like Spider-Man to get on the roof, where he's seen chucking the shovel like a javelin and shouting threats. Thankfully, he was eventually brought down and arrested before anyone got hurt.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... the man was fleeing police when he came upon Grayhm's home and tried to get in. After he was arrested, he was placed on an involuntary psychiatric hold because he was deemed a threat to himself and others.

Grayhm believes the man is a transient who was on heavy drugs. He says the guy damaged his wife's car, destroyed their backyard, skylights and AC piping on the roof, and all in all ... did more than $5k worth of damage.

BTW ... here's Steven in "White Chicks."