Miley Cyrus Emotional VMA Performance ... Debuts New Ink

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UPDATE

6:42 AM PT -- 8/27 -- In addition to her new song, Miley also debuted some new ink on her left bicep. Keeping with the theme of the night for her, the new script tattoo also seemed to be all about the new, single Miley.

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UPDATE

It reads, "My head was feeling scared, but my heart was feeling free." The line is from the Pixies song "The Thing."

UPDATE

Miley Cyrus just performed her new single -- which mirrors her recent split with Liam Hemsworth -- at the VMAs ... and it was super emotional.

Miley took the stage Monday night rocking a skin-tight black dress, singing her heart out as she performed her latest track, "Slide Away," which makes some not-so-subtle references to her breakup with the Australian actor.

It was a stirring performance, filmed in black-and-white ... and Miley got the crowd off its feet inside the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey where the awards show is going down.

Miley dropped the single earlier this month, only a few days after announcing her split with Liam ... and the lyrics seem to reflect the real-life struggles of their failed relationship, including drug and alcohol references.

We broke the story ... sources close to Miley told us she desperately tried to save their marriage, but she became tired of Liam's partying. His side says the drug and alcohol accusations are only a cover for Miley's recent outrageous public behavior.

Miley and Liam have a long history together ... they were together on and off for a decade, and tied the knot back in December, hosting family and friends at a wedding celebration inside their Nashville home. But, the good times didn't last.

As we first reported ... Liam just filed for divorce from Miley, and she gets to keep their pets.

Originally Published -- 8/26 7:14 PM PT

2019 VMAS Shawn Mendes and Senoritas ... Behind The Scenes

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The 2019 VMAs were all about Shawn Mendes and some sexy senoritas ... and they dazzled behind the scenes.

The Prudential Center in Newark, NJ was the center of the music world Monday night, with tons of A-listers in the house for MTV's signature award show. Shawn performed his hit duet, "Senorita," with Camila Cabello ... but she wasn't the only mamacita turning heads.

Bella and Gigi Hadid looked absolutely stunning ... and the supermodel sisters stole the show in matching outfits.

Not to be outdone, Halsey showed some serious skin in a colorful dress, punctuated by rainbow streaks in her hair. Check out the pics ... and let your jaw drop.

Future Alleged Baby Mama Claims ... I've Spent $100k Raising Our Child!!!

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12:56 PM PT -- Future's alleged baby mama is speaking out ... claiming she's already out $100,000 after giving birth to a girl she claims is his.

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UPDATE

Eliza says she hasn't worked since she was 5 months pregnant, and was forced to sell her car to make ends meet. She claims Future made promises to her, then ghosted, so she took him to court as a last resort. She also says he forced her hand to make her look bad on purpose.

UPDATE

Bottom line ... Eliza says she doesn't need Future to take care of her, but she wants him to support the kid and not abandon "an innocent child."

Future's got more baby mama drama on his hands ... a woman in Florida just slapped the rapper with a paternity case alleging she gave birth to his SEVENTH CHILD!!!

Eliza Seraphin filed legal docs in Broward County, alleging Future is the father of her 4-month-old girl. According to docs obtained by TMZ, Seraphin -- known to her 320k Instagram followers as Eliza Reign -- claims Future ghosted her ever since she gave birth on April 19.

She wants a judge to declare Future the baby daddy and make him ante up child support. Eliza wants the child support retroactively and she wants Hizzoner to tack on hospital expenses she incurred during pregnancy.

Baby mama drama's nothing new for Future, who back in January told radio legend Big Boy he became a father for the sixth time when his son, Hendrix, was born in December.

Future told Big Boy he wants to have more kids ... never mind the legal drama that's followed with in the wake of several births. You'll recall Ciara's had beef with Future over their 5-year-old son.

We've reached out to Future for comment ... so far, no word back.

Originally Published -- 12:50 AM PT

'AGT' Semi-Finalist Fiddlin' Fave, Tyler Butler-Figueroa ... Big Bucks on the Line

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The 11-year-old violinist for who Simon Cowell hit the golden buzzer on "America's Got Talent" is onto the semi-finals, and his next performance could be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars ... TMZ has learned.

Tyler Butler-Figueroa is not only Simon's pick to win it all this season, but the young leukemia survivor has impressed the judges and become a fan fave with his visionary violin work and energy ... and he's on the cusp of landing a huge recording deal.

According to Tyler's semi-finalist contract -- obtained by TMZ -- if he wins 'AGT,' he'll score a $100,000 advance on his first album, with the possibility of making another $100k in bonuses based on sales. Plus, he'll get royalties on the music.

If he DOESN'T win ... he only gets a $25k advance. The good news -- win or lose, it's all about sales. If people are buying Tyler's album, he can still make up to $100k in bonuses.

And, there's this -- according to the contract, if Tyler goes on to make a second, third, fourth or fifth album with his label, his earning potential's the same regardless of how he finishes on 'AGT' ... up to a $275k advance if he gets to album #5.

Seems like he's already a big winner.

Tyler advanced to the semis earlier this week after nailing "Don't You Worry Child" by Swedish House Mafia. This, of course, after he wowed Simon with his talent -- and his story -- in the auditions round.

Good luck, kid!!!

Dem Franchize Boyz Rapper Buddie Dies from Cancer ... Jermaine Dupri Confirms

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Dem Franchize Boyz lost one of their own this weekend -- Gerald "Buddie" Tiller passed away from what appears to be cancer, according to the group itself.

DFB posted the sad news Sunday, writing on Instagram ... "R.I.P. Buddie you Will be Missed #demfranchizeboyz." Jermaine Dupri -- who signed the group to his So So Def label in 2005 and pretty much put them on with their smash hit, "Lean wit It, Rock wit It" -- also spoke on Buddie's death, and seemed to suggest he'd died from cancer.

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On his own IG page, the hip-hop mogul made reference to a line from Buddie's verse on 'LWI,RWI,' writing ... "'They call me Doctor Doc I prescribe what a n**** need' #ripbuddy may your soul rest easy #demfranchiseboyz #f***cancer."

Other rappers offered up their condolences as well -- including Da Brat and fellow DFB member Parlae.

Dem Franchize Boyz are perhaps best known for their two hits, "Lean wit It, Rock wit It" and "I Think They Like Me," both of which appeared on their debut album "On Top of Our Game." They did a mash-up of 'Lean wit It' with Korn called "Coming Undone Wit It."

RIP

Ariana Grande Back in Manchester for Pride Event ... 1st Time Since 'One Love'

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3:05 PM PT -- Ariana has taken the stage in Manchester, and she's already a few songs deep into her set. So far, she's performed "No Tears Left to Cry," "Be Alright," "Side to Side" and other tracks. AG also took a moment to acknowledge what the gay community has meant to her throughout her life, and went on to shout out Manchester specifically.

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The audience loved it.

Ariana Grande is coming back to Manchester to spread love more than 2 years since her benefit concert following the bombings there -- now doing a show for Pride.

The pop star will be in Manchester Sunday, where a live concert is being put on ... this following two days of other festivities, including a parade. Ariana is set to take the stage in Sunday's lineup, which includes other artists like Pixie Lott, Tulisa and Becky Hill. It's unclear what time exactly she'll come on -- she's the headliner for Sunday, so probably late.

This will be the first time AG has stepped foot in the city since June 2017, when she hosted the One Love benefit concert a couple weeks after a bomber detonated a homemade device that sent a bunch of nails flying in the rotunda area of Manchester Arena.

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CHAOS IN THE ARENA

Ariana's concert at the time was winding down, but at least 22 people were killed nonetheless ... with several others being injured. It caused a massive panic inside.

The free benefit concert she put on afterward, which was organized with the help of her manager, Scooter Braun, drew tons of people and raised a lot of cash, upwards of $3 million.

Ariana was joined by other music acts like Justin Bieber, Katy Perry, Coldplay, Black Eyed Peas and others -- which made for a really sweet moment in the city.

We'll be on the lookout for her performance. Stay tuned ...

The audience loved it.

Originally Published -- 12:33 PM PT 

Kanye West Sunday Service from Dayton, OH ... Brings Community Together

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SUNDAY HYMNS

Kanye West is in Dayton, Ohio right now, presiding over his Sunday Service to honor those who died and were injured during the mass shooting earlier this month.

The service is going down at the RiverScape MetoPark to a large crowd.

Kim Kardashian and at least 2 of their kids -- Saint and North West -- are on hand for the event. They were all dressed in white as they headed to the service. We don't know if Chicago made the trip. We're told Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock are also in attendance.

Kim Kardashian
TAKIN' 'EM TO CHURCH

Chappelle eventually took the stage to tell the large crowd that even after going through a tough time -- including tornadoes, Klan rallies and shootings -- "we're still here and we're still strong. And the only way, but not the only way, but the BEST WAY that we can honor our fallen is by getting up better than we were before." He finishes by thanking Kanye for coming out and reminds him that he and Dayton have his back.

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HAPPY TO BE HERE

Chappelle is also in Dayton for an event later in the day ... The Gem City Shine, a benefit concert, again honoring the victims of the latest American massacre. We're told around 20,000 people are expected to attend.

Speaking of Dave, Kanye led a rendition of "Happy Birthday" to him Saturday night inside what appears to be a hotel lobby. Dave turned 46. BTW, Kanye didn't sing -- he led his choir in a melodic rendition of the Stevie Wonder version. Dave toasted the crowd with a brewski.

Originally Published -- 6:56 AM PT

Sofia Richie I'm 21 Now ... And Dancin' My Ass Off!!!

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Sofia Richie had the 21st birthday just about any 21-year-old would want ... a Vegas blowout.

Sofia and a bunch of her friends partied hard at the XS nightclub on the Strip, and it looked like a blast.

Scott Disick was there, but took a back seat to the action as Sofia danced wildly with friends. She went onstage with The Chainsmokers and just kept dancing.

There was the obligatory cake -- in this case, 6 tiers.

Sofia got some pretty awesome presents earlier in the day. Scott presented her with an Aston Martin and a Range Rover. Yep, 2 whips. When the cars were safely garaged, they jetted off to Vegas. Kylie was waiting at the airport where they all boarded the private jet.
LIKE NOBODY'S WATCHING

Sofia got some pretty awesome presents earlier in the day. Scott presented her with an Aston Martin and a Range Rover. Yep, 2 whips. When the cars were safely garaged, they jetted off to Vegas. Kylie was waiting at the airport where they all boarded the private jet.

In case you lost track, Scott and Sofia have been dating for about 2 years. They seem super serious ... she even hangs out with his kids, and she and Kourtney clearly get along. They've even all gone on vacay together.

Taylor Swift Clearly Not Over Scooter's Purchase of Masters

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Taylor Swift 8/25/19
I'M GONNA WIN THIS

Taylor Swift tripled down in an interview that aired Sunday, saying she's determined to get her OG music back, one way or the other.

Taylor appeared on CBS' "Sunday Morning," and made it clear ... she's going to rerecord the songs that made her famous. As we reported, Taylor surrendered any claim to the masters for her 6 original albums. The masters are owned by Big Machine, and she went ballistic when she found out Scooter Braun bought the company for $300 million.

Taylor made it clear ... she had no idea Scooter -- with whom she has a big problem -- was going to plunk down the cash for BM. She says she learned about the sale when the news broke online.

Taylor vowed to rerecord her songs from the first 6 albums but, as we reported, there are typically clauses in these contracts that require artists to change up the songs so they don't sound identical. This could actually benefit Scooter, since people generally crave the original versions and knockoffs could make the originals more valuable.

Kim Kardashian Joins Hubby Kanye for Dayton, OH Trip ... Cheesecake, Anyone???

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Kim Kardashian has now joined Kanye West's in Ohio ... and they're doing cheesecake for dinner.

Kim and Kanye were spotted leaving a Cheesecake Factory restaurant Saturday evening in Beavercreek, OH -- a city about 15 minutes outside of Dayton -- where they were ushered into a waiting SUV with security nearby.

We're told their son Saint, and daughter North, were with them for the hour-long dinner, which got started 6 PM. No word on what they chowed down on, but it's Cheesecake ... they got a lot of options (no specials though, apparently).

Anyway, Kim and Kanye definitely weren't trying to stay on the down low -- check out our video. You see them interacting with the crowd outside ... from a safe distance, of course. Kim said hi to some fans, and Ye flashed a peace sign.

Kim's appearance here comes a day after Kanye was seen roaming the streets of Dayton with other family members, including what looked like some of his kids.

Ye is doing a Sunday Service in the area, which would line up with a show Dave Chappelle is putting on the same day to honor those who died and were injured in the latest mass shooting. As you know, at least 9 people were killed ... less than 24 hours after another mass shooting in El Paso, TX, which claimed more than 20 deaths.

Eddie Money Diagnosed with Esophageal Cancer

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Seventies and 80s hitmaker turned reality TV star Eddie Money is in the battle of his life ... TMZ's learned the rocker's been diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer.

The "Take Me Home Tonight" singer makes the stunning revelation during season 2 of his reality show, "Real Money" ... according to sources connected to the show.

We're told Eddie got the dire news late last year, during a regularly scheduled checkup with his doctor.

The cancer started in Eddie's esophagus but, sadly, it spread to other parts of his body. You can see in this clip, he's determined to keep his loved ones in the loop as he deals with the diagnosis.

We're told Eddie didn't take a break from shooting his family's show after getting the news -- and he's continued touring almost nonstop while getting treatment.

You'll recall he was forced to take a break from the road for other health issues -- a minor heart valve procedure in May, and he caught pneumonia in July. We're told neither issue was related to the cancer.

Our sources say Eddie won't shy away from discussing his treatments while cameras are rolling for "Real Money."

We're pulling for ya, Money.

R. Kelly Scrambling to Pay Michael Jackson Lawyer ... With the Help of Anonymous Friends

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R. Kelly's desperate to retain the attorney who successfully defended Michael Jackson in his child molestation case ... so much so his team's hitting up anyone it can for financial help to pay what will become an enormous legal bill -- and it might be working.

Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ ... Kelly's industry contacts have been in touch with his team and expressed a desire to help with his legal fees.

We're told these people have agreed to anonymously help foot the bill so the singer can land attorney Tom Mesereau ... the guy who got MJ acquitted in 2005, the same year he got Robert Blake acquitted of murdering his wife.

Our sources say there's a big catch -- the money won't come in unless Kelly fires his current lawyer, Steven Greenberg ... so for now, it's all just verbal commitments. Greenberg, as we've told you, has called the whole situation "a complete load of crap."

Truth is ... Kelly will have to pull a Brinks truck up to Mesereau's office to land him. Just like in the New York federal case, the defense will require forensic experts, experts in sex trafficking, P.I.'s and on and on. That case alone will easily cost a million bucks to defend.

Of course, Kelly's also charged with various sex crimes in 3 other jurisdictions -- Illinois State, Illinois Federal and Minnesota State. We're hearing he might also face charges in Detroit and Atlanta.

And, we're also told ... some of Kelly's fans have reached out to ask if they can contribute.

Yung Miami to JT Welcome Home Present For My City Girl ... Enjoy The Bling!!!

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Yung Miami is making sure her City Girls counterpart JT gets some love when she leaves prison ... because JT's gonna score some custom diamond jewelry!!!

We're told Yung Miami plunked down some serious cash for JT in the form of a pendant and chain to match her own City Girls bling ...  $52,000 to be exact.

We're told Yung Miami hit up Jewelry Unlimited about a month ago, and the bling took two weeks to fully craft. As you see, the pendant and chain sparkle with baguette and VS+ diamonds set in yellow gold.

The only difference from Yung Miami's matching bling ... hers is rose gold.

JT has been locked up at the Miami Federal Detention Center since June 2018, after turning herself in to authorities on fraud charges. We're told she's getting released in the next few weeks.

Gotta hand it to Yung Miami ... she knows how to welcome a girl back from the inside.

Kanye West Spotted In Dayton, OH ... Smells Like Sunday Service

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Kanye West is in Dayton, Ohio ... and all signs are pointing to him hosting his Sunday Service in the same city where 9 people were killed in a recent mass shooting.

Kanye and his family were spotted Friday afternoon in Dayton ... which is pretty interesting, considering that's where his longtime friend Dave Chappelle is hosting a free show Sunday to honor the lives that were lost in this month's tragedy.

Our sources tell us Kanye appeared to be scouting a location for a Special Sunday Service ... and there are rumblings he will be bringing in his choir as well.

We reached out to Kanye's camp for confirmation ... but we haven't heard back.

As you know ... Kanye's Sunday Service has become super popular this year, with tons of celebs attending. He had a huge service at Coachella and has held the rest mostly around Los Angeles.

Stay tuned ...

Rapper Ambjaay Claims Racial Profiling in Free Concert Bust

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The young rapper whose earned praise from Kylie Jenner, Drake and Meek Mill had a very public run-in with the law that ended with his arrest ... and his reps are calling the move racist.
UNO MOMENTO POR FAVOR

The young rapper whose earned praise from Kylie Jenner, Drake and Meek Mill had a very public run-in with the law that ended with his arrest ... and his reps are calling the move racist.

Rapper Ambjaay -- famous for his hugely successful track, "Uno" -- was busted Thursday about an hour east of L.A. in Rancho Cucamonga after directing hundreds of high school kids to show up to a nearby park for a free pop-up concert.

So, why the move? The 19-year-old rapper wanted to reward the students from Rancho Cucamonga HS after a video showed them turning up to "Uno" last week ... hence the free concert. Problem was ... Ambjaay didn't have a permit, this according to law enforcement sources.

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We're told police responded to the park and told Ambjaay he had to shut it down, but we're told he instead directed fans to another park. Cops tell us they got wind of this ... and that's when they pulled him over, searched his car and arrested him for disturbing the peace. He was later released.

A rep for Ambjaay tells TMZ ... all the rapper was trying to do was give back to a community that had showed him mad love. The rep straight-up calls this a classic case of racial profiling. The rep adds the disturbance occurred only AFTER police wouldn't let the rapper perform.

Robert Downey Jr. Rolling Stones Rock So Hard ... They're On Mars Now!!!

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ROCKIN' MARS

Who says a Rolling Stones concert is only rock 'n' roll? Not Robert Downey Jr., who kicked off Thursday night's Rose Bowl concert by announcing the band has its own stone ... on Mars.

Iron Man himself hit the stage before Mick, Keith and the fellas rocked the crowd of 60,000 ... and shared an origin story about the legendary band and the exploration of the red planet.

Long story short, Mars and the band are now cosmically linked forever because NASA has named an iconic rock on the planet's surface ... "Rolling Stones Rock."

As Downey Jr. enthusiastically explained ... NASA's successful landing of the InSight spacecraft last year on Mars sent a golf ball-sized rock rolling a few feet across the surface -- and the rocket scientists came up with a (sorta?) clever name for it.

It might just be one small stone for man, but it's one giant leap for Stones' kind.

Rolling Stones
STILL ROLLIN'

BTW ... 76-year-old Jagger looked like he was ready for space exploration himself, showing no signs of slowing after the heart valve procedure earlier this year, which delayed the tour.

After the show, photogs got this shot of the frontman with a device hanging next to his neck -- and while there's a rumor it's there to monitor his heart ... that just ain't so.

A rep for the band tells us it's simply Mick's in-ear monitors which he's been wearing during concerts for the last, oh ... 60 or so years.