Demi Lovato This is Me, 'Unashamed' ... Shares Unedited 'Cellulit' Bikini Pic

Published

Demi Lovato is so over feeling bad about her body, and even more so -- she's done editing her photos to please others and adhere to THEIR idea of beautiful.

And that, indeed, is "celluLIT."

Demi shared this unedited bikini photo of herself late Thursday -- cellulite and all -- because as she puts it ... "I want this new chapter in my life to be about being authentic to who I am rather than trying to meet someone else’s standards."

Lovato adds ... "So here’s me, unashamed, unafraid and proud to own a body that has fought through so much and will continue to amaze me when I hopefully give birth one day."

The singer/actress goes on to explain how she's been feeling great getting back to projects while not stressing about strenuous workouts or miserable diets.

She says ... "here's me, RAW, REAL! And I love me. And you should love you too!"

The inspiring pic caught the eye of one interesting admirer. Mike Johnson, a contestant on the last season of "The Bachelorette," dropped a very flirty reply to Demi ... saying, "Look at me like that again." Demi saw it and replied with a kissy face emoji. Hmmm ...

Even better, Demi's post also revealed that she's back in the studio working on new music -- an anthem!

As we've reported ... Lovato also recently celebrated 1 year of sobriety with a group of friends following her near-fatal overdose last summer.

Nicki Minaj 'Retirement' Makes No Sense ... Friends, Team Blindsided

Published | Updated
UPDATE

9:04 AM PT -- Nicki's addressing fans she upset with Thursday's retirement tweet, saying it was "abrupt & insensitive" and apologizing. She says she'll discuss her decision on "Queen Radio" soon and she's confident it will make people happy ... but she doesn't say she's taking it back. Stay tuned!

UPDATE

Nicki Minaj's retirement announcement not only came out of nowhere, but it absolutely doesn't add up -- as in it doesn't seem real -- based on her recent actions ... so say sources close to her.

TMZ's learned Nicki has been busy in the studio working on new music in recent weeks and on top of that ... we're told she made plans to record with several artists just in the past few days.

Our sources say Minaj has a lot of songs already in the can, and despite saying on Thursday she's retiring in order to "have my family" -- she still has studio time booked until next month.

So, why the sudden decision to hang it up? We're told Nicki's been growing increasingly fed up with internet trolls who've been harassing her lately, and finally reached a boiling point.

Our sources say the rapper was pushed over the edge by constantly defending herself over accusations of not writing her own songs, questions about her hip-hop legacy ... and her relationship with her fiance, Kenneth Petty. BTW, rumor is she's already Mrs. Petty, but that's another thing Nicki's tired of discussing.

The good news for the Barbs ... we're told those close to Nicki believe she's just taking a much-needed break from the haters and simply needs a moment to chill and reevaluate. As we told you ... DJ Paul agrees.

DJ Paul
NICKI DON'T DO IT!

One more thing -- Minaj's comment about family got many wondering if she's pregnant. We're told she's not ... yet.

Originally Published -- 12:50 AM PT

Ariana Grande Not Dating Mikey Foster ... Frankie Grande Backtracks

Published | Updated

Ariana Grande's brother is cleaning up the tea he spilled about her dating life -- that is to say, she is NOT dating Social House singer Mikey Foster.

Frankie Grande sent folks into a frenzy Wednesday when he said he went on a "double date" with Ariana and Mikey ... but now he says he was not implying Ariana and Mikey were an item.

Frankie started backstroking Thursday, saying ... "My sister is not in a relationship. Everyone relax. She is very much single."

Now, Frankie says his "double date" comment just meant Ariana and Mikey went out for dinner with him and his boyfriend, Hale Leon.

Aaaand breathe, everyone.

BTW ... Ariana and Mikey have been dogged by dating rumors ever since they collabed on her track, "Boyfriend" -- which probably explains why Frankie's comment caught fire.

As you know ... Ariana's got a long list of famous exes ... including Pete Davidson, Big Sean, Ricky Alvarez and Mac Miller. The bad news for Mikey is he's NOT dating AG (in case that wasn't clear), but on the other hand ... he won't be on her list of exes.

Nicki Minaj I'm Retiring from Music ... DJ Paul Thinks It's Temporary

Published | Updated
UPDATE

1:36 PM PT -- We just got DJ Paul at LAX, and he tells our photog he hopes Nicki is just taking a hiatus. The Three 6 Mafia rapper says Nicki's one of his favorite artists, and he believes she's following a long line of hip-hop stars who retired only to eventually return to making music.

UPDATE
DJ Paul
Nicki don't do it
UPDATE

DJ Paul tells us why Nicki reminds him of Jim Carrey ... and sends her a message about the downside of sitting at home with a huge pile of money.

Nicki Minaj says she's leaving the music biz ... she's decided to retire because HER family's the next priority.

The rapper made the stunning announcement in a Thursday morning tweet ... saying she's gonna retire because she's ready to become a mom. She wrote, "I've decided to retire & have my family. I know you guys are happy now. To my fans, keep reppin me, do it til da death of me, X in the box- cuz ain't nobody checkin me. Love you for LIFE."

Nicki seems to be saying 2 things ... 1. that she wants to become a mom, and 2. that she's sick of the trolls.

What's not clear ... is she blowing off steam or is this the real deal?

If Nicki's in fact done with the rap game ... she leaves behind a storied legacy. The pride of Trinidad and Tobago and Queens earlier this year became the first female rapper to officially sell 100 million units across her albums, singles and features as certified by the Recording Industry Association of America.

Nicki's been nominated for 10 Grammys, earned a Guinness World Record in 2017 for most Billboard Hot 100 entries by a solo female artist and hauled in five MTV Video Music Awards. It's unclear if retirement means she's also done with the popular "Queen Radio" show.

TMZ broke the story ... Nicki and her boyfriend, Kenneth Petty, got a marriage license not long ago. She's called him her husband since then but we haven't been able to confirm they've actually tied the knot.

But one thing's clear, they seem to be going full steam ahead ... with starting their family seemingly on the horizon.

Originally Published -- 11:50 AM PT

Kevin Spacey No Marinero en España ... Rocks Out with Street Band

Published
090519_kevin_spacey_4626423 :: 0_4x0ip2lu :: 0_ewa3o7e3
DROPPING LA BAMBAS

Kevin Spacey's getting more comfortable returning to the spotlight, at least when he's overseas ... and out and about in the wee hours of the morning.

The actor joined a street band in Seville, Spain to sing AND play acoustic guitar on a couple oldies but goodies ... and everyone appeared to be having a fantastic time.

Spacey and the band, reportedly known as Tuna de Derecho de Sevilla, first performed Ritchie Valens' 1958 hit "La Bamba" before turning it into a medley with The Beatles' version of "Twist and Shout."

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Members of the band told Spanish media the former "House of Cards" star was at a nearby restaurant with some friends and they approached him last Saturday for a photo ... at around 2 AM. The time seems relevant when you see how everyone's carrying on in the video.

This is at least the second time Spacey's made a public appearance since his sexual assault criminal case in Massachusetts was dropped by prosecutors in July.

As we reported ... Kevin put on a solo pop-up poetry production in Rome last month, but it was much more staged than this street performance.

Spacey's still being investigated for sexual assault elsewhere, but it's clear he's eager to make a comeback. Might still be awhile before he can say "Soy capitan" in Hollywood, though.

Lizzo 100% That Bottle Bitch!!! Downing Bub Like a Pro

Published | Updated

Add this to the reasons why Lizzo is 100 percent that bitch ... she's got no problem taking bottles of champagne straight to the dome!!!

Lizzo had a helluva holiday weekend, that was only beginning when she performed at the Made in America festival. Turns out things got REAL afterward when she partied with DaBaby and Megan Thee Stallion -- hitting up NOTO Philadelphia and handling the bottle service all on her own.

The "Truth Hurts" singer had good reason to celebrate Sunday night ... her catchy track's been one of the summer's hottest hits, and it just snagged the No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts after she killed it with her VMAs performance.

No wonder Megan gave Lizzo a huge hug!!!

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Lizzo stole the show at Jay-Z's annual music fest, and everyone went WILD when DaBaby joined her on stage and started grinding on her!!!

The good times kept rolling deep into the night as she rocked a "100% That Bitch" t-shirt while turning up.

Check out the gallery ... no matter what the calendar says, Lizzo's hot girl summer is still rolling.

Aaron Carter Buys More Firearms ... Handgun, Rifle, Ammo

Published | Updated

Aaron Carter is adding to his home arsenal ... hitting up a pawn shop to purchase 2 guns and a bunch of ammunition.

The singer dropped by Rick's Pawn Shop Tuesday in Lancaster, CA ... and we're told Aaron bought a handgun and a rifle, plus 300 rounds of hollow tip bullets.

Looks like Aaron is dead set on starting his own gun collection after inheriting a massive cache of weapons from his father. Aaron got his gun license less than 2 weeks ago, and he immediately bought a 9mm handgun and 2 assault rifles.

After Tuesday's purchase, Aaron owns at least 5 firearms -- still a long way to go to catch up to the 500 guns he says his pops passed down to him.

Aaron Carter's tackling 2 hot button issues ... mental health, specifically his own, and gun control laws -- and insisting it's not only safe for him to own assault weapons, but an absolute necessity.
STICKING TO HIS GUNS

We broke the story ... Aaron told us last week owning assault weapons is a necessity, because his dad taught him to protect himself and his family by any means necessary. Aaron also said his mental stability is "infinite" -- despite loved ones being concerned about his mental health.

BTW ... Aaron had his background check flagged two years ago when he tried to buy a gun in Florida, which was around the time he entered rehab.

Aaron Carter Guns
SAFETY FIRST

Shortly after his latest weapons purchase, Aaron made it clear he's fully educated on gun safety, and has passed all necessary courses. Point being ... now that he has the green light to buy guns, he's going to take full advantage.

Trina Mom 'Nessa' Dies from Cancer at 62

Published | Updated

Trina's mother has passed away ... TMZ has learned.

The 'Love & Hip Hop' star and legendary femcee's mom, Vernessa 'Nessa' Taylor, died Tuesday morning, according to Trina's rep. We're told she lost a battle to cancer.

Trina's camp tells us that Nessa was the rock that molded her daughter into the strong, successful woman she's become, and that she was also a pillar in her community in advocating for self-love, confidence and perseverance among women in general.

The rep tells TMZ ... "Thank you all for your kind words and condolences regarding Trina’s mother. It truly gives the family some peace and comfort knowing that 'Nessa' lived such a fulfilling life filled with love and abundance." Trina's team asks for privacy as the family mourns.

Trina mentioned her mother in her music, notably referencing her in a song similar to Pac's "Dear Mama." In her 2017 track -- simply titled "Mama (The One)" -- Trina raps about wanting to pass before her mother did 'cause of how attached she was to her.

Trina's lyrics go like this ... "Thinking 'bout you mama / Got me running to the liquor / Mama where you goin'? / I'm gon' have to beg to differ / I'd rather go first, so I wanna go with you 'cause I can't do this without you." Obviously, they were incredibly close.

Just last year, Trina and co. threw Nessa an extravagant rooftop birthday party, where photos and music were in abundance and a good time was had by all. Even in this clip though, you can see Nessa struggling a bit to walk -- it's clear she was ill at the time.

We're told Trina's inner circle is trying to keep her grounded during this difficult time, and that she's surrounded by loved ones as she works through the grieving process.

Nessa was 62.

RIP

'American Idol' Contestant Haley Smith Dies in Motorcycle Crash

Published | Updated

Haley Smith -- a former contestant on "American Idol" -- died over the weekend after crashing her motorcycle in Maine ... TMZ has learned.

The singer passed away early Saturday morning in Millinocket, Maine in a one-vehicle crash after police say it appears she failed to make a sharp turn along a residential road that becomes a highway in certain sections. Police say she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her father, Mike Smith, tells TMZ ... Haley was riding on a country road and her family believes a deer might've caused the accident -- as he implied she was a good rider, and they doubt she simply lost control of her bike.

Haley's time on 'AI' was relatively brief in 2012, when she auditioned in Colorado during season 11. She didn't make it beyond the second Hollywood round, but Haley certainly left an impression on the judges at the time in her audition.

She sang Rufus and Chaka Khan's "Tell Me Something Good," putting a folksy twist on it that left Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler pretty impressed.

Steven even said it was an honor to hear her sing, 'cause he said she was out of his "era" with her look, sound and vibe.

Haley was 26, and her family says they were preparing to celebrate her birthday this upcoming November.

RIP

Vic Mensa Anti-ICE Concert a Hit in L.A. ... Let's Take This on Tour!!!

Published
Vic Mensa Show
PROTEST SHOW

Vic Mensa rolled up on ICE headquarters in downtown Los Angeles, stopped traffic and rocked the hell out ... and the protest show went off without a hitch.

The rapper/singer and his band, 93PUNX, stopped traffic and put on a free concert Monday afternoon in the back of a flatbed truck, parked right in front of the building.

Vic and co. broke into their single, "Camp America" ... a blistering track criticizing the U.S. government for its treatment of immigrants. Surprisingly, they were allowed to continue performing for a crowd of about 100 for nearly 40 minutes ... despite the clear "f**k ICE" theme.

Vic Mensa Interview
FOR THE PEOPLE

We're told cops blocked off the street before finally shutting it down. Mensa was very pleased with the outcome of his first anti-ICE show ... telling us it was a victory. Vic also reiterated the point of it all, saying the treatment of humans right now in this country is unacceptable ... so he wanted to let the people making the decisions know that.

Granted, it was Labor Day so nobody was working inside the ICE HQ ... but we're guessing the message was still received.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

BTW -- Vic announced this protest show a few days ago ... and tells us there might be more coming. Stay tuned.

French Montana I Want to Be the Face of Immigration ... Take On Trumps of the World!!!

Published | Updated
French Montana
ALWAYS REPPIN'

French Montana is the ultimate immigrant success story and hopes to be an inspiration for others in this country ... even when it seems the Prez is against them.

We got the "Jungle Rules" rapper out this week ... he tells us he owes his livelihood to the U.S. -- where he emigrated and became a U.S. citizen a year ago in June -- and believes there are a lot of kids out there with the potential to follow in his footsteps.

Based on the video ... that means getting to a point where you have a person to help untangle your bling.

The problem -- French also believes there are a lot of Donald Trumps out there trying to crush the dreams of people from underprivileged countries ... so he vows to do what he can to help them keep the faith.

As for how he plans to achieve this ... it doesn't seem like going the Kim Kardashian route and getting face time with POTUS is in the cards. The rapper says it's more about continuing to give back to the less fortunate.

French Montana wanted heads to roll after some guy allegedly threw a sucker punch ... and TMZ's got video of him going off on his security team for apparently letting it happen.
EARLY MORNING SPAT

Montana's mission is a noble one, but if he wants to be a beacon for immigrants ... he should probably avoid more street scuffles. We broke the story ... French was fuming after an alleged attack the morning after VMAs, especially at his own security.

French Montana Smacks Phone
SLAP HAPPY

Additional footage of the incident showed French as the aggressor, though. So far, he hasn't been charged for his role in the altercation.

Still ... not a good look for a guy trying to do good by immigrants.

Justin Bieber Stardom, Drugs Nearly Derailed Me ... Thank God for Marriage!!!

Published | Updated

Justin Bieber's in a reflective mood on this Labor Day ... opening up in a VERY big, and wordy, way about his personal roller coaster of life.

The Biebs had a lot to get off his chest -- something like 1,000 words worth of stuff -- and blurted it all out in a post you might go blind trying to read. So, allow us to sum up his points:

- His struggles growing up with 2 very young parents
- Coping with sudden attention from millions of fans
- His darkest days which included doing "pretty heavy drugs at 19" and abusing all his relationships. He admits becoming "resentful, disrespectful to women and angry."

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

- Going through a cycle of disappointment, which he admits sometimes drove him to the point "where you don't even want to live anymore"
- Feeling unfulfilled despite all his money, clothes, cars, accolades and achievements

But with his nuptials set to go down later this month ... seems Justin's excited about entering the next phase in his life, and he finally feels fulfilled.

He writes, "Luckily god blessed me with extraordinary people who love me for me. Now i am navigating the best season of my life 'MARRIAGE.' !! Which is an amazing crazy new responsibility. You learn patience, trust, commitment, kindness, humility and all of the things it looks like to be a good man."

He encouraged his more than 118 millions of IG followers to be kind today.

Kanye West Brad Pitt Crashes Sunday Service ... In South L.A.

Published | Updated

Kanye West's Sunday Service is on the road again ... this time he took the choir to good ol' Watts, and none other than Brad Pitt showed up to feel the good vibes.

Brad was among the large group of worshipers who surrounded Kanye and his choir Sunday in the parking lot of a church. We're told it was a spur-of-the-moment deal, and Brad's presence was a surprise to almost everyone who showed up.

Maybe it shouldn't be going forward, 'cause our sources tell us this is his second time coming.

You can see Brad rockin' his signature charcoal-colored cap. We're told the actor was mostly unbothered by fans as he blended in with the crowd. Yes, Brad Pitt can blend in in Watts.

Other VIPs for this week's Sunday Service included L.A. Reid, Adrienne Bailon, Kourtney, Khloe, Kendall and radio personality Big Boy.

Meanwhile, Kanye was doing his usual thing ... jamming out with the choir and the band on hand in the middle of the group. It looks like there was singing, dancing and, of course, a sermon was given at one point ... the whole church experience, which Ye's been taking around the country lately.

Looks like Kanye's recent Sunday Service road trip is becoming the norm. Remember, he was just in Dayton, OH last week with Kim and his kids ... where he helped Dave Chappelle put on a free concert and service for the grief-stricken community.

082519_sunday_service-kal
SUNDAY HYMNS

Now, Kanye's back in L.A. ... bringing the magic of his Sunday Service to a group of people who might not normally get to enjoy it. Add Brad to the mix ... and that's a thing of beauty.

Travis Scott Cool with Cardi ... Despite Grammy Drama in Netflix Doc

Published | Updated

Travis Scott has no ill will toward Cardi B for taking home the Grammy for Best Rap Album, despite what fans might think after watching his new documentary.

Travis' "Look Mom I Can Fly" project dropped on Netflix Wednesday, and there's a part when Travis is visibly upset after Cardi took home the trophy back in February. A lot of people who've seen it already thought Travis was angry at Cardi.

Sources close to Travis tell us it was absolutely NOT anything personal. We're told his emotions only surfaced because of all the hard work he put into his "Astroworld" album ... and he just really wanted to win, plain and simple.

Fact is, Travis and Cardi have always been super cool since then -- and her hubby, Offset, even showed up at the big Netflix premiere event for the documentary.

Cardi defended herself against some Travis fans on Twitter, saying, "I wasn’t even thinking of winning or even the Grammies. All I can think about was...everybody is disappointed in me, am I still going to have a career after this baby? Is this album going to make me or break me ? I need to finish before I start showing."

She continued, "So when I won a Grammy for it I didn’t have no words to say but when I went home I started reminiscing on what I went thru during that period I was like YEA BITCH YOU DESERVE THIS SHIT! And until this day my shit still charting."

Our Travis sources say he quickly got over the loss, but in the moment it was devastating -- as shown in the documentary -- and only serves as motivation moving forward.

Kanye West Singing in Church Got Me Like ...

Published | Updated

Kanye West can sum up his feelings about bringing his Sunday Services to traditional churches in just 2 words -- far less than Justin Bieber used, but we think they're saying the same thing.

We got Ye Saturday night as he and his wifey, Kim Kardashian, were leaving Cafe Habana in Malibu ... and asked him if he felt any more pressure when performing in churches with his Sunday Service choir.

As you know, Kanye's had 2 special services in the last month -- leaving his usual outdoor location in Calabasas to perform for a North Hollywood congregation ... and the other in Dayton, OH for survivors of the mass shooting there.

082519_sunday_service-kal
SUNDAY HYMNS

Kanye's answer was short, sweet and a clear sign of his faith. As for feeling pressure ... he was getting plenty last night from one of his outspoken fans in the 'Bu.

Justin Bieber
BACK ONSTAGE

We'd put that same question, about pressure, to Justin last week -- on the heels of him singing for the first time in front of the congregation at Churchome in Bev Hills. Biebs told us it was more nerve-racking than his stadium concerts.

The takeaway, though, is both of 'em are feeling the Spirit.

And yes ... they can get an Amen!

Wiz Khalifa Canceled Hot Summer Show Due to Gnarly MMA Ankle Injury, Ouch

Published | Updated

Wiz Khalifa had to bail on a concert on the eastern seaboard because of a bad foot injury -- specifically, he got jacked up while putting in serious work ... MMA style.

Sources connected to the Pittsburgh MC tell TMZ ... Wiz fractured his ankle Friday night during an MMA training session, which left him unable to perform during Saturday night's Hot 104.7's Hot Summer 2019 showcase in Westbrook, Maine.

He was one the headliners on the lineup -- performing alongside acts like A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Ally Brooke, YK Osiris, Big Freedia and others -- but because he couldn't make it ... DMX filled in for him last minute. Not a bad replacement.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Wiz took to social media Saturday to apologize to fans who'd purchased tickets in hopes of seeing him hit the stage, but promised he'd make it up to them in the future when he was healthy. He also made sure to thank DMX for stepping in on short notice.

If the MMA thing is catching you off guard, it shouldn't. He's been at this for at least a couple years now ... and he's absolutely taking training seriously. Just ask FOX's Jay Glazer.

Back in 2017, Wiz was filmed getting in an MMA sesh with Jay ... and the dude looks like he can absolutely throw down. He's even toyed with the idea of taking an actual fight.

072417_wiz_kal JULY 2017
WORK HARD, PLAY HARD

What's crazy about this unfortunate setback for Wiz is that he appears to wear protective gear on his legs and ankles when he trains -- at least he did in this video here. He must've been kicking some serious ass to splinter a bone down there ... yowza. BTW, it should be noted ... we're told Wiz was NOT training with Jay in this instance.

Anyway, for all the fans who are upset, cut the dude a break -- a metaphorical one, of course.