August, 2009

Singer Chris Brown was sentenced in the assault case involving then-girlfriend, singer Rihanna on August 25, 2009. Brown received a sentence of five years’ probation and six months’ community labor, and was ordered to stay away from Rihanna for the next five years…which could be a problem if the latest rumors are true.

As recently as two weeks ago, sources reported that the couple was spending time together. But the judge made it clear that a violation of her ruling could send Brown to state prison.

In fact, Brown was ordered to stay 100 yards away from Rihanna unless they are attending “music industry events.”

Further facts show that the February incident was not the first domestic violence episode between the two singers. In addition to the sentencing, Brown must also attend a year of counseling. Let’s hope it helps.

If you’re not in the know, here’s the scoop. Rapper Eminem has had an ongoing feud with Mariah Carey for denying that the two ever had a relationship. Mariah Carey fired back at Em with a single and video called ‘Obsessed’ which depicts a stalker of the singer – hinted to be Eminem.

So in a new single released by Eminem, entitled ‘Warning,’ Eminem attempts to set things straight. He threatens to reveal nude pictures and phone messages Mariah allegedly sent to him during their brief relationship. He also disses Mariah’s new husband, Nick Cannon, for having labeled his career as one that thrives on hate.

No arguments here. Eminem is clearly an artist with a lot of anger, anger that’s curiously directed only at Mickey Mouse celebrities. Ever hear Eminem diss DMX or Jay Z?

Didn’t think so. I guess in Eminem’s world everyone should care that he had a sexual encounter with Mariah and that she chose to lie about it. Aren’t there worse things to get riled up about, Em? Clearly the two artists have something in common as far as their careers lacking relevance.

I know, ouch.

Rumor has it Paula Abdul has made it official: she will NOT be returning to FOX’s top-rated talent show American Idol.

Sources say producers wanted Abdul to return in a smaller capacity than she was accustomed to – and she refused.

On the other hand, Perez Hilton reports that Abdul will definitely return, but at a lesser pay scale than desired.

Geez/Louise! At this point I’m beginning to wonder if even Paula knows what she’s going to do. And does anyone really care?

Stay tuned. There’s bound to be more as the season hasn’t yet begun.

Reality star Kourtney Kardashian shocked her family by telling them she was pregnant – by then-ex-boyfriend Scott Disick.

After getting over the shock (Mom asked, “Scott who?”), her family members have welcomed the news – and Scott – with open arms.

It’s no secret there was no love lost between Disick and the Kardashian women (have you SEEN the show?), but babies are powerful little people and it would seem, at the moment anyhow, that bygones are bygones and everyone’s looking forward to the arrival of the little bundle of joy.

Next up for Baby K: World Peace.

With a lineup like this, one has to wonder. On September 14, Jay Leno unveils his new prime-time show on NBC with guest Jerry Seinfeld, and (wait for it!) musical guests Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West. Trifecta!

Clearly, Leno’s taking no prisoners and making it known he is still the king. Leno also says his show, which will also feature up-and-coming comedians, will also reflect America’s diversity and not “a bunch of white guys doing standup.” Sounds like the show to watch…and I can still make it to work the next morning.

Win-win, Jay. Win-win.

A hearty Congratulations is in order for Oscar and Grammy-award-winning actress/singer Jennifer Hudson and fiancé David Daniel Otunga, on the recent birth of their brand-spankin’-new baby boy, named after his father.

The Junior David weighed in at a healthy 7 pounds, 14 ounces and is described by Ms. Hudson’s publicist Lisa Kasteler as “beautiful and perfect.” The latest development is a welcome event in the life of both parents, but particularly to Ms. Hudson, who experienced tragedy in fall 2008 when her mother, brother and nephew were brutally slain. Congratulations again to both parents!

Wherever the destination, it looks as if Hollywood celebrities will have a positively fabulous holiday vacation!

After more than five decades of tragedies, nuptials, divorces and outlandish storylines, CBS’ Guiding Light will fade into the sunset, replaced with…(gulp!)…”Let’s Make A Deal”?!

In a move we’re sure no one saw coming except network executives, the age-old game show will make its comeback with Wayne Brady as its host. Original host Monty Hall will serve as a consultant on the show, which is set to begin Oct. 5th.

The View’s Elisabeth Hasselbeck gave birth over the weekend. The 7-pound, 7-ounce bouncing baby boy, named Isaiah Timothy, is the third child for Elisabeth and NFL player Tim Hasselbeck.

A former reality series participant, Elisabeth Hasselbeck made a name for herself after co-hosting ABC’s The View. For awhile it seemed she was overshadowed and a bit out of her league…until the now infamous “in-your-face” banter with then-cohost Rosie O’Donnell, after which Hasselbeck’s stock rose.

Hasselbeck’s other children include Grace Elisabeth, 4, and Taylor Thomas, 20 months old.

In an apparent move to tap into Paula Abdul’s popularity (and controversial departure from its competitor), ABC producers are vying for Abdul to participate on this season’s Dancing with the Stars.

Stephen McPherson, the network’s programming chief, called Abdul following her departure from FOX’s American Idol. Noting Abdul was “an old friend,” McPherson gave no indication whether Abdul has reached a decision to join DWTS.

Two reasons to get excited for the upcoming Alice in Chains album: It’s the band’s first record in 14 years and rock legend, Elton John plays piano on the tribute ballad to late lead vocalist Layne Staley, entitled “Black Gives Way to Blue.”

Alice in Chains thought it would take a miracle to get Elton John on board, but it only took a listen to the song for Elton to agree to play. “He’s a really warm person,” said Alice in Chains co-founder Jerry Cantrell of John. “He got up and gave us a couple of hugs, and said, ‘Well Jerry, I just wanted to tell you that I think it’s a beautiful song…I really dig the sentiment of what it’s about and who it’s for and I just want to tell you that I’m going to play on the song.’”

Cantrell, who wrote the tune, had already made a demo of the song when someone heard it and suggested John as the perfect person to play the piano part. Although the band knew people connected to John, they thought it was a long shot that he would even consider it.

So I guess you could say that when the going gets tough and you need someone to step up to the plate and validate your music, count on Sir Elton to come through in the clutch.