LAS VEGAS, Nevada (September 29, 2007) – Pamela Anderson and Rick Salomon applied for and were granted a marriage license in Las Vegas on Saturday afternoon Access Hollywood has learned.
Access Hollywood’s affiliate KVBC in Las Vegas, confirmed the news Saturday.
Earlier in the month, Anderson told TV talk show host Ellen DeGeneres that she was “engaged.”
Though the former “Baywatch” star declined to reveal the identity of her suitor to Ellen, she did note he was a poker player.
Anderson was previously married to Kid Rock and before that, to Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee.
Salomon was previously married to “90210” actress Shannen Doherty. He also rose to infamy as Paris Hilton’s bedfellow in her sex video, “One Night In Paris.”
Pam Anderson In Cannes
Anderson and Salomon have known each other for 15 years, according to Pam, who noted the fact on her Web site blog, this past Thursday.
In another posting --on September 26, Anderson wrote that her life was going well and hinted that romance was on the cards, though she did not claim it was with Salomon.
“I’m in love,” she posted. “And my work is fun and creative. I’m healthy . . . I’m having the best time in my life.”
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 30, 2007) — Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson had the winning game plan at the box office. Disney’s “The Game Plan,” starring Johnson as a football quarterback whose bachelor lifestyle is disrupted by the arrival of a daughter he never knew he had, opened as the top weekend flick with $22.7 million, according to studio estimates Sunday.
The weekend had looked like it would be a showdown between “The Game Plan” and Universal’s Middle East thriller “The Kingdom” which stars Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Garner as members of a U.S. team investigating a terrorist attack in Saudi Arabia.
But “The Kingdom” fell short, debuting at No. 2 with a solid $17.7 million. The previous weekend’s top movie, Sony’s action tale “Resident Evil: Extinction,” fell a steep 66 percent from its opening-weekend gross, finishing in third place with $8 million and raising its total to $36.8 million.
Johnson was the latest action hero aiming to broaden his audience with a family film. With a PG rating, “The Game Plan” took advantage of a long dry spell for kid-friendly movies, as parents with children made up two-thirds of the audience.
“There was definitely pent-up demand for people who don’t necessarily want to go to the heavy R-rated films,” said Chuck Viane, head of distribution for Disney. “The entire general audience has been underserved lately.”
“The Kingdom” faced heavy competition from other violent R-rated films, among them “3:10 to Yuma,” “The Brave One” and “Eastern Promises.” Though not an overtly political film, “The Kingdom” also had to test audience interest for action tales set against the war on terrorism.
“If you’re going to tell stories like this, you’re going to tell stories of what’s actually going on in our world. It’s very difficult, challenging subject matter,” said Nikki Rocco, head of distribution for Universal. “Either you’re going to like this kind of movie or you’re not.”
In limited release, Fox Searchlight’s “The Darjeeling Limited” opened strongly, taking in $140,000 at two New York City theaters on Saturday and Sunday, following its premiere Friday at the New York Film Festival.
Directed by Wes Anderson (“The Royal Tenenbaums“), the film stars Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody and Jason Schwartzman as brothers on an odyssey across India. Focus Features’ World War II saga “Lust, Caution” also did well in its debut at one New York City theater, taking in $61,688. From director Ang Lee (“Brokeback Mountain“), the NC-17-rated “Lust, Caution” features scenes of explicit sex as a Chinese woman goes undercover in a plot to kill a man collaborating with invading Japanese forces.
Both films expand to more theaters Friday.
It was the second straight weekend that Hollywood business was down after a summer of record revenue. The top 12 movies took in $76.7 million, down 11 percent from the same weekend last year, when “Open Season” was the No. 1 movie with $23.6 million.
“What goes up must come down,” said Paul Dergarabedian, president of box-office tracker Media By Numbers. “It would be really difficult to maintain three, four months of up box office, so this was kind of inevitable. It was quite a strong fall last year, so we’re having a little trouble competing.”
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. “The Game Plan,” $22.7 million. 2. “The Kingdom,” $17.7 million. 3. “Resident Evil: Extinction,” $8 million. 4. “Good Luck Chuck,” $6.3 million. 5. “3:10 to Yuma,” $4.2 million. 6. “The Brave One,” $3.8 million. 7. “Mr. Woodcock,” $3 million. 8. “Eastern Promises,” $2.9 million. 9. “Sydney White,” $2.7 million. 10. “Across the Universe,” $2.05 million.
LONDON, England (September 30, 2007) — Lois Maxwell, who starred as Miss Moneypenny in 14 James Bond movies, has died, the British Broadcasting Corp. reported Sunday. She was 80.
The Canadian-born actress starred alongside Sean Connery in the first James Bond movie, “Dr. No,” in 1962 as the secretary to M, the head of the secret service.
She died Saturday night at Fremantle Hospital near her home in Perth, Australia, the BBC cited a hospital official as saying.
Bond star Roger Moore said she was suffering from cancer.
“It’s rather a shock,” Moore, who had known her since they were students at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in 1944, told BBC radio.
“She was always fun and she was wonderful to be with,” he said.
Born Lois Hooker in Ontario, Canada, in 1927, she began her acting on radio before moving to Britain with the Entertainment Corps of the Canadian army at the age of 15, the BBC said.
In the late 1940s, she moved to Hollywood and won a Golden Globe for her part in the Shirley Temple comedy “That Hagen Girl.”
After working in Italy, she returned to Britain in the mid-1950s.
In addition to her 14 appearances as Miss Moneypenny, she also acted in Stanley Kubrick’s “Lolita” and worked on TV shows including “The Saint” “The Baron, Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased),” and “The Persuaders!,” the BBC said.
She was 58 when she appeared in her final Bond film, 1985’s “A View To A Kill.”
She was replaced by 26-year-old Caroline Bliss for “The Living Daylights.”
Her last film was a 2001 thriller called “The Fourth Angel,” alongside Jeremy Irons.
SYDNEY, Australia (October 1, 2007) – Keith Urban was involved in a motorcycle accident on Sunday after the country star was allegedly being chased bya paparazzo.
In a statement released to Access Hollywood, Urban said he was headed to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting on his motorcycle in Sydney when he found himself being pursued by a photographer.
“Today’s incident was the result of one person’s desire to do his job and my desire to maintain my privacy. Some have already attempted to inflate the facts, but the reality is this; while out riding to an AA meeting, a time when my privacy is especially important to me, I felt myself being pursued. I sped up, and in an effort to elude an oncoming car which was making an illegal u-turn, saw no choice but to drop my bike,” Urban said in the statement. “In actual fact, my pursuer came to my assistance, without taking photos, and helped me from the road. I returned home, got my car, and continued on my way.”
Urban entered a rehab facility for alcohol treatment in October 2006. He completed the program in January 2007.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (October 1, 2007) – Michael Lohan is headed back to Utah to once again reunite with daughter Lindsay, Michael confirmed to Access Hollywood.
Michael is scheduled to arrive in Utah on Monday night. He and Lindsay will then spend five days together at a secluded Utah lodge.
“We’re going to spend some quality time together,” Michael told Access.
In an e-mail to People magazine, Lindsay’s mom Dina was pleased her ex-husband would get the chance to spend time with their daughter.
“It can only help her recovery. It’s time to mend,” the e-mail stated. “He is visiting Lindsay alone because we are giving her dad a chance to make amends.”
Video: Access Archives - Lindsay Lohan
This will mark Michael’s second trip to Utah since Lindsay entered the Cirque Lodge rehab center on August 3.
On September 5, Michael flew to visit his daughter. It was the first time the two had seen each other since 2004.
“It was like not a day passed,” Michael said of the meeting. “Lindsay knows the truth. She knows that I love her and what kind of a father I was and I’m sure she’ll set the record straight on that at some time.”
Michael also was proud to report the change he sees in his daughter since entering the rehab center.
“She is at a better place in her heart and mind than I have ever seen her in her life. Ever. She is stronger. She is more settled. She is focused and she is just concentrating on living the right kind of a life,” he noted.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (October 1, 2007) – Paula Abdul is ready to be a mom.
The “American Idol” judge, who is dating restaurateur J.T. Torregiani, said she hopes to bring a gurgling little tot into the world.
“That’s the next step in my life,” Abdul told USA Today.“Definitely within the next two years. I thought by now I’d have three grown children.”
The 45-year-old former pop star hinted she might use the healthcare system to have her own littlie mini Paula or perhaps, Paul.
“With modern medicine, people are having kids in their 40s and even up until their late 40s,” she noted. “In their 50s, they’re having their second child.”
Access Archives: Paula Abdul In Vegas
If she cannot have a child “naturally,” Abdul said she would “consider adopting.”
Abdul did not say she plans to have a child with her new boyfriend Torregianai, who she has been dating for just four months.
“He’s a positive force that has come into my life right now. Where it leads, who knows?” she said.
Torregiani though, has taken to Abdul’s beloved canines.
“My chunky dog, Tulip, is in love with him,” she said. “He pays so much attention to her that she thinks she’s the queen.”
NEW YORK, NY (October 1, 2007) – Paris Hilton missed out on a scheduled “Late Show With David Letterman” appearance earlier this summer in order to serve time in jail for a probation violation. When she finally made it to the late night talk show this past Friday night, David Letterman didn’t let her forget the reason she missed her original appearance.
After a couple of quick opening questions, Letterman went straight into probing Paris about her visit to the Century Regional Detention Center in Lynnwood, California, this past June.
“How’d you like being in jail?” he asked.
“Not too much,” Paris replied.
Letterman carried on with a series of slammer-related questions including what jail was like.
“Well, obviously it was a very traumatic experience, but I did it. I feel like I can do anything now,” Paris told David.
As the interview pressed on however, it appeared there was one thing Paris couldn’t do – tackle more questions about jail. As he jumped in with humorous inquiries about jail food, Paris began to kick one of her legs and squirmed in the guest seat.
Paris Gets Grilled On Letterman
“What would a breakfast be?” Letterman asked.
“Like a hard-boiled egg and an orange,” she said.
“What was dinner usually?” he continued.
“Jail mystery meat.” Paris replied with a smile and more leg kicking. “It was pretty bad.”
As Letterman continued to probe, asking if the experience in jail was “ugly,” Paris quickly noted she wanted to change the subject.
“I’ve moved on with my life so I don’t really want to talk about it any more,” she said.
Letterman however, did.
“This is where you and I are different, because [that’s] all I wanna talk about,” he said to the heiress as the studio audience erupted in laughter.
“Have you, did you make any friends while you were in jail?” he continued.
“I’m not answering any more questions about it. I’m here for my clothing line and my movie and my perfume. I’m not here to talk about that. I’m moving on,” she replied.
After a few more uncomfortable minutes, Letterman finally switched subjects and Paris was able to promote her projects including a new movie she is filming in Toronto – “Repo! The Genetic Opera.”
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (October 1, 2007) – Britney Spears has a new lawyer who will defend her in her criminal hit and run case.
Lawyer J. Michael Flanagan confirmed to Access Hollywood that he is representing the star.
The Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office filed one count of hit and run causing property damage and one count of driving without a valid California Driver’s license on September 21 against Britney.
Flanagan confirmed to Access Hollywood that Spears does not have a California driver’s license.
“Britney is eligible for a license, she does not have one at this time,” he told Access. “Once she applies for one, I think the matter will be resolved and resolved quickly.”
Access Archives: Britney In Burbank
As for the hit and run charge, which also stems from an incident this past summer when Brit hit a parked car and left the scene without leaving a note or attempting to contact the other vehicle’s owner, Flanagan said his firm is looking into the matter.
“This case is still in the investigatory stages. We are trying to work out a resolution on the matter, and trying to do it privately,” he said.
The charges filed against Britney each carry a maximum penalty of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (October 1, 2007) – Britney Spears has lost physical custody of her children, Access Hollywood has learned.
According to court documents obtained by Access, Kevin Federline will be granted physicalcustody of the couple’s two kids – Sean Preston and Jayden James – on October 3.
Kevin, referred to in the document as the “respondent,” will retain physical custody “until further notice of the Court.”
The court ruling states:
“Respondent’s oral motion pursuant to section 214FC is granted and the matter proceeds as a closed hearing. The court and all parties present confer on the record that the court makes its order as fully reflected in the notes of the official court reporter. The court’s prior order including the orders made on September 28, 2007 remain in full force and effect with the following modification: Respondent is to retain physical custody of the minor children on Wednesday October 3rd, 2007 at 12 PM until further order of the Court. Respondent’s ex-parte application is noticed for October 3, 2007 at 1:30 PM in Department 88.”
The ruling was issued by Los Angeles Superior Court Commissioner Scott Gordon, who two weeks ago ordered Britney to undergo random drug and alcohol testing twice a week after finding evidence of “habitual, frequent and continuous use of controlled substances and alcohol.”
No word on whether Brit violated any of his orders, leading to today’s ruling.
The next hearing is scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.
Video: Brit's Ex-Bodyguard Tells All
Meanwhile, Access has learned Gloria Allred will hold a press conference later this afternoon with former Britney bodyguard Tony Barretto “to react to today’s court decision to remove custody of the children from Britney Spears.”
But while Barretto has been bashing Britney in the press, his words likely had little to do with today’s ruling.
A source told Access that the “order to show cause” filing Kevin’s attorney Mark Vincent Kaplan delivered to Commissioner Gordon in mid-August, did not include a letter from the case’s secret witness, which later was revealed to be Barretto.
The source said the filing was a one-and-a-half inch thick document containing a multitude of offenses by Britney.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (October 1, 2007) – Galaxy soccer star David Beckham and his wife Victoria have returned to Los Angeles, following a trip to Britain last week to visit his hospitalized father.
David’s dad, Ted Beckham, suffered a heart attack last Wednesday. His son flew home the next day, to be at his father’s bedside.
Now, People reports the elder Becks is in “stable” condition at East London’s Chest Hospital.
David’s spokesperson Simon Oliviera told Britain’s Daily Staron Saturday evening that Becks’ dad was doing well.
“Ted is making good progress every day. He is chatting away to family and is in good spirits,” Oliviera said.
The next LA Galaxy match will take place October 7 against the Houston Dynamos.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 18, 2007) – Vanessa Hudgens branded the headline grabbing activities of peers like Britney Spears “stupid,” in an interview on “The Tyra Banks Show.”
Hudgens was asked by an audience member on the September 17 episode of Tyra’s show, how the activities of her fellow young stars like Brit and Lindsay affect her personally.
“I honestly just think it’s stupid,” she told the audience member. “I mean it’s easy to stay out of those situations. I really think it’s easy to stay out of those situations, you just have to be smart about your decisions.”
Hudgens’ comments were taped prior to photos of the 18-year-old appearing in the buff, surfacing on the web.
'High School Musical 2' Premiere Q&A
Earlier this month, personal photographs of Vanessa were circulated on the internet. Her publicist confirmed the pictures were of the “High School Musical” star, in a statement.
“This was a photo which was taken privately,” a statement from Hudgens’ rep read. “It is a personal matter and it is unfortunate that this has become public.”
Shortly thereafter, Hudgens herself apologized in a statement to her fans.
“I want to apologize to my fans, whose support and trust means the world to me,” the starlet wrote in a statement. “I am embarrassed over this situation and regret having ever taken these photos. I am thankful for the support of my family and friends.”
Disney, the makers of “High School Musical” and “High School Musical 2,” said Hudgens was still in negotiations for the third installment of the popular series, despite the controversy over the photos.
“Vanessa has apologized for what was obviously a lapse in judgment,” Disney Channel spokeswoman Patti McTeague told the Associated Press. “We hope she’s learned a valuable lesson.”
As for the rest of the actress’s appearance on Tyra’s show, Hudgens revealed she likes to keep her personal life to herself, but the supermodel still probed about Zac Efron.
“It’s fun to work with him. He’s really sweet and like, singing all the songs is always a blast,” is all Hudgens would offer about her boyfriend.
Until, that is, Tyra asked if he was a good kisser.
“Mmmmmm,” she said dreamily. “I’m keeping my mouth shut!”
One thing Hudgens didn’t keep her mouth shut about, is her celebrity crush – Matt Damon.
“I love Matt Damon and I was like 14 years old and I met him ‘cause I was doing a press junket for an old movie I did called ‘Thunderbirds,’’’ she recalled. “He walked past my door and I completely freaked out, like I did to him what my fans do to me. I was like, ‘oh my gosh, I love you so much, can I have your autograph!’
“He gives me his autograph, my mom comes over with the camera and I was like ‘oh my gosh can I have a picture with you too?’ And it was kind of sad because a whole bunch of people do it to me and I was doing it him,” she blushed.
NEW YORK, New York (September 18, 2007) – As was announced on Monday, Barry Manilow did not make his appearance on “The View” Tuesday due to differences with co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck.
And while the he said/they said of who exactly cancelled Manilow’s appearance continues, Barbara Walters discussed the issue with Bill Geddie during the launch of Walters’ weekly SIRIUS satellite radio show “Barbara Live” on Monday night.
While Manilow claims he backed out of his scheduled gig when the show wouldn’t accommodate his request to remove Hasselbeck, sources close to “The View” claimed the “Copacabana” singer was “lying,” and that it was the show who told Manilow not to show up.
On Walters’ radio show, Geddie, who co-executive produces “The View” with Walters, maintains it was the show’s decision for Manilow not to appear.
“He said, ‘I’ll do Barbara and Whoopi or I’ll do Whoopi and Sherri or some combination, but I won’t sit with Elisabeth,’ and I said ‘Well, then you won’t be on the show. It’s that simple,’” Geddie explained. “And that was the end of it. He’s not going to call the shots. You’re not going to tell me how to produce the show.”
Video: Ladies Of 'The View' Talk Britney
And while Walters said she understands Manilow’s friendship with Rosie, at the same time, her show is all about promoting different lines of thought.
“If you disagree with somebody’s political point of view you don’t come on? We’re called ‘The View’ because we have different points of view,” Walters said. “Also, Elisabeth Hasselbeck is not an enemy of Rosie’s. None of us are. If Elisabeth disagrees with Rosie, and Rosie disagrees with Elisabeth…nobody is to my knowledge is taking sides.”
On Monday, Manilow posted the following message on his Web site:
“I wanted to let you know that I will no longer be on The View tomorrow as scheduled. I had made a request that I be interviewed by Joy, Barbara or Whoopi, but not Elisabeth Hasselback [sic]. Unfortunately, the show was not willing to accommodate this simple request so I bowed out. It’s really too bad because I’ve always been a big supporter of the show, but I cannot compromise my beliefs. The good news is that I will be on a whole slew of other shows promoting the new album so I hope you can catch me on those.”
However, sources close to “The View” insisted he is “lying” and was making a bigger issue out of it only to promote his new album.
Manilow has been making the rounds promoting his upcoming “Greatest Songs of the Seventies,” which is in stores today.
As Walters and Geddie wrapped their chat about the singer, Geddie said ultimately when you come on “The View,” it’s an all or nothing scenario.
“He’s always seemed like a nice guy, but I don’t get him on this. We’re ‘The View,’ we have people with different opinions,” Geddie concluded. “You sit with one of us, you sit with all of us.”
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 18, 2007) – On Monday, AccessHollywood.com voters declared that Katherine Heigl was best dressed at the Emmys, thanks to her white denim gown, designed by Zac Posen. Heigl may have won your vote, but she had some seriously glamorous competition. Today we will show you where to get affordable versions of Emmy’s most stunning style.
Twenty-four hours after the stars hit the red carpet, New York design company Faviana duplicated these Emmy favorites.
Check out Katherine’s white-hot look-alike for only $278.
APKatherine Heigl on Emmy night
“We love how she’s a classic American beauty,” fashion consultant Beth Barnes said of Heigl. “White was a stand-out with her.”
Access HollywoodThe Faviana versions of the star's Emmy dresses
Ali Larter was sexy in satin at the Emmys. Her scarlet red, Reem Acra costs about $1700, but Faviana’s version is just $300.
“It’s one of those dresses that holds you in and hides the flaws,” Beth said. “[The dress] can still look fabulous on a thin or full-figured woman.”
APAmerica Ferrera on Emmy night
America Ferrera’s cobalt blue Monique Lhuillier will set you back approximately $7,500, but Faviana’s nearly identical version, sequined belt included, is just as award-worthy.
“We love strapless it’s one of our biggest sellers,” Beth said of the $328 number.
Eva Longoria’s one of a kind Swarovski crystal mini wowed at a whopping $18,000, but check out Faviana’s cheap-chic version for under $350.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 18, 2007) – Three years ago today, September 18, they surprised us all with a wedding. Now, the battle between Britney Spears and Kevin Federline takes a stunning turn.
One new claim, made in OK! magazine, is that Britney is battling an eating disorder.
A source told the magazine that Spears will do anything to lose weight, including starving herself as well as binging and purging.
A pal reportedly told OK! that Spears said, “I’ll starve myself because I’m fat.”
OK! magazine’s source also alleges Britney is addicted to diet pills and combines them with large amounts of coffee and RedBull.
Britney's Biggest Fan Speaks Out
Then, there’s the big guy – Britney’s former bodyguard Tony Baretto.
“He became very concerned about the children and their safety,” Baretto’s lawyer, Gloria Allred said at a press conference Monday.
Greeted by a media mob, Baretto, showed up for a child custody hearing in LA between Spears and Federline, accompanied by Allred and ready to testify against Britney.
“Our client was prepared to testify on issues of nudity by Ms. Spears, drug use and safety issues involving the children,” Allred said.
These serious allegations could lead to Britney losing custody of her children sources have speculated.
Baretto remained mum while Allred spoke to the press. Baretto, who held hands with his wife during the press conference, worked for Britney earlier this year.
“He was terminated because he did not hear her when she asked him to pick up her hat,” Allred claimed.
When a reporter asked why it has taken so long for Baretto to come forward if he was concerned about the children, Allred said issues of safety were involved.
“Privacy,” she answered. “We have been concerned about his privacy and safety. We didn’t want people coming to his home and you know, disturbing his young children.”
Laura Wasser, Brit’s lawyer at the time, attended the hearing and branded Baretto, “not a reliable witness.”
On Monday both Wasser and management company – The Firm, parted ways with the star.
Meanwhile, the kids were spending time with Grandma, Britney’s mother Lynn. Paparazzi captured her taking a stroll with them, near Kevin Federline’s home.
Monday night, Britney’s sister Jamie Lynn Spears attended a concert by Britney’s ex – Justin Timberlake with her dad. She had no comment on Baretto’s allegations.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 18, 2007) – Longtime PETA supporter Alicia Silverstone has taken off her clothes in a new ad campaign for the organization.
In a series of print and video spots, the very naked (though covered where it counts) actress poses, sprawled out in front of a pool.
In the print version, the words “I’m a Alicia Silverstone, and I’m a vegetarian,” appear above the nude actress. Silverstone says the same words in the video rendition of the ad, also noting that “there’s nothing in the world that’s changed me as much as this. I feel so much better and have so much more energy.”
The PETA-Silverstone campaign will air on Food Network, Lifetime and E! in Houston before expanding nationwide.
PETAAlicia bares all for her new PETA ad
PETA chose Houston for the campaign because they noted in a statement, “it repeatedly ranks among the least healthy in the country.”
Dave Meyers who has directed videos for Missy Elliot, helmed the clip.
Video: Alicia Bares All For PETA
Silverstone is a longtime vegetarian advocate. “I wasn’t always a vegetarian, but I’ve always loved animals,” the actress said in a statement. “Physically the effect [of going veggie] has been amazing. Once I went vegan, I lost the weight.”
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 18, 2007) – When it comes to the most desirable Hollywood stars, it appears George Clooney and Jessica Alba are second to none.
In a poll conducted by Yahoo! Personals, singles were asked which celebrity male and female they would most like to date.
Gentleman George topped the male list, with the forever-shirtless Matthew McConaughey coming in as a close second. Other stars who find themselves the object of desire by female singles were hip hop impresario Kanye West, singer Ricky Martin, baseball star Derek Jeter and tennis pro Andy Roddick.
When single males were asked which celebrity starlet they would most like to find themselves in the company of, FHM’s 2007 “Sexiest Woman Alive” Jessica Alba was the top pick.
Jennifer Aniston finished second, followed by Queen Latifah, Jessica Simpson, tennis beauty Maria Sharapova, Sandra Oh and “Top Chef” vixen Padma Lakshmi.
Susan Mernit, Yahoo! Personals’ online dating expert offers her insight on what it is about George and Jessica that put them at the top of their class.
“It is obvious that both George Clooney and Jessica Alba are top of mind when it comes to ‘sexiest celebrity,‘ given their reigning titles for People magazine and FHM magazine, respectively,” Susan said. “In addition to people finding them physically appealing, it doesn’t hurt that they have both maintained a clean reputation while living in front of the cameras. That combination is most likely why our survey’s respondents find them so desirable.”
The poll was conducted to coincide with National Singles Week (Sept. 17 – 21).
NEW YORK, NY (September 18, 2007) — It’s not like Kanye West needed an ego boost, but here it comes: Sales figures appear to confirm his “Graduation” album outsold 50 Cent’s “Curtis” in the much-hyped rap sales showdown.
Although Nielsen SoundScan figures for the albums’ first-week sales were to be released Tuesday night, West’s label was already proclaiming victory.
But West was hardly rubbing it in 50’s face. In fact, he said he was humbled by the apparent win.
“It feels overwhelming,” West told The Associated Press, as he walked to Def Jam’s offices on Tuesday afternoon. “Everyone is coming up to me and telling me how proud they are of me.”
Kanye vs.50 Cent
“We’re not gloating,” Def Jam President Jay-Z told AP. “He’s celebrating his win. ... in his mind, he believed he could win the whole time.”
Both albums appeared to have sold well over 500,000 copies since being released Sept. 11, but 50’s performance was still a considerable letdown. His last album, 2005’s “The Massacre,” sold 1.1million in its first week.
Last month, 50 didn’t think of West as much of a competitor: “It’s great marketing on Def Jam’s part, by putting us out there at the same time and make like we can actually be compared on some level,” he told The Associated Press. In another interview, he said he would retire if West outsold him.
But while West is enjoying a No. 2 position on the charts with his hit “Stronger,” 50 has struggled to connect with radio. None of his songs have matched past smashes like “In Da Club“; even his single “Ayo Technology,” featuring Justin Timberlake and Timbaland, is languishing at No. 19.
50’s album was originally scheduled to be released in June on Interscope Records, a division of Universal Music Group, but was pushed back to Sept. 11. Soon after, Kanye West, whose album was supposed to come out sometime in late summer, pushed his date to Sept. 11 as well. But Antonio “L.A.” Reid, chairman of Island Def Jam, also a division of Universal, says it wasn’t initially intended to be a jab at 50.
“The decision was really driven by the (MTV Video Music Awards), because the VMAs were on Sept. 9 ... we wanted to use it as a launching pad again for this album,” he said.
West said it was his idea to go directly against 50.
“I was the underdog because I sold less records in the past, so it was a win-win for me,” he said. “If I lost, everyone would be happy that I even went up against him. People have this perception of me being arrogant, but would an arrogant person risk the chance of coming in the second spot just to be a part of history? To me, it’s more about fans and the entertainment value and good music.”
It ended up the music industry version of Ali-Frazier, with the avalanche of pre-fight hype to match. 50 routinely trash-talked West, but it seemed to be in good fun: The pair appeared on the MTV Video Music Awards and BET’s “106 & Park” together, and on the cover or Rolling Stone. Both admitted the battle was a great marketing tool.
“The rivalry helped both of them” said Jay-Z. “It was definitely one of those moments in the game that was exciting, everybody could pick a side and weigh in on and have an opinion ... it garnered a lot of attention.”
West said the quality of his music was the key reason he apparently prevailed: “I think my music is really inspirational and I really made it for the people. I really understood that in this Internet age people are their own superstars ... the best bet that we had was to make a soundtrack to their own lives.”
West said he was especially touched that he had such a groundswell of support given some of the negative media attention he’s gotten of late; namely, his meltdown at the VMAs after being shut out (though he poked fun at himself during Sunday’s Emmy Awards).
“With all the negativity that the press tries to put on me, this perception that they try to create of me being a really bad person. For so many fans to go out and say, ‘We still want to buy Kanye’s album,‘ means a lot to me,” he says. “This is a really pivotal moment for me emotionally.”
50 Cent, who’s planning a tour for his album, was conciliatory: “I am very excited to have participated in one of the biggest album release weeks in the last two years. Collectively, we have sold hundreds of thousands of units in our debut week. This marks a great moment for hip hop music, one that will go down in history.
Whether he would make good on his threat to retire wasn’t addressed; Reid said he hoped he wouldn’t: “I’d like to see him making music for the next 25 years, he’s that talented.”
Jay-Z, who is featured on a new 50 Cent remix of his hit “I Get Money,” said this setback could actually benefit 50 in the long run.
“The worst thing about success is it makes you complacent. I think when you face any type of adversity it makes you dig deep ... everyone goes through it, all the greats go through it,” he said. “In his music, he hadn’t gone through any type of adversity. ... he’ll come back and make great music.”
If so, 50 may end up being a thorn in Def Jam’s side. In a recent interview, a miffed 50 threatened to release projects whenever Def Jam had a high-priority release.
In light of West’s victory, Jay-Z considered that threat a good thing.
“We would really appreciate that,” he quipped. “If he can do that, I will fax over our release dates effective immediately.”
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 18, 2007) – Britney Spears has been ordered to undergo random drug and alcohol testing twice a week, Access Hollywood has learned.
In court documents obtained by Access, a judge ordered the tests for the pop star, stating “Based on the Evidence presented, the Court finds that there is a habitual, frequent and continuous use of controlled substances and alcohol by the Petitioner” (Spears).
However, the court also said the results of those tests will not be made public.
Britney has also been ordered to meet with a “parenting coach” at least eight hours a week, who will observe her interaction with her two sons – Sean Preston and Jayden James.
The parenting coach will evaluate Brit’s motherly skills and will file a written progress report to the courts on October 22.
Video: Britney's Biggest Fan Speaks Out
Both Britney and Kevin have also been ordered “to engage in joint in co-parenting counseling.”
In addition, the court mandated that “neither party shall consume alcohol, or other non-prescription controlled substances” while with the kids or within 12 hours immediately prior to having custody of the kids.
Contrary to earlier online reports that suggested Kevin would be granted temporary physical custody of the kids, the court declined to modify the existing agreement, which means the current 50/50 split will remain in effect for now.
Both parents have also been ordered to refrain from “using corporal punishment” in dealing with the kids.
The matter will now continue as a closed-door hearing. The next court date is set for November 26.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 18, 2007) – As if her nude photo scandal wasn’t enough, “High School Musical” star Vanessa Hudgens now finds herself being sued.
According to court papers obtained by Access Hollywood, a former lawyer for the “HSM” star says she owes him $150,000 in legal fees.
The lawsuit, filed by Brian L. Schall in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, alleges a breach of contract and unjust enrichment by the 18-year-old Hudgens.
“Perhaps Vaness Hudgens… needs to go back to school to learn a very basic lesson in contractual obligations,” Schall states in the lawsuit.
The suit claims Hudgens and Schall entered into a written contract for legal services in October 2005.
According to the suit, Schall claims he advanced costs and expenses on Hudgens’ behalf for her songwriting and recording career.
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (September 7, 2007) — Michael Jackson’s mother and four of his brothers have formed a united front in dismissing reports of his alleged dependency on pain killers and alcohol.
An open letter to the media, signed by Katherine Jackson and sons Tito, Jermaine, Marlon, and Jackie, responds to what the family views as “troubling and heinous” rumors about Michael.
An attempted drug intervention and takeover of Michael’s business affairs are among the rumors denied by the family in the letter, which also takes aim at quoted “sources” believed to be making false claims for profit.
A particular target of the letter is People magazine, which has published a story on Michael and his children in their Sept. 17 issue.
A rep for People magazine provided the following statement to Access Hollywood:
“We stand by our story. Throughout the process we gave Mr. Jackson’s rep, Raymone Bain, the opportunity to respond and we reported her comments.”
In The Studio With Michael Jackson Part 1
Below is the text of the letter, dated September 7, 2007, and issued by Michael’s rep, Raymone K. Bain:
“People magazine has followed other publications in reporting untrue and inaccurate information about Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. Of these widely reported rumors, what has become the most troubling and heinous, is that my son, and our brother, Michael Jackson, is dependent on painkillers and alcohol.
People, and other news organizations, have quoted ‘sources’ indicating that our family has attempted a drug intervention, and engaged in an effort to take over his business affairs, because of this alleged drug and alcohol usage.
We categorically deny ever planning, participating in, or having knowledge of any kind of intervention, whatsoever. We strongly believe that these ‘sources’ and others, no matter who they are, are making these defamatory, inaccurate, and untrue claims for monetary reasons.
Michael Jackson, and the Jackson family, has endured years of false accusations and misrepresentations.
It is time for these unfair and hurtful rumors, for profit, to end.
