Oprah Winfrey says she is set to interview Jay Leno.
According to Associated Press, Winfrey said on her talk show Friday that she was going to Los Angeles for a "one-on-one" interview with Leno to air on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on Thursday.
The interview comes as Conan O'Brien exits "The Tonight Show," allowing Leno to return to the late-night program he hosted for 17 years.
O'Brien's final show will be Friday.
Leno will return to "Tonight" on March 1.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Ex sitcom star threatened for demonizing first lady
Ex-"Happy Days" star Scott Baio says he's received a barrage of death threats after he mocked Michelle Obama on Twitter, the New York Daily News reports.
Baio, 48, posted an unflattering picture of the first lady on Tuesday accompanied by some even more unflattering remarks.
"WOW He wakes up to this every morning," Baio tweeted.
In minutes, the former"Charles in Charge" star received a slew of angry comments.
Some were on the playful side: "Well she's still better looking than your doughy looking a--."
Others were downright frightening.
"Easy to find your house Scottie boy and finish YOU," one person wrote. "I am a republican and I love Mrs O."
Baio backtracked immediately, saying he's not a racist. His wife's best friend is black.
The reality TV star and vocal Republican even posted a picture of the woman and implored his detractors to back off.
"For New followers: I POST A LOT OF JOKES WITH PICS," Baio wrote. "They are JUST that, a joke. NOT targeting anyone. Laughter IS the best medicine."
The brouhaha prompted Baio to contact the FBI and scores of people to begin following him on Twitter.
"Because people love to hate," Baio said.
Baio, 48, posted an unflattering picture of the first lady on Tuesday accompanied by some even more unflattering remarks.
"WOW He wakes up to this every morning," Baio tweeted.
In minutes, the former"Charles in Charge" star received a slew of angry comments.
Some were on the playful side: "Well she's still better looking than your doughy looking a--."
Others were downright frightening.
"Easy to find your house Scottie boy and finish YOU," one person wrote. "I am a republican and I love Mrs O."
Baio backtracked immediately, saying he's not a racist. His wife's best friend is black.
The reality TV star and vocal Republican even posted a picture of the woman and implored his detractors to back off.
"For New followers: I POST A LOT OF JOKES WITH PICS," Baio wrote. "They are JUST that, a joke. NOT targeting anyone. Laughter IS the best medicine."
The brouhaha prompted Baio to contact the FBI and scores of people to begin following him on Twitter.
"Because people love to hate," Baio said.
Monday, January 18, 2010
'Avatar' still tops at box office
Denzel Washington's "The Book of Eli" couldn't hold its early Friday lead, dropping into second place after Saturday's box office results filtered in.
Estimates for the weekend put "Avatar" back on top for the fifth week in a row with a 3-day take of $41.3 million, off only 18% from last weekend, CNN.com reported Monday. The film's domestic take now stands at $491 million.
"Eli" took the No. 2 spot with $31.6 million, giving the apocalyptic drama a healthy debut.
Paramount's decision to delay its wide release of "The Lovely Bones" to this weekend seems to be paying off. The film connected with teenage girls as the marketing gurus had predicted and earned $17.1 million for a respectable third place finish.
The No. 4 spot went to "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" which grossed another $11.5 million, putting its total domestic gross at $192.6 million.
"Sherlock Holmes" nabbed the fifth spot with $9.8 million, putting its total at $180 million.
Estimates for the weekend put "Avatar" back on top for the fifth week in a row with a 3-day take of $41.3 million, off only 18% from last weekend, CNN.com reported Monday. The film's domestic take now stands at $491 million.
"Eli" took the No. 2 spot with $31.6 million, giving the apocalyptic drama a healthy debut.
Paramount's decision to delay its wide release of "The Lovely Bones" to this weekend seems to be paying off. The film connected with teenage girls as the marketing gurus had predicted and earned $17.1 million for a respectable third place finish.
The No. 4 spot went to "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel" which grossed another $11.5 million, putting its total domestic gross at $192.6 million.
"Sherlock Holmes" nabbed the fifth spot with $9.8 million, putting its total at $180 million.
NBC says Globes audience up this year
Associated Press
NEW YORK –
NBC says its Golden Globes broadcast won a ratings prize: a 14 percent increase in viewers from last year.
"The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards" won its three-hour time slot Sunday night , drawing 16.9 million viewers. That beat its audience of 14.9 million viewers in 2009.
Originating from Los Angeles at 5 p.m. local time, the event was aired live by NBC in all time zones coast-to-coast, rather than delayed for prime-time broadcast in the West. British actor-comedian Ricky Gervais was its host.
Yet even with the audience upswing, viewership was far below the biggest year for the awards show. In 2004, 26.8 million viewers tuned in.
NEW YORK –
NBC says its Golden Globes broadcast won a ratings prize: a 14 percent increase in viewers from last year.
"The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards" won its three-hour time slot Sunday night , drawing 16.9 million viewers. That beat its audience of 14.9 million viewers in 2009.
Originating from Los Angeles at 5 p.m. local time, the event was aired live by NBC in all time zones coast-to-coast, rather than delayed for prime-time broadcast in the West. British actor-comedian Ricky Gervais was its host.
Yet even with the audience upswing, viewership was far below the biggest year for the awards show. In 2004, 26.8 million viewers tuned in.
Sunday, January 17, 2010
'Avatar,' Streep, Mo'Nique win Globes
By David Germain
Associated Press
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. –
The science-fiction blockbuster "Avatar" won best drama at the Golden Globes and picked up the directing honor for James Cameron on Sunday, raising the "Titanic" filmmaker's prospects for another Academy Awards triumph.
It was a repeat of Cameron's Globes night 12 years ago, when "Titanic" won best drama and the directing prize on its way to dominating the Oscars with 11 wins.
This time, though, instead of being "king of the world," as Cameron declared at the Oscars, he has become king of an alien landscape, elevating space fantasy to enormous critical acclaim.
"'Avatar' asks us to see that everything is connected, all human beings to each other, and us to the Earth. And if you have to go four and a half light years to another, made-up planet to appreciate this miracle of the world that we have right here, well, you know what, that's the wonder of cinema right there, that's the magic," Cameron said.
Winning the dramatic-acting honors were Sandra Bullock for the football tale "The Blind Side" and Jeff Bridges for the country-music story "Crazy Heart." The crowd gave a standing ovation to Bridges, a beloved veteran generally overlooked for key Hollywood honors.
"You're really screwing up my underappreciated status here," Bridges said.
The son of late actor Lloyd Bridges, Bridges thanked his father for encouraging him to go into show business.
"So glad I listened to you, dad," he said.
Bullock cited Michael Oher, the Baltimore Ravens rookie lineman whose life is the subject of "The Blind Side." She plays a wealthy woman whose family took in the teenage Oher after discovering he was homeless.
"If I may steal from Michael Oher, I may not be the most talented, but I've been given opportunity," Bullock said.
The acting prizes for musical and comedy went to Meryl Streep for the Julia Child story "Julie & Julia" and Robert Downey Jr. for the crime romp "Sherlock Holmes." The supporting-performance Globes were won by Mo'Nique as an abusive welfare mother in "Precious" and Christoph Waltz as a gleefully bloodthirsty Nazi in "Inglourious Basterds."
The Vegas bachelor bash "The Hangover" won for best musical or comedy, bringing uncharacteristic awards attention for broad comedy, a genre that often gets overlooked at Hollywood honors.
As he accepted the directing Globe, Cameron had kind words for ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow, nominated as best director for "The Hurt Locker."
"Frankly, I thought Kathryn was going to get this. She richly deserves it," said Cameron, whose "Avatar" has taken in $1.6 billion worldwide, second only to "Titanic" with $1.8 billion.
The Globes marked a dramatic turning point for Mo'Nique, who was mainly known for lowbrow comedy but startled audiences with her ferocious performance in "Precious: Based on the Novel `Push' By Sapphire."
Mo'Nique had gushing praise for "Precious" director Lee Daniels and newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, a best dramatic actress nominee at the Globes with her first film role, playing Mo'Nique's abused, illiterate daughter.
"Lee Daniels, the world gets a chance to see how brilliant you are. You are a brilliant, fearless, amazing director who would not waver, and thank you for trusting me," said Mo'Nique, 42, clad in a gold-colored strapless gown by Lebanese-born fashion designer Reem Acra. "To Gabby, sister, I am in awe of you. Thank you for letting me play with you," she added.
Streep's competition for best actress in a musical or comedy included herself. She also was nominated for the romance "It's Complicated."
"I just want to say that in my long career, I've played so many extraordinary woman that I'm getting mistaken for one," Streep said. "I'm very clear that I'm the vessel for other people's stories and other people's lives."
Waltz, a veteran Austrian actor who is a relative newcomer in Hollywood, won the supporting-actor Globe in Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds."
"A year and a half ago I was exposed to the gravitational forces of Quentin Tarantino," Waltz said. "He took my modest little world, my globe, and with the power of his talent and his words and his vision, he flung it into its orbit, a dizzying experience."
Though one of Hollywood's biggest parties, the Globes bore somber reminders of tragedy in the real world, many stars wearing ribbons in support of earthquake victims in Haiti.
The blockbuster "Up" came away with the award for animated film. Pixar Animation, the Disney outfit that made "Up," has won all four prizes for animated movies since the Globes introduced the category in 2006. Past Pixar winners are "WALL-E," "Ratatouille" and "Cars."
"Up" features the voice of Ed Asner in a tale of a lonely, bitter widower who renews his zest for adventure by flying his house off under helium balloons to South America, where he encounters his childhood hero and a hilarious gang of talking canines.
"When it came to finding the heart of the film, we didn't have to look very hard," said "Up" director Pete Docter, whose film also won for musical score. "Our inspiration was all around us. Our grandparents, our parents, our wives, our kids. Our talking dogs."
Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner won the screenplay honor for "Up in the Air," which Reitman also directed. The foreign-language honor went to "The White Ribbon," a stark drama of guilt and suspicion set in a German town on the eve of World War I.
"Mad Men" won for best TV drama, while Michael C. Hall won for best actor in a TV drama for "Dexter," in which he plays a serial killer with a code of ethics, killing only other murderers. Hall's publicists revealed this past week that Hall is being treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma and that the cancer is in remission.
"It's really a hell of a thing to go to work in a place where everybody gives a damn. That's really the case with `Dexter,'" Hall said. "It's a dream job. I'm so grateful."
"Dexter" also won the supporting-actor TV honor for John Lithgow. Other TV winners included Juliana Margulies as best actress in a drama for "The Good Wife" and Toni Collette as best comedy actress for "The United States of Tara."
The Globes got a makeover, featuring Ricky Gervais as master of ceremonies, the first time in 15 years the show had a host.
One of his most biting quips came as he sipped a beer on stage.
"I like a drink as much as the next man, unless the next man is Mel Gibson," Gervais wisecracked as he introduced Globe presenter Mel Gibson, who made an anti-Semitic rant a few years back during a drunken-driving arrest.
Sunday's winners could get a last-minute boost for the Oscars, whose nominations balloting closes Saturday. Last year's big Globe winner, "Slumdog Millionaire," went on to dominate the Oscars.
The Globes are presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a group of about 90 reporters covering show business for overseas outlets. The show aired live on NBC.
Associated Press
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. –
The science-fiction blockbuster "Avatar" won best drama at the Golden Globes and picked up the directing honor for James Cameron on Sunday, raising the "Titanic" filmmaker's prospects for another Academy Awards triumph.
It was a repeat of Cameron's Globes night 12 years ago, when "Titanic" won best drama and the directing prize on its way to dominating the Oscars with 11 wins.
This time, though, instead of being "king of the world," as Cameron declared at the Oscars, he has become king of an alien landscape, elevating space fantasy to enormous critical acclaim.
"'Avatar' asks us to see that everything is connected, all human beings to each other, and us to the Earth. And if you have to go four and a half light years to another, made-up planet to appreciate this miracle of the world that we have right here, well, you know what, that's the wonder of cinema right there, that's the magic," Cameron said.
Winning the dramatic-acting honors were Sandra Bullock for the football tale "The Blind Side" and Jeff Bridges for the country-music story "Crazy Heart." The crowd gave a standing ovation to Bridges, a beloved veteran generally overlooked for key Hollywood honors.
"You're really screwing up my underappreciated status here," Bridges said.
The son of late actor Lloyd Bridges, Bridges thanked his father for encouraging him to go into show business.
"So glad I listened to you, dad," he said.
Bullock cited Michael Oher, the Baltimore Ravens rookie lineman whose life is the subject of "The Blind Side." She plays a wealthy woman whose family took in the teenage Oher after discovering he was homeless.
"If I may steal from Michael Oher, I may not be the most talented, but I've been given opportunity," Bullock said.
The acting prizes for musical and comedy went to Meryl Streep for the Julia Child story "Julie & Julia" and Robert Downey Jr. for the crime romp "Sherlock Holmes." The supporting-performance Globes were won by Mo'Nique as an abusive welfare mother in "Precious" and Christoph Waltz as a gleefully bloodthirsty Nazi in "Inglourious Basterds."
The Vegas bachelor bash "The Hangover" won for best musical or comedy, bringing uncharacteristic awards attention for broad comedy, a genre that often gets overlooked at Hollywood honors.
As he accepted the directing Globe, Cameron had kind words for ex-wife Kathryn Bigelow, nominated as best director for "The Hurt Locker."
"Frankly, I thought Kathryn was going to get this. She richly deserves it," said Cameron, whose "Avatar" has taken in $1.6 billion worldwide, second only to "Titanic" with $1.8 billion.
The Globes marked a dramatic turning point for Mo'Nique, who was mainly known for lowbrow comedy but startled audiences with her ferocious performance in "Precious: Based on the Novel `Push' By Sapphire."
Mo'Nique had gushing praise for "Precious" director Lee Daniels and newcomer Gabourey Sidibe, a best dramatic actress nominee at the Globes with her first film role, playing Mo'Nique's abused, illiterate daughter.
"Lee Daniels, the world gets a chance to see how brilliant you are. You are a brilliant, fearless, amazing director who would not waver, and thank you for trusting me," said Mo'Nique, 42, clad in a gold-colored strapless gown by Lebanese-born fashion designer Reem Acra. "To Gabby, sister, I am in awe of you. Thank you for letting me play with you," she added.
Streep's competition for best actress in a musical or comedy included herself. She also was nominated for the romance "It's Complicated."
"I just want to say that in my long career, I've played so many extraordinary woman that I'm getting mistaken for one," Streep said. "I'm very clear that I'm the vessel for other people's stories and other people's lives."
Waltz, a veteran Austrian actor who is a relative newcomer in Hollywood, won the supporting-actor Globe in Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds."
"A year and a half ago I was exposed to the gravitational forces of Quentin Tarantino," Waltz said. "He took my modest little world, my globe, and with the power of his talent and his words and his vision, he flung it into its orbit, a dizzying experience."
Though one of Hollywood's biggest parties, the Globes bore somber reminders of tragedy in the real world, many stars wearing ribbons in support of earthquake victims in Haiti.
The blockbuster "Up" came away with the award for animated film. Pixar Animation, the Disney outfit that made "Up," has won all four prizes for animated movies since the Globes introduced the category in 2006. Past Pixar winners are "WALL-E," "Ratatouille" and "Cars."
"Up" features the voice of Ed Asner in a tale of a lonely, bitter widower who renews his zest for adventure by flying his house off under helium balloons to South America, where he encounters his childhood hero and a hilarious gang of talking canines.
"When it came to finding the heart of the film, we didn't have to look very hard," said "Up" director Pete Docter, whose film also won for musical score. "Our inspiration was all around us. Our grandparents, our parents, our wives, our kids. Our talking dogs."
Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner won the screenplay honor for "Up in the Air," which Reitman also directed. The foreign-language honor went to "The White Ribbon," a stark drama of guilt and suspicion set in a German town on the eve of World War I.
"Mad Men" won for best TV drama, while Michael C. Hall won for best actor in a TV drama for "Dexter," in which he plays a serial killer with a code of ethics, killing only other murderers. Hall's publicists revealed this past week that Hall is being treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma and that the cancer is in remission.
"It's really a hell of a thing to go to work in a place where everybody gives a damn. That's really the case with `Dexter,'" Hall said. "It's a dream job. I'm so grateful."
"Dexter" also won the supporting-actor TV honor for John Lithgow. Other TV winners included Juliana Margulies as best actress in a drama for "The Good Wife" and Toni Collette as best comedy actress for "The United States of Tara."
The Globes got a makeover, featuring Ricky Gervais as master of ceremonies, the first time in 15 years the show had a host.
One of his most biting quips came as he sipped a beer on stage.
"I like a drink as much as the next man, unless the next man is Mel Gibson," Gervais wisecracked as he introduced Globe presenter Mel Gibson, who made an anti-Semitic rant a few years back during a drunken-driving arrest.
Sunday's winners could get a last-minute boost for the Oscars, whose nominations balloting closes Saturday. Last year's big Globe winner, "Slumdog Millionaire," went on to dominate the Oscars.
The Globes are presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association, a group of about 90 reporters covering show business for overseas outlets. The show aired live on NBC.
Montel's kids say they feel ignored by dad
The heartbroken children of former talk show host Montel Williams have come forward to complain the TV star has all but abandoned them amid a bitter custody battle, the New York Daily News reported Sunday.
Williams, who styles himself as an inspirational guru, is locked in a 10-year fight with his ex-wife over son Montel, 16, and daughter Wyntergrace, 14.
The Connecticut teens say the talk-show host has turned his back on them - paying $18,700 a month in child support while depriving them of the emotional support they crave.
"My dad is now like a stranger," Wyntergrace, who turns 15 this week, told the Daily News.
"Everyone knows him as a great guy, but he's not making the best choices as a parent."
Williams, 53, is a former military man who won Emmys hosting his daytime show, which heavily promoted the importance of family and social responsibility.
These days, he hosts a radio show, writes change-your-life memoirs and hawks a series of products under the name "Living Well."
Meanwhile, his children say his public persona doesn't jibe with their personal pain - and they are asking that Williams either take an active role in their lives or let their mom make all the decisions.
"I wouldn't say I really have a relationship with my dad," the younger Montel said. "He's not in my life right now. It's his choice.
"I eat every night. I'm comfortable, but I can't say I have him as a father," he added. "There's all this fighting over things that shouldn't be a fight, like paying for my PSAT."
Wyntergrace has seen him four times in five years and their last meeting - a therapy session in September - was a disaster.
"He walked in already mad. He said he thought we were going to dinner, but my e-mail clearly said we were going to see my therapist," she said.
"It was intimidating. I was thinking, 'Why should I talk if I'm just going to get yelled at?'"
Williams and Grace Morley divorced in 2000, a year after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The exes have joint custody, with the kids living full-time with their mom.
Morley is pushing for full custody, while Williams is trying to hold on to decision-making power.
In a statement, he declined to answer questions.
"I love my children very much. I do not believe parenting is best done in a public forum and I will not comment on ongoing legal action involving my minor children," he said.
The children were interviewed in the presence of life coach Lisa Nkonoki, whom Morley hired in 2008 to help them deal with their estrangement, the Daily News said.
Williams, who styles himself as an inspirational guru, is locked in a 10-year fight with his ex-wife over son Montel, 16, and daughter Wyntergrace, 14.
The Connecticut teens say the talk-show host has turned his back on them - paying $18,700 a month in child support while depriving them of the emotional support they crave.
"My dad is now like a stranger," Wyntergrace, who turns 15 this week, told the Daily News.
"Everyone knows him as a great guy, but he's not making the best choices as a parent."
Williams, 53, is a former military man who won Emmys hosting his daytime show, which heavily promoted the importance of family and social responsibility.
These days, he hosts a radio show, writes change-your-life memoirs and hawks a series of products under the name "Living Well."
Meanwhile, his children say his public persona doesn't jibe with their personal pain - and they are asking that Williams either take an active role in their lives or let their mom make all the decisions.
"I wouldn't say I really have a relationship with my dad," the younger Montel said. "He's not in my life right now. It's his choice.
"I eat every night. I'm comfortable, but I can't say I have him as a father," he added. "There's all this fighting over things that shouldn't be a fight, like paying for my PSAT."
Wyntergrace has seen him four times in five years and their last meeting - a therapy session in September - was a disaster.
"He walked in already mad. He said he thought we were going to dinner, but my e-mail clearly said we were going to see my therapist," she said.
"It was intimidating. I was thinking, 'Why should I talk if I'm just going to get yelled at?'"
Williams and Grace Morley divorced in 2000, a year after he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. The exes have joint custody, with the kids living full-time with their mom.
Morley is pushing for full custody, while Williams is trying to hold on to decision-making power.
In a statement, he declined to answer questions.
"I love my children very much. I do not believe parenting is best done in a public forum and I will not comment on ongoing legal action involving my minor children," he said.
The children were interviewed in the presence of life coach Lisa Nkonoki, whom Morley hired in 2008 to help them deal with their estrangement, the Daily News said.
Poll: Leno won't recover his 'Tonight' fan base
According to the results of a poll on deadlinehollywood.com, Jay Leno won't recover his fan base when he heads back to his former 11:35 p.m. time slot on NBC after the Winter Olympics.
A hefty 66 percent of poll responders said Leno's former audience won't return, while 26 percent said they would.
The remaining eight percent registered their vote in the Hmm category.
A hefty 66 percent of poll responders said Leno's former audience won't return, while 26 percent said they would.
The remaining eight percent registered their vote in the Hmm category.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Mariah peddling her own brand of bubbly
After her tipsy speech at an awards ceremony about two weeks ago, the world knows Mariah Carey likes to drink Champagne.
Now she's going to sell it.
In a Twitter post Friday, the singer announced she's launching a brand of bubbly called Angel Champagne - a rosé.
She also made a joke about her accepting-while-intoxicated appearance at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards gala, where she was honored for her role in "Precious."
"Didn't realize they put the champagne on the tables, So we WOULDN'T drink it! LoL," she wrote.
After she stumbled through her awards speech, Carey explained away her behavior by saying she had a few too many "splashes."
Now she's going to sell it.
In a Twitter post Friday, the singer announced she's launching a brand of bubbly called Angel Champagne - a rosé.
She also made a joke about her accepting-while-intoxicated appearance at the Palm Springs International Film Festival Awards gala, where she was honored for her role in "Precious."
"Didn't realize they put the champagne on the tables, So we WOULDN'T drink it! LoL," she wrote.
After she stumbled through her awards speech, Carey explained away her behavior by saying she had a few too many "splashes."
'Eli' bests 'Avatar' on Day 1 of long MLK weekend
Martin Luther King’s holiday weekend is proving to be an interesting one for the box office, EWonline noted Saturday.
For the first time in five weeks, a film has out-grossed "Avatar."
If early estimates hold, the Denzel Washington-starrer "The Book of Eli" grossed $11.7 million on Friday, while Avatar earned an estimated $10.5 million. The rest of the weekend will be closely watched to see if Avatar can maintain its record-grossing run for its fifth week in theaters.
Third place for Friday went to "The Lovely Bones," which expanded wide this week for the first time since it began its limited run five weeks ago. Its estimated Friday gross stood at $5.7 million.
"Sherlock Holmes," which stars Robert Downey Jr., earned an estimated $2.8 million for its fourth Friday in theaters, while "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakque"l nabbed an additional $2.4 million.
For the first time in five weeks, a film has out-grossed "Avatar."
If early estimates hold, the Denzel Washington-starrer "The Book of Eli" grossed $11.7 million on Friday, while Avatar earned an estimated $10.5 million. The rest of the weekend will be closely watched to see if Avatar can maintain its record-grossing run for its fifth week in theaters.
Third place for Friday went to "The Lovely Bones," which expanded wide this week for the first time since it began its limited run five weeks ago. Its estimated Friday gross stood at $5.7 million.
"Sherlock Holmes," which stars Robert Downey Jr., earned an estimated $2.8 million for its fourth Friday in theaters, while "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakque"l nabbed an additional $2.4 million.
THR: Conan's comedy bits will stay at NBC
The Masturbating Bear is dead.
As a deal nears for Conan O'Brien's exit from NBC, one thing is certain: The characters and recurring comedy bits he originated during his 16-plus years on "Late Night" and "The Tonight Show" will not follow the host when he leaves the network.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Peacock owns the intellectual property behind such popular O'Brien characters as Pimpbot 5000 and Conando, as well as recurring segments such as In the Year 3000 and Desk Driving.
Sources involved in the settlement negotiations say NBC is keeping the copyrighted and trademarked elements of O'Brien's shows as part of the deal. That means the bits and characters will likely never be seen after O'Brien's "Tonight" ends its run Jan. 22.
While the vast majority of the characters O'Brien introduced are said to owned by NBC, it's unclear who controls Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, the crass canine puppet that is perhaps O'Brien's most popular recurring bit. Triumph was originated by writer and longtime O'Brien pal Robert Smigel, whose reps declined to comment on whether Smigel or NBC owned rights to the character.
In 1993, David Letterman got into a dustup with NBC when he departed "Late Night" for CBS' "Late Show." NBC attorneys attempted to prevent Letterman from taking intellectual property originated on "Late Night" to the comic's new home. Letterman responded by dropping certain bits and renaming other recurring segments -- "Viewer Mail" became "CBS Mailbag" and frequent guest Larry "Bud" Melman began referring to himself by his real name, Calvert DeForest.
Letterman mocked the dispute on his first "Late Show" when NBC anchor Tom Brokaw interrupted the monologue and stole cue cards in the name of securing NBC's intellectual property.
O'Brien, if he lands at another late-night show, might be in a tougher spot.
Unlike comic personalities Letterman and Jay Leno, O'Brien began his career as a writer on "Saturday Night Live" and "The Simpsons," and his shows relied more heavily on the cleverly scripted bits and outrageous characters. Losing those assets could hurt O'Brien as he looks for another home.
On the other hand, his "Tonight" had featured fewer of the characters than "Late Night" and the host -- who is considered one of the top comedy writers in the business -- may be looking for a fresh start.
Sources close to him said he was not interested in taking his NBC characters with him, THR said.
As a deal nears for Conan O'Brien's exit from NBC, one thing is certain: The characters and recurring comedy bits he originated during his 16-plus years on "Late Night" and "The Tonight Show" will not follow the host when he leaves the network.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the Peacock owns the intellectual property behind such popular O'Brien characters as Pimpbot 5000 and Conando, as well as recurring segments such as In the Year 3000 and Desk Driving.
Sources involved in the settlement negotiations say NBC is keeping the copyrighted and trademarked elements of O'Brien's shows as part of the deal. That means the bits and characters will likely never be seen after O'Brien's "Tonight" ends its run Jan. 22.
While the vast majority of the characters O'Brien introduced are said to owned by NBC, it's unclear who controls Triumph the Insult Comic Dog, the crass canine puppet that is perhaps O'Brien's most popular recurring bit. Triumph was originated by writer and longtime O'Brien pal Robert Smigel, whose reps declined to comment on whether Smigel or NBC owned rights to the character.
In 1993, David Letterman got into a dustup with NBC when he departed "Late Night" for CBS' "Late Show." NBC attorneys attempted to prevent Letterman from taking intellectual property originated on "Late Night" to the comic's new home. Letterman responded by dropping certain bits and renaming other recurring segments -- "Viewer Mail" became "CBS Mailbag" and frequent guest Larry "Bud" Melman began referring to himself by his real name, Calvert DeForest.
Letterman mocked the dispute on his first "Late Show" when NBC anchor Tom Brokaw interrupted the monologue and stole cue cards in the name of securing NBC's intellectual property.
O'Brien, if he lands at another late-night show, might be in a tougher spot.
Unlike comic personalities Letterman and Jay Leno, O'Brien began his career as a writer on "Saturday Night Live" and "The Simpsons," and his shows relied more heavily on the cleverly scripted bits and outrageous characters. Losing those assets could hurt O'Brien as he looks for another home.
On the other hand, his "Tonight" had featured fewer of the characters than "Late Night" and the host -- who is considered one of the top comedy writers in the business -- may be looking for a fresh start.
Sources close to him said he was not interested in taking his NBC characters with him, THR said.
Friday, January 15, 2010
'Hurt Locker' wins top Critics Choice honor
By SANDY COHEN
AP Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES – LOS ANGELES – Iraq war drama "The Hurt Locker" and its director took top honors at the Critics' Choice Awards, while Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" and James Cameron's "Avatar" won the most awards.
Director-producer Kathryn Bigelow was named best director at Friday's ceremony for "Locker," winner of the best picture prize.
Accepting the best picture award, screenwriter-producer Mark Boal said the award belongs to Bigelow "for her singular vision, for her endless inspiration and for never taking no as an answer."
Bigelow -- who competed against ex-husband James Cameron's "Avatar" for the top prize --had thanked Boal when she accepted the director's honor, saying, "I stand here really because of one man, and that's Mark Boal."
"It's wonderful to have this honor," she continued, "but the recognition should also go to the men and women who are in the field to this day."
"Crazy Heart" was a double winner, with Jeff Bridges claiming the best actor prize for his turn as hard-drinking country singer Bad Blake. The film's theme, "The Weary Kind," won for best song.
"Up" won a pair of prizes, too: Best animated feature and best score.
"Nine," which came into the contest tied with "Basterds" with a leading 10 nominations, ended up winless.
The "Basterds" cast was the critics' pick for best ensemble. The film's villain, Christoph Waltz, was named best supporting actor and Tarantino won for his original screenplay.
"There's really only one group of people to thank," Tarantino said, "and that's the actors who actually took it from the printed page and put it up on the screen. My material is not easy. It's hard. I cannot have dumb actors do my material."
"Avatar" was named best action movie and it collected a heap of technical awards, including honors for cinematography, editing, art direction, sound and visual effects.
There were actually two winners in the actress category, with Meryl Streep and Sandra Bullock tying for the honor.
Streep said she loved playing Julia Child in "Julie & Julia."
"I'm really, really thrilled because I really love what I do," she said. "I love to work, and I love food and I love sex. And so did Julia Child. So it wasn't that much of a stretch."
Bullock, who won for her performance in "The Blind Side," said she hadn't prepared a speech, but she used her time at the microphone to honor her fellow actresses and call for compassion for people who are suffering.
"We're all so lucky to be here tonight when so many others are in pain," she said. "I hope we can all send good love and thoughts and whatever we can."
Jason Reitman, who won best adapted screenplay for "Up in the Air" with co-writer Sheldon Turner, thanked his father, filmmaker Ivan Reitman, calling him "one of the best storytellers I know and ... the person who taught me everything."
"I'm so proud I made this film with you, Dad," he said.
Other honors went to Mo'Nique, who was named best supporting actress for her visceral portrayal of an abusive mother in "Precious"; Saoirse Ronan, who won best young actress for her work in "The Lovely Bones"; and "The Hangover," which was voted best comedy.
"District 9" won for best makeup, "Grey Gardens" was best TV movie and "The Cove" was named best documentary.
Winners are chosen by members of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, the largest such group in North America comprising 200 TV, radio and online film critics.
AP Television Producer Mike Cidoni contributed to this report.
AP Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES – LOS ANGELES – Iraq war drama "The Hurt Locker" and its director took top honors at the Critics' Choice Awards, while Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" and James Cameron's "Avatar" won the most awards.
Director-producer Kathryn Bigelow was named best director at Friday's ceremony for "Locker," winner of the best picture prize.
Accepting the best picture award, screenwriter-producer Mark Boal said the award belongs to Bigelow "for her singular vision, for her endless inspiration and for never taking no as an answer."
Bigelow -- who competed against ex-husband James Cameron's "Avatar" for the top prize --had thanked Boal when she accepted the director's honor, saying, "I stand here really because of one man, and that's Mark Boal."
"It's wonderful to have this honor," she continued, "but the recognition should also go to the men and women who are in the field to this day."
"Crazy Heart" was a double winner, with Jeff Bridges claiming the best actor prize for his turn as hard-drinking country singer Bad Blake. The film's theme, "The Weary Kind," won for best song.
"Up" won a pair of prizes, too: Best animated feature and best score.
"Nine," which came into the contest tied with "Basterds" with a leading 10 nominations, ended up winless.
The "Basterds" cast was the critics' pick for best ensemble. The film's villain, Christoph Waltz, was named best supporting actor and Tarantino won for his original screenplay.
"There's really only one group of people to thank," Tarantino said, "and that's the actors who actually took it from the printed page and put it up on the screen. My material is not easy. It's hard. I cannot have dumb actors do my material."
"Avatar" was named best action movie and it collected a heap of technical awards, including honors for cinematography, editing, art direction, sound and visual effects.
There were actually two winners in the actress category, with Meryl Streep and Sandra Bullock tying for the honor.
Streep said she loved playing Julia Child in "Julie & Julia."
"I'm really, really thrilled because I really love what I do," she said. "I love to work, and I love food and I love sex. And so did Julia Child. So it wasn't that much of a stretch."
Bullock, who won for her performance in "The Blind Side," said she hadn't prepared a speech, but she used her time at the microphone to honor her fellow actresses and call for compassion for people who are suffering.
"We're all so lucky to be here tonight when so many others are in pain," she said. "I hope we can all send good love and thoughts and whatever we can."
Jason Reitman, who won best adapted screenplay for "Up in the Air" with co-writer Sheldon Turner, thanked his father, filmmaker Ivan Reitman, calling him "one of the best storytellers I know and ... the person who taught me everything."
"I'm so proud I made this film with you, Dad," he said.
Other honors went to Mo'Nique, who was named best supporting actress for her visceral portrayal of an abusive mother in "Precious"; Saoirse Ronan, who won best young actress for her work in "The Lovely Bones"; and "The Hangover," which was voted best comedy.
"District 9" won for best makeup, "Grey Gardens" was best TV movie and "The Cove" was named best documentary.
Winners are chosen by members of the Broadcast Film Critics Association, the largest such group in North America comprising 200 TV, radio and online film critics.
AP Television Producer Mike Cidoni contributed to this report.
O'Brien exit deal near, source says
LOS ANGELES –
NBC is nearing a deal with "Tonight" host Conan O'Brien to leave the network, freeing Jay Leno to reclaim the late-night show he hosted for 17 years.
According to Associated Press, a person familiar with the negotiations says top NBC Universal executives and representatives for O'Brien on Friday were close to settling details of his departure. The person, who did not have the authority to discuss the issue, spoke on condition of anonymity, AP said.
The person says Universal Studios president and COO Ron Meyer is among those involved in the talks.
The focus is on how much O'Brien, who has time left on his NBC contract, would be paid for leaving and what limits NBC may put on his future employment at another network.
NBC is nearing a deal with "Tonight" host Conan O'Brien to leave the network, freeing Jay Leno to reclaim the late-night show he hosted for 17 years.
According to Associated Press, a person familiar with the negotiations says top NBC Universal executives and representatives for O'Brien on Friday were close to settling details of his departure. The person, who did not have the authority to discuss the issue, spoke on condition of anonymity, AP said.
The person says Universal Studios president and COO Ron Meyer is among those involved in the talks.
The focus is on how much O'Brien, who has time left on his NBC contract, would be paid for leaving and what limits NBC may put on his future employment at another network.
Overnight sensation
ASSOCIATED PRESS–
He won't be the next American Idol, but the show's hardly over for "General" Larry Platt.
The 63-year-old civil rights veteran -- now the subject of more than 600 news stories and counting, according to a Google search -- has become an Internet sensation after performing his original song, "Pants On The Ground" at an audition for the ninth season of "American Idol." It wasn't really singing or rapping but it was performed with some gusto and even included a little break dancing for good measure.
Platt's fan base exploded after his Wednesday night debut, as his audition hit YouTube and Twitter. Within hours, he had been clicked and tweeted into one of the Internet's most popular topics. Jimmy Fallon reprised a version of the song on his show Thursday night, and Platt is scheduled for an appearance on ABC's daytime talk show "The View" next week.
Clips of Platt's "Idol" performance continued to get Web hits Friday on Twitter and YouTube.
"I have a horrible feeling that song could be a hit," skeptical "Idol" judge Simon Cowell reluctantly predicted on the show.
Surrounded by plaques recognizing his work in civil rights and photographs of Platt with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Congressman John Lewis and others from that era at his home in East Atlanta this week, the e-celebrity seemed dazed by the attention. Platt — given the nickname "General" for his work during the civil rights era — said he hoped his message of personal responsibility doesn't get lost in his popularity.
His message is simple and the lyrics of the song came to him one day after he spotted a young man holding a child, his pants hanging below his waist.
"After all this work I did with Dr. King ... walking around with your pants on the ground?" Platt said. "They're going to have to get them up. I'm sorry."
His show-stealing performance was the last of a round of auditions taped in Atlanta last August. He was allowed to perform even though the age cutoff for contestants was 28.
The spotlight on him, Contestant 103519 began belting out the now infamous verse: "Pants on the ground! Pants on the ground! Looking like a fool with your pants on the ground!"
Shaking his head at the end of Platt's song, Cowell offered: "I don't think this is gonna be the last we hear about you. I have a feeling about you, Larry."
For Platt, the song was just another one of his causes. He said Thursday that he and his civil rights colleagues sacrificed too much for today's youth to walk around with sagging pants.
Platt — his black jeans securely fastened — proudly showed off black and white photographs that show him alongside civil rights icons documenting his social justice work as a dedicated foot soldier with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.
Platt is still an activist, and can frequently be seen in downtown Atlanta holding signs protesting foreclosures, war, violence, racism and "any wicked things that take place."
Bolstered by his newfound fame, Platt doesn't plan to stop singing his "Idol" anthem anytime soon and is grateful for the opportunity for his song to reach a broader audience.
"People around the world are calling about me because they like what I'm doing," Platt said. "Some people tried to steal my song but they can't sing like me. I'm going to go around the world singing my song."
Platt said he's hoping for the same fate as fellow wacky "Idol" contestant William Hung, whose rendition of Latin crooner Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" gained him a cult following and a record deal, even though he didn't make the "Idol" cut.
"He still made it, ain't that right?" Platt said, smiling. "That's what I'm going to do."
He won't be the next American Idol, but the show's hardly over for "General" Larry Platt.
The 63-year-old civil rights veteran -- now the subject of more than 600 news stories and counting, according to a Google search -- has become an Internet sensation after performing his original song, "Pants On The Ground" at an audition for the ninth season of "American Idol." It wasn't really singing or rapping but it was performed with some gusto and even included a little break dancing for good measure.
Platt's fan base exploded after his Wednesday night debut, as his audition hit YouTube and Twitter. Within hours, he had been clicked and tweeted into one of the Internet's most popular topics. Jimmy Fallon reprised a version of the song on his show Thursday night, and Platt is scheduled for an appearance on ABC's daytime talk show "The View" next week.
Clips of Platt's "Idol" performance continued to get Web hits Friday on Twitter and YouTube.
"I have a horrible feeling that song could be a hit," skeptical "Idol" judge Simon Cowell reluctantly predicted on the show.
Surrounded by plaques recognizing his work in civil rights and photographs of Platt with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Congressman John Lewis and others from that era at his home in East Atlanta this week, the e-celebrity seemed dazed by the attention. Platt — given the nickname "General" for his work during the civil rights era — said he hoped his message of personal responsibility doesn't get lost in his popularity.
His message is simple and the lyrics of the song came to him one day after he spotted a young man holding a child, his pants hanging below his waist.
"After all this work I did with Dr. King ... walking around with your pants on the ground?" Platt said. "They're going to have to get them up. I'm sorry."
His show-stealing performance was the last of a round of auditions taped in Atlanta last August. He was allowed to perform even though the age cutoff for contestants was 28.
The spotlight on him, Contestant 103519 began belting out the now infamous verse: "Pants on the ground! Pants on the ground! Looking like a fool with your pants on the ground!"
Shaking his head at the end of Platt's song, Cowell offered: "I don't think this is gonna be the last we hear about you. I have a feeling about you, Larry."
For Platt, the song was just another one of his causes. He said Thursday that he and his civil rights colleagues sacrificed too much for today's youth to walk around with sagging pants.
Platt — his black jeans securely fastened — proudly showed off black and white photographs that show him alongside civil rights icons documenting his social justice work as a dedicated foot soldier with the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.
Platt is still an activist, and can frequently be seen in downtown Atlanta holding signs protesting foreclosures, war, violence, racism and "any wicked things that take place."
Bolstered by his newfound fame, Platt doesn't plan to stop singing his "Idol" anthem anytime soon and is grateful for the opportunity for his song to reach a broader audience.
"People around the world are calling about me because they like what I'm doing," Platt said. "Some people tried to steal my song but they can't sing like me. I'm going to go around the world singing my song."
Platt said he's hoping for the same fate as fellow wacky "Idol" contestant William Hung, whose rendition of Latin crooner Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" gained him a cult following and a record deal, even though he didn't make the "Idol" cut.
"He still made it, ain't that right?" Platt said, smiling. "That's what I'm going to do."
T.M.I.
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay –
Julio Iglesias has a reputation as a famous lover, but he told a concert audience he abandoned his prolific sex life 15 years.
During a performance in Punta del Este, Uruguay, he said that when he first performed there at age 24, he was "like a rabbit."
The singer added that he had a "superstition, a quirk or whatever, that I couldn't go onstage to sing if I didn't make love first."
But the 66-year-old singer says "I gave that up completely 15 years ago."
In 1971, Iglesias married Filipina journalist and model, Isabel Preysler and had three children, Chabeli Iglesias, Julio Iglesias Jr. and Enrique Iglesias. Their marriage was annulled in 1979.
Iglesias is now married to former Dutch model, Miranda Rijnsburger, with whom he has two sons and twin daughters.
According to Associated Press, Iglesias' comments were reported Friday by Uruguayan newspaper El Pais. Iglesias publicist Paula Montoli didn't comment on whether Iglesias was celibate, but told AP his comments were intended to be lighthearted and "ironic."
Julio Iglesias has a reputation as a famous lover, but he told a concert audience he abandoned his prolific sex life 15 years.
During a performance in Punta del Este, Uruguay, he said that when he first performed there at age 24, he was "like a rabbit."
The singer added that he had a "superstition, a quirk or whatever, that I couldn't go onstage to sing if I didn't make love first."
But the 66-year-old singer says "I gave that up completely 15 years ago."
In 1971, Iglesias married Filipina journalist and model, Isabel Preysler and had three children, Chabeli Iglesias, Julio Iglesias Jr. and Enrique Iglesias. Their marriage was annulled in 1979.
Iglesias is now married to former Dutch model, Miranda Rijnsburger, with whom he has two sons and twin daughters.
According to Associated Press, Iglesias' comments were reported Friday by Uruguayan newspaper El Pais. Iglesias publicist Paula Montoli didn't comment on whether Iglesias was celibate, but told AP his comments were intended to be lighthearted and "ironic."
Wyle, wife separate
Former "ER" star Noah Wyle and his wife, Tracy, have separated after 11 years of marriage, People.com reports.
"Tracy Wyle and Noah Wyle, who separated in late October 2009, have confirmed they have entered into a mediation process," the actor's rep, Eddie Michaels announced in a statement on the couple's behalf.
"Neither has legally filed for divorce. Tracy and Noah live in separate residences; however their two children (Owen, 7, and Auden, 4) see both parents daily."
Wyle, best known as Dr. John Carter from NBC's long-running hit "ER," married makeup artist Tracy Warbin in 1998 after the couple met on the set of "Myth of Fingerprints."
"Tracy Wyle and Noah Wyle, who separated in late October 2009, have confirmed they have entered into a mediation process," the actor's rep, Eddie Michaels announced in a statement on the couple's behalf.
"Neither has legally filed for divorce. Tracy and Noah live in separate residences; however their two children (Owen, 7, and Auden, 4) see both parents daily."
Wyle, best known as Dr. John Carter from NBC's long-running hit "ER," married makeup artist Tracy Warbin in 1998 after the couple met on the set of "Myth of Fingerprints."
Networks team for Haitian relief
NEW YORK –
Cable's MTV is joining the major broadcast networks and several cable channels for an all-star telethon for Haitian earthquake relief on Jan. 22, the Associated Press reported Friday.
A statement released by MTV Networks on Friday says "Hope for Haiti" will be shown at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
Networks showing the telethon are ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, BET, the CW, HBO, MTV, VH1 and CMT. It will also be available internationally.
Haitian-born entertainer Wyclef Jean will helm the show from New York, and George Clooney will host the Los Angeles part. CNN's Anderson Cooper will be in Haiti.
MTV says there will be musical performances and celebrity appearances. No other talent was announced.
The show will benefit Jean's Yele Haiti Foundation, as well as UNICEF, Oxfam America, Partners in Health, and the Red Cross.
Cable's MTV is joining the major broadcast networks and several cable channels for an all-star telethon for Haitian earthquake relief on Jan. 22, the Associated Press reported Friday.
A statement released by MTV Networks on Friday says "Hope for Haiti" will be shown at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
Networks showing the telethon are ABC, CBS, NBC, Fox, CNN, BET, the CW, HBO, MTV, VH1 and CMT. It will also be available internationally.
Haitian-born entertainer Wyclef Jean will helm the show from New York, and George Clooney will host the Los Angeles part. CNN's Anderson Cooper will be in Haiti.
MTV says there will be musical performances and celebrity appearances. No other talent was announced.
The show will benefit Jean's Yele Haiti Foundation, as well as UNICEF, Oxfam America, Partners in Health, and the Red Cross.
Lee's 'Levees' sequel set
Filmmaker Spike Lee and HBO are returning to New Orleans five years after Hurricane Katrina in a followup to his 2006 documentary, "When the Levees Broke," Multichannel.com reports.
The new documentary will debut in August
According to Multichannel, Lee will produce and direct the untitled film which begins shooting in the Big Easy this week.
The original Emmy Award-winning "When The Levees Broke: A Requiem In Four Acts," portrayed New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina's devastation as well as the beginning steps to its recovery.
"When Levees Broke was a landmark n documentary filmmaking," said Shelia Nevins, president of HBO documentary films in a statement. "It's an exciting notion to anticipate Spike going back for this reprise."
The new documentary will debut in August
According to Multichannel, Lee will produce and direct the untitled film which begins shooting in the Big Easy this week.
The original Emmy Award-winning "When The Levees Broke: A Requiem In Four Acts," portrayed New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina's devastation as well as the beginning steps to its recovery.
"When Levees Broke was a landmark n documentary filmmaking," said Shelia Nevins, president of HBO documentary films in a statement. "It's an exciting notion to anticipate Spike going back for this reprise."
Awards season off and running
2010's season of accolades is in full swing.
Here's a brief look at what's ahead:
JAN. 15: Critics Choice Awards presented, 9 p.m., VH1
JAN. 17: Golden Globes presented, 8 p.m. NBC
JAN. 23: The 16th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards will be simulcast live on TNT and TBS AT 8 p.m.
JAN. 30: Directors Guild of America Awards are presented
JAN. 31 Grammys presented. Ceremony airing live on CBS
FEB. 2: Nominees for the 82nd Academy Awards are announced.
FEB. 26: 41st NAACP Image Awards, airing live at 8 p.m. on Fox
MARCH 7: Academy Awards presented live on ABC
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Skii-daddle
Leave it to TMZ to dig up the dirt.
Thanks to a post on the celebrity Website, wannabe star Antonio "Skiiboski" Wheeler may turn out to be better known for his extensive rap sheet than his antics on Wednesday's "Idol" audition in Atlanta.
One question to ponder, however: Is this being done for ALL "Idol" hopefuls or just a select few? If weirdness is the criteria used to judge who will be investigated, there are at least a dozen more contestants who should be under the microscope.
According to TMZ, the Skiiboski list, posted in chronological order includes:
March 2005: Possession of cannabis with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, escape, and two counts resisting an officer without violence
.November 2005: Ten counts of contempt of court, providing false ID to law enforcement officer, escape during transport, resisting officer without violence, possession of cocaine and battery by detainee in detention facility.
February 2007: Possession of controlled substance of less than 10 grams, providing false ID to law enforcement officer, resisting officer without violence, escape.
August 2008: Violation of probation, driving while license suspended, no registration.
December 2009: Contempt of court.
Thanks to a post on the celebrity Website, wannabe star Antonio "Skiiboski" Wheeler may turn out to be better known for his extensive rap sheet than his antics on Wednesday's "Idol" audition in Atlanta.
One question to ponder, however: Is this being done for ALL "Idol" hopefuls or just a select few? If weirdness is the criteria used to judge who will be investigated, there are at least a dozen more contestants who should be under the microscope.
According to TMZ, the Skiiboski list, posted in chronological order includes:
March 2005: Possession of cannabis with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, escape, and two counts resisting an officer without violence
.November 2005: Ten counts of contempt of court, providing false ID to law enforcement officer, escape during transport, resisting officer without violence, possession of cocaine and battery by detainee in detention facility.
February 2007: Possession of controlled substance of less than 10 grams, providing false ID to law enforcement officer, resisting officer without violence, escape.
August 2008: Violation of probation, driving while license suspended, no registration.
December 2009: Contempt of court.
When keepin' it 'Real' goes wrong
When it comes to season three "American Idol" winner Fantasia Barrino and Sandra "Pepa" Denton-- of '80s rappers Salt-N- Pepa fame-- is there just too much realness?
Both have certainly enjoyed life in the spotlight (undoubtedly, a longer stay for Denton).
And both debuted their self-named reality shows Jan. 11 on cable's VH1.
Denton's show, "Let's Talk About Pep," focuses on her attempts to re-enter and navigate the New York City Dating scene -- with the help of friends Jacque, Kittie and Joumana-- after a self-imposed exile (not to mention a two-year marriage to Treach of the group Naughty by Nature that ended in 2001).
Single gals on the prowl in the Big Apple has always been a winning formula for TV (witness HBO's "Sex and the City"), so Denton needn't worry about whether viewers will stick around.
On the other hand, Fantasia's freeloading family -- Monday night's premiere episode was actually billed as "6 people and one paycheck"-- may be a bit much to take.
Just why the adults in the household aren't working -- personifying the negative stereotype of blacks being shiftless and lazy-- is never explained (only Fantasia's young daughter, Zion, is exempt). Mooching brother, Teeny; her meddlesome Aunt Bunny; Fantasia's mother, Diane; and assorted other hangers-on all appear able-bodied. Monday's debut, in fact, ended with the brother attempting to remodel the pool house on Fantasia's property that he converted into a recording studio under the guise of being a record producer-- apparently, in name only.
"You do record people, but there's no money coming in," the aunt tells the unemployed brother, who also found time to test drive a Ferrari.
Later in the show, we also were treated to a scene of the lavish birthday bash that the "Idol"-winner threw for Zion. A wonderful gesture to be sure, but perhaps not wise in the midst of Fantasia's recent financial woes.
In the meantime, her record label decided not to release one of her new recordings as a single
Slated for eight episodes, "Fantasia, For Real" is supposed to show the star's attempt to reignite her career after her "Idol" success, a few Grammy-nominated hits and her acclaimed role as Celie in "The Color Purple" on Broadway.
Let's hope that it does because after Monday night's debut, there's nowhere to go but up.
Both have certainly enjoyed life in the spotlight (undoubtedly, a longer stay for Denton).
And both debuted their self-named reality shows Jan. 11 on cable's VH1.
Denton's show, "Let's Talk About Pep," focuses on her attempts to re-enter and navigate the New York City Dating scene -- with the help of friends Jacque, Kittie and Joumana-- after a self-imposed exile (not to mention a two-year marriage to Treach of the group Naughty by Nature that ended in 2001).
Single gals on the prowl in the Big Apple has always been a winning formula for TV (witness HBO's "Sex and the City"), so Denton needn't worry about whether viewers will stick around.
On the other hand, Fantasia's freeloading family -- Monday night's premiere episode was actually billed as "6 people and one paycheck"-- may be a bit much to take.
Just why the adults in the household aren't working -- personifying the negative stereotype of blacks being shiftless and lazy-- is never explained (only Fantasia's young daughter, Zion, is exempt). Mooching brother, Teeny; her meddlesome Aunt Bunny; Fantasia's mother, Diane; and assorted other hangers-on all appear able-bodied. Monday's debut, in fact, ended with the brother attempting to remodel the pool house on Fantasia's property that he converted into a recording studio under the guise of being a record producer-- apparently, in name only.
"You do record people, but there's no money coming in," the aunt tells the unemployed brother, who also found time to test drive a Ferrari.
Later in the show, we also were treated to a scene of the lavish birthday bash that the "Idol"-winner threw for Zion. A wonderful gesture to be sure, but perhaps not wise in the midst of Fantasia's recent financial woes.
In the meantime, her record label decided not to release one of her new recordings as a single
Slated for eight episodes, "Fantasia, For Real" is supposed to show the star's attempt to reignite her career after her "Idol" success, a few Grammy-nominated hits and her acclaimed role as Celie in "The Color Purple" on Broadway.
Let's hope that it does because after Monday night's debut, there's nowhere to go but up.
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