andPOP » Entertainment

Radio Hosts Tell Spencer Pratt to Pay Up

Vanessa Baker — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:49:13 +0000

The hosts of radio show “Jojo, Reagan and the Mix Morning Show,” are asking Spencer Pratt to put his money where his mouth is and pay them the $1,000 he bet them Friday morning, reports TMZ. Pratt claimed his wife, Heidi Montag’s performance on the Miss Universe pageant was the most-watched television event in the history of time and space.

While one billion people tuned in to the pageant Aug. 23, Princess Diana’s funeral had 2.5 billion viewers. The radio hosts are waiting for their cheque.

Howard K. Stern Lawsuit Settled

Vanessa Baker — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:13:01 +0000

A settlement has been reached in Howard K. Stern’s $60 million defamation lawsuit against Rita Cosby, reports TMZ.

In her book Blonde Ambition, Cosby alleges Stern and Larry Birkhead had a sexual encounter that was caught on tape. Both men deny the allegations, however, only Stern pursued legal action.

Stephen Spielberg and Stephen King Join Forces

Vanessa Baker — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:00:22 +0000

Director Steven Spielberg is planning to bring Stephen King’s latest novel, Under the Dome, to television, reports CBC. DreamWorks TV announced Spielberg will be executive producer for a mini-series based on the novel, which hit stores Nov. 10.

Under the Dome is the story of a town that has an invisible force field descend around it, making it impossible to go in or out. The townspeople then divide into two warring camps as they struggle for survival.

Stars Wish Oprah Well

Vanessa Baker — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:49:08 +0000

News that The Oprah Winfrey Show will end in less than two years has prompted many stars to express their support and praise for the daytime talk show host, reports E! News.

“I am going to enjoy every episode between now and 2011,” said former Food Network star Rachael Ray, host of talk show Rachael Ray. “Oprah opened the door for me to move into daytime television and I can’t thank her enough. I look forward to seeing what she does next. There will only ever be one Oprah!”

“This is a very nostalgic moment for me,” said Dr. Phil McGraw, who got his television start as a regular on Winfrey’s show. “Oprah Winfrey is first and foremost one of my dearest friends and obviously the person who taught me everything I know about television. Her show was home for me for five of the most exciting years of my life. The Oprah Winfrey Show is the gold standard and I know that she will succeed at whatever she chooses to do next.”

There is talk that Dr. Mehmet Oz, a former medical consultant for the show, may be given Winfrey’s time slot.

“I know the rest of the world shares my heartfelt admiration and congratulatory salute to a woman who showed us how the power of television can make us better,” said Oz. “On a personal note, as a mentor and a friend, Ms. Winfrey built a bridge so I could take everything I learned in medicine and transfer it to television in an effort to teach millions. That is symbolic of the higher calling perspective she instills in everyone privileged enough to work with her.”

Several celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Nicky Hilton and Weeds star Kevin Nealon tweeted their disappointment about the projected end of the Oprah era.

The Pope And His Thoughts On New Moon

Joelle Tomlinson — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:01:33 +0000

It’s no great surprise that the Pope isn’t a major endorser of the Twlight series.

Conveniently timed to the release of the “New Moon” sequel to Twilight, the Vatican culture council leader, Monsignor Franco Perazzolo, issued a statement about the underlying evil in the series. According to E! online, he said “this film is nothing more than a moral vacuum with a deviant message and as such should be of concern”

His next comment further solidifies his position on the vampire and werewolf packed flick. “This theme of vampires in Twilight combines a mixture of excesses that, as ever, is aimed at young people and gives a heavy esoteric element.”

To clarify, esoteric simply means that the film is intended for only a small number of people with a specialized knowledge. In this case, this “small” number of people is a worldwide fan base of Twilighters, eager to indulge in their two hours of sparkly vampires, vicious werewolf clans and clumsy humans. This statement issued by the pope is reminiscent of the hate towards the Harry Potter series inspired by the Roman Catholic religion years earlier, which didn’t seem to affect sales and revenue.

Wesley Snipes Faces Three Years Behind Bars

Joelle Tomlinson — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:57:36 +0000

It turns out Wesley Snipe’s bad boy TV persona transfers over to the real world as well.

The actor is facing up to three years in prison as a result for avoiding taxes for five years. According to E! online, the attorneys for the star have filed an appeal against the incarceration time, claiming that the sentence is “unreasonable.” They are also arguing that the tax-evasion trial, which took place in Florida in February (finding Snipes guilty on three charges), should have taken place in New York.

Apparently, Snipes, who made an estimated $13.8 million over the past three years, owes the IRS millions of dollars. Peter Goldberger, Snipes’ attorney, said “The right to a correct venue is part and parcel to the right to a jury trial” (eonline.com). Snipe himself did not show up for the hearings, but is roaming around after paying for his $1 million bond after appealing the sentence.

It doesn’t appear as though the court system is in favor of the face behind the “Blade” trilogy. The consensus on the behalf of the U.S. attorney, Patricia Barksdale, was that he received a fair trial and sentence in accordance with his tax evasion, and it looks as though prison bars are looming in this actor’s future.

Beyonce And Lady Gaga Team Up For ‘Video Phone’

Joelle Tomlinson — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:44:44 +0000

What do you get when you mix cameras, music, video phones, and two of the biggest divas in the U.S. music industry?

A music video with Beyonce and Lady Gaga, remixing Beyonce’s original “Video Phone” score. In the newly-released video, the two larger-than-life diva’s storm around in trench coats, bathing suits and heels. It opens up with a scintillating scene of Beyonce and her all-male posse marching down a seemingly-deserted alleyway with a purpose in mind.

Gaga and Beyonce are an interesting combination that makes for a unique music video. Azcentral.com says that the director, Hype Williams, “shoots a video in his trademark electrifying colour schemes and high-shine lighting, resulting in a fantastical pop mirage.”

With a combination of Beyonce’s trademark outlandish costume choices- and Gaga’s trademark outlandish behaviour, the new music video is sure to make heads turn. The “Video Phone” collaboration debuted Monday night on MTV and VH-1.

New Moon Posts Great Opening Numbers

Joelle Tomlinson — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:26:07 +0000

Looks like the vampire-craze is here to stay.

The Twilight Saga: New Moon was released today (November 20), much to the enjoyment of avid Twilighters everywhere. According to ew.com, the flick set a new record for opening midnight shows, and it grossed around $26.3 million. Move aside, Harry Potter (who earned $2.2 million in the summer).

The story follows Edward and Bella, as well as incorporating the new wolf-gang that up-and-comer Taylor Lautner is a big part of. For those who have read the book, and followed the series, they already know about the consequences of a love triangle with a vampire and a werewolf. If not, Kristen Stewart’s (who plays Bella) anguish will be made clear through the Chris Weitz’s-directed film.

Other big names in New Moon are Robert Pattinson, Dakota Fanning and Ashley Greene. They each play blood-sucking vampires in the movie with special talents of their own. Along with these talents, it looks as though their star power is powerful as well, as the movie continues to draw in excited viewers worldwide.

Miley Cyrus’ Tour Bus Accident Leaves One Dead

Joelle Tomlinson — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:16:46 +0000

In a fatal road accident last night involving one of Miley Cyrus tour buses, it seems the show must still go on for the ‘tween popstar.

TMZ reports that the accident has left one person dead and several more injured, though Cyrus herself was not on the bus that was involved in the accident on the Virginia highway. It seems the group of people injured are the singer’s lighting crew, so it will be interesting to see how the singer will manage on her scheduled show (that is still happening) on Sunday evening.

According to dose.ca, there were eyewitness reports stating that the bus drifted off the road before being led to flip. Apparently, the roads were slippery due to a previous bout of rain, and there is an ongoing investigation into whether the bus driver died previous to, or after the crash.

Cyrus tour has not been cancelled as of yet, and she is touring through the U.S. during the first week of December.

Oprah Announces The Final Show

Joelle Tomlinson — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:58:49 +0000

The old adage is true: all good things must come to an end, including the beloved Oprah Winfrey show of 25 years.

The queen of daytime television announced that the show will not continue past 2011, and she will move on to pursue other projects in her life. According to people.com, a spokesperson announced the “the last day will be Sept 9, 2011 [...] She will speak about it on (Friday’s) live show.”

This mention of new projects brings to light Winfrey’s latest work on her new cable channel, called the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). Perhaps she will bring to life another version of her talk show on this channel?

Dose.ca published the following comment made on the CBS TV Distribution’s behalf. “We have the greatest respect for Oprah and wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors,” said the company. “We know that anything she turns her hand to will be a great success. We look forward to working with her for the next several years and hopefully afterwards as well.”

The “Oprah Winfrey Show,” which has dominated daytime television for the past quarter century, combined aspects of charity, popular culture, self-help, and essentially an uncountable amount of topics. The queen of daytime television will be sorely missed by all, but with the OWN cable channel debuting in January, this is certainly not the last people will see of the beloved hostess.