The Muppets are back! Kermit, Miss Piggy and the gang are ruling the Thanksgiving box-office this weekend and the world is officially in a nostalgic frenzy.

Before Jason Segel revamped the series, the adorable characters were famous in their own right. Their television program (1976-1981) featured a variety of celebrity cameos, from Alice Cooper to 007′s Roger Moore, in the final episode. It’s the family friendly programming that transcended generations. The franchise includes a seemingly endless stream of beloved films such as “The Muppets Take Manhattan,” “The Muppet Christmas Carol,” “Muppet Treasure Island,” “Muppets From Space” and “The Great Muppet Caper.” If this is all breaking news to you, then I highly recommend you check them out – or at least add it to your wish list this year.

Since legendary puppeteer Jim Henson created the Muppets in 1974, there has been an incredible assortment of Muppets appearances, performances and moments. Aside from the hilarious parody trailers and Saturday Night Live appearance recently, it felt appropriate to take a moment to reflect on the classics. We pulled together our favourite ten, let us know yours!

Bohemian Rhapsody (2009)In 2009, the gang released their rendition of Queen’s famous song. This viral video introduced this generation to “Bohemian” just like Mike Myers did with Wayne’s World.

Kermit Cycling (1979)
“Jolson sang, Barrymore spoke, Garbo laughed, and now Kermit the Frog rides a bicycle,” began Roger Ebert’s original 1979 review of “The Muppet Movie”. “If you can figure out how they were able to show Kermit pedaling across the screen, then you are less a romantic than I am: I prefer to believe he did it himself.” Muppet magic.

Larry King Live (1994)
Kermit and Gonzo guest-hosted the show with featured guests including supermodel Carol Alt and Hulk Hogan. Surprising that neither replaced King when he retired last year, but there’s still the hope for Regis-replacement.

(Day O) Banana Boat Song (1978)
Before Lil Wayne and Jason Derulo ruined the song, Harry Belafonte and Fozzie Bear’s collaboration was pure brilliance. Fozzie even asks the question that we all want to know, “What is a “Tally Man”?”

Keep Fishin’ (2002)
Weezer resurrected the Muppets from temporary obscurity for their music video off their fourth album, “Maladroit”.

Bennie And The Jets (1977)
Elton John became a reoccuring character in the late 70s, performing many of his songs including “Crocodile Rock” and “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road”. But it is the banter between Elton and Kermit during “Bennie” that defines his involvement. You could also see where Cee-Lo took a few notes.

Alice Cooper (1978)
As Gonzo declares him “the voice of doom,” this episode also guest starred horror film-icon Vincent Price and revolved around the theme of “ghoulies and ghosties and long-legged beasties and things that go bump in the night.”

Buddy Rich VS. Animal (1981)
Two of the greatest drummers of all time face-off in this classic skit from the Muppet Show. Who won? You be the judge.

‘Treasure Island’ Roll Call (1996)
Directed by his son, Brian, this post-Jim Henson film is not the same – but it has it’s moments, like this one. Kermit’s Captain Abraham Smollet is introduced to his crew of “cutthroats, villains and scoundrels.”

The Rainbow Connection
Perhaps the greatest Muppets moment of all-time, the opening banjo strum is guaranteed to cause a lump in the throat. Covered by many, including Willie Nelson, Sarah McLachlan and Jason Mraz – enjoy!

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Rod Stewart will begin a two year residency on August 24 at Las Vegas’ Colosseum at Caesars Palace, reports Billboard.

The first 18 concerts of ‘Rod Stewart: The Hits’ will go on sale May 15. Stewart is joining Celine Dion and Elton John, who both perform at Caesars Palace as well.

Stewart says the show will be “90 percent songs that people know,” including ‘Maggie May,’ ‘The First Cut Is the Deepest’ and ‘You’re in My Heart.’ The songs were performed at the Colosseum when he played at the 4,100-seat venue in November.

“It’s a rock’n'roll show,” Stewart says. “We’ll try to give the people what they want, which are the songs that made me famous, plus a few surprises. There won’t be any magicians or midgets, just a good rock show.”

A 13-piece band will back Stewart, whose shows will be presented by AEG Live. That way, he says, “I’ve got the lineup to (make changes) — all the mandolins and guitars. We’ll throw in something from, say,  ‘Gasoline Alley,’ maybe even ‘Gasoline Alley.’”

Stewart recently wrapped his Heart & Soul Tour with Stevie Nicks and is currently working on a blues album with guitarist Jeff Beck. Stewart’s contract with J Records recently expired, making him a free agent, so Stewart and Beck are recording the album without a label attached.

It seems like whenever artists need an extra kick or revival of their music career, they take up residency in Vegas. It’s a smart move, and I’m sure this will be great for Stewart’s career.

I personally think Britney Spears should think of taking up residency in Vegas. Steady hours, an extra boost to her career, and the town is all about flashy lights and over-the-top spectacles. It’s perfect for her!

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Before Arcade Fire and Radiohead snag the spotlight, Kanye doesn’t hesitate to remind everyone that he’s still around with his new neon-infested music video for “All of the Lights” that includes appearances by Rihanna and Kid CuDi.

The Hype Williams directed video starts with a solemn black-and-white shot of a young black girl strolling through the snow-covered streets in the projects, while Elton John’s ivory tickles provide the instrumental. As the blaring, triumphant fanfare of horns welcome the chorus of Alicia Keys, Rihanna and friends… the acid light show begins.

Michael Jackson tributes continue with CuDi’s red-leather jacker (hello, Thriller) and Ye’s tribal dancing on top of a cop car (Black or White).

And yes, there is the blatant nod to Gasper Noe’s Into the Void intro, which is done in respect.

And on top of that, we get Rihanna in what appear to be a boob harness. Yes. A boob harness.

But, of course, would anyone expect anything less than classy from the man? It won’t disappoint with the cinematic presentation, as it isn’t over done or too spectacular… just a few cop lights, flash lights, spot lights and strobe lights to kick one into seizure after one dose.

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Elton John is caught in a bad romance!

The pop legend is showering Lady GaGa with more praise than she can shake a stick at. Elton called her “so amazingly polite and respectful” and has reportedly begun a close friendship with the star after their Grammy performance last year.

Elton says:

“I love her, she’s absolutely amazing. We’ve become friends. What I like about the Gaga most is that she’s amazingly polite and respectful to everyone around her. What I loved most about John Lennon is that he was like that. He once gave my mum a lift to the airport and came to my agent’s wedding.

The Gaga is like that. But the greatest thing about her is that she manages to let everyone think they know everything about her but no one knows anything.”

Looks like GaGa got the seal of approval!

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Wow, maybe some of the stereotypes of the South being racists and sexists are not so inaccurate. An Arkansas Supermarket in Mountain View, AK has placed a “family shield” over the Us Weekly cover of Elton John with his partner David Furnish and their new baby.

Gawker reports the move was done by the Harps food chain to “protect innocent children.” However the chain has recently removed the cover. Harps President explained in a statement that it was not their intention to offend anybody, but the shield was placed after the store manager received some complaints.

We wonder what those store patrons think when they see an interracial married couple on the front of a magazine?

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After a plethora of speculation and rumors, PopEater is confirming Elton John is the biological father of his new son who was mothered by a surrogate. There was a question whether it was Elton or his husband David Furnish who was the father.

“Elton really wanted the child to have his genes,” a friend of the singer tells PopEater. “He has a god-given talent and wanted to pass that one to a child. And after years of discussion and thought, Elton and David decided together that Elton’s sperm would be used.”

Zachary was born weighing 7 lbs., 15 oz. via a surrogate mother in California on Christmas Day. This is the first child for John, 62, and Furnish, 48. The couple married in 2005 after being together for 12 years.

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Elton John played to a crowd of 6,000 fans at the at the ancient Mayan pyramids of Chichen Itza in Mexico, despite injuries to three workers, reports CBC.ca.

Fans were treated to a 90 minute concert by the legendary singer with the Temple of Kukulkan as a backdrop. Fans paid between $80 -$800 to attend.

On Thursday three workers were injured while preparing the stage with non-life threatening injuries.

Mexican authorities said nothing at the 1,200-year-old site was disturbed and gave the go-ahead for the concert.

The 63-year-old singer’s concert has not been without other difficulties. Indigenous groups have complained such events are not in keeping with Mayan culture and history.

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HBO’s “True Blood” star, Anna Paquin said little that revealed a lot, as part of a videotaped public service announcement.

“I’m bisexual, and I give a damn,” the 27-year-old actress says as part of the True Colors Fund’s Give a Damn campaign that was taped January 30 and kicked off April 1. The campaign features celebs encouraging people to work toward lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender equality, MTV news reports. Paquin was a bit of a surprise, as organizers were unaware that she was going to declare her bisexuality through the PSA.

The campaign includes a series of videos that also include stars like:  Kim Kardashian, Elton John, Cynthia Nixon, Clay Aiken, Whoopi Goldberg, Wanda Sykes, Jason Mraz, Mya, Sharon and Kelly Osbourne and True Colors Fund co-founder Cyndi Lauper.

“One hate crime is committed approximately every hour of every day in this country,” Paquin says, while other celebs add in facts about discrimination.

“Imagine walking down the street and wondering if this is the day you’ll get beaten up or even killed, simply because of who you are,” Elton John says.

Adds Mraz, “It is time for things to change!”

Paquin, a New Zealand native, got engaged to Stephen Moyer, her “True Blood” co-star last August. She plays a telepathic waitress named Sookie Stackhouse, who falls for Moyer’s vampire, Bill Compon. The premier of the third season kicks off on June 13 on HBO.

MTV News asked Moyer for some inside scoop on the third season, but he wasn’t spilling the beans. “I don’t want to give anything away!” he said.

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In a recent interview with Parade Magazine, Elton John says Jesus was gay.  Not surprisingly some religious groups are taking an issue with this comment.

“I think Jesus was a compassionate, super-intelligent gay man who understood human problems,” John tells the magazine. “On the cross, he forgave the people who crucified him. Jesus wanted us to be loving and forgiving. I don’t know what makes people so cruel. Try being a gay woman in the Middle East—you’re as good as dead.”

Catholic League President had the following statement “Jesus was certainly compassionate, but to say he was ‘super-intelligent’ is to compare the son of God to a successful game-show contestant.”

“More seriously, to call Jesus a homosexual is to label him a sexual deviant. But what else would we expect from a man who previously said, ‘From my point of view, I would ban religion completely’?”

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It’s no secret that Eminem’s lyrics often times are anti-gay, so that’s what makes this combination so odd. Elton John is reportedly helping Eminem overcome his addiction to prescription drugs. “I’ve been helping Eminem over the last 18 months and he’s doing brilliantly,” John told BBC Radio

John has been helping the rapper as he also once suffered from a drug problem. Elton had a notorious addiction to alcohol and drugs throughout the 1980′s. He has been sober ever since, and let’s hope he can do the same for Eminem.

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Sir Elton John has a serious case of E. Coli, reports Perez Hilton. In October, the British singer cancelled a number of concerts in Ireland and the United Kingdom due to influenza.

As a result of the illness, three of John’s upcoming shows with Billy Joel on the Face 2 Face tour have been postponed. Two concerts in Seattle, WA, planned for Nov. 4 and Nov. 7, as well as one scheduled for Nov. 10 in Portland, OR, will be rescheduled.

John is currently receiving treatment for the infection at a London hospital.

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Stephen Gately of the Irish boy band Boyzone died suddenly Saturday while on vacation in Spain with his partner Andrew Cowles, reports CBC. He was 33.

“At present we don’t have too many details,” said a statement on the band’s web site.

Gately’s band mates – Ronan Keating, Keith Duffy, Mikey Graham and Shane Lynch – said they were completely devastated by the loss of their friend and brother, Stephen. “We have shared such wonderful times together over the years and were all looking forward to sharing many more. Stephen was a beautiful person in both body and spirit. He lit up our lives and those of the many friends he had all over the world.”

Boyzone originally formed in 1993 and reunited in 2008. Gately also had a solo career and appeared in a number of stage musicals including Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

“Boyzone and Stephen, they’ve all been part of Irish life and far wider than that, the last 15 years, and so successful, so it’s a huge, huge, tragedy,” said former Irish prime minister Bertie Ahern. “It’s so sad.”

Elton John and his partner, Canadian David Furnish, also gave their condolences. “David and I are stunned by this tragedy,” said John. “Stephen was the kindest, gentlest soul. We send our love and condolences to his partner, Andy, and to all his friends everywhere.”

Officials are awaiting autopsy results before a cause of death can be determined.

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There’s little in the music world that excites me more than a good collaboration. Be the unlikely pairing of Eminem and Elton John, or inevitable power tracks from Jay-Z, Kanye and Rihanna (check out “Run This Town” if you haven’t already heard it.)

Recently, though, more than just musical minds have been getting together. So here’s the news.

It seems early to be looking forward to the holidays, but this year I actually have a reason to get excited. Bob Dylan is releasing a Christmas album, according to Pitchfork. No longer will I have to sit through the intolerable holiday stylings of Michael Buble, Destiny’s Child, or Jessica Simpson. At first I was hesitant, imagining his raspy, sarcastic attempts at “Santa Baby” or “Deck the Halls.”

But Dylan’s official website confirmed a more appropriate set list, including “Here Comes Santa Claus,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”, “O Little Town of Bethlehem”, “Winter Wonderland”, “Little Drummer Boy”, and “Must Be Santa.” The album artwork for Christmas in the Heart is also pure class, and will surely stand out amongst the glittery fare normally on the shelves around the holiday time. The album is set for release on Oct. 13 – a little on the early side but knowing Dylan, it will be worth much more than just holiday cheer.

The next commercial collabo is even more unsuspecting than Bob Dylan and Santa Claus – Nike and Sub Pop Records. Nike is releasing a shoe designed for the Quickstrike SB Blazer Elite series, whatever that is, and has pasted the black-and-white SubPop label discretely on the tongue. Sub Pop, the record label home to everyone from Fleet Foxes and Wolf Parade to Nirvana and Sunny Day Real Estate, have not posted any information on their website about the shoe. But I’m sure some diehard will be willing to shell out $150 for the black-and-yellow sneaker this fall.

Pending the release of their latest album, Weezer was caught in the crossfire of some harsh words about their choice of title. Raditude made it on Spin’s “20 Worst Album Titles of 2009″ before it was even released, and topped Rolling Stone’s list of “Dictionary-Defying Album Titles” (a very fun list, for those with time to spare or a computer at work).

Anyway, back to the point. Weezer dodged the bullet by informing the furrowed brow of the public that Rainn Wilson (The Office‘s Dwight and a recent comic darling) was responsible for the title.

“[Wilson] has a super-rock persona,” Rivers said, according to Pitchfork. “When it came time to find a title for the Weezer album, I asked him what he thought the ultimate album title would be, and he said ‘Raditude.’”

Naturally. The rest of the titles aren’t any more innovative – including singles “The Girl Got Hot” and “I’m Your Daddy.”

Weezer has never been one for album titles (see The Blue, Green and Red albums) or breaking boundaries, for that matter, considering they specialize in three-chord pop-punk about falling in love with Japanese teenagers. But for the group responsible for “My Name Is Jonas”, a cult-favourite and soundtrack to my youth, I hoped for something more. I won’t be able to weigh in until Raditude hits shelves Oct. 27, but expect disenchantment and some good puns. So far, all I have is “Baditude”.

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The stage adaptation scored by Elton John of the Oscar nominated movie “Billy Elliot” danced away with 15 Tony Award nominations, leading in nods.

John and Dolly Parton compete for Best Original Score for “Billy Elliot” and “9 to 5.” The ballet-themed play will also go up against “Shrek The Musical,” “Next to Normal” and “Rock of Ages” for the Best Musical category.

Nominated stars include James Gandolfini, Jeff Daniels, Allison Janney, Geoffrey Rush, Martha Plimpton, Angela Lansbury, Jane Fonda, Hope Davis, Raúl Esparza, former “American Idol” finalist Constantine Maroulis among other performers.

“Hair” received a nod for Best Musical Revival and will compete against “Guys and Dolls,” the bilingual production of “West Side Story” and “Pal Joey” for the award.

This year, the Leading Actor in a Musical category has more names than usual due to the triple nomination for David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish who rotate playing the lead role in “Billy Elliot”.

For the complete list of nominees, visit: www.TonyAwards.com.

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Elton John has formally backed U.S. presidential contender Hillary Clinton, holding a fundraiser in her honour last night.

The New York Time reports that the event John hosted and performed at raised US$2-million for the Clinton campaign.

The concert was held at Radio City Music Hall. John announced the concert last month in an email to Clinton supporters, which he signed personally.

Over 5,000 tickets were sold for the event.

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Elvis Costello and Elton John will collaborate on a new television show that was conceived and developed in Canada by CTV.

The Canadian Press reports that the show will be hosted by Costello and will be called “Spectacle: Elvis Costello With …”. It will be executive-produced by John’s company Rocket Pictures, and aims to raise awareness and funds for AIDS in Africa.

The show is a Canadian-UK joint production, and will air 13 episodes. It will feature indepth interviews with artists and performances.

“I’m not interested in extracting some dark secret [from the performers]. I’d rather hear about a bright secret, a deep love or a curiosity that might be otherwise obscured by fame. This is a wonderful opportunity to talk in complete thoughts about music, movies, art or even vaudeville, then frame it with unique and illustrative performances,” Costello said.

The series will air on CTV most likely beginning in September.

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The so-called Ticket Gate regarding the Elton John concert in Sudbury has worried some that it will cause the singer to pull out of his concert date in March.

The fiasco occurred when city councillors and staff were allowed to purchase tickets before they went on sale to the general public.

The Sudbury Star reports that John’s show was never in jeopardy despite the controversy.

Riley O’Connor, chairman of Live Nation Canada who is bringing the Piano Man into the Nickel city said that there is no doubt the show will go on despite city councillors’ fears that the publicity will kill the show.

“They don’t speak on my behalf, or represent anything that we do,” he said.

“I don’t negotiate with ‘city officials,’ whatever that means. I certainly wouldn’t let a few politicians think they may or may not be justified in doing … something,” he told the Star.

O’Connor said Live Nation is excited to be bringing John to Sudbury despite the controversy.

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Who knew Elton John would cause such an uproar in Sudbury before his concert even happens?

The latest drama in the Northern Ontario town is the mayor offering apologies to those citizens who were unable to get their hands on some of the tickets for the Piano Man’s March show.

“My decision to offer so many advance purchase tickets to council was rushed and not given sufficient consideration. For that I apologize,” Mayor John Rodriguez said before the city council meeting last night, reports the Sudbury Star.

According to the mayor’s statement, city councilors had 100 advance tickets available to them to grab before the sale to the general public began.

“These tickets are not free: the cost is paid in full by the councillor. This same practice occurs in the City of Kitchener, where Elton John is also playing next month,” Rodriguez said.

Six councilors refused to tell the Sudbury Star how many advanced tickets they had purchased for the sold out March 2 show.

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SIR ELTON JOHN’s partner DAVID FURNISH has hit out at filmmaker MICHAEL MOORE for criticizing the U.S. healthcare system.

The star – who lives in England – insists new movie Sicko is inaccurate, and has praised America’s medical services – branding it “the only place to get good treatment.”

He says, “I completely disagree with Michael Moore.

“With my own father, when he was ill, the only option was to hire a jet and fly him to America. It was the only place to get good treatment.”

(c) 2007 WORLD ENTERTAINMENT NEWS NETWORK LTD. All global rights reserved. No unauthorized copying or re-distributing permitted.

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Gay pop superstar SIR ELTON JOHN wants the public to help him fight against homophobia.

The rocker makes his appeal in a magazine interview, just days after church leaders in the Caribbean called for him to be banned from performing there because of his sexuality.

He says, “Whether the bigot is in our local pub or a thousand miles away, we should all stand up and speak out for basic human rights.”

The ROCKET MAN also lent his support to an Amnesty International campaign to protect WILLIAM HERNANDEZ, a gay activist in El Salvador who was threatened at gunpoint.

He says, “I want to shine a spotlight on him. People like William are a lot braver than me.”

(c) 2007 WORLD ENTERTAINMENT NEWS NETWORK LTD. All global rights reserved. No unauthorized copying or re-distributing permitted.

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