Wednesday Roundup

The estate of singer Michael Jackson is suing a charity organization named after one of his most famous songs. "The Heal The World Foundation" was named as the defendant in a lawsuit filed by the current administrators of the Jackson estate, attorney John Branca and music executive John McClain. The two administrators have the a probate court's authority to  protect Jackson's image and likeness and prevent the sales of unauthorized merchandise. Singer Alicia Keys is in good spirits after completing video for the first single from her fourthcoming cd "The Element Of Freedom". She's also excited about a recent charity event for her Keep A Child Alive Foundation which was hosted by Queen Latifah. A Atlanta library will showcase personal items of rap icon Tupac Shakur. The Tupac Shakur Foundation, which was created by the late rapper's mother Afeni Shakur, will partner with the Woodruff Library in Atlanta to make Tupac's influential materials available for research. TLC now reports that Jon Gosselin was not fired from the hit reality show, "Jon & Kate Plus Eight". He will still be featured on the show, but in a downsized role. On the tube: "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox, "The New Adventures Of Old Christine" on CBS, "Hank" on ABC and "Mercy" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

According to the TLC network, the hit reality series "Jon & Kate Plus Eight" will now be called "Kate Plus Eight". The renamed show which will return on Nov. 2, will continue to chronicle the lives of the eight Gosselin children, but will focus on Kate as a single mother. Singer Janet Jackson recently helped raise more that 1 million dollars for aids research at a charity event in Milan. Tickets to the advance screening of the Michael Jackson documentary, "This Is It", sold out in two hours. Fans lined up three days earlier to snap up tickets to the Los Angeles shows. Cable channel VH1 will celebrate legendary hip hop label Def Jam Records without some of its artists. Former CEO Russell Simmons reportedly sent an email stating what he thought would make the show better. Comedian Tracy Morgan will host the show which will air on Oct. 16. Mariah Carey, Mya, Ghostface Killa and Barbra Striesand all have new releases in stores this week. On dvd: "Monsters Vs Aliens" and "The Wizard Of Oz 70th Anniversary Edition". On the tube: "Hell's Kitchen" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "Shark Tank" on ABC and "Biggest Loser" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Madness

Movie goers went back for a second helping of "Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs"  over the weekend as the film topped the box office for the second week in a row. "Surrogates" and "Fame" round out the top three films of the week. Reality star Khole Kardashian and Lamar Odom of the Los Angeles Lakers tied the knot over the weekend at a ceromony in Beverly Hills. The bride was walked down the aisle by her stepfather Bruce Jenner and the ceromomy was attend by Lakers coach Phil Jackson, among others. Several books on the life of pop icon Michael Jackson will be released this fall. Among them, "The Michael Jackson Tapes: A Tragic Icon Reveals His Soul In Intimate Conversation" by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach. "The Good Wife" is among fall's hottest new shows according to Nielson. Rapper Jay Z's latest album "The Blueprint 3" is at the top of the Billboard charts once again. On the tube: "House" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "Dancing With The Stars" on ABC and "Heroes" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

Lamar Odom and Khloe Kardashian each celebrated their upcoming nuptials by flying solo. Odom celebrated at West Hollywood lounge Guys And Dolls with friends, including some of his Los Angeles Lakers team mates. The brother of the bride to be was by his side. The blushing bride to be chose to celebrate with mom Kris and sisters Kim and Kourtney and friends at the Viceroy Hotel. Former "American Idol" contestant Justin Guarini is also planning a weekend wedding as well. The singer will wed Reina Capodici of Doyalstown PA, who went to school with the "American Idol" first season runner up. It appears that the rumor about WWE owner Vince McMahon inking a deal with rapper Kanye West is just that, a rumor. Former NWA member Mc Ren will release a cd on his own independent label, Villian Entertainment soon. 80' s rap icons Run-DMC recently had a street in their hometown of Hollis Queens named after the group. The street was named Run-DMC JMJ Way. Congradulations guys. In theaters this weekend: "Fame" "Pandorum" and "Surrogates". On the tube: "Brothers" on Fox, "Ghost Whisperer"on CBS, "Flash Forward"on ABC and "Law & Order" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

Ashley Hamilton and Macy Gray were given the boot on last night's "Dancing With The Stars". We'll see who goes home next. Rapper Fabulous has been tapped by Reebok as it's spokesperson for their new Reebok Classic fall line. VH1's "Behind The Music: Bobby Brown" airs tonight. There's been a baby boom going in Hollywood lately with quite a few celebrities becoming parents. Katherine Heigl is just the latest to become a mom. The actress recently gave birth to a baby girl. Sony Music is set to release a 2cd set of Michael Jackson's greatest hits along with some unreleased material as well. The documentary about the singer's preparation for his "This Is It Tour" called simply "This Is It" will be released next month. Rumor has it that 70's rock icons Kiss will be touring soon. No other details are available yet. Be sure to check out the latest issue of  The Source magazine with Pitbull on the cover. In the magazine the rapper discusses his career and what's next for him. On the tube: "Bones" on Fox, "Survivor Samoa" on CBS, "Flash Forward" on ABC and "Saturday Night Live Weekend Update" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

Actress McKenzie Phillips sat down with talk show host Oprah Winfrey to discuss her new memoir and the abuse she suffered at the hands of her father John Phillips. Rapper/producer Dr Dre and Interscope Records CEO Jimmy Ivonne have teamed up to manufacter a set of headsets. Rapper 50 Cent has released a new book called "The 50 Law". Be sure to pick up a copy. The Beattles are number one again. The cd box set as well as the "Rockband" video game have both reached number one  on the charts.  The 70th anniversary edition of "The Wizard Of Oz" will be released soon. Be sure to pick up a copy.  The screen remake of the 80's film "Fame" is set for release this weekend. Who would have guested that it would have such a long shelf life. On the tube: "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox, "The New Adventures Of Old Christine" on CBS, "Dancing With The Stars" on ABC and "Mercy" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

Rumor has it that rappers, Ice Cube, 50 Cent, Common and The Game are among the contenders for the role of BA Barackus in the film verison of the 80's televison series "The A Team". Reality star Khole Kardashian and Los Angeles Lakers star Lamar Odom are set to tie the knot over the weekend. The two who met at a party in LA a month ago, only made the announcement on Monday. Rapper Eminem's publisher, Eight Mile Style LLC is suing Apple Inc claiming it never authorized the use of 93 songs for downloadable format on the popular iTunes service. The publishing company is alleging copyright infringment. A court date is set in Detroit for Thursday unless a deal can be made on Wednesday with the help of a judge. Apple Inc denies the allegations. It stated that it has a valid agreement with Aftermath Records, which owns the recordings.at issue. Eight Mile Style says Aftermath didn't have the right to make any deals on ditial downloads. Eight Mile Style says it has recieved royalties, but that does not clear Aftermath or Apple. Sean Kingston, John Forte and Harry Connick Jr all have new releases in stores this week. On dvd: "The Ghost Of Girlfriends Past" and "Battle For Terra". Sean Kingston, John Forte and Harry Connick Jr all have new releases in stores this week. On the tube: "Hell's Kitchen" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "Dancing With The Stars" on ABC and "The Biggest Loser" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Madness

The film "Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs" topped the weekend box office taking in over 30 milion dollars. "The Informant", "Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself", "Love Happens" and "Jennifer's Body" round out the top five films of the week. It was a repeat of last year at last night's "Emmy Awards", hosted by Neil Patrick Harris. Among the winners were: "Mad Men" for "Best Drama Series", "30 Rock" for "Best Comedy Series", "Best Actor In A Comedy", Alec Baldwin "30 Rock", "Best Actress In A Comedy" Toni Colette, "The United States Of Tara", "Best Actor In  A Drama", Bryan Cranson, "Breaking Bad" and "Best Actress In A Drama", Glen Close, "Damages". The owner of the WWE Vince McMahon is reportedly trying to ink a deal with rapper Kanye West for you guested it, wrestling. The deal would call for two televison appearances. Congradulations to singer Seal and model Hidi Klum are in order. The two will become parents for a fouth time. On the tube: "House" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "Dancing With The Stars" on ABC and "Heroes" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

VH1's "Divas Live" aired last night and Leona Lewis, Kelly Clarkson and Jordin Sparks were among the performers on the show. The primetime "Emmy Awards" will air on Sunday and it's anyone's guest who will win the coveted award. Among the nominees for Drama Series are: "Big Love" HBO"Breaking Bad" AMC and "Damages" on FX Networks. For Comedy Series: "Entourge" on HBO and "Family Guy" on Fox. Best Actress: Sally Field and Kyra Sedgwick. The show will be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris.  Fall is quickly approaching and a lot of new music is set to hit music store shelves this season. 50 Cent, The Roots, Wale and Clipse all have new music scheduled to be released soon. Actress Halle Berry responded to pregnancy rumors during a appearance on "The Jay Leno Show". A slim, trim Ms Berry walked out wearing a low cut black dress and thigh high boots. When Leno complimented Ms Berry on her appearance she responded with "Thank you, Jay. I guess now that means that the pregnancy rumors can be put to rest".  "I thought I'd have to stop with the burgers or something!". In theaters this weekend: "Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs", "The Informant", "Jennifer's Body" and "Love Happens". On the tube: "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader" on Fox, "Ghost Whisperer" on CBS, "2009 ALMA Awards" on ABC and "Dateline" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

Sad news out of the world of pop. Mary Travers of the sixties pop group Peter, Paul & Mary has died. Travers, 72, had been battling leukemia and had recieved a bone marrow transplant in 2005. Her condition worsened and she was unable to attend the group's July 31 concert in Bethel NY. The concert became a tribute instead. Just when it looked like singer Beyonce Knowles was all set to launch her own fragrance called "Sasha Fierce" by Cody, Tommy Hilfiger says it came up with a fragrance of it's own by the same name. In case you haven't already, pick up a copy of the latest issue of Harper's Bazar magazine featuring singer Janet Jackson on the cover. She talks about the last time she saw her late brother Michael, her new album and being back on the market after splitting with boyfriend of seven years producer Jermaine Dupri. On the tube: "Bones" on Fox,"Survivor Samoa" on CBS, "Grey's Anatomy" on ABC and "Saturday Night Live Weekend Update" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

Rapper Jay Z sat down with talk show host Oprah Winfrey for an interview which was published in the latest issue of O magazine on newsstands now. The rapper discussed his childhood, success and life with wife singer Beyonce Knowles. Congradulations to Neffie sister of singer Keyshia Cole. She became the mother of a bouncing baby girl. Reportedly the new mom named the child Nayla. Rapper Kanye West personally called singer Taylor Swift to apologize for his outburst at the "VMAs" on Sunday. The second part of Oprah Winfrey's interview with Whitney Houston aired yesterday and the singer discussed leaving ex-husband Bobby Brown and how her daughter Bobbi Kristina was her insperation for leaving. She performed as well and looked and sounded great. There were video testimonials from Jennifer Hudson, Christina Agullera and Dionne Warwick. On the tube: "So You Think You Can Dance" on Fox, "The New Adventures Of Old Christine" on CBS, "Wipeout"on ABC and "America's Got Talent" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

Sad news out of Hollywood. Actor Patrick Swayze, star of the films, "Next Of Kin", "Ghost" and "Dirty Dancing" died of pancreatic cancer. He was 57. He had been battling the decease for some time and finished a film before his death. He died with his family by his side. Sad news out of the world of R&B. Johnny Carter, lead tenor of the legendary R&B group the Dells, died of lung cancer at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Ill. He was 75. He had been with the group for 49 years and sang lead tenor on such hits as "Oh What A Night", "Stay In My Corner", "Give Your Baby A Standing Ovation" and "Love Is A House For Love" from the 1991 film, "The Five Heartbeats". Singer Whitney Houston sat down with talk show host Oprah Winfrey to discuss her troubled marriage to singer Bobby Brown, drug abuse and what saved her life. Rapper Kanye West sat down with talk show host Jay Leno for an interview as well. He discussed the meltdown at the "MTV Video Music Awards" and his mother's death. President Obama will appear on "The David Letterman Show" as part of a media blitz to push his health care purposal. Drake, Kid Cudi, Trick Daddy and Lil Boosie all have new releases in stores this week. On DVD: "X Men Origins: Wolerine and "Next Day Air". On the tube:"More To Love" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "Shark Tank" on ABC and "The Biggest Loser" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Monday Madness

Tyler Perry's latest film, "I Can Do Bad All By Myself" debuted at number one with an estimated 24 million dollars at the box office. "9", "Inglourious Basterds", "All About Steve" and "Final Destination" round out the top five films of the week. Viewers who tuned in got an opportunity to see yet another Kanye West meltdown. The rapper interupted singer Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at last night's "MTV Video Music Awards". He later apologized on his blog. Janet Jackson paid tribute to her late brother Michael with choreogrophy from their hit video "Scream". Congradulations to Lauren London and rapper Lil Wayne are in order. The two became the parents of a baby boy over the weekend. Speaking of babies, US magazine is reporting that singer Christina Milan is pregnant with singer/songwriter The Dream's baby. We'll see what happens with that. On the tube: "House" on Fox, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, "Dreamgirls" on ABC and "America's Got Talent" on NBC. Happy Monday!

Friday Facts

The Michael Jackson tribute concert slated for September 26 in Vienna Austria has been scrapped and moved to London. Organizers say they needed more time to put together a show fit for the King Of Pop. Event promoter Georg Kindel and Jackson's brother Jermaine told reporters that too many performers had scheduling conflicts. This announcement was made after a turbulent week in which reportedly confirmed artists Mary J. Blige, Natalie Cole and Chris Brown couldn't make the event. The rescheduled event is now slated for sometime in June 2010. Tickets will go on sell on Dec. 1. Jackson's sister Janet will perform a tribute to Jackson on  the "MTV Video Music Awards" on Sunday September 13. Congradulatikns to Nicole Richie and Joel Madden. The two have become the parents of a baby boy. Be sure to catch the "Day Time Emmy Awards". Vanessa Williams will be the host. In theaters this weekend: "9" "Sorority Row" "I Can Do Bad All By Myself" and "Whiteout". On the tube: "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader" on Fox, "Ghost Whisperer" on CBS, "Supernanny" on ABC and "Southland" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

Daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres will permantly replace Paula Abdul for the ninth season of "American Idol". The announcement comes after Abdul's departure amid rumors of a contract dispute. Whitney Houston has once again captured the top spot on the charts. The singer's first studio album in seven years, "I Look To You" sold nearly 305,000 copies to land at number one on Billboard's charts. Trey Songs returns with his latest effort, "Ready" selling 133,000 copies. The Insane Clown Posse makes a return to the charts with their latest, "Bang! Pow! Boom!" at the number four spot and Pitbull lands at number 8 with "Rebelution". The Blackeyed Peas have another platinum album on their hands with "The End" selling 34.000 copies. Further down the charts, is Eminem's "Relapse" at No. 30; Beanie Sigel debuted at No. 77 with his latest release, "The Broad Street Bully"; Slaughterhouse's selftitled debut landed at No. 172; and Hypnotized Minds artist Lil Wyte reach No. 184. with his album, "The Bad Influence". It look like the Michael Jackson tribute concert slated for September 26, in Vienna Austria may not happen. It seems the artist confirmed have not been confirmed at all. Mary J. Blige has another commitment; and Natalie Cole has a scheduling conflict. We'll see what happens with that. On the tube:"Bones" on Fox,"Big Brother 11" on CBS, "Grey's Anatomy" on ABC and "NFL Football" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

Singer Whitney Houston will sit down with talk show host Ophra Winfrey for a two part exclusive interview that will air on September 14 & 15. The singer will discuss her past personal problems and what saved her life. Rapper JayZ is slated to make an appearance on the Emmy winning talk show along with wife Beyonce as well. That interview will air September 16. The rapper also graces the cover of the latest issue of XXL magazine. Be sure to pick up a copy. A very happy birthday to legendary Detroit label Motown Records. The label was started by assembly line worker and song writer Berry Gordy in Detroit MI. The label went on to blaze a trail that others would soon follow and made superstars of The Mircles, The Temptations, The Surpremes, Stevie Wonder, The Marvellets, Martha & The Vandellas, Marvin Gayes and others. Jay Z, Raekwon and Billy White have new releases in stores this week. On dvd: "Crank 2: High Voltage". Programming will be preempted by the President's address to Congress. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

The film "Final Destination" was the top box office draw again over the holiday weekend taking in over 15 million dollars.  "Inglourious Basterds", "All About Steve", "Gamer" and "District 9" round out the top five films of the week. Mary J. Blige, Natalie Cole and Chris Brown are among the artist slated to perform at a Michael Jackson tribute concert slated for September 25. Sister Janet Jackson will perform a tribute to her late brother at the "MTV Video Music Awards" this Sunday September 13. Reportedly, the singer has been putting in 15 hour rehearsals to prepare for the show. Actor George Clooney's next role will be as a hippie in his next film titled, "Up In The Air". A documentary on the life of later rapper Big Pun will be released September 15 and feature never before seen concert footage and exclusive interviews with Snoop Dog, Jim Jones, DMX, Chuck D, Big Tigger, Styles P and others who knew him. On the tube: "Hell's Kitchen" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "Shark Tank" on ABC and "America's Got Talent" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!

Friday Facts

Singer Michael Jackson was laid to rest in Los Angeles yesterday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale CA. Among thoses who attended the service were MacCaulay Culkin, Corey Feldman, Elizabeth Taylorand Lisa Marie Presley. Soul legend Gladys Knight sang , "His Eye Is On The Sparrow". Rev Al Sharpton, Chris Tucker, Barry Bonds and producer Rodney Jerkins were also in attandance. Actor/writer/director/producer Tyler Perry is reportedly in talks to begin a new talk show. Among his first guest could be Oscar nominee Tarahji P. Henson and Pastor Marvin Winans. Congradulations to actor Taye Diggs and his wife Indina Menzel are in order. The two have become the parents of a baby boy. Former "American Idol" Ruben Studdard has a new charity single out to support sickle cell awareness. In theaters this weekend: "All About Steve", "Extract" and "Gamer". On the tube: "Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader" on Fox, "Ghost Whisperer" on CBS, "Supernanny" on ABC and "Southland" on NBC. Make it a weekend!

Thursday Dish

New York City dj, Adam "DJ AM" Goldstein was laid to rest at 3:00 pm yesterday at Hillside Memorial Park in West Los Angeles in a service that was attended by close friends and family of the late dj. He was found Friday evening  in his New York City apartment by parametics after a friend called for help. A memorial service will be held for the late disc spinner at the Hollywood Paladium today. In a interview with Larry King singer Chris Brown stated that he was ashamed of his actions regarding an altercation with his former girlfriend singer Rihanna back in February. Singer Michael Jackson is slated to be buried today at a private sunset funeral for family and friends at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. No other details have been released although one report stated Aretha Franklin could sing at the service as mourners say a final farewell to  the "King Of Pop". Oprah Winfrey has reportedly snagged an interview with rapper Jay Z. No other details are available yet. On the tube: "Bones" on Fox, "Big Brother 11" on CBS, "Grey's Anatomy" on ABC and "The Office" on NBC. Happy Thursday!

Wednesday Roundup

Grammy winning R&B star Usher has confirmed that he is putting the finishing touches on his sixth studio album slated for a October release. Jermaine Dupri and Brian M. Cox are among the producers who have contributed tracks to the project. Atlanta rap group Good Mob will reunite for a performance to take place in Atlanta at the Masquerade on September 19, 2009. They group says the've talked about the reunion for some time and feel the time is right. Rapper Lil Wayne has a new signee to his label. Female MC Nicki Minaj has signed on the dotted line after months of speculation. It looks like the deal for the Steven Segeal reality show has hit a snag. A lawsuit has been filed in connection with the show. Well see what happens with that. Among the remakes hitting theaters are the remake of "Flashdance' and the remake of "Fame'. Trey Songs and Pitbull have new music in stores this week. New on dvd: "Earth" and "Slate Of Play". On the tube: "So You Think You Can Dance" The Fifteen Best Performances Ever" on Fox, "Criminal Minds" on CBS, "Wipeout" on ABC and "America's Got Talent" on NBC. Happy hump day!

Tuesday Tales

Writer/director/producer Spike Lee was among many who hosted Michael Jackson birthday celebrations over the weekend. Thousands gathered in Brooklyn's Prospect Park to honor the music icon who would have turned 51 on Saturday. Actor/comiedan Tracy Morgan was among those who attended. Atlanta based artist DJ Unk is recovering from a recent heart attack. A rep for the dj Twittered that he had been experiencing heart pains and breathing problems shortly before he was due to spin a show on August 29. Rapper Jay Z is slated to perform at a 9/11 benefit concert in New York. Details will be reveled soon. Since the fall televison season will begin soon, we'll have a preview of the season's hottest new shows posted soon. On the tube: "Hell's Kitchen" on Fox, "NCIS" on CBS, "Crash Course" on ABC and "Law & Order SVU" on NBC. Happy Tuesday!