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!