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Archive for July, 2009
Michael Jackson’s Secret Drug Stash
Posted in Drugs, Michael Jackson on the July 30, 2009
Dr. Conrad Murray has reportedly fessed up to keeping a secret stash of drugs in Michael Jackson’s home a few days after the singer’s death. The shady doctor shared enough information with the LAPD for the police to obtain a broader search warrant for the King of Pop’s home. Police allegedly found various drugs, including Propofol, hidden in the closet of the room where the doctor was staying at. The LAPD say that the drugs in the closet were concealed and not obvious at all, so there was no question that Dr. Murray was trying to hide the drugs. They need to lock him up already!
Britain’s Got Talent star Shaheen Jafargholi will reportedly be supporting Leona Lewis on her upcoming tour
Posted in Britain’s Got Talent, Leona Lewis, World Tour on the July 30, 2009
Britain’s Got Talent star Shaheen Jafargholi will reportedly be supporting Leona Lewis on her upcoming tour.
The 12-year-old Welsh star has allegedly been offered the role after wowing the world with her performance at the memorial concert held in LA for Michael Jackson.
A source said: “Simon is convinced Shaheen can be a global superstar. The platform given by Leona’s tour will raise his profile massively. It’s a hugely sought-after slot.
“Shaheen is over the moon to have been asked.”
Leona, 24, will start her tour next year and is reportedly planning 14 months of gigs. The tour’s production will allegedly have a Garden of Eden theme.
Source: Splash News
Jay-Z Takes Over for Beastie Boys
Posted in Concert, JAY-Z on the July 29, 2009
With the announcement of the Beastie Boys taking a bit of a break to allow for member Adam Yauch to receive treatment for a cancerous tumor in his salivary gland, it leaves their upcoming engagements with no headliner. Fear not though as rapper Jay-Z was recently announced to be replacing the band at All Points West Music & Arts Festival in New Jersey. The event will actually mark Jay-Z’s music festival debut. He better do amazing. He’s taking the place of the Beastie Boys after all. Those are some big shoes to fill, no doubt. I wonder if Jay-Z will have any guests join him on stage.
VH1 Divas Returns
Posted in Concert, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis, Miley Cyrus Hannah Montana, VH1 on the July 29, 2009
The legendary live concert event, VH1 Divas, is returning after a four-year hiatus and will feature some of today’s big voices including the likes of Adele, Kelly Clarkson, Leona Lewis and Miley Cyrus. I get the first three singers but what the heck is Miley doing on that list? The show’s producer said “Adele, Kelly, Leona and Miley have all captured the world’s attention with their talent and have earned their designation as VH1 Divas this year. Don’t let some of their young ages fool you - these women are among the best entertainers in the world and will continue to thrill music fans for a long time to come.” The VH1 Divas concert will air at 9PM ET/PT on September 17 on VH1.
Michael Jackson’s self-portraits unveiled
Posted in Michael Jackson on the July 28, 2009
Michael Jackson, believed by some to have been a genius, had a penchant for drawing – himself.
The singer’s former longtime friend and plastic surgeon, Steven Hoefflin, 63, has revealed drawings Jackson gave him.
The pencil sketches, some of which identify their subject with the words, “Me” or “Moi” or “Little Me”, are touchingly spare. Three Hoefflin supplied are signed Michael Jackson and dated 1985.
Hoefflin is planning to publish the drawings in a book. “One of the many things people don’t know about Michael was that he loved to draw,” he said.
“As a gift he drew countless pictures of himself as a young boy and of the man he hoped he would grow up to be.”
Hoefflin says Jackson lived with him in the 1980s. “He gained incredible self-confidence in the 1980s when he lived with me and we would spend hours painting together.”
Source: Splash News
Denise Richards hits bum notes singing at baseball game
Posted in Actors, Music on the July 27, 2009
Reality TV star Denise Richards hit more than just the odd bum note singing at a baseball game – despite a lesson from a top vocal coach.
The former Bond girl was invited to sing traditional baseball favourite Take Me Out To The Ball Game at a Chicago Cubs game in the latest episode of her US reality show.
But her attempt was so bad, it was mocked on internet blogs, warning: “This will make your ears bleed.”
Denise had admitted she can’t sing, repeatedly saying: “I’m not a singer.”
And even a lesson with a vocal coach who has worked with stars including Leona Lewis could not help her.
As she prepared to belt out the song, she confessed: “I’m completely freaked out by having to sing. I’m sick about it.”
She held up a handwritten note to the camera that read: “I feel very out of my element. Yikes!”
Denise said: “My heart was beating so damn fast, I thought I was going to have a heart attack.
“I couldn’t hear the music, so I have no clue if I was even following along properly.
“I just belted it out.”
Source: Splash News
Paula Abdul is Pissed
Posted in American Idol, Paula Abdul on the July 24, 2009
Paula Abdul is reportedly pissed off that Ryan Seacrest got himself a big American Idol contract. The Idol judge still left hanging isn’t angry at the host for his new $45 million 3-year contract but she’s bent out of shape at producers that she’s making minimum wage at somewhere between $2 and $3 million a year. Sources say that producers do want her back but they’re a little peeved that she’s now doing the Hollywood thing of pretending to walk. There are also reports that, with auditions for the next season starting on August 6, there are already plans to start them without her if they haven’t reached a deal by then.
Cancer Strikes Beastie Boy
Posted in Singer on the July 24, 2009
44-year old Beastie Boys member Adam ‘MCA’ Yauch, was recently diagnosed as having a cancerous tumor in his left salivary gland. Since it was found in the early stages, doctors say that it can be treated with surgery along with a couple of weeks of additional treatment and recovery time. Fortunately for the singer, the surgery will not affect his vocal cords. The band has since cancelled all upcoming shows since they found out about the cancer and pushed back their highly anticipated album to allow for Adam to heal. Adam also took the time to release a statement saying “I just need to take a little time to get this in check, and then we’ll release the record and play some shows. It’s a pain in the neck (sorry had to say it) because I was really looking forward to playing these shows, but the doctors have made it clear that this is not the kind of thing that can be put aside to deal with later.”
Investigation on Madonna Stage Accident
Posted in Concert, Madonna on the July 23, 2009
Authorities have begun an investigation for manslaughter and involuntary work-related injuries regarding the tragic accident that happened while stage construction was going on for Madonna’s Sticky & Sweet tour concert in Marseille, France last week. The collapse of the stage left two men dead and eight others injured. I wonder who is going to get the blame for this, the construction company or crew members maybe. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families. I hope that if this is found as a case of manslaughter that whoever is responsible be brought to justice and give closure to the families who have lost their loved ones.
Michael Jackson was in talks to make foster kids movie
Posted in Michael Jackson, Movies on the July 23, 2009
Michael Jackson was planning to co-direct and fund a movie about foster kids.
The king of pop committed to the movie a few months before his death on June 25, with work slated to begin on it after he completed his 50-date concert tour in the UK.
Bryan Michael Stoller, a friend of Jackson’s, said the music star had shown him a 1985 book by Jennings Michael Burch on Burch’s experiences in foster homes as a child.
Jackson asked Stoller to produce and co-direct a film version, which would have been called They Cage The Animals At Night. No formal deal had been signed, however, sources close to Jackson said.
Stoller said: “Michael told me often he felt like he grew up as an orphan, like a foster kid, because he never was in one home. To him every hotel was like a different foster home. He said he used to sit in the window and see kids playing outside and cry because he couldn’t be part of that.
“He was very excited about making movies and wanted his hands on everything, from working on screenplays to producing, to writing the music. However, he never showed any interest in acting.”
Source: Splash News
Michael Jackson dropped Leonard Rowe before his death
Posted in Michael Jackson on the July 22, 2009
Michael Jackson cut ties with Leonard Rowe shortly before his death. Rowe was a business associate of Jackson’s who has been speaking out about the late pop star.
In a May 20 letter that surfaced on RadarOnline, Jackson drops Rowe. “I have decided to streamline my business operations at this time. Accordingly, this is to inform you that you do not represent me and I do not wish to have any oral or written communications with you regarding the handling of my business and/or personal matters,” he writes.
Rowe has appeared on TV talk shows and made claims about Jackson’s latest concert promoter AEG Live. He has been sued in the past by Ne-Yo and R. Kelly.
Source: Splash News
Kelly Clarkson Covers Janet Jackson
Posted in Concert, Janet Jackson, Kelly Clarkson on the July 21, 2009
Kelly Clarkson recently performed a 16-song set at the PC Richard and Son theater in New York City last week. She performed at an event sponsored by Z100 radio station and iHeartRadio. The 27-year old original American Idol champ sang a beautiful rendition of Janet Jackson’s hit song ‘If’. The singer’s set also included a bluesy and soulful tribute to Patsy Cline’s ‘Walkin’ After Midnight’. Kelly’s concert was simply to die for! She always changes up her classic songs and throws in some new ones. The songs were only made better by the great acoustics in the theater. You miss a lot when you miss a Kelly concert.
Quentin Tarantino to sign rare David Bowie vinyl pressing for Inglourious Basterds release
Posted in Movies, Music on the July 21, 2009
Director Quentin Tarantino will be signing a rare David Bowie vinyl pressing in London to celebrate the release of his new movie Inglourious Basterds.
The Kill Bill director will be signing copies of the seven-inch versions of Cat People (Putting Out Fire), which was originally released in 1982 as a single.
Tarantino’s new movie Inglourious Basterds is out on August 19 and the single is featured in the new film.
Fans will be able to attend the special pressing if they have pre-ordered the film’s soundtrack from HMV.
Fans will be able to get their record signed if they are one of the lucky people who are able to get one of the 150 wristbands available from 8am on July 22.
The signing will take place at the HMV store in Oxford Street in London later that day between 12:30 and 1:30pm.
Source: Splash News
Brandy Settles Lawsuit with Crash Victim
Posted in Brandy on the July 20, 2009
Brandy has recently settled a lawsuit filed by a survivor of the fatal 2006 car crash that she caused. Mallory Ham, who suffered facial injuries during the tragic crash, including a severely broken nose, just settled with the singer for an undisclosed amount. The driver of another car died as a result of the same crash. Brandy has previously settled with the family of that victim but there is still another lawsuit from the victim’s husband. With the singer having been dropped by her label and management and her last album being a flop, you have to wonder where she’s getting the money to pay for all the settlements.
Tito Jackson recalls Michael danced his way around father’s belt
Posted in Michael Jackson on the July 17, 2009
Tito Jackson recalled that his brother Michael used to dodge the wrath of his father with the kind of dance moves that made him famous.
“Most of the time Michael was so quick my father couldn’t hit him,” said Tito said in an interview.
The grieving brother said, “He’d swing the belt and Michael would be over there, he’d swing again and Michael would be over here. My father used to just stop and laugh because he couldn’t hit him. Michael would just dance around him. My father would get tired and give up.”
Joe, a steelworker in the industrial city of Gary, Indiana, reared his nine children to be a musical hit machine that garnered millions. Tito said he held no ill feelings towards his father about the way he was raised, saying he was a “disciplining type of father”.
He explained: “From those of us not raised in our generation they might not understand it. You got a big-ass punishment or you got spanked for it. That’s the way it was.”
Source: Splash News
Paris Jackson steps out to Jehovah’s Witness service
Posted in Michael Jackson on the July 16, 2009
Life goes on for Paris Jackson despite the sudden death of her superstar dad. Michael Jackson’s only daughter was spotted this week heading to a Jehovah’s Witness service in Los Angeles.
Dressed in crisp white shirt and blue jeans, and wearing spectacles, the 11-year-old was seen out in public for the first time since she stunned the world at her father’s memorial service.
Paris’s brothers, Prince Michael I, 12, and Blanket, seven, trailed along to the service escorted by their aunt Rebbie, 59. Paris appeared serious but wore a calm expression. Her long brown hair was tied back off her face.
Paris was seen with a book with caramel-coloured binding that was likely to have contained prayers. A source said: “Michael always wanted Rebbie to help with the kids if anything ever happened to him, so it’s nice to see her involved.”
The children’s nanny, Grace Rwaramba, has been brought back on board in what is dubbed the “dream team” of carers for the youngsters - along with their grandmother Katherine Jackson, a devout Jehovah’s Witness who raised her nine offspring in the faith.
The children’s English godfather, Oliver! child star Mark Lester, 51, said they “seemed to be coping quite well. They are very polite and quiet. Despite all the publicity surrounding the family, they are trying to keep things as normal as possible at home.”
Source: Splash News
Kris Allen’s Victory Song Dropped from Tour
Posted in American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, Kris Allen on the July 15, 2009
The victory song that American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi co-wrote and that season winner Kris Allen performed, ‘No Boundaries’, has been dropped from the Idol tour. Usually, the victory ballads performed by and written for the reality show competition champions have achieved great success, such as Kelly Clarkson’s ‘A Moment Like This’. Those songs are also staples of the Idol tour performances. But I guess the song just proved to be as popular as Kara being a judge on the show. ‘No Boundaries’ was a dud in concert so it’s out. I wonder if Kara’s fate as a judge will follow the same path.
Weird Al Honors Michael Jackson
Posted in Michael Jackson, Music on the July 15, 2009
Pop music parodist Weird Al Yankovic has written a touching remembrance for Rolling Stone about the passing of King of Pop Michael Jackson. Weird Al, who parodied ‘Beat It (Eat It)’ and ‘Bad (Fat)’, reveals on the magazine’s website that the late singer was a gracious man who didn’t mind being poked fun of and was an avid fan of Weird Al’s movie UHF. He talks about the first time he pursued doing a Michael song parody, their first meeting and almost doing a parody of ‘Black or White’. Weird Al ends his tribute piece saying “I don’t know what kind of career I would have today if it hadn’t been for Michael Jackson. In a very real sense, he jump-started my career. ‘Eat It’ basically changed me from an unknown into a guy that got recognized at Burger King.”
Joe Jackson says son Michael Jackson never capable of 50 tour dates
Posted in Concert, Michael Jackson on the July 14, 2009
Michael Jackson’s father says the late pop star was never capable of completing his 50-date comeback tour.
Joe Jackson insists his son was forced into booking more performances for the ‘This Is It’ tour than he could handle.
“The comeback tour was a good idea, but the wrong idea about it, was there was more tours added onto it,” Jackson told Good Morning America.
“Michael told me himself. That he agreed to 10 shows. But they went and added all these other shows.”
Jackson died on June 25 at the age of 50, and was due to have kicked off his tour at London’s O2 Arena today.
Joe Jackson says he believes foul play was involved in his son’s death, and that he was concerned promoters were pushing him too hard.
“I was worried about his health because all the shows that I’m seeing – no artist can do those many shows you know, back to back like that,” Jackson said.
One of Jackson’s longtime friends, Leonard Rowe, told GMA he agreed with Joe Jackson.
“Michael Jackson was not ready. He was not fit,” Rowe, no relation to Debbie Rowe, said.
“If you can call weighing 110-115 pounds fit and no.”
But producers for the tour insist that Jackson was in good shape and would have had significant rest between shows.
“If that was too many, then one would have been too many,” AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips said.
Jackson manager Frank DiLeo also denied claims Jackson was being pushed too hard.
“He built up his stamina. There would have been no problems, I don’t think, with him doing this tour,” DiLeo said.
“Nobody was pushing him into it. Nobody was overworking him. You know, all those reports are false.”
Michael Jackson was Stressed
Posted in Concert, DVD, Michael Jackson on the July 14, 2009
Entertainment author and TV host Robin Leach recently posted a disturbing blog entry about Michael Jackson’s final days. According to Robin’s source, two nights before the sudden passing of the King of Pop, Michael was “in a high state of stress and emotional drama, fearing that he would never be able to complete the 50-concert run in London, and it would kill him.” The singer was hoping that AEG would let him perform the concert as a “one-night world spectacular” with simulcasts in theaters and arenas around the world as well as a subsequent CD and DVD release. AEG told Michael that the show must go on, even though the singer reportedly said at his last rehearsal “…We can’t go on. I’ll never make all 50. It will kill me.” With the rejection of his proposed plan, Michael became “more stressed than he’d ever been in his life” and wrestled with insomnia. The source believes that this is what drove Michael to seek out the strong sedatives found in his home.