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13 October 2008 10:33 AM, PDT | From Studio Briefing | See recent Studio Briefing news

Former American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe has confirmed that Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson have expressed jealousy over the payments fellow judge Simon Cowell receives for his appearances on the talent show. In an interview with the New York Post, he confirmed that Cowell receives $36 million a year and negotiates a new figure before each season. "Why is he getting more than the other two judges? Because it is believed that he brings more to the table," Lythgoe said, adding that Cowell is worth what he is being paid and has always "handled his negotiations quite brilliantly." The London Sunday Times, reported meanwhile that Cowell receives an additional $40 million a year for his appearances on the British version of Idol and The X Factor.

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13 October 2008 9:10 AM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Music mogul Simon Cowell's $36 million (GBP11.9 million) salary for his work on hit U.S. TV series American Idol has sparked controversy on the set of the talent show - because he's earning far more than his fellow judges.

The show's former executive producer Nigel Lythgoe has finally come forward to confirm Cowell's earnings after he was profiled in financial magazine Forbes.

And though Lythgoe insists the star is worth the multi-million dollar fee, he admits there has been jealousy between Cowell and his counterparts, judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

He says, "There is always jealousy in every job. Why is he getting more than the other two judges? Because it is believed that he brings more to the table. He has actually handled his negotiations quite brilliantly. He's only ever negotiated by the year. And now he is getting something like $22,000 (GBP11,892) per minute."

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12 October 2008 6:50 PM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Actor Jeremy Piven has blamed his ill-received acceptance speech at last month's 60th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards on the event's reality TV star hosts.

Piven picked up a third successive gong for his role in U.S. TV hit Entourage at the ceremony, where he took the stage to thank his co-stars.

The star took aim at the hosts, including American Idol's Ryan Seacrest, Project Runway's Heidi Klum, slamming their lacklustre opening sequence after his own speech dried up.

And the actor cites the hosts' poor opener as the reason the audience were difficult to entertain.

He says, "I thought we were being Punked, but indeed that was the act - that they didn't have anything... I was confused. I bombed. It felt and looked like the life had been taken out of the audience... there was not a courtesy giggle to be found."

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11 October 2008 7:22 AM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Brad Pitt's housing project in New Orleans, Louisiana has seen its first successful intake of residents move into their new homes.

The Ocean's Eleven star set up the Make It Right Foundation with a goal of financing 150 homes in the city to help rebuild the area after it was ravaged by 2005's Hurricane Katrina.

He recently announced that the target was right on track and has so far funded the construction on 90 houses after accepting donations from the American Idol Foundation and celebrity friends including actor George Clooney.

And the first wave of residents have now set up home in the new properties.

Grandmother Gloria Guy, 68, who is among the lucky few, says, "I thank God for Brad Pitt."

Pitt and his partner Angelina Jolie paid a visit to the city last week (ends10Oct08) during a brief trip to the U.S. to check up on the project's progress.

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9 October 2008 1:42 PM, PDT | From Digitalspy | See recent digitalspy news

The contestants in the X Factor '14-24 boys' category have claimed that they are not concerned by their lack of contact with Simon Cowell in the build-up to the first live show. Cowell has not seen Scott Bruntin, Eoghan Quigg or Austin Drage since they visited his house in Barbados and were chosen as his final three acts. "He has a team that he trusts completely who work with us that we can ring any time," said Bruntin, 19. "Simon's in constant contact with them. "He's always in La doing promotion for American Idol, which is fair enough, because Simon Cowell is always going to be a busy bloke." Drage, (more)

By Alex Fletcher

9 October 2008 10:34 AM, PDT | From Studio Briefing | See recent Studio Briefing news

The Writers Guild of America has sent a letter to members warning them not to work for the upcoming variety show hosted by Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne being produced by FremantleMedia North America, the company that produces American Idol, The Price is Right, and Million Dollar Password, During its negotiations with Fremantle, the WGA said, the production company "wanted to treat certain portions of the show as 'reality content,' not cover the writers who create it, and lower the compensation of the WGA-covered writers, arguing that they would only be responsible for writing part of the show." Fremantle's demands, it insisted, amounted to an "aggressive undermining of our contract." For its part, Fremantle insisted that the WGA had broken off negotiations "after only a few phone conversations" and then "implemented their usual mendacious strategy of feeding misleading and erroneous information to the press."

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9 October 2008 9:03 AM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

Ozzy Osbourne and his family are at the centre of a work and pay battle between a production company and the Writers Guild of America (WGA).

The WGA has warned its members to ignore any request for writers to work on a new TV project that would feature the famous rock family in a variety style format, as the show is produced by Fremantle Media - a company that the union claims underpays staff.

Fremantle is currently shopping for writing talent to work on The Osbournes: Live and Dangerous, but is struggling after WGA chiefs urged members not to work for the company.

In an open letter, the WGA writes, "Any members who perform writing services on that show do so at their own peril."

WGA bosses claim they were in negotiations with Fremantle to sign a contract for their writers to work on the show, but allege the production company called off any further talks.

However, Fremantle suggest it was the WGA that decided to end negotiations.

In July the union boycotted American Idol, insisting the hit U.S. TV talent contest underpays its staff.

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9 October 2008 5:04 AM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest has a new project - he plans to film a sitcom with celebrity socialite Paris Hilton.

Seacrest is working with pal Hilton to come up with ideas for a new TV show for the star to appear in, and he believes the hotel heiress would be perfect in a primetime scripted series.

And Seacrest isn't going too far in search of inspiration - the show will be based on Hilton's lavish lifestyle.

He tells Access Hollywood, "Paris and I are developing a scripted series. And she wants to have fun with that. So I think that this is a very clever show.

"Paris is going to star in it. Paris is going to play a very clever and funny Paris Hilton. Some of things that she encounters are really interesting. And if we pepper in a little bit of script, I think it's going to be very funny."

Hilton is no stranger to TV work - she starred in several series of reality show The Simple Life with best pal Nicole Richie, and her latest show, Paris Hilton's My New Bff, is currently airing in the U.S.

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8 October 2008 1:57 AM, PDT | From Aceshowbiz | See recent Aceshowbiz news

David Archuleta is confirmed to sign a contract with Azoff Management, the same powerhouse team who helped Eagles, Christina Aguilera, Neil Diamond, and, most recently, Morrissey boosting their music careers. Meanwhile, his first manager, who is also his father, Jeff Archuleta, will still co-assist him together with Azoff's Jared Paul.

Previously, TMZ reported that Jeff had allegedly caused trouble by insisting to change the lyrics of David's first song in "American Idol" called "Stand By Me" by adding a verse from Sean Kingston's hit, "Beautiful Girls". The result of Jeff's decision at that time reportedly caused 'American Idol' team to pay a lot of money to the song's publisher as a compensation.

David's self titled debut album is slated for release on November 11 via Jive Records. Co-written by Jess Cates, Dave Hodges, and Emanuel Kiriakou, his lead single titled "Crush" peaked at number one on Billboard Hot

AceShowbiz.com

7 October 2008 10:00 PM, PDT | From PEOPLE.com | See recent PEOPLE.com news

Last year, Kellie Pickler battled depression and suffered severe reactions to anti-depressant pills after struggling with family problems and an emotional breakup from her boyfriend, hockey player Jordin Tootoo, the country star reveals in the new issue of People, on sale Friday. "Everything in my professional life seemed great," says the former American Idol contestant, 22. "But in my personal life, I was just crumbling." Anti-depressants made her "crazy," she says, and the side effects forced her to quit the pills.At the same time, she watched her father – a convicted felon who had been released from prison soon after her

Eileen Finan

7 October 2008 9:30 AM, PDT | From Popsugar.com | See recent Popsugar news

David Duchovny has been released from rehab after two months of being treated for sex addiction. He is going to begin filming a new movie soon. — Us Weekly Sarah Palin may appear as Tina Fey on Saturday Night Live, spoofing her American Express commercial in response to Tina's popular appearances as the vice presidential candidate. — Chicago Sun-Times A judge ruled that Raymond Weil's $20 million lawsuit against Charlize Theron, for not wearing only its watches according to their endorsement deal, will be going to court this month. — NY Daily News Matthew Broderick will return to Broadway for a revival production of The Philanthropist next Spring with preview performances beginning April 10. — AP American Idol's Paris Bennett gave birth to a baby girl named Egypt yesterday afternoon. — People Girls Next Door star Holly Madison confirmed that her relationship with Hugh Hefner is over. — TMZ Source

PopSugar

6 October 2008 9:45 AM, PDT | From PEOPLE.com | See recent PEOPLE.com news

Two weeks after Clay Aiken announced he is an openly gay man, the Spamalot Broadway actor has taken to the Web to explain his coming-out decision to his fans. "I would have preferred to separate my personal life from my professional life," Aiken, 29, writes on his clayonline.com. "But, living as myself without discussing my sexuality publicly would have been as impossible." Writing on various message boards, many Aiken fans expressed feelings of betrayal by the American Idol alum. Aiken has no regrets about the way he handled his personal life over the past five years, saying he has "the

Emmet Sullivan

6 October 2008 9:30 AM, PDT | From Popsugar.com | See recent Popsugar news

Howard Stern and Beth Ostrosky, who have been together for more than eight years, were married at Le Cirque in NYC on Friday night with guests like Donald Trump, Jimmy Kimmel, Sarah Silverman, and Billy Joel in attendance. — Us Weekly Beverly Hills Chihuahua won the top spot at the box office this weekend, earning $29 million. Eagle Eye came in second place, with Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist in third. — BuzzSugar Matt Damon made a surprise appearance at the Escape to Miami Triathlon on Sunday morning, running 6.2 miles in a last-minute addition to a relay team with his stepfather and a family friend. — Miami Herald Tina Fey signed a book deal with publishing company Little, Brown and Co. to write a collection of humorous essays. — New York Observer Dancing With the Stars contestant Misty May-Treanor badly injured her ankle on Friday and may be off the show. Rumor has it Kim Kardashian

PopSugar

6 October 2008 8:55 AM, PDT | From PEOPLE.com | See recent PEOPLE.com news

American Idol's Paris Bennett has welcomed a baby girl, her rep said in a statement Monday. Egypt Bennett, who was born at 3:36 p.m. Monday afternoon, weighed in at 5 lbs., 15 oz. "I'm so excited to finally see my little angel – and man, does she have lungs on her," the first-time mom said. "I guess she's gearing up to be the next American Idol." Bennett, known as "Princess P" on the fifth season of Idol, was in labor for five hours before giving birth. "Paris’s mother Jamecia Bennett and her family is filled with excitement and welcomes their bundle of joy,

5 October 2008 9:41 PM, PDT | From Aceshowbiz | See recent Aceshowbiz news

Lakisha Jones officially ended her single status when she wed financial adviser Larry Davis on Sunday afternoon, October 5 at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. There were 50 family and friends attending the nuptials. Some of her fellow "American Idol" castmates were also in attendance, including Haley Scarnato, Melinda Doolittle, Gina Glocksen and Sanjaya Malakar.

The wedding had the theme of "old Hollywood black and white" and was held in the ForbesLife Penthouse Suite. Keeping with the event's theme, there were "white round candles perched on floating black stands and red rose petals dotted the floor," People reports.

Lakisha, who wore a strapless-beaded wedding gown by Alfred Angelo, Stuart Weitzman shoes adorned with the couple's initials in Swarovski crystals, and Neil Lane jewels, made her way down the aisle to "Endless Love" with friends and family watching and clapping.

Serving as flower girl was Lakisha's 5-year-old daughter Brionne. The

AceShowbiz.com

5 October 2008 5:00 AM, PDT | From PEOPLE.com | See recent PEOPLE.com news

Talk about Idol worshippers: Former American Idol star Lakisha Jones married financial adviser Larry Davis on Sunday – with a fair share of her season-six castmates to bear witness. As about 50 family and friends – including Haley Scarnato, Melinda Doolittle, Gina Glocksen and Sanjaya Malakar (sporting shoulder-length loose curls) – looked on, Jones, 28, exchanged vows with Davis at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. In keeping with the event's theme of old-fashioned Hollywood glamour, white round candles perched on floating black stands and red rose petals dotted the floor.The bride – beaming in a strapless Alfred Angelo gown, custom crystal-encrusted shoes by Stuart Weitzman and diamond earrings,

Beth Perry

4 October 2008 6:00 AM, PDT | From PEOPLE.com | See recent PEOPLE.com news

She may have captured the viewers' hearts as the single mom with soul on American Idol's sixth season – but now Lakisha Jones's heart belongs to Houston financial adviser Larry Davis. The two will marry Sunday at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel. "I'm very excited," Jones, 28, tells People. “My [5-year-old] daughter Brionne is the flower girl, and she woke up this morning and said, 'We have [a few] days, Mommy, and then I can put on my dress!' " Before an anticipated intimate gathering of family and friends, Jones will walk down the aisle amid a bridal theme of old-fashioned Hollywood glamour, in black and white.

Cynthia Wang

3 October 2008 11:58 AM, PDT | From wenn.com | See recent WENN news

TV host Ellen DeGeneres wants to play matchmaker for a second time - by introducing heart-throb actor Shemar Moore to her pal Jennifer Aniston.

DeGeneres grilled Moore on his love life when he was a guest on her talk show - and he admitted harbouring a crush on the Friends star.

So the host offered to set the two of them up on a date.

Moore was interviewed for The Ellen DeGeneres Show which airs on Friday.

When he admitted he was single "all day, everyday", she asked him: "Who can I help you with? What is your type?"

The Criminal Minds actor replied: "There is one particular person in this town that I kind of got a little crush on. A lot of guys got a crush on this girl but she can't seem to find that man who can get it right and I just want to raise my hand and try. And that's Ms. Jennifer Aniston."

DeGeneres then offered to make Moore's dream come true, promising him: "She is a friend of mine. I will mention it to her."

Last month, the TV host offered to introduce American Idol presenter Ryan Seacrest to his dream woman, Eva Mendes.

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2 October 2008 2:00 AM, PDT | From buddytv.com | See recent BuddyTV news

A few weeks ago, we announced that after yet another energetic season of dance floor action, America’s Best Dance Crew headed to the streets for their unprecedented five-week, 25-stop tour that took the best dance crews of both season 1 and 2 for a nice little jot around the country.  Much like the American Idol tour which ended on September 13 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the dancers of one of the most anticipated MTV reality competitions have packed their bags to take a trip around the nation and perform.

This time, America’s Best Dance Crew is gearing up for its third season, with announcements going up on Dance.MTV.com on the details on how to join one of the nation’s most fun reality competitions ever.

MTV has announced that there will be a total of eight open casting call venues.  For those who are interested, read on and prepare to strut your dance floor moves!

BuddyTV

1 October 2008 7:57 PM, PDT | From Aceshowbiz | See recent Aceshowbiz news

Kick starting from "American Idol", David Archuleta lands himself in the acting world. The runner-up for season seven of the singing talent show will make his acting debut on Nickelodeon's "iCarly", People reports.

He will be featured in an episode titled "iRicked the Vote", playing himself. His role is not far from his real life story for he will be a contestant of an Idol-style show named "America Sings". He will garner a huge vote, thanks to Carly Shay (Miranda Crossgrove) who helps him with her iCarly webcast.

"iCarly" which tells the story of a video blog run by the main character, has begun its second season on Saturday, September 27. The episode with Archuleta on, will be aired next spring. Previously, the show had also invited rock band Plain White T's to make a cameo on the first season.

Meanwhile, Archuleta is also in the middle of promoting his debut

AceShowbiz.com

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