Sandra Bullock, Husband Hit by Drunk Driver

Originally posted Saturday April 19, 2008 01:40 PM EDT

Actress Sandra Bullock and her husband, Jesse James, were hit by a drunk driver last night while riding in a private car in Gloucester, Mass., a source has learned.

Bullock, who is filming The Proposal on Cape Ann, and James, of Monster Garage fame, were being driven home for the evening around 9:50 p.m. Friday when a gray Subaru station wagon jumped lanes on East Main Street and smashed into their front end, police said. No one was injured.

"They were shaken up, needless to say," said Gloucester Police Lt. Gerry Cook. "But they were fine – he was hugging her. Jess and Sandra were hugging. They said they were fine, they didn’t need medical attention. There were quite a few people snapping pictures of them." The two walked away from the accident and were not even examined, he said.

The driver of the Subaru, identified as Lucille P. Gatchell, 64, from Gloucester by local cops, was given a field sobriety test by officers responding to the scene. Gatchell blew a .20 on the breathalyzer – two and a half times the legal limit, Cook said.

She was arrested, taken to the station, and booked on driving under the influence of alcohol and failure to stay in marked lanes. She was released on her own recognizance and will be arraigned on the charges Tuesday.

Cook said Gatchell didn't know who she hit, until the arresting officer told her, as he drove her to the station. "And then she started laughing, she was really giddy," he said.

Reached by phone Saturday morning, Gatchell declined to comment, politely saying "no" to a Boston Herald reporter, whose paper originally reported the crash story.

"It's unfortunate," Cook told the Herald. "But it shows you that no one is immune from drunk drivers, no matter how famous you are."

Minnie Driver Jokes About Her Baby's Daddy

Originally posted Saturday April 19, 2008 11:15 AM EDT

Pregnant Minnie Driver has yet to confirm the father of her baby ... until now.

"It's the Easter bunny," she joked to a source at An Evening with The Riches at The Paley Center for Media on Friday night. "I've never had sex," she said with a sly grin as she gestured to her belly.

All kidding aside, The Riches has yet to be picked up for a third season, but Driver says she would "absolutely" love to continue working on the F/X show. "Even though she has a bun in the oven," her costar Eddie Izzard pointed out.

She agreed: "Even though! Yeah, my god, it’s just the best job ever for all of us, I think. I mean, I really think I can say that for all of us because everyone keeps saying it. Everybody loves it."

After the panel, audience members rushed Driver to get their The Riches box sets signed. One fan actually brought Driver a gift – a jar filled with her pregnancy craving. "Thanks for the olives!" she said to the woman.

Thanks for the laughs, Minnie!

Eli Manning on Wedding: 'Close Friends and Family'

Originally posted Saturday April 19, 2008 08:20 AM EDT

With his wedding to Abby McGrew set to take place Saturday, super private Super Bowl XLII MVP Eli Manning spoke to a source earlier this week, and though he was fairly mum on his big day ahead – and even tried walking away when the subject came up – he did let slip a few clear hints about who'd be there and the beach-side setting where the ceremony would take place.

"It's coming up, yeah," Manning, 27, told the source at New York City's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel on Monday, when he was celebrated by Big Brothers, Big Sisters as their Sports Honoree of the Year.

But when it came to telling about what's "coming up," the shy guy said, "I don't think I'm allowed to."

Did he mean his fiancée would wring his neck? "Exactly," he replied before he tried to turn away.

Still, when asked if it would be a big family day – reports have said only relatives and close friends had been invited, and McGrew's father also said the affair would be strictly "private" – Manning responded, "Oh yeah, definitely, close friends and family."

And, the source asked, would there be a little bit of sand involved? "Maybe," he said.

Family Matters

As this week wore on, it's been revealed that the Manning-McGrew nuptials are expected to take place on the white sands of the exclusive One&Only Palmilla resort, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, where the couple and their guests have been frolicking since Thursday.

At the Waldorf, Manning made it clear how important his family is to him, and introduced older brothers Peyton and Cooper to the crowd – even though, "when I was younger," he admitted, "I was the punching bag. Cooper was always at my side. He was older than Peyton so he used to beat up Peyton, and Peyton would look for someone to get his revenge on and he obviously came to me."

Still, he said beforehand to the source , "I've been blessed to have two loving parents and two big brothers to give me support and guidance and love in my life."

Foxy Brown's Emotional Release from Prison

Originally posted Friday April 18, 2008 03:25 PM EDT

After eight months in prison – including 40 days in solitary confinement – rapper Foxy Brown was released Friday.

Brown, 29, left the Rose M. Singer facility at Rikers Island Correctional facility in New York at 12:05 p.m., and was greeted by a swarm of photographers and fans as she exited a white Rolls Royce Phantom on the Queens side of the Rikers Island bridge.

"I feel good," she said to the crowd. "I'm back home." Brown, wearing a brown leather blazer, a gold cross, blue jeans, and a brown Fendi head scarf cried as she hugged friends. She even singled out a couple people, saying, "These are my two number one fans. They are like family."

After the teary reunion, Brown's entourage went to LaGuardia Inn so the rapper could talk to the press.

"My family never missed a visit in eight months, ever. I cried coming out. I didn't cry coming in. There's a big difference. I believe that God put me there for a reason, Incarceration is serious," she told Access Hollywood. Adding that the first place she wanted to go after her "learning experience" was church. "He got me through," she said.

Later Friday Brown was spotted buying a pocketbook and two pairs of shoes at a store called Signature in Harlem near the Apollo Theater, where she was again mobbed by fans and photographers.

Her History

The rapper, born Inga Marchand, was sentenced to a year in prison last September for violating the terms of her probation stemming from an altercation over payment for a manicure with two employees at a New York nail salon in 2004.

While on probation, she was arrested twice last year, for throwing her BlackBerry at a neighbor, and for scuffling with an employee at a beauty-supply store in Florida.

Despite the early release, Brown's stint in prison was rather rocky. In November 2007, she received 76 days in punitive isolation for various offenses, including shoving another inmate during a fight – but served only 40 days for good behavior.

Brown's next album, Brooklyn Don Diva, is set for a May 13 release. She's also shopping a reality TV show, according to her publicist.

Jay-Z and Usher Hit Two L.A. Hot Spots

Originally posted Friday April 18, 2008 02:10 PM EDT

In town for his sold-out Hollywood Bowl show, newlywed Jay-Z hung out at a couple of swank L.A. joints with his pal Usher on Thursday.

Kicking off their night at Katsuya Hollywood, the duo chatted away over dinner at a table policed by two bodyguards. Following the meal, the music moguls headed to the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, where the night before Jay-Z hosted a private dinner and afterparty, joined by his wife, Beyoncé.

Arriving just after 11:30 p.m., Usher and Jay-Z, who wore shades, settled into a VIP table in the back of the Roosevelt’s club, Teddy’s, to enjoy the weekly jazz night, sponsored by Hennessey. The guys quietly sipped champagne, then made their way out about an hour later, leaving the partying to such other celebs as Drew Barrymore's boyfriend Justin Long.

Earlier in the evening, Jay-Z watched the Yankees-Red Sox game at Parlor, an upscale sports bar, with four other friends and his security team. Noshing on nachos, chicken paninis and onion rings, the guys washed down the grub with a round of Corona Lights.

Halle Berry Makes Movie-After-Baby Plans

Originally posted Friday April 18, 2008 05:00 PM EDT

New mom Halle Berry is making plans to return to work, signing on to star in and produce the psychological drama Frankie and Alice.

No shooting date has been set. This is the first film deal announced since Berry, 41, and boyfriend Gabriel Aubry, 32, welcomed daughter Nahla Ariela Aubry last month.

Frankie and Alice is the story of a woman struggling with a multiple personality disorder who is haunted by a racist Caucasian alter-personality, according to Variety.

Deborah Gibson: 'Scary' Stalker Won't Slow Her Down

Originally posted Friday April 18, 2008 03:00 PM EDT

Deborah Gibson is speaking out about the man who allegedly stalked her earlier this April.

In her restraining order application filed on Tuesday, Gibson, 37, alleges that Bassas Jorge Puigdollers has continually shown up at Gibson's hotel and house. The last straw was when Puigdollers came to her home and knocked on her door.

"That was crossing a line, so that was really scary," she tells a source . "I am a single female, so I reacted like anyone would and called 911. I'm very good at reacting calmly in the moment, but then I fall apart later."

Police detained Puigdollers, but did not charge him with any crime.

Stalking scares aren't new to Gibson. In 1989, Robert Bardo shot actress Rebecca Schaeffer at her Los Angeles home. At the time of his arrest, his wall was adorned with pictures of Schaeffer, fellow pop star Tiffany – and Gibson herself.

"I was very young at the time, but it was scary, because I realized that whether you live or die can come down to security," says Gibson. "This woman answered her door and was killed. From then, I've always had good security. I can't let it slow me down."

Possibly Broadway

Right now, the singer is in talks for Broadway roles, but plans to spend this summer mentoring young artists. She has created a youth camp called Camp Electric Youth to "mentor and coach talented young artists to hone their craft."

She's also joining forces with former teen heartthrob Joey Lawrence as judges for the online talent show, Total Pop Star, where contestants vie for recording contracts by submitting audition videos. And next up? A three-week gig at Harrah's Casino in Atlantic City, where she will sing her pop hits and Broadway standards.

"I've got a lot going on," she tells a source . "So I just put the whole incident behind me and do what I have to do."

Eli Manning & Fiancée Abby McGrew Frolic in Mexico

Originally posted Friday April 18, 2008 09:10 AM EDT

With Super Bowl hero Eli Manning and fiancée Abby McGrew set to say "I do" on Saturday, the bride and groom-to-be – and their friends and family members – have been spotted around the plush Mexican resort where the wedding is due to take place.

"They are an adorable couple," a staff member at One&Only Palmilla, in Cabo San Lucas, tells New York's Daily News. "We like having them very much."

After putting around 27 holes on the Pamilla's Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course with brother Peyton Manning and four pals on Thursday morning, Manning retreated to the hotel pool, where he lunched with McGrew, reports the paper – which adds that as guests in the small wedding party continued to arrive, a sunset picnic buffet was set up for them on the beach.

As Thursday wore on, Manning, 27, and McGrew, 24, reportedly line danced to the hotel's reggae band, as did their guests. (The wedding is for family members and close friends only.)

Friday, the women are expected at the resort's spa – hair and makeup specialists are said to be flying in from Los Angeles – while Eli and brothers Peyton and Cooper, along with friends, are set for a boys' night out.

Eddie Van Halen Returns to the Concert Stage

Originally posted Friday April 18, 2008 11:55 AM EDT

Six weeks after postponing a slate of shows while guitarist Eddie Van Halen underwent medical tests, the reunited rock band Van Halen performed in Reno, Nev., Thursday night.

"Better late that never!" singer David Lee Roth proclaimed from the stage.

Eddie Van Halen – who battled tongue cancer in 2002 and went to rehab last year – looked healthy as he jumped up and down and ran around the stage throughout the entire show.

When the concert dates were postponed last month, the band issued a statement that Van Halen, 53, was "undergoing a battery of comprehensive medical tests to determine a defined diagnosis and recommended medical procedures."

At the time his ex-wife Valerie Bertinelli quickly dismissed rumors that he was back in rehab, while their 17-year-old son Wolfgang, who's playing bass on tour, told a source three weeks ago, "Don't listen to the rumors – he's doing great – seriously!"

Thursday, Van Halen happily posed for photographers at the L.A. airport with his girlfriend of almost two years, Janie Liszewski, who's also the band's publicist.

POLL: Who's Telling the Truth in Rob Lowe Nanny Case?

Originally posted Thursday April 17, 2008 05:00 PM EDT

In a bitter battle of she said/he said, Rob Lowe's former nanny Jessica Gibson is accusing the actor of sexual harassment. Lowe counters that Gibson fabricated the allegations as part of an extortion scheme. Who do you believe? Or do both have credibility problems?

Jessica Alba in Frantic Nesting Mode

Originally posted Thursday April 17, 2008 04:05 PM EDT

Jessica Alba and fiancé Cash Warren are making the final preparations for their first child – and the actress says time's running out.

"I'm just trying to get my house ready before the baby comes," Alba, 26, said Wednesday night at PEOPLE's book party for Healthy Child Healthy World author Christopher Gavigan. "It's kind of hectic, it's getting close and the house isn't even ready yet."

With Alba taking time off from acting, she's handling the bulk of the duties to get ready for baby, which Alba revealed recently is a girl.

"I'm not working so it's been a good place to put all my energy so it's been a nice distraction," she said at the event at Lucques restaurant in West Hollywood.

"I'm used to having to be somewhere all the time, and it's kind of the first time in my life where I really haven't been working in a while, and now it's just about the baby being healthy, the house being ready, and nesting, it's really different. It's cool – I feel like I'm fully absorbing the whole experience.

She hasn't been too busy to think about wedding plans – "How could you not!" she says – but Alba's keeping mum on the details.

Meanwhile, in between nesting, Alba is keeping an eye on her pre-natal diet.

"I have to make sure that I'm eating more of the right nutrients and vitamins, but I'm not used to eating this much," she says. "I've had to take time out of the day to eat before I get cranky and rundown and tired. Before I was just like the energizer bunny."

Kristy Lee Cook’s Secret Engagement

April 17, 2008

She may have been cut from American Idol on Wednesday, but Kristy Lee Cook has something else to look forward to — her wedding.

The 24-year-old country singer from Selma, Ore., is engaged to Andy Dobner. Her ring, a marquis cut, has “quite a few diamonds on it,” the singer told reporters Thursday. “We kind of picked it out together a long time ago just kind of for fun, shopping around for a ring.”

Although they haven’t set a date yet, Cook said they’re thinking of next June. As for her dream wedding, Cook says, “I would love to have Jason Aldean sing at the wedding or I would say Celine Dion.” The American Idol judges are also “definitely” invited, but they may want to keep their opinions to themselves.

Says Cook, “I’ve always wanted to sing at my own wedding since I was little.”

The couple were set up by a mutual friend while Cook was waiting tables at an Italian restaurant in Grants Pass, Ore.

“He had just been in the woods chopping down Christmas trees,” Cook told a source . “He came down [to the restaurant] and he was so cute, and he sat down in a booth and when I was walking off all the girls caught him double looking at me hanging out of the booth! And I was like, ‘Hey, you know I need a Christmas tree,’ and he said, ‘Well, I’ll take you up and we’ll go.’ So, I gave him my number and he called me up 20 minutes later while I was at work and said, ‘You want to do something tomorrow?’”

Although Dobner proposed while the pair were soaking in a sauna on March 15, Cook told reporters she wanted to keep it on the down low, so she could focus on American Idol. But her beau surprised her with a very public proposal when he popped the question on television on American Idol Extra, airing Thursday. “He reenacted the proposal and actually got down on his knees this time,” Cook said. “The first time he didn’t so he owed it to me.”

Ashanti: I'm Not Slamming Nelly in My Video

Originally posted Thursday April 17, 2008 07:45 PM EDT

Is sexy songstress Ashanti's new video for her song "Way That I Love You" a kiss-off to rumored boyfriend Nelly? After all, in the video, a knife-wielding Ashanti gets sweet revenge on a cheating ex.

Ashanti says, "It's not!" She explains, "I wrote that record last summer ... The song is just about real life. It's for every woman who has gone through it."

But that doesn't mean the songbird hasn't experienced the heartache of a good relationship gone bad due to infidelity. "Definitely," says Ashanti, who turns to Mary J. Blige's "Not Gonna Cry" to help her through breakups. "It's a rude awakening when you get used to being happy, but it's a part of life. I didn't kill the person!"

Some of the song's lyrics do ring true, though. "Of course I've snooped! Before [sidekicks] came out, I was snooping through regular cell phones, Skytel, everything! Whatever he had out, I was all in it!"

And as for the current status of her relationship with Nelly? "We're really, really good friends."

The Real World Turns 20!

April 17, 2008

Before American Idol, Big Brother, The Amazing Race, and So You Think You Can Get a Shot of Love with America’s Next Top Celebrity Chef in Rehab, there was the original reality show: MTV’s The Real World, which premiered its 20th season Wednesday. This time, seven strangers are picked to live in Hollywood and they all have dreams of making it big in the entertainment industry. –Nicholas White

Meet the cast:

• Greg, 20, goes by “Pretyboy” and won the network’s Internet contest to get a spot in the house. He’s already upset his roommates and vowed silence to shut off conversations

• Joey, 24, a gel-haired aspiring actor from Chicago with a rough past and a body building routine (he eats oatmeal, eggs and protein everyday)

• Kimberly, 24, a TV reporter hopeful from South Carolina who has starstruck tendencies (two Lindsay Lohan mentions on Wednesday’s premiere)

• Dave, 22, from Pennsylvania, hopes to pick up film production or acting, but is unsure of a career path

• Sarah, 20, is the cute girl of the show, an early graduate from Arizona State and a broadcast journalism graduate. Even though she has a long distance boyfriend, she’s already flirting with…

• Will, 23, a ladies’ man from Detroit, who hustles his CD’s on the street and wants to produce music

• Brianna, 20, from Philadelphia, wants to sing (she was on American Idol season 5!) and has experience as an exotic dancer and an arrest warrant

The Real World Turns 20!

April 17, 2008

Before American Idol, Big Brother, The Amazing Race, and So You Think You Can Get a Shot of Love with America’s Next Top Celebrity Chef in Rehab, there was the original reality show: MTV’s The Real World, which premiered its 20th season Wednesday. This time, seven strangers are picked to live in Hollywood and they all have dreams of making it big in the entertainment industry. –Nicholas White

Meet the cast:

• Greg, 20, goes by “Pretyboy” and won the network’s Internet contest to get a spot in the house. He’s already upset his roommates and vowed silence to shut off conversations

• Joey, 24, a gel-haired aspiring actor from Chicago with a rough past and a body building routine (he eats oatmeal, eggs and protein everyday)

• Kimberly, 24, a TV reporter hopeful from South Carolina who has starstruck tendencies (two Lindsay Lohan mentions on Wednesday’s premiere)

• Dave, 22, from Pennsylvania, hopes to pick up film production or acting, but is unsure of a career path

• Sarah, 20, is the cute girl of the show, an early graduate from Arizona State and a broadcast journalism graduate. Even though she has a long distance boyfriend, she’s already flirting with…

• Will, 23, a ladies’ man from Detroit, who hustles his CD’s on the street and wants to produce music

• Brianna, 20, from Philadelphia, wants to sing (she was on American Idol season 5!) and has experience as an exotic dancer and an arrest warrant

West Wing Colleagues Defend Rob Lowe

Originally posted Thursday April 17, 2008 03:05 PM EDT

As discussion rages about Rob Lowe and the bitter sexual harassment case filed against him and his wife Sheryl by their ex nanny, the actor's former colleagues on The West Wing are rising to the defense of the 41-year-old actor.

"I've only known him to be a gentleman who cares first and most for his family," the series' creator Aaron Sorkin tells a source .

In an e-mail, Sorkin, 46, said, "I've worked with Rob twice – for three years on The West Wing and for another six months when he starred in the [London] West End revival of A Few Good Men."

For the first four seasons of the NBC political drama, from 1999 to 2006, Lowe played deputy communications director Sam Seaborn.

Referring to Lowe's 1988 sex tape scandal, before the actor became sober 18 years ago, Sorkin added: "Rob's had public scrapes in the past, and he's always landed on his feet. I'm sure his energy right now – and Sheryl's – is in protecting his kids."

The Lowes have two sons: Matthew, 14, and John Owen, 12.

Fellow actor Dulé Hill, who has known Lowe for eight years, tells a source , "I've known him strictly as a family man. What comes first is his children and his wife. That's always been his focus."

Of the current scandal, "It doesn't seem like the Rob I know. It doesn't add up," says Hill, 32. "I'm saddened by what I see and hear. I trust that it will work out."

Brody Jenner & Girlfriend Break Up

April 17, 2008

Hills star Brody Jenner didn’t quite seem like the settling kind. From his on-again, off-again romance with Hills costar Lauren Conrad, to his most recent relationship to model Cora Skinner, a source has confirmed the two have recently split and Jenner is a single man yet again.

This past weekend, Jenner showed up with a new woman on his arm (who wasn’t Skinner) at the Wrigley-sponsored NBA Entertainment League Season Wrap party in L.A. Says an eyewitness: “He was holding hands with a cute blonde. They rushed inside but he held her hand on the carpet and when they were waiting to get in. They were cute, she was definitely his date for the day.”

Jenner’s BFF Frankie Delgado wasn’t very shy about sharing his buddies new single status. “He was shouting, ‘Brody’s single,’ ” says a an onlooker.

David Cook’s Brother ‘Blown Away’ by Chance to Attend Idol

April 16, 2008

A front row seat to an American Idol performance just might be the best medicine. At least that’s the diagnosis from Adam Cook’s friends and supporters in Terre Haute, Ind., who arranged a $45,000 trip on a chartered medical jet to Los Angeles for David Cook’s brother so he could see him perform.

Adam, who is undergoing chemotherapy for brain cancer, watched his brother David, an Idol favorite, perform Mariah Carey’s hit “Always Be My Baby” from a front row seat during Tuesday’s live broadcast.

“I am blown away,” he said in an interview Wednesday with B1027.FM, a local radio station that helped facilitate his trip. “The support of the community made this possible, it literally just lifted my spirits to know I’m from Terre Haute. That might sound corny, but it’s the God’s honest truth. My feelings for back home were just amplified.”

So far the trip is well worth it. “I’m not going to lie to you. He still has a tough road ahead of him,” Adam’s longtime friend Darrick Scott tells a source . “But this trip to Los Angeles has put a whole new pep in his step.”

“This has just been incredible for the family,” says Julie Henricks, midday host of B1027.FM. “Adam hadn’t wanted to get out of the house in three weeks. Now, he’s out sightseeing in Los Angeles. [His wife] Kendra says Adam is a different person.”

Getting the VIP treatment probably didn’t hurt. “They came in and asked if it was okay if they seated Teri Hatcher and Minnie Driver next to us,” Adam, 36, said Wednesday in the interview. “When Teri sat down, I didn’t even know who she was. She weighed all of 90 pounds. I expected her to be taller. But I’m not stupid. I figured it out. She’s a desperate housewife and hey, I’m a desperate house something.”

Having his brother in the front row may have been the inspiration for David, who, according to judge Randy Jackson, gave the “most brilliant performance yet.”

“I’m not really very emotional,” Adam’s wife Kendra said in the same interview. “But I was crying when David sang. It was just the moment. I can honestly say it was so much fun.”

The judges — Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell — were also inspired. “Randy came over and asked, ‘Are you the A.C., from the guitar? And he was like ‘Dog, that’s so awesome,’” Kendra told the radio station (David sometimes performs with a guitar with his brother’s initials on it and has an “A.C.” tattoo). “Paula came over and when Adam stuck out his hand, she said, ‘No, I want a hug.’ And Simon came over after the show and said, ‘You should be very proud of your brother. He’s a very nice man. You’re welcome here anytime.’”

Cameron Diaz: My Late Father Was 'Loved by Many'

Originally posted Wednesday April 16, 2008 05:00 PM EDT

Cameron Diaz has issued a statement remembering her late father, Emilio Diaz, who died suddenly of pneumonia on Tuesday.

The Shrek and Charlie's Angels star, 35, also thanks those who have extended their condolences.

"My mom, sister and I are deeply appreciative of the overwhelming outpouring of love and support during this difficult time for us and all of our family," says the message from the actress, released by her representative, Brad Cafarelli.

"My dad was loved by so many people, and his humor and spirit will always live on in our hearts," she added.

Diaz's sister, Chimene, is 37. Their mother, the former Billie Early, is an import-export businesswoman.

Emilio Diaz, who was 58, reportedly worked for UNOCAL (formerly the Union Oil Company) as a field gauger in the pipeline department for more than 20 years, until his retirement in 1998.

On Tuesday, filming of Diaz's current film, My Sister's Keeper, was halted.

Ashlee Simpson: Eating for Two in New York

Originally posted Wednesday April 16, 2008 11:25 AM EDT

While Ashlee Simpson has not yet officially confirmed her pregnancy, she's certainly eating with gusto.

After her MTV TRL taping Wednesday, the newly engaged singer joined her mother, bodyguard and three friends for lunch at Virgil's BBQ in New York City's Times Square.

The youngest Simpson, 23, dressed in a long, blue pea coat and leggings, scarfed down a brisket melt – grilled onions and cheddar cheese on grilled rye bread – with French fries. That evening, Simpson and her mother were spotted dining at New York Italian eatery Da Umberto.

Simpson, who revealed her engagement to Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz, 28, last week, is in the Big Apple promoting her album Bittersweet World.

On Monday a source confirmed to us that the two are expecting and plan to wed in May in La Jolla, Calif., at a friend's house.

Sheryl Crow Prepares for Life on the Road with Baby Wyatt

Originally posted Wednesday April 16, 2008 05:15 PM EDT

Sheryl Crow will hit the road this summer for her first big tour since becoming a mom to 11-month-old son Wyatt last May.

The 25-date tour, in support of her album Detours, kicks off on July 24 in Nashville and ends on Aug. 30 in Seattle. James Blunt will open for Crow on all of the dates.

Reggae act Toots and the Maytals – handpicked by Crow, who says they're one of her favorite bands – will also be in the lineup for most of the stops.

Crow won't hit the road alone: She will bring along Wyatt, according to a source, who adds that she is modifying her tour bus to accommodate his nursery.

Here are the complete tour dates:

July 24: Nashville, TN @ Sommet Center with James Blunt

July 26: Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun Casino, with James Blunt

July 28: Wantagh, NY @ Jones Beach Amph, with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals

July 29: Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Center, with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals

July 30: Mansfield, MA @ Tweeter Center, with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals

July 31: Saratoga Springs, NY @ SPAC, with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals

August 2: Philadelphia, PA @ Mann Center for Performing Arts, with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals

August 3: Canandiagua, NY @ Constellation Perf Arts Center, with James Blunt

August 5: Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theatre, with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals

August 6: Green Bay, WI @ Resch Center, with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals

August 8: Milwaukee, WI @ Bradley Center, with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals

August 9: Minneapolis, MN @ Northrop Auditorium, with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals

August 10: Highland Park, IL @ Ravinia Pavilion, with James Blunt

August 14: Houston, TX @ The Woodlands, with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals

August 15: Dallas, TX @ Superpages.com Amph, with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals

August 16: Oklahoma City, OK @ Zoo Amph with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals

August 18: Albuquerque, NM @ Sandia Casino Amphitheater, with James Blunt

August 19: Tuscon, AZ @ Anselmo Valencia Amph, with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals

August 21: San Diego, CA @ Qualcomm, with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals

August 22: Las Vegas, NV @ Theatre for the Performing Arts (Planet Hollywood), with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals

August 23: Lake Tahoe, NV @ Harvey's Outdoor Amph, with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals

August 25: SLC, UT @ USANA Amphitheater, with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals

August 27: Concord, CA @ Sleep Train Pavilion, with James Blunt and Toots & the Maytals

August 29: Portland, OR @ Edgefield Amphitheater, with James Blunt

August 30: Seattle, WA @ White River Amphitheater, with James Blunt

Britney Pal Sam Lutfi Agrees to Stay Away – Again

Originally posted Wednesday April 16, 2008 06:00 PM EDT

Britney Spears's former confidante, Sam Lutfi, has agreed to stay away from the pop star through July 31, it was revealed at a Los Angeles court Wednesday.

A restraining order was slapped on Lutfi in February, after Spears's mother accused him of drugging Britney, 26.

Keep-away orders can be extended to up to five years, legal experts say.

Meanwhile, the singer's father and a lawyer remain in legal control over her affairs.

Their conservatorship will be reviewed by the court on July 31 – but it's expected their control will be extended.

Another hearing regarding Spears's estate is set for Thursday.

Hilary Duff Dishes on Avril, Lindsay and Miley

Originally posted Wednesday April 16, 2008 06:45 PM EDT

Hilary Duff may have been in show business for a decade, but she's never gotten used to tangling with her fellow celebutantes.

"It's hard to find people who don't feel like they're in competition with you," she tells Allure in its May issue.

But while Duff, 20, may try to stay out of the fray, she can't help but chat – a little, anyway – about some of her peers.

She dishes to Allure about Lindsay Lohan, Miley Cyrus and Avril Lavigne:

• On Lindsay Lohan: "Supposedly, I stole Lindsay Lohan's boyfriend [Aaron Carter.] We were, like, 13! And I've never stolen anyone's boyfriend! I don't know how you do that! . . . She was talking about it and I wasn't. It made us both look bad and put up a big weirdness. Really she was just a girl my age. We are fine now, by the way."

• On Miley Cyrus: "We don't have each other's phone numbers. But when she meets me, she's excited. It's cute – I see a lot of myself in her."

• On Avril Lavigne: "I said something about how she didn't like her fans dressing like her, and how she should appreciate that because it's a compliment. She called me a goody-goody [Lavigne called Duff a 'mommy's girl' in Newsweek] Everyone is trying to prove who they are, and their position. So, I'm 'the good girl.' She's 'the bad girl' or 'the party girl.' Sarah Jessica Parker doesn't take her clothes off, but she's not a 'good girl.' [Adult actors] don't get tagged like we do."

Nanny's Family Speaks Out in Rob Lowe Case

Originally posted Wednesday April 16, 2008 05:15 PM EDT

The family of Rob Lowe's former nanny describe the 24-year-old woman at the center of the nasty sexual harassment case as caring, cautious and concerned about the actor's two sons.

"I was shocked when I heard about everything [and] I worry about her capability to cope with things," says Jessica Gibson's father Jim, 63, a technology executive.

In a lawsuit, Jessica Gibson claims Lowe repeatedly exposed himself and inappropriately touched her. Lowe counters that Gibson made up the allegations in an extortion scheme.

But Gibson's father tells a source : "She felt being a nanny was perfect for her. She liked it." The Lowes, he says, "were working her ridiculous hours" as Jessica looked after the couple's sons, Matthew, 14, and John Owen, 12.

Loving and Discreet

Jessica's mother, Eileen Gibson, a teacher who lives in Lake Elmo, Minn., finds it "absurd to say she tried to extort from the family. She is very compassionate, very caring and honest. She has a gift for working with kids. She loves them. She's very gentle and kind and values her family very much."

When it came to Jessica's professional life, "She has been absolutely discreet about her job, and we did not discuss that," says her mother, who is divorced from Jessica's father.

Recalls Jessica's older sister, Kelly Gibson, 28, "She was always the babysitter growing up. She's Auntie Jessie to my daughter Alicia. I always told her she would be the best mother and wife."

During her employment by the Lowes, "Jess had a change of personality when she was working for them and when she wasn't," says her sister. "She loved those boys. She looked out for them and worries about them. That was the hardest thing about leaving."

Survivor Winner Yul Kwon Gets Engaged

April 16, 2008

Yul Kwon won $1 million by outlasting, outwitting and outplaying fellow castaways on Survivor: Cook Islands. Then he nabbed the title of one of PEOPLE’s Sexiest Men Alive in 2006. Now the 33-year-old Stanford grad is celebrating another victory: popping the question to girlfriend Sophie Tan on stage at a concert — and getting a yes.

“It feels wonderful!” an elated Kwon tells People.com. “I’ve always thought that the single most important decision in your life is who you decide to spend it with.”

Kwon proposed to Tan, 29, a product manager at a mortgage bank, April 12 at a benefit concert at his alma mater in Palo Alto, Calif. The band, Seriously, played the couple’s special song before Kwon took the stage and presented her with a platinum, 2.2-karat, cushion-cut diamond ring.

“It seems my strategy of proposing in a public forum, maximizing social pressure, and shocking her into silence … seems to have worked,” says Kwon. “Now I just need to plan the wedding before she comes to her senses.”

Kwon, a management consultant, met Tan in December 2006, just before his skills as a master strategist led him to victory in the 13th season of the CBS reality show, which initially divided castaways by race.

When Kwon realized he was smitten with Tan, “I gave her the hidden immunity idol as a token of my love,” he says, referring to a sought-after prize from the show. “And I knew she loved me back when she didn’t laugh in my face.”

Source: Ashlee Simpson Pregnant, Planning Wedding for May

Originally posted Tuesday April 15, 2008 07:20 PM EDT

Ashlee Simpson is pregnant and plans to get married next month at a private residence in Southern California, a source close to her family said .

Simpson, 23, is engaged to Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz, 28, who initially blasted pregnancy rumors as a "witch hunt."

But on Tuesday, Simpson, sidestepped the rumors during an interview with MTV after taping TRL in New York, saying simply, "Some things you want to keep personal."

And now the source tells us that not only is Simpson pregnant, but that she's planning to have her wedding in May at a friend's house in La Jolla, Calif., north of San Diego.

David Cook’s Ailing Brother Attends Tearful Performance

April 15, 2008

In a heart-wrenching American Idol performance, David Cook sang “Always Be My Baby” on Tuesday night while his brother Adam Cook, who is battling brain cancer, watched from the front row.

When David finished the Mariah Carey song, Adam gave him a standing ovation and David wiped his eyes.

“You have tears,” host Ryan Seacrest said after giving the audience the number to vote. “He’s in tears right now.”

David could only answer, “Yeah.”

During a commercial break, David walked down to hug his brother in his seat. All three judges — Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson — also hugged Adam.

Adam, 36, who traveled to Los Angeles from his home state of Indiana, arrived at the studio 40 minutes before the live telecast began and took a seat right next to Desperate Housewives star Teri Hatcher and her daughter.

Two weeks ago David had a difficult time concentrating on the show because he had learned his brother’s condition had worsened. Despite his fragile state, Adam’s doctors allowed him to travel to the Idol show accompanied by a medic and a nurse.

“His brother came to town a few days ago, and he’s not in the best of shape and you can tell it’s affecting David and everything,” says dancer Lacey Schwimmer, of So You Think You Can Dance, who has stepped out with David recently. “But I think it’s a good thing that he’s here because it shows that his brother is still supporting him.”

Schwimmer adds: “He’s just really happy his brother is here.”

Adam is expected to attend Wednesday night’s Idol results show before returning to Indiana on Thursday.

Fiancée Stands By Carmelo Anthony After DUI Bust

Originally posted Tuesday April 15, 2008 08:00 PM EDT

Basketball star Carmelo Anthony and his fiancée LaLa Vazquez are speaking out to a source about his DUI arrest – denying Internet reports she was unsupportive and wouldn't pick him up from the police station.

"I want to make sure the public understands that I fully support my fiancé, Carmelo Anthony, and stand by him through this ordeal," Vazquez, a former MTV veejay, says in a statement to a source on Tuesday. "I will always have his back and never refused to pick him up from the police station. In fact, they offered to bring him to me."

Anthony was arrested early Monday morning near downtown Denver, hours after leading his Denver Nuggets to victory over the Houston Rockets.

The NBA star reiterated his love for Vazquez in his own statement to a source : "LaLa continues to be a rock in my life, she's always been there for me through thick and thin."

The couple have a child together, 1-year-old son Kiyan. Vazquez will soon costar in the movie Let the Church Say Amen and will host and executive produce VH1's upcoming reality show The Sixth Man.

Rob Lowe's Employees Defend the Actor

Originally posted Tuesday April 15, 2008 03:15 PM EDT

Current and former employees of Rob Lowe have come to the actor's defense against sexual harassment claims made by his former nanny, Jessica Gibson.

Lowe's estate manager, Carol Andrade, defended the actor in a written declaration provided to Lowe's legal team and obtained by a source : "Jessica never told me ... that Rob ever said or did anything that she found inappropriate or offensive or that made her feel uncomfortable ... or made sexual advances toward her."

Andrade said she has supervised the nannies, chefs, drivers and housekeepers for Lowe, 44, and his wife, Sheryl, 46, for the last year and a half.

On Monday, Gibson, 24, filed a lawsuit in a Santa Barbara, Calif. court claiming the actor repeatedly exposed himself and inappropriately touched her, along with other harassment allegations against Sheryl.

Andrade was one of a group of current and former staffers who provided declarations to Lowe's legal team. Having worked with the Lowes in other capacities off and on for about 12 years, Andrade explained that Gibson voluntarily quit her nanny position twice over the last few years, but returned to the Lowes "on good terms."

"She told me both times that she left because she was getting burned out with the job," Andrade stated.

Another Lowe Staffer Speaks Out

In another declaration, Jennifer Dynof, president of Lowe Profile, a company owned by Lowe, also stated that she'd never witnessed any questionable behavior by Lowe.

"[In the past four years working for Rob], I have never seen him make any sexual advances toward any other woman or act inappropriately, offensively or disrespectfully toward any woman," Dynof stated.

Both employees added they would testify in court if need be.

On April 7, Lowe preemptively filed lawsuits against Gibson and two other former employees, accusing them of violating confidentiality agreements and spreading alleged lies.

A deposition for the Lowes has been set for May 19.

Monday’s Dancing: What You Didn’t See

April 15, 2008

The Little Booty That Could…And Did
Despite early missteps, crowd-pleasing Marissa Jaret Winokur keeps chugging along, and though she dubbed herself the “little engine that could”, the bubbly, sequined wonder gave credit for her high scores where credit was due. “Actually, it was the ‘little booty that could’, it really was!” She said of her rocking rump, “I shook it as much as I could, and I have a lot to shake, but that’s just what God gave me.” Thank God for the booty, indeed, “I am thanking God for my booty,” Winokur laughed, ” and my man thanks God for my Booty too!”

Marissa Hearts DWTS Too!
Winoker admits she’s a fan of People.com’s I Love DWTS and wants the world to know. “Put it out there,” the excitable actress gushed, “I’m it’s number one fan, I’m obsessed with it! I forward it to every single person that I know! I love everything about it, and I don’t even care if he talks about me, or doesn’t talk about me!”

Jason: Linebacker or Tiny Dancer?
Jason Taylor blushed when reminded that partner Edyta said that he had “a tiny dancer” inside of him that was bursting to get out. “I don’t know how to respond to that,” Taylor laughed, “She is bringing it out of me, but the biggest thing is that I’m having fun doing it. Still, NFL quarterbacks beware, the six-time Pro Bowler knows to expect a little trash talking, and is prepared to respond in kind, “It depends on how much trash they are talking,” Taylor says, smiling, “But if I get a sack, and they have been talking trash, I’ll let them know that a ‘dancer’ just got them.”

How to Stop a Runaway Sequined Train
With Kristi and Mark wowing the judges—and scoring the night’s high of 29—most of the contestants admit to be dancing for second place. Marlee Matlin couldn’t help admitting a little defeat. “She is so good,” the actress said of Yamaguchi, “At this point, I’m just competing against myself.” “We’re are all fighting for the second place,” Cristian de la Fuente said. Shannon Elizabeth had a less-kind, but more proactive plan to deal with the Kristi situation, “I’m hiring somebody with a metal pole to take her leg out,” She joked, “I’m going to go Harding on her, but what sucks is that, if it happens, I’m the first suspect.”

Just Call Him ‘Poopie’
Mario and Karina opened the show with a rocking Samba, but more attention was paid to Mario’s new nom de sequin, “Poopie”. “He was sad, and he couldn’t get the steps,” Karina said of her partner, “And I was like, ‘Poopie, it’ll be okay’ , and now he’s ‘Mario, the Poopie’. “I’m sure there are some guys from the neighborhood that will want to call me ‘poopie’,” Mario says, “but when Karina says it, it sounds genuine. We are practicing twenty-four hours a day together, so I will need that ‘poopie’ comfort when times get hard.”

Paris Hilton's Parents: Benji Already Like Family

Originally posted Tuesday April 15, 2008 04:45 PM EDT

Last week Paris Hilton took to the Web to announce her loving feelings for boyfriend Benji Madden – and now her parents are gushing the same sentiments.

They also have given him the green light to join the clan, says the socialite's mother.

"This has honestly become the real thing," Kathy Hilton, 49, tells Vegas Luxe Life blog. "It's a great love match, and I have a funny feeling it's going to go all the way, and we've already given it our approval."

Added husband Rick Hilton, 52, about the Good Charlotte rocker: "He's the perfect example of 'don't judge a book by its cover.' He's polite, well mannered – even calls me sir. We love him like family already."

Paris, 27, and Benji, 29, returned to the U.S. after a month of touring Europe and South Africa with Madden's band. Since getting together in February, the couple have rarely left each other's sides and wear rings on their engagement fingers of the other's initials.

"Their life has never been better," Kathy Hilton tells Robin Leach, who wrote the Vegas Luxe Life blog. "We agree with Paris that he is an amazing guy... He's changed her life, and I really think she's genuinely in love for the first time."

Ashlee Simpson Dodges Pregnancy Question at MTV

Originally posted Tuesday April 15, 2008 12:10 PM EDT

Ashlee Simpson sidestepped any pregnancy rumors Tuesday during an interview with MTV after taping TRL in New York, saying simply, "Some things you want to keep personal."

A source at the taping says Simpson dodged the pregnancy question on the show as well, saying that if all the rumors about her were true, she "would have had a baby by now."

The newly-engaged singer also told MTV News, " I just think it's an inappropriate question to ask any woman. For me, that's something that I didn't ever want to respond to, because I think it's an inappropriate question."

Simpson, however, did not put the rumors to rest. "Some things, you want to keep personal, and I think that when people deny [pregnancy reports], it's probably because it's something they want to keep personal."

The TRL appearance is Simpson's first public outing since announcing she and Pete Wentz, 28, got engaged last week. The show will air Thursday.

Just before performing her song "Little Miss Obsessive," Simpson took a question from a female fan, who asked the singer to show off her ring. Simpson, dressed in a black cardigan, white ruffled shirt and tight denim skirt, happily flashed her diamond eternity band that she has had for some time.

Earlier in the day, when asked about her engagement ring while at JFK airport, Simpson told Extra: "It's getting sized. You'll see it soon. It's pretty."

She would not elaborate on how Wentz asked for her hand, telling MTV, "That's all so sacred, I need to keep that to myself."

Simpson, 23, is promoting her new album Bittersweet World, due out April 22. She is also scheduled to perform on the Today show Friday.

Surprise! Toby Keith Likes Clinton and Obama

Originally posted Tuesday April 15, 2008 03:10 PM EDT

Despite Toby Keith's past public support of President George W. Bush and his famous post-Sept.11 song, "The Angry American (Courtesy of the Red White and Blue)," this year the country star says things have changed.

Keith, who in the past has said he's a Democrat but was unhappy with the party's candidates, now can support the current contenders for the nomination.

"I'm real happy that there are two candidates that people can get behind," he told a source at the CMT awards Monday. "I feel like there are two people now – with Hillary [Clinton] and the time she's spent," he said of the former first lady and current New York senator.

Of Illinois Sen. Barack Obama, he said, "Obama looks like a great speaker and a great leader. And I think you can learn on your feet in there, so I don't hold people responsible for not having a whole bunch of political background in the House and Senate."

But Keith is keeping an open mind about the election. "I think [John] McCain is a great option too. I think we've got three great candidates running."

Asked if he has decided yet who he'll support, he said: "Not yet. I'm still waiting and listening. I wish one of the two Democrats would get behind the other one and show us what we've got, but right now it's early in the game."

Whoever the nominee is, Keith, who has performed 100 shows with the USO tour, is clear about at least one priority. "I think everybody just needs to support our troops. That's all I tried to do," he said." If I ever did anything wrong, it was just in support of our troops."

Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon's Night Out in Vegas

Originally posted Tuesday April 15, 2008 12:35 PM EDT

In her current single, "Touch My Body," Mariah Carey jokes about a secret, romantic rendezvous. But is the pop singer having a real one?

Carey's rep denied to a source last week that the singer and actor Nick Cannon are dating, but the duo looked cozy at a party Monday night in Las Vegas.

After landing by private jet, the pair headed straight to Privé Las Vegas at Planet Hollywood, where Cannon, who stars in one of Carey's videos, was scheduled to deejay. Making their way to a VIP table, the pop diva whispered into Cannon's ear just before he took to the turntables.

With her BFF Da Brat by her side, Carey – wearing over-sized sunglasses and dressed in all-black – danced to the music as she sipped water and white wine, then feasted on hamburgers, chicken fingers and French fries. And for dessert? A chocolate cake for Da Brat, who was celebrating her 34th birthday.

"We have a very special person in the house tonight," Cannon called out on the microphone. "Happy birthday, Brat."

He also seemed to give Carey a "secret" shout-out. Carey stood up on the back of the booth and raised her wine glass when Cannon put on Jay-Z's "Public Service Announcement" and sang along with the lyrics, "I got the hottest chick in the game."

David Cook’s Ailing Brother Will Attend Idol Shows

April 14, 2008

American Idol contestant David Cook will have a very special guest in the audience Tuesday and Wednesday night — his brother Adam Cook. Adam, 36, is suffering from brain cancer.

A FOX spokesperson declined to comment, however a source close to the show confirms to a source that Adam will indeed be at the studio when his brother and the other top six Idol contestants perform songs from Mariah Carey’s catalogue.

Doctors initially told Adam, who lives Indiana, his condition was too delicate for him to fly commercially. But as news spread of Adam’s health and sadness over not being able to see David perform, friends rallied and were able to get him and his wife a chartered medical jet (and medical staff), as well as a hotel room during his trip.

According to a report from the Terre Haute News, Adam’s doctors gave him the go ahead to fly to Los Angeles with his wife, Kendra, to see David perform. The Board of Directors at Clarian Health in Indianapolis are paying for the medic, nurse and Leer jet transportation while a local Terre Haute radio station is paying for the Cooks’ hotel stay.

Kendra Cook told the paper that the week prior to learning about the trip, her husband had been in bed and not feeling well for “several days in a row,” but after learning of the trip, he seemed to be feeling better.

“The excitement of seeing his spirits lifted so high has been wonderful,” she said.

Adam and Kendra plan to attend the Idol shows with a medic and a nurse.

Miley Cyrus & Pal Mandy Spoof Madonna

Originally posted Monday April 14, 2008 12:55 PM EDT



Miley Cyrus and pal Mandy Jiroux have posted yet another installment of their YouTube series "The Miley & Mandy Show." This time, Cyrus and Jiroux, a dancer on the Best of Both Worlds tour, have created their own version of Madonna's "4 Minutes" video. The two start off by battling a group of masked karate fighters, then launch a fully choreographed number to the Madonna song with an impressive cast of backup dancers, who perform flips, lifts and backbends.

Lindsay Lohan's BFF Weekend with Samantha Ronson

Originally posted Monday April 14, 2008 12:05 PM EDT

Girls just wanna have fun – and Lindsay Lohan is no exception.

The 21-year-old actress – who was sued last week by a former bodyguard – spent the weekend hitting the hottest clubs in L.A. with her good pal, DJ Samantha Ronson.

The duo got a jumpstart on the weekend Thursday night, when they hit the upstairs VIP area of Goa. Lohan (who has said she's "back on track" after her stints in rehab) bopped to the music as Ronson spun in the DJ booth. "Lohan was obviously having a good time, dancing very sexy," says an onlooker. "She was quite the center of attention."

The next night, it was all about Foxtail: Lohan sat at a table near the dance floor nursing a bottle of Voss water while Ronson worked the room saying hello to friends. Later, they snuck a few cigarettes at their indoor table.

And finally, to round out their weekend, they hit Teddy's at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel on Saturday.

Ronson headed back to the DJ booth while Lohan – in a black tank dress and black boots – chatted with friends at a nearby table. The actress kept things low-key, but perked up noticeably when Ronson spun Madonna and Justin Timberlake's new single, "4 Minutes." Later, during Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body," Ronson threw her arms around Lohan as the two moved to the music.

Kate Hudson: I'm Ready for Another Baby

Originally posted Monday April 14, 2008 07:25 PM EDT

When it comes to dating, Kate Hudson wants to get in touch with her inner teenager.

"I need to find that 18-year-old in me again, who was way more adventurous when it came to kissing boys," she told the U.K.'s Sunday Times. "I would love nothing more than to have a good, honest make out sesh, but I find it really hard because I'm a mom."

Hudson split from Black Crowes frontman Chris Robinson in 2006, but their marriage produced their 4-year-old son Ryder.

"Any guy I ever meet is always going to come second to my son," the Fool's Gold star, 28, told the paper. "And you get to weed out the boys from the men. You definitely know which ones are the boys."

So far, it seems Owen Wilson has made the cut. The duo – who split last summer but are now back on-again – were even spotted on an Easter-day bike ride with Ryder.

"I'm a mom and that's my first priority," said Hudson. "I can't wait to have more. I'm at that place when I'm ready to have another one and Chris and I are not together. I'm like, 'Oh no! Uh-oh! I'm ready.' "

Pete Wentz: Pregnancy Rumors a 'Witch Hunt'

Originally posted Monday April 14, 2008 05:30 PM EDT

Pete Wentz is addressing rumors that fiancée Ashlee Simpson is pregnant, calling it a "witch hunt" in an email.

"There is a witch hunt for people to be pregnant whenever they get engaged in Hollywood," he wrote to MTV News Monday. "This is all news to me. I can't wait for the story about how I'm really in a gay relationship and this is all just a cover ... I mean really, this is crazy ... I mean we're engaged, that's true, and happy about it."

When asked about the pregnancy, reported by multiple outlets Monday, a rep for the couple would only say, "We are thrilled to confirm their engagement and congratulate this happy couple. Beyond that there is nothing to add."

The singer, 23, and Wenz, 28, the bassist for Fall Out Boy announced their engagement on April 9. Simpson's father, Joe, told a source he was "totally happy" and "so excited to have Pete as part of [our] family."

Source: Cops Seek Child-Endangerment Charge for Richie Sambora

Originally posted Monday April 14, 2008 07:00 PM EDT

Guests at Ivana Trump's wedding were given strict instructions: Check your cameras – and cell phones – at the door.

But a source this sneak-peek photo of the elaborate ceremony in Palm Beach in which Donald Trump's ex-wife wed for the fourth time Saturday, marrying Italian model-actor Rossano Rubicondi before 500 friends and family members.

One of those guests, former Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous host Robin Leach, also got permission to snap a few photos at a pre-wedding fete the day before.

His pictures, posted on his Web site, show the ever-tanned George Hamilton; Paris Hilton's parents, Rick and Kathy; and the former Mrs. Sylvester Stallone, Brigitte Nielsen, who with the others listened to the theme from her ex-husband's movie Rocky blare as the groom made his entrance at the ceremony.

At the wedding itself, a helicopter drowned out the wedding vows at the poolside ceremony conducted by Judge Maryanne Trump Barry, Donald's sister, Leach reports.

But it couldn't drown out Neil Sedaka once he took to the piano. In the gold and white Grand Ballroom at Trump's Mar-a-lago estate (the same locale The Donald married Melania in 2004), the singer played a romantic rendition of his song, You, serenading the couple at the wedding dinner that consisted of stone crab, lobster crepes, rack of lamb and Chilean sea bass. After the feast, guests danced until 2 a.m.

Barefoot Taylor Swift Comes Out on Top at CMT Awards

Originally posted Tuesday April 15, 2008 12:20 AM EDT

No shoes, no problem: Taylor Swift – barefoot for most of the show – nabbed two major prizes, including video of the year, at the fan-driven Country Music Television Awards on Monday night in Nashville.

"Are you sure? Are you serious?" the "Our Song" singer said in disbelief as she accepted her first award, the female video of the year, in bare feet. The 18-year-old later attributed her lack of footwear to a painful pair of hot pink heels, and a little advice from an awards show veteran.

"I walked by Faith Hill and I was like, 'This hurts so bad.' And she was like, 'Take them off,' " Swift tells a source . "Faith Hill told me to. So I did it."

As last year's winner, Swift also presented the breakthrough award to Kellie Pickler, who gave her thanks via satellite. "This is the first time I've ever won anything in my life," the "I Wonder" singer said. "Thank you American Idol, you are the rocket that launched my career."

Other major winners of the night included Sugarland's "Stay" for duo video; Trace Adkins's "I Got My Game On" for male video; LeAnn Rimes and Bon Jovi's "Till We Ain't Strangers Anymore" for best collaborative video; Rascal Flatts' "Take Me There" for best group video; and Alison Krauss and Robert Plant's "Gone, Gone, Gone (Done Moved On)" for wide open country video.

Led Zeppelin rocker Plant was first to acknowledge his newfound status in Nashville. "I'd like to say how peculiar it is to be here," he said in his British accent, thanking fans and giving props to the city.

But his win wasn't the only surprise of the night. The show kicked off with a taped skit featuring the three presidential candidates all angling for tickets to see the night's cohosts, Miley Cyrus and dad Billy Ray.

Joked Barack Obama to the teen star, "Four words: Treasury Secretary Hannah Montana."

The Performances

Keith Urban, who spent much of the night holding hands with wife Nicole Kidman, opened the ceremony with a performance of "Raise the Barn," joined by Brooks & Dunn. But before hitting the stage, he was already looking ahead to later. "It's great to be able to go home and sleep in our own bed tonight," the expectant father, who's been touring since last year, said on the CMT carpet.

Other performances included a racy jail-themed number by LeAnn Rimes, "Nothin' Better to Do," which had her dancing in a minidress, stockings and garter belts.

Taylor Swift donned a fedora and cowboy boots for the sassy post-breakup ode "Picture to Burn." Sugarland, Little Big Town and Jake Owen all hooked up for the '80s hit "Life in a Northern Town." Tim McGraw and Faith Hill went acoustic for their duet "I Need You." And finally, after Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood closed the show.