LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Michael Jackson's mother Katherine on Monday won temporary guardianship of the late singer's children and control of his estate as a legal battle over his kids, money and belongings began to take shape.
Katherine Jackson won the first round in what could become a protracted fight over an estate that could be valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars. It is unclear if Jackson drew up a will before he died.
Questions about the singer's health prior to his death resurfaced Monday when Celebrity Website TMZ.com reported that Los Angeles County coroner officials returned to Jackson's rented home looking for more medication.
Four days after the singer's death from cardiac arrest, his father, Joe Jackson said the family was awaiting results of a second, private autopsy, and he expected to get details "real soon." He said funeral arrangements had not been made.
"We don't have a timeframe for that (the funeral) because I want to see how this autopsy is coming out," Jackson said after a family meeting at his home in suburban Los Angeles.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
TV pitchman Billy Mays found dead at Florida home
TAMPA, Fla. – Billy Mays, the burly, bearded television pitchman whose boisterous hawking of products such as Orange Glo and OxiClean made him a pop-culture icon, has died. He was 50.
Tampa police said Mays' wife found him unresponsive Sunday morning. A fire rescue crew pronounced him dead at 7:45 a.m. It was not immediately clear how he died. He said he was hit on the head when an airplane he was on made a rough landing Saturday, and his wife, Deborah Mays, told investigators he didn't feel well before he went to bed about 10 p.m. that night.
There were no signs of a break-in at the home, and investigators do not suspect foul play, said Lt. Brian Dugan of the Tampa Police Department, who wouldn't answer questions about how Mays' body was found because of the ongoing investigation. The coroner's office expects to have an autopsy done by Monday afternoon.
"Although Billy lived a public life, we don't anticipate making any public statements over the next couple of days," Deborah Mays said in a statement Sunday. "Our family asks that you respect our privacy during these difficult times."
Tampa police said Mays' wife found him unresponsive Sunday morning. A fire rescue crew pronounced him dead at 7:45 a.m. It was not immediately clear how he died. He said he was hit on the head when an airplane he was on made a rough landing Saturday, and his wife, Deborah Mays, told investigators he didn't feel well before he went to bed about 10 p.m. that night.
There were no signs of a break-in at the home, and investigators do not suspect foul play, said Lt. Brian Dugan of the Tampa Police Department, who wouldn't answer questions about how Mays' body was found because of the ongoing investigation. The coroner's office expects to have an autopsy done by Monday afternoon.
"Although Billy lived a public life, we don't anticipate making any public statements over the next couple of days," Deborah Mays said in a statement Sunday. "Our family asks that you respect our privacy during these difficult times."
Sunday, June 28, 2009
AP Source: Jackson's mother retains his lawyer
LOS ANGELES – The mother of Michael Jackson has chosen one of his longtime lawyers to represent the family's legal interests, a person close to the situation said Saturday.
Katherine Jackson has selected L. Londell McMillan, of international law firm Dewey & LeBoeuf L.L.P, said the person, who requested anonymity because the matter is private. McMillan has represented Jackson in several cases in the past.
Since Jackson's death Thursday, the family has expressed concerns about whether Jackson had a will, and who was advising him in his final days. The family also wants to protect his entertainment interests, including his partial ownership of Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
McMillan has represented Michael Jackson in several matters, including last year's resolution of a breach of contact lawsuit filed by a Bahraini prince. McMillan has had several high-profile celebrity clients, including Prince, and is the publisher of the Source, a hip-hop magazine.
Katherine Jackson has selected L. Londell McMillan, of international law firm Dewey & LeBoeuf L.L.P, said the person, who requested anonymity because the matter is private. McMillan has represented Jackson in several cases in the past.
Since Jackson's death Thursday, the family has expressed concerns about whether Jackson had a will, and who was advising him in his final days. The family also wants to protect his entertainment interests, including his partial ownership of Sony/ATV Music Publishing.
McMillan has represented Michael Jackson in several matters, including last year's resolution of a breach of contact lawsuit filed by a Bahraini prince. McMillan has had several high-profile celebrity clients, including Prince, and is the publisher of the Source, a hip-hop magazine.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Stars to honor Michael Jackson at BET Awards
LOS ANGELES – The BET Awards are undergoing "a total overhaul" as the show is retooled as a tribute to Michael Jackson, the network said Friday. The telecast is being lengthened, performers are being added to the lineup and additional guests are expected to attend, said Debra L. Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive of Black Entertainment Television.
"We're adding on," Lee said from the Shrine Auditorium, where the awards will be presented Sunday. "We're trying to do the numbers we had already planned and we're trying to add on, so it may be a longer show than we anticipated."
At least 30 minutes will be added to the broadcast, she said. Jamie Foxx is set to host the show.
Jackson died Thursday afternoon at UCLA Medical Center after being stricken at his Los Angeles home.
Meanwhile, artists such as Beyonce and Ne-Yo, who worked on their performances for weeks, scrambled to change them last-minute to honor the King of Pop, said producer Stephen Hill.
"We're adding on," Lee said from the Shrine Auditorium, where the awards will be presented Sunday. "We're trying to do the numbers we had already planned and we're trying to add on, so it may be a longer show than we anticipated."
At least 30 minutes will be added to the broadcast, she said. Jamie Foxx is set to host the show.
Jackson died Thursday afternoon at UCLA Medical Center after being stricken at his Los Angeles home.
Meanwhile, artists such as Beyonce and Ne-Yo, who worked on their performances for weeks, scrambled to change them last-minute to honor the King of Pop, said producer Stephen Hill.
Friday, June 26, 2009
King of Pop Michael Jackson dies, aged 50
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Michael Jackson, the child star turned King of Pop who set the world dancing but whose musical genius was overshadowed by a bizarre lifestyle and sex scandals, died on Thursday. He was 50.
Jackson was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m. PDT (9:26 p.m. EDT) after arriving at a Los Angeles hospital in full cardiac arrest, said Fred Corral of the Los Angeles County Coroner's office. The cause of death was not known and an autopsy would likely take place on Friday, he said.
Jackson was taken ill at home and his personal physician tried to resuscitate him but could not, his brother Jermaine told reporters. He was taken by paramedics to the hospital, where doctors worked for more than an hour to try to revive him before pronouncing him dead, the brother said.
Late Thursday, his body was flown by helicopter from the hospital to the coroner's office.
The self-styled "King of Pop," whose hits included "Thriller" and "Billie Jean," leaves behind a mountain of debt and an unfulfilled series of comeback concerts set for London in July. Many hoped the shows would rake in millions and erase his financial troubles.
Jackson was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m. PDT (9:26 p.m. EDT) after arriving at a Los Angeles hospital in full cardiac arrest, said Fred Corral of the Los Angeles County Coroner's office. The cause of death was not known and an autopsy would likely take place on Friday, he said.
Jackson was taken ill at home and his personal physician tried to resuscitate him but could not, his brother Jermaine told reporters. He was taken by paramedics to the hospital, where doctors worked for more than an hour to try to revive him before pronouncing him dead, the brother said.
Late Thursday, his body was flown by helicopter from the hospital to the coroner's office.
The self-styled "King of Pop," whose hits included "Thriller" and "Billie Jean," leaves behind a mountain of debt and an unfulfilled series of comeback concerts set for London in July. Many hoped the shows would rake in millions and erase his financial troubles.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Blink-182, Weezer to headline free Virgin fest
LOS ANGELES (Billboard) – After months of speculation about the fate of the 2009 Virgin Mobile Festival, organizers have made an announcement that should please music fans who've felt the economic pinch of the recession: this year's event is free.
With headliners Weezer and Blink-182, organizers say 35,000 free tickets will be given away to the newly branded Virgin Mobile FreeFest, to be held August 30 at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Md.
Other acts scheduled to perform on the festival's two main stages and dance tent include Franz Ferdinand, Public Enemy, Jet, the National, Girl Talk, the Bravery, the Hold Steady, St. Vincent, Wale, Taking Back Sunday, Holy F*ck, Pete Tong, Danny Howells and Lee Burridge.
"The idea was to do something that nobody else is doing," Seth Hurwitz, chairman of independent concert promoter I.M.P., tells Billboard.com. "It really comes from a sincere desire to make people happy."
With headliners Weezer and Blink-182, organizers say 35,000 free tickets will be given away to the newly branded Virgin Mobile FreeFest, to be held August 30 at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Md.
Other acts scheduled to perform on the festival's two main stages and dance tent include Franz Ferdinand, Public Enemy, Jet, the National, Girl Talk, the Bravery, the Hold Steady, St. Vincent, Wale, Taking Back Sunday, Holy F*ck, Pete Tong, Danny Howells and Lee Burridge.
"The idea was to do something that nobody else is doing," Seth Hurwitz, chairman of independent concert promoter I.M.P., tells Billboard.com. "It really comes from a sincere desire to make people happy."
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Conan O'Brien, 'Tonight' pay tribute to Ed McMahon
LOS ANGELES – "Tonight" host Conan O'Brien paid tribute to Ed McMahon as a "truly funny man" whose partnership with Johnny Carson on the late-night show is an indelible part of TV history.
"It is impossible, I think, for anyone to imagine `The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson' without Ed McMahon," O'Brien said during Tuesday's show.
"Ed's laugh was really the soundtrack to that show. For 30 years Ed played his part perfectly, he played it with effortless joy," said O'Brien, who became host of "Tonight" this month.
Sitting alongside Carson, McMahon was part of "the most iconic two-shot in broadcasting history. There will never be anything like that again," O'Brien said.
"It is impossible, I think, for anyone to imagine `The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson' without Ed McMahon," O'Brien said during Tuesday's show.
"Ed's laugh was really the soundtrack to that show. For 30 years Ed played his part perfectly, he played it with effortless joy," said O'Brien, who became host of "Tonight" this month.
Sitting alongside Carson, McMahon was part of "the most iconic two-shot in broadcasting history. There will never be anything like that again," O'Brien said.
USA leads TNT in cable ratings
NEW YORK (MediaWeek) – With one week left before the second quarter ends, USA Network is drawing away from TNT in the primetime ratings race.
According to Nielsen data, USA now enjoys a 3 percent lead among adults aged 18-49 -- a demographic coveted by advertisers -- and the latest batch of weekly ratings numbers sees the network all but sewing up the title.
USA blew out the competition in the week ended June 21, averaging 1.7 million adults 18-49, topping runner-up TNT by some 728,000 viewers. The NBC Universal cable powerhouse also put together another convincing victory among total viewers, drawing an average audience of 3.95 million in primetime while walking away with the week's biggest deliveries of adults 25-54 (1.87 million) and viewers 18-34 (745,000).
According to Nielsen data, USA now enjoys a 3 percent lead among adults aged 18-49 -- a demographic coveted by advertisers -- and the latest batch of weekly ratings numbers sees the network all but sewing up the title.
USA blew out the competition in the week ended June 21, averaging 1.7 million adults 18-49, topping runner-up TNT by some 728,000 viewers. The NBC Universal cable powerhouse also put together another convincing victory among total viewers, drawing an average audience of 3.95 million in primetime while walking away with the week's biggest deliveries of adults 25-54 (1.87 million) and viewers 18-34 (745,000).
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Streisand hits jazz on first studio album in 4 years
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Barbra Streisand has joined forces with Canadian jazz singer-pianist Diana Krall on her first studio album in four years, which is set for release on September 29, her record label said on Monday.
Columbia Records said the album "Love Is The Answer" is Streisand's first full-length collection of new studio recordings since 2005's "Guilty Pleasures" and her first album since "Live In Concert 2006."
Last year, Streisand was preoccupied with the U.S. election campaign but the singer-actress said this year she had managed to get back to the business of entertaining with a new president in the White House as she was able to relax again.
"'Love Is The Answer' presents the artist as a cabaret and jazz singer of emotional clarity, depth and maturity," Columbia Records, a unit of Sony Corp, said in a statement.
On the new album, Streisand works for the first time with Grammy-winning Krall and her quartet of guitar, bass, and drums as well as songwriter Johnny Mandel, whom she worked with on her 1993 "Back to Broadway" album.
Columbia Records said the album "Love Is The Answer" is Streisand's first full-length collection of new studio recordings since 2005's "Guilty Pleasures" and her first album since "Live In Concert 2006."
Last year, Streisand was preoccupied with the U.S. election campaign but the singer-actress said this year she had managed to get back to the business of entertaining with a new president in the White House as she was able to relax again.
"'Love Is The Answer' presents the artist as a cabaret and jazz singer of emotional clarity, depth and maturity," Columbia Records, a unit of Sony Corp, said in a statement.
On the new album, Streisand works for the first time with Grammy-winning Krall and her quartet of guitar, bass, and drums as well as songwriter Johnny Mandel, whom she worked with on her 1993 "Back to Broadway" album.
Monday, June 22, 2009
New service tracks online interest in TV shows
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Web site creation service Wetpaint has launched a measurement system that tracks fan interest in popular TV shows.
Billed as the first measurement tool of its kind, TV Fandex tracks the level of "fan engagement" of popular programs on Facebook, Twitter, Google, and Webpaint's own network of 1.5 million user-created fan sites.
"It's clear there is a fundamental decentralization under way in how consumers experience TV programing, but the measurement tools have remained substantially the same," Wetpaint CEO Ben Elowitz said. "Fans now have the tools to connect and evangelize, and they are using them with gusto. The TV Fandex provides networks and producers with the first gauge of the winners and losers in creating and retaining an online audience."
The first week of public Fandex rankings shows HBO's "True Blood" receiving the heaviest online engagement, followed by CBS' "NCIS," Fox's "House," Showtime's "Weeds" and Fox's canceled fan favorite "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles." Fandex.com plans to release weekly Top 100 rankings.
Billed as the first measurement tool of its kind, TV Fandex tracks the level of "fan engagement" of popular programs on Facebook, Twitter, Google, and Webpaint's own network of 1.5 million user-created fan sites.
"It's clear there is a fundamental decentralization under way in how consumers experience TV programing, but the measurement tools have remained substantially the same," Wetpaint CEO Ben Elowitz said. "Fans now have the tools to connect and evangelize, and they are using them with gusto. The TV Fandex provides networks and producers with the first gauge of the winners and losers in creating and retaining an online audience."
The first week of public Fandex rankings shows HBO's "True Blood" receiving the heaviest online engagement, followed by CBS' "NCIS," Fox's "House," Showtime's "Weeds" and Fox's canceled fan favorite "Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles." Fandex.com plans to release weekly Top 100 rankings.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Madonna's adopted daughter leaves Malawi
LILONGWE, Malawi – Madonna's new daughter has flown out of her native Malawi on a private jet headed for London, an airport employee and a person familiar with Madonna's adoption proceedings in this southern African country said Saturday.
The airport employee, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter, said 3-year-old Chifundo "Mercy" James left late Friday headed to London, with a stop in neighboring South Africa. The girl, the second child Madonna has adopted from Malawi, was reportedly accompanied on the flight by a nanny, a child nurse and a third aide.
The person familiar with the adoption, who also was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, said the girl known as Mercy should have reached London on Saturday morning. Madonna has homes in England and in the United States.
Malawi's highest court had granted the adoption June 12, overturning an April lower court ruling that Madonna had not spent enough time in Malawi to be given a child.
The airport employee, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter, said 3-year-old Chifundo "Mercy" James left late Friday headed to London, with a stop in neighboring South Africa. The girl, the second child Madonna has adopted from Malawi, was reportedly accompanied on the flight by a nanny, a child nurse and a third aide.
The person familiar with the adoption, who also was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly, said the girl known as Mercy should have reached London on Saturday morning. Madonna has homes in England and in the United States.
Malawi's highest court had granted the adoption June 12, overturning an April lower court ruling that Madonna had not spent enough time in Malawi to be given a child.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Album with Adam Lambert tunes expected this summer
LOS ANGELES – An album featuring Adam Lambert is coming out sooner than expected.
Songs from the "American Idol" runner-up will be released this summer by Hi Fi Recordings and Wilshire Records, beginning with the single "Want."
John Hecker, CEO of Hi Fi Recordings, said the tracks were recorded in 2007 and 2008 before Lambert's rise on the popular Fox singing competition. The album will be titled "On with the Show."
"We were presented with a business opportunity," said Hecker. "We accepted because Wilshire Records had a long working relationship with Adam, and it resulted in excellent music that they had the rights to. The music has an audience, and it deserves to be heard. I think it's great music. At the end of the day, from my perspective, we're really helping Adam."
Hecker said Wilshire Records approached Hi Fi Recordings about releasing the material earlier this year when Lambert was gaining success on the show. He said the album will feature 11 or 12 songs, many of which were co-written by Lambert.
Songs from the "American Idol" runner-up will be released this summer by Hi Fi Recordings and Wilshire Records, beginning with the single "Want."
John Hecker, CEO of Hi Fi Recordings, said the tracks were recorded in 2007 and 2008 before Lambert's rise on the popular Fox singing competition. The album will be titled "On with the Show."
"We were presented with a business opportunity," said Hecker. "We accepted because Wilshire Records had a long working relationship with Adam, and it resulted in excellent music that they had the rights to. The music has an audience, and it deserves to be heard. I think it's great music. At the end of the day, from my perspective, we're really helping Adam."
Hecker said Wilshire Records approached Hi Fi Recordings about releasing the material earlier this year when Lambert was gaining success on the show. He said the album will feature 11 or 12 songs, many of which were co-written by Lambert.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Katherine Heigl returning to "Grey's Anatomy"
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – It has been a real-life cliffhanger bigger than the one faced by her character Izzie in the season finale of "Grey's Anatomy": Will co-star Katherine Heigl return to "Grey's" next season?
Sources have said that Heigl's option on the medical drama has been picked up, meaning that she will continue on the show.
The news comes soon after word leaked that Heigl's pal on the show, T.R. Knight, won't return next season.
ABC would not confirm any casting decisions for its flagship drama series.
The lives of Heigl's and Knight's characters were left hanging in the balance in the "Grey's" season finale last month.
Izzie, diagnosed with stage IV metastatic cancer in the brain and liver, underwent successful brain surgery but lost her short-term memory and flat-lined during the last minutes of the finale.
Sources have said that Heigl's option on the medical drama has been picked up, meaning that she will continue on the show.
The news comes soon after word leaked that Heigl's pal on the show, T.R. Knight, won't return next season.
ABC would not confirm any casting decisions for its flagship drama series.
The lives of Heigl's and Knight's characters were left hanging in the balance in the "Grey's" season finale last month.
Izzie, diagnosed with stage IV metastatic cancer in the brain and liver, underwent successful brain surgery but lost her short-term memory and flat-lined during the last minutes of the finale.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Walt Disney museum to focus on man behind brand
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Walt Disney is a global brand with film studios and theme parks bearing his name, but now his family are unveiling a museum to tell the story of the animation pioneer they say has been lost behind the trademark.
The Walt Disney Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 1995 to promote education and writing about Disney as well as scholarships in his name, will open the Walt Disney Family Museum on October 1 in San Francisco.
"My father's name is probably one of the most well-known names around the world, but as the 'brand' or trademark has spread, for many, the man has become lost," Disney's daughter and museum founder, Diane Disney Miller, said in a statement.
The museum will trace Disney's life from his birth in Chicago and childhood in Missouri to his move to California in 1920s, where he married and his animation career took off with the creation of the "Mickey Mouse" character.
The Walt Disney Family Foundation, a nonprofit organization established in 1995 to promote education and writing about Disney as well as scholarships in his name, will open the Walt Disney Family Museum on October 1 in San Francisco.
"My father's name is probably one of the most well-known names around the world, but as the 'brand' or trademark has spread, for many, the man has become lost," Disney's daughter and museum founder, Diane Disney Miller, said in a statement.
The museum will trace Disney's life from his birth in Chicago and childhood in Missouri to his move to California in 1920s, where he married and his animation career took off with the creation of the "Mickey Mouse" character.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Mariah Carey to release new album on August 25
NEW YORK (Billboard) – Mariah Carey will release her 12th studio album, "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel," August 25 on Island Def Jam, the singer announced Tuesday.
The debut single "Obsessed" has shipped to radio, while a music video directed by Brett Ratner is forthcoming. Tricky Stewart and The-Dream, who co-wrote "Obsessed" with Carey, produced the majority of the tracks.
Carey announced the title of her new album back in May via Twitter, writing, "Bcuz I Love U, I want u to be the first to know the title of my new album "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel" Its very personal & dedicated to u."
She followed up on June 9 with an excited Tweet about the first single: "Seriously, this is one of my favorite songs ever," she wrote. "I love the whole album. I'm completely immersed in it. I can't wait for you to hear it."
Since entering the studio earlier this year, Carey has been providing regular updates about the album to her 600,000-plus followers on the microblogging site.
The debut single "Obsessed" has shipped to radio, while a music video directed by Brett Ratner is forthcoming. Tricky Stewart and The-Dream, who co-wrote "Obsessed" with Carey, produced the majority of the tracks.
Carey announced the title of her new album back in May via Twitter, writing, "Bcuz I Love U, I want u to be the first to know the title of my new album "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel" Its very personal & dedicated to u."
She followed up on June 9 with an excited Tweet about the first single: "Seriously, this is one of my favorite songs ever," she wrote. "I love the whole album. I'm completely immersed in it. I can't wait for you to hear it."
Since entering the studio earlier this year, Carey has been providing regular updates about the album to her 600,000-plus followers on the microblogging site.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Harry Potter publisher denies plagiarism claim
LONDON (Reuters) – Bloomsbury Publishing Plc on Monday denied allegations that author J.K. Rowling copied "substantial parts" of a book by another children's author when she wrote "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire."
The book, published in 2000, was the fourth installment of the hugely successful boy wizard Harry Potter series that has sold more than 400 million copies worldwide and been turned into a multi-billion-dollar film franchise.
"The allegations of plagiarism made today, Monday 15 June 2009, by the Estate of Adrian Jacobs are unfounded, unsubstantiated and untrue," said a statement from Bloomsbury, which publishes Harry Potter in Britain.
"This claim is without merit and will be defended vigorously."
In an earlier statement, Jacobs' estate said that it had issued proceedings at London's High Court against Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for copyright infringement.
The book, published in 2000, was the fourth installment of the hugely successful boy wizard Harry Potter series that has sold more than 400 million copies worldwide and been turned into a multi-billion-dollar film franchise.
"The allegations of plagiarism made today, Monday 15 June 2009, by the Estate of Adrian Jacobs are unfounded, unsubstantiated and untrue," said a statement from Bloomsbury, which publishes Harry Potter in Britain.
"This claim is without merit and will be defended vigorously."
In an earlier statement, Jacobs' estate said that it had issued proceedings at London's High Court against Bloomsbury Publishing Plc for copyright infringement.
Monday, June 15, 2009
"Hangover" gives Murphy headache at box office
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – The party kept rocking for "The Hangover," the first big surprise hit at the North American box office this summer, while Eddie Murphy suffered a headache with his second consecutive flop.
According to studio estimates issued on Sunday, "The Hangover" led the field for a second weekend with ticket sales of $33.4 million across the United States and Canada. The raunchy comedy with a little-known cast becomes the first movie to retain its crown since "Madea Goes to Jail" in February.
The film also took just 10 days to hit the century mark -- $105.4 million, to be exact -- setting a new record for an R-rated comedy. The old mark of 11 days was set last year by "Sex and the City."
Industry pundits expect "The Hangover" to hit $200 million -- not bad for a movie that cost a reported $31 million to make. The action revolves around three guys struggling to remember what happened at a wild bachelor party in Las Vegas the night before. It stars Justin Bartha, Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms, and was directed by Todd Phillips of "Old School" fame.
According to studio estimates issued on Sunday, "The Hangover" led the field for a second weekend with ticket sales of $33.4 million across the United States and Canada. The raunchy comedy with a little-known cast becomes the first movie to retain its crown since "Madea Goes to Jail" in February.
The film also took just 10 days to hit the century mark -- $105.4 million, to be exact -- setting a new record for an R-rated comedy. The old mark of 11 days was set last year by "Sex and the City."
Industry pundits expect "The Hangover" to hit $200 million -- not bad for a movie that cost a reported $31 million to make. The action revolves around three guys struggling to remember what happened at a wild bachelor party in Las Vegas the night before. It stars Justin Bartha, Bradley Cooper and Ed Helms, and was directed by Todd Phillips of "Old School" fame.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
In rare fest appearance, the Boss plays Bonnaroo
MANCHESTER, Tenn. – They were sure to be chanting "Bruuuuuce" at Bonnaroo Saturday night.
Bruce Springsteen, one of the festivals two headliners along with Phish, was to take the main stage Saturday evening at the Tennessee music festival.
It's a rare festival performance for Springsteen and the E Street Band, whose festival experience has mostly been in Europe. The band's guitarist Steven Van Zandt earlier said he looked forward to playing for those in the Bonnaroo audience that might not have heard of or simply heard their music.
If such a person exists.
Bonnaroo is, after all, a relatively unremarkable gig for a band that has already this year played halftime at the Super Bowl and at President Barack Obama's inauguration.
Bruce Springsteen, one of the festivals two headliners along with Phish, was to take the main stage Saturday evening at the Tennessee music festival.
It's a rare festival performance for Springsteen and the E Street Band, whose festival experience has mostly been in Europe. The band's guitarist Steven Van Zandt earlier said he looked forward to playing for those in the Bonnaroo audience that might not have heard of or simply heard their music.
If such a person exists.
Bonnaroo is, after all, a relatively unremarkable gig for a band that has already this year played halftime at the Super Bowl and at President Barack Obama's inauguration.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
It's Sir Count Dracula for actor Christopher Lee
LONDON (Reuters) – Dracula actor Christopher Lee and British golfer Nick Faldo will receive knighthoods in the Queen's Birthday Honours List -- and a 93-year-old station master gets a nod too.
The 87-year-old Lee, famed for his role as the blood-sucking Count in the Hammer horror movie classics, has found popularity with more modern audiences by starring in the "Lord of the Rings" and "Star Wars" trilogies.
Former world No. 1 golfer Faldo has captained the European Ryder Cup team and won six majors during an illustrious career.
The Queen's twice-yearly list recognizes achievements in all walks of British life, from the rich and famous to community workers.
There are 984 nominations in all, more than 70 percent of whom are "local heroes."
The 87-year-old Lee, famed for his role as the blood-sucking Count in the Hammer horror movie classics, has found popularity with more modern audiences by starring in the "Lord of the Rings" and "Star Wars" trilogies.
Former world No. 1 golfer Faldo has captained the European Ryder Cup team and won six majors during an illustrious career.
The Queen's twice-yearly list recognizes achievements in all walks of British life, from the rich and famous to community workers.
There are 984 nominations in all, more than 70 percent of whom are "local heroes."
Friday, June 12, 2009
Black Eyed Peas tops on U.S., Europe charts
LOS ANGELES (Billboard) – The Black Eyed Peas led Billboard's Hot 100 singles chart for a 10th week on Thursday, while Kings of Leon and Kenny Chesney soared up the rankings.
The Peas reigned with "Boom Boom Pow," the first single from their album "The E.N.D.," which was released in the United States on Tuesday. "Boom Boom Pow" also ended the 15-week reign on the European Hot 100 Singles chart of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face."
Back in the U.S., Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody" jumped 33 places to No. 19 after the band's performance of the song on the MTV Movie Awards sent downloads of the track up to 72,000 copies for the week.
Country star Chesney earned his highest ranking on the Hot 100 with "Out Last Night," which rose 44 places to No. 16 after his "Greatest Hits II" went up for digital sale.
"Hannah Montana" co-star Mitchel Musso scored the week's top debut with "Hey," which debuted at No. 70. The song is from his self-titled Disney debut album, which was released June 2.
The Peas reigned with "Boom Boom Pow," the first single from their album "The E.N.D.," which was released in the United States on Tuesday. "Boom Boom Pow" also ended the 15-week reign on the European Hot 100 Singles chart of Lady Gaga's "Poker Face."
Back in the U.S., Kings of Leon's "Use Somebody" jumped 33 places to No. 19 after the band's performance of the song on the MTV Movie Awards sent downloads of the track up to 72,000 copies for the week.
Country star Chesney earned his highest ranking on the Hot 100 with "Out Last Night," which rose 44 places to No. 16 after his "Greatest Hits II" went up for digital sale.
"Hannah Montana" co-star Mitchel Musso scored the week's top debut with "Hey," which debuted at No. 70. The song is from his self-titled Disney debut album, which was released June 2.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Film, TV music composers urge copyright law change
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Nathan Barr has scored horror films like "Hostel" and the HBO vampire series "True Blood," but what really keeps the composer up at night is fear he will not get paid for music distributed online.
"'True Blood' is my first big show for TV and it's definitely going to see a lot of play on the Internet. It's a big issue for me," Barr, 36, told Reuters in an interview. "I don't understand why composers don't get paid if someone downloads it."
The issue is the latest digital copyright debate pitting creators in the entertainment industry on one side and studios, broadcasters, cable operators and technology companies on the other. Barr underscores how a growing number of artists -- writers, actors and, yes, composers -- feel they are not fairly compensated for content distributed on the Internet.
Actors and writers have aired their grievances and demanded Hollywood studios pay up. Now, composers, along with publishers, are urging Congress to change copyright law so that when music airs in an audio-visual download, it is considered a public performance that earns them royalties.
"'True Blood' is my first big show for TV and it's definitely going to see a lot of play on the Internet. It's a big issue for me," Barr, 36, told Reuters in an interview. "I don't understand why composers don't get paid if someone downloads it."
The issue is the latest digital copyright debate pitting creators in the entertainment industry on one side and studios, broadcasters, cable operators and technology companies on the other. Barr underscores how a growing number of artists -- writers, actors and, yes, composers -- feel they are not fairly compensated for content distributed on the Internet.
Actors and writers have aired their grievances and demanded Hollywood studios pay up. Now, composers, along with publishers, are urging Congress to change copyright law so that when music airs in an audio-visual download, it is considered a public performance that earns them royalties.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
"Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert says he's gay
LOS ANGELES (Reuters Life!) – "American Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert has told Rolling Stone magazine he is gay, answering a question that followed the singer for months since he gained millions of fans on the No. 1 U.S. TV talent show.
"I don't think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear that I'm gay," Lambert told the music magazine in excerpts from an interview released Tuesday as it was announced that he had secured a record contract with his debut album due out in fall.
"I'm proud of my sexuality," he said. "I embrace it. It's just another part of me."
The issue with Lambert on the cover hits newsstands this Friday, with the full interview inside.
During his "American Idol" run Lambert was known for his falsetto singing, outlandish costumes, eyeliner and fingernail polish. He was nicknamed "Glambert" and Entertainment Weekly magazine called him "the most exciting 'American Idol' contestant in years."
When he lost in May's finale to the more buttoned-down Kris Allen, some fan websites and the media buzzed with speculation that being gay cost him votes from viewers who pick a winner.
"I don't think it should be a surprise for anyone to hear that I'm gay," Lambert told the music magazine in excerpts from an interview released Tuesday as it was announced that he had secured a record contract with his debut album due out in fall.
"I'm proud of my sexuality," he said. "I embrace it. It's just another part of me."
The issue with Lambert on the cover hits newsstands this Friday, with the full interview inside.
During his "American Idol" run Lambert was known for his falsetto singing, outlandish costumes, eyeliner and fingernail polish. He was nicknamed "Glambert" and Entertainment Weekly magazine called him "the most exciting 'American Idol' contestant in years."
When he lost in May's finale to the more buttoned-down Kris Allen, some fan websites and the media buzzed with speculation that being gay cost him votes from viewers who pick a winner.
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
Thai police will know how Carradine died in one month
BANGKOK (Reuters) – Thai police said on Monday that the cause of U.S. actor David Carradine's death in a Bangkok hotel room would not be known until they had the results of the autopsy and toxicology tests in a month's time.
The police refused to give further details about their investigation into the 72-year-old actor's mysterious death, amid intense media speculation about causes ranging from suicide to murder via accidental autoerotic asphyxiation.
"We are still investigating but we will not make any assumptions about his death until we have gathered all the facts," the deputy Bangkok police chief, Lieutenant-General Amnoy Nimmino, told a news conference.
"We have to wait for the toxicology reports, the result of the autopsy and forensic evidence. We will know everything in one month."
Carradine, the star of U.S. 1970s show "Kung Fu," was filming the movie "Stretch" in the Thai capital when a maid found him dead in his suite at the plush Swissotel Nai Lert Park on June 4.
The police refused to give further details about their investigation into the 72-year-old actor's mysterious death, amid intense media speculation about causes ranging from suicide to murder via accidental autoerotic asphyxiation.
"We are still investigating but we will not make any assumptions about his death until we have gathered all the facts," the deputy Bangkok police chief, Lieutenant-General Amnoy Nimmino, told a news conference.
"We have to wait for the toxicology reports, the result of the autopsy and forensic evidence. We will know everything in one month."
Carradine, the star of U.S. 1970s show "Kung Fu," was filming the movie "Stretch" in the Thai capital when a maid found him dead in his suite at the plush Swissotel Nai Lert Park on June 4.
Monday, June 08, 2009
"Billy Elliot" dances away with 10 Tony Awards
NEW YORK (Reuters) – "Billy Elliot The Musical" swept the top U.S. theater honors on Sunday, winning 10 Tony Awards for a Broadway season that defied a recession with record ticket sales.
"Billy Elliot" is based on Oscar-nominated director Stephen Daldry's 2000 film about a ballet dancing schoolboy in a mining town in northern England. Elton John, who suggested the film be adapted for theater, wrote the music for the production.
"We came here at a hard time economically, you opened your wallets and your hearts to us and we love you for it," said John, one of Britain's best-known musicians whose hit songs include "Candle in the Wind" and "Rocket Man."
"Billy Elliot" was named best musical and the three teenage actors who play the title role -- David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish -- were all named best actor in a musical, the first time three actors have shared the award.
"We want to say to all the kids out there who might want to dance, never give up," Kulish said.
"Billy Elliot" is based on Oscar-nominated director Stephen Daldry's 2000 film about a ballet dancing schoolboy in a mining town in northern England. Elton John, who suggested the film be adapted for theater, wrote the music for the production.
"We came here at a hard time economically, you opened your wallets and your hearts to us and we love you for it," said John, one of Britain's best-known musicians whose hit songs include "Candle in the Wind" and "Rocket Man."
"Billy Elliot" was named best musical and the three teenage actors who play the title role -- David Alvarez, Trent Kowalik and Kiril Kulish -- were all named best actor in a musical, the first time three actors have shared the award.
"We want to say to all the kids out there who might want to dance, never give up," Kulish said.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Hollywood to portray Kenya's "Pirate Whisperer"
MOMBASA, Kenya (Reuters) – When agents for Hollywood actor Samuel L Jackson came looking for Andrew Mwangura in Kenya, he could not meet them -- he was on the run.
The man they call the "Pirate Whisperer" was dodging both local authorities and well-connected criminals who were chasing him for exposing the international links of a wave of hijackings afflicting the busy international shipping routes off Somalia.
"I said I was in trouble, come back again when the coast is clear," Mwangura told Reuters in an interview at Mombasa port.
Tinseltown plans to make an action movie about the piracy scourge. Jackson is to play Mwangura -- the quiet 47-year-old founder of the non-profit East African Seafarers' Assistance Program with seemingly unrivalled contacts with maritime groups, ships, ports and even pirates around east Africa.
Himself a former seaman, Mwangura breaks news time and time again on seizures and releases of ships by Somali pirates, revealing details of ransom payments in what has become a multimillion dollar business.
The man they call the "Pirate Whisperer" was dodging both local authorities and well-connected criminals who were chasing him for exposing the international links of a wave of hijackings afflicting the busy international shipping routes off Somalia.
"I said I was in trouble, come back again when the coast is clear," Mwangura told Reuters in an interview at Mombasa port.
Tinseltown plans to make an action movie about the piracy scourge. Jackson is to play Mwangura -- the quiet 47-year-old founder of the non-profit East African Seafarers' Assistance Program with seemingly unrivalled contacts with maritime groups, ships, ports and even pirates around east Africa.
Himself a former seaman, Mwangura breaks news time and time again on seizures and releases of ships by Somali pirates, revealing details of ransom payments in what has become a multimillion dollar business.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Universal Pictures calls "Bruno" suit frivolous
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Movie studio Universal Pictures on Friday responded to a lawsuit filed earlier this week against its parent company and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen calling it "frivolous" and saying its claims were "baseless."
California resident Richelle Olson sued Cohen and Universal Pictures' parent NBC Universal, the media division of General Electric Co., in Los Angeles Superior Court over an encounter with Cohen when he was filming his movie "Bruno."
Olson claims Cohen showed up at a charity bingo event in 2007 as the flamboyant gay Austrian character Bruno and pushed her. Olson says she fell and was surrounded by cameramen who attacked her. Later, she says she fainted, hit her head causing bleeding to her brain, and must now use a wheelchair.
But in its statement, Universal said: "filmed footage of the full encounter, which took place more than two years ago, clearly shows that Ms. Olson was never touched or in any way assaulted by Sacha Baron Cohen or any member of the production and suffered no injury."
California resident Richelle Olson sued Cohen and Universal Pictures' parent NBC Universal, the media division of General Electric Co., in Los Angeles Superior Court over an encounter with Cohen when he was filming his movie "Bruno."
Olson claims Cohen showed up at a charity bingo event in 2007 as the flamboyant gay Austrian character Bruno and pushed her. Olson says she fell and was surrounded by cameramen who attacked her. Later, she says she fainted, hit her head causing bleeding to her brain, and must now use a wheelchair.
But in its statement, Universal said: "filmed footage of the full encounter, which took place more than two years ago, clearly shows that Ms. Olson was never touched or in any way assaulted by Sacha Baron Cohen or any member of the production and suffered no injury."
Friday, June 05, 2009
Reality gets "Stranger" with arranged-wedding show
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – Fox is developing "I Married a Stranger," a matrimonial reality series in which brides-to-be don't meet their husbands until they exchange vows.
The premise of the show is that a woman frustrated by the dating scene agrees to wed a man she's never met. While she prepares for her blind wedding, friends and family select a spouse from a pool of six eligible suitors offered by the show's producers. The men are eliminated one by one until only two candidates remain. Both finalists walk down the aisle, but only one makes it to the altar to reveal himself to his new wife.
"She never meets him until the actual moment when they say 'I do,'" a source close to the project said. "It's like the big scene that comes after an entire season of 'The Bachelor,' only this is in every episode."
After the climactic wedding, Fox will show footage from the couple's honeymoon and then show a segment from a couple of months later, updating viewers on how the relationship is going.
The premise of the show is that a woman frustrated by the dating scene agrees to wed a man she's never met. While she prepares for her blind wedding, friends and family select a spouse from a pool of six eligible suitors offered by the show's producers. The men are eliminated one by one until only two candidates remain. Both finalists walk down the aisle, but only one makes it to the altar to reveal himself to his new wife.
"She never meets him until the actual moment when they say 'I do,'" a source close to the project said. "It's like the big scene that comes after an entire season of 'The Bachelor,' only this is in every episode."
After the climactic wedding, Fox will show footage from the couple's honeymoon and then show a segment from a couple of months later, updating viewers on how the relationship is going.
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Rapper Eminem admits Bruno encounter was a stunt
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Rapper Eminem has come clean, saying that he knew what was in store when bare-buttocked comedian Sacha Baron Cohen crash-landed on him at the MTV Movie Awards television broadcast Sunday.
Eminem stormed out of the awards ceremony after Baron Cohen, in the role of the main character from his new movie, "Bruno," landed on his lap after a flying mishap, leaving the audience wondering if the rapper really was furious or if it was a stunt.
The Detroit rapper told website RapRadar.com that he knew full well what was about to happen and that it was all staged, right down to his disgust when Baron Cohen, clad in white feather wings and a jockstrap, landed face down in his lap, buttocks aloft.
"Sacha called me when we were in Europe and he had an idea to do something outrageous at the Movie Awards. I'm a big fan of his work, so I agreed to get involved with the gag," Eminem told RapRadar on Wednesday.
Eminem stormed out of the awards ceremony after Baron Cohen, in the role of the main character from his new movie, "Bruno," landed on his lap after a flying mishap, leaving the audience wondering if the rapper really was furious or if it was a stunt.
The Detroit rapper told website RapRadar.com that he knew full well what was about to happen and that it was all staged, right down to his disgust when Baron Cohen, clad in white feather wings and a jockstrap, landed face down in his lap, buttocks aloft.
"Sacha called me when we were in Europe and he had an idea to do something outrageous at the Movie Awards. I'm a big fan of his work, so I agreed to get involved with the gag," Eminem told RapRadar on Wednesday.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Musicians reflect on Bo Diddley's influence
DETROIT (Billboard) – Mention Bo Diddley's name and most everyone thinks one thing -- the beat. Bomp ba-bomp-ba-bomp, bomp bomp. Applied to such songs as "Bo Diddley," "Hey Bo Diddley" and "Who Do You Love," it's perhaps the most influential musical motif since the devil purportedly handed Robert Johnson the I-IV-V chord progression at the crossroads.
It earned Diddley -- who died June 2, 2008, of heart failure at age 79 -- his rightful moniker as the Originator and his spots in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, as well as other lifetime achievement honors. But there was more to Diddley than the beat.
During a career that stretched some four and a half decades, he produced a rich body of spirited, aggressive work that fused a blues sensibility with rock 'n' roll energy and ran far deeper than the well-known hits. Diddley acquitted himself as a progressive bandleader as well as an inventor, not only of the square-shaped Gretsch guitar that was his trademark but also of a variety of effects that subsequently became commonplace pedals and rack mounts for electronic components.
It earned Diddley -- who died June 2, 2008, of heart failure at age 79 -- his rightful moniker as the Originator and his spots in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, as well as other lifetime achievement honors. But there was more to Diddley than the beat.
During a career that stretched some four and a half decades, he produced a rich body of spirited, aggressive work that fused a blues sensibility with rock 'n' roll energy and ran far deeper than the well-known hits. Diddley acquitted himself as a progressive bandleader as well as an inventor, not only of the square-shaped Gretsch guitar that was his trademark but also of a variety of effects that subsequently became commonplace pedals and rack mounts for electronic components.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Musical "Coraline" even stranger than the book
NEW YORK (Hollywood Reporter) – Neil Gaiman's acclaimed children's novel makes an uneasy transition to the stage in this off-Broadway musical adaptation featuring music by acclaimed indie rocker Stephen Merritt (Magnetic Fields). Although this version of "Coraline" is unlikely to have the widespread appeal of the recent hit 3-D animated film, those with a taste for the decidedly offbeat could well turn it into a theatrical cult hit.
Definitely not for the younger kiddies, this stage version signals its unconventionality with its casting of the middle-aged Jayne Houdyshell in the title role of the unhappy little girl who enters an alternate universe through a magical door in her home.
Once there, Coraline discovers bizarre, mirror-image versions of the figures in her life, including an "Other Mother" (David Greenspan) and "Other Father" (William Youmans), who despite their strangeness -- they have buttons for eyes, for one thing -- at first seem to offer an appealing alternative to her self-absorbed real parents (January LaVoy, Francis Jue).
She also encounters various other exotic creatures, including a sardonic cat (Julian Fleisher) and several children whose souls, as we soon learn, were stolen by the Other Mother.
Definitely not for the younger kiddies, this stage version signals its unconventionality with its casting of the middle-aged Jayne Houdyshell in the title role of the unhappy little girl who enters an alternate universe through a magical door in her home.
Once there, Coraline discovers bizarre, mirror-image versions of the figures in her life, including an "Other Mother" (David Greenspan) and "Other Father" (William Youmans), who despite their strangeness -- they have buttons for eyes, for one thing -- at first seem to offer an appealing alternative to her self-absorbed real parents (January LaVoy, Francis Jue).
She also encounters various other exotic creatures, including a sardonic cat (Julian Fleisher) and several children whose souls, as we soon learn, were stolen by the Other Mother.
Monday, June 01, 2009
"Smithsonian" atop overseas box-office pedestal
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) – U.S. box-office leader "Up" dipped its animated toes in international waters during the weekend, but it was "Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian" that claimed the top spot overseas.
The family comedy from 20th Century fox, a sequel to 2006's "Night at the Museum," reaped $37.2 million from 9,000 screens in 100 markets.
The Ben Stiller-starring movie opened at No. 1 in China, grossing $7.4 million from 818 screens, and finished first in at least 11 other territories, propelling its overseas gross past the $100 million mark to $106 million.
Its worldwide gross to date is $211.3 million.
After two weekends atop the international circuit, Sony's "Angels & Demons" finished a close No. 2 this round, grossing $32.9 million from 10,145 screens in 101 territories.
The follow-up to "The Da Vinci Code" ranked first in at least 14 markets, including Germany, where it tallied $4.8 for the weekend, and Japan ($3.2 million). Its overseas total stands at $251.7 million.
The family comedy from 20th Century fox, a sequel to 2006's "Night at the Museum," reaped $37.2 million from 9,000 screens in 100 markets.
The Ben Stiller-starring movie opened at No. 1 in China, grossing $7.4 million from 818 screens, and finished first in at least 11 other territories, propelling its overseas gross past the $100 million mark to $106 million.
Its worldwide gross to date is $211.3 million.
After two weekends atop the international circuit, Sony's "Angels & Demons" finished a close No. 2 this round, grossing $32.9 million from 10,145 screens in 101 territories.
The follow-up to "The Da Vinci Code" ranked first in at least 14 markets, including Germany, where it tallied $4.8 for the weekend, and Japan ($3.2 million). Its overseas total stands at $251.7 million.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)