Thursday, May 20, 2010

Nicole Kidman: Hong Kong Hottie


Stepping out for a promotional appearance, Nicole Kidman was spotted at the Omega Watch event at Manning House in Hong Kong earlier today (May 20).

The “Moulin Rouge” actress looked conservative-yet-sexy in a grey dress a she smiled and waved to fans.

And while she’s in Hong Kong, Nicole will attend “A Night with the Stars,” a charity gala presented by Omega at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Dinner guests will have to shell out HK$100,000 per table, with all proceeds going to the United Nations Development Fund for Women.

Kardashians Cheer Lakers to Game 2 Victory


They’re always big supporters of the home team, and last night (May 19) Kim and Khloe Kardashian were spotted at the Los Angeles Lakers Western Conference Finals game.

The “Keeping Up with the Kardashians” stars were joined by gal pal Malika Haqq as they witnessed the Lakers trounce the Phoenix Suns 124-112.

And of course, both Kim and Khloe were looking fine as they enjoyed their primo courtside seats while the nearby paparazzi snapped up pictures.

Khloe’s husband Lamar Odom has really been stepping up in this series with 17 points and 11 rebounds last night, and 19 points and 19 rebounds in Game 1.

Megan Fox’s Replacement for Transformers 3


Megan Fox’s replacement for Transformers 3. As we have just reported that Megan has been dropped from Transformers 3; so who do you think is going to play Sam Witwicky’s (Shia LaBeouf) love interest in the upcoming Transformers sequel?
Fox’s replacement after the jump…

According to Deadline Hollywood, director Michael Bay will start casting for a female co-star immediately. Who can it be? I can think of lots of possible replacements.

How about Miley Cyrus? Mila Kunis? Hilary Duff? Demi Lovato? Jessica Alba? Jayde Nicole or even Shia’s real life girlfriend Carey Mulligan.

Who do you think will replace Megan in Transformers 3? It could also be a completely unknown name.

Nicole Scherzinger: Maxim Hot 100 Hottie


Enjoying a swanky evening out, Nicole Scherzinger was spotted at the Maxim Hot 110 Party in Los Angeles last night (May 19).

The “Don’t Cha” songstress looked lovely as she arrived at Paramount Studios for the Harley-Davidson, Absolut Vodka, Ed Hardy, and Rogaine-sponsored shindig.

In related news, Nicole is ready to release her new solo single - Scherzinger’s new track is scheduled to hit iTunes on May 25th!

And with her fans’ anticipation running high, Nicole’s new song is sure to be a top-selling hit instantaneously.

American Idol Eliminates Casey James, Sets Up Lee/Crystal Showdown


American Idol viewers made the right, obvious choice last night, sending Casey James home.

The long-haired singer has come a long way since being depicted as nothing but eye candy for Kara DioGuardi, but he was clearly the worst performer on Tuesday and reacted to his elimination with humility.

"I can't believe it, man," he said after Ryan Seacrest delivered the bad news. "I'm so thankful for the opportunity. It's been an amazing journey and I'm just so honored that I'm here."
We're now left with Lee DeWyze and Crystal Bowersox, not the most exciting final pairing, but one that should keep fans guessing about who will win next week.

Bowersox has been considered the favorite for months, but Lee has come on on strong recently, earning as much praise as any contestant all season for his rendition of "Hallelujah" on Tuesday night. We'll publish a more detailed finale preview in the coming days, but sound off now:

Rima Fakih: The Politically Correct Miss USA?


Miss USA Rima Fakih instantly became the center of controversy after she won the crown last weekend, thanks to some of her stripper pole champion photos.

That wasn't enough to get her title stripped, however, and her reign has begun. Much to the dismay of some critics upset about her Muslim/Arab background.

While the contestant herself has spoken little about this, stressing that her family observes both Muslim and Christian holidays, others have been very vocal.

Daniel Pipes, who publishes a right-leaning blog on Middle Eastern affairs, pointed to a supposed "surprising frequency of Muslims winning beauty pageants."

While "they are all attractive," Pipes, a former board member of the U.S. Institute for Peace, said they "make me suspect an odd form of affirmative action."

Pipes didn't theorize how shadowy beauty-pageant fixers might be greasing the skids for Rima Fakih or contestants, but other political bloggers went further.


Rima Fakih: The Politically Correct Miss USA?
May 20th, 2010 7:09 AM by Free Britney Filed under: Rima Fakih
Miss USA Rima Fakih instantly became the center of controversy after she won the crown last weekend, thanks to some of her stripper pole champion photos.

That wasn't enough to get her title stripped, however, and her reign has begun. Much to the dismay of some critics upset about her Muslim/Arab background.

While the contestant herself has spoken little about this, stressing that her family observes both Muslim and Christian holidays, others have been very vocal.

Daniel Pipes, who publishes a right-leaning blog on Middle Eastern affairs, pointed to a supposed "surprising frequency of Muslims winning beauty pageants."

While "they are all attractive," Pipes, a former board member of the U.S. Institute for Peace, said they "make me suspect an odd form of affirmative action."

Pipes didn't theorize how shadowy beauty-pageant fixers might be greasing the skids for Rima Fakih or contestants, but other political bloggers went further.



Did Miss USA Rima Fakih benefit from political correctness?

"Miss Hezbollah is now Miss USA," declared conservative radio talk show host Debbie Schlussel, saying Fakih's Lebanese relatives had ties to the terrorist group.

Schlussel also said Fakih received financial backing from Hezbollah supporter Imad Hamad and wrote her off to a "politically correct, Islamo-pandering climate."

Conservative blogger Michelle Malkin saw a conspiracy, too - though generic rather than Muslim-specific this time. Malkin mocked Fakih as "gaffetastic."

While Fakih bungled her answer about birth control, runner-up Morgan Elizabeth Woolard of Oklahoma was asked for her views on Arizona's immigration law.

That question drew boos from the crowd before the judge - actor Oscar Nunez of The Office - could even finish getting it out, but Woolard handled it very well.

Still, Fox & Friends host Gretchen Carlson suggested that Woolard's conservative-leaning informed opinion cause the judges to exercise political correctness.

Is that why Fakih won the crown over a blonde from Oklahoma? She will keep her crown regardless, but the controversy continues to swirl regarding her victory

Kate Gosselin to Fly High on Dancing with the Stars


Eliminated a few weeks ago, Kate Gosselin discusses her impending return to Dancing with the Stars for the finale, and what it will entail. Here's a hint - flying.

Yep, we'll see Kate soar, if only literally. The famous mom told Entertainment Tonight that her last dance number will "involve flying" on the season-ender.

"I am dancing a strange combination of two songs," the celebrity news show correspondent said. "An old dance, a new dance, and it involves flying."

Should Gosselin fall in her death-defying stunt, Jon Gosselin will try his best not to laugh pro dancer Anna Trebunskaya offered to look after her eight children.

Hey, woman said she needs parenting help as it is ...
Kate typically dances very low ... to the ground, and in terms of scoring
We can split them all between the cast and they're going to visit each other every two days," Anna joked of the little soon to be reloaded Kate Plus 8 starlets.

Last month, a source said Kate has been "moping" since leaving the show: "Kate misses the media coverage," the source said. "She got used to the publicity."

But now Gosselin's back in the limelight, at least for the short term, as Entertainment Tonight's special correspondent for DWTS, Monday through Wednesday.

Enjoy it while it lasts, Kate. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Ashlee and Pete: Empire Strikes Back Buddies



Celebrating the 30th anniversary of “The Empire Strikes Back,” Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz were spotted at a very special screening of the film in LA last night (May 19).

The “Pieces of Me” songstress and the former Fall Out Boy bassist looked to be having a great time at the St. Jude’s-sponsored event at the Arclight Cinema.

In related news, Ashlee and Pete’s son Bronx Mowgli was reportedly involved in a minor fender bender earlier this week.

The 17-month-old was traveling in Coldwater Canyon with his nanny in her black Lexus SUV when the accident occurred. Everyone was fine, though Pete was said to have rushed to the scene.

“American Idol” Top 2: Crystal and Lee!


During last night’s results show, Crystal Bowersox and Lee DeWyze were declared the top 2 finalists for this season’s “American Idol.”

Proving Kara DioGuardi’s prediction to be spot-on, Ryan Seacrest first announced that Lee was safe, later adding Crystal’s name to the safe list.

And of course Toledo, Ohio native Bowersox was thrilled to be in the top two, confirming, “I’m safe?” before running to Lee and giving him a big hug.

Both Lee and Crystal were very humbled by the results, while Casey James graciously accepted his fate with a smile and a nod.

Beyonce: White House State Dinner Performer


Gearing up for an important performance, Beyonce Knowles was seen leaving her hotel in Washington, DC on Wednesday evening (May 19).

The "Irreplaceable" singer happened to be heading to the White House to take part in President Barack Obama's second State Dinner.

Held in honor of Mexico's President Felipe Calderon and first lady Margarita Zavala, Beyonce will take the stage along with Mexican duo Rodrigo y Gabriela and the United States Marine Band.

Drawing plenty of star power, other attendees include "Desparate Housewives" actress Eva Longoria, the lovely Salma Hayek, and talk show hosts Oprah Winfrey and George Lopez.