J. Lo may take over the panel spot vacated by Ellen DeGeneres, according to Deadline.com. By Mawuse Ziegbe
Jennifer Lopez Photo: Jeff Kravitz/ FilmMagic
With two open seats now on the "American Idol" judging panel, all types of celebrity names have been bandied about as possible replacements. Elton John and Justin Timberlake were reportedly thrown out as names on an "Idol" wish list. Pop starlet Jessica Simpson has also popped up as a potential name ready to sign on. And with Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres no longer doling out critiques to "Idol" hopefuls, singer and actress Jennifer Lopez has emerged as the latest potential new judge.
Deadline.com reports that Lopez has officially inked a deal to join "Idol" and that the announcement was being kept under wraps until DeGeneres' exit was made public. According to the site, Lopez's manager Benny Medina set up a meeting with "Idol" producers and the singer's camp has been negotiating the deal for about a month. Entertainment website Gossip Cop also reported that a source close to the show confirms that both Lopez and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler have been offered spots on the judging panel.
A rep for "American Idol" declined to confirm or deny the rumor to MTV News and only offered "no comment." A representative for Lopez did not respond to MTV News' request for comment at press time.
If Lopez joins the amateur talent behemoth, she would follow in the footsteps of fellow pop diva and dancer Paula Abdul, who brought her experience as a chart-topping recording artist to her critiques for eight seasons.
Levine's PSA promotes 'Countdown to Zero' anti-nuclear documentary from the producers of 'An Inconvenient Truth.' By James Montgomery
Maroon 5's Adam Levine and Michael Madden Photo: MTV News
Maroon 5's Adam Levine never thought he'd be talking about a topic like nuclear proliferation, because, well, he's the lead singer of a world-famous rock band. Discussing the finer points of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty wasn't exactly on the job description.
And yet, when he was approached by the folks behind "Countdown to Zero" — the harrowing new documentary from the producers of "An Inconvenient Truth" that investigates the perilous state of global politics and the spread of nuclear weapons — about helping promote the film, he said yes.
"It's one of those issues where it's really easy to establish a stance on," Levine said. "It's more of a human issue, and it makes no sense whatsoever to me. I mean, I'm pretty certain it was a terrible idea to invent nuclear weapons in the first place."
"The best way to do things with a delicate issue like this is just to present the facts, and that's what this film does," Levine said. "There are 'X' amount of weapons, and 'Y' amount of people have died because of them, and, oh, by the way, 'Z' amount of those nuclear weapons have gone missing over the years. To me, that was the most staggering stat. I mean, these are not cherry bombs! So while I'm not going to get on the soapbox, I do think that most people will admit that missing nuclear weapons is a bad thing — so why bother having them at all?"
And though he sounds like a well-trained expert now, things didn't quite go as smoothly in the Take Part PSA — which, by the way, is making its world premiere right here — as you can probably tell from the end result. Because unlike some other musicians who lent a hand (a list that includes Pearl Jam, Trent Reznor, R.E.M., Tom Morello and OK Go), Levine is still getting the hang of this whole "spokesperson" thing.
"Oh man, when we shot [the PSA], it was early and I wasn't really good at reading scripts, so I cursed a lot," he laughed.
"Countdown to Zero" opens in theaters nationwide on Friday (July 30).
'It symbolizes how I've had to remove myself from society,' Em says of 'glass-cube' cover. By James Montgomery
Eminem (file) Photo: Michael Caulfield/ WireImage
It was, to say the very least, unseasonably cold in Detroit back in April — like, 33 degrees cold — but that didn't stop Eminem from ditching his down coat to shoot the cover for his Recovery album.
Of course, he wasn't exactly happy about doing it, but at the request of photographer Nigel Parry, he shed his coat and sat in a makeshift living room in Detroit's Hart Plaza, joking, "Oh man, listen, take your time, listen, I am enjoying the weather so f---ing much!" while Parry snapped away.
All of this occurs within the first minute of a brand-new, behind-the-scenes video posted late Thursday on Em's official site. The video gives fans an exclusive look at the creation of Recovery's two iconic covers. In part one, we watch him shoot the so-called "glass-cube" cover, which, as Em explains, has a lot more symbolism than you'd think.
"It symbolizes, like, what my life is like right now because of the fame, but also kind of how I've had to remove myself from society a little bit, pull back to conquer my demons, my addiction and that whole thing," he says in the video. "It also symbolizes me never leaving Detroit, you know? I'm kinda just sitting in the middle of Detroit, watching TV. And it's kind of my living room, where people are just walking by."
The first clip ends with Eminem, Parry and a team of art directors piling into vans to go shoot the second album cover, which Em describes as "the road to Recovery." And then, in an extended gag — designed to make the rest of his crew as cold and miserable as he is — Em goes on a lengthy rant where he spouts self-help mantras ("You gotta take it one day at a time," etc.) while everyone huddles by a van, laughing.
At the end of the video, we see a quick scene of Eminem wandering down a deserted stretch of highway, and a title card promises that episode two of the Recovery behind-the-scenes footage will be coming soon.
'She's always been in control of her own destiny,' Cowell says. By James Dinh
Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell Photo: Kevin Parry/ WireImage
Fans and bloggers aren't the only ones sharing their reactions to the news that Ellen DeGeneres is leaving "American Idol" after just one season. Fellow departed judge Simon Cowell and current host Ryan Seacrest have also revealed their feelings about the news.
Cowell, who left the show after last season, seemed to imply that he thinks DeGeneres is making the right move. "As I got to know Ellen, I grew to really, really like her," Cowell said in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter. "I have huge respect for her because she's always been in control of her own destiny."
Ryan Seacrest also dished his two cents on the comedian's unexpected exit. The host took to Twitter on Thursday night with nothing but kind words for his colleague. "Spoke with ellen d tonight aka @theellenshow. I will miss her on Idol. She's one of the kindest and most talented people in Hollywood," he tweeted.
On Thursday, Ellen announced her departure from the show in a statement she posted on her website. "It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for," she wrote. "I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings. I loved the experience working on 'Idol' and I am very grateful for the year I had. I am a huge fan of the show and will continue to be."
What do you think about Ellen's departure from "Idol"? Will you miss her? Let us know in the comments!
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.
Out and about on a beautiful afternoon, Adrienne Bailon was spotted in New York City on Wednesday (July 28).
The former Cheetah Girl looked cute and casual as she lugged her big handbag down the street, sporting a black tank top and distressed white trousers.
Coming up this weekend, Adrienne will be attending the 13th Annual Super Saturday 13 benefit in Water Mill, New York.
A rep from the event explained, "Super Saturday is a fun-filled, daylong fundraiser for the entire family, complete with a one-of-a-kind designer garage sale, kids' carnival and activities, raffle and entertainment to benefit Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. In addition to the incredible shopping, the afternoon will be filled with activities and indulgences provided by Physique 57, Nintendo, Essie Cosmetics, Votre Vu, Camp Divalysscious, Success for Kids, Space Odyssey East, and Crumbs Bakeshop."
She’s always love a good shindig, and last night (July 29) Tara Reid was spotted getting sloshed at the VIP Room in St. Tropez, France.
The “American Pie” actress arrived with her ex-fiance Michael Axtmann, but started getting handsy with former NBA stud Dennis Rodman before long.
The night before, Tara was up to her old tricks again, pretty much making out with the entire guest list of a private yacht party held by heiress Denise Rich.
But one onlooker said Reid was definitely attached to Axtmann for the majority of the evening. “Tara and Michael seemed to be having a great time. Anyone who saw them would have thought they were a couple in love.”
Taking their high-energy show to New York City, the Black Eyed Peas performed on “Good Morning America” today (July 30).
Stacy “Fergie” Ferguson, will.i.am, Apl.de.ap, and Taboo took the stage at the Rumsey Playfield before a massive crowd of fans.
In related news, the “My Humps” hitmakers are celebrating a milestone in their career as a band- their song “I Gotta Feeling” just surpassed the 6 million downloads mark.
Will.i.am told press, "We came out in '98 and our career, if you would look at it on chart, there's no dips in it. For our career to still be healthy and vibrant and doing things like 6 million downloads, it's pretty significant."
"That means that they chose to support the group, support the art. God knows how many people listened to it online and didn't buy it, downloaded it for free and didn't think about it."
Mary J Blige is going on HSN this Saturday (7/31) to launch her new fragrance, My Life. In an effort to send women to college this fall, Mary, FFAWN and HSN have teamed up and $1 from each sale of the fragrance on Saturday will be donated to FFAWN. Hopefully several young women will benefit from this.
'She'd be new and fresh,' fan says of 'Jersey Shore' star joining 'American Idol.' By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Ignacio Guzman
"Jersey Shore" star Angelina Photo: Emily Shur
After news broke late Thursday that Ellen DeGeneres will not be returning as one of the judges on "American Idol" next season, "Jersey Shore" fans were partying and celebrating the premiere of the show's second season at a viewing party held by "Jersey Shore" star Angelina in Staten Island. And, while the chatter was all about the action-filled season premiere, they also had a ton of opinions on who should fill DeGeneres' now vacant seat.
"Ellen [is my favorite]! No, Ellen, no!!!" Linda told MTV News after learning that DeGeneres would not be returning. "I would recommend Christina Aguilera! I love Jessica [Simpson]!"
Her pal Alana agreed that Simpson could make a great judge on the show. "If I were a lesbian, Ellen would be mine! She'd get the business! She would be mine!" she laughed. "Jessica is an all-American, Southern chick. She can sing."
However, Amanda made the case to bring a little "Jersey Shore" to the judges' table. "My favorite judge on 'American Idol' is actually Simon because he tells the truth, and most of the time he's usually right. I did hear that Ellen DeGeneres was leaving. [I thought] she was a guest judge [anyway]. I thought she was only going to be there for a season," she said. "You know what? I think Angelina would be the perfect replacement for her. She'd be new and fresh."
Someone who has been vying for a spot on "Idol" for quite some time now is Perez Hilton, who was not at the viewing party, but did send MTV News an e-mail reacting to DeGeneres' departure. "She knew — and the audience knew — that 'Idol' was not the right fit for her, so she wisely extricated herself from the show," he wrote. "Obviously I think I'd be great in that role. Plus, if they hire Jessica Simpson too, there'd definitely be lots of fireworks between us! She'd be my Paula!"
Who do you think should be a new judge on "American Idol"? Sound off in the comments below!
"Jersey Shore" airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Be there!
