Today's Full Report
Blink-182, Christina Perri, Florence + The Machine For New Year's
The Los Angeles lineup for "New Year's Rockin' Eve 2012" has been announced and they pulled out some big guns for the live broadcast.
The special will live from ABC Studios in New York on Saturday, December 31 on the ABC Television Network. Jenny McCarthy will report live from Times Square and Fergie will host the Los Angeles party segments.
The Los Angeles party will include performances by The Band Perry, blink-182, Christina Perri, Florence + The Machine, Gym Class Heroes, LMFAO, OneRepublic, Nicki Minaj, Taio Cruz and will.i.am. They join the previously announced New York lineup which includes Lady Gaga, Justin Bieber, Pitbull and Hot Chelle Rae. more on this story
Airline Pilot Ejects Alec Baldwin From Flight
(TMZ) The last straw in the Alec Baldwin/American Airlines incident came when he "slammed" the bathroom door so loudly the captain of Flight 4 had to get involved ... according to people on the plane.
We're told Baldwin's tweets about the incident are on point -- flight attendants wanted him to shut off his cell phone in the middle of a game of "Words with Friends" ... after the cabin door closed, but the plane remained at the gate.
But according to passengers ... after the confrontation over his phone, Alec got up to go to the bathroom and angrily slammed the lavatory door. We're told it was so loud the captain called back to flight attendants to find out what was happening.
That's when the captain himself made the call to have Baldwin removed.
Sources close to Alec claim he did not slam the door, and only got up to get the flight attendant's name so he could file a complaint -- but because the fasten seat belt sign was on he was asked to leave the plane.
Alec boarded the next LAX-JFK flight. more on this story
Los Angeles Lakers Star Cleared In Rape Investigation
(TMZ) Los Angeles Lakers forward Devin Ebanks -- a 2nd round draft pick in 2010 -- is off the hook in an LAPD rape investigation ... TMZ has learned.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the alleged victim told police Ebanks took her home from a nightclub on September 13, 2011 ... but when she turned down his sexual advances, Ebanks "forcibly penetrated [her] vagina with his penis five to ten times."
Cops say the woman reported the alleged incident to police later that night. But here's where it gets crazy -- cops say the woman wanted to get Ebanks to admit to the sex, so she sent him a text message FALSELY claiming he had given her a sexually transmitted disease.
But Ebanks didn't fall for the trap -- and replied that he couldn't have transmitted anything to her ... BECAUSE THEY NEVER HAD SEX!!!
We're told the woman also underwent a sexual assault examination, which revealed no foreign DNA anywhere on her body.
The L.A. County District Attorney eventually decided the woman had no credible evidence to back her story -- and rejected the case against Ebanks.
A rep for Ebanks had no comment -- but sources close to the Lakers tell TMZ, it's not the first time the alleged victim has made such accusations against pro ballers ... and law enforcement sources confirm that's the case. more on this story
Soulja Boy Vs Ex-Manager
(TMZ) Soulja Boy was nothing more than an ignorant 16-year-old when he skyrocketed to fame in 2007 -- and now, the rapper's suing his ex-manager ... claiming the guy took advantage of his naive teenage brain.
Soulja filed the documents in Georgia Superior Court, claiming his manager/lawyer Philip Ransom coerced him into signing multiple contracts when he was just starting out -- contracts that were "unconscionable, oppressive, and unjust."
According to the docs, the contracts included a management agreement that gave Ransom 5% of Soulja's income ... forever ... relating to work the rapper completed while Ransom was his manager.
Another contract allegedly gave 50% of all Soulja's music copyrights to his record label -- a deal the rapper now claims is "commercially unreasonable" and "contrary to music industry custom and practice."
But in reality, Soulja's just bitching because he didn't read the fine print -- the contracts Soulja signed ARE industry standard ... some recording contracts even take 100% of the copyrights.
Ransom denies the allegations -- filing new legal docs claiming Soulja's full of crap ... and still owes him money from their time together. more on this story
Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean Sends Out Death Themed Wedding Invites
(TMZ) He's getting married next week ... but Backstreet Boy A.J. McLean has blood on his mind -- sending out death-themed invitations that look like they were designed by Ed Hardy and Dracula ... and we got pics.
A.J. and his GF Rochelle Karidis are set to tie the knot on December 17 -- presuming all his guests aren't completely freaked out by the invites ... which contain bloody lettering and creepy gothic imagery.
The ceremony will take place at the Beverly Hills Hotel -- and celeb photographer Tyler Shields is officiating.
Don't get your hopes up for pics though -- according to the invites, all cell phones and cameras are banned. Check out photos of the invites here.
Rap History Celebrated With Profile Records Rap Anthology
(Legacy) Giant Record: Profile Records Rap Anthology puts a spotlight on the story of one of hip-hop's true super-powered indie labels.
The chronologically-arranged, 31-song double-CD will be available at all physical and digital retail outlets starting January 31, 2012
At the peak of its success and influence during the 1980s and '90s, New York-based indie label Profile Records boasted an artist roster that read like the Who's Who of hip-hop and rap stars – from Run-D.M.C., Dana Dane, Special Ed and Rob Base, to DJ Quik, Nine, Poor Righteous Teachers, and Onyx, to name just a few. The Profile logo was a familiar symbol to fans on the street, as the company shipped hundreds of thousands of records every month, billed tens of millions of dollars in its best years, and stacked up more RIAA gold and platinum plaques than they could count. more on this story
X Factor Winner Not Capped at $5 Million
(TMZ) If the $5 MILLION recording contract wasn't enough ... TMZ has learned the people behind 'X Factor' are willing to shell out MILLIONS more to the winner ... depending on how hard the soon-to-crowned champ works after the show.
Here's the deal -- each contestant signed a contract which states that if they win the show, they will get their $5 million over a period of 5 years ... $1 mil-per-year.
According to the contract, obtained by TMZ, the $5 mil is an "advance" on any earnings the winner brings in from record sales, merchandise sales, the official tour and more ... during the 5 years.
But the earnings are not capped at $5 mil -- if the performer generates more than $5 mil during the length of the deal, that person will get a cut of the profits. The more they sell, the more they rake in.
And there's more ... the singer is entitled to even more cash for any live performances outside of the official tour -- 30% of royalties from each gig -- and that money does NOT count toward the original $5 mil.
The show is down to the final 5 -- might to be time to invest in an accountant (we're lookin' at YOU Rachel Crow). more on this story
Brandy Lands New TV Series Role
Brandy has joined the cast of the BET series "The Game" where she will be playing Chardonnay, a sassy bartender who unexpectedly becomes Jason's (played by Coby Bell) new love interest.
According to the show's producers, Brandy's character is a "fun, strong woman who gives Jason a run for his money because she's the first woman to turn him down and call him on his BS." The new season of "The Game" begins Tuesday, January 10, at 10pm ET/PT.
Brandy is currently in the studio working on her new album with a lineup of superstar talent and A-list producers that have been handpicked by Chameleon Records CEO Breyon Prescott, including Sean Garrett, Rico Love, Bangladesh, Timbaland, Frank Ocean, Jim Jonsin, Hit Boy, Ester Dean and Danja Hands. more on this story
Tanya Tucker Releases Christmas Single
Yesterday country star Tanya Tucker digitally released her new single, "Merry Christmas Wherever You Are."
Tanya offers, "With so many troops deployed overseas and with the economy being such that people are having to relocate to find work, recording this track was a very personal and emotional experience. Also, when I recorded that vocal, I was thinking of all the parents who had missing children and all the children who no longer had a parent to share this very special time."
Christmas has always been Tanya's favorite holiday and plans on putting together a full length Christmas record next year. Take a listen to the new song here.
Real Housewives of New Jersey Star Denies Stripper Reports
(TMZ) "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Melissa Gorga is adamant she never, ever STRIPPED during her stint as a bartender at Lookers Gentleman's Club in New Jersey ... and now she's threatening to sue anyone who says otherwise.
Gorga's has been hounded by the stripper talk ever since a former Lookers employee began calling BS on Melissa to the media ... insisting she was an exotic dancer at the club.
But Gorga claims she can PROVE she never got naked -- unearthing payroll sheets which list her as a "bar maid" ... and getting a sworn affidavit from longtime club owner Chris Kontos, in which he testifies Melissa "worked solely in the capacity as a bartender."
Gorga has also hired attorney James J. Leonard Jr. -- who tells TMZ, "At this time we are aggressively pursuing the commencement of litigation against any and all individuals, in any jurisdiction, who have or continue to disseminate false statements against Melissa Gorga." more on this story
The Practice Star Crashes Into Female Biker
(TMZ) "The Practice" star Rhona Mitra allegedly caused a major David vs. Goliath car accident -- as in her giant SUV vs. a motorcycle -- and now the other driver is demanding Mitra pay up for causing "severe injuries" to herself and the bike.
According to a lawsuit filed in L.A. Superior Court back in September, Mitra was driving her 2002 Mercedes Benz G500 around in Venice, CA back in March ... when she collided with a female biker.
The alleged victim claims she was seriously messed up in the wreck -- and wants Mitra to fork over more than $25 to pay for all of her pain and suffering ... plus repairs to the bike.
Mitra's rep tells TMZ ... cops believe she was not to blame for the wreck .... but the insurance companies for both sides are talking in the hopes of resolving everything. more on this story
A Skaggs Family Christmas Live Set To Air This Week
(Webster) A Skaggs Family Christmas Live will be airing on RFD-TV on December 8 and 9.
The hour-long extravaganza features Ricky, his wife Sharon, and their children Luke and Molly, and includes Buck and Cheryl White and Cheryl's daughter Rachel Leftwich.
Also performing is Ricky's band Kentucky Thunder along with Jim Gray and the Nashville Session Players. The troupe treats fans to traditional holiday favorites as well as new songs that are sure to become seasonal standards. The special is the perfect accompaniment to a warm fire, sweet eggnog and yuletide cheer. more on this story
Have A Mary Mary Christmas Tour Canceled
Sister duo Mary Mary (Erica and Tina Campbell) have been forced to cancel their first ever "Have A Mary Mary Christmas Tour" as Erica's February due date draws near.
The singer has been advised by doctors that she cannot continue working at her current pace without risk of potential premature delivery. After careful consideration, the ladies have determined it is best to cancel the entire tour at this time, including their New Year's Eve show.
Up to now, the ladies have been on an exhaustive cross-country schedule of promotional activities, and, given the medical opinion, recognize what the priorities must be. more on this story
Kardashians Get Nailed Equally
(TMZ) All Kardashian women may not be created equal ... but one of the biggest nail polish companies on the planet is sure paying them like they are ... and get this -- even the half-sisters are raking in BIG MONEY.
TMZ has learned ... all 6 K-ladies (Kris, Kim, Kourtney, Khloe, Kylie and Kendall) inked a deal with OPI back in March to become spokeswomen for a Kardashian line of nail polish ... featuring colors like:
Sealed with a Kris -- an intense dark red tone
Kim-pletely In Love – a soft, delicate pale pink hue
Khloe Had a Little Lam-Lam – an eye-catching dark emerald hue
Listen to Your Momager! – a striking deep blue tone
According to the contract, obtained by TMZ, the family was guaranteed $600,000 up front -- plus a cut of the nail polish profits.
Here's the thing ... the documents show the money is being divided EQUALLY between all of the women -- that's $100k-per-gal for all you math wizards out there.
Shocking considering Kim is in her own stratosphere when it comes to star-power ... then again, they say charity starts in the home.
Fun Fact -- each lady has requested to be paid through their very own corporations ... which have names like Kimsaprincess Inc., 2Die4Kourt Inc. and KhloMoney Inc.
From X Games To X Rated
(TMZ) A butt naked Shaun White smiled for the camera ... while messing around on a bed with a hot naked lady back in 2009 ... and now the X-rated photos are being shopped around town ... TMZ has learned.
Sources tell TMZ ... the photos were taken at a hotel party ... a short time before The Flying Tomato won a gold medal at the 2009 Winter X-Games for Superpipe (haha ... superpipe).
We're told several party goers managed to snap photos of the naked romp -- but we're told people close to White immediately tried to run damage control and told people to erase all of the pictures.
Now, at least two of the pics have surfaced ... one featuring Shaun making out with a hot blonde chick in front of other people ... with their clothes on.
The other pic shows Shaun with the same woman -- sans clothes -- in the middle of a missionary-style embrace on a bed ... with Shaun grinning at the direction of the camera.
TMZ has seen the pics ... let's just say the ginger carpet matches the ginger drapes.
We're told the buyer is looking for a serious payday -- but so far, has not found a buyer.
We've spoken to a rep for White ... so far, no comment.
Dr. Drew Hooks Up Octomom
(TMZ) Just weeks after Dr. Drew promised Octomom free internet service ... to help the mom-of-14 take online classes and get a damn job ... the former "Celebrity Rehab" host has made good on his word.
In case you missed it -- Dr. Drew offered Nadya Suleman an all-inclusive life improvement package last month on his show ...
Including a 6-month personal trainer online certification program, a year of cleaning services, and a year of child care services. more on this story
Singled Out: Roma! The Band
AOL music just premiered Roma! The Band's new video and to celebrate we asked vocalist Stiletto to tell us about a couple of other tracks from their debut album "The Wild Party". Here are the stories:
"Queenie" was the first song we wrote with our producer, David Barratt. The girls and I showed up for rehearsal one day, and David said: "We're going to write a song." He called out three chords, and told the girls to play any melody they wanted. Same for the drums.
To everyone's amazement, we had a seriously catchy riff on our hands within a matter of minutes. I remember thinking it sounded like one of my favorite Velvet Underground songs.
Then David turned to me and went: "What's your favorite poem?"
"Of all time?" I asked.
"Of all time," he answered. "Without thinking."
"The Wild Party," I said, without thinking. "It's a sleazy epic poem from the twenties by this guy named Joseph Moncure March. And it made Burroughs want to be a writer."
"From the twenties?" David asked. "Perfect! Then it's public domain. Let me take a look at it."
A quick Google search later, and he had the entire poem pulled up on his iPhone. He smiled. "The opening lines sound like a song," he said. "Look!"
He handed me his iPhone, and I read them aloud over what the band was playing:
"Queenie was a blonde, and her age stood still, And she danced twice a day in vaudeville."
He was right!
"Use these lines as a jumping off point for your lyrics," he said. "Go!"
All it took was a little nip and tuck here and there, and pretty soon I had the verses and the choruses down cold. I'll never forget the first time we played "Queenie" all the way through. It felt magical – almost like we'd channeled something. And none of us could stop smiling.
David looked at his watch. "You guys did that in 45 minutes," he deadpanned as only the British know how. "Now that wasn't so painful, was it?"
"The Wild Orgy": While most of our songs are written before we record them, "The Wild Orgy" was written in the studio. I use the word "studio" loosely, since our producer David Barratt actually recorded "The Wild Orgy" on his portable rig in my East Village apartment.
A reprise of the title track from The Wild Party, the song is built on a chorus of moans, gasps and pillow talk that borrows heavily from the "I'll have what she's having" scene in When Harry Met Sally. It was this orgasmic chorus that proved the most difficult to record.
Not on account of the performances – the girls did a stellar job of moaning and groaning – but because the apartment wasn't giving David the room sound that he wanted. After trying several different microphone placements in the bedroom, the kitchen and the living room, we settled on the bathroom – which hasn't been renovated since the thirties, and appears to have been designed for Warwick Davis and his family in Willow.
Given that two of us are six feet tall, I still can't figure out the physics of how we all fit in there to record. I think three of us piled up in the miniature bathtub, while the other two shared the toilet. Between running out of oxygen and the less than sensuous setting, it was tough for us to get in the mood.
But where there's a will, there's a way. Eventually we eked out a perfect take, and David freed us from the confines of my bathroom. So while "The Wild Orgy" may conjure up images of boudoirs and bordellos for the average listener, all it makes me think of is how small my bathroom is!
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