Crystal Bowersox attributes good health to Idol experience

May 28, 2010

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Despite her battle with juvenile diabetes and the stress of the American Idol competition, Crystal Bowersox is now better than ever — thanks in part to the Fox hit reality show. “Through the care I received, I have had a complete change and [have] never been as healthy as I am right now,” the season nine runner-up says. After growing up in poverty lacking the funds for proper medical care, Crystal realized in a moment of crisis that her new resources as a singing superstar could do wonders for her well-being. “Once I got sick, a team of people swarmed in to help me, and I never felt so loved in my life,” the 24-year-old single mom, who was hospitalized mid-competition in March for complications from her disease, adds. Though initially she was reluctant to discuss her health problems, Crystal now wants to be a spokesperson for diabetes. “I [feel] like I have a platform to become a role model for kids, and to help the diabetic community worldwide. That is the main focus of my career after Idol. I want to do good things,” the big-hearted star says.

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by In Touch Weekly Magazine
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Gary Coleman dies


Just two days after suffering a brain hemorrhage, beloved child actor Gary Coleman passed away at a Utah hospital. Though he seemed “conscious and lucid” the day after the May 26 incident, the Diff’rent Strokes star, 42, faded and eventually slipped into a coma, according to a rep for Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah. The spokesperson adds that family and friends were by Gary’s side when life support was removed on May 28 at 12:05 p.m. “Family members express their appreciation and gratitude for the support and prayers that have been expressed for Gary and for them,” the rep says. The 4’8″ actor experienced a variety of other health problems during his short life, including the kidney disease nephritis and seizures. He is survived by his wife of two years, Shannon Price.

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by In Touch Weekly Magazine
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Out & About


Zombieland‘s Amber Heard hosted W Los Angeles-Westwood_s 10th Birthday soiree with the American Cancer Society.

Miss USA Rima Fakih ate a veggie hot dog and Nathan’s Famous crinkle cut fries as the Mets beat the Phillies at New York’s Citi Field.

Kristen Bell and fiancé Dax Shepard had dinner with Tim Roth during Social Mondays at The Stanton Social in New York.

Ricky Martin performed for celebrity guests like Raúl de Molina at the Univision Upfront event in New York.

Denver Nuggets Carmelo Anthony and fiancée MTV VJ La La Vazquez attended the 25th anniversary of the Cedars-Sinai Sports Spectacular in LA.

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by In Touch Weekly Magazine
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Why David Cook skipped the Idol finale

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Unlike all of the other American Idol winners (Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, and Kris Allen), season 7 champ David Cook was curiously absent from the show’s May 26 finale in Los Angeles, which also marked Simon Cowell’s last episode. Simon is leaving Idol to launch a U.S. version of The X Factor. But David tells In Touch he had a great reason for missing out on the festivities: The singer was participating in a golf tournament benefiting The Shadow Buddies Foundation, a charity that helps kids with cancer, in Kansas City. (David’s older brother, Adam Cook, died of cancer in 2009.) And although David couldn’t wish Simon a face-to-face farewell, he appreciates all the constructive – if sometimes caustic – criticism the judge provided on the road to his win. “Simon Cowell was a major help to me throughout the Idol process, and his advice and critiques served me well since,” David tells In Touch exclusively. “I want to wish him the best in all future endeavors and look forward to seeing his continued success.”

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Gary Coleman Taken Off Life Support, Dead at 42


Former child star and actor Gary Coleman of Diff’rent Strokes fame has died. He was 42. He was taken off life support earlier today and passed away.

The diminutive Coleman passed away at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo after suffering a brain hemorrhage and losing consciousness.

A resident of Santaquin, Utah, Coleman had been hospitalized Wednesday and lost consciousness the next day. He was on life support until this afternoon.

Born with failed kidneys, Coleman had undergone two transplants by age 14 and his growth was permanently stunted by the side effects of dialysis.

He was a precocious, chubby-cheeked Coleman was 10 when Diff’rent Strokes debuted on NBC in 1978. The popular show lasted for eight seasons.

Vintage Gary ColemanGary Coleman Image

R.I.P. Gary Coleman (1968-2010).

The scene-stealing Gary quickly became a pop-culture icon, whose recurring line “Whatchoo talkin’ ’bout, Willis?” became a national catchphrase.

At the height of his TV series success, Coleman reportedly earned $64,000 per week and is said to have made some $18 million during his heyday.

His acting career as an adult fell far short of his glory days, however, with only occasional guest appearances and small roles in films and TV movies.

Coleman has had encounters with the law in recent years, including just this February, when he accepted a plea deal on domestic violence charges.

That stemmed from an incident with wife Shannon Price, who took him off life support today. Gary’s health problems also escalated in recent years.

Hopefully he is now at peace. Our condolences to Gary Coleman’s family, friends and fans in this difficult time. He will be remembered and missed.

Filed under: Gary Coleman - R.I.P.
by Free Britney
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THG Caption Contest: May 28


Welcome to another edition of The Hollywood Gossip Caption Contest. Here’s a challenge for our readers: Come up with the best caption(s) or the  pic below!

Our subject: Heidi Montag. At the gun range.

What could The Hills star be saying/doing? You tell us! Just click “Comments” and send your caption(s), as many as you like. We’ll announce the winner Tuesday.

Give it your best shot (har har) …

Strapped B!tch

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by Free Britney
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Charlie Sheen Will Plead Guilty, May Serve Jail Time in Assault Case


Charlie Sheen is preparing to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge stemming from his Christmas assault on wife Brooke Mueller – but will he go to jail?

As part of a plea deal with the Colorado District Attorney’s office, Charlie may be facing as many as 45 days in the slammer in Aspen’s Pitkin County Jail.

In exchange for Sheen’s plea, a felony menacing charge will be dropped.

Sheen’s next court appearance is set for June 7, where his plea deal can be entered and his trial in the case (currently set for July 21) therefor canceled.

As for what his punishment will be, sources connected with the case say the D.A. in Aspen and Charlie’s lawyers have hammered out four scenarios …

Brooke and Charlie Photo

Charlie Sheen’s assault on Brooke Mueller will result in a legal reprimand next week. But the actor is reportedly unsure which of the below scenarios he is willing to accept.

  1. Charlie pleads guilty to a misdemeanor and serve 30 days in jail. He enters the plea June 7 and immediately begins serving time. With good behavior, it could truncate to 17 days. After that stint, the case is closed. No probation.
  2. Charlie pleads guilty to a misdemeanor and receives no jail time, but is placed on two years probation. Sounds great, but if the star slips up, the judge could throw the book at him and he could be facing far more than 30 days in jail.
  3. Charlie receives “deferred prosecution,” i.e. the case will not go forward but the Two and a Half Men star must agree to various conditions, like not breaking the law. After a certain period of compliance, the matter would be expunged.
  4. Go to trial. Sheen is reportedly upset at the Tito Ortiz case, in which the UFC star was not prosecuted, even after allegations similar to those made against Sheen. This would be a huge roll of the dice, because losing ensures jail time.

It’s all in his hands at this point, so stay tuned.

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by Free Britney
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Gary Coleman on Life Support, Unconscious After Suffering Brain Hemorrhage


The manager of Gary Coleman is asking for our “thoughts and prayers” as the former child star, now 42, is on life support after suffering a brain hemorrhage.

He suffered the injury in his Utah home on Wednesday. Coleman was hospitalized for treatment, his manager John Alcantar said, and was in critical condition.

Things took a turn for the worse, though, when Coleman was transferred to the ICU at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center for further tests and treatment:

“As of May 27, Mr. Coleman was conscious and lucid. By early afternoon, Mr. Coleman was slipping in and out of consciousness and his condition worsened.

Gary Coleman Pic

“We are very saddened to announce that since mid-afternoon, Mountain Time, on May 27, 2010, Mr. Coleman has been unconscious and on life support.”

Alcantar says that despite Coleman’s recent history of health problems and personal issues, “he always has had fond memories of being an entertainer.”

“He appreciates his fans for all their support. At this critical moment, we can only ask for thoughts and prayers for Gary to make a speedy, full recovery.”

If it’s any consolation, Bret Michaels also suffered a brain hemorrhage and bounced back from similarly long odds. Here’s hoping Coleman can do the same.

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by Free Britney
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Celebrities Cheer Lakers to Playoff Victory


Paris Hilton may have supported the troops this week, but other major celebrities were focused on an equally vital cause:

The Los Angeles Lakers march to a second consecutive NBA championship.

A-listers such as David Beckham and Zac Efron were courtside for the Lakers’ game against the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference Finals. Los Angeles eeked out a 103-101 victory on a last-second put back by Ron Artest.

Also in the front row? Nina Dobrev and Ian Somerhalder of The Vampire Diaries… together! Let the dating rumors swirl.

Laker Fans

Co-Stars, FansZac at the Lakers GameBeckham Loves BasketballA Worried FanCheering on LA

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Lawyers to Tiger Woods: No Dating Allowed!


At this point, it’s looking like a matter of when, not if Tiger Woods gets divorced from wife Elin. But until that happens, his handlers want him under lock and key.

According to reports, the golfer’s legal team told him he won’t be able to date until the split is completely finalized. The reason? Well, it’s kind of obvious, right?

Says a source close to the situation:

“Elin’s building a character case [based on serial philandering]. Elin’s team is watching Tiger’s every move. She wants more money than Michael Jordan’s ex got.”

Jordan’s ex-wife reportedly received $168 million. Elin is said to want $750 million (!) which may be a stretch, but even if she gets a quarter of that … wow.

Despondent

Tiger’s reaction to being barred from dating was likely similar.

She certainly has enough material on Tiger to make a compelling case as it is. If he were caught mauling Joslyn James or that Elin Woods look-alike, though? Wow.

As for custody of the couple’s two small children?

“They’ll share it, but she wants the ability to take them to Sweden whenever she wants,” says the insider. Tiger wants the right to object in court – here or abroad.

Things are already getting ugly, too. His other main hangup? He wants this confidential – now and ’til the end of time. As in no interviews or books by Elin. Ever.

She’s balking at that so far. Stay tuned …

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by Free Britney
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