Chris Isaak Considered as Next American Idol Judge

July 21, 2010


We seem to be down to three.

With American Idol auditions about to start up again around the nation, the show is anxious to name a replacement for Simon Cowell. With Bret Michaels already campaigning for the gig, and Harry Connick Jr. remaining a candidate, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed a third name for the job:

Chris Isaak.

According to that publication, the singer has been brought in twice for an interview with Idol producers.

AI Judges

Isaak has guest-starred on a couple TV shows and is probably best known for his 1991 hit, “Wicked Game.”

But it seems hard to believe many in Idol‘s core audience have heard of him. Michaels would be the best choice if the show is going after pop culture relevance, while Connick – an actor, singer and composer – would deliver the most versatility.

Who do you think should take Simon’s spot?

In Touch Exclusive Photo:Jon Gosselin loses his beer belly!


When Jon Gosselin took to the beach in Ocean City, N.J., on July 8, he looked like a new man. Donning dark shades and a plaid bathing suit, the dad of eight looked toned, tanned and healthier than ever while strolling the beach with his bikini-clad girlfriend, Ellen Ross. And there was one thing noticeably missing — his beer belly! “Jon’s made time for himself,” says a friend of the reality star, who adds that Jon’s kids were his main motivation to get in shape. “Jon’s own dad never took care of himself and died at an early age, so Jon is doing whatever he can to ensure he’ll be around for his kids as long as possible.”

After his acrimonious split with Kate last year, Jon’s life took a nosedive. He stopped going to the gym and eating Kate’s healthy, home cooked meals, and plummeted into a wild bachelor lifestyle, which included lots of bar-hopping, heavy drinking and smoking. He soon left the family’s television show, Jon & Kate Plus 8, and acquired a reputation for constantly partying with a revolving door of young women. But now, Jon’s friend says the tide has finally turned, and the family man is getting his life back on track. Says the pal, “He feels better and looks better than ever.”

Joe Jonas Performs Charity Work, Plays Concert in Africa


It’s not enough for Joe Jonas to be handsome and talented.

He also must be incredibly giving.

As part of the Cambio Cares project, the singer recently spent time in Africa. He performed a concert for underprivileged kids there and also took on a considerable amount of charity work in the region.

Like Sandra Bullock this week, and Angelina Jolie always, it’s refreshing to see a celebrity using his/her status for good, isn’t it?

Jonas In Africa

Doing Lots of GoodAfrican VisitJust a Charitable Joe

WATCH A VIDEO OF JONAS IN AFRICA BELOW.

 

Bachelorette burning questions answered!

Bachelorette0721.jpg

This season of The Bachelorette has been as drama-filled as a soap opera. And it might even turn out to be truly “the most shocking finale ever” — because Ali may end up alone. During the Men Tell All taping on July 17, “Ali made no indication that she picked anyone,” an insider tells In Touch. And while Ali’s been cryptic about her current relationship status, the contestants have not been as discreet, allowing In Touch to easily uncover their deepest secrets and darkest betrayals.

Did Mel Gibson Hit Oksana Grigorieva’s Son?


The accusations against Mel Gibson keep piling up. The actor’s ex-girlfriend, Oksana Grigorieva, claims he grabbed her son and threw him on a table in a rage.

All over a cigarette, no less.

Oksana’s son is 12, and his father is her ex, Timothy Dalton. The potential significance of the cigarette incident with Gibson is that may have been witnesses.

That’s a stark contrast to the Mel Gibson tapes, which – despite their awfulness – were recorded without his consent, in unknown context, and possibly edited.

With regard to the alleged attack on Oksana’s son Alexander, who also goes by Sacha, the boy was playfully trying to knock a cigarette out of Mel’s mouth.

Oksana, Mel Pic

Oksana claims that Mel just exploded, grabbing the boy and throwing him violently onto a table. The issue came up during their custody mediation in May.

At that point, Mel and Oksana were trying to work out an custody deal for daughter Lucia, eight months – and a financial settlement that involved the tapes.

For reasons unknown, Oksana left $15 million on the table.

In any case, Oksana’s people informed Mel’s lawyers of the attack, while his camp says “numerous adults and children” saw the incident – and differently.

Mel’s lawyers claim witnesses will say it just goofing around and Mel did not get physical with Sacha, who accidentally fell as he was jumping for Mel’s smoke.

The criminal domestic violence investigation hinges on credibility. Right now, it’s hard to establish who has it. The tapes are bad, but criminally, prove little.

Robyn Gibson gave Mel a huge boost with her declaration last week, and if witnesses come forward to back him here too, Oksana’s credibility will take a hit.

On a related note, Radar Online has obtained the photo of a bruised Lucia that Oksana is using to plead with police and the courts to strip Mel of custody.

The photo of Lucia shows what looks like a small abrasion on her chin, which Oksana claims she sustained in a January 6 brawl in which Mel hit them both.

Again, we’re not defending Mel or saying he’s not at fault, but the bruise looks very small, and could have occurred at any time and in any number of ways.

Ultimately, the authorities and courts will decide if a crime occurred, and whether Mel can be trusted with Lucia. Whose side are you on?

Bristol Palin, Levi Johnston Reflect on Hilariously Staged Engagement


Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston recently got engaged. Again.

While we don’t doubt that the parents of 18-month-old son Tripp are genuine in their feelings for each other, they’re clearly milking the reconciliation for all it’s worth, even putting celebrity gossip coverage ahead of family.

In a poignant sit-down with Us Weekly, Bristol Palin reveals that her mother Sarah Palin “doesn’t really approve” of her surprise engagement to Levi.

Perhaps because she wasn’t told beforehand? Just a guess.

“She’s apprehensive and concerned. She doesn’t want to see me get hurt again,” says Bristol. “My mom is not 100 percent backing us up right now.”

Levi and Bristol PhotoAlaska Fan

How did Bristol and Levi break the news to Sarah? Over the phone.

“She knew Levi and I had been talking, but she wanted to know if Levi was really sincere about this,” says Bristol, admitting Us knew before her folks.

“I told her we were working on our relationship for Tripp, and she told me, ‘Actions speak louder than words.’ She’s going to wait to see if he changes.”

“People are more worried for me than excited for me,” she confesses.

Sarah Palin’s feud with Levi is infamous, and her feelings evident in a vapid statement not congratulating them, but saying “Bristol believes in redemption and forgiveness to a degree most of us struggle to put in practice in our daily lives.”

Follow the jump for a video of the magazine’s interview with the probably soon-to-be newlyweds. WARNING: It’s easily a 9.5 out of 10 on the Cheese Meter. We can only imagine with their future reality show is going to be like:

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Bristol and Levi Interview

Justin Bieber: Rolling in Lamborghini, Eating FroYo, Possibly Dueting with Selena Gomez


This is how Justin Bieber rolls.

The 16-year old sensation was spotted cruising around Los Angeles this week with fellow singer Sean Kingston. The pair took to the streets in style, with Justin behind the wheel of a white Lamborghini.

You can’t really make out the type of vehicle in this photo of the pair, but trust us. After all, what other model would a comic book star be seen in anyway?!?

Lamborghini Rollin

The heartthrob also stopped to pick up some Pinkberry, making female fans around the globe swoon each time he opened his mouth and licked his lips.

One of those fans is Selena Gomez, who told the latest issue of M magazine that she’d love to duet with Bieber:

“I’ll probably ask him if he wants to. He’s really busy, especially since he’s on tour, which I totally understand. I love that kid so much. He has definitely been an inspiration to me in many ways. Justin has become one of my best friends. So doing a duet together would be a dream come true for both of us.”

What would you think of a duet between Selena and Justin?

Tastes GoodYummy FroYoBieber BiteTasty!Dessert Break

Breaking News: Angelina Jolie Steals Brad Pitt From Jennifer Aniston!


It’s apparently Turn Back the Clock week over at Us Magazine.

We realize that Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston’s divorce was seen, and is still noted to be, one of the most scandalous, shocking celebrity breakups in recent history.

But we’ll let you in on a tip, Us: They split in January 2005.

Pitt’s affair and subsequent partnership with Angelina Jolie continue to fascinate for obvious reasons, but really guys? We’re revisiting his original split with Jen?

At least Star can think up new Brangelina breakups, secret Brennifer hookups, Angie mind games and Jen loneliness in a bid to keep the love triangle current.

This, however, is basically a five-year-old cover story …

How She Stole Him!

Finally, the truth! Knock us over with a feather!

Yes, we realize the publication cites a new tell-all book about the celebrities and some supposedly new revelations as its reason for dredging this back up again.

What would a new tell-all possibly have to offer, though, and how would we assume any part of it is actually true? Is there no other celebrity gossip out there?

Come on, Us. Jen’s dating a new guy now, and he’s still married to his ex-wife! Surely there’s an adultery / love child story you can fabricate from that, right?

Mel Gibson’s only friend — Britney Spears!


You could call them Hollywood’s Odd Couple: Mel Gibson’s unlikely ally in his bitter legal battle with former girlfriend Oksana Grigorieva is troubled pop star Britney Spears! The “Toxic” singer, 28, has been telling pals that Mel, 54, has been pouring his heart out to her — confiding that he fears for his sanity and is convinced he’s destroyed his once-hot career. “Mel has been talking to her a lot,” a friend of the singer’s tells In Touch. “They speak on the phone all the time, usually late at night.”

Britney’s may seem like an unlikely shoulder for the Braveheart star to cry on, but the pop star’s pal says she is simply returning the favor to the actor, who went out of his way to help her when she went through her own breakdown. “Mel was one of the only people who reached out to help Britney when she was at her lowest point, and she believes that demonstrates what a loving and wonderful man he is,” says the friend. “She wants people to give him a second chance — just like he gave her one when everyone else turned away.”

Zanessa on the Red Carpet: Charlie St. Cloud Premiere Pics


It’s a week of beautiful couples on the red carpet.

First, Brangelina showed up for the Hollywood premiere of Salt, looking as radiant as ever.

Then, it was Zanessa’s turn yesterday, as Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens smiled for photographers and posed for fans at the premiere of Charlie St. Cloud at at the Regency Village Theatre.

The movie opens on July 30 and stars Efron in the title role. His character deals with the loss of his brother and finds a love interest in actress Amanda Crew. Get a look at the film NOW and a look at this cute couple, along with other premiere attendees, below:

Totally Cute CoupleLost in Zac

Hottie HudgensHis Movie PremiereZanessa LoveGilles PhotoBrittany S.