It looks like the time-honored trio of Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul is about to add a fourth and include an additional female judge.

In a statement released earlier today, American Idol creator Simon Fuller announced that the uber-popular singing competition judges panel will include Kara DioGuardi when Season 8 begins in January of 2009.

“We are turning the heat up on Idol this year and are thrilled to welcome Kara to the judges’ table,” show creator Simon Fuller said in a statement. “She is a smart, sassy lady, and one of America’s most successful songwriters. We know she will bring a new level of energy and excitement to the show.”

Who is Kara DioGuardi? She’s been responsible for hits sung by Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers, Gwen Stefani, Celine Dion, Faith Hill, Carrie Underwood, Santana, and Pink.

Wow, the judges might have some actual musical talent at their table.

Do you think any of the judges are worried about this change? Of course Paula is!!!

Amidst all of the hype and excitement, American Idol judge Paula Abdul said earlier today that she has her concerns. “I am concerned about the audience and acceptance. Time will tell. We’ll see. They always tried for a fourth judge because it followed the format of the original show, Pop Idol. We haven’t had much luck with that working, but we’re gonna give it another try.” She also noted, “It takes the fun out of all the hard work I do to push those kids through.”

Don’t you need an odd number of judges though? What happens if there is an even-split decision???

John Mayer LOVES the attention from the paparazzi, but the paparazzi no longer love him. Why? His photo isn’t worth much now that he’s no long with Jennifer Aniston!

“He thinks he’s famous as Jen now. Last week he went to a party, tipped off the paps, and even had decoy cars at the ready when he was leaving,” says one paparazzo. “Nice, but no one bothered to follow them, which made John think he ‘lost’ everyone, when really no one bothered to follow him. Pictures of him and Jen were selling for $20,000 at one point. A picture of him alone gets $200 now. Chasing him from his apartment to Nobu is hardly worth it.”

Ha ha ha ha ha!

Minnie Driver looks ready to pop! Due any day, Driver went for a swim in Malibu.

Minnie recently told press she won’t necessarily be involved with her babydaddy once she gives birth. “It’s great to be an independent creature. Today you don’t need a man anymore. I’m very into feeling this female thing.”

The cast for Season 7 of “Dancing with the Stars” was announced this morning on ABC’s “Good Morning” with a few surprises. Mainly, reality TV celebutante Kim Kardashian — who had been rumored for days to be on the show — actually suffered an injury (she cut her foot on Sunday night on a glass coffee table in a hotel room, which she was probably dancing on, but it was not severe enough to keep her out of the competition.)

“I will be able to dance,” she proclaimed!

Here is the list:

Kim Kardashian, reality TV star

Cloris Leachman, Oscar-winning actress

Maurice Greene, Olympic sprinter,

Lance Bass, former N’ Sync star

Rocco DiSpirito, TV chef

Warren Sapp, NFL star

Misty May-Treanor, Olympic beach volleyballer

Toni Braxton, Grammy award-winning R&B star

Cody Linley, actor from “Hannah Montana” show

Ted McGinley, veteran actor

Brooke Burke, actress/TV personality

Jeffrey Ross, celebrity roaster and comedian

Susan Lucci, “All My Children” star

“Dancing with the Stars” premieres at 8 p.m. Sept. 22 on ABC-TV, followed by a performance show on Sept. 23 and the first results show on Sept. 24.

My money is on Lance Bass to win!
I also hope the Susan Lucci stays in the competition for a while.

AMC is my favorite soap!

If they are really smart, they will keep Kim Kardashian on until the end, no matter what the votes are.  She will bring in the ratings!

Sometimes a girl just wants to have fun!

In the new video Heidi Montag’s song “Overdosin’,” the Hills honey plunders the pop-cultural past for inspiration.

The reality starlet/singer worked with a director, film crew, choreographer and cast of around 16 to produce the workout themed video, with plenty of big hair and bright colors on show! Heidi’s boyfriend Spencer Pratt even dropped by the lend his support while she got her makeup done.  And he helped do her hair!

As for the new tune, “Overdosin” is the 21-year-old MTV babe’s follow-up single to her previous releases, “Fashion” and “One More Drink”.

According to the latest reports, the new video will be aired on Monday August 25th at 1 p.m. ET on Heidi’s website.

Here are more pictures from Heidi’s very 80’s music video. Read the rest of this entry »

Barenaked Ladies frontman Ed Robertson’s plane went down in the woods north of Bancroft early Sunday afternoon. He and three other passengers are all lucky to be alive.

The crash happened near Baptiste Lake, about 10 minutes north of Bancroft and one of the North Hastings district’s most popular cottage areas.

It has not been confirmed that Robertson was the pilot but he received his pilot’s licence in 2005.

He is also host of a TV show, “Ed’s Up” a program which documents his travels by plane.

The plane lost speed as it was trying to take off from the lake and went into the trees at the western end of Baptiste Lake.

Thankfully, everyone is OK!

This is the second time this summer that a member of the Barenaked Ladies has made headlines.

Singer Steven Page was arrested in upstate New York and charged with possession of a controlled substance on July 11.

Court documents allege Page admitted to snorting cocaine in his girlfriend’s apartment.

Page was taken into police custody, but was later released after posting $10,000 bail.

If convicted, he faces up to 5 1/2 years in prison!

David Beckham and wife, Victoria Beckham were visiting their home in the village of Bargemon, close to the French Riviera, last week before the soccer star was due to fly to Beijing, China to take part in the Olympics Closing Ceremony on Sunday.

But on the way to Nice airport to catch his plane to China, the pair was involved in a horrific crash, which left their black BMW with a smashed windshield and extensive damage along the passenger side.

David Beckham reportedly smashed the car laterally into a wall, leaving his wife severely shaken. Both escaped unscathed. David and Victoria were the only ones in the car; their children were not with them.

Beckham was photographed embracing a tearful Victoria in the car and comforting her, before he raced to the departure lounge with her father Tony Adams.

Beckham was forced to run to catch his flight, leaving his distraught partner with the wrecked car. How awful!

No other vehicles are believed to have been involved in the accident!

I wonder why David wrecked. Was he driving too fast?

After the recent rough patch in their marriage, Madonna and Guy Ritchie renewed their wedding vows at a private kabbalah ceremony in London over the weekend. Madonna, who turned 50 last weekend, flew in her Kabbalah teacher from LA to conduct the ceremony, which lasted about an hour. Madonna and Guy showed up at the kabbalah center in workout clothes and then changed into white robes.

Madonna is about to start a massive world tour. Guy is planning his 40th birthday party on Sept. 10, to be held at the Punch Bowl pub, which he owns with Madonna. No word as to how much Guy will actually tour with Madonna, if at all.

Good luck on making it work. It seems like these two are always working on their marriage.