January 18, 2008

Jared Leto-fronted rock band 30 Seconds to Mars have begun the pre-production of their third effort. They will follow up the 2005 released 'A Beautiful Lie' that peaked at #36 on Billboard Hot 200.

"We are actually doing pre production," drummer Shannon Leto said to Ultimate-Guitar.com at the 2008 Guitar Center Drum Off. "I've recorded a bunch of beats, some guitar parts. My brother has probably written twenty or thirty songs already. We're going to go tour England and part of Europe right now, come back, record about five songs and see what happens."

On Wednesday, January 16, night, the Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, California became the black host of the new suspense flick "Cloverfield" premiere. As the stars came to the event, they were greeted with a circular black carpet started at the Bronson Gate and rounded up at the end with the headless Statue of Liberty.

The premiere was attended by most of "Cloverfield" cast, including Michael Stahl-David, Lizzy Kaplan, Jessica Lucas, Odette Yustman, Mike Vogel and T.J. Miller. Aside from the stars, the film's producer, J.J. Abrams, and its director, Matt Reeves, were also present for the screening. On the occasion, Reeves gave out that the film's title 'Cloverfield' is not the name of a place or even the name of the monster. He explained, "It's the case name that the military has given to this particular incident."

Is said to be suffering from a chronic mood disorder and predicted to be dead in six months if she does not undergo medical treatment to overcome the illness, Britney Spears surely has raised even more concern. Concerning her latest mental condition, the world's largest news agency The Associated Press reportedly has begun preparing her obituary.

AP entertainment editor Jesse Washington did confirm the report, telling US Weekly "We are not wishing it, but if Britney passed away, it's easily one of the biggest stories in a long time."

A shocking news came from Lupe Fiasco when he announced a plan to quit the music industry after releasing another album. The rapper who had just dropped his second studio album 'The Cool' in December 2007 revealed that he wants to be a literary figure.

Lupe felt that he has to channel more time in doing other things that had been his dream beside making music. He said, "I have one more album in me and then I'm out. I've been doing this music hustle for eights years and have more things I still want to do. There are other ways besides putting out an album that allow me to channel my creative energy and I'm writing a book about a window washer. I will have more than enough to keep me busy."

Having his child pornography case still in the on-going phase, R. Kelly in the meantime has been reported to be back on the dating saddle again, romancing none other than American Idol finalist Trenyce.

Multiple sources mentioned that the duo have been carrying out a secret long-distance relationship since April last year following their meeting through a mutual friend. They, moreover, are said to have been jetting across the country to spend time together.

The Hollywood young heartthrob Zac Efron is said to join the cast of coming-of-age film "Me and Orson Welles". The actor famous as Troy Bolton in Disney's "High School Musical" reportedly nailed the lead role. He will be joining a newcomer Christian McKay who star as Orson Welles and the star of "The Water Horse: Legend of the Deep", Ben Chaplin, as George Coulouris.

Based on Robert Kaplow's novel, the independently financed film is set in 1937 and tells the story about a high school student who is noticed by the Mercury Theatre founder, Orson Welles, while strolling the streets of New York. The film is directed by Richard Linklater and produced by Anne Carli.

Jeremy Piven has prompted rumors of a romance with glamorous burlesque star Dita Von Teese after he was caught buying her dresses.

The actor, best known for his role as Ari Gold on the HBO series "Entourage," as reported by the New York Post was spotted looking through Kari Feinstein's suite at Social Hollywood in LA last week where he picked out "two black satin, sequinned mini-dresses from the Be Seduced line" for a woman he told staff there he had a crush on.

After seven years of absence, John Carpenter is going back to the movie industry. Reports stated that the horror film guru is going to tackle his next project called "L.A. Gothic" which is produced by Josh Kesselman and Danny Sherman from Principal Entertainment.

According to ShockTillYouDrop.com, the film is five interwoven stories of high-octane horror that focuses on an ex-priest's efforts to protect his teenage daughter from the supernatural evils of L.A.�s dark side. Reportedly, the casting of the film scheduled to start shooting in March is underway and the script will be provided by Jim Agnew and Sean Keller.

Having Stevie Wonder's hit single "Isn't She Lovely" keeps playing on her iPod, Halle Berry tend to consider that as a sign that she's having a girl.

The expectant mother, who decided not to find out the sex of her not-yet-born baby until the child is born, said "For some reason, that song keeps coming up on my iPod ... even though it's on shuffle. We're like, 'It's a girl! It's a girl!'"

Picking up a yet untitled movie "Untitled Jon Robert Project", Paramount Pictures signed "Four Brothers" actor Mark Wahlberg to star in the movie. According to Variety, the rapper turned model turned actor is set to portray the leading character, Jon Robert whose life was chronicled in the documentary "Cocaine Cowboys".

In the project that is based on the rise and fall international drug dealer Jon Roberts who served a decade in jail for his crimes after he was turned in by his partner, Wahlberg will also serve as a producer with Sarah Aubrey and Stephen Levinson as well as Peter Berg. Aside from being the producer, Berg is also signed to be the film director.

Stacy Ferguson had her own version of wardrobe malfunction when she forgot to zip up her fly before took the stage for a show at Westpac Stadium in Wellington, New Zealand on Thursday, January 17.

The Black Eyed Peas singer was serving as the opening act for Sting and The Police at Westpac Stadium when she accidentally performed with her fly down. The minor incident was caught by photographer's camera and the photos of Fergie's wardrobe malfunction have now surfaced all over the net.

The Academy Award-winning actress Jennifer Hudson is reportedly in talks with Lionsgate Films to star in "The Family That Preys Together". Variety reported that if she indeed joins the film, the third season finalist of the singing competition "American Idol" will star alongside Tyler Perry, Sanaa Lathan, Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodard and Rockmond Dunbar.

The drama comedy movie about two families from different sides of the tracks that become intimately involved in love and business was written by Perry who also serves as the director. The shooting will begin on March 2 at Tyler Perry Studios in Atlanta. The film is Perry's sixth movie for the studio following "Diary of a Mad Black Woman", "Madea's Family Reunion", "Why Did I Get Married?", "Madea Goes to Jail" and "Meet the Browns".

An all-inclusive trip to London is offered for Soulja Boy's fans. Those interested to accompany the rapper on his promotion tour to London may join the competition that is held in partnership of Interscope records and SendMe Mobile.

Soulja Boy is slated to do press interviews, radio talks, and other exclusive events in London and fans can win the chance to follow him around. To win log on to Solow.com and guess the lowest number that no one else has picked by the end of the game. For each bid there will be a cost of $ 0.99. Or simply send a text SBTE to 23687.

"Inkheart" won't be released to theaters this year. According to Variety, the release date of the family fantasy movie distributed by New Line Cinema has been pushed back from 2008 to January 2009. It was said that the delaying of the release date was taken partly due to marketing worries.

Prior to the pushing back to 2009, reportedly the studio has considered to release the Brendan Fraser-starring film in the fall, but the idea then was dropped because by then the "Crash" actor has already appeared in two movies in the summer. Fraser's two films, "Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D" and "The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor" will hit theaters on July 11 and August 1 respectively.

Was being photographed shopping for a pregnancy test with her paparazzo boyfriend, Adnan Ghalib, at a Rite Aid store in Studio City, Calif on Monday, January 14, Britney Spears has put the brake on the persistent pregnancy rumors, insisted she wasn't thinking about her own fertility.

The troubled pop star and media darling dispelled rumors she's expecting another child, set the record straight on that matter by telling photographers and videographers who asked her if she had tested positive, "I never had a pregnancy test. It was for my friend."

Ginuwine is demanding his money from King Music Group, Inc. The R'n'B singer signed a deal with the record label back in 2007 and has yet to receive the amount of money he was promised with. He had filed a lawsuit and reached a settlement which was not materialized and for that, he is now suing for breach of contract and fraud again.

Part of the deal they made involves a $500,000 in advance which has not been received by Ginuwine. In fact, a $1.75 million was promised when Ginuwine agreed to record an album for the company. However, it was later known that there is no such corporate record suggesting the label actually exists anywhere in New York, California, Florida or Tennessee.

Amy Winehouse's incarcerated husband Blake Fielder-Civil has threatened to divorce her, it has been reported.

Blake, who currently remains in Pentonville prison for alleged assault and conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, is said to have threatened to issue divorce proceedings following a recent row.

Following Bow Wow's denial on feuding with fellow teen star, Chris Brown, it was reported by MTV News that Brown will release 'Picture Perfect' as the fourth single from his 'Exclusive' album.

In fact, Brown will release it in a remix that is done with Bow Wow and rapper Hurricane Chris. The song was originally featuring will.i.am who also acts as the co-producer. No confirmation yet on when the single will be released but it was reported that February 26 is the date.

Though considered successful in helming the first two installment of action films "The Transporter" and "The Transporter 2", it was said that Louis Leterrier and Corey Yuen may be replaced in the third production of the movie. According to FilmsActu, "Transporter 3" is expected to be directed by a new face Olivier Megaton.

Megaton is said to be have previously directed a 2002 film "The Red Siren". He was also the second unit director on "Hitman". In the latter action thriller, he was reportedly the one who shot the entire subway fight scene.

Consider it a slip of tongue but Chris Daughtry has insisted that he was merely being honest when he said that his former 'school' American Idol is "in a state of decline". He claimed the statement that was made during interview with RollingStones.com was taken only in parts and eventually misinterpreted his opinion.

On his official blog, the singer who fronts rock band DAUGHTRY wrote, "It's so sad that when you're asked something and you answer honestly ... you're made out to be the bad guy." He also went on explaining that he did mention "good things" about the show in the same interview, emphasizing that he "was a struggling artist for 11 years that never got any respect or notoriety so know that I'm eternally grateful for the opportunity that 'Idol' gave me. And that's where my comments came from."

The latest update from the upcoming adaptation movie is that there are three candidates left for the role of Duke in "G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra". Latino Review reported that "Fantastic Four" hunk Chris Evans, "Step Up" star Channing Tatum and "Lost" leading man Matthew Fox are in the running for the lead role.

Earlier, it was reported that Sam Worthington is an alleged contender for the role of the All-American bad ass, but it seems that the Australian actor was no longer included in the race because of his involvement in "Avatar". Prior to the news, it was also said that Dominic West, the star of television series "The Wire" will play Destro, one of the bad guys from Cobra, but the rumor was quick to be dismissed by Paramount Pictures.

Chingy sat next to his once-rival Ludacris to talk about their latest project, a collaboration called 'Gimme Dat'. The single, which is the second from Chingy's Disturbing Tha Peace release 'Hate It or Love It', is featuring Ludacris and Bobby Valentino. All three of them have just shot the video in Los Angeles.

"We figured we'd move forward and reunite," Chingy said. "We need more unity." The rapper left DTP in 2004 due to a dispute with Ludacris, the CEO in charge at that time, over royalties. Chingy then moved to Capitol Records and released two more records 'Powerballin'' and 'Hoodstar' before rubbing off with the new label as well.

Having her erratic behavior taped most of the time may bring Britney Spears some good after all as it was reported that acclaimed director Quentin Tarantino is very much interested in casting the troubled singer for a remake of "Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!". Reportedly, the mother of two has been approached by the filmmaker.

According to Variety columnist Liz Smith, Spears is among Tarantino's first choices to be asked to consider roles in the film. The other first choices include sex-tape star Kim Kardashian and "Stuck on You" sexy star Eva Mendes. Allegedly, the trio are chosen because the Academy Award-nominated director wants to make a raunchier version of the Russ Meyer's soft-porn classic.

There were four photographers arrested on Wednesday night, January 16 for reckless driving while chasing Britney Spears' car in the San Fernando Valley, California.

According to law enforcement sources, at around 11:20 P.M. police pulled over a total of eight vehicles driven by photographers that were following Spears' car too closely and traveling at unsafe speed. They also made several unsafe lane changes in and around Mission Hills, California so said authorities.

Lily Allen has lost her baby. The British pop star suffered a miscarriage Wednesday night, January 16.

Allen and her boyfriend The Chemical Brothers' Ed Simons had just returned home from a holiday in Maldives when she unfortunately lost the baby. The pair reportedly were being comforted by family and friends after the unfortunate.

HBO's love triangle film "The Other Man" will be packed with Hollywood stars. According to Variety, the drama movie has reportedly put together a stunning cast, that is Academy Award-nominated actor Liam Neeson, Emmy Award-winning actress Laura Linney, Spanish actor Antonio Banderas and an award-winning English actress Romola Garai.

Based on a short story written by famed German author Bernard Schlink, "The Other Man" tells a story about a man who starts to suspect that he is not the only man in his wife's life. Following his intuition, he then sets out to track down his rival which reveals to him his own compromises and failings. The film which is directed and penned by Richard Eyre is scheduled to start shooting on February 14. The principal photography will take place in the U.K. and Italy.

Beyonce Knowles has uttered her intention to perform at the 50th Grammy Awards ceremony despite the fact that the event may not take off after all. In a released statement, Beyonce's father slash manager, Matthew Knowles, confirmed that his daughter and his other artists are pro the gala.

The writers strike has threatened the show to shut down and several artists like 50 Cent, Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys and many more reportedly agreed to this in support of Writers Guild of America. However, a couple of others decided to take side with the Recording Academy that owns the Grammys.

Kiefer Sutherland will be a free man again by next Monday, January 21 when he's set to be released from jail after completing his 48 days behind bars for violating his probation and second DUI conviction.

The actor reportedly will be released from Los Angeles' Glendale City Jail on Monday morning and "be let out the front door just like everyone else," Officer John Balian said, adding that "I have no idea who'll be picking him up."