“American Idol” hasn’t had any trouble replacing former judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez with high-profile stars. Shortly after Mariah Carey signed on, it looks like fellow professional diva Nicki Minaj will take a seat at the judges’ table as well.
“I’m not sure the deal is completely done yet, but yes, she is definitely doing it,” a show insider tells Us Weekly. “A few more slight things to sign off on but it is happening.”
Our hearts go out to the hair, makeup and pillow-fluffing crews at “Idol” during this difficult time.
As long as they stay in Jersey
After Snooki and JWoww couldn’t find a town to shoot their “Jersey Shore” spin-off in, Manchester generously took one for the team. But now, neighbors in the low-key Jersey suburb are complaining and attempting to stop production of “Snooki & JWoww,” reports TMZ.
We feel you, Manchester, but as reluctant “Jersey Shore” experts, we think you’re overreacting. These days, Snooks is about one Yankee candle away from landing a Lifetime series.
LaBeouf in the buff
Popcorn darling Shia LaBeouf might be in a little over his head with his latest project, avant-garde director Lars von Trier’s graphic “Nymphomaniac.”
“There’s a disclaimer at the top of the script that basically says, we’re all doing it for real,” LaBeouf tells MTV.com of the film’s many sex scenes. “And everything that is illegal, we’ll shoot in blurred images, but other than that, everything is happening. He’s like the most dangerous dude that I’ve ever showed up for. I’m terrified. I’m so terrified.”
You and everyone who made it through “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen,” Shia. You’re in good, terrified company.
Phyllis Diller passes away at 95
Comedian and actress Phyllis Diller died yesterday at the age of 95 in Los Angeles. She had recently suffered a fall and injured her hip, reports TMZ. Diller, who began her career in television in 1952, frequently collaborated with Bob Hope and is credited with paving the way for female comedians.
She continued to work until recently, making cameo appearances and performing standup in 2007 on “The Tonight Show.”
In 2005, Diller was one of many comedians to put her spin — quite successfully — on an infamous dirty joke in “The Aristocrats.”
For more gossip gems follow Monica Weymouth on Twitter @MonicaatMetro.
