Adam Lambert shut down an Australian radio host for perpetuating gay stereotypes, Gay Star News reported. While Lambert promoted his new album, The Original High, on a breakfast radio show, co-host Jackie O suggested that the Ghost Town singer date The Voice Australia judge Ricky Martin—because they're both single and gay. However, Lambert would have none of that, saying, "Don't do that; you're not allowed to do that. ... Oh, a gay guy and another gay guy; oh, you must date—come on." The singer then criticized Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott for his anti-gay marriage stance.
Neil Patrick Harris, most recently on Broadway in a Tony-winning turn in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, will be a guest on The Late Late Show with James Corden on Aug. 12, Playbill noted. Harris' new variety show, "Best Time Ever with Neil Patrick Harris," will make its premiere on NBC Sept. 15. The one-hour show, according to NBC, will feature "appearances by A-list stars, stunts, comedy skits, incredible performances, mini game shows, audience giveaways and hidden camera pranks."
Fox is staying in the Lee Daniels music drama business: Chairman and CEO Dana Walden announced plans for pilot Star from the Empire creator, according to TheWrap. Star will be set in Atlanta against the backdrop of the music biz, much like Empire."This one, however, will tell the story from the perspective of the artists—three girls who came together to form a band in hopes of rising to the top.
Speaking of Empire, producer and international recording artist Pitbull will guest star on the show's second season, TheWrap noted. In the upcoming episode slated to air this fall, Pitbull will play himself and perform track "No Doubt About It" with Jamal Lyon, played by Jussie Smollett.
Alexander Skarsgard walked the red carpet at the Diary of a Teenage Girl premiere wearing a sparkly gold dress, a sky-high blonde wig and a full face of makeup, according to Variety. Skarsgard—who stars opposite Kristen Wiig and Bel Powley in the 1970s-set pic as a 35-year-old who has an affair with the 15-year-old daughter ( Powley ) of his girlfriend ( Wiig )—didn't offer an explanation for his appearance. Many speculate that his choice of attire was a nod to his co-star Joshua Grannell, or "Peaches Christ," a drag performer who plays a cross-dresser in the pic.
Billboard published an article on Cher charting on its charts for 50 years. When she was 19, Cher charted with "All I Really Want to Do" in 1965 ( before Sonny & Cher formed ). In total, she's earned 33 solo hit singles on the Billboard Hot 100, including four number-ones. Further, she's tallied 29 albums on the Billboard 200 chart. The entertainer's most recent album, 2013's Closer to the Truth, marked her highest-charting solo effort ever, when it debuted and peaked at number three.
Longtime gay and AIDS-rights activist Larry Kramer has joined the discussion regarding the controversy surrounding the movie Stonewall, noted LGBTQ Nation. He responded to a Facebook post by saying, "for some reason there is a group of 'activists' that insists on maintaining their prime importance and participation during this riot. ... i sincerely hope this boycott your film sh*t peters out. we are not dealing with another 'Cruising' here." Some queer and trans activists have said the film does not accurately convey who was actually at Stonewall during the famed riots.
Speaking of Stonewall, screenwriter Jon Robin Baitz and director Roland Emmerich have responded to a proposed boycott of the film, according to Indie Wire. On Facebook, Emmerich said, "[W]hen this film—which is truly a labor of love for me—finally comes to theaters, audiences will see that it deeply honors the real-life activists who were there—including Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Ray Castro—and all the brave people who sparked the civil-rights movement which continues to this day. We are all the same in our struggle for acceptance."
Kate Pierson, one of the lead singers and co-founders of the band The B-52s, tied the knot with longtime girlfriend Monica Coleman, People noted. The 67-year-old New Jersey native and her new wife, who were married in Hawaii, broke the big news by posting photos from the special day on Facebook. The wedding attendees included the other members of The B-52s, as well as singer Sia and her husband Erik Anders Lang, who served as witnesses. The pair began dating in 2003.
U.S. women's soccer star Megan Rapinoe is engaged to her longtime girlfriend, singer Sera Cahoone, E! Online reported. "This little lady is getting married," Rapinoe captioned an Instagram photo of her kissing Cahoone while flashing her engagement ring. Rapinoe's other highlights this summer have included a World Cup win, a ticker-tape parade through New York's Canyon of Heroes and a Sports Illustrated cover.
Rosie O'Donnell responded to the insult that Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump leveled during the Aug. 6 GOP primary debate, according to TheWrap. After Fox News anchor and debate moderator Megyn Kelly noted that the real estate mogul had "called women you don't like fat pigs, dogs, slobs and disgusting animals," he interjected "Only Rosie O'Donnell." O'Donnell tweeted, "try explaining that 2 ur kids." The two got into a Twitter feud in 2011 after Trump tweeted that he felt sorry for her new partner in love, with O'Donnell responding: "wow u r an ass."
The first plot and characters of Ryan Murphy's American Horror Story: Hotel was revealed by the creator and his cast at the Television Critics' Association's summer press tour, TheWrap reported. Singer Lady Gaga will play Elizabeth, the wealthy socialite owner of the hotel that is located in downtown Los Angeles. Other cast members will include Sarah Paulson, Kathy Bates, Angela Bassett, Finn Wittrock, Cheyenne Jackson, Matt Bomer, Denis O'Hare, Wes Bentley and Chloe Sevigny. The season will premiere Oct. 17 on FX.
Netflix's sci-fi drama Sense8 will return for season two, the cast announced via a video message to fans, TheWrap noted. Sense8 is a science-fiction drama web television series created, written and executive-produced by Andy and Lana Wachowski and J. Michael Straczynski. The first season, consisting of 12 episodes, became available for streaming on Netflix on June 5. The show consists of eight otherwise normal human beings who are mentally and emotionally connected to each other.
Openly gay film director Todd Haynes will receive the Director Tribute at the Independent Film Project's 25th annual Gotham Independent Film Awards, according to TheWrap. The ceremony will take place Nov. 30 at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City, on a night when Haynes' latest film, Carol, could be a major contender for competitive Gotham Awards. Haynes' previous movies include Poison, Safe, Far from Heaven and Velvet Goldmine, among others.
Echo Kellum will join the CW's Arrow in the recurring role of Curtis Holt ( aka Mr. Terrific ) in season four, Variety reported. Curtis is described as a technological savant and inventor who works at Palmer Technologies under the supervision of Felicity Smoak ( Emily Bett Rickards ). As revealed at Comic-Con, Curtis will also be a friend to Felicity, and the show's first openly gay character.
Bryan Singer has signed on to produce a documentary about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict that is currently going by the working title "In the Middle of the Middle East," TheWrap noted. Singer will produce the film with Guy Shalem in collaboration with Same Name Productions, while Yariv Horowitz will co-produce. The documentary will follow a young Arab-Israeli activist as he navigates personal and political minefields and works to find a solution for coexistence in the Middle East.
Lance Bass is Meredith Vieira's daytime talk show as a full-time season-two contributor, US Magazine reported. Debuting next month, the second season of the nationally syndicated Meredith Vieira Show will air live from New York City's Rockefeller Center each weekday. SiriusXM "Dirty Pop Live" radio host Bass will help Vieira open each show and discuss the day's hot headlines alongside panelists Lilliana Vazquez, Yamaneika Saunders and Megan Colarossi.
Zac Efron is in talks to join Dwayne Johnson in Paramount's Baywatch comedy, which is based on the 1990s TV show, according to Variety. Although plot details are currently vague, sources close to the project reveal that the studio is taking a comedic route with the film. Production is expected to start in early 2016. Efron just wrapped production on the Chernin comedy Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, alongside Adam Devine and Anna Kendrick.
The Fox show Brooklyn Nine-Nine has found its new boss in the form of Bill Hader, who will replace Andre Braugher as Andy Samberg's precinct captain, TheWrap noted. Captain Holt ( Braugher ), who's openly gay, took an NYPD public-relations job on the comedy's second-season finale. The character will still be on the show—just in a new gig. The season premiere of "Brooklyn" will also feature a guest appearance from Archie Panjabi, who appeared on CBS' The Good Wife for six years as the sexually fluid Kalinda.
Fox has confirmed that a new Prison Break limited series is officially a go, Variety reported. It was also confirmed hat original series stars Wentworth Miller and Dominic Purcell, as well as other original series actors, are also on board for the 10-episode project. The project is targeting to begin production after the first of the year, and would be considered for summer or the 2016-17 season.
Talk-show host Wendy Williams was in Houston, Texas, with her national "Sit Down Tour … Too Real for Stand Up" show, when she miscalculated her steps and fell off the stage, according to Page Six. After someone rushed to aid her, Williams jokingly grabbed the microphone and told the audience, "Shut the f—k up! Shut the f—k up, OK!? There's the fall that never happened. So, put that on YouTube." Williams also took to Twitter to poke fun at herself, joking, "Forget it's the 'Sit Down Tour' not the fall down tour."
Grammy Award-winning singer Mariah Carey received a star on the storied Hollywood Walk of Fame, Billboard noted. The 2,556th star was unveiled at the corner of Hollywood Boulevard and Argyle Avenue, right outside the W Hotel. Epic Records chairman/CEO L.A. Reid, Brett Ratner ( who's directed nine of Carey's videos ) and director Lee Daniels ( who oversaw Carey on the set of the movie Precious—and hinted she may be on TV's Empire ) were among those attending the event.
Dolly Parton returned home to Tennessee to help raise money for her Imagination Library—and raised $500,000, according to a press release. Currently in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, the Imagination Library has mailed more than 71 million free books.
The 2015 International Best Dressed List is out, and while there are some expected honorees—Amal Clooney, Emma Stone and Victoria Beckham, among them—the style roster named its first same-sex couple this year, according to NewNowNext.com . Actor Matt Bomer ( Magic Mike series; TV's White Collar ) and his publicist-husband, Simon Halls, are on the list this year. The couple say they have the same favorite accessory—their wedding ring—and both view designer Tom Ford and CAA chairman Bryan Lourd as style role models.
NBC announced on Aug. 5 that 18-year-old newcomer Shanice Williams has snagged the coveted role of Dorothy in the network's upcoming production of The Wiz Live!, according to US Magazine. Williams will make her television debut when the live show hits airwaves Dec. 3. Other famous faces in the cast of The Wiz Live! include Queen Latifah ( The Wiz ), David Alan Grier ( The Cowardly Lion ), Stephanie Mills ( Auntie Em ), Uzo Aduba ( Glinda the Good Witch ), Amber Riley ( Addaperle, the Good Witch of the North ) and Mary J. Blige ( The Wicked Witch of the West Evillene ).
A transgender singer has accused the show American Idol of trying to get him on the show in order to exploit his identity, Gay Star News noted. Ryan Cassata, 21, posted an open letter to the show's casting directors on his Facebook fan page, in which he said they just wanted a "TOKEN TRANS person for America to gossip about." Cassata has already cut eight records, won the Harvey Milk Memorial Award, and spoken about being transgender on Larry King Live and The Tyra Banks Show.
Julie Andrews—the original stage version of Eliza Doolittle—is set to direct a new production of My Fair Lady next year at the Sydney Opera House, EW.com reported. Andrews, 79, played the leading role in the show's 1956 Broadway production, with Rex Harrison as Professor Henry Higgins. Audrey Hepburn then played Eliza in the 1964 film adaptation, also opposite Harrison. The production will premiere in August 2016 as part of the opera house's 60th birthday celebrations.
Bobbi Kristina Brown's boyfriend, Nick Gordon, is now accused of wrongful death in the amended lawsuit filed by the late 22-year-old's conservator Bedelia Hargrove on Aug. 7, according to US Magazine. The only daughter of the late Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown died July 26. Bobbi Kristina was found face down in a bathtub in her Atlanta area home on Jan. 31 and was placed in a medically induced coma. The amended lawsuit filed on behalf of Bobbi Kristina alleges Gordon of "being out all night on a cocaine and drinking binge," and giving Bobbi Kristina a "toxic cocktail." The concoction left her "unconscious," and he allegedly "then put her face down in a tub of cold water, causing her to suffer brain damage."
Well-Strung, the pop/classical fusion group, has released its second music video, "Blank Space ( Feat. Johann Sebastian Bach )," in advance of its new album, POPssical, due this October, a press release stated. The composition is a mash-up of the group singing Taylor Swift's hit song "Blank Space" while playing Johann Sebastian Bach's illustrious "Partita No. 3 in E Major ( BWV 1006 )," arranged by group members Christopher Marchant and Trevor Wadleigh and directed by Blake Drummond.
Barry's Bootcamp's Joey Gonzalez and husband Jonathan Rollo announced they're expecting a baby girl in November, Page Six reported. The couple, who married in 2011, made the announcement on Facebook and Instagram with a shot of themselves in tuxedos standing around a girl's dress with the caption, "only one woman could ever come between us." Gonzalez is now the CEO of the chain, which has Katie Holmes, Naomi Campbell, Juliette Lewis and Ellie Goulding as clients.
Candace Cameron Bure and ABC correspondent Paula Faris are expected to join The View and ignite fireworks as permanent, full-time co-hosts when the show returns for its 19th season in September, Page Six noted. Bure is reportedly being hired in a desperate attempt by producers to have a "controversial conservative" personality similar to former co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck, although others have denied the show wants to pit Bure versus current co-host Raven-Symone.
Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica are on their way to Broadway, with Adam McKay and Funny or Die teaming with Archie Comics to bring long-running comic-book property Archie to the stage in a new musical, according to Variety. McKay—the writer-director behind film comedies including Anchorman and Talladega Nights—will write the book for the show, with a songwriter ( or songwriting team ) still be announced. Archie Comics CEO Jon Goldwater and chief creative officer Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa will oversee the project for Archie Comics.
While the Republican presidential candidates were busy in Ohio at the GOP primary debate, Hillary Clinton held a star-filled fundraiser in Los Angeles, TheWrap noted. Clinton's campaign hosted the event at the home of Scott "Scooter" Braun, the manager to Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, with a guest list that included Kim Kardashian, Kanye West and Kris Jenner as well as Hollywood A-listers John Travolta, Jeffrey Katzenberg and longtime Clinton friend Mary Steenburgen. The event raised approximately $1 million to fund her bid for the White House.
During a concert in Stockholm, Lenny Kravitz, 51, was jamming out so hard that his leather pants ripped right up the crotch area, exposing his penis to the crowd, according to Page Six. "The producer stepped up and said that they had some problems onstage," a concertgoer told the Expressen tabloid ( via Gawker ). "A bit later Kravitz came out wearing other trousers. He said 'Sorry, I ripped my trousers.'" "Dude … no underwear and pierced," singer Steven Tyler wrote Kravitz, as Kravitz confirmed in a tweet bearing the hashtag "#penisgate," The Washington Post added. "You never showed me that s—t."
Several E! News co-hosts paid tribute and bid a fond farewell to Giuliana Rancie, who left the show after 14 years, on social media—one of which was Jason Kennedy, her co-anchor on the show. Kennedy and Rancic's husband Bill serenaded Giuliana at a karaoke bar, presumably after the show had wrapped its taping. Maria Menounos will be stepping in to take Rancic's place as the co-anchor of E! News.
Former Little House on the Prairie actress Melissa Gilbert has announced that she's running for Michigan's 8th Congressional District, TheWrap reported. Gilbert, a Democrat, will challenge freshman Republican Rep. Mike Bishop. A native of Los Angeles, Gilbert and her husband actor Timothy Busfield have been living in Howell, Michigan, since 2013.
Former NBC comedy series Community will not move forward at Yahoo Screen, according to star Joel McHale, TheWrap noted. He told Metro Weekly, "All of our contracts were up after six years. All the actors on the show, almost without exception—their stock has risen significantly and it's out of the pay rate that is affordable to make the show. So you're not going to be able to get [co-stars] Alison Brie or Gillian Jacobs at a normal television salary anymore."
Former Secrets and Lies star Ryan Phillippe will star in Shooter, a just-greenlit USA pilot where Phillippe will star as a former Marine sniper, EW.com reported. The series is based on based on the best-selling Stephen Hunter novel Point of Impact, as well as the 2007 film Shooter starring Mark Wahlberg.
Kelly Osbourne made a controversial statement while on The View recently, TheWrap noted. During a discussion on Donald Trump's favorability among Latino voters, she asked, "If you kick every Latino out of this country, who is going to be cleaning your toilet Donald Trump?" Her statement was met with an awkward groan from Raven-Symone before co-host Rosie Perez said, "Latinos are not the only people doing that." Osbourne quickly back-pedaled, saying, "I would never mean it like that. I'm not part of this argument."
