Pia & Mark — A Wrestler Hooked Them Up!

Pia Toscano was the instigator of her burgeoning romance with Mark Ballas, and she used wrestling star Chris Jericho to help her score a date.

As TMZ first reported, Pia and Mark went out on a date Friday night and it went real well … so say our spies.

So here’s how it went down. Pia and Mark both shoot their respective shows — “American Idol” and “Dancing With the Stars” — on the CBS Television City lot in L.A.

We’re told Pia had her eye on Mark for several weeks, but needed an introduction. So Pia — who turns out is pretty resourceful — has a friend who is friends with Jericho, a contestant on “Dancing With the Stars,” Pia gave her friend a piece of paper with her phone number on it, who then passed it along to Jericho, who then passed it on to Mark.

Mark, we’re told, was more than receptive. Even though he has an album coming out Tuesday — he rescheduled a music video shoot so he could go on his big date on Friday.

Our peeps who are connected with both Mark and Pia say they both want an encore.

Source: TMZ

Jennifer Lopez says giving birth is the most “empowering” thing she has done

The 41-year-old singer-and-actress was inspired to launch her own charitable organisation The Maribel Foundation – which is named after her husband Marc Anthony’s sister, who died from a brain tumour – after giving birth to twins Max and Emme, now three.

She said: “What’s the most empowering thing I’ve ever done? God. Probably giving birth. And as a direct result of that, setting up a charity with my sister Lynda.

“It was a dream we had for a long time. Once we had babies we were ready to say, ‘Let’s do it’. We’re not claiming to change the world in one day, we’re just going to do our little part.

“We always said we’d help women and children’s health and education and now it’s happening.”

Jennifer also believes that the more women are happy with themselves, the more likely they are to take in interest in their appearance.

She said: “A part of how you take care of yourself on the outside reflects how you feel within.

“If you become empowered on the inside, it will get reflected on the outside. I don’t believe for one second that’s a superficial thing, it is important.”

Amanda Seyfried hopes her portrayal of Red Riding Hood is “respected and welcomed”

The 25-year-old beauty plays the Grimm Brothers’ classic fairytale heroine in a new movie of the same name and she hopes audiences enjoy watching the film as much as she enjoyed making it.

She said: “It feels really cool to bring to life that iconic character. I hope that it is respected and welcomed.

“This is such a big deal for me. I’ve always wanted to do a period piece, and this was way beyond my expectations. The vision was so full of romance and tension and mystery. There are so many things you can do with this story.”

The updated version of the movie features Amanda’s character caught up in a love triangle with two men – played by Shiloh Fernandez and Max Irons – when a wolf attacks their village, eating a number of family members, and the actress says the movie is filled with “sexual tension and terror”.

She added: “Our movie is geared for young adults and is more along the lines of the Grimms version with all the sexual tension, suspicion and terror.

“There’s a lot of sexual symbolism, and over the years it’s been extracted. And then we kind of put it back in.”

Dita Von Teese’s “worst nightmare” would be a man who didn’t share her taste in interior design

The burlesque dancer – who was previously married to goth rocker Marilyn Manson – is incredibly proud of her vintage-inspired Los Angeles home and was relieved to find current boyfriend Louis-Marie de Castelbajac appreciated the colourful way she has decorated her abode.

She said: “My worst nightmare was that I‘d fall in love with a man who likes white walls and modern furniture.” The brunette beauty also admitted she has been experimenting with new culinary creations in order to impress her French partner.

She said: I make a terrific coq au vin to impress my boyfriend.” Explaining her tastes in interior design, Dita admitted she always buys things she knows her grandmother would appreciate.

She added in an interview with Britain’s InStyle magazine: “I have a lot of Franz porcelain teapots, teacups and serving dishes and I love antique silver – I collect the flatware pattern Love Diarmed, a sexy design from the 19th century.

“The rule of shopping for me is, if your grandmother would like it, I would like it.”

JLS have written 16 tracks for their third album

The ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ hitmakers are currently in Los Angeles working on a new record and say initial sessions have proved particularly fruitful. Band member Jonathan ‘JB’ Gill said: “It’s going really well.”

His bandmate Oritse Williams added: “It’s off to a good start. We’ve written around 16 tracks so far.” The group – which also includes Aston Merrygold and Marvin Humes – have previously told of their plans to learn instruments for their new album.

Marvin, 25, said: “We all want to play our own instruments. We want to take the band forward. “Take That inspired us. We’ve already decided what we’re playing – I’m playing drums and Oritse is on guitar.” Jonathan added: “I used to play the piano and I’m going to take it up again. I feel like I’ve lost touch with it and I want to be able to play it on stage as well as on future albums.”

The band is keen to stay together as a group and have ruled out any of them going solo at this point in their career. Aston said: “We’re new to this game as a group. It feels like we’ve been here for a little while but we’re still new.”
Jonathan added: “Before the group we were all doing solo things and that didn’t work. aWe’re strong and unified and that won’t change.”

Fergie says spending quality time with her husband is one of her top priorities for the year

The Black Eyed Peas singer – who married actor Josh Duhamel in January 2009 – won’t be releasing a second solo album in the near future as she wants to concentrate on her home life.

She told TV show ‘Access Hollywood’: “I’ve got a lot on my plate and this year is more about simplifying and really paying attention to the projects that I have on my plate and spending some time with the hubby, you know?”

One of the domestic projects Fergie has in mind is clearing out the clutter in their house.

She said: “We’ll be cleaning out my closet. That’s been a big thing this year – huge for me – purging and splurging. I finally am at the place where I’m letting it go. I’m cleaning things out and I’m starting to make more purchases for myself.”

Last year, Fergie revealed she is keen to start a family with Josh.

The 36-year-old star: “It’s going to be a whole other chapter and a lot of fun!”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Robert Pattinson dreams of beating up a paparazzi photographer

The 24-year-old actor – who was virtually unknown before accepting the role of vampire Edward Cullen in the movie franchise of Stephenie Meyer’s globally successful ‘Twilight’ book series – admits he fantasises about attacking a snapper, because they make his life a misery.

The British heartthrob told Elle.com: “You know, when the whole thing dries up and there’s hardly any paparazzi around – I don’t know, in 15 years or something – I like the idea of just one paparazzo coming out and trying to get a picture, and I just beat the s**t out of him.

“I mean – out of nowhere – when my picture’s not even worth anything … and I’ve spent all my money, so you can’t sue me!”

Pattinson – whose next role sees him star opposite Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon in romantic drama ‘Water for Elephants’ – has developed some unusual techniques to try stop the paparazzi.

The handsome star – who is dating is ‘Twilight’ co-star Kristen Stewart – revealed: “A bunch of paparazzi were following me, and I thought the best way to deal with it was to stop my car in the middle of the street and say, ‘I’m not leaving, and I’m not going to speak to you anymore.’

“They got all p***ed off because they can’t just keep taking the same picture. We were in Venice by the boardwalk, and they kept trying to get all these drug dealers to come up to the car. I was just like, ‘Oh my God, this is insane.’ ”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Jay-Z surprised Beyonce Knowles with a trip to the Bahamas for their third wedding anniversary

The millionaire rapper delighted his wife of three years with the luxury break, ensuring their villa was filled with their favourite white flowers and champagne on ice, as well as laying on candle-lit seafood dinners on the beach.

Despite their romantic holiday, the couple were happy to spend time with other people and were particularly happy to find the 29-year-old singer’s ‘Austin Powers in Goldmember’ co-star Verne Troyer was staying nearby, so they invited him to join them for the evening.

A source told The Sun newspaper: “They bumped into Verne on a jaunt out one day. They were really surprised to see him.

“They had a laugh then he joined them for the rest of the day and dinner that evening.”

Once the couple – who married in April 2008 – have finished celebrating their anniversary, Beyonce is due to head back to the US to prepare to release her fourth album, reportedly scheduled for late June.

It’s not the first time Jay-Z has lavished expensive gifts on his superstar spouse, reportedly buying her $350,000 worth of designer handbags and purses last Christmas.

The 41-year-old star was seen in the Hermes boutique on Madison Avenue, in New York City, on Christmas Eve (24.12.10) where he picked out a selection of Birkin bags.

The ‘Halo’ singer has also treated her husband, splashing out $2 million on a Bugatti Veyron Grand Sport car for his 41st birthday earlier that month.

Source: BANG Showbiz

Russell Brand is Katy Perry’s “number one priority”

The 26-year-old singer – who married the British comedian in India in October last year –has an “amazing relationship” with her husband and likes to take time out from her busy schedule to focus on him.

She said: “My husband is my number one priority. We have an amazing relationship.

“It’s important that I’m not always rushing around everywhere too much. I have to take the time to live life and have experiences.”

Katy is being taught about British slang from Russell, and she feels a special affinity with the UK now, even picking up more casual terms such as “holiday” and “bin”.

She explained in an interview with The Hits radio: “Russell’s teaching me British slang and phrases now. I say, ‘I’m dining out on that one mate,’ and say ‘bin’ instead of ‘trash’ and ‘holiday’ instead of ‘vacation’.

“I feel a connection to British people because of my husband. I could be left alone in the UK and get on OK.”

Katy is now trying to enjoy her life more while on her worldwide Hello Katy tour because she barely saw the cities she performed in the last time she was on the road.

She said: “On the last tour it didn’t feel like I was really living. I’d be in Barcelona and people would be saying, ‘You must be loving it!’ and I was like, ‘All I’ve done is try the tomato soup from room service.’ ”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Flav & Bret Michaels — The KICK ASS ‘911′ Remix

Somebody call 911 … because this video of Flavor Flav rapping on stage with Bret Michaels is PRETTY DAMN SICK.

Flavor joined forces with Bret during a show Wednesday night in Dubuque, Iowa — where the clock-rocking rapper started spitting his 1990 hit “911 Is a Joke” a capella … when Bret and his band kicked in with guitars and drums.

Seriously, this clip kicks ass.

On another note … wonder if they hit up Flavor’s Iowa chicken joint after the concert?

News Source: TMZ

Matt Lauer Jockeying for $25 MILLION Payday

Matt Lauer is not seriously interested in leaving NBC — unlike his co-host Meredith Vieira — but he is bucking for a massive raise to $25 million dollars per year.

Sources connected with NBC tell us all the talk about Matt leaving NBC’s “Today” is nothing more than a well-timed negotiating ploy. Remember, the Matt buzz started right after reports surfaced Meredith will leave in September.

“Today” has been the #1 morning news show for 15 years — a virtual cash register for the Peacock — and we’re told Matt wants his slice of the pie … in other words … $25 mil.

Lauer currently gets by on $17 million per year.

News Source: TMZ

Lady Gaga wants to appear in ‘Modern Family’

The ‘Born This Way’ hitmaker is a huge fan of the comedy TV series and has asked producers to write a cameo role for her, though show chiefs are unsure of how to accommodate the eccentric singer.

Jesse Tyler Ferguson, who plays Mitchell in the programme, said: “Gaga reached out and she wanted to do something with the show but it’s like, how do you incorporate Lady Gaga into ‘Modern Family’?”

However, Jesse did reveal that a tribute to the singer has been penned for a forthcoming episode, though she is not scheduled to appear in it.

He explained on morning TV show ‘Live with Regis and Kelly: “We’re actually doing a Lady Gaga episode. Mitchell, my character, wants to go to the Lady Gaga concert, and Cameron is supposed to go with me but he’s sick in bed and he’s expecting me to stay home and take care of him.

“And so I kind of, maybe, drug him a little bit so I can sneak out and go to the concert.”

Meanwhile, a forthcoming episode of ‘Glee’ featuring the music of Lady Gaga has been extended by 30 minutes longer than the usual running time.

The 90-minute special episode will see members of the New Directions high school glee club perform ‘Born This Way’ and learn a lesson about self-acceptance.

Network Fox announced: “In the ‘Born This Way’ episode, Mr. Schuester (Matthew Morrison) teaches the glee club a valuable lesson about self-acceptance and embracing what makes you unique through the music of Lady Gaga.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Dianna Agron is reportedly dating Chris Evans

The ‘Glee’ actress – who split from Alex Pettyfer earlier this year – and the ‘Captain America: The First Avenger’ actor are said to have hooked up in February after meeting at a pre-Oscars party and she has already won his family’s approval.

A source told America’s In Touch magazine: “Chris’ brother Scott is a huge fan of her show, and he particularly loves Dianna. He and his friends like to joke that as long as she stays on the show, the family will welcome her with open arms!”

Dianna split from her ‘I Am Number Four’ co-star Alex at the beginning of February after dating for less than a year, even though the 24-year-old beauty had recently spoken about their exciting relationship.

She explained: “Alex might see himself as a bad boy, but he’s actually very sweet in real life.

“I think it’s important to have your differences in any relationship. I wouldn’t want to be dating a carbon copy of myself. That would just be boring.”

Chris, 29, has previously romanced Jessica Biel and Christina Ricci.

Source: BANG Showbiz

Demi Lovato is set to mark her comeback with a performance on the US version of ‘The X Factor’

The 18-year-old star – who left rehab in January after seeking treatment for “emotional and physical issues” in November – is in talks with producers of the highly-anticipated TV talent show to perform on one of the live shows after a judging role was ruled out.

A source said: “She has, in fact, had meetings concerning the matter, but chances are very slim that she would be joining the cast as a judge. They think, because of her age, she might not be the right fit for a judge. But they have spoken about having Demi come on to perform during the season, and have discussed her having her comeback performance.”

The show – created by Simon Cowell – is set to premiere in September and insiders believe this is perfect for Demi as it will give her the chance to put all her problems behind her and focus on her career.

Demi – who entered rehab after she allegedly punched a backing dancer – recently revealed she was excited about the prospect of returning to work.

In a video message thanking fans for their support, she said: “I wanted to let you guys know that I’m excited to get back to work and I can’t wait to tell you what the future holds. I can’t wait to see you guys in person and thank you all individually. I love you all and I couldn’t have done this without you.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Eva Longoria almost flashed David Letterman her breasts when her low-cut jacked popped open during an interview on his show

The ‘Desperate Housewives’ star appeared on David’s ‘The Late Show’ to discuss her new cook book, ‘Eva’s Kitchen’, wearing hotpants and a matching tuxedo jacket, and she was left giggling when her button opened to reveal she was naked underneath.

As she noticed the wardrobe malfunction, Eva said, “oh my button!” and quickly covered up her chest before adding, “I’m sorry … but you didn’t see anything.”

David responded by joking: “Oh Lord. We’re going to lose our liquor licence I know it.”

Describing her outfit, Eva said: “I wore a tuxedo for you.”

And David answered: “I guess you did. Or part of one. Where are you going?”

After composing herself, Eva revealed she is currently in negotiations with ‘Desperate Housewives’ producers to continue in her role as Gabrielle Solis on the show for at least one more year but possibly two.

She said: “We’re almost done with negotiations and we’ll be back for year eight and hopefully year nine. We’re excited, we’re still the number one scripted show on the ABC network so we’re excited”

Eva also spoke about her cooking skills, revealing she could “fillet a fish” before she was seven and claims most people are surprised she is skilled in the kitchen.

The 36-year-old actress – who owns the Beso restaurant in Hollywood – said: “People don’t know that I cook I’m a really good cook. I could fillet a fish before I was seven. I cook. Half [of the recipes in ‘Eva’s Kitchen’] are from my family, I grew up eating Mexican food and then American food, so there’s a mixture in the book.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Gloria James — Photo Of Her Alleged Victim

TMZ has obtained a photo of the man allegedly SLAPPED by Gloria James at a hotel in Miami this morning … taken moments after police arrived on scene.

The valet parker — Rockfeller Sorel — told cops Gloria smacked him with an open hand on the right side of his face … and after the incident, he sought medical attention — though he doesn’t seem to have any visible injuries in the photo.

As we previously reported, the man has already met with a lawyer to discuss his legal options.

Duh.

News Source: TMZ

‘Idol’ Rejects — We’re Going on Tour … For Charity!

Three ex-contestants from this season’s “American Idol” are going rogue — in fact, TMZ has learned, they’re kicking off a 5-city tour next month … and 95% of the proceeds are going to a very special cause.

Multiple sources tell TMZ, former “Idol” contestants Chris Medina, Rob Bolin and Tim Halperin are hitting the road on a 5-city tour, spanning 4 states — starting off in Toledo and ending in Chicago — and the majority of the profits will go to benefit Medina’s disabled fiancée.

According to sources, 95% of the money generated by the tour will be set aside for the Juliana Recovery Fund — a charity set up to cover medical expenses for Medina’s fiancée Juliana … who suffered severe brain damage after a horrific car accident in 2009.

FYI — the concert is not affiliated with “A.I.” … but it obviously couldn’t have happened without it.

News Source: TMZ

CNN Staff Warned — Suspect Is ‘Armed & Dangerous’

The CNN building on Sunset Blvd. is still “on lockdown” 24 hours after a man called cops warning that his son threatened to open fire on staffers — and today employees have been warned the suspect is still considered “armed and dangerous.”

TMZ obtained the memo — sent out earlier today by building management — informing building staffers the LAPD is currently on high alert — looking for “a disheveled looking, transient man [who] has made threats to harm himself and as many other people as possible.”

The memo continues, “This man has an arrest history, history of violence, and is considered armed and dangerous.”

Management insists the post-threat lockdown is still in effect … and additional security has been hired to patrol the area.

As we first reported — it all started after a father called 911 yesterday, claiming his son threatened to shoot up CNN’s headquarters … unless dad sent him some cash.

News Source: TMZ

Paris Hilton can see herself marrying boyfriend Cy Waits

The hotel heiress has been dating the Las Vegas nightclub mogul for almost a year and believes he’s the right man for her because he loves her for who she is.

She told America’s In Touch magazine: “I can see myself marrying him. We are so happy!

“He’s different. He doesn’t care about the spotlight. He loves me for me.”

As well as Paris being smitten with him, it seems her family are also impressed with Cy.

Mother Kathy said: “There have been a few guys Paris has dated that I have openly told her were wrong for her. But Cy is amazing.”

Paris – who was spotted looking at engagement rings with Cy last month – recently revealed she feels “broody” and would love to start a family with Cy.

She said: “I feel broody sometimes. I’d love kids in the future. Cy’s the best boyfriend I’ve ever had. I’m so happy with him.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Dr. Klein Hands Over Michael Jackson’s Records

Michael Jackson’s friend and dermatologist Dr. Arnold Klein was forced to turn over medical records today from the final months of Michael’s life … TMZ has learned.

Dr. Klein and his attorney handed over the documents during a pretrial hearing in Dr. Conrad Murray’s manslaughter case.

Murray’s team wants the paperwork to determine exactly what drugs Klein used to treat MJ. As TMZ reported … Klein’s medical records show he injected Michael with Demerol 51 times in the three months before he died.

Last month, Dr. Klein asked the judge to quash the subpoena for his records. Fail.

News Source: TMZ

‘Kumar’ Actor’s Gun-Toting Robber Pleads Guilty

Kal Penn — aka Kumar from the White Castle movies — has the taste of sweet justice on his lips … because the dude who robbed him at GUNPOINT last year just pled guilty to the crime.

According to court documents filed in D.C., Marcellus Chambers pled guilty yesterday to felony counts of robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.

In exchange for the plea, the other charges against Chambers were dropped — and the government says it will recommend a sentence of 4 years or less behind bars.

As we first reported, Penn was President Barack Obama’s Associate Director in the Office of Public Engagement when Chambers stole his wallet and two cell phones on April 20, 2010 in D.C.

The robbery was investigated by the Secret Service — because one of the phones Penn lost in the robbery belonged to U.S. government.

Chambers is set to be sentenced tomorrow.

News Source: TMZ

Bounty Hunter’s Daughter — Charged with Harassment

Dog the Bounty Hunter’s daughter Lyssa Chapman has officially been charged with criminal property damage and harassment … after her arrest last month in Hawaii — TMZ has learned.

The Honolulu Prosecuting Attorney’s office filed the two charges within the last week — both misdemeanors.

As TMZ first reported — Lyssa was arrested last month after allegedly banging on her neighbor’s doors at 3AM … damaging a window … and then knocking a cell phone out of a police officer’s hand.

She’s scheduled to appear in court April 19th.

News Source: TMZ

Angelina Jolie has had a new tattoo tribute to Brad Pitt

The ‘Tourist’ actress has the co-ordinates of the birthplaces of her six children – Cambodia for nine-year-old Maddox, Vietnam for seven-year-old Pax, Ethiopia for Zahara, six, Namibia for four-year-old Shiloh, and France for two-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne – tattooed on her arm and sparked speculation she and her partner were adopting again after she added a seventh line to the inking.

However, it has now been claimed the new body art is the longitude and latitude of Brad’s Oklahoma birthplace.

A source told InTouch Weekly magazine: “She got the seventh line right around the time she and Brad moved the kids back to Los Angeles. It signified family unity.”

Angelina already has another tattoo tribute to Brad – the words Whiskey Bravo on her inner thigh.

Quizzed about the inking, she said recently: “Ohh, it’s for Brad. It is something for Brad.”

In the military alphabet, Whiskey Bravo represents the letters W and B, the initials of the ‘Burn After Reading’ actor, whose real first name is William.

The 35-year-old screen beauty has more than 14 tattoos, including a letter M in tribute to her late mother Marcheline Bertrand, and a lower case j in honour of her brother James.

Source: BANG Showbiz

Jennifer Aniston has joked that she should marry George Clooney because they are Hollywood’s most famous singletons

The ‘Just Go With It’ actress is so bored with the endless speculation about her love life that she thinks she should call up Hollywood’s most famous bachelor George – who is also a close friend of her ex-husband Brad Pitt – and propose.

She said: “That would definitely shut up the world! I could call up George, say, ‘Hun, let’s just get hitched and have kids.’ I should take George to lunch and we can figure out how to put an end to all this. Ha! Well, no.”

The ‘Up In The Air’ actor is currently in a relationship with Italian model-and-actress Elisabetta Canalis, while Jennifer is not dating anyone.

The 42-year-old star would not rule out getting married again, but she insists it is also important to love yourself, and at the moment her pals – including her former ‘Friends’ co-star Courteney Cox – are the most important people in her life.

Jennifer told this month’s Red magazine: “You have to have a balance in life. You have to also have your own personal love: what inspires you, what excites you when you wake up in the morning.

“Where would you be without friends? Where would you be without people to pick you up when you need lifting? As we know, myself and a lot of my friends, we’ve come from homes that were far from perfect, so you end up almost parent and sibling to your friends, and vice versa. Your own chosen family. There’s nothing like a really loyal, dependable, good friend. Nothing.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Victoria Beckham cried when she couldn’t find her dream pram

The fashion designer – who is pregnant with her first daughter, adding to her brood of boys Brooklyn, 12, Romeo, eight and Cruz, six, with husband David Beckham – became “inconsolable” when she found out a £1,100 iCandy baby transporter was unavailable in any shops worldwide or online, despite spending hours trying to find it.

A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: “Now that Victoria knows she is having a girl, she is having fun hand-picking suitably girly accessories.

“She wants to be almost ironically over-the-top pink when it comes to dressing her daughter. And she doesn’t want a pink buggy. After doing loads of research, Victoria fell for the iCandy Apple pram in the grape colour and went about excitedly choosing accessories.

“She spent last Saturday (02.04.11) in Los Angeles going undercover in a big hat and sunglasses, rooting through top department stores and children’s shops, trying to locate her dream stroller.

“When she had no joy, she spent hours online, even going on eBay trying to find the right thing.

“Victoria was inconsolable and David spent much of the evening trying to cheer her up and find alternative options. But still Victoria has her heart set on the grape iCandy.”

Meanwhile, soccer star David has been spotted purchasing a selection of British goods from a specialist shop in Los Angeles, spending £200 on items including HP Sauce, Cadbury’s Flakes and Mr Kipling Cake Bars.

A regular at the store said: “This is where I always come when I feel homesick. I stock up on beans and brown sauce and Cadbury’s bars for snacks.

“Becks was doing just the same – but in much larger quantities. He must be really missing Britain. And maybe Posh is craving her Flakes.”

David took his three sons to the store, and despite having been brought up in Spain and the US, they seemed keen to get traditional British goods.

An onlooker said: “The boys asked for more and more and mainly got their way. It was like an average family trip to a sweet store, only more expensive.”

Source: BANG Showbiz