Former ‘Idol’ Contestant — My Ex Threatened to Kill Me

Season 7 “American Idol” contestant Asia’h Epperson claims her ex-boyfriend beat the crap out of her on multiple occasions … and then threatened her with death … this according to court docs.

Epperson — who placed in the Top 16 on “A.I.” in 2008 — filed a request for a restraining order against her 27-year-old ex BF … claiming the guy has a history of “choking me and slamming me on the ground, fighting and wrestling me.”

According to the docs filed in L.A. County Superior Court, Epperson claims the abuse got so bad, the ex began making “threats about killing me and then himself.”

She claims he also, “called people out of my phone and threatened them as well … threatened to shoot my friends.”

Fortunately for Asia’h … her request was granted and the ex-BF was ordered to stay 100 yards away from her at all times.

Both sides are due back in court on June 10.

News Source: TMZ

Lauren Alaina Silent in Makeup — Haley Is Ready

Lauren Alaina is sitting in the makeup chair silently because an “American Idol” doctor has frozen her throat in a last ditch effort to save her voice … spies on the “Idol” set tell TMZ.

TMZ broke the story … Lauren lost her voice and could not finish rehearsing for tonight’s finale.

Producers have brought Haley Reinhart to the set and she is currently in wardrobe. If Lauren can’t compete, Haley will square off against Scotty McCreery for the title.

We’re told Haley just finished rehearsing, and if she does compete tonight she’ll sing 3 songs — “House of the Rising Sun,” “I Who Have Nothing” and “Bennie and the Jets.”

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

‘American Idol’ Casey Abrams — Eat Me!

“American Idol” finalist Casey Abrams may not win the title, but he’ll always be able to get a warm meal back home — because dude just got a restaurant lounge named in his honor!

Cafe Aroma in Casey’s hometown of Idyllwild, CA just renamed a section of the joint … the “Casey Abrams American Idol Lounge.”

Employees tell us, Casey’s such a big shot at the restaurant — which features belly dancers — they’ve even put his name on his favorite dish … “Casey Abrams Gnocchi Alfredo” … 6 meatballs included.

Belly dances cost extra — though we’re thinking they’ll give Casey a deal.

News Source: TMZ

‘Idol’ Hospitalized Contestant Stays On Show

Casey Abrams … the “American Idol” finalist who was hospitalized Wednesday … will stay on the show … TMZ has learned.

As we first reported, Casey was hospitalized Wednesday after complaining of severe stomach pains. He received a blood transfusion at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center this morning, and was released about an hour ago.

Casey has now done two rehearsals for the taping tonight — featuring the top 12 male finalists.

A source connected with the show tells TMZ Casey will not have to return to the hospital.

News Source: TMZ

Hospitalized ‘A.I.’ Contestant — Still in Jeopardy

Casey Abrams — who we know is one of the 24 finalists on “American Idol” — is still in the hospital and could end up dropping out of the competition today … TMZ has learned.

TMZ broke the story … Casey was rushed to the hospital Wednesday, complaining of severe stomach pains.

We’ve learned he’s still in the hospital and will receive a blood transfusion this morning.

For Casey to continue in the competition, he must participate in tonight’s taping of the top 12 males.

Sources connected with the show say it’s up to Casey to decide, but producers will let him rehearse with the band at 4:30 PM today if he’s able … and then tape the show.

It’s so touch and go, we’re told they’re discussing the possibility of Casey going to the taping and then returning to the hospital.

News Source: TMZ

Jennifer Lopez is enjoying her judging role on ‘American Idol’ because she can pass on her experience to the pop hopefuls.

The 41-year-old singer-and-actress – who is joined on the panel of the TV talent show by Randy Jackson and Aerosmith rocker Steven Tyler – says the numerous years she has spent in the music business allow her to understand the predicament of the performers in the auditions.

Speaking on the Grammy Awards red carpet in Los Angeles last night (13.02.11), she said: “I love it. Honestly, with all the experience I’ve had over the years, it’s like, what do you do with it? Steven, he’s been on the scene for 40 years touring. You have so much information, you have so much experience and so many little titbits you don’t even realise you have in your mind.

“You see someone perform, and you’re in the position to go, ‘Hey, you know what? Why don’t you think about this? You know what I see? I see this.’ ”

Jennifer – who is married to musician Marc Anthony, with whom she has two-year-old twins Max and Emme – also admitted she finds being a judge on the series “lots of fun”.

Source: BANG Showbiz

‘Idol’ Contestant Stormi Henley Flies Off the Handle

“American Idol” contestant Stormi Henley is getting real high — and it’s standard procedure for her new hobby … death-defying acrobatics.

If ‘Idol’ doesn’t work out … sources close to the former Miss Teen USA tell us she’s got a helluva backup plan — Henley’s been taking lessons at Trapeze School New York for the last month and a half … and “loves the rush.”

You can tell from the video … she’s a real swinger.

News Source: TMZ

New ‘Idol’ Contestant — Tell Me How My Glass Tastes?!

Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson have already disposed of some serious talent on “American Idol” … including one man who literally glues pieces of glass to his HEAD.

**WARNING — SPOILERS AHEAD**

TMZ has learned a 23-year-old who goes by the name, “Digidoo” got his shot in front of the “A.I.” judges in Nashville back in October … partially because of his voice and partially because of his GLASS MOHAWK.

We’re told the judges weren’t too keen on the singing, but they couldn’t take their eyes off Digi’s self described, “Glass Hawk” … made with REAL pieces of glass and jewels.

“A.I.” spies tell us J.Lo also asked the guy if he could dance … but his fleet feet couldn’t save him from the chopping block.

News Source: TMZ

‘Twilight’ leads nominations for this year’s People’s Choice Awards.

The vampire movie franchise’s third instalment ‘Eclipse‘ dominated the award’s movie categories when they were announced yesterday (09.12.20) with eight nods including Favourite Movie, Favourite Movie Actor for stars Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner and Favourite Movie Actress for Kristen Stewart, among others.

The awards also honour Music and Television stars, and the nominations saw Eminem and Usher included in the Favourite Male Artist category, while Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift are all in the running for Favourite Female Artist.

Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber are both nominated for Favourite Breakout Artist, alongside B.o.B.,

Kesha and Selena Gomez and the Scene.

Upon hearing of her nomination, Selena tweeted: “Oh my gosh!!!! I am so excited you guys nominated me and The Scene for this year’s People’s Choice Award! (sic)”

TV show ‘Glee’ picks up a nomination in the Favourite TV Comedy category alongside ‘How I Met Your Mother’, ‘Modern Family’ and ‘Two and a Half Men’.

Winners of the People’s Choice Awards 2011 will be revealed during a live broadcast from the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles on January 5 next year.

All award categories are voted for by the public, to register your vote visit http://www.peopleschoice.com

Partial list of nominations for the People’s Choice Awards 2011:

Favourite Movie

Alice In Wonderland

Inception

Iron Man 2

Toy Story 3

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Favourite Movie Actor

Johnny Depp

Leonardo DiCaprio

Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Pattinson

Taylor Lautner

Favourite Movie Actress

Angelina Jolie

Jennifer Aniston

Julia Roberts

Katherine Heigl

Kristen Stewart

Favourite Action Movie

Iron Man 2

Kick-Ass

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time

Robin Hood

Salt

Favourite Drama Movie

Alice in Wonderland

Dear John

Inception

The Social Network

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse

Favourite Comedy Movie

Date Night

Easy A

Grown Ups

Sex and the City 2

Valentine’s Day

Favourite On Screen Team

‘Date Night’ – Tina Fey & Steve Carell

‘Inception’ – Leonardo DiCaprio, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Ellen Page, Tom Hardy, Dileep Rao

‘Iron Man 2′ – Robert Downey Jr. & Don Cheadle

‘The Karate Kid’ – Jaden Smith & Jackie Chan

‘The Twilight Saga: Eclipse’ -Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner

Favourite Movie Star Under 25

Emma Watson

Kristen Stewart

Robert Pattinson

Vanessa Hudgens

Zac Efron

Favourite Tv Drama

The Good Wife

Gossip Girl

Grey’s Anatomy

House

The Vampire Diaries

Favourite Tv Comedy

The Big Bang Theory

Glee

How I Met Your Mother

Modern Family

Two and a Half Men

Favourite Tv Competition Show

America’s Got Talent

American Idol

Dancing With The Stars

Hell’s Kitchen

So You Think You Can Dance

Favourite Male Artist

Eminem

Enrique Iglesias

Michael Buble

Tim McGraw

Usher

Favourite Female Artist

Carrie Underwood

Katy Perry

Lady Gaga

P!nk

Taylor Swift

Favourite Song

‘Airplanes’ by B.O.B featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore

‘California Gurls’ by Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg

‘Love The Way You Lie’ by Eminem featuring Rihanna

‘OMG’ by Usher featuring Will.i.Am

‘Telephone’ by Lady Gaga featuring Beyonce

Favourite Breakout Artist

B.o.B.

Bruno Mars

Justin Bieber

Ke$ha

Selena Gomez & the Scene

Favourite Pop Artist

Beyonce

Katy Perry

Lady Gaga

P!nk

Rihanna

Favourite Music Video

‘Baby’ by Justin Bieber featuring Ludacris

‘Love The Way You Lie’ by Eminem featuring Rihanna

‘Teenage Dream’ by Katy Perry

‘Telephone’ by Lady Gaga featuring Beyonce

‘Waka Waka’ by Shakira featuring Frshlyground

Source: BANG Showbiz

Tyler Hilton: “One Tree Hill” Redux?

We’ve got another TooFab Q&A for you today — featuring musician/actor/all around hottie Tyler Hilton.

Hilton took time out of his touring schedule to talk to TooFab’s Brian Particelli about the possibility of returning to “One Tree Hill,” life on the road with “American Idol’s” Josiah Leming and what it’s like being confused for a member of that other Hilton family.

Will we see you acting again?
“Maybe, acting is a little different than music because it’s not totally up to me. If a project comes along with a really cool script and the director and I want to work together, I would love to. It’s all about finding the right projects.”

More importantly, will we ever see you back on “One Tree Hill?”
“It’s always a possibility. It’s about stars aligning, having time to go back. They’d have to work it back into the script. But who knows, Chris Keller might come back at some point.”

Back to the music, what was it like working on your upcoming album, The Storms We Share?
“It took a long time to make, and I put a lot of heart and soul and time into that record. It’s been three years in the making, so to have it done is just amazing. I can’t wait to get it out there.”

How’s life on the road with Josiah?
“We’ve been out for about a month now and it’s going good. It’s a lot of work but really fun to get back out there and play again. We’ve been learning a lot from each other. He’s a great performer, a really talented songwriter.

I love being on the road with people I can learn from. I really am a fan of his.”

What’s it like living on a bus?
“We’ve had some parties that have been pretty crazy but I don’t know, we’ve been working really hard too, so we haven’t gotten into too much crazy stuff. We’re playing high schools during the day, so it makes for early mornings.”

How is it playing high schools?
“It’s just kind of a strange mindset, hanging out with younger kids — and then playing a bar with a bunch of drinking folks at night.”

You were in Taylor Swift’s “Teardrops On My Guitar” video, have you kept in contact with her?
“I haven’t talked to her in maybe a year, maybe less. When she last played L.A., my girlfriend and I went, got to see them all. Such a nice great group of people.

Do people ever think you’re related to Paris Hilton?
“Oh yeah, all the time!”

What do you say when to people who think that?
“I’m of the Tyler Hilton family, not the Paris Hilton family!”

Source: TooFab

Jennifer Lopez’s ex-husband is set to audition for her on ‘American Idol’

Ojani Noa, a former waiter from Cuba who became Jennifer’s first husband when they married in 1997, is planning to sing on the show in Los Angeles tomorrow (22.09.10), and will even serenade the rumoured judge her with one of her own songs.

The pop hopeful’s manager, Ed Meyer, said: “Ojani Noa will be in line at the Forum on September 22 to try out for ‘American Idol’ in front of his ex-wife.

“He escaped Cuba and married Jennifer Lopez, now he wants to be the American Idol. Of course he will sing a Jennifer Lopez song.”

Ojani’s stunt is set to take place on the same day as the new judging panel for the show is officially unveiled by host Ryan Seacrest, which is said to feature Jennifer – who has reportedly signed a $12 million contract to join the series – alongside original judge Randy Jackson and two other new panel members.

Ojani – whose marriage to Jennifer lasted less than a year – initially remained on good terms with the singer-and-actress after they split, but the former couple have fallen out in recent years, after Jennifer hired and subsequently fired Ojani as head chef of her now closed Latin restaurant, Madre’s, in 2002.

He has since been banned from publishing a tell-all book he wrote about the 41-year-old star by one court, and last year a judge ruled he was also not allowed to commercially release footage from the couple’s honeymoon.

Since divorcing Ojani, Jennifer dated rapper P. Diddy, married and divorced dancer Cris Judd, got engaged to actor Ben Affleck and finally settled down and married singer Marc Anthony, with whom she has two-year-old twins Max and Emme.

Source: BANG Showbiz

The ‘We Belong Together’ singer – who is believed to be expecting her first child with husband Nick Cannon – has recorded her second festive LP, entitled ‘Merry Christmas II You’, and will release it on November 2.

Produced by ‘American Idol’ judge Randy Jackson, James Poyser, Jermaine Dupri and award-winning composer Marc Shaiman the LP will feature Yule-tide classics such as ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’, ‘The First Noel’ and ‘Little Drummer Boy’, as well as four original songs composed by the pop beauty.

A new version of Mariah’s most famous seasonal track ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ – which featured on the album ‘Merry Christmas’ – will also appear on the album.

Despite having been first released in 1994, ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ continues to appear on the Billboard Hot 100 Recurrent Singles chart each Christmas, hitting the number one spot every year from 2005 to 2008.

It is still not clear whether Mariah and Nick will be preparing for the patter of tiny feet by Christmas time.

Although she is widely rumoured to be pregnant, the singer refuses to publically confirm or deny the news.

Last month, she posted on her website: “I appreciate everyone’s well wishes. But I am very superstitious. When the time is right, everyone will know.”

Source: BANG Showbiz

Jennifer Lopez Is a Go On ‘Idol’ … for One Year

TMZ has confirmed … Jennifer Lopez has signed a 1-year deal with “American Idol” for “a little more than $12 million” — this according to sources connected with the show.

It’s somewhat surprising that the deal is only for one year … given the nature of the “A.I.” franchise.

Nonetheless, it is a done deal and Jennifer Lopez is expected to be at the judges’ table for auditions next week.

Source: TMZ

FOX: Someone’s Sabotaging ‘American Idol’

FOX execs think someone is trying to sabotage “American Idol” by dragging Jennifer Lopez though the mud … well-connected sources tell TMZ.

FOX execs at the highest level have been complaining that the negative stories about Lopez — who should be signing on the dotted line any day to become the 3rd judge — are being planted by people with a grudge against “A.I.” and people who are in direct competition with the show.

There have been a number of stories about Lopez’s alleged “diva demands” — that she’s demanding way too much money and insisting on movie deals — but we’re told the negotiations have actually been “normal.” We’re told there is a movie component to the deal — as well as the possibility of other TV projects — but the centerpiece has always been “Idol.”

Our sources say it’s all but a done deal … and that Lopez will be at the judge’s table next week for “A.I.” auditions.

Source: TMZ

Fantasia Barrino — Crackin’ Suicide Jokes

It’s been one month since Fantasia Barrino attempted to kill herself with Aspirin and a sleep aid — but now, the time has come to crack some jokes about it … at least according to Fantasia.

The former “American Idol” champ was boarding a plane in NY yesterday when she decided to open up about pills, her love life and, of course … her new album.

Source: TMZ

Jennifer Lopez — ‘American Idol’ Deal Imminent

Jennifer Lopez is in the final stages of negotiations with “American Idol” — and we’re told it’s all but a done deal and Jennifer will be the last critical link in the chain.

Sources connected to the negotiations tell TMZ … contrary to some news reports … there has been no drama and no diva demands.  As one source puts it, “It’s been typical negotiating.”

We’re told … absent a last-minute snag (which is highly unlikely) … the deal could be inked as early as next week.

“Idol” sources say producers believe Jennifer is the key to re-energizing the show.

Source: TMZ

‘Idol’ Reject Refiles Lawsuit, Now Only Wants $100 Mil

Ian Benardo — the former “American Idol” contestant who sued the show for $300 million — has withdrawn that lawsuit … only to refile a new one for $100 million.

Benardo refiled his lawsuit for workplace discrimination and sexual harassment today in federal court. The original suit was filed with the NY State Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

A rep for Benardo says he was advised that the case was not under the jurisdiction of NY’s EEOC — and instead he had to take the matter to federal court. Benardo is suing because he claims “Idol” producers exploited his sexual orientation and told him to “gay it up.”

As for why he dropped his astronomical demand from $300 mil to $100 mil — Benardo’s rep inexplicably says it was a “cleaner amount.”

Then again, $100 gazillion is also pretty clean.

Source: TMZ

‘American Idol’ Chikezie Pleads in ID Theft Case

“American Idol” alum Chikezie Eze … who was charged with felony identity theft in connection with trying to allegedly buy 2 bottles of ridiculously expensive cologne with a phony credit card … just copped a plea.

Chikezie pled no contest to misdemeanor identity theft.

Chikezie was arrested after allegedly using a bogus credit card to buy 2 bottles of cologne at Neiman Marcus – totaling $1,289.57.

Under the deal … Chikezie will be placed on 3 years probation and have to perform 45 days of community labor.

And Chikezie is ordered to stay away from Neiman’s … Shouldn’t we all?

Source: TMZ

‘American Idol’ Back-Up Plan — Shania Twain

“American Idol” sources tell TMZ … the Jennifer Lopez deal isn’t dead yet, but if it does flatline … “Idol’s” next choice is country star Shania Twain.

Shania was a hit on “Idol” this past season when she served as guest judge and mentor.

We’re told Shania is Plan B.

TMZ has a thought … What about Britney Spears? She’s fun, she kinda knows music and you never know when she’ll go off the hinges.  And she’s endlessly entertaining.  Just sayin’ …

Source: TMZ

Fantasia May Be Sued for ‘Stealing Husband’

Fantasia Barrino is preparing for a possible legal war with the scorned wife of her married lover … because Fantasia’s attorney tells us under North Carolina’s “archaic” domestic laws, “women can sue women for stealing husbands.”

As we previously reported, the “American Idol” champ had been in a relationship with a man named Antwaun Cook — who is still married to Paula Cook. Paula recently filed for divorce … and in the legal papers, cited an “adulterous affair” between Fantasia and Antwaun.

Cook has not taken any legal action against Fantasia yet — but Barrino’s lawyer, Gena Graham Morris, tells us it very well COULD happen … because in NC there are certain “heartbalm torts … where a wife can sue a third party for having a relationship with her husband” – it’s called alienation of affection.

Morris adds, “The heartbalm torts arise out of the notion that women were once property that could be stolen like televisions. It is a comical irony that in 2010 women can sue women for stealing husbands.”

Morris says she “hopes” Paula Cook will choose not to sue — but in case she does, Morris vows to “vigorously defend” Fantasia.

Source: TMZ

‘American Idol’ Contestant – Busted

Bad week for “American Idol” contestants … law enforcement sources tell TMZ seventh season competitor Asia’h Epperson is currently in custody after beating up a girl at a Hollywood nightclub.

According to sources, Emmerson and another chick kicked another clubgoer’s butt inside Colony club a few hours ago.

The victim complained of bruising and pain.

Epperson is currently at the station as cops decide whether she’ll be booked.

The alleged victim has now made a citizen’s arrest and says she will press charges.  Asia’h will be booked and transferred to a nearby jail.

Source: TMZ

Fantasia 911 Call — She ‘Took a Bottle of Aspirin’

TMZ has obtained the 911 call made on Monday night from somebody concerned that American Idol” champ Fantasia Barrino took a “bottle of aspirin.”

The caller — who was outside of Fantasia’s home at the time — informed the 911 operator that Barrino was slowly losing consciousness … and had been moved into the shower.

The operator instructed the caller to remove Fantasia from the shower.

Cops arrived to the scene a short time later — and Fantasia was eventually transported to a North Carolina hospital.

Fantasia’s rep announced yesterday that the singer was in stable condition.

Source: TMZ

Fantasia Barrino’s overdose last night was caused by a combination of aspirin and a sleep aid … this according to the “American Idol” champ’s manager.

The rep also tells us, “Yesterday, she was totally overwhelmed by the lawsuit and the media attention.”

The statement continues,”Last night, Fantasia was hospitalized. She took an overdose of aspirin and a sleep aid. Her injuries are not life threatening. She was dehydrated and exhausted at the time. Fantasia is stable now. She will be released from the hospital soon.”

Source: TMZ

‘American Idol’ Judges — Dangerous Strangers

Sources connected with “American Idol” tell TMZ … execs on the show recklessly rolled the dice by choosing Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler as the new judges.

Our “A.I.” spies tell us producers have never put Lopez, Tyler and Randy Jackson in the same room to see if they have the right chemistry.  As one source put it, “It’s ridiculous not to road test these people before committing … it’s insane.”

We’re told before choosing Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson, Exec Producer Nigel Lythgoe organized dinners with the three prospective judges, to see how they meshed.  We’re told Nigel even had Simon and Randy go to a few strip clubs together … to see how they got along.

But turns out … there’s still time.  High level sources tell us the deals with Lopez and Tyler still haven’t been signed, and auditions with the judges are just a month away.

Source: TMZ