The Dark Knight Speeds to $400 Million




Eighteen days.

That's all it took for The Dark Knight to break $400 million.

The Batman movie grossed another $6.3 million on Monday, per final numbers from Exhibitor Relations, bringing its overall domestic total to $400,038,494 and setting yet another land-speed record.

The fastest film to $100 million, $200 million and $300 million is now the fastest film to $400 million. By a lot.

Tyra Banks Brings the Crazy to the Oval Office




With about three months to go until Election Day, the presidential campaigns seem to get more and more twisted up with celebrity culture. Today, we get to add the loveable crazy-fierce Tyra Banks to the mess.

The talk-show host/model mentor poses as Michelle Obama in this September’s Harper’s Bazaar and offers up advice on how to be a good first lady, like, “know how to take a fierce picture but at the same time be able to eat fried chicken.”




See, Tyra really does know everything from smiling with your eyes to representing the country.

Bo Bice Adds to His Brood




Fatherhood continues to be the real thing for Bo Bice.

The American Idol rocker and his wife, Carolyn, welcomed their second child together, a son named Caleb, Tuesday in Nashville, per Us Weekly.

The couple are also parents to son Aidan, who will be 3 in September.

Meanwhile, the book of baby names had been collecting dust for quite awhile.

"We're having a little boy and we're going to name him Caleb," Bice told People in May at the American Idol finale, thereby revealing that kid No. 2 was on the way. "It's a good biblical name. We stuck with that with both kids—good Irish and good biblical names...We're just blessed to have such a beautiful family."

######llica Saves Death for TGIF




######llica is again going against the grain.

The hard-rocking band has followed in its own footsteps and announced a Friday release date for its ninth studio album, Death Magnetic. The album hits both tangible and digital shelves Sept. 12.

Three days later, the full album will become an optional download for Guitar Hero III: Legends of the Rock. (No word yet on whether the video-game tracks' Sept. 15 release will also be bumped up.)

James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo also chose to skip the traditional Tuesday or Monday debut with their last effort, 2003's St. Anger, figuring somehow that a Friday bow would stop more pirated copies from circulating.

Either way, this isn't the first instance of ######llica wanting to get its music out there—but not too much.

Bikini Bottom Still Tops in Ratings




Consistency has a long, funny name: SpongeBob SquarePants.

The Nickelodeon cartoon was its usual dominant self in the ratings last week, placing 20 telecasts—yes, 20—among cable's top 50 most watched programs.

The highest-rated episode was a Thursday-morning one that averaged 3.9 million, or more viewers than this summer's highest-rated Project Runway yet (3.3 million).

The "least"-watched top 50 episode was a Friday-afternoon telecast that averaged 3.2 million, or more viewers than the strong-premiering Lifetime movie Fab Five: The Texas Cheerleader Scandal (3 million).

Kevin Smith X-es Out Porno's Adult Rating




Now anyone (albeit some with a parent or guardian) can see Zack and Miri Make a Porno.

Kevin Smith has successfully appealed the Motion Picture Association of America's initial NC-17 rating for his upcoming salacious-sounding comedy, which stars Seth Rogen and Elizabeth Banks as financially strapped roommates who try to dig themselves out of debt by making a homemade skin flick.

Smith reedited the film twice, each time receiving another NC-17, the box-office kiss of death that means no one under 17 is allowed in the theater.

Paris Thanks "White-Haired Guy" for Endorsement




Thanks to John McCain, Paris Hilton realizes that she's, like, totally ready to lead!

The seemingly oblivious heiress has taped a response, posted on FunnyOrDie.com, to the new McCain ad comparing Barack Obama to paparazzi magnets like Paris and Britney Spears.

And, well...it's pretty funny.

In the video, Paris introduces herself as a celebrity—like McCain, who's "old enough to remember when dancing was a sin."

"I'm a celebrity, too. Only I'm not from the olden days, and I'm not promising change like that other guy. I'm just hot," the 27-year-old scenester says.

She goes on to thank the "white-haired dude" for mentioning her in a campaign ad, which apparently means she's running for president, and fills us in on her energy policy.

Celebutantes: 1, GOP: 0

Emmy Rossum Packs a Pistol for New Role



Annie Oakley, move over. In her new action movie, next year's Dragonball, Emmy Rossum shoots a gun.

"It was really fun," the Golden Globe-nominated actress-singer, 21, told PEOPLE at Saturday's alice+olivia Perrier Jouet-hosted Hamptons fashion show, where she showed support for her friend Stacey Bendet's women's fall collection. "I still have my papers from the target practice at home, because I was just so proud that I could shoot it."

Besides firing bullets, the Day After Tomorrow and Poseidon star also did a lot of strength training and kickboxing to shape up for Dragonball, which is based on the Japanese manga series.

Dolly Parton on Britney & Lindsay: Give 'Em a Break



Dolly Parton offered a double dose of comedy and compassion when she hit the concert stage in Los Angeles Sunday night.

"Poor little Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan," Parton told the crowd at the Greek Theatre, reports E! Online. "Ain't it awful? If those little girls slept with as many men as they say in the tabloids, why their little butts would have more fingerprints than the FBI!"

Parton, who belted out most of her hits during the two-hour show, further acknowledged, "I kinda feel sorry for them. We should give those two a break."

Keira Knightley: I Got Drunk for My Fair Lady Audition



Singing under the influence helped Keira Knightley ace her audition for the upcoming movie remake of My Fair Lady.

"I probably did slur my words," Knightley told the U.K. edition of Glamour in its September issue about having a drink before her audition to play Eliza Doolittle. "I told [producer Cameron Mackintosh] that would be the only way I could sing in front of everyone."

However, Knightley soon realized that calming her nerves also had its drawbacks. "The problem with doing it is that alcohol dehydrates you, which isn't very helpful for singing. But they said it was alright."

Scarlett Johansson Is 'Excited' to Marry a Canadian



Scarlett Johansson, who in May announced her engagement to Canadian-born actor Ryan Reynolds, says she's eager to become an honorary Canadian – and hopefully pass through the border quickly from now on.

"I'm very excited," the Vicky Cristina Barcelona star, 23, tells Entertainment Tonight Canada in an interview airing Tuesday. "I've had wonderful times in Canada. It's a lovely country. It's a beautiful country and hopefully I'll be able to get through immigration faster now!"

When jokingly told by ET Canada's Roz Weston that Reynolds, 31, is "a prince up there," Johansson responded, "Wow. That's fantastic. Do I get anything from it?"

Chace Crawford Says His Soulmate Will 'Make Me Laugh'



Chace Crawford may be known as Gossip Girl's heartthrob Nate Archibald, but if that acting thing doesn't work out, the 23-year-old actor could always try relationship counseling.

In the September issue of the U.K. edition of Glamour magazine, Crawford offers dating tips and love advice in a one-time-only "Dear Chace" column. Here's a peek at the bachelor's top tips for the ladies:

On what 'not to do' on a first date: "An obnoxious laugh, swearing like a sailor, bad breath, breaking wind, getting blackout drunk, talking about your exes. It's a long list!"

On being a bit heavy and feeling self-conscious: "Some guys really dig love handles! Your issues seem to be more about you than your boyfriend. It sounds like you should hit the gym, not for your body or your boyfriend, but for your mind."

On knowing you've found your soulmate: "I believe we all have a handful of soulmates. The most important thing to me is someone who makes me laugh. I know that's cheesy, but really it's not as complicated as you think."

Quote Of The Day



"You know what? Ed and I laugh about it. It's kind of funny. But it's like, you know, I guess some people assume there's a seed of truth to it. People think where there's smoke, there's fire. People think that, but they don't realise that, er, it's obviously, er, it's just so amazing the way something can be… just a complete fabrication, yet it gets twisted…It'll just go away in the end. I have actually met Perez Hilton a couple of times. He's normally very nice. But if he covers an untrue rumour, then I have to accept that it will become one of those things people will speculate about."

- Chace Crawford, on the gay rumors, to the U.K.'s The Independent

When Your Career Is Over…



Joss Stone has signed on to appear on the upcoming season of the TV show The Tudors.

The Brit singer will play Hnery VIII's fourth wife, Anne of Cleves.

We hope Stone doesn't make a habit of this "acting" thing!

[Image via Mr. Paparazzi.]

Poppa Lohan Not Ready For A Gay Wedding



With rumors swirling of LezLo's possible engagement to saMAN, Lindsay's born-again father, ex-convict Michael Lohan, is speaking out about his daughter's relationship with Ronson.

“I haven’t heard anything (about an upcoming wedding) from Lindsay, but if she was marrying Sam, I don’t think she’d ask me to walk her down the aisle,” says Michael. “She knows about my (Christian) faith … she just wouldn’t ask.”

Does that mean he won't be invited to the wedding either????

So, what does Michael think of Lindsay being a dykon now? “I want her to be happy and healthy and stay on the right path,” he says. “If I discuss (her relationship), I say that I want her to be happy.”

No invite for you!

Suing Mad



Ryan Seacrest's E! News co-host, Giuliana Rancic, has filed suit against her former agents at the William Morris Agency.

Her legal team is claiming "breach of contract and fiduciary duty".

Rancic's lawyer says, "They put the interests of other clients they had ahead of hers. It was a major conflict of interest, so she fired them. She's claiming all money back that she paid them and damages in the millions."

Wonder what effed up shiz her old agents pulled?!

Rancic is now repped by William Morris rival CAA.

[Image via WENN.]

Whoopi Is A Hit



Whoopi Goldberg gave her first performance in the Broadway musical Xanadu last week.

And we're sure the execs were happy to have her.

Whoopi's appearance in the show pushed ticket sales up a whopping $75,000 from the previous week!

Thats BIG in Broadway bucks.

It's simple.

Big Name Celebrity = Big Bucks.

[Image via WENN.]

Brangelina Talk Babies



Brad & Ange didn't just share photos (worth a reported $15 million) with Hello! magazine, the superstar couple also opened up about babies and raising their ever-expanding brood.

- On how the family is adjusting to the twins' arrival:
"Shiloh calls them her babies," says Jolie. "She and Z pick out their clothes and help change and hold them."

"It's sweet–they are little mommies," Pitt adds, "This is Mad's fourth/fifth time becoming an older bro. He's asking us when we can have more."

- How Brangelina reacted when they found out they were expecting twins:
"We were in shock and could not stop laughing," says Angie.

- Brangelina on the birth:
When he first saw Knox, and Vivienne a minute later, Pitt felt "An awe words fail to describe."

"I knew they would be premature, so when I saw they were big and screaming with healthy lungs, I was at peace," Jolie says.

- On the twins:
"Viv is proving to resemble Ange in spirit, attitude and physicality," says Pitt. "And Knox, a bit of me."

- Why they chose Vivienne Marcheline and Knox Leon:
"The name Vivienne came to us early, as if she named herself — she has always been Viv. And Marcheline is to honor Angie's mother," says Brad. "Knox came soon after. It is a family name, my grandfather's. Léon is a classic French name."

- On Angie's late mother, Marcheline:
"My mom loved being a mom and made sure her children knew every day how much joy we brought to her. I hope to give that to my kids."

Like An Eclipse



This doesn't happen that often!

saMAN Ronson….SMILING.

The DJ, with rumored fiancee LezLo, Danny Masterson and brother Mark Ronson, shows off her beautiful smile at the MOTOROKR Lounge in Chicago's club Underground this past weekend.

What's so funny????

Lohan Still Boozing It Up!



Rehab apparently hasn't worked for Lindsay Lohan. The recovering addict sought treatment THREE times last year, and it seems like she's still making the same mistakes!

And, apparently her GIRLFRIEND, saMAN Ronson, isn't the best influence. The DJ is said to allow/condone Lindsay to drink and takes her along to clubs.

Man's brother, Mark Ronson, was deejaying at the Hard Rock Hotel Chicago this past weekend at the Rock the Vote Nights.

Lindsay and her girlfriend decided to attend the party and were said to have spent most of the time hiding underneath a table near Mark's feet.

Then, according to reports, they had the waiters bring them drinks under the table. Literally.

Isn't Lindsay supposed to be sober?????

When Sam came out from under the table to open for Mark, she apparently spent most of the time texting LaLohan.

An insider says, Sam was "constantly texting with Lindsay, even though Lindsay was seated on the stage near her. They'd text and giggle and just stare at each other."

Gross!

We hope Lohan doesn't does end up in rehab soon.

[Image via Mavrix Online.]

Strapping on Dancing Shoes



Toni Braxton will be competing in the new season of Dancing with the Stars.

As y'all know, Toni's heart problems forced the close of her Vegas stage show.

We're glad that she's well enough to compete in Dancing.

Those sympathy votes won't hurt either!

[Image via WENN.]

Did Somebody Forget To Pay His Bills????



She seems to be making a habit of this!

Sources reveal exclusively to Perez that saMAN Ronson might be in trouble with the authorities.

On Tuesday afternoon, a big orange boot was clamped onto her very dirty black Cadillac outside her Beachwood Canyon home in Los Angeles. So, when she gets back from her romantical getaway to Miami with LezLo, the critically maligned DJ will have to take care of that little nuisance if she wants to drive her car around town.

"There's a letter attached to the windshield," a source tells us.

A paparazzi source adds, "I see parking tickets on her car all the time, but this is the first time she's gotten the boot."

Hopefully we'll get a pic real soon!

Updates:



As we were the first to exclusively report…

Behold: saMAN Ronson's car.

While the lezbot is enjoying the beach in our hometown of Miami with Lohan, the DJ's car has got the clamp!

What's funnier: the heart Lindsay on the window or the bird shit? Or all of the above???[Images via Mavrix Online.] [Image via WENN.]

Pam Has A New TV Show, Nobody Cares



Poor Pamela Anderson.

Every day people are just liking her less and less it seems!

It turns out people like Lindsay Lohan's family and even Charlie Sheen's crazy ex more than they like Pam!

It's true. It's all in the numbers.

This past Sunday was the premier of Pamela new "reality" show, Pam: Girl on the Loose. But unfortunately for PamPam, no one was watching.

The ratings for Pam's show were 27% less than each of the May debuts of Living Lohan and Denise Richards: It's Complicated.

And we all know what type of reviews Living Lohan gets.

Overall, Anderson only raked in about 1.1 million viewers.

In fact, Pam's show was even lower than Season 2 of Sunset Tan. We didn't even know that was still on!

We've seen Pambo billboards everywhere, though.

Sunset Tan came on right after Pam's show and managed to get 200,000 more viewers.

Poor Pam. She's not pretty enough for Playboy anymore and not talented enough for TV.

What's a girl to do?

[Image via WENN.]

Heating Things Up!



Things seem to be getting a bit serious between Michelle Williams and director Spike Jonze.

The two recently shared an intimate dinner at Little Dom's in Los Angeles this weekend.

An according to an insider, "During dinner they would lean in and kiss each other over the table."

And by the end of dinner, Williams had hopped onto Jonze's lap.

That's when the couple proceeded to "smooch."

Jonze "had his arm around [Williams] and kissed her on the cheeks, then on the lips."

Of course, both reps have no comments.

Orange Oprah vs. the Silver Fox: Dina Speaks!



It's on!

Dina Lohan is pissed.

Anderson Cooper said some not-so-nice things about the Lohans while filling in for Regis Philben on Live!, Tuesday morning.

It looks like Coop's 2 cents about Ali Lohan drove Dina off the deep end. Anderson said:

"[Ali] is a 14-year-old girl, looks to be about 60… I say that with concern and love. She allegedly wants to be a singer and or actor-slash-performer of some sort, striptease person, i don't know."

Orange spoke exclusively to OK! magazine and said, "People are just cruel! This is bad karma for him."

The truth hurts sometimes, right?

We expected more from Dina.

Hopefully Michael won't disappoint when he releases his statement, which should be any second now!

First Look: Angelina Jolie in Changeling



Clint Eastwood's period drama, Changeling (or The Exchange, depending on who you ask) premiered at Cannes and succeeded in impressing the critics, some of whom claim that Angelina Jolie may be looking at an Oscar nomination for her starring role. There's still no trailer for the film which is supposed to open in limited release October 24, but we do have a clip to check out.

The movie is set in the late-1920s and is based on true events. Jolie plays Christine Collins, a mother whose son has gone missing. A boy shows up claiming to be her son, but isn't, and Christine must then fight against corrupt police officers and shady reporters in her frantic search for answers. In addition, she fights the unfair restrictions and expectations placed on women during this era.

According to US, Jolie based her characterization of Christine on her own mother, Marcheline Bertrand, who died of cancer in January 2007.

Mary-Kate's Coffee Cup Co-Stars On Elle Cover

She's been caught up in some controversy lately, but Mary-Kate Olsen is also a style icon to many (including me), so it's no surprise that she's the star of this gorgeous cover for Elle's September issue. I really adore this cover, and love that she's holding a coffee cup in the third of those pics, ha! She spoke to Elle about her personal style, clothing lines and a couple of well-known designers also shared their thoughts on her – here's some excerpts of her interview:



* On her unique dress sense: "I love playing dress up. I get inspired by old films, weird things. It could just be the person sitting across from me or it could be a full Victorian costume"

* On media attitudes to her clothing choices: "What I find odd though is that a weekly [magazine] will come out describing my outfit as a fashion disaster, while the fashion industry actually respects what I wear."

* On the Olsens' clothing lines The Row, and Elizabeth and James: "I think more of my energy goes in to Elizabeth and James, [The Row is] Ashley's baby."

To find out Karl Lagerfeld and Margherita Missoni's views on Mary-Kate's style, as well as what she's learned about fashion from working on her own clothing lines with Ashley, just read more


* On her work experiences: "I have so much more respect for fashion designers now because it's hard work and never ending. It's not a movie. You can't wrap it and go start something else."

* Margherita Missoni on MK:"With her you already know future generations will look at her as an icon."

* Karl Lagerfeld is also a big fan of her look: "I like the way Mary-Kate is mixing Chanel with other things, life is not a fashion show, and I find a total designer look boring."

Getting Married?????



This is gonna get everybody buzzin'!

Are Maniston and our one-time makeout buddy walking down the aisle???

Well, OK! mag would like us to believe that on their new cover!

Will Jen & Mayer have their reps deny this???

Or…

Could it be true????

Robert Downey Jr. Checks His Ego for Iron Man 2




Before Iron Man, Robert Downey Jr. was a punch line for any celebrity rehab story. Now he's considered the mastermind of the greatest comic-book movie ever. Well, for a couple months until The Dark Knight opened.

Going into Iron Man 2, Downey is playing the humble card. "I also have to let go, because there's an aspect, particularly after the success of things, I noticed my narcissism got dialed up," said Downey while promoting his latest film, Tropic Thunder.

David Archuleta Wants the "Miley Touch"




David Archuleta's camp knows what works.

E! News has exclusively learned that the 17-year-old crooner is working on songs for his debut album with Rock Mafia Records, the Santa Monica-based tune factory behind the Miley Cyrus hits "7 Things" and "See You Again."

A source tells us that Jeff Archuleta, the little one's infamous father-manager (dadager, perhaps?), recently met with Rock Mafia producers Antonia Armato and Tim James, who cowrote and coproduced eight of the tracks on Cyrus' latest album, Breakout. They have also worked with Mariah Carey, Vanessa Hudgens and Aly & AJ.

Father and son came away from the powwow convinced that they should proceed "in that direction," our insider said. "They want a Miley touch to the album."

ScarJo Screams Sexism Over Obama Email Hoopla




Scarlett Johansson apparently never had a crush on Barack Obama. Or at least in the way some media outlets have made it out to be.

In fact, the actress believes all the attention surrounding her recent comments about an email relationship with the Democratic presidential hopeful reeks of "extreme sexism."

"I kept thinking to myself, 'God, if this was just, like, Kal Penn or George Clooney or any of the other [Obama] surrogates or supporters...there wouldn't be [any] question about it," she tells the Associated Press. "Nobody would even talk about it."

Perhaps. But then again, that Kumar guy never claimed to have had a "personal dialogue" with the Illinois senator, only to have him say that he had replied to just one email which had been forwarded to him by an assistant.

Whatever the case may be, ScarJo, take heart in knowing that we would definitely return your emails, however many. We’re here if you need us.

Miley Can't Withstand Sugar Rush




The charts have a new sugar daddy.

After finishing second to Miley Cyrus last week, Sugarland is enjoying sweet revenge. In a rematch, the country duo's Love on the Inside leapfrogged Cyrus' Breakout to land at No. 1.

For the week ended Sunday, Love on the Inside moved 171,000 to Breakout's 163,000, per Nielsen SoundScan.

This is the first No. 1 album for the tandem of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush. Their lead single, "All I Want To Do," has also topped the country charts, making it their third chart-lording single to date.

Cyrus, who hosted last weekend's Teen Choice Awards and took home a raft of trophies, saw her solo debut's sales slide by 56 percent from its opening week. Sugarland, on the other hand, was down 45 percent.

LiLo & SamRo: Tats to Match




What's one way to cover up a former flame and simultaneously declare your ladylove? Color in an old tattoo and have your gal-pal get one to match, if you're Lindsay Lohan.

New pictures have surfaced of Linds and Samantha Ronson rocking identical small, black heart tattoos on their hands.

First acquired in July 2006 with then-beau Harry Morton, Lindsay's tattoo (on her left hand between the thumb and index finger) was white in color. She has since had the tat outlined with black ink, and Ronson has replicated the heart on her own left hand.

Feds Prepare Subpoena for Mary-Kate in Heath Drug Case



Guess Mary-Kate Olsen hasn't given officials all the "relevant information" they needed in the Heath Ledger case after all.

Days after a formal statement from the twin's rep proclaiming her innocence and insisting Olsen has fully cooperated with the Drug Enforcement Administration's investigation into how Ledger obtained medications sans prescription, E! News has confirmed that a subpoena with the star's name on it is ready and waiting to be delivered.

"It was dated and signed on April 23, but it has not been enforced yet," says a federal law-enforcement source, denying reports circulating earlier today that Olsen had already been served.

"We are still in negotiations. There are still negotiations with Mary-Kate's lawyer and also with our U.S. Attorney's Office, the prosecutors."

Kim Kardashian: Running Interference?




The New Orleans Saints may be eager to fill stadium seats, but there's at least one famously generous derriere that they hope won't be hitting a Superdome seat cushion too often this season.

Kim Kardashian's hot 'n' heavy relationship with running back Reggie Bush has some of her beau's trainers concerned, a source tells E! News.

"Whenever you have an athlete dating a celebrity personality, it ups the glam factor surrounding that athlete," says a Saints team insider.

"That doesn't always bode well for a player's game ability. You've got to have your head totally in the game. Ask Tony Romo's teammates what happens every time Jessica Simpson shows up."

I Spy the McFuture!




This just makes me giddy: Spies connected with the McDreamiest show around, Grey's Anatomy, have just reported back with news of a very cool location change for the upcoming fifth season that may reveal a squeal-worthy detail about what's ahead for Meredith and Derek. (Read only if you want to know!)

I'm told that the set for Seattle Grace Hospital has moved to another soundstage (previously occupied by The Shield) at Prospect Studios in Los Angeles. And back at the original soundstage, they have built...drumroll, please...



The McMansion!

OK, so it's not really a "mansion," per se, and I'm pretty sure Daddy Warbucks won't be handing out Christmas treats. (And it probably looks nothing like the photo above.) But according to sources, the original Grey's soundstage has been turned into a lovely home that will be occupied by one Dr. Derek Shepherd, aka Patrick Dempsey, and....hmmm, I wonder who his roommate will be?

You may remember that as of last May's season finale, Derek had a beautiful plot of land that he offered up to Meredith for their dream house, and Meredith finally came 'round and offered up a beautiful floor plan (made out of candles). So something tells me Mer and Der will most definitely be shacking up in their dream house this season, and we're gonna see plenty of their domestic...ummm...bliss? Tribulations? Fascinating home-improvement tips?

What ever it is, remember Grey's boss Shonda Rhimes is jazzed about it, as she told us: "I'm really actually excited about [Meredith and Derek] being together because I feel like what I wanted you to leave with last season is Meredith standing in that field, having done this incredible thing, and the look on her face is a little bit like, 'Oh my God, now I actually have to do this.'"

Awww...poor girl! She has to shack up in an amazing house on a hill with her McDream Man! (BTW, Ellen Pompeo also outbid me on a house in real life a couple of months ago, but for the record, I am not bitter at all that some girls have all the house luck—imaginary or otherwise. Not. At. All. Now pardon me while I wipe these tears off my keyboard.)

Brawlin' Blonsky Bunch No Big Surprise?




Nikki Blonsky's brawl with Bianca Golden surprised most people, but not everyone.

More specifically, a well-placed source alleges that Nikki's mother, Karen, has more often than not made working with her 19-year-old daughter unbearable.

The source was not shocked about the Turks and Caicos rumble between the Blonsky clan and former America's Next Top Model contestant Golden and her mom, Elaine.

"I'm just surprised it hadn't happened sooner," the source says. "Her mom is so obnoxious and difficult."

The source said the trouble started not long after Nikki was discovered in a nationwide search for an unknown pudgy gal to star as Tracy Turnblad in the Hairspray movie alongside John Travolta, Zac Efron and Michelle Pfeiffer.

Case in point: The source claims Nikki flaked out big-time on her promise to sing when she picked up an award at the Palm Springs Film Festival last year. "She said she would sing 'Good Morning Baltimore,' " the source said. "But at the last minute, she said she was too ill to perform."

And it apparently got worse. Nikki and her mom complained wildly about staying at the über-chic Parker Palm Springs hotel. "They didn't like the room," the source said. "The mother was in the middle of the lobby, bitching that she didn't like the food. She said she wanted to go check into a Hilton."

Here's the catch. Despite the moaning and groaning, the source said, "Nikki was well enough to jump into her chauffeured Town Car with her mom to go eat at places like Jack in the Box."

Hairspray costar Elijah Kelley stepped in at the last minute to sing at the film festival.

The source said that Nikki's publicist at the time quit on the spot or right after the festival. "Her publicist had had it," the source said. "She couldn't take it anymore because of the mother."

Shortly after the Turks and Caicos incident, Nikki's Hairspray costar and friend Brittany Snow came to her and her parents' defense.

"I don't know how it happened or what exactly went on, but my heart goes out to her, because I really do love her, and I know she didn't mean to hurt anybody—nor did her dad," she told People magazine. "Her family is amazing!"

Nikki's father, Carl, has been in a Turks and Caicos jail since his arrest after the airport smackdown. He has a court date this Friday and could possibly be released on bail.

Nikki and Bianca were also arrested on charges of assault.

Nikki's rep declined to comment.

Robert Downey, Jr. Say What?!




"I'm such a work in progress at the moment, it's crazy, and life wants me on edge, I swear to you. But as long as I don't forget the past, I'm cool. One must always be mindful, just like you might forget that old girlfriend who tried to slit your throat, but she's really still hot. If you remember the stitches more than you remember the p--sy, you're going to be just fine."

—Robert Downey Jr., in a careening, crazy-cool interview in the new issue of Rolling Stone, which hits newsstands Aug. 8

Usher Back in Mommy's Arms After Dumping Manager Medina



Turns out Usher's still a mama's boy.

The R&B hitmaker has dumped Hollywood power broker Benny Medina and rehired mom Jonnetta Patton as his manager, E! News has exclusively learned.

“With an artist like Usher, the bar is set really high," Medina tells E! News. "Whether it was management, marketing or the music, we achieved a No. 1 single and a No. 1 album...I had a great time and we parted ways amicably.”

The behind-the-scenes shakeup also saw the voluntary departure of publicist Patti Webster. "I was not fired," she tells E! News.

Sources say the Medina split is a direct result of disappointing record sales for the team's first and only collaboration, Here I Stand.

"The record is pretty stiff, and nowhere nearly as successful as Confessions," an insider says, referring to the singer's 2004 blockbuster.

No Amputation for Shia LaBeouf




Forget what you may have read—Shia LaBeouf is not facing any major transformation.

The actor, who sustained a seriously mangled mitt in a rollover accident, is not endanger of losing any of his digits, E! News has confirmed.

LaBeouf's rep is shooting down a Star Magazine report claiming the 22-year-old actor informed his Transformers producers that he needed to have his pinky finger amputated.

It's a "completely fabricated story," LaBeouf publicist Melissa Kates tells E! News.

The Indiana Jones star's hand was injured when his Ford pickup flipped in a late-night accident last month. "Shia's left hand was crushed and will need regular medical supervision until his doctors clear him to return to work," LaBeouf's attorney, Michael Norris, said at the time.

LaBeouf has been spotted sporting a cast over his damaged wing...pinky and all.

Heath Ledger Drug Case Closed




Mary-Kate Olsen has avoided being served.

Law enforcement reps, speaking on condition of anonymity, are saying that the Drug Enforcement Administration has closed its investigation into how Heath Ledger obtained two of the prescription painkillers found in his system at the time of his sudden death on Jan. 22.

That aspect of the federal agency's inquiry was expected to involve Olsen, who via her attorney issued a statement Monday saying that she had "nothing whatsoever to do with the drugs found in Heath Ledger's home or his body, and does not know where he obtained them."

Sources confirmed that she wasn't willing to talk to the Feds unless granted immunity for any possibly illegal activity. A subpoena was reportedly headed her way any day now.

Diana Wolozin, the masseuse, who discovered Ledger's body used the Dark Knight star's cell phone to call Olsen (he had her on speed dial) moments before she called 911, prompting endless conspiracy theories as to what role—if any—the famous twin played in all this.

It's still unclear whether Wolozin actually got a hold of Olsen because the actress has yet to confirm that a conversation took place.

Princes William & Harry to Join James Bond



Princes William and Harry are ready to stand shoulder to shoulder with another famous countryman of theirs: James Bond.

The two will join leading man Daniel Craig and other stars of Quantum of Solace for the film's world premiere Oct. 29 in London, the producers of the 007 series announced Wednesday.

Per the princes' request, proceeds from the event will go to benefit two charities: Help for Heroes, which aids wounded servicemen and women, and the Royal British Legion, which provides support to the serving and ex-Service community and their families.

Also due to attend the gala are Dame Judi Dench and Gemma Arterton, who costar in the film, which picks up one hour after the conclusion of Bond's last escapade, 2006's Casino Royale, according to producers Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

The movie – the 22nd entry in the Bond franchise – opens in the U.S. on Nov. 7. Alicia Keys and Jack White have already recorded the title tune, to be released by J Records Oct. 28.

Leonardo DiCaprio's Grandmother Dies



Leonardo DiCaprio is mourning the death of his beloved maternal grandmother, Helene Indenbirken.

Indenbirken, whom The Departed star called Oma, was 93 and passed away in a hospital in her native North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, according to Indenbirken's hometown paper, the Recklinghauser Zeitung. 
No exact date or cause of death has been reported.


Only last week, DiCaprio and his mother visited Indenbirken in the hospital in Oer-Erkenschwick. Her health apparently had begun to decline earlier this year.

As her grandson, 33, who often took Indenbirken with him to his premieres and on to his movie sets, once told Vanity Fair: "She is literally gangsta, and I mean that with an 'a.' She will tell people exactly what she thinks to their face and look them in the eye."

DiCaprio is due back in Oer-Erkenschwick, to attend a small memorial service.

Paul McCartney & Nancy Shevell Take Romantic Road Trip



Paul McCartney's girlfriend Nancy Shevell sure is a roadie – in a big way.

She and the ex-Beatle embarked last Thursday on a cross-country road trip along the iconic U.S. highway Route 66.

Believed to be traveling in the classic '89 Ford Bronco in which they were first seen kissing, McCartney, 66, and Shevell, 48, were spotted in Joliet, Ill., last weekend.

Carrie, LeAnn and More to Duet with Elvis



Some of Country's queens are getting the chance to sing with the King on an upcoming album of Christmas tracks.

"Elvis Presley Christmas Duets" pairs the voice of Presley with the likes of Carrie Underwood and LeAnn Rimes – both of whom were born after the musical legend had died. Martina McBride, Sara Evans, and Wynonna Judd also lend their voices to the tunes. Underwood 'duets' with Presley on "I'll be Home for Christmas," while Rimes takes on "Here Comes Santa Claus" and McBride croons with the King on the Presley favorite "Blue Christmas."

Ben Stiller, Jack Black & Robert Downey Jr. Bring Tropic Thunder to Camp Pendleton



It was an attack Camp Pendleton didn't see coming: Ben Stiller, Jack Black and Robert Downey Jr. brought a full-scale laugh assault to the Marines there as they presented a special screening of their military-themed action-comedy, Tropic Thunder.

"We were really excited to show this movie to the military personnel who do so much for our country," Ben Stiller said in a statement. "I think they really got a kick out of seeing a bunch of spoiled actors complaining about how hard it is to do a war movie. But seriously, it was really hard. We almost did a boot camp, but then decided on a cast dinner instead."

Like a film premiere, there was a red carpet at the base's MCC Base Theater – only it was (fittingly) combat green-colored. And once the film's stars were inside the theater, they spent time meeting the troops, posing for pictures and then introduced the film.

Tropic Thunder blasts into theaters Aug. 13.

Lauren Conrad To Design Gown for Emmy Awards



With an already successful casual clothing line of flirty dresses, soft camis and playful skirts, Lauren Conrad is getting ready enter the world of eveningwear. The Hills resident designer is set to create a one of a kind red carpet gown for the 60th Primetime Emmy Awards trophy girls, marking it the first time in Emmy history that a celebrity designer was asked to create a gown for the women who will hand out the Emmy statuettes. “I am so excited that the Academy has asked me to design a dress for this year’s Emmy Awards,” says Lauren. “I will be doing a red carpet look that still reflects the simple classic design of the Lauren Conrad Collection but with a black tie twist.” The Emmy dress is being made especially for the awards and, sadly for the rest of us, will not be part of her Lauren Conrad Collection.

Mark Consuelos: Wife Kelly Ripa ‘Psyched’ for His Ugly Betty Role



Mark Consuelos, who has joined the ranks of such stars as Lindsay Lohan, Victoria Beckham, Naomi Campbell and Jerry O’Connell in landing a guest spot on ABC’s Ugly Betty, says his wife Kelly Ripa is “psyched” for him, but that hasn’t stopped her from engaging in some friendly husband-and-wife one-upmanship.

“They did an episode last week with her and Regis,” says Consuelos of Ripa, who will make her own Ugly Betty guest appearance on the show’s Sept. 25 premiere. “So she was like, ‘Aw, I did it first. Gotcha!’

Consuelos begins shooting his scenes Aug. 6, and is clearly looking forward to the experience.

“When you see a show that’s that funny,” Consuelos, 37, says of the Emmy-winning comedy. “It looks like they’re having fun. I can’t say I’ve heard anything other than that so I’m excited. I’m a big fan of the show.”

Although he is elated about his new gig, he’s tight-lipped about the role. “I can tell you very, very little,” he says. “One, because they don’t want to reveal too much, and two, because I don’t know much. I can say he’s a detective. Right now it’s only one episode that we know of, which I’m thrilled about.”

One reason Consuelos (who is of Mexican and Italian heritage) is a fan of the series, about Betty Suarez’s experience at work and with her close-knit New York City clan, is that it offers a positive portrayal of Latinos.

“Whenever there are more of us on [television], I’m always really, really happy,” he says. “It represents America in a realistic way. We had a mainstream Latin family on All My Children. George Lopez was another on ABC with a Latin family that I thought was great. But I’m always hoping for more. And you can never have enough. I say keep it coming.”

The chance to work close to home on the Queens set of Ugly Betty was also another major selling point. “I’ve worked in Canada, Australia, Los Angeles,” he explains. “But anytime you can work in the city, it’s a real plus. You can be home by dinnertime.” –Ivory Jeff Clinton

Paris Hilton Calls Spoof Video 'A Lot of Fun'



Paris Hilton is basking in the glow of her successful online video spoof posted on FunnyorDie.com this week.

The comedic video, which pokes fun at her inclusion in a recent John McCain campaign ad, has been viewed more than 3 million times on the comedy Web site.

"It was a lot of fun," the heiress told WWD on Wednesday while in Copenhagen promoting her latest handbag line. She added that she is "a big fan" of FunnyorDie creators Adam McKay and Will Ferrell.

In the clip, Hilton jokingly declares her candidacy for president and lays out her solution for the energy crisis – all while lounging by the pool in a risqué bathing suit.

Asked about her potential presidential future she joked, "only if I can bring [my dog] Tinkerbell to the White House.”

Nicole Kidman: Baby Sunday 'Looks Like Keith'



Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's newborn daughter, Sunday Rose, takes after her daddy, the actress said in a radio interview in Australia on Thursday.

"She looks like Keith," said Kidman on the local Jackie O Show on 2DayFM. "She's got a little bit of hair. … It has a bit of a reddish tinge."

The family trio arrived in Australia Wednesday night local time, marking 1-month-old Sunday's first trip to her parents' home country – and her first chance to meet some of her grandparents.

"My Mum was there with me for the birth but my Dad hasn't met her and Keith's mum and dad are coming down," the actress said.

Urban also chimed in on the radio show, calling his little girl "just awesome."

"Anybody out there who's got kids knows it's just a certain kind of feeling that you can only experience when you do it – we're stoked," he said.