Celebrity Scoop – 10/04/2018

FOUR SUSPECTS ARRESTED FOR A STRING OF BURGLARIES TARGETING RIHANNA & MORE – (10/04/2018)

Four people have been arrested for a string of Los Angeles burglaries, including Rihanna’s and Christina Milian’s homes. According to Billboard, the four suspects, Tyress Williams, Jshawne Daniels, Damaji Hall and Hall’s mother, Ashle Hall, are believed to be behind as many as two dozen burglaries in the L.A. area, affecting properties owned by Rihanna, Christina Milian, Yasiel Puig and Robert Woods. Authorities have seized a number of items believed to have been taken during the series of break-ins, ranging from “expensive purses” to at least one vehicle. An estimated $50,000 in cash was recovered as well. 

Lillian Carranza, captain of LAPD’s commercial crimes division, said during a press conference Tuesday (October 2nd), “During recent months, the Los Angeles Police Department has become aware of a series of residential burglaries targeting actors, producers, musicians, and professional athletes living in the Los Angeles area. Initially, it was believed that these homes were being burglarized at random. However, detectives learned that this was not the case.” 

Carranza added, “The group continuously changed their attire and appearance, wearing button-down shirts and driving luxury cars, all while scouting the homes of known celebrities and athletes as potential targets.” 

On another note, a separate report from USA Today noted that the police had also found a list of future targets including LeBron James, Matt Damon and Viola Davis.

TAYLOR SWIFT CONGRATULATES FAN WHO GOT ENGAGED AT HER CONCERT – (10/04/2018)

A Taylor Swift fan was proposed to by her boyfriend of five years at Taylor’s Reputation Stadium Tour stop in Houston, Texas, on Saturday – and received another surprise later: a congratulations from Swift.  

The video, which has over four million views on social media, shows Alyssa Read’s boyfriend, Channing, dropping to a knee when Taylor sings, “He knelt to the ground and pulled out a ring” during her performance of “Love Story.”

Read put her hands to her face in shock as concertgoers around her scream and celebrated the engagement. The two locked lips, and Read’s fiancé slid a diamond ring on her finger.

“CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Swift wrote under the couple’s video on Instagram, following her words with a collection of heart, ring and lip emojis. The 28-year-old also “liked” Read’s post, which has since gone viral.  

CAMILA CABELLO, SHAWN MENDES & ZEDD ADDED TO AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS LINEUP: The American Music Awards’ lineup continues to expand. Camila Cabello has been added to the list of performers, as has Shawn Mendes, performing with Zedd. Shawn and Zedd recently teamed up to release a remix of Shawn’s song “Lost in Japan,” so it is a safe bet they’ll be performing that track. Camilla will be performing a song from her No. 1 debut album, Camila. Camila has five nods going into the awards, including Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist and New Artist of the Year. Her friend Shawn is up for Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist, an award he won last year. Zedd has two nominations this year, including Collaboration of the Year for “The Middle” and Favorite EDM Artist. The three artists join a lineup that already includes Mariah Carey, Panic! At the Disco, Ciara with Missy Elliott; Halsey performing with Khalid and Benny Blanco; Cardi B with Bad Bunny and J Balvin; Dua Lipa; Post Malone with Ty Dolla $ign; Taylor Swift; and Carrie Underwood. Hosted by Tracee Ellis Ross, the 2018 American Music Awards will air live on October 9th on ABC.

LAUREN JAUREGUI ANNOUNCES DEBUT SOLO SINGLE ‘EXPECTATIONS’ – (10/04/2018)

Lauren Jauregui is getting ready to share her “Expectations” with the world.

After previewing it during her opening stint on the Latin American leg of Halsey’s Hopeless Fountain Kingdom tour, the former Fifth Harmony member gave fans a brief preview of her upcoming single via an 18-second snippet of the video for the song.

The black-and-white clip features Jauregui slowly walking down a dimly lit hall and looking forlorn in a white dress while standing on a bridge in a park as a muffled snippet of the ballad plays in the background. The video promises that the full thing will be released on October 12th.

NEW SIGNATURE KICKS FROM IMAGINE DRAGONS: Imagine Dragons has teamed up with online shoe retailer Zappos and its charitable arm, Zappos for Good, to create two new pairs of signature kicks. The sneakers were designed by artist Tim Cantor, who created the artwork for Imagine Dragons’ 2015 sophomore album, Smoke + Mirrors. Proceeds will be donated to the band’s Tyler Robinson Foundation, which supports children battling pediatric cancer and their families. To order your own Imagine Dragons sneakers, visit Zappos.com/Imagine-Dragons.

VICE TRAILER DROPS: Christian Bale is in Dick Cheney mode in Adam McKay’s biopic Vice, and the resemblance is uncanny in the latest trailer. The film also stars Amy Adams as Lynne Cheney, Steve Carell as Donald Rumsfeld and Sam Rockwell as a George W. Bush. Vice drops at Christmas.

Celebrity Scoop – 10/03/2018

TAYLOR SWIFT TO OPEN 2018 AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS – (10/03/2018)

Taylor Swift will open the 2018 American Music Awards. The 28-year-old singer confirmed the news in an Instagram video Tuesday after announcing the news on Good Morning America.

“I’m opening up the American Music Awards with a performance of ‘I Did Something Bad’,” she captioned the post. “Meredith is not excited, but I am. #AMAs.”

The clip shows Swift lounging with her cat Meredith. “Good morning America, it’s Taylor. I just wanted to say I’m going to be opening up the American Music Awards with a performance,” the star says in the video.

The American Music Awards confirmed the news on its official Twitter account. “@taylorswift13 will OPEN the #AMAs with her first awards show performance in almost 3 YEARS…” the post reads. “…and she’s performing ‘I Did Something Bad.’ ONE WEEK at 8/7c on ABC. #TaylorSwiftAMAs.”

The 2018 American Music Awards will take place October 9th in Los Angeles. Swift is nominated for four awards, including Artist of the Year and Favorite Pop/Rock Album for Reputation.

Cardi B, Mariah Carey, Halsey, Carrie Underwood, Ciara and Missy Elliott are among the other performers. Ciara said in a tweet last week that she has “something really special” planned for her performance with Elliott.

The show will also feature Panic! At The Disco paying tribute to Queen with a performance of the rock band’s iconic hit “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Tracee Ellis Ross will host the show, which will also feature a tribute to late Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin.

TAYLOR SWIFT MEETS YOUNG FAN WITH AUTISM AFTER DONATING MONEY TO GET HIM A SERVICE DOG – (10/03/2018)

Taylor Swift invited a young fan with autism to her show in Houston Monday, two years after donating $10,000 toward helping the boy purchase his service dog.

The now-8-year-old Jacob, his therapy dog Reid, his mother Allison Hill and sister Jordan Fox were all given front-row tickets and got to meet Taylor backstage.

Jacob’s mom posted about Taylor’s kindness and generosity on the Autism Speaks Facebook page, and included several photos of their meet-and-greet.

“[Taylor] didn’t see my son’s disability she just saw him,” she writes. “She got down on her knees and looked him right in the eyes and said hello and that she was thankful HE came to her show even though she knew it was loud and there was so much going on.”

She adds, “After the picture was taken, the flash scared him so he snuggled right up to her and her sweet smile says it all…We feel so blessed! Taylor is such an amazing person for doing this for us…again! Jacob made it through almost the entire concert. Taylor is such an autism advocate, we love her!”

The meeting was made possible after Swift discovered Jacob’s 12-year-old sister and cousin Makaylee Duhon’s cover of her hit, “Blank Space,” in 2016.

The pair changed the lyrics and sang, “We got a long list of donations / But we don’t see your name / We got a blank space baby / So donate today.”

Nearly a month after the video was posted on Jacob’s GoFundMe page, Taylor and her mother, Andrea Swift donated $10,000 with the message, “Jacob, we hope you love your new dog! Please tell your cousins that they did a great job on the song! Love, Taylor and Andrea Swift.”

Since receiving his service dog in June, Jacob has been able to walk in grocery stores, cross busy streets and avoid dangerous situations.

ARIANA GRANDE WORKING ON NEW MUSIC? – (10/03/2018)

It looks like Ariana Grande is getting ready to make more music.

She posted a picture of an empty recording studio, a picture of a microphone, and another picture of a studio with a Minnie Mouse statue on the console on Instagram. She also included a photo of what looks like some ancient ruins, with the words “I love music” written over the scene.

She also posted a tweet reading, “Music in the best medicine,” along with a microphone emoji.

Last week, Ariana posted a tweet saying, “It’s just been a tough month. i’m trying to get my work done and get back to normal and it’s hard and i’m human and tired.”

During a live stream in August, before her latest album Sweetener was released, she did hint that she’d start working on new music right away.

Sweetener dropped on August 17th and became her third album to hit No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart.

DEMI LOVATO’S YOUNGER SISTER OFFERS UPDATE ON HER RECOVERY IN REHAB – (10/03/2018)

Demi Lovato’s younger sister, Madison De La Garza, has given an update on the singer’s progress in rehab.

During an interview with Millennial Hollywood to promote her new film, Subject 16, Madison told host Dakota T. Jones that Demi is “doing really well” since recovering from an overdose in July.

“She’s working really hard on her sobriety and we’re all so incredibly proud of her,” the 16-year-old said. “It’s been crazy for our family. It’s been a lot.”

But Madison has no doubt that her family will get through it.

“Every time we go through something, we always come out on the other side a hundred times stronger than before,” she said. “So, we’ve just been so thankful for everything – for the little things.”

As for what “little things” she’s looking forward to doing with her sister again, Madison said, “It’s so small, but go to Menchie’s [Frozen Yogurt. Honestly, I’m more of a Pinkberry person, but she likes Menchie’s so we usually go there.”

RUBY ROSE IS DANGEROUS FOR YOU – (10/03/2018)

Don’t Google this! Cybersecurity firm McAfee on Tuesday crowned Ruby Rose the most dangerous celebrity online. No other star is more likely to send users to websites with viruses or malware. 

Behind Rose in order is Kristin Cavallari, Marion Cotillard, the original Wonder Woman Lynda Carter, Rose Byrne, Debra Messing, Kourtney Kardashian, Amber Heard and Kelly Ripa. Actor Brad William Henke closes out the top 10. 

Rose, a model and MTV VJ, has seen her profile increase dramatically after being named Batwoman for an upcoming CW series. 

“In our hyper-connected world, it’s important for consumers to think before they click to be sure that they are landing on safe digital content and protecting themselves from cybersecurity threats that may be used to infect their devices or steal their identity,” writes Gary Davis, chief consumer security evangelist at McAfee. “So whether you’re looking up what Ruby did on the latest Orange is the New Black episode, or what Kristin Cavallari wore at the latest awards show, make sure you’re searching the internet safely.”

Celebrity Scoop – 10/02/2018

JUSTIN BIEBER AND HAILEY BALDWIN GOT MARRIED? The rumors are true, TMZ claims. Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin did tie the knot last month in New York City as previously reported, but, per TMZ  “chose to lie about it.” The pair got a marriage license and then got hitched nearby with Jeffrey Quinn presiding. A pal and fellow Churchome attendee served as witness. TMZ also claims that they got married without a prenup. Bieber is estimated to be worth around $250 million and Baldwin is worth a few million. They still plan a formal ceremony, the site reports.

JOHN LEGEND ANNOUNCES CHRISTMAS ALBUM AND TOUR – (10/02/2018)

John Legend has announced that he will be releasing a Christmas album, with an accompanying tour. According to Rap-Up, the album will be exective produced by Raphael Saadiq and will feature six original songs and four classic Christmas records including, “What Christmas Means to Me” featuring Stevie Wonder on harmonica and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” a duet with Esperanza Spalding. The album, A Legendary Christmas, will be released by Columbia Records on October 26th.

As for the tour, Legend will embark on the “A Legendary Christmas Tour” on November 15th in Clearwater, FL and will make stops in Atlanta, Boston, Toronto, New York, Detroit and Seattle before wrapping up on December 30th in San Diego. 

SIA GIVES MADDIE ZIEGLER A CAR ON HER 16TH BIRTHDAY – (10/02/2018)

Sia had a special gift for dancer and frequent collaborator Maddie Ziegler on her 16th birthday. The 42-year-old singer took to Instagram Sunday after surprising Ziegler with a brand new Audi.

Sia shared a slideshow of photos and videos of herself with Ziegler and the car. The pictures show Sia embracing Ziegler as they celebrate. “Happy Birthday to my most special noonoo @maddieziegler,” Sia captioned the post. Ziegler ahared a slideshow of photos on her own account. Stevie Wonder’s sons Kailand Morris and Mandla Morris and other friends also attended her birthday celebration.

“sweet sixteen <3 can’t believe this car is actually mine!!” Ziegler wrote.

Ziegler has appeared in several of Sia’s music videos, including “Chandelier” and “Elastic Heart,” and joined the singer on tour in 2016 and 2017. She described Sia as a “second mom” in an interview with People. “We have the best time together,” the dancer said. “She teaches me how to cook and new things about life.”

“It doesn’t feel like work when we’re together anymore,” she added. “It’s really just a bond that we have. She’s my second mom.”

Ziegler came to fame on the Lifetime series Dance Moms.

SIA MOVES INTO FASHION WITH REPETTO – (10/02/2018)

Sia is branching out into the fashion world, teaming up with a dance shoe label for her first-ever capsule collection.

The singer-songwriter has collaborated with French ballet brand Repetto for three shoe styles – a dance slipper, below right, ballerina flat and Oxford shoe – featuring “Sia’s signature elements such as black-and-white color combination and her iconic bow.”

According to Repetto, the range is driven by Sia’s personal motto, “I love you, keep going,” and is designed to “capture the spirit of everyone who lives to their own beat.”

“Movement, dance, style and freedom are values shared by both, uniting this partnership,” the label says.

The three styles can be pre-ordered for $195 a pair, with the full range available on February 25th. Sia will release a new single, “I’m Still Here,” on October 11th, and is putting the finishes touches on her debut movie, Music. Co-written by Sia, the musical stars Maddie Ziegler and Kate Hudson and will be released next year.

EMMA STONE TO STAR IN PAUL MCCARTNEY VIDEO: Emma Stone has set her next big role. The news that she’ll star in an upcoming music video for Paul McCartney leaked during a Q&A she participated in at the Child Institute. Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz moderated. “I don’t think you’re supposed to announce that,” Stone said after it was revealed by Koplewicz that she will appear in the former Beatle’s next music video; he also let it be known that she’d been attending “dance rehearsals” in preparation.

Celebrity Scoop – 10/01/2018

ARIANA GRANDE MIGHT GO ON ‘MINI’ TOUR; OPENS SPOTIFY’S ‘SWEETENER THE EXPERIENCE’ POP-UP – (10/01/2018)

Ariana Grande wants to hit the road for another tour, but she just isn’t quite ready yet.

During a candid conversation with fans on Twitter on Friday, the 25-year-old singer opened up about wanting to go on tour, but she just finds being “away from home” too scary right now.

“I’m antsy. can’t sit still. i wanna tour now. yesterday i jus wanted to sit home forever but today i wanna do show and see u. it’s all v up n down rn. but hi. ily. i am working on it. i’ll keep ya posted,” Ariana tweeted.

Fans reached out to Ariana saying that, “we don’t want you to go on tour and then regret it,” but she assured then that would never happen.

“Id never regret it,” Ariana tweeted. “my happiest moments are with y’all and on stage and stuff. i think it’s just the looooooong chunks of time away from home that are scary to me rn. hi i’m being too honest and people r gonna tear me apart but idc anymore. lol.”

Ariana continued: “Like maybe i’ll do a mini one. i cant do what i did last time right now. that i do know. whatever it is i hope it’s okay with you. i just love and miss you. everybody telling me i need to take time but i’m so antsy. idk. ily.”

Meanwhile, on Friday, Grande stopped by Spotify’s Sweetener pop-up, open over the weekend in New York City. She took to Instagram to give fans a surprise tour of her favorite room in the installation.

The room encourages people to take a padlock and turn it into a love lock by writing their initials next to those of someone they want to love forever. Grande made one for fiancé Pete Davidson, their dog, and several family members. The love locks are chained to a fence, and visitors can chain their own next to Grande’s at the pop-up.

There is also the “raindrops” room (featuring a floating altar where you can meditate beneath an illuminating cascade of angel tears) and the “blazed” room (where you can travel to space via glittering stars and a 360-degree night sky with galactic projections).

Grande’s team recently announced she will be taking time away from public life to heal during a difficult time. She and Davidson were noticeably absent from the Emmys, and Grande cancelled her scheduled appearance on Saturday Night Live. Ariana was set to be the musical guest on this season’s premiere, but canceled for “emotional reasons,” according to show creator and executive producer Lorne Michaels. Kanye West “stepped up” to replace her, Michaels said.

PETE DAVIDSON TALKS ARIANA GRANDE ENGAGEMENT ON SNL’S ‘WEEKEND UPDATE’ – (10/01/2018)

Pete Davidson talked with Weekend Update co-host Colin Jost on the season premiere of Saturday Night Live on Saturday.

The 24-year-old comedian chatted about his engagement to Ariana Grande, including receiving death threats, his song “Pete Davidson” on her new album, and more.

“I got engaged, and no one could believe it. I can’t believe it,” Pete said about his summer. “Yeah, I get it. She’s the number one pop star in the world, and I’m that guy from SNL that everyone thinks is in desperate need of more blood.”

“I hate it, it’s awful. I’m so scared. Yo, I got death threats. It’s Malcolm X, Martin Luther King, and Pete Davidson, are all people who have gotten death threats,” he added about the attention he’s received. “And I assumed that I would find out about it like they do in movies, the government’s in your living room with headsets, and there’s detectives in suits, and they’re like ‘Sir we have a situation.’ That’s not how I found out. I was leaving my building and my doorman said, ‘Yo man, somebody’s trying to kill you’.”

Davidson went on to reveal that he’s totally in favor of the pair getting a prenup before tying the knot.

“Obviously I wanted one, you know, so God forbid we split up and then she takes half my sneakers,” he joked. “No look, I’m totally comfortable being with a successful woman, I think it’s dope. I live at her place.”

Monday (October 1st) marks the one-year anniversary of the deadly mass shooting in Las Vegas, in which a lone gunman firing from the window of his hotel room at the Mandalay Bay hotel slaughtered 58 people attending a concert in a nearby parking lot.

‘NIGHT SCHOOL’ TOPS BOX OFFICE – (10/01/2018)

Malcolm D. Lee’s Night School, starring Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish, topped the box office over the weekend with $28 million in receipts. The movie was budgeted at $29 million and follows Hart’s character as he tries to get his G.E.D., and Haddish’s teacher character as she refuses to cut him a break. 

While the critical reception was lukewarm, the movie earned an A- from CinemaScore. Night School pulled the biggest comedy debut for a September movie, trailing only Sweet Home Alabama in 2002. The House With a Clock in Its Walls rounded out the top three with $12.5 million for its second weekend out, just a 53% drop over its debut. 

Warner Bros. took the second slot with the animated Smallfoot, featuring the voice work of Channing Tatum, James Corden, Zendaya, LeBron James and Danny DeVito.

Celebrity Scoop – 09/28/2018

ARIANA GRANDE BREAKS DOWN IN EMOTIONAL TWITTER SPREE – (09/28/2018)

Please note the following story contains language that could be considered offensive.

Ariana Grande took to Twitter on Thursday to get some of her emotions off of her chest.

“Can i pls have one okay day. just one. pls,” Ariana first tweeted, before adding, “i’m so f**king tired pls” and “jus wake me up when i’m supposed to sing or whatever. peace.”

Ariana has been going through a lot over the past year. Between the terrorist attack at her concert, to the recent overdose of Mac Miller, it’s no surprise that Ariana is in need of some time off.

Ariana then took to Twitter to thank her fans for all of their love and support.

“ty for loving me sm i do not deserve it,” Ariana tweeted. “ur angels in my life. it’s just been a tough month. i’m trying to get my work done and get back to normal and it’s hard and i’m human and tired. sorry i let u in or worried u. i shouldn’t have tweeted. i kno better.”

Last week, Ariana hinted that she wouldn’t be touring on Sweetener any time soon and is taking time to rest and heal. She also recently skipped the Emmys so she could lay low.

LADY GAGA AND BRADLEY COOPER RELEASE ‘SHALLOW’ FROM ‘A STAR IS BORN’ – (09/28/2018)

Our first taste of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s musical chemistry out now. “Shallow,” their duet from A Star Is Born, has been released.

In the official video for the song, there are snippets from the scene in the movie where the two sing the song together on stage for the first time. Bradley’s character, established musician Jackson Maine, invites Gaga’s character, Ally, to join him on stage. While reluctant at first she ultimately does it, becoming more confident the more she sings.

“Shallow” is the first song released off the A Star Is Born soundtrack. It was co-written by Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson, Anthony Rossomando and Andrew Wyatt. Both the A Star Is Born album and the film will be released on October 5th.

Meanwhile, after filming A Star Is Born as a brunette, Lady Gaga needed a break. On The Ellen DeGeneres Show Thursday, the singer/actress talks about how it was hard for her to let go of her character Ally.

“I literally dyed my hair blonde the night that we stopped shooting because I wanted to get out of it as soon as possible because there is – without giving away the end of the film – there is some tremendous emotion and tragedy,” she says. “So I wanted to get her out, but to be honest, she’s still in here.”

Gaga is already receiving Oscar buzz for her performance. She credits Cooper, who also directed the film, for creating a “sanctuary” on set.

JESSIE J TO RELEASE HOLIDAY ALBUM – (09/28/2018)

Jessie J will release her first Christmas album just five days before Halloween, on October 26th.

The album, This Christmas Day, is packed with classics like “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer,” “Let It Snow,” “Silent Night” and more. Jessie teams up with Boyz II Men on a version of “Winter Wonderland” and with Babyface on “The Christmas Song.”

Jessie J says, “I had so much fun recording this holiday album!  I did it in fourteen days around my summer tour, flying back and forth to L.A. from Europe….I love Christmas music…I hope you enjoy the music with your loved ones and create magical memories at my favorite time of the year.”

Jessie will kick off a tour on October 1st in San Francisco in support of her album R.O.S.E., which was released in four parts. The tour is scheduled to wrap up November 1st in Los Angeles.

ARIANA GRANDE, PENTATONIX, IDINA MENZEL TO PERFORM ON ‘A VERY WICKED HALLOWEEN’: The hit musical Wicked is celebrating its 15 anniversary on Broadway next month, and NBC is bringing the show’s original stars, along with some big-name singers, together to mark the occasion. On October 29th, NBC will air A Very Wicked Halloween: Celebrating 15 Years on Broadway, a concert tribute hosted by Idina Menzel and Kristen Chenoweth, who, respectively, originated the roles of Elphaba and Glinda in the musical. They’ll perform, and so will Ariana Grande, Pentatonix and more singers to be announced. The tribute will be taped at New York’s Marquis Theater and will be produced by the musical’s original creative team.

Celebrity Scoop – 09/27/2018

RIHANNA’S HOME BROKEN INTO, AGAIN – (09/27/2018)

Rihanna’s Hollywood home was broken into for the second time this year. According to Complex, Captain Cory Palka of the Los Angeles Police Department told KCAL of the incident, “We were notified due to the sophisticated technology and security and surveillance systems here, of which her representatives have access to.”

TMZ reports that police responded to the burglary at Rihanna’s Hollywood Hills home after an alarm went off at around 10:30 p.m. Neighbors on the scene were able to tell police that they saw as many as three suspects fleeing in a silver vehicle after the alarm was triggered. It is unclear if the burglars made off with anything, but Rih was not home at the time.

Rih’s home was burglarized back in May and the suspect spent 12 hours inside of the home before being arrested and booked on residential burglary and trespassing. 

CHRISTINA AGUILERA KICKS OFF TOUR WITH A FAN MARRIAGE PROPOSAL – (09/27/2018)

Christina Aguilera kicked off her Liberation tour in Florida Tuesday night with a sweet marriage proposal between two fans.

After singing “Unless It’s With You” at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, Florida, she invited Ben Lear and Mike Kontomanolis onto the stage.

“I want to share this with you guys,” the singer said to the audience. “I have a really special surprise that’s happening tonight.”

After thanking Christina for being such an inspiration in their lives, Lear got down on one knee and proposed to Kontomanolis.

“You’re kind, you’re beautiful, you’re loving,” he said. “Six years ago, you proposed to me and you gave me the opportunity to say yes. Tonight, in front of Christina, I’m going to ask you the same question.”

Kontomanolis accepted and Christina exclaimed, “Oh, my God! Congratulations!”

As they left the stage, Christina said, “Should we celebrate this? Should we celebrate the love? All right, guys: Let’s turn this into a wedding reception. Let’s have some fun tonight!”

Christina then launched into her song “Let There Be Love,” from her Lotus album.

Returning to the stage for the first time since her 2008 Back to Basics Tour, Christina was visibly emotional as she thanked her fans for their “love and support.”

“For a long time I have missed this so much,” she told the crowd, while she teared up. “I’ve missed you guys and it’s been too long… Being a mom is really important to me and I’m a very hands-on mom. I never want them to feel that they live in my shadow or that they are not important. I don’t wanna be that kind of mom, so I took some time off for them.”

“But Momma needs to go back to what she’s meant to do,” she added.

Her tour continues Friday in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

THE CHAINSMOKERS & KELSEA BALLERINI PERFORM ‘THIS FEELING’ ON ‘THE ELLEN SHOW’ – (09/27/2018)

The Chainsmokers and Kelsea Ballerini appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show yesterday to perform “This Feeling.” The duo and country star have joined forces for a brand new crossover hit.

Alex Pall and Drew Taggart released the track earlier this month. It will also be featured on the deluxe edition of Ballerini’s Unapologetically album due out October 26th.

“I’m such a fan of these guys as people, artists, and songwriters. I’ve covered a few of their songs on different tours and as far as collaborators, they’ve always been at the top of my list! I’m really excited for people to hear our worlds blend in ‘This Feeling’,” Ballerini shared to her website.

The Chainsmokers will perform live on select dates through 2019 at the XS and Encore Beach Club in Las Vegas. Ballerini is currently a supporting act on Keith Urban’s Graffiti U World Tour and will join Kelly Clarkson’s Meaning of Life Tour next year.

BTS MAKE ‘GOOD MORNING AMERICA’ DEBUT – (09/27/2018)

BTS owned the show while making their first ever appearance on Good Morning America.

The hugely popular group – J-Hope, Jimin, Jin, Jungkook, rm, Suga and v – drew a massive crowd to the studio on Wednesday morning in New York City. During the show, BTS performed their smash-hit “Idol” and sat down for an interview.

BTS, short for Bangtan Boys, credits their fan base, the “BTS Army,” for their massive success. “It’s all because of [the Army],” RM told GMA. “We just practice hard, made our music to the best [of our ability]. We can’t pay [them] enough, but [the fans] send love and support and that’s how it happened. It’s all because of [the] Army.”

The seven members have connected with fans around the world with positive messages for young listeners. On Monday, the group made history as the first ever K-Pop group to address the United Nations.

“No matter who you are, where you’re from, your skin color, gender identity: speak yourself,” RM said at the UN General Assembly with his bandmates at his side.

TAYLOR SWIFT’S ‘CATS’ ROLE REVEALED BY ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER: Andrew Lloyd Webber is letting the cat out of the bag on Taylor Swift’s upcoming movie role. Lloyd Webber’s Broadway musical Cats is getting its own movie adaptation slated for a December 2019 release. The Broadway legend is now offering details about which role the 28-year-old singer may take on. “She’s going to play one or other of the ‘Macavity’ girls,” Lloyd Webber told Vulture, referring to the characters Bombalurina and Demeter. In the stage show, “Macavity the Mystery Cat” is performed by both felines. However, fans will have to wait to find out more. Webber noted he’s “not sure yet” what part Swift will actually take. American Idol alum Jennifer Hudson will reportedly play Grizabella, while Ian McKellen will play Gus the theater cat. James Corden is also set to appear in the project.

MEGHAN MARKLE CREATES CONTROVERSY BY CLOSING HER OWN DOOR: Can’t a princess close her own door? Meghan Markle created an uproar Tuesday night by (GASP!) closing her own car door. The Duchess of Sussex headed out on her first solo outing for an official engagement since becoming a royal, and all was going swimmingly until the pearl-clutching car-door closing incident. As CNN’s Victoria Arbiter put it: “Current state: Poking my own eyes out after reading Meghan ‘broke protocol’ by shutting her car door. Car door shutting does not fall under protocol!”

MACAULAY CULKIN SENDS JK ROWLING HIS RESUME: Macaulay Culkin is ready to hit the big time again. After laying low for a decade +, the former child star is trying to make things happen. Wednesday night, he tweeted out his support for JK Rowling’s upcoming Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald amid the Nagini controversy. Then he casually let drop: “Also, can you write me into the next movie? I’m Macaulay Culkin (From Home Alone: The Movie) and I was also a Pagemaster (experienced with magic)…”

Celebrity Scoop – 09/26/2018

NICKI MINAJ DONATES $25K TO ‘COSBY SHOW’ ACTOR GEOFFREY OWENS – (09/26/2018)

Nicki Minaj made good on her promise to donate $25,000 to former ‘Cosby Show’ actor, Geoffrey Owens. According to TMZ, Nicki’s team reached out to the actor and sent him a check after vowing to give him $25,000 on her Queen Radio show. Nicki’s gesture was in response to someone trying to shame Owens by posting a photo of him working at Trader Joe’s. 

Owens, however, decided to pay it forward. According to Rap-Up, he donated all of the money to the Actor’s Fund, in memory of his late ‘Cosby Show’ co-star, Earle Hyman, who played Bill Cosby’s father, Russell Huxtable. Owens said, “I would like to give this donation of 25k to the Actor’s Fund in memory of the late, great Earle Hyman—who played Cosby’s father, Russell, on ‘The Cosby Show’—who lived his last many years and died at the Actors’ Home, (funded and run by the Actor’s Fund). I am extremely grateful to Nicki Minaj for enabling struggling actors to continue pursuing their dreams.” 

Nicki commended Owens’ donation and said, “I’m happy to be a part of a great cause. I wish Geoffrey much success and want him to know how loved he is. Rest in Peace to Earle Hyman.”

Following the photo of Owens going viral, he has received a number of job offers, including a 10-episode gig on Tyler Perry’s OWN hit show, The Haves and the Have Nots.

MARIAH CAREY, HALSEY, KHALID AND MORE ADDED TO AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS LINEUP: The American Music Awards has announced another group of performers. Halsey, Khalid and producer Benny Blanco will team up for their first-ever live performance of their hit “Eastside,” which reached the top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 earlier this year. In addition, Mariah Carey will take the stage to debut her new single, “With You.” This will be Mariah’s first time on the AMA stage since 2008. Her first-ever performance on the telecast was in 1991. They join previously announced performers Imagine Dragons, Post Malone featuring Ty Dolla $ign and Carrie Underwood, with more stars to be announced in the coming weeks. Tracee Ellis Ross is set to host the show again this year, which will air on October 9th on ABC.

WILL SMITH JUMPS INTO THE GRAND CANYON: Will Smith accepted a challenge from YouTube star Yes Theory to do a helibungee jump. Yes, it’s as bad as it sounds. Smith jumped out of a helicopter, but instead of doing it just anywhere, Smith did it into the Grand Canyon and used to platform to raise funds for  for education charity Global Citizen. Smith took the plunge Tuesday on his 50thbirthday.

‘THIS IS US’ STARS GET MEGA-RAISES – (09/26/2018)

The five main stars of This Is Us are getting hefty raises ahead of the NBC drama’s Season 3 return. This Is Us is currently the network’s No. 1 drama. 

Stars Milo Ventimiglia (Jack), Mandy Moore (Rebecca), Sterling K. Brown (Randall), Chrissy Metz (Kate) and Justin Hartley (Kevin) will see their per-episode salary jump to $250,000 per episode, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Season 3, which returned last night, consisted of 18 episodes, bringing their total haul to $4.5 million this season.

The stars didn’t start out with level playing fields. Ventimiglia, for example, made $115,000 per episode, while Hartley earned $75,000 and Metz earned $40,000. Metz had just $0.81 in her bank account when she booked the show, making this coup especially notable for her. 

The family drama, created by Dan Fogelman, averaged a 5.4 rating in the coveted 18-49 demo seven days later; that’s nearly double NBC’s No. 2 scripted series, Will & Grace. 

FAST FACTS:

  • This Is Us has won two straight Emmy nominations and has landed stars Ventimiglia and Brown two wins, as well as a supporting actress nom for Metz. 
  • Salary negotiations are common on popular shows. The seven stars of CBS’ The Big Bang Theory trump them all, with $900,000 per episode plus points on the hit’s back end. The stars of Netflix’s Stranger Things are sitting pretty too, and will now earn up to $350,000 per episode.