Rodney Atkins Denies Trying To Smother His Wife

"Mr. Atkins wants to thank his fans for standing by him as he is confident the truth will prevail." more on this story

Cops Raid Girls Gone Wild Photo Shoot

(TMZ) LAPD officers just busted into a "Girls Gone Wild" photo shoot in a Hollywood Hills home -- and TMZ has learned it's all because the models might be getting wild on camera ... without a permit.

According to law enforcement sources ... police went to the home to conduct a "film permit investigation" because there's been an ongoing issue of people -- not only GGW -- shooting there without proper permits.

A GGW rep says they have about a dozen staffers -- including requisite girls in bikinis -- at the home shooting their "Search for the Hottest Girl in America."

The rep claims LAPD entered the private residence without a proper warrant or probable cause.

Our law enforcement sources say the investigation is not targeting GGW -- and instead the cops want the person leasing the house and allowing people to shoot there. We're told police have been to the location multiple times over the last year. more on this story

Lady Gaga Tops Forbes List

(popmusiclife) Financial magazine Forbes has issued their list of the Top-Earning Women In Music for 2011, and Lady Gaga beats 'em all by a mile.

Gaga pulled in $90 million dollars, more than the combined earnings of No. 2 Taylor Swift ($45 million) and No. 3 Katy Perry ($44 million).

The Queen Monster grossed $170 million on 137 shows in 22 countries over the past 12 months. Though high production costs significantly reduced that sum, Gaga rakes in additional cash for heavy radio play, recorded music sales and endorsement deals. more on this story

Security Firm Vs Britney Spears

(TMZ) It costs $303,900 to provide Britney Spears with a full-time 365-day security detail ... this according to her former protectors who claim the pop star's people screwed them out of half-a-year's pay.

The people who run Britney's estate are being sued by Advanced Security Concepts Corporation -- claiming Team Spears never paid them more than $140k in fees ... after they kicked the bodyguard company to the curb back in 2010.

ASCC claims Team Spears has been unfairly holding a grudge against it ever since one of their former bodyguards, Fernando Flores, filed a lawsuit against Britney last year ... accusing her of multiple instances of genital-exposing sexual harassment. Britney has denied the allegations.

But in the lawsuit, ASCC claims Team Spears demanded the company cover Britney's legal expenses in the case -- even though they weren't obligated to put up the cash.

ASCC claims Britney's people not only fired them after the stand-off -- but they refused to fork over a check for $141,625.00 ... the remainder of a 1-year contract which Brit's camp had previously agreed to pay out whether or not they actually used the security service.

We reached out to Brit's camp for comment -- so far, no response. more on this story

Adele Scores MTV's Best Song of 2011

(popmusiclife) Adele has already topped best-of 2011 lists by Billboard, Rolling Stone, Time magazine and iTunes, and now she has another list to add to her list of lists.

MTV has named "Rolling In The Deep" as the Best Song Of 2011, ahead of tracks by Nicki Minaj, Rihanna and LMFAO.

"Was there any doubt?," writes MTV. "The megahit so dominated 2011 that calling it the Song of the Year is putting it mildly. And we're not just talking commercially — though it was the year's best-selling track — or critically, mostly because focusing on those details fails to tell the whole story. Consider it the anthem to end all anthems, the feel-bad song of our time, the antidote for the Auto-Tuned masses." more on this story

Walter Rose Duets With Lucinda Williams

Walter Rose has debuted his duet with Lucinda Williams, "Driving South," at the My Old Kentucky Blog.

"It's not every day you open a door and see someone like Lucinda Williams on the other side," exclaims Carmel, California-based Walter Rose about the final day of recording for his debut album Cast Your Stone, to be released on January 17th, 2012.

Williams duets with Rose on "Driving South," the latest track taken from the album, now streaming at My Old Kentucky Blog here. "This one just flowed out of me," Rose says of the song. "Every word just fell from the sky. I wish it happened more often!" more on this story

Foster The People Plan North American Tour

(popmusiclife) Foster The People are bringing their music to the people next year. The band has announced a 6-week North American tour, starting May 29 in New York and running into July.

Joining FTP will be three different opening acts covering various portions of the tour – including The Kooks, Tokyo Police Club and Mayer Hawthorne.

Prior to the North American shows, FTP will play a series of dates in Japan, Australia and Europe. more on this story

Clint Eastwood Gets His Own Reality Show

(TMZ) Clint Eastwood is going the way of the Kardashians ... TMZ has learned his wife and two of his daughters are currently shooting a family reality show intended to air on the E! network.

Sources connected to the production tell TMZ ... the show will explore what it's like to live in a family of "Hollywood royalty." It will focus on the relationship between Clint's wife Dina Eastwood, their daughter Morgan and Clint's 18-year-old daughter Francesca ... an aspiring actress.

We're told 81-year-old Clint has agreed to make a couple of cameos -- but will not be a main character on the show.

The show is being produced by reality powerhouse Bunim/Murray -- the same people who produce all of the Kardashian reality shows ... along with "The Real World" and "Bad Girls Club."

Sources tell us producers are hoping to get the show on the air in the next few months. more on this story

Gary Numan On World Cafe Today

(MSO) Gary Numan is set to be today's featured special guest on National Public Radio's "World Café" with host David Dye

The appearance is set to be broadcast today, Thursday, December 15 from 2:00-4:00pm ET. Tune in to hear NUMAN discuss his musical influences and history as well as what 2012 holds for the iconic electro rocker.

The two-hour daily program can be heard on over 200 stations nationwide; listeners can find their local station here. Online and worldwide fans can hear the broadcast live directly on WXPN here. The show will be archived online on NPR later in the day here.

Numan is celebrating the release of Dead Son Rising, which was released last week, on December 6.

Anya Marina Releases Christmas Song

(Filter) Anya Marina is giving fans a little Christmas cheer with the release of "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas." The track is now streaming online.

Originally performed by then-child star Gayla Peevey in 1953, the playful song is sure to bring a smile to even the grumpiest of grinches faces.

Anaya Marina will be releasing her forthcoming album, Felony Flats, February 14 via Chop Shop/Atlantic Records. Her latest EP, Spirit School, is available via all major digital retailers. Listen to the Christmas song here.

Abercrombie & Fitch Claim The Situation Can't Take A Joke?

(TMZ) Abercrombie & Fitch is trying to end their ongoing feud with The Situation once and for all -- asking a judge to dismiss the "Jersey Shore" star's lawsuit against the clothing company ... on grounds dude can't take a joke.

The war between Sitch and A&F began back in August -- when A&F publicly offered to pay The Situation NOT to wear its clothing. A month later, Sitch sued the company, claiming it ripped off his "GTL" and "Situation" trademarks on a line of guido-mocking t-shirts.

But now, A&F is trying to put an end to the back-and-forth -- claiming Sitch had no right to sue them in the first place ... because he doesn't technically own the trademarks in question ... he only applied for them.

What's more -- A&F claims Situation's application for "Gym Tan Laundry" has actually been suspended ... because MTV already owns "Gym Tanning Laundry," and the US Patent & Trademark Office thinks they're too similar.

But trademarks aside -- A&F insists its shirts are still protected under a law that allows parody as part of free speech ... in other words, the shirts were obviously a harmless joke ... albeit at the Situation's expense.

Bottom line, A&F is hoping to avoid further litigation by citing an often incontrovertible fact ... The Situation is full of crap. So far, no word back from Sitch's camp. more on this story

Kim Kardashian Wins Bids for Elizabeth Taylor Jewelry

(TMZ) Kim Kardashian just dropped $65k to outbid a gang of serious jewelry nuts for 3 unbelievable jade and diamond bracelets that used to belong to Elizabeth Taylor ... TMZ has learned.

Taylor's entire collection of rare and expensive jewelry was auctioned off in NYC this week for a whopping $116 MILLION ... and Kim was one of the bidders.

Sources close to KK tell TMZ ... Kim idolized Taylor -- especially after Kim did a magazine interview with Liz for a project shortly before her death. So when Kim saw LT's 3 jade and diamond Lorraine Schwartz bangle bracelets on the auction block, she snatched 'em up for a cool $64,900.

We're told Kim believes jade harnesses energy ... and now that she owns the bracelets, KK feels she will share a deeper connection to the Hollywood icon.

Kim is not in possession of the jewelry yet ... but she's expected to get 'em sometime in the next few days. more on this story

Dodgers Star Defends Ryan Braun Over Performance Enhancing Drug Test Results

(TMZ) Los Angeles Dodgers star Matt Kemp has Ryan Braun's back -- claiming the reigning National League MVP shouldn't be branded as a cheater ... despite reports he tested positive for performance enhancing drugs.

Kemp -- who finished 2nd to Braun in the MVP voting this year -- was at The Grove in L.A. this week when we asked about the allegations surrounding Braun.

Kemp told us, "Nobody's proven anything man ... we don't know anything." He added, "That's a good dude. That's my homie."

Braun's rep has adamantly denied the accusations -- and according to reports, the Milwaukee Brewers player plans to file an appeal with Major League Baseball in an effort to avoid a 50 game suspension. more on this story

Ex-Manager Vs Basketball Wives Star

(TMZ) "Basketball Wives" star Tami Roman is being sued by her ex-manager ... who claims he helped make Tami rich and famous -- but she refuses to pay him for a job well done.

Jerry Silverhardt filed the lawsuit Monday in L.A. County Superior Court -- claiming he was instrumental in securing Tami's "Basketball Wives" gig ... but instead of being grateful, she fired his ass.

Jerry claims Tami paid him for Season Two -- but then left him out to dry after she ended their relationship in February ... refusing to pay for work she did on the recently completed Season 3.

According to Jerry, Tami's oral contract with him is crystal clear ... she owes him 10% no matter what on all "Wives" paychecks for seasons 3 through 6 -- and she better pay up, stat. Calls to Tami were not returned. more on this story

The 17th Annual Inspirational Country Music Association Awards Air This Weekend

(Webster) The 17th Annual Inspirational Country Music Association's Faith, Family & Country Awards will air this Saturday, December 17 at 4:30 P.M. (CST) on TCT Network and will re-air on Sunday, December 18 at 7:30 P.M. (CST)**.

In case you miss it, you can catch it again on Saturday, January 14 at 7:00 P.M. (CST) on the NRB Network. Hosted by Inside Edition's national correspondent anchor Megan Alexander and GAC's popular entertainment news anchor, Storme Warren, the annual award show honors and showcases the biggest names and emerging talent among artists who perform Inspirational Country music.

A few of this year's honorees include Ricky Skaggs, Lady Antebellum, Justin Moore, Jeff Bates, The Fox Brothers, Joey + Rory, The Roys and the movie "Soul Surfer." more on this story

Wolf Gang Coming To America

Elektra Records is bringing UK hitmaker Wolf Gang to American audiences with the domestic digital release of Wolf Gang's debut album Suego Faults.

They sent over these details: The album – which features the hit single, "The King And All Of His Men" – will be available at all U.S.-based digital retailers on December 20th

Recently named one of the "100 Best Things In The World Right Now," by GQ UK, Wolf Gang has proven a proper sensation in his native United Kingdom. more on this story

SL Jones Releases Free Mixtape

Audible Treats sent over word that SL Jones has released his latest mixtape, Flight Risk. The project is being released to fans as a free download, available through the Little Rock rapper's Bandcamp.

With previous mixtapes, the list of guests – Clipse, Waka Flocka, Trae Tha Truth, Killer Mike, Pill, Chamillionaire– served as a testament to networking and mutual artistic respect. But with Flight Risk, Jonesy largely goes it alone; the 10-song mixtape features no big names. Flight Risk does, however, find SL continuing to work with a collection of top-grade producers, names that include Lex Luger, Shawty Redd, Young L, Sonny Digital, Honorable C.N.O.T.E., Metro, Smiff & Cash, and more.

Flight Risk, clocking in at 10-tracks and playing just over 40 minutes, is also SL's most cohesive, concise project to date — as well as his most aggressive. "I had a lot of pent up aggression – from my legal situation, from the restrictions it's put on my life – and the music reflects that," explains SL. "I wanted listeners to get below the surface, and give them a glimpse of what makes me who I am. I don't want my audience to just listen to my music; I want them to connect."

In addition to brash emotion, Flight Risk, SL's third release over the past six months, is a project that shows continued growth."The Number 23 was about showing off talent and range, while Pandamonium was reckless emotion, driven by fear, uncertainty, desperation, and confusion," he explains. " I'm learning to embrace the chaos and steer my emotions in any creative direction, and Flight Risk is the next step in that progression: embracing the bad and hoping for the best, all while fully expecting it to get worse." Download SL Jones' Flight Risk mixtape

Download Free Blonds

(BH) Blonds release their debut EP Dark Roots for free on their Bandcamp this week.

The dating duo wrote and recorded the entire EP during the recent Thanksgiving weekend, never having previously played music together. In that short time, Stereogum has named the West Palm Beach band a "Band To Watch" and featured the tracks "Kite" and "Treasure Coast", which was quickly followed by the premiere of "K.O." on Consequence of Sound.

Blonds intend to keep the frenetic pace up, already at work on their debut LP, and are planning to embark on their first tour in 2012. Grab the download here.

Angelina Lavo Delivers Circus Act

(SBI) Sultry Russian beauty Angelina Lavo has released her latest, Circus Act, on iTunes.

Produced by Grammy-award winner and hip-hop phenomenon Omen (Lil Wayne, Drake, Fabolous) and Audio BLK for Electrik Music Orchestra. Circus Act's edgy beat will seduce club-goers onto the dance floor internationally.

Angelina hopes that it will inspire men and women to put their troubles away and step out as strong, sexy, and empowered individuals. more on this story

Robert Davi Release Christmas Charity Single

(Jonaspr.com) Robert Davi has released his re-imagined version of the Christmas classic song, "Mistletoe and Holly," to help The Salvation Army provide assistance to people in need this Christmas season.

100% of the proceeds of the single's sales will be donated to The Salvation Army's 120th annual Red Kettle Campaign, which kicks off nationally on Thanksgiving Day. "Mistletoe and Holly" will be available to purchase from iTunes and Amazon for 99 cents.

"'Mistletoe and Holly' is a Christmas classic, and I'm excited to release it in support of a classic charity during the Christmas season," said Robert Davi, who recently released his first studio album, Davi Sings Sinatra - On The Road To Romance. "This is a great opportunity to help make more Christmas dreams come true for children, teens and seniors in need." more on this story