Lady Gaga Destined To Be A Lonely Drag Queen?- Pia Toscano Working On Album- American Idol Snub Lee DeWyze?- Courtney Love Twitter Trouble- Katy Perry Smurf- more

(Billboard) This year's "American Idol" season 10 finale was up 9 percent in the demo and 17 percent in total viewers from 2010, according to preliminary numbers. more

Grease Star Jeff Conaway Did Not Die From An Overdose

(TMZ) Despite widespread reports, "Grease" star Jeff Conaway did NOT die from a drug overdose -- but rather his body gave out after long-term prescription drug abuse ... this according to Dr. Drew.

Drew -- who treated Conaway on "Celebrity Rehab" -- tells us there is no evidence showing Jeff died from an overdose ... saying, "This was aspiration with overwhelming pneumonia and sepsis."

Drew tells us Jeff's condition was inevitable because the actor had been a serious pill popper for years and the constant substance abuse wore down his body.

[CNN further reports that Conaway died Friday morning from pneumonia, after being in a medically-induced coma for two weeks, according to his manager. more] more on this story

Send Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Charlie Sheen or Kanye West Into Space

TripAlertz.com is letting the fans pick which celebrity they want to send into space, literally. No word if you can vote to leave any of them there but here are some of the choices: Charlie Sheen, Lady Gaga, Justin Timberlake, Kanye West, Conan O'Brien, Lance Armstrong, Stephen Colbert, Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Fallon, Lady Gaga, Gayle King, Ashton Kutcher, and Jon Stewart. Here is the pitch with the details:

Could Lady Gaga get to wow the cosmos with her wardrobe? Will Team Conan or Team Fallon reign supreme? Is space the place for Charlie Sheen to cool his jets? It's the public votes that determine who will win an "Epic Journey into Space" with collective buying travel site TripAlertz.com, which vows to blast off voters' chosen celebrity thanks to a space travel partnership with XCOR Aerospace. And beyond winning a space voyage for your favorite star, there are an infinite number of ways to win a trip for you, if you are a TripAlertz member. Joining is free and takes 20 seconds.

Voting is free at http://www.tripalertz.com/celeb2space, and those who cast their ballot will be automatically entered to win an all-expense paid trip to Orlando, Fla., including VIP tickets to Kennedy Space Center, a three-night premium hotel stay, meals and airfare. What's more, those who vote in the next month will be entered to win the same star treatment as the winning celebrity - an "out of this world" trip through the ozone themselves. Furthermore, you receive an unlimited number of additional drawing entries for this free space trip for each friend you refer to TripAlertz.com, via an easy "Invite Friends" link, and additional entries for every dollar spent on the site's travel deals. more on this story

Children Services False Call To Mariah Carey Home

(TMZ) The L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services has wrapped up it's interview with Mariah Carey and has concluded there is no merit to the investigation -- sources connected with DCFS tell TMZ.

We're told DCFS social workers interviewed Mariah and spent time with the twins -- and concluded the children were in a healthy and safe environment. The investigation was triggered by an anonymous phone call to DCFS complaining that Mariah drank a Guinness beer while she was breast feeding.

As we reported, Mariah was informed by a hospital staffer that drinking a dark beer would assist her in lactating. We're told Mariah informed social workers she simply followed the hospital staffer's advice and drank the Guinness, never hiding the fact that she consumed the drink. more on this story

Singled Out: Martin Clancy & the Witness Protection Programme's You Can't Stop The Rain

Today Martin Clancy from Martin Clancy & the Witness Protection Programme tells us about the new single "You Can't Stop The Rain". Here is the story:

There are many different routes to songwriting and one of the paths that I most get a kick out of is jamming with a piece of machinery I'm not entirely certain how to work. If a song starts emerging without being looked for then a great creative rush can occur. Because chances are – you're gonna delete it before you grab it and if it doesn't get deleted/lost/crushed/zipped or destroyed then it's like getting a surprise birthday present, albeit, from yourself, but a surprise nonetheless. "You Can't Stop The Rain" was a lot like that.

I was fiddling around in the studio, which I do a lot of, when I'm pretending to know what it is I'm supposed to be doing and need to look focused and busy. Despite that, the groove started waving to me and my curiosity was hooked. I set a loop of the verse and left 8 bars with the beat so that I could try some interesting chord changes. So far, so so normal. Now, I had the basis of a potential song which I hadn't managed to mangle or delete.

The vibe I have with Seaport Music Records (www.seaportmusicfestival.com) is that I might be working on several different projects simultaneously. The good thing about this is that when music emerges it has many different potential homes so that you don't have to strangle it into becoming something that really it shouldn't be. However with the first version of "You Can't Stop The Rain" this "freedom" is not always a direct route to goal.

At the time I was working with one of my groups (gLab) and David whose part of that crew heard it and said "I've a great idea for that mind if I give it a go?" "Cool," I thought and I gave him the track. Two weeks later he came back with a wild and funny lyric about a sadomasochist tourist who has a panic attack on a flight. And of course David insisted that it must be sung in a German accent, so we did that. Upon hearing it the gLab crew chased David out of the building. Haven't seen him since. Hope he's OK actually.

After that I completely forgot about the track until I started trying to find a follow up to last summer's disco inspired "Flat Foot" release by myself and the Witness Protection Programme.

When it came to choosing the follow up single I figured it would be a good idea to present four songs and let some fresh ears work on helping pick what should be next. We worked, and worked, and then worked some more on 3 club-oriented tracks, but I really wanted a fourth song and didn't have one. Then I remembered the tune about the SM Tourist, wondered if David was still alive, and decided to start over on it - quickly.

One of the ways we work in the Witness Protection Programme is to simply let good people play. They don't have to be "good" musicians or any of that crap, but they need to have a bit of wit and imagination about them. Ger Eaton (backing vocals) and Al Conor (piano) have magic in their boots, and soon the track was finished and included as the fourth number. As the musical inspiration for what was now "You Can't Stop The Rain" was very much grounded in the Indie world, I expected a few eyebrows to be raised when I included it with the other club heavy tracks.

Photographers often included a "bad" or "wrong' photo in a presentation selection to make the other shots look more appealing. "You Can't Stop The Rain" was my "bad photo." It was an unashamedly indie track placed in with more focused club based material. However, my DJs friends went crazy for it. I initially thought they were joking because I had been! Although with the track at number 29 this week in the Billboard Club charts it's a great example of one of my favourite sayings, "No One Knows Anything" and in this case, least of all the writer/producer, me.

The lyric was written when it appeared the snow would never stop in Dublin. As "You Can't Stop The Snow" sounded like the vocalist had a chronic lisp (though probably would have worked if it had been sung in the original intended German accent) I switched it to "You Can't Stop The Rain" which, oddly enough started to then happen in the city for the following 2 weeks. As I write this, I'm back in Dublin which has a water shortage at the moment, somehow this appears relevant to include.

I have no idea what the chorus means but I believe 100% in its vibe and attitude. "Anything you wanna do, anything you want to say, I'm gonna say it anyway." Other lines like, "all that wasted time," I find way too uncomfortably easy to relate to. So better not expanded upon here.

The last part of the song - The "fly" section is my favourite part of lyric. It says, very little in one literal sense - it actually only says "fly" several times (songs don't necessary have to come with a manual though this one appears to be getting one), but when I hear that I nod my head in acknowledgement. A dumb hazy Big Lebowski-styled acknowledgement admittedly, but it gets me every time.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself right here!

Maria Shriver Going Forward With Divorce From Arnold Schwarzenegger

(TMZ) Maria Shriver met with her divorce lawyer yesterday in Beverly Hills and all systems are go to end her marriage to Arnold Schwarzenegger ... TMZ has learned.

Shriver met with attorney Laura Wasser at the swanky Montage Hotel in Beverly Hills -- where Shriver is staying -- for a morning meeting.

Meanwhile, we're told Schwarzenegger has met with another high-powered Bev Hills divorce lawyer of his own, Bob Kaufman. Although we do not know if Arnold has formally retained Kaufman. more on this story

The Byrds, Sam Cooke, Stan Getz and Return To Forever Box Sets Coming

Legacy Recordings is launching their new Complete Albums Collection series on May 24th with comprehensive boxed sets of original album catalogs by The Byrds, Sam Cooke, Stan Getz and Return To Forever.

The Complete Albums Collection series will showcase new releases throughout the year, offering music fans and collectors the chance to own classic discographies on CD (with many out of print and rare titles) in 5x5 minijacket reproductions of the original album cover art, a stand-alone booklet with discographical information and photos, all housed in a beautifully packaged clamshell box.

Upcoming artists in The Complete Albums Collection will include some of Sony Music's most notable artists and many their most pivotal recordings. more on this story

Lindsay Lohan Serving Not So Hard Time

(TMZ) Lindsay Lohan serving HARD TIME under house arrest at her swanky townhouse by the beach ... OH, THE HUMANITY!!!

During her first day in confinement, Lohan entertained a mystery guest ... with a big, fat smile on her face.

As we previously reported, Lohan is expected to be under arrest for roughly 35 days. How will she survive?!!?!? more on this story

Dancing with the Stars 911 Call

(TMZ) TMZ has obtained the 911 call placed moments before "Dancing with the Stars" pro Kym Johnson was rushed to the hospital two weeks ago ... after seriously injuring her neck during rehearsal.

According to her rep, Kym -- who was paired with Pittsburgh Steelers great Hines Ward on the show -- got checked out by doctors for "precautionary reasons."

Thankfully, she returned to the set just two days later ... with a giant neck brace. more on this story

Miss Porn USA Doing Her Part for Tornado Relief

(TMZ) Ex-beauty queen/porn star Kelli McCarty was so torn up over the recent tornado tragedy -- she decided to auction off her dearest possession ... the gown she wore the night she won the Miss USA title.

McCarty -- who was crowned Miss USA in 1991 -- tells TMZ, she grew up in a tornado-ravaged Kansas ... so the disaster hit her especially close to home.

McCarty claims she never planned to sell the dress -- but after hearing about the tornadoes she really wanted to help with relief efforts ... telling us, "if it can help someone rebuild their house, then it's worth it." more on this story

Charlie Sheen Selling His Crib

(TMZ) Charlie Sheen has put his infamous Beverly Hills mega-mansion up for sale -- so if you've got a spare $7.2 MILLION to blow ... you could own a pad with your very own private porno theater!!!

Sheen listed the 7,924 square foot estate in the last few days -- touting the place as a "Celebrity Home" complete with 5 bedrooms and 7 baths. Charlie has listed the pad at $7.2 mil.

Charlie struck a deal with his ex-wife Brooke Mueller in their divorce -- in which he paid her $1 million to take sole ownership of the house. Here's how the MLS listing reads -- "This custom-built Mediterranean in Mulholland Estates is an entertainer's dream with spacious public rooms, most of which open to a beautifully landscaped yard featuring a professional outdoor kitchen with dining area, pool and spa. Other features include a screening room and top-of-the-line appliances and finishes." more on this story

Imelda May To Deliver Mayhem

Decca has announced a July 19th release date for Imelda May's new album Mayhem. The release marks her second album in the states and her first on the label.

America is already well acquainted with May through her performances on "The Tonight Show" in April, the 2010 Grammy Awards and a PBS Concert Special with Jeff Beck.

With the release of Mayhem, Imelda will embark on a string of summer dates including a July 21 album release party at New York City's Mercury Lounge, Central Park Summer Stage with Wanda Jackson and Lollapalooza more on this story

Paris Hilton Bumper Cars

(TMZ) It was like bumper cars at Paris Hilton's place recently ... when someone tried to take her black SUV out for a spin ... and accidentally crashed into one of Paris' Bentleys instead.

Sources close to Hilton tell us -- the unnamed driver was trying to back the SUV out of Paris' Hollywood Hills mansion ... when they hit P's pink Bentley, which was parked in front of the home.

Total cost for repairs -- $5,000. Checking your rear view mirror -- priceless. more on this story

Mayer Hawthorne Goes Universal

Mayer Hawthorne's full-length debut for Universal Republic Records, How Do You Do, will be released this fall, and a new single "A Long Time," will be released digitally on May 24th.

Mayer Hawthorne hit the road this spring with Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae with a performance at Lollapalooza 2011 planned for August.

The Ann Arbor, MI native released his self-produced independent debut, A Strange Arrangement, in 2009. A limited-edition 7" heart-shaped vinyl of the single "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out"/"When I Say Goodbye" was pressed and –combined with the traditional digital single— exceeded sales of 50,000 copies while critics everywhere began embracing his unique flavor and flare. more on this story

Afrobeta Offer Up New Remix and Announce Tour Dates

Afrobeta have released the Larry Tee remix of their track "Play House," which is included on the Play House EP the band released earlier this month via their label, Do IT Music group. You can grab the remix here

Afrobeta has also announced their addition to this summer's Identity Festival lineup, which will touch down in major markets all over North America.

They'll be touring in support of their debut full-length, Under The Streets, which gets a release on August 9th, right before the touring festival kicks off. more on this story

Guano Apes Bringing Bel Air To America

The End Records have set a June 21st North American release date for Guano Apes's new album Bel Air.

The album, which debuted at #1 in Germany and has seen similar numbers across Europe, was produced by Swedish/Danish Grammy winner Jon Schumann (Carpark North, Mew and Kent) and mixed by Tom Lord-Alge (U2, Coldplay, Oasis and Pink will do for now), Terry Date (Pantera, Soundgarden etc.) and Randy Staub (Metallica, Nickelback).

This powerhouse combination, along with the the band reunited in the line-up which brought them their greatest successes to date (Henning Rümenapp, Dennis Poschwatta, Stefan Ude and Sandra Nasic) has resulted in a revitalized group, sounding better than ever before. more on this story

Mindless Behavior Go From My Girl To Mrs. Right

Mindless Behavior have released their follow-up to their BET Award nominated "My Girl" single.

The new single "Mrs. Right," has just been released and is available on iTunes.

Hear "Mrs. Right" in this behind the scenes clip from MB's photo shoot for the cover of their forthcoming debut album, #1 Girl: here

Big Morning Buzz Live Guest for Next Week

Vh1 sent over their list of next week's guests confirmed for VH1 "Big Morning Buzz Live".

* Monday, May 30: Dark

* Tuesday, May 31: Death Cab for Cutie, Josh Gad (Book of Mormon)

* Wednesday, June 1: Matt Passmore (The Glades), Michelle Branch, Andrew W.K.

* Thursday, June 2: Tristian Wilds (90210), Robert F. Kennedy (promoting documentary "The Last Mountain"), Zoe Kravitz (X-Men)

* Friday, June 3: Niecy Nash (Comedienne), Greg Grunberg (Love Bites), Andrew Rannells (Book of Mormon)
vh1.com