Rihanna Makes Chart History

By doing so, Rihanna makes history by becoming the only female artist ever to achieve the Official Singles and Albums Chart double twice in the same year with different singles and albums. She's also broken a flurry of additional chart records in the process. more on this story

Lady Gaga Wardrobe Malfunction Unintended

(TMZ) Lady Gaga's super high-cut dress at the International Emmys Monday night in NYC was this close to exposing her little monster -- but TMZ has learned, it wasn't made that way.

A rep for the designer -- Stéphane Rolland Haute Couture in France -- tells us, the asymmetrical frock came straight off the catwalk ... meaning it was intended to be worn by a model much taller than Gaga.

According to the rep, "The slit came way further up her waist than what our designers had in mind."

Despite the wardrobe malfunction, Stéphane Rolland insists, "We're not mad that the dress ended up looking like that on Gaga ... she does make it a little naughtier!" more on this story

Prosecutor Seeking Maximum Sentence in Michael Jackson Death Case

(TMZ) The prosecutor in the Conrad Murray manslaughter case will ask Judge Michael Pastor to sentence the doctor to the maximum -- 4 years in State Prison ... TMZ has learned.

The D.A. just filed legal docs with the judge for the sentencing today. As we have already told you ... even if Murray gets 4 years, he will not spend a single day in prison because of a new California law.

He will go to L.A. County Jail, where a 4-year sentence would be whittled down to 2 years. And, on top of that, Murray would be eligible for house arrest.

As we already reported ... Murray's lawyers will ask the judge to place him on probation. more on this story

Beavis & Butt-Head Boost Little Known Rapper

(TMZ) It pays to be zinged by "Beavis & Butt-Head" ... at least according to the Detroit rapper who's been BLOWIN' UP since the duo featured her music video for the YouTube hit, "It's So Cold in the D" on their show earlier this month.

TMZ spoke with T-Baby -- aka Latonya Miles -- who tells us she doesn't mind that B&B cracked some jokes about her on the MTV show ... because producers forked over a few THOUSAND dollars to get her permission.

T-Baby says, "People have been making fun of me my whole life ... so, it's no big deal because I'm still getting paid from them ... so I'm laughin' all the way to the bank."

T-Baby also says her exposure on the show has given her the "biggest kick off to my career ever."

The rapper says she's getting paid $4k for every year the show featuring her video is aired on MTV -- explaining, "I already got my $4,000 for this year and I'm expecting it every year for the next five years." more on this story

Usher Facing Custody Battle

(TMZ) Usher's ex-wife wants to take away his kids ... claiming the singer has repeatedly blown off his legal obligations as a co-parent ... and even worse -- he CLOSED her Saks 5th Avenue credit card ... this according to court docs obtained by TMZ.

Tameka Raymond -- who had 2 kids with Usher during their brief 2 year marriage -- filed court papers in Georgia ... asking a judge to strip Usher of joint physical custody of their children ASAP.

According to the docs, Tameka claims Usher has repeatedly FAILED to obtain her permission to travel outside the state with the kids ... which he's legally obligated to do.

But there's more ... a lot more.

Tameka also claims Usher is required and has failed to:
-- get her approval before hiring nannies
-- give her first shot to watch the kids when he's away for more than 8 hours
-- allow her to take the kids for 2-weeks in the summer of 2011
-- let her have custody of the kids during Christmas break 2010

Tameka also claims Usher closed her Saks 5th Avenue credit card -- which he specifically said he wouldn't do -- and now she can no longer take advantage of the "special benefits" the card offers.

According to the docs, Usher also promised to pay $5k per month so Tameka could hire her own nanny for the kids -- but he hasn't paid in months, and now owes $34,000 worth of payments.

Tameka also claims there has been a "substantial change in [Usher's] income" since they got divorced -- and because of his success, she should get even more money for child support.

A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Wednesday. Stay tuned ...
more on this story

Foster The People Take Fans Behind The Scenes

(popmusiclife) Foster The People are sharing some behind the scenes video. The band has offered up footage of the group shooting the "Call It What You Want" video.

The song is the band's new single from its "Torches" album. Fans can check out what it takes to get a full video together these days.

"I listened to the song and I immediately knew that this was going to be a huge hit," says director Ace Norton. "A lot of the things that are happening in this video are kind of inspired by a lot of the nightmares I used to have as a kid." Check out the video here.

Nicki Minaj Named Billboard's Rising Star for 2011

(popmusiclife) Nicki Minaj has been named Billboard's "Rising Star" for 2011. On Wednesday, the music industry paper announced the news and that Minaj will be presented with the honor at the Billboard Women in Music Event on December 2 in New York City.

Minaj will be joined at the sixth annual event by Billboard Woman of the Year Taylor Swift, her friend and an early booster through radio interviews and a widely seen concert cameo.

"I am deeply honored to be recognized by Billboard," says Minaj. "My nation of barbz and I have come a mighty long way; yet we are nowhere close to where God will take us. Sit back and enjoy the ride." more on this story

The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas TV Special and Tour

(Webster) The Oak Ridge Boys are kicking off the season with a 31-city holiday tour, and teaming with Save the Children to lend a hand to those in need.

For those who miss them on stage, the group will bring its incomparable sounds into homes across the nation, with a broadcast television show, The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas Special.

It's set to begin airing on Friday, December 2, 2011, and will be featured on TLN (Total Living Network), WHT (World Harvest Network) and Inspiration Network as well as in various markets, including New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Miami, Houston, Phoenix, Memphis, San Francisco, Honolulu, and many more. Be sure to check local listings throughout the holiday season for the half-hour special. more on this story

David Guetta Hits The Top

EMI announced that David Guetta's current single "Without You," has ascended to No. 1 on the Top 40 Airplay chart, where it reigns for the second consecutive week.

This achievement marks the global superstar DJ and producer's highest U.S. chart placement yet. Currently positioned at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, "Without You," featuring Usher, has been certified platinum, making it the second million-selling single off Guetta's new album Nothing But the Beat following the summer sensation "Where Them Girls At" featuring Nicki Minaj and Flo rida.

Released by Capitol Records/Astralwerks on August 29th, Nothing But The Beat debuted Top 5 in 12 countries and has sold 1.5 million copies world-wide. more on this story

M83 Add Second Nokia Show

(Mute) M83 fans in Los Angeles that didn't score tickets to the upcoming show at the Club Nokia are in luck.

M83 has added a second show on Thursday, January 12th, after the previously announced January 13th show is sold out.

M83 wrapped up their Fall North American Tour in New York City last week.

Shelby Lynne Announces North American Tour Dates

Shelby Lynne will be hitting the road on January 12, 2012 for a series of North American dates in support of her new album, Revelation Road.

The Grammy winner will also guest on "Tavis Smiley" this Friday, December 2.

This past weekend, Lynne performed "Ain't Nothin' Like Christmas," an original from her first-ever holiday album, Merry Christmas, at the 85th Anniversary Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. more on this story

The Little Willies On Grand Ole Opry Tonight

The Little Willies will be on Grand Ole Opry tonight. The performance airs live tonight, November 29th beginning at 7pm EST.

You can listen on the radio by tuning to 650 AM WSM in Nashville, or listen to a live online stream here.

The appearance is one of several live performances in support of their upcoming album, For The Good Times, out January 10, 2012. more on this story

Conrad Murray's Mother Begging Judge For Mercy

(TMZ) Dr. Conrad Murray's mother says she's "suffering" from overwhelming sadness because her only son is incarcerated -- and has begged the judge to go easy on the Doc when it comes to his sentence.

Mrs. Milta Rush sent a letter to Judge Pastor -- explaining why Murray deserves mercy ... because he's a good person who has "never drank alcohol, took drugs or smoked cigarettes in his life."

Milta explains, "He has never been in trouble with the law before and I am barely standing, scared and worried sick about him being incarcerated."

"He is saddened and remorseful about the death of his friend Michael Jackson and I do believe he is certainly learning the toughest lesson of his life."

Milta continues, "I sympathize with Mrs. Jackson as a mother; I feel her pain for having lost her son. I sense she was very close to her son. I really wanted to approach her personally and tell her I am sorry for the loss of her son but I was unsure if she would be receptive, and I did not want to take the chance of violating the courts rules. I am sorry for her loss."

"Judge Pastor, Conrad, is my son and as a mother I must say I know him inside out. He is sorry for what happened to Michael and had no intent towards him."

"I humbly beg for your heart felt consideration of everything I have said about Conrad, and ask for your compassion and leniency in giving him probation or community service."

Dr. Murray's sentencing hearing is scheduled for today. more on this story

Basketball Wives' Evelyn Lozada Getting Her Own Show?

(TMZ) Evelyn Lozada was all set to leave "Basketball Wives" and not return for the show's fourth season -- until the show offered her a deal she just couldn't turn down ... which, TMZ has learned, includes her own spin-off show.

As TMZ previously reported, Evelyn had made up her mind that she was done with the show for good after VH1 posted a blog insinuating she cheated on her husband, NFL star Chad Ochocinco.

Once Evelyn let producers know she was out, that's when we're told they really made a push to keep her. According to our sources, her new arrangement with the show has her shooting about half as often (but with a raise) and that she can work around her daughter's school schedule. We're also told Evelyn has made it clear ... she will not miss any of Chad's games.

But according to our sources, the final carrot that sealed the deal ... was that VH1 promised to spin off Evelyn and Chad into their own show. We're told that show would document the months leading up to their wedding ... but so far no deal to shoot the wedding has been made. more on this story

Lindsay Lohan Ahead on Morgue Duty

(TMZ) Maybe structure is exactly what Lindsay Lohan needed -- because TMZ has learned she's not only on pace to complete her court-ordered stints at the morgue ... she's WAY ahead of schedule.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... Lohan has already completed 10 of her 12 required morgue duty shifts -- impressive considering she still has another THREE WEEKS to spare.

In fact, we're told Lindsay doesn't just plan to knock out the remaining two shifts by the Dec. 14 deadline -- but she also wants to get a head start on the hours she has to complete by her 2nd status hearing.

Law enforcement tell us ... Lindsay has a pretty damn good reputation at the morgue -- polite, hard-working and never complains about the work.

Judge Sautner had said her sentence essentially put the keys to Lindsay's freedom in her own hands -- and at this point, it looks like she's making the most of her opportunity to stay out of the clink. more on this story

More Justin Bieber Babygate Silliness

(TMZ) The lawyer for Justin Bieber's alleged baby mama Mariah Yeater is now taking aim at the girl's ex-BF -- telling TMZ, he's guilty of the same thing he accused Mariah of ... exploiting her child for media attention.

As we first reported, Mariah's ex Robbie Powell claims he's positive he's the real father of her child -- not Justin Bieber -- and he's willing to cough up the DNA sample to prove it ... because he's tired of Yeater using the kid for publicity.

But Mariah's lawyer Jeffrey Leving says Robbie's just playing into the media mayhem surrounding the story -- telling us, "If Robbie Powell 'actually' believes and claims he is the father, I suggest he contact me directly. Litigating this case in the media and bypassing Mariah's legal team only perpetuates the three-ring circus and accomplishes nothing as I see it."

As for Powell ... the baby daddy drama has already raised his street value -- because he's already been approached by several media outlets to tell his side of the story ... and he's entertaining multiple offers. more on this story

Crew Member Dies on Set of G.I. Joe: Retaliation

(TMZ) A crew member working on the set of the movie "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" died last week after an accident on the New Orleans set ... TMZ has learned.

Officials at Paramount Pictures confirm ... the crew member was working on tearing down the set, when something went terribly wrong.

Sources connected to the production tell us ... the man was working on a "condor" -- a high-powered lift -- when the machine tipped over and the man sustained fatal injuries.

Paramount released a statement saying, "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the [crew member's] family at this time."

The statement continues, "The safety of our cast and crew is our top priority and the studio is fully cooperating with all investigating agencies as they examine the circumstances surrounding this unusual accident." more on this story

Break In At Samantha Ronson's House

(TMZ) Cops were called to Samantha Ronson's house Monday night after someone broke into her garage.

We're told the 911 call came in just before 7 PM. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... the burglars didn't make it inside Sam's house.

It's unclear what -- if anything -- was taken. As you probably know, Sam lives right next to Lindsay in Venice, CA. more on this story

Jessie J Responds To The X Factor Backlash

(popmusiclife) Jessie J performed on The UK version of X Factor Sunday night. Jessie did her new single, "Who You Are," the title from her debut album.

The pop singer was a little under weather, saying something she'd eaten the day before didn't agree with her. Regardless, she pressed on, and delivered a performance that drew some negative feedback from fans.

"It's funny that people that follow you tweet you but don't @ you when there slagging you off," tweeted Jessie after the performance. "I WAS pitchy last night and it's the first thing I said when I came off stage. The track was so low in my ears I couldn't hardly hear it. I am a realist and I'm NOT perfect. I'm growing and learning and I'd rate half the artists more if they had the guts to say s**t to my face..." Check out the X Factor performance here.

Taio Cruz Delivers His Take On Adele's Someone Like You

(popmusiclife) Adele's "Someone Like You" is a pop culture phenomenon, still riding high on the charts and, seemingly, on everyone's lips.

Taio Cruz tones down his club act to issue a video of him playing the song in his home recording studio.

Simple setup: just a microphone and piano, and Cruz is off and running into a low key solo performance of the Adele smash. Check it out here.