Jennifer Lopez Files $20 Million Extortion Suit

Lopez is suing for damages in excess of $20 million. more on this story

Kim Kardashian Honored to Be Kanye's Perfect B*tch

(TMZ) Kim Kardashian is thrilled to be the inspiration for Kanye West's new song, "Perfect B*tch" ... TMZ has learned.

Kim is telling friends, "I'm honored. I love it," adding, "I know he doesn't mean it in a negative way when he says the word 'b*tch.'"

Yesterday, Kayne tweeted, "I wrote the song 'Perfect B*tch' about Kim." Interestingly, the tweet was later deleted.

But Kim feels great about it, saying, "The song talks about how he was with so many other girls but could never find the right one until he met me." more on this story

Kelly Clarkson and The Fray To The Rescue

(TMZ) See, celebrities DO care ... especially Kelly Clarkson and The Fray -- who went into their own pockets to help cover medical bills for a stagehand who suffered a stroke while working on their tour.

It all went down in Phoenix, AZ on August 1 ... while setting up for the "Stronger" / "Scars & Stories" tour ... a 57-year-old stagehand suffered a hemorrhagic stroke and was rushed to the hospital. We're told the man had been offered health insurance through his job, but didn't sign up for it.

Sources close to the situation tell TMZ ... following the incident, a promoter for the concert series approached the music superstars to sign a "get well" card ... but Clarkson and The Fray took it one step further.

We're told both headliners -- along with other people involved in the production -- grabbed all the cash they had on hand and donated it to help pay for the stagehand's hospital bills. By the time they were done -- they collected $2,200.

Even better ... a fund is now being set up for the family of the stroke victim -- who is still in the ICU. more on this story

Jordin Sparks Has No Interest In Being American Idol Judge

(Hollyscoop) Is it "American Idol" for Jordin Sparks? Not in this lifetime… At the Los Angeles premiere at the singer's first feature film Sparkle, Hollyscoop caught up with Sparks to see what was up for her future ahead. One thing that is definitely a no go is "American Idol."

Despite her past success as a contestant on the show, Sparks has little interest in becoming a judge. "No, no. I can say with complete certainty," Jordin said when asked if she'd consider joining the panel. "Um, I wouldn't want to be a judge."

Now at the ripe age of 22, Sparks was the winner of the sixth season of "Idol," making her the youngest champ in the show's history. Though judging is not something that strikes her fancy, Jordin has no ruled out the idea of participating on "Idol" as a whole just yet. "I wouldn't mind being a mentor, which is different. You go and you encourage the contestants. You say good luck, have a good show," she said. "I could never sit there and say 'that wasn't good enough' because I was standing there.'" more on this story

Joan Rivers Handcuffs Herself To Costco Cart

(TMZ) Cops were called to an L.A. Costco yesterday -- after comedian Joan Rivers HANDCUFFED herself to a shopping cart during a one-woman protest against the wholesale store ... comparing the place to "Nazi Germany" ... and we got video of the entire debacle.

TMZ broke the story ... Joan claims Costco banned her new book "I Hate Everything ... Starting with Me" because of several racy jokes on the back cover -- so yesterday, she staged a protest in Burbank against what she called unjust censorship.

Joan yelled into a bullhorn, "Costco should not be like Nazi Germany. Next thing they'll be burning the bible."

Joan then walked into the store and handcuffed herself to a random woman's shopping cart, where she continued to scream. Costco management called the cops, who then asked Joan to leave -- which she did. And that was that. But the footage is hilarious. Even the cops can't help but laugh.

Judge Won't Delay Custody Trail Following Usher's Stepson's Death

(TMZ) The judge in the Usher/Tameka Raymond child custody case has refused to postpone the trial because Tameka's son died -- ruling the trial will resume as scheduled later this month.

As TMZ first reported, Usher wanted to have a court date moved back because he was worried that with the recent passing of Tameka's son ... the court hearing would cause "unnecessary stress and strain" for himself, Tameka, and their two minor children.

But Tameka argued Usher was just posturing for the press and his concern was "bogus." She claimed in court papers Usher "visited Kile in the hospital only once" during his 15 days on life support.

A judge in Fulton County, GA has now ruled, saying the case will go on as planned and Usher will once again take the stand.

The trial will resume on Aug. 13 and is only expected to last a few more days. more on this story

Carly Rae Jepsen To Release Debut Album Next Month

(popmusiclife) Breakout pop star Carly Rae Jepsen will release her debut album, "Kiss," on September 18.

The Canadian singer and songwriter wrote or co-wrote songs on the album, collaborating with songwriters and producers Max Martin, Dallas Austin, LMFAO's Redfoo, Toby Gad, Marianas Trench singer Josh Ramsay and Matthew Koma.

"These are lyric and song ideas that I have been collecting over the years," Jepsen says of the project. "I can't tell you how lucky I feel to be able to collaborate with some of my dream producers. It has been the most fulfilling experience. The record is pop. It's inspired by Robyn, The Cars, Madonna, and believe it or not, James Taylor. I can't wait to share it with everyone! Kiss." more on this story

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Reuniting For Las Vegas Residency

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill will be reprising their "Soul2Soul" in Las Vegas for a new residency.

The limited engagement, which opens on Dec. 7 and covers 10 weekends through April 2013, will take place in the 1,815-seat Venetian Theater.

"Soul2Soul" at The Venetian will mark the first time in six years that McGraw and Hill have performed together in the United States. "Soul2Soul" will feature an all-new production with innovative lighting and set design technologies that were synonymous with the "Soul2Soul" concerts. The Venetian Theater will also be modified to accommodate this new production. These "Soul2Soul" concerts will include many of the no. 1 hits that have made them, both in their own right, two of the most significant entertainers of our generation.
more on this story

Grouplove Map Out North American Tour

Grouplove have mapped out the dates for their upcoming North American headlining fall tour with support on select legs of the tour comes from Alt-J, MSMR, and Papa.

A second round of dates have just been announced including the tour finale at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles on November 17th.

As previously announced, the tour will kick off on September 25th at the Roseland Theater in Portland, OR more on this story

James Durbin To Reunite With Fellow American Idol Contestant

(Sub) This Friday, August 10th Universal CityWalk's "5 Towers" concert venue will play host to "American Idol" Top Finalists James Durbin and Stefano Langone.

This FREE show is the latest addition to CityWalk's summer Music Spotlight Series,

"American Idol" finalist James Durbin, a California native will be joined by Season 10 album Stefano Langone. More info here.

Jeffersons' Sherman Hemsley Died From Lung Cancer

(TMZ) Sherman Hemsley -- the actor famous for playing George Jefferson on "The Jeffersons" -- died as a result of a cancerous mass on his lung ... this according to the El Paso County Texas Medical Examiner.

According to the Postmortem Report, obtained by TMZ, the primary cause of death is listed as "superior vena cava syndrome" -- a complication resulting from a mass on Sherman's lung.

According to the report, Sherman had been advised to get chemo and radiation therapy before he succumbed to his illness. It's unclear if Sherman was a smoker.

TMZ broke the story ... Sherman was found dead last month in his El Paso, TX home at the age of 74. more on this story

Desperate Housewives' Eva Longoria Avoids Trial

(TMZ) Eva Longoria is one lawsuit lighter now ... the former "Desperate Housewives" actress settled a suit out of the courtroom with the guy she smashed her car into waaaay back in 2010.

TMZ broke the story ... Roman Gasparyan filed a suit against Longoria almost two years ago. He claimed the actress lost control of her BMW and crashed into him on Hollywood Blvd while sporting "red and bloodshot" eyes ... but Eva claimed the wreck was NOT her fault.

All that's behind them now ... the settlement was announced in L.A Superior Court on August 3 ... just 12 days before the case was supposed to go to trial.

The terms of the settlement are unclear at this time. more on this story

WWE Star Dumped By His 'Other Fiancee' After Abuse Claim By Another Fiance

(TMZ) Andy Slocum's week has gone from bad to worse ... 'cause AFTER the former WWE talent was accused of beating his fiancee Rosa Mendes in Vegas ...his OTHER fiancee in Texas dumped him... TMZ has learned.

We broke the story ... Slocum -- who wrestled under the name Jackson Andrews -- was named in a police report filed by Mendes, in which she claims Slocum beat her up on multiple occasions in the home they shared together in Vegas.

But the story REALLY came as a shock to a woman named Amber Stovall ... who thought she was EXCLUSIVELY engaged to Slocum ... who she had been dating for the past 4-and-a-half years.

"I was not aware of his double life with Rosa," Amber tells us ... adding, "I'm incredibly angry and I feel betrayed."

Amber -- who says the two shared a home in Houston and have two bulldogs -- tells us, "I was blindsided by the TMZ story. He had just flown me out to Vegas the weekend after July 4th and we made plans for him to return home to Houston at the end of August. "

For the record, Rosa -- who's a WWE Diva -- was in Texas on the weekend after July 4th ... when he flew Amber to Vegas. Basically, he pulled off a fiancee switcheroo.

Despite the lies, Amber insists Slocum was never violent with her ... telling us, "He's never even raised his voice to me."

Obviously, Amber has since called off the engagement ... noting, "He has not reached out to me despite my efforts to contact him since I found out about Rosa. So as of today, I have cut off all joint accounts which includes his cell phone."

Multiple calls to Andrews have not been returned ... and maybe now we know why. more on this story

Rupert Sanders Reunites With Wife After Kristen Stewart Affair News

(TMZ) Rupert Sanders -- the philandering director who cheated on his wife with Kristen Stewart -- finally came face-to-face with the woman he betrayed yesterday at a Beverly Hills deli.

Cameras snapped away after Liberty Ross and Rupert shared a meal at Judi's Deli. It's unclear who paid ... or how long they sat ... but we're guessing it couldn't have been a fun convo.

As we previously reported, Rupert is still wearing his wedding ring ... and is hopeful he can work things out with the mother of his children.

Liberty, on the other hand, had NO RING on her finger when she was spotted out in L.A. yesterday.

However, she was sportin' a pretty big smile while hanging out with another man pictured here.

Olympic Champion Ryan Lochte's Parents Swimming In Debt?

(TMZ) US Olympic swimming champion Ryan Lochte might have to parlay his newfound fame into a quick payday to help out the folks ... because TMZ has learned, his parents are allegedly buried in debt ... and could lose their home.

According to a lawsuit filed in Volusia County, FL ... CitiMortgage claims Steven and Ileane Lochte took out a mortgage loan for $258,000 back in 2007 and they were to pay $1,609.58/month.

But according to the bank, the Lochtes stopped making payments in February 2011 -- and now owe $242,239 (plus interest) on the home. The bank is suing to foreclose on the house in order to get its money back.

But there's a lot on the line -- according to the lawsuit, if the sale of the Lochtes' home doesn't satisfy the couple's entire debt ... the bank wants the Lochtes to pay the difference.

Mrs. Lochte filed a motion to dismiss the case last month, but a judge has yet to rule. more on this story

Bachelorette Star Kasey Kahl Denies Paint Huffing In Bar Fight Arrest

(TMZ) "Bachelorette" star Kasey Kahl was released from jail -- telling TMZ, he was NOT under the influence of paint thinners during a bar fight back in January ... and he never laid his hand on a woman.

TMZ broke the story ... 29-year-old Kahl was jailed last in Orange County, CA after prosecutors filed several felony charges against the reality star. It all stems from a nightclub brawl that took place on January 15th, in which Kahl allegedly beat up a man and his GF while drunk and high on drugs.

But on his way out of the slammer, Kahl denied all the allegations -- telling TMZ, he's never huffed paint in his life ... "I've never even smoked marijuana."

Kahl says cops never took a blood test or alcohol test or anything to prove he was under the influence -- so the allegations are BS.

As for allegations he beat up two people that night ... Kahl insists he was punched first and only got physical to defend himself.

Kahl says he's due back in court next month. more on this story

Michael Phelps' Next Challenge: TV Sports Announcer?

(TMZ) Forget all that retirement talk, Michael Phelps will NOT be done with the Olympics after the London games ... that is if network honchos can lock him into a new job -- sports announcer.

TMZ's learned TV execs are drooling over the chance to get Phelps under contract once he wraps up the Games as the most decorated Olympian of all time.

One source, high up at NBC Sports, told us ... "The man is smoking hot right now" -- and they "would definitely hire Michael" to cover the Olympics in 2016, and other world sporting events between now and then.

Phelps is adamant London will be his swan song -- and he will retire as the most well known Olympian on the planet ... so, if he chooses to get in the broadcast game there will be a massive bidding war.

NBC holds Olympic broadcasting rights through 2020, so they'd seem to be in the driver's seat -- but a source at ABC told us, "If he would, we would gladly scoop him up to work for us." more on this story

Selena's Killer Never Watched The Movie

(TMZ) Yolanda Saldivar -- the woman who shot and killed Latino pop singer Selena -- doesn't plan on releasing a comment about the death of the women who portrayed her on the big screen ... because Yolanda has never seen the movie.

Yolanda -- the former President of Selena's fan club -- is currently locked up in a Texas prison .. serving out a life sentence for killing the 23-year-old singer in 1995. She was portrayed in the 1997 biopic "Selena" by Lupe Ontiveros.

After Lupe passed away this week, we reached out to Yolanda's family to see if she had any thoughts on the actress' death.

Yolanda's brother told us ... nobody in the family had ever seen the movie because they believe it's "filled with lies" about Yolanda.

Still, Yolanda's brother says the family never felt any ill will towards Lupe ... because she was an actress and was only "doing what she was told."

As for Yolanda, who is now 51-years-old -- her brother tells us she's still in solitary confinement out of fear for her safety ... but insists she's "doing well." more on this story

Martin Solveig Sets U.S. Smash Release Ahead of Madonna Tour

Martin Solveig will release his album, "Smash," digitally in the U.S. on August 21st and physically on September 18th.

The digital release comes just in time for North American fans to witness Solveig supporting Madonna's tour.

The album includes the multi-platinum hit single, "Hello" and two versions of Solveig's latest single "The Night Out" – a remix from rising electronic star Madeon, and another from Grammy nominated DJ and Kanye West collaborator A-Trak. more on this story

Karmin Release Hello Video

(popmusiclife) Pop duo Karmin have released the video for their new single, "Hello." The song also doubles as the title track to the group's recently-released debut album.

Karmin took the internet by storm last year after posting a cover of Chris Brown's "Look At Me Now" on YouTube. The clip instantly went viral and became one of YouTube's most viewed videos of 2011.

The duo has since released their debut album and racked up over a half of a billion views for their videos. Watch the video here.