Lindsay Lohan A Suspect In $100K Jewelry Heist

One final thing ... This is really bad news for Lindsay, because she's on probation for the theft case involving the necklace at a Venice jewelry store. She could go to jail if she violates probation by stealing more jewelry.
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Usher's Ex-Wife To Appeal Custody Ruling Over Alleged Bias

(TMZ) Usher's ex-wife Tameka Raymond is angry over her recent loss in court and believes the ruling could be the result of a bias judge ... so she's gearing up to file an appeal, TMZ has learned.

TMZ broke the story ... Tameka lost a hard-fought custody battle on Friday when a judge ruled in Usher's favor and granted primary custody of their two young children to the singer.

But sources close to Tameka tell TMZ, she feels the ruling was unfair. We're told Tameka recently found out that Usher's lawyer's law firm threw an election fundraiser back in 2008 for the judge who presided over the trial ... and she feels that connection may have influenced the ruling.

Sources tell us ... Tameka is baffled by the decision because she argued in court that Usher is constantly on the road, where as she has the more stable schedule ... thus it makes no sense to give him primary custody.

We're told Tameka wants to fight the decision ASAP and is interviewing lawyers for an appeal. more on this story

Madonna Apologizes For Canceled Tour Dates

(popmusiclife) Despite assurances from Madonna's manager, Guy Oseary, that the pop icon would play Australia as part of her MDNA World Tour, it was announced last month that the singer would skip the country for the second tour in a row.

The anticipated MDNA shows would have marked Madonna's first Aussie dates in 20 years. "Madonna's tour will end in South America in December as planned. That's all we can say," a spokesperson said at the time.

Now, Madonna has stepped up to offer a personal apology to her Australian fans by way of a recorded youtube message. "I am really and truly sorry to have disappointed you," began Madonna. "That's something that I don't feel very good about. I was going to write a letter to everybody but I thought it would be better if I just filmed myself and you could hear it from me personally."

"I can promise you in my heart of hearts that it was my intention to come again but, like the last time, my children are my first priority," she continued. Read more and watch the video here.

Amanda Bynes Hit and Run Case Reopened

(TMZ) Amanda Bynes is no longer in the clear for an alleged hit-and-run back in April -- TMZ has learned the L.A. City Attorney is taking a new look at that case because of Amanda's other hit-and-run earlier this month.

As TMZ first reported, Bynes allegedly rear-ended a BMW, and fled the scene while driving a rental on the 101 Freeway. The L.A. City Attorney's Office rejected the case because there was no independent witness to finger Amanda as the suspect.

Law enforcement sources tell us that all changed when Bynes was accused, yet again, of hit-and-run on August 4.

We're told prosecutors have decided to re-open the April incident -- which means Amanda could end up with 2 misdemeanor hit-and-runs ... with each carrying a max sentence of 6 months.

Don't forget, Bynes also has a DUI on her plate for a whole other incident. She pled not guilty to that one back in June. more on this story

Selena Gomez Producer Sues Nickelodeon Star Drake Bell

(TMZ) Nickelodeon star Drake Bell has one thing in common with Selena Gomez, Jimmy Eat World, and the Jonas Brothers -- they all hired the same record producer ... except now, the guy's suing Drake for $36,000.

Producer John Fields filed the lawsuit in L.A. County Superior Court, claiming he produced a total of 9 songs for Bell's new album "A Reminder" back in August 2010.

According to Fields, Bell agreed to pay $9,000 for every song Fields produced -- but only ended up paying for five.

Now, Fields says Bell owes him the balance -- $36,000 -- and he's suing to get every penny back.

Funny ... of all nine songs ... only four made it to the album, which was released last year. more on this story

Disgraced American Idol Hopeful Reunites with Other Finalists

(TMZ) Disgraced "American Idol" contestant Jermaine Jones -- who was booted from last season for lying to producers about his criminal past -- has finally received some closure ... reuniting with his fellow finalists for the first time since he left the show.

Jermaine tells TMZ, he bought tickets to the American Idol LIVE tour on Tuesday at the Wells Fargo Center in Philly -- and his friend Josh Ledet (who finished 3rd last season) hooked him up with backstage passes.

While he was there, Jermaine says he caught up with all his old pals from Season 11 -- Jessica Sanchez, Colton Dixon, Skylar Laine, Erika Van Pelt, Phillip Phillips, DeAndre Brackensick ... the whole gang.

Jermaine says it was an emotional reunion, but everyone was very supportive -- "showing a lot of love," and asking how Jermaine had been doing since he was disqualified in March.

As for whether he regrets lying to producers -- Jermaine tells us, "I think I told them at the time what I needed to for my information to qualify, but overall I just wish of course that I did things differently."

But he's not holding a grudge, adding, "American Idol helped me in my career and gave me good exposure ... I'm happy and grateful for the experience." more on this story

O'Brother To Deliver Basement Window EP Next Month

O'Brother will release their new Basement Window EP digitally on September 18th and will follow up with a limited edition LP on October 30th.

Vocalist Tanner Merritt explains "It's a lot of fun to strip a song down to its very core and see how it holds its own based upon sheer songwriting. With so much volume and layering it's very easy to lose those things. It's fun and challenging to take a song and mold it in to something completely different. Give it a new tone and demeanor. That's what our intention was with this EP, to (hopefully) allow ourselves and others to see these songs in a different light."

Basement Window will be released digitally with a bonus track not on the vinyl release. The limited vinyl release is a special pressing, 1 side audio and 1 side etched artwork. more on this story

Josh Turner Releases Live Across America

Josh Turner has released his new live album, Live Across America, exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store.

The 12-track album costs $11.99 and features live performances of Turner's biggest hits, as well as his never-before-released version of Waylon Jennings' "America."

The album is available in all Cracker Barrel locations as well as online at crackerbarrel.com, iTunes, and Amazon.com. Turner will perform on NBC's TODAY Show on Wed., Sept. 19, on FNC's Fox & Friends on Fri., Sept. 21, on Better TV, Sirius XM, and more in support of the release more on this story

Battle of the Sunglasses at Night Cover Bands

Tourisme Montreal & POP Montreal will post the eight videos created by the "Battle of the Bands" contest semi-finalists. But there was an unusual twist...Each semi-finalist had to create a cover video / reinterpretation of Montréal-native Corey Hart's 80s classic "Sunglasses at Night."

Facebook votes will narrow down the competition until only two finalists remain and POP Montréal will then select and announce the winner on Wednesday, September 5. The winning band gets to play two sets of their own original music during POP Montréal International Music Festival, which takes place September 19-23, 2012.

Other musicians making their way around Montréal's Mile End this year for POP 2012 include Grimes, Purity Ring, David Byrne with St Vincent, Gotye, Change of Heart, Cadence Weapon and many more!

To view the videos and vote online (starting Aug. 26), visit the app on Montréal's Facebook page here.

Beyonce's Mother Sells Mansion At Big Discount

(TMZ) Beyonce's mom really wanted out of her Texas-sized Houston mansion, so much so, she was willing to knock $500,000 off the listing price to get it sold, TMZ has learned.

We broke the story ... Tina Knowles tried to unload her 8,885-square-foot pad last September for a whopping $3.499 Million ... but it sat on the market for nine months with no takers.

She finally sold it this summer ... but for a whole lot less than she planned, accepting an offer of $2,962,500.

The house is a steal for the new owner -- it has 5 bedrooms, 5 baths, sits on 2.6 acres, and boasts a resort style pool, gym AND a giant media room where you can watch Beyonce tear it up in "Goldfinger" as many times as you want. more on this story

Incubus Founder Facing Divorce

(TMZ) Dirk Lance -- the original bassist for the band Incubus -- is about to be a single man ... his wife is pulling the plug on their 7-year marriage.

According to court docs filed in L.A. County Superior Court, Lance's wife -- Emily Felz Hansen -- claims the couple separated on August 15 ... and blames the split on irreconcilable differences.

Lance -- real name Alex Katunich -- married Emily back in 2004 ... they have a 1-year-old daughter together. Emily is asking for joint legal custody of the child. She also wants primary physical custody ... with Dirk getting visitation rights.

The docs show Emily is also asking for Alex to foot her legal bills.

Lance first joined Incubus in 1991 ... and played with the band until 2003, playing on 5 of their albums including the monster hit "Morning View." more on this story

Halle Berry's Fiance To Testify in Custody Case

(TMZ) Halle Berry has a secret witness she's going to call to the stand to support her bid to take her child Nahla to Paris -- her fiance, Olivier Martinez.

Sources close to the case tell TMZ ... Halle's lawyer will ask Martinez -- a famous actor -- about his experience with paparazzi in Paris. Martinez will say the photogs are far more respectful and less aggressive in gay Paris than their counterparts in the US of A.

Martinez will also discuss their living arrangement and his involvement with Nahla. He will also tell the judge that Halle is a class A mother.

As for how the case is going, we're told baby daddy Gabriel Aubry is having trouble making his case. On Thursday, one of Halle's expert witnesses left the courthouse early without even testifying -- he was there to counter one of Gabrel's experts, but there was no need for a rebuttal because sources connected with Gabriel tell TMZ ... his expert kinda crashed and burned. more on this story

Dr. Phil's 57 Chevy Stolen

(TMZ) Dr. Phil suffered a loss that is only comprehensible to die-hard car collectors -- his precious, '57 Chevy was stolen late Sunday night ... TMZ has learned.

Dr. Phil and a friend were working on the tranny, trying to get the car to start. When their attempts proved unsuccessful, the good Doc had the car flatbedded to a repair shop in Burbank.

Several hours later, Phil got the call car lovers dred -- the Chevy -- one of the most awesome cars ever -- had been stolen.

The car is worth $100,000. Law enforcement sources tell us ... the evildoers smashed a roll-up door at the shop to get at the car.

Cops are on the case. more on this story

Troy Aikman's Ex-Wife Arrested

(TMZ) Troy Aikman's ex-wife was arrested in Collin County, Texas for being drunk in public on Monday ... TMZ has learned.

According to the Murphy Police Department, 43-year-old Rhonda Aikman was arrested on August 27 for public intoxication ... a low level misdemeanor.

Rhonda was hauled to a nearby jail, where bond was set at $269.00. She has since been released.

Aikman's car was towed from the scene of the arrest to a nearby impound lot.

TMZ broke the story ... Rhonda and Troy divorced in April 2011 after 10 years of marriage. Rhonda was working in publicity for the Dallas Cowboys when she met Troy, who was the starting QB at the time. more on this story

Mother of Terrell Owens Baby Still Wants To Get Paid

(TMZ) One of Terrell Owens' baby mamas has her fingers crossed that the recently-fired wide receiver lands a new NFL team STAT ... all so she can keep getting paid.

TMZ broke the story ... T.O's fourth baby mama -- a woman named Melanie Paige Smith -- filed papers earlier this month to BLOCK T.O.'s request to lower his massive child support payments.

In the docs, Smith's reasoning was largely based on the fact that T.O. had recently inked a deal with the Seattle Seahawks, for close to a $1,000,000 ... and could afford to continue shelling out for his kid.

But as of Sunday that's not longer the case -- Terrell revealed via Twitter that he was axed by the NFL team and is currently a free agent. Translation -- no more paycheck.

Now Smith's attorney -- Randall Kessler -- tells TMZ ... T.O.'s career snag won't affect his client's request to keep the dough coming -- at least for now. Instead she has her "fingers crossed that another team picks him up." more on this story