Jenni Rivera Dies in Plane Crash

In addition to Rivera and the two pilots, her publicist, Arturo Rivera, her stylist Jorge Sanchez, her makeup artist Jacobo Llenares and her attorney Mario Macias were also on the plane. There were no reported survivors. E! posted a run down of developments in the story.

Original Judge Vs The X Factor

(TMZ) Cheryl Cole says she signed a VERY lucrative deal to be a judge on "X Factor" back in 2011 ... and even though producers fired her before Season 1 ever got off the ground, she wants her money ... more than $2 MILLION ... this according to a new lawsuit obtained by TMZ.

Cole -- a British pop star -- says she signed a "Pay or Play" contract with Blue Orbit Productions that guaranteed her $1.8 million for Season 1 ... and $2 million for Season 2 ... even if she never appeared on the show.

Cole says producers also agreed to pay her a $100k wardrobe allowance for each season, $25k for a stylist, $15k-per-month for lodging in L.A. and $2,500 per month for general living expenses.

As TMZ previously reported, Cole got the chop before Season 1 aired ... because producers believed the American audience wouldn't understand her super-Britishy accent. She was replaced by Nicole Scherzinger ... who was also fired and replaced by Britney Spears.

According to the lawsuit, Cole says producers did pay her the $1.8 mil for Season 1 ... but stiffed her on the $2 mil for season 2, as well as all of the bonus money for expenses.

Cole is demanding more than $2.3 million in damages. more on this story

LeAnn Rimes Denies Eating Disorder Allegations

(TMZ) LeAnn Rimes tells TMZ she's not addicted to laxatives ... despite allegations made by "Real Housewife" Brandi Glanville.

The gloves came off this week when Brandi (a.k.a Eddie Cibrian's ex-wife) accused LeAnn (a.k.a Eddie Cibrian's NEW wife) of being a terrible stepmom to Brandi and Eddie's two young sons.

Specifically Brandi claimed LeAnn carelessly let one of the boys eat one of her laxatives and it made him sick -- AND she said LeAnn carries the pills everywhere she goes, due to a "serious eating disorder."

LeAnn tells TMZ ... Brandi's "outlandish allegations" are 100% B.S. She doesn't have any diseases or addictions ... and while she's tried to remain silent in the past -- out of respect for their families -- there's only so much "harassment" she can take.

LeAnn continues, "It's a shame to have one party constantly spreading lies. I know this drama is exactly what she wants to create. But Eddie and I hope for everyone's sake, this changes." more on this story

Christiana Aguilera and Blake Shelton Duet On Ellen

(popmusiclife) The Voice coaches Christiana Aguilera and Blake Shelton teamed up to perform a duet on the Ellen DeGeneres Show.

The pair sang "Just A Fool" from Christina's new album, "Lotus." Aguilera also sat down with Ellen to chat about her new project, her love of celebrating the holidays, and The Voice.

"It's our third season in," said Christina. "As coaches, we kind of hit our stride, we get what it's all about: we're invested in our teams. I'm sitting next to Blake the whole time so how can I not laugh… between him and Cee Lo [Green] with his gas over there and then there's Adam over there – very competitive." Watch video from the appearance here.

Jay-Z Diss Costs The Game

(CBS Local) Jay-Z never forgets and The Game has learned that lesson the hard way. He recently explained how his rap disses towards Jay-Z thwarted what could have been a dream collaboration and caused him problems at home.

When he was asked if he would ever record a record with Jay-Z, the Compton-bred MC seemed to relish the idea and express regrets about the missed opportunity.

"I think I f***ed that up early in my career," Game told Vibe. "I'm probably one of the only cats that went at Jay-Z's neck and had a career after." more on this story

Dixie Chick Covers Pink Floyd Classic

(CBS Local) Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines has recorded a version of a classic Pink Floyd song for an upcoming documentary soundtrack.

She covers the Roger Waters song "Mother" for West of Memphis: Voices of Justice, a collection of music "from and inspired by" the new film West of Memphis, which focuses on the nearly 20-year-long ordeal of the West Memphis Three.

Maines had been an outspoken opponent of the imprisonment of the three accused child murderers, who were sent to prison and then exonerated 18 years later. Read more and see a live video of her performing the song with Ben Harper.

Radio DJs Off Air After Kate Middleton's Prank Leads To Nurse Suicide

(TMZ) The two Australian DJs behind the Kate Middleton hospital prank that led to the suicide of a nurse have decided to REMOVE themselves from the airwaves.

Southern Cross Austereo, the company that owns the station, has released a statement ... saying, "SCA and 2Day FM are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the death of nurse Jacintha Saldanha from King Edward VII's Hospital."

SCA says the CEO has spoken with both of the DJs ... who are both "deeply shocked" over the tragedy.

The company adds, "SCA and the hosts have decided that they will not return to their radio show until further notice out of respect for what can only be described as a tragedy."

Interesting that SCA did NOT pull the DJs off the air immediately following the prank ... but instead waited until the backlash after Saldanha's suicide. more on this story

Singled Out: Chase Kroesche

Today Chase Kroesche tells us about his brand new single "1-2-3," and the unusual way it came to be. Here is the story:

1-2-3 actually started as a joke. Seriously -- a joke. A friend of mine, a girl named Micha, had asked me (ad nauseam) to write a song for her. Pretty common story, right? Well... sort of. Instead of actually trying to write a real song, I decided to try and write the dumbest, cheesiest pop song that I could POSSIBLY imagine -- At least that was my intent.

The summer of 2011, when I wrote it, I was staying in a hotel in Panama City Beach, FL visiting family. It was late at night, and I had just gotten done texting with Micha... who, yet again, was bugging me about the song. It was at that moment that I decided to just... get it done. 12 o'clock at night. By about 2 o'clock in the morning -- I had the song written and had sung a VERY rough demo into my computer. That was it!

When I woke up the next morning, I listened to the, then brand new, "1-2-3"... and I was blown away. The song that I had intended to be tongue in cheek, a total joke, the song that I hadn't had to try for... Was catchy. Was special. Was a song that I could really be proud of.

Of all of the songs that I've written, both by myself and with cowriters, this is the song that people always come back to. This is the song that really connects... and I think it's BECAUSE I didn't take it seriously. I just enjoyed writing it, didn't work for it, and just let it happen.

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

Lee Greenwood Performing on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition

Lee Greenwood will be performing on tonight's episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in a special Wounded Warrior holiday episode. Webster sent over these details:

"Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" returns with a new two hour primetime holiday-themed special episode with Ty Pennington and the team of designers, "Harris Family, Parts 1 & 2," on MONDAY, DECEMBER 10 (8:00-9:00 & 9:00-10:00 p.m., ET) on ABC.

On February 19, 2007, while on patrol in Iraq, a massive IED struck the truck that SSG Shilo Harris was traveling in resulting in devastating injuries, with burns to over 40% of his body. During the months of painful surgeries that followed, Shilo and his loyal wife, Kathreyn, found a true calling -- to help wounded warriors through the agonizing and traumatic processes of recovery, rehabilitation and learning to face a life that will never be the same. Shilo, once sufficiently healed, began a career as a motivational speaker, giving hope to others similarly wounded, while Kathreyn, taking up the cause as well, began working for the Army Wounded Warrior Project. Shilo and Kathreyn have dedicated their lives to giving back. more on this story

One Direction Appear on Letterman

(popmusiclife) One Direction appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman Friday night. The UK boy band were on hand to promote their new album, "Take Me Home."

One D arrived on the program with the evening's first guest, actor Dustin Hoffman, who promptly planted a kiss on Niall before leaving the stage.

The group chatted with the host about their fans, their security issues and touring plans. One D then performed an acoustic version of "Little Things." Watch it here.

Brooke Mueller Says Hospitalization Was Not For Overdose

(TMZ) Brooke Mueller insists she did NOT overdose Friday morning ... she was just exhausted from a jewelry-making bender ... but TMZ has learned Brooke's family is still VERY concerned about her drug use.

Brooke was in L.A. Friday evening ... when she told TMZ she has obtained medical records to prove drugs were not a factor when her assistant found her unresponsive at 11 AM and called 911.

We broke the story ... Brooke was rushed to a nearby hospital and discharged several hours later.

TMZ spoke to Brooke's assistant ... who tells us she's new on the job, freaked out when she couldn't get Brooke to wake up and mentioned Brooke's history of drug abuse when she was talking to the 911 operator. "I made a mistake," the assistant says ... adding, "I overreacted."

But TMZ has learned ... Brooke's friends and family members, including her mother, have been very worried about Brooke's drug use for the past couple of weeks.

Publicly, Brooke's mom has been an apologist for Brooke ... but privately, she's expressed deep concern.

Last night, Brooke told us she had been making jewelry nonstop for the past several days ... and was so exhausted, she simply passed out cold.

Maybe the jewelry making explains the charred black marks all over her right hand ... then again, maybe it doesn't. more on this story

Lindsay Lohan Million Dollar Decorators Episode Doesn't Go As Planned

(TMZ) Lindsay Lohan nearly torpedoed her episode of "Million Dollar Decorators" on Bravo -- after the network spent roughly $200,000 renovating Lindsay's Beverly Hills mansion -- because TMZ has learned she refused to film the big reveal moment for the show.

Sources close to Lindsay tell us she agreed to film the segment for the show earlier this year -- and in exchange, the people behind MDD spent $200,000 on expensive furniture and other trappings for her house ... which Lindsay's now renting for $8,000 a month.

We're told Lindsay was initially cooperative -- filming a furniture shopping segment back in March and spending several more days shooting in the home before the renovations.

The show then went to work on the house -- filming the entire renovation process -- but when it came time to shoot the big reveal in April, Lindsay stopped returning their calls.

Lindsay's since been living in the house -- and according to sources, the home is now so messy ... it's completely unfilmable.

We're told MDD producers have since decided to use canned post-renovation footage (without Lindsay) as the big reveal moment.

Calls to the network were not returned. The episode's scheduled to air early next year. more on this story

John Travolta Wins Victory Against Bathhouse Book Author

(TMZ) John Travolta just won a battle in his legal war with the author of a book who claimed the actor frequented gay bathhouses ... and it's costing the author a bloody fortune.

Travolta was sued for libel by Robert Randolph -- the author of "You'll Never Spa in This Town Again" -- who claimed Travolta and his lawyer conspired to discredit him and his book by spreading lies about his mental health.

The court threw out the case back in September ... but now, adding salt to the wound, the judge has ordered the author to reimburse John for the entire legal bill ... to the tune of $139,645.17.

Travolta's attorney, legal pit bull Marty Singer, is fired up about the ruling ... telling TMZ, "This legal fee award is another complete and total victory for Mr. Travolta. Anyone else who files a ridiculous lawsuit against him should expect a similar outcome." more on this story

Snoop Dogg Says Friend Katt Williams Needs Help

(TMZ) Snoop Dogg isn't amused by the drama surrounding Katt Williams ... in fact, Snoop tells TMZ he truly believes Katt needs to "get some help before he goes too far."

Snoop and Katt have been friends for years -- Snoop even appeared in Katt's 2006 comedy special, "The Pimp Chronicles Pt. 1."

But last week in L.A., Snoop wasn't laughing when we asked how he felt about Katt's recent antics, arrests and impromptu retirement ... telling us, "Katt needs some help man. Somebody needs to really sit him down and get him some help."

Snoop continued, "I'm his friend man ... I really wanna see him get some help man before he goes too far."

"Whoever really got love for Katt that's around him, you need to take him and go get him some help." more on this story

Simon Cowell Jokes Extra Host Behind Swatting Prank

(Extra) "Extra's" Terri Seymour caught up with Simon Cowell after last week's "The X Factor" double elimination and he opened up about the recent "swatting" incident that propelled him into the news.

Terri , "This whole 911 call. What exactly happened there?" Simon, "I was asleep and the police turned out and they were told that I was tied up in my bedroom with duct tape." Then joking to Terri (who dated Simon for six years) "You were probably behind it."

Terri caught up with Simon, who has been feuding with fellow mentor Demi Lovato during the broadcasts, after the show to ask, "Do you think you'll make it through the next two weeks - the pair of you?" Demi admitting, "It's hard to say."

As far as the news about the royal couple having a baby, fellow Brit Simon said, "I heard a rumor, and I'm being serious, that they want to call it Simon." more on this story

Allstar Weekend, Cute is What We Aim For, Tiffany Alvord Tour

Allstar Weekend will begin the New Year with a North American tour featuring support from Cute is What We Aim For, Tiffany Alvord and Beneath the Sun.

The tour will kick off on January 19th at the House of Blues in Anaheim, CA. The 21-city trek runs through February 22 and includes two Canadian dates

Allstar Weekend is currently recording their 3rd LP in Nashville with producer Jason Lehning (Mat Kearney). The release is expected in early 2013. more on this story

Star Wars: Luke Skywalker's Lightsaber Going Up For Auction

(TMZ) Luke Skywalker's lightsaber from "Return of the Jedi" is hitting the auction block later this month, courtesy of Profiles in History ... and it could be all yours (if you've got between $30k and $50k to blow).

Other goodies up for grabs from the "Original Trilogy of Star Wars" collection include:

- An original X-wing Fighter miniature (est. price $80k to $120k) - An Imperial Royal Guard helmet (est. price $40k - $60k) - A Scout Trooper blaster (est. price $10k - $15k) - A conceptual Jabba the Hutt sculpture (TBD)

Even the cheapest of the pieces -- a rejected Yoda head -- is still expected to fetch at least $4,000. more on this story

Oksana Grigorieva Going Hip-Hop

(TMZ) Oksana Grigorieva is planning to release new music ... and the new tracks will be HIP-HOP/DANCE songs.

Grigorieva's rep, Steve Jaffe, tells TMZ that Oksana has already completed the first song, "Dark Secret," and she is currently in the process of shooting a music video.

Jaffe says Oksana is "extremely happy" with the new direction of her music and it should be released via iTunes in February 2013. more on this story

Jill Kelley Not Planning David Petraeus Tell-All Book

(TMZ) Jill Kelley's emails played a key role in the scandal that took down ex-CIA director Gen. David Petraeus -- but the Florida socialite will NOT be spilling her guts about it in a book ... TMZ has learned.

Sources very close to Kelley and her husband tell TMZ ... reports she already has a book deal are 100% false because "Jill hasn't spoken to any publishers. There hasn't even been a discussion with anybody about a book."

We're told Kelley is angry about claims she's writing a book because she's hard up for cash. As our source put it ... "Jill's husband [Dr. Scott Kelley] is a very successful surgeon who is very charitable, but definitely not broke."

Kelley has been under the microscope since Petraeus resigned last month when the FBI uncovered his affair with Paula Broadwell -- who sent emails to Kelley warning her to stay away from Petraeus.

We're told Jill insists she never cheated, never had an affair -- and that all she's guilty of is "receiving unidentified emails that she felt were threatening" ... and reporting them to the FBI. more on this story