Seinfeld Star Attempts Suicide

Von Bargen was transported to a nearby hospital where he is currently in critical condition. more on this story

Conrad Murray Says Stress Killed Michael Jackson

(TMZ) Dr. Conrad Murray just filed legal docs in which he claims his manslaughter conviction should be overturned, on grounds that the judge should have allowed him to prove ... Michael Jackson was so stressed out over his financial woes ... he recklessly rolled the dice by self-administering a fatal dose of Propofol.

Murray is responding to the D.A.'s claims that he should stay in jail pending appeal because the grounds for challenging the conviction are bogus.

Murray makes a number of arguments, but the most interesting is the section titled, "Financial Condition of Michael Jackson." Murray's lawyers put it this way: "Mr. Jackson was in debt approximately $440 million and desperately needed to fulfill a contractual commitment at the O2 arena in London."

The lawyers go on: "He was on the verge of losing his entire estate to foreclosure. The pressure to fight through his insomnia, to rehearse and be the entertainer he was in his earlier years was overwhelming."

And then the lawyers bring it home: "His motivation and resulting desperation were relevant to show a likelihood or reason to act in a manner inconsistent with good judgment."

The lawyers believe it was an error for the judge to exclude evidence of MJ's financial desperation. more on this story

Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez Duet Not Happening

(popmusiclife) The battle between reality singing contests continues this spring with The Voice and American Idol currently up and running, while other shows are set to return later this spring.

Following the success of The Voice Christina Aguilera and a co-mentor teaming up for a collaboration, MTV reports music fans shouldn't expect Idol judges Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler to follow in their footsteps.

"None of us are kind of followers in that way," Lopez told MTV News. "We kind of do what feels right, and anybody that's been in the business a long time knows that you don't chase."

"You set the trail. You go out front, and anything that we do is something that feels good to us," she said, leaving the door open just a crack. more on this story

Adele Cut Off At Awards Show

(popmusiclife) Following her recent Grammy sweep, Adele picked up some more hardware Tuesday night at the Brit Awards. BBC reports Adele snagged Best British Album and Best British Female honors at the event.

Adele's "21" beat records by Coldplay, Florence & The Machine, PJ Harvey and Ed Sheeran to earn the Best British Album award. In the Best British Female category, Adele beat Jessie J, Florence & The Machine, Kate Bush and last year's winner, Laura Marling.

The evening wasn't without controversy: After winning Best Album – the key award of the night – Adele told the screaming audience she was "so proud to be British." But despite taking the major honors of the evening, the singer was cut off in her moment of glory and looked peeved as host James Corden interrupted her to make way for Blur because the televised show was running out of time. more on this story

Steve Wynn Beats Girls Gone Wild Creator

(TMZ) Joe Francis hopefully saved a bunch of money from his "Girls Gone Wild" empire, because a judge just ordered him to pay Las Vegas mogul Steve Wynn $7.5 million.

Wynn filed the defamation lawsuit, after Francis said he was going to reveal how Wynn deceived his high-end customers.

The judge determined Francis damaged Wynn's reputation to the tune of $5 million. And the judge heaped on an addition $2.5 million in punitive damages, which serves as punishment for reckless disregard for the truth.

Francis' lawyer, David Houston, tells TMZ, "We will appeal this order. Joe was not allowed to defend himself." more on this story

Cops Called On Buffalo Bills Merriman

(TMZ) Buffalo Bills linebacker Shawne Merriman came face to face with police in Vegas yesterday morning ... after a friend alerted hotel security that the NFL star may have harmed himself ... but it turned out to be a case of a simple over-reaction.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... officers were dispatched to Merriman's room at the Cosmopolitan Hotel after the friend claimed he had received startling text messages from Shawne ... which made the friend fear for Shawne's safety.

But when cops arrived to the room ... we're told they talked things out with Shawne and quickly concluded he did not pose a threat to himself or others.

Sources tell us Merriman also denied sending any texts about harming himself.

We spoke with Shawne's rep ... who told us, "It was an over-reaction on the part of whoever called. Shawne was fine."

The rep adds, "He had taken some cold medicine and was having breathing issues ... Shawne's physical safety was never in jeopardy." more on this story

The X Factor's Rachel Crow Lands Nickelodeon Show

Rachel Crow performances on The X Factor caught the attention of Nickelodeon who have signed the fourteen-year-old to a talent deal.

As part of the new deal, Nickelodeon is developing a comedy series for Crow and she has also been signed by Columbia Records/Syco.

"It's such an honor to be signed to Columbia Records," said Crow. "To think that I am signed to the same label as my idols is a dream come true. I can't wait to get in the studio and start making music." Added Crow, "And I am so excited to now be a part of the Nickelodeon family. I grew up watching Nick, and I'm a huge fan." more on this story

Titanic Reissues Coming

Sony Classical have set a March 26, 2012 release date for Titanic: Anniversary Edition and Titanic: Collector's Anniversary Edition soundtracks. They sent out these details:

The releases will coincide with the newly re-mastered re-release of Titanic in theaters on April 4, 2012. The theatrical re-release marks the 100th anniversary of the Titanic setting sail (April 10th).

In commemoration of these events, Sony Classical will release two newly remastered versions of the original Titanic soundtrack with extensive bonus material. Both feature an unreleased disc of period music recorded for the movie by I Salonisti, plus 4 bonus vintage Titanic luggage stickers. I Salonisti is the 5-piece quintet that appears in the film. more on this story

NBA Star Javaris Crittenton Arrested

(TMZ) Former NBA star Javaris Crittenton was arrested outside Atlanta yesterday morning -- after he allegedly shattered the speed limit in his black Porsche ... then refused to cooperate with police.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, Javaris was pulled over for going over 60 in a 45 -- and when the cop wrote up the ticket ... Javaris refused to sign it, something you have to do to acknowledge receipt of the citation.

As a result, we're told the officer asked Javaris to step out of the vehicle -- and Javaris refused again.

We're told words were exchanged -- and after the officer reasoned with Javaris, the former NBA player agreed to step out of the car ... at which point he was placed under arrest for speeding and obstruction of an officer.

He was subsequently transported to Clayton County jail, where he is currently being processed.

Oh yeah, in case you forgot -- Javaris is also facing a MURDER TRIAL after he was charged with gunning down a 22-year-old Atlanta woman last August. more on this story

Lindsay Lohan Credits Tough Judge With Saving Her Career

(TMZ) Judge Stephanie Sautner's zero-tolerance, no-BS attitude saved Lindsay Lohan's career -- at least that's what the actress is telling friends.

Sources close to Lindsay tell TMZ, LiLo wasn't a big fan of Sautner in the beginning -- but she now realizes that without Sautner laying out a blueprint for success ... she never would've gotten her act together.

We know ... the judge and Lindsay's lawyer, Shawn Holley, met privately before LiLo was sentenced and decided it was unwise to do what the other judges had ordered -- requiring Lindsay to perform hundreds of hours of community service within a year.

The judge and Holley realized Lindsay needed more rigid structure -- each month she'd be required to come to court and show she's completed the latest installment of community service, and if she didn't she was going directly to jail.

It worked.

What's more ... Lindsay actually gets it and realizes the only reason new opportunities have surfaced -- including "Saturday Night Live" and a new Liz Taylor movie -- is because producers are watching and think she's turned it around. more on this story

Hank Williams Jr Plots Taking Back The Country Tour

Hank Williams Jr. is hitting the road for the Taking Back The Country Tour of North America.

The multi-city tour throughout the United States kicks off on March 3 in St. Augustine, FL.

The initial 16 dates have been announced and include stops in Biloxi, Dayton, Charleston, Louisville, Des Moines, Wichita and more. more on this story

LMFAO Sorry For Party Rocking

(popmusiclife) LMFAO are back with their latest video, "Sorry For Party Rocking." The song is the title track to their 2011 album of the same name.

The new video, which features actor David Hasselhoff, was directed by Mickey Finnegan (who directed "Party Rock Anthem" and "Sexy and I Know It," as well as clips for Cee Lo Green and Soulja Boy).

LMFAO - who recently joined Madonna for her Super Bowl Halftime Show - are currently touring across Europe and the UK, with dates booked to the end of March. Watch the new video here.

Video of Whitney Houston Getting Down To Madonna's Super Bowl Show Surfaces

(TMZ) Just five days before her death, Whitney Houston was GETTIN' DOWN to Madonna's Super Bowl halftime show ... singing and dancing to the music like her old self ... and TMZ has the footage.

It all went down Feb. 5 at a bar inside the Regent Beverly Wilshire hotel ... where Whitney watched the entire game with close family and friends. For the record, we're told she didn't have one drink.

But she did let loose ... because when Madge busted out Vogue ... a super-excited Whitney sang along and even busted out some of the trademark Vogue dance moves.

Sources close to the actress tell us ... Whitney RAVED about the performance and then reminisced about the days when she would battle Madonna on the music charts.

At least someone was a fan of the show ... more on this story

Friends Trying To Prevent Rihanna and Chris Brown From Getting Back Together

(TMZ) Chris Brown and Rihanna are dangerously close to getting back together, sources close to the ex-couple tell TMZ -- but the singers' friends are desperately trying to keep them apart .. for their own good.

According to sources, Rihanna is still head over heels for Chris -- despite that fateful night 3 years ago when he brutalized her -- and if it weren't for the media and her fans, she would already have taken him back.

We're told Chris also has extremely strong feelings for Rihanna -- current girlfriend be damned.

Now, sources tell us, Rihanna and Chris' friends are terrified they'll get back together -- and they're doing everything they can to prevent a possible reunion.

According to sources, friends on BOTH sides have expressed extremely strong reservations to Ri and CB about spending so much time together ... warning it's a terrible idea ... personally AND professionally. more on this story

Heavy D Documentary Airing This Weekend

Heavy D fans should tune into Centric this Sunday to watch the premiere of a new documentary about the late rapper.

The hour-long documentary airs on February 26 at 11 p.m. (ET/PT) and includes interviews and testimonies from entertainment heavyweights including Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, Will Smith, Brett Ratner, MC Lyte, and more.

Viewers will hear stories about the late rapper from his family and other artists who formed early hip-hop including Doug E. Fresh, Big Daddy Kane and Kurtis Blow. Interviews include Queen Latifah reflecting on Heavy D as a mentor and Will Smith discussing their early beginnings together in hip-hop and Hollywood. more on this story

Biggest Loser Alum's Warning To Current Contestants

(TMZ) The oldest person ever to compete on "Biggest Loser" has some wise words for the contestants currently on strike -- the weight loss show is NOT about the prize money ... it's about saving your life.

TMZ broke the story ... nearly all of the remaining contestants on the current season have walked off the show and are threatening to quit -- after learning that producers were considering bringing back previous contestants to compete for the $250,000 grand prize.

The contestants are striking because they feel it's unfair to bring back old contestants -- which would hurt their chances at winning the money.

But 66-year-old John Forger -- who competed on Season 12 -- tells TMZ, "It's not about [money]. What it's really about, for most of us, is the change in our lifestyle, and being able to get rid of obesity."

John adds, "For most of us, it's about health. Would I walk off the show for the money? ABSOLUTELY NOT."

John was eliminated in the second week of Season 12 -- but he tells us, he has no regrets ... losing 97 pounds while he was on the show, and an additional 15 afterwards. more on this story

Cougar Town Cat Fight

(TMZ) "Cougar Town" star Christa Miller's manager insists the actress exploited her to get a job on the show ... then refused to pay her $200,000 in commissions -- but she overlooks one teensy detail... Christa's MARRIED to the show creator.

Manager Jill Littman filed the lawsuit in L.A. County Superior Court -- claiming Christa violated an oral agreement to pay her 10% of all "Cougar Town" earnings ... after she helped Christa land the gig ... a sum totaling at least $198,187.

Jill claims Christa paid her for Season One -- but then the checks stopped coming.

Relevant side note -- Christa's married to "Cougar Town" creator Bill Lawrence ... and call it a hunch, but she probably didn't need Jill's help getting the acting job. more on this story

Pretty Wild's Tess Taylor Profiting from Her Addiction

(TMZ) Just days before "Pretty Wild" star Tess Taylor checked into rehab for drugs ... she was modeling for a new line of clothing that promotes hardcore alcohol consumption ... and TMZ has learned there are no plans to stop production.

Taylor -- a model by trade -- had booked a gig with the Young N' Reckless clothing company ... owned by "Fantasy Factory" star Chris 'Drama' Pfaff.

One of the new YNR shirts features Taylor double-fisting 40-ounce bottles, punctuated with the words "White Girl Wasted."

Two weeks after the shoot, Taylor checked into rehab for heroin addiction -- her 2nd stint in rehab in a year.

But despite Taylor's personal demons, a rep for YNR tells us business is business ... saying, "We plan on releasing the shirts nationwide in March or April." more on this story

Whitney Houston Family Stripped Hotel Room Against Looters

(TMZ) Don't count on finding a scrap of Whitney Houston death room memorabilia -- sources tell TMZ, the singer's family has meticulously stripped the hotel room where Whitney died to preempt would-be looters.

According to sources, the family has removed nearly everything from room 434 at the Beverly Hilton hotel that hasn't been bolted down -- including bed sheets, towels ... even bits of trash.

We're told the family is concerned about people trying to make a desperate buck off Whitney's death -- raiding the singer's hotel room and trying to sell relics of her passing ... whatever it might be.

It's unclear exactly what happened to the macabre souvenirs, but we're told it was all disposed of ... discreetly. more on this story

Singled Out: F.Stokes' My Simple

Today F.Stokes tells us about his single "My Simple" from his new EP "Love, Always". Here is the story:

"I travel quite a bit, and throughout my journey - from the Victorian landscapes of Vienna, Austria, to the blue collar integrity of Youngstown, Ohio - I noticed a common thread of simplicity. Immediately I felt a need to write a piece that not only embraced the values of small town living, but celebrated it. True, 'My Simple' is a song that pours of American Patriotism, but the message is universal."

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