TV Icon Andy Griffith Dead at 86

Griffith was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by George W. Bush in 2005. more on this story

Beyonce Angry At Boy Band Over Mindless Lauryn Hill Insult

(TMZ) Beyonce wasn't laughing when a boy band DISSED Lauryn Hill at Sunday night's BET Awards ... in fact, Bey was so upset, she changed her acceptance speech (on the fly) to HONOR the former Fugee.

So let's start with The Diss -- Comedian Mike Epps and the group Mindless Behavior were co-presenting the award for Best R&B Artist when Mike jokingly tried to sing.

One of the members of the group quipped, "You sing BAD ... like Lauryn Hill's tax accountant bad."

The diss drew gasps from the crowd ... and angered Beyonce, who ultimately WON the award that was being presented.

But TMZ has learned ... B was so upset, she scrapped the speech she had prepared and defended Lauryn's honor instead ... saying, "I want to thank all the talented R&B women that came before me like Lauryn Hill and Mary J. Blige."

When B walked off stage, there was a woman waiting for her -- possibly a BET handler -- and B began to vent about the insult, saying the Lauryn Hill diss was "disrespectful" and "not cool."

The woman complimented Beyonce for adding Lauryn Hill's name to her acceptance speech ... to which Beyonce replied, "I just felt [the diss] was wrong." more on this story

Charlie Sheen's Former Assistant Found Dead

(TMZ) Charlie Sheen's former assistant -- the man many claim was behind Charlie's drug binge last year -- was found dead, and TMZ has learned cops found a pharmacy full of drugs.

Rick Calamaro, who was in and out of Charlie's life for years, was found dead in his L.A. apartment Sunday, although it appears he was dead for several days.

Law enforcement sources tell us ... cops found "numerous pain medications and an open bottle of alcohol."

Rick was a club promoter who knew Charlie decades ago and some believe he supplied Sheen with drugs over the years.

Rick -- whom many Charlie insiders blamed for the actor's craziness in 2011 -- was with Charlie on the trip where Charlie trashed his room at The Plaza Hotel during a dispute with Capri Anderson.

Rick's cause of death has not been determined. more on this story

Flo Rida TV

Flo Rida will celebrate today's release of "Wild Ones" with a number of TV performances, including a performance on the Today Show's Summer Concert Series, slated to air live from New York City's Rockefeller Plaza on Friday, July 6th.

Flo Rida will then perform live on Fox's Teen Choice Awards 2012, slated to air Sunday, July 22nd. He is also one of the event's leading nominees, with a trio of nods including "Choice R&B/Hip Hop Artist," "Choice Single By Male Artist" (for "Good Feeling"), and "Choice R&B/Hip Hop Song" (for "Wild Ones").

In the days leading up to the release of "Wild Ones," Warner Music Group's official YouTube Channel "The Warner Sound" has been running a series of videos called "Countdown to Flo," featuring interview, performance and behind the scenes footage as Flo Rida prepares to release his new album. Check it out here.

Usher's Ex Plans to Use Stalker Against Him in Custody Battle?

(TMZ) Usher's alleged stalker is still causing him problems even after she's been hospitalized ... because his ex-wife plans on bringing her up in court to prove his kids are not safe with him ... TMZ has learned.

Usher and Tameka Raymond have engaged in a lengthy custody battle in court that is set to resume next month. Tameka has previously cited everything from Usher's tour schedule to alleged drug use as to why she believes her ex should not have custody of their kids.

Now, we're told Tameka will use this latest incident with Usher's alleged stalker, Darshelle Jones-Rakestraw, to fuel her case. Our sources say the kids were with Usher during one of the alleged incidents when Jones-Rakestraw showed up at his home.

According to our sources, Tameka is scared for her kids' safety since Jones-Rakestraw was able to get all the way to Usher's home ... even though he lives in a gated community and has a security team.

When the trial resumes in August, we're told Tameka hopes this latest incident sways the court her way.

Calls to Tameka and Usher's reps have not been returned. more on this story

DNA Test Proves Rick Ross Didn't Father Child in Paternity Suit

(TMZ) Rick Ross did NOT father a secret child in Florida three years ago -- so says the results of a court-ordered DNA test in the rapper's recent paternity case.

TMZ broke the story ... 36-year-old Tyrisha Childers filed a paternity lawsuit against Ross last year -- claiming the rapper knocked her up a few years ago ... and never paid a dime for child support.

Rick fired back, insisting he never even slept with Childers -- let alone fathered her baby -- so the court ordered both parties to submit to a DNA test.

Well, the results are in -- and according to the test, there's a zero percent chance Rick's the dad.

Childers has since voluntarily dismissed her case, which means Rick's a free man. more on this story

Christina Perri Releases New Video Featuring Jason Mraz

Christina Perri has released her new music video for the song "Distance", which features Jason Mraz.

The video was directed by Elliott Sellers and fans can watch it here. Perri is set to join Mraz on the U.S. leg of his "Tour Is A Four Letter Word" world tour this summer.

The tour kicks off in the states on August 9th in New Orleans and runs through October. more on this story

Pet Shop Boys New Album and Single Release Details

Astralwerks have set a September 18th release date for the Pet Shop Boys' new album Elysium.

The album's first single "Winner" is set to be released on August 7th but fans can watch a lyrics video the track here.

The single "Winner" will be available on limited CD (with 3 bonus tracks), limited 12", and as 2 digital bundles (including bonus tracks and remixes) on August 7th. more on this story

Mike Ruocco Going On Tour With Daughtry

Mike Ruocco will hitting the road later this month with Daughtry on the groups second North American leg of the Break The Spell Tour.

Ruocco (who also toured with Chris Daughtry back in early 2007 with Cinder Road) is thrilled to once again have the opportunity to share the stage with Daughtry and perform songs from the new album.

"It's an honor to be asked to support Daughtry once again on their Break The Spell tour," says Ruocco. "Daughtry has amazing fans and we look forward to the opportunity to play in front of them this summer!" more on this story

Pink Returns With Blow Me (One Last Kiss)

(popmusiclife) Pink releases her new single, "Blow Me (One Last Kiss)," today and you can preview the track online.

The track is the first song from her forthcoming album, which is expected later this year.

Pink is currently in the studio working on new music with producer Greg Kurstin (Kelly Clarkson). "I wrote it with Greg Kurstin, who is amazing. And we had an incredible time," said Pink. "[My daughter] Willow played bells and bass on a couple of other songs, but I think you're really gonna like it 'cause I really like it and I like it enough for all of us. See you soon!" Preview the new song here.

Behind The Scenes of No Doubt's New Video

(popmusiclife) No Doubt have completed the recording of their forthcoming album, "Push And Shove."

"Push and Shove" will be released on September 25 and the album's first single, "Settle Down," will debut on July 16.

No Doubt are sharing a behind the scenes look at the filming of the video for "Settle Down," but aren't sharing any of the new tune just yet; the clip's background music is the song "Underneath It All" from the band's fifth studio album, "Rock Steady." Watch it here.

Mel Gibson's Step-Mom Files For Restraining Order Against The Star

(TMZ) Mel Gibson THREATENED his own 78-year-old step-mom ... SPIT IN HER FACE ... and sabotaged her marriage ... this according to legal docs filed by the woman and obtained by TMZ.

Teddy Joye Hicks Gibson -- who married Mel's father Hutton Gibson in 2001 -- has filed for a restraining order against Mel ... claiming he exploded on her several times and now she fears for her safety.

In the docs, Joye claims Mel and his sister Maura hate her guts ... because she doesn't approve of the controversial medical treatments they've been pressuring Hutton to undergo to treat his various ailments.

In the docs, filed by attorney Brian J. Kramer, Joye describes several outbursts in detail:

October 2011 -- Mel screams at Joye because Joye does not approve of "experimental Ozone treatments" Hutton was undergoing for an undisclosed illness.

"Mel began yelling and saying, 'f*ck this and f*ck that' while leveling other extremely offensive language at me."

Joye claims Mel warned her "not to f*ck with [Hutton's] treatments in any way."

January 2012 -- While visiting Hutton in the hospital, Joye claims she said something that set Mel off ... and "Mel got up, looking wild and began yelling at me in a very loud and terrifying voice."

"Mel was so upset and screaming so fiercely that I could see his face turn red."

March 2012 -- Joye, along with Mel and his sister Maura, accompanied Hutton to Panama for stem cell treatment for his hip.

Mel was cooking food and offered some to Joye ... but she declined due to a stomach ache.

Joye claims, "Mel looked at me in disgust and said that I was insulting him by not eating. He then threatened that if I did not eat he would have me put outside."

May 2012 -- During a family meeting to discuss Hutton's health care, "Mel became incensed and began acting like a wild man."

Joye claims Mel began screaming right in her face ... noting, "He was so close that I could feel his spit hitting my face."

She claims Mel's eyes "looked as if they were bulging out of his head."

Joye claims she was paralyzed with fear and later vomited because of the incident.

In the docs, Joye claims Mel and his sister MUST have manipulated their ailing father into filing for divorce ... because Hutton is a devout Catholic and doesn't believe in divorce. Plus, she claims Hutton recently penned her a love note claiming, "Our mutual love is permanent."

Joye claims Mel is even trying to force her out of her home ... because it's owned by a charity that Mel controls. Joye says she has no place else to go.

Joye wants a judge to block Mel from booting her from the home ... and prevent him from interfering with her attempts to communicate with her husband.

She also wants Mel to stay 100 yards away from her at all times.

Yesterday, a California judge decided, rather than issuing a temporary restraining order, to set the matter for a full hearing ... which has been scheduled for next month. more on this story

Katie Holmes Says Marriage To Tom Cruise Was Broken Last Year

(TMZ) TMZ has learned ... Katie Holmes says her marriage to Tom Cruise was "irretrievably" broken at least 6 months prior to her filing for divorce ... this according to divorce documents filed in New York.

Sources connected to Tom tell TMZ ... Katie's contention is baffling, because he had "no idea" she was about to file for divorce. As the sources told us last week, Tom was "blindsided" by the filing.

We've also learned ... Katie claims in her divorce documents that both she and Tom have been residents of New York for "at least 2 years." Katie, who filed in NYC, must establish legal residency in NY in order for the court to have jurisdiction -- something she wants because New York courts are more likely to grant sole custody of Suri -- something she desperately wants.

No doubt ... Tom -- who shared a home with Katie in Beverly Hills for years -- will fight the residency claim tooth and nail. more on this story

Drake and Chris Brown Brawl Victims Sue Nightclub

(TMZ) Two women who claim they were injured in the Chris Brown vs. Drake brawl have sued the nightclub ... insisting it wouldn't have happened if the club hadn't been over-serving people who were already trashed.

In the lawsuit, obtained by TMZ ... Lucy Pavlovsky and Nadia Beddini claim they each suffered permanent injuries in the bottle-smashing fight inside W.i.P nightclub in NYC on June 14.

Both women claim they suffered damage to their face, head, neck, body and extremities. TMZ obtained photos of Lucy, taken the day after the brawl -- which show lacerations to her arm that required stitches.

In the suit, both women point the finger at the people who ran the club ... claiming the bottle-throwers were "sold and consumed alcohol in excessive amounts" ... even after they appeared wasted.

In the suit, filed in state court in New York by attorney Javier Solano, the women also claim the club failed to properly train its bouncers to handle a violent situation.

The women are also suing the bottle-throwers -- but since their identities are still unknown, they've listed the culprits as John Does 1 through 5.

The women are suing for unspecified damages.

Neither Chris Brown nor Drake are personally named in the suit. more on this story

Orlando Brown Facing Another Arrest Warrant

(TMZ) Barely a month after "That's So Raven" star Orlando Brown was arrested on an outstanding warrant, stemming from his 2011 DUI case ... another arrest warrant has been issued for the actor.

TMZ broke the story ... 24-year-old Brown was arrested in late May after a judge issued bench warrant #1. The warrant was issued because Brown had failed to show proof he had enrolled in an alcohol education class, a requirement of his 2011 DUI sentence.

Now it's deja vu all over again -- because last Friday, Brown was due back in L.A. court to finally prove he had enrolled in the program, but he didn't show up.

The judge then issued another bench warrant. Calls to Orlando's camp weren't immediately returned. more on this story

Atlas Genius Map Out U.S. Tour

Atlas Genius will be landing in the States next month to kick off their very first U.S. tour.

The trek will kick off on August 11 with a performance at CD101 Summerfest at LC Pavilion in Columbus, OH.

The run will include several West Coast dates with Animal Kingdom and radio shows in Seattle and Portland. more on this story

Clint Black To Appear On Coming Home and History Detectives

Country star Clint Black will be making special appearances this month on Lifetime's Coming Home and PBS' History Detectives. We were sent these details:

The Lifetime reality series features heartwarming military homecomings, documenting service members' return to their loved ones in unforgettable and inspiring surprise reunions.

In Black's episode, airing Wednesday, July 4 at 10:00 p.m. ET, the country star helps two children write a song about their Army captain father who is returning from Afghanistan to surprise his family. more on this story

Meiko Tour Kick Off and Radio Special This Week

Meiko has a very busy July lined up with live appearances and a special radio appearance today.

Meiko's tour kicks off July 5th at Milwaukee's 45th annual Summerfest, opening for headliner Death Cab For Cutie on the Harley-Davidson Roadhouse Stage.

Another highlight on the way will be her appearance at the Denver Film Society's "Film On The Rocks" series at Red Rocks in Denver, CO on August 13th. more on this story

David Guetta Releases New Video With Lil' Wayne

(popmusiclife) David Guetta has released the music video for his latest single, "I Can Only Imagine."

The track, from Guetta's 2011 release, "Nothing But The Beat," features Lil' Wayne and was directed by David Tilley.

"This video is based on really strong images, more than storytelling like my last video, 'Turn Me On' was," says Guetta. "This one is more like crazy, super strong images, and futuristic images - that's new to me so I'm really excited." Watch it here.

Mindless Behavior React To BET Award Win

Mindless Behavior have reacted to winning the Viewer's Choice Award at the 2012 BET Awards this weekend at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.

The group beat out Beyonce, the Throne (Kanye West and Jay-Z), Drake, and Wale, for the fan-voted category.

"We are so shocked and honored to have won our first BET Award! We have the best, most loyal fans and this award really belongs to them!" says Roc Royal. more on this story

Basketball Wives Shocked By Child Support Complaint Against Husband

(TMZ) Former NBA star Eric Williams -- the estranged husband of "Basketball Wives" star Jennifer Williams -- allegedly had a secret child in 2011 ... and now the baby mama wants him to pony up some child support ASAP.

Tavia Serena Cannon filed a Complaint for Support in PA last week, she claims she had a child with Eric in October 2011. Cannon says she makes $300/week babysitting and wants Williams to fork over some cash and medical coverage for the kid.

Here's the rub ... at the time the baby was allegedly conceived -- Jan/Feb 2011 -- the former NBAer was still married to Jennifer ... who didn't file for divorce until June 2011.

Sources close to Jennifer tell TMZ this news comes as a shock. They claim the "BB Wife" had NO CLUE about the child. Their divorce is still pending in a NJ court. more on this story

Octomom's New Boyfriend Dating Show Footage Surfaces

(TMZ) Octomom's new boyfriend has proved he's willing to date ANYONE for a shot at fame ... because he whored himself out on a dating show right before he hooked up with Nadya Suleman -- and TMZ has the footage.

Frankie G -- who has been dating Octo for a couple of months now -- was a contestant earlier this year on a show called "Who Wants to Date a Comedian?"

During the show, Frankie shamelessly competes against two other guys to win the affections of a comediane named Marla Schultz. Frankie said he works as an EMT and does some "exotic dancing" on the side.

Marla ended up picking Frankie, but it clearly wasn't for his brains -- check out the video to watch him butcher the phrase "more cushion for the pushin'." Watch it here.