Charlie Sheen As American Idol Judge?

As for Jerry Lewis, he's in Nashville directing a stage play of "The Nutty Professor" and was not available for comment. more on this story

Ex-Assistant Says Courtney Love Asked Her to Hire Hacker, Forge Legal Docs

(TMZ) One of Courtney Love's former assistants is suing the singer -- claiming Courtney asked her to break the law ... by hiring a computer hacker and counterfeiting legal documents.

The ex-assistant Jessica LaBrie filed the lawsuit in L.A. County Superior Court, claiming Courtney intentionally withheld her salary because Jessica refused to "commit fraudulent, unlawful, and unethical acts."

Jessica doesn't specify why Courtney wanted a hacker, or what kind of legal documents Courtney asked her to forge.

Jessica says she worked for Courtney from June 2010 to July 2011 -- often working in excess of 60 hours a week -- but Courtney only paid her a fraction of her salary.

Jessica says she was eventually forced to resign because Courtney wouldn't compensate her -- and now, she's suing Courtney for failure to pay ... on top of a laundry list of other grievances.

FYI -- Jessica's the same ex-assistant currently shopping a tell-all book about Courtney, tentatively entitled "Get Me a Xanax."

Jessica wants unspecified damages. more on this story

Police Debate Over Justin Bieber Being Cited For High Speed Chase

(TMZ) Officials and deputies in the California Highway Patrol are deeply split over whether Justin Bieber should have received a citation for Friday's wild, high-speed chase on the 101 Freeway in L.A. ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ.

We have spoken with numerous people from the CHP, and the division is deep. Several high-ranking officials tell us ... they would not have ticketed Bieber, who was clocked at 80 mph, because he was "the victim" of rogue paparazzi who were chasing him. One source said, "This was like a Princess Diana situation. It was not Bieber's fault."

And, of the ten 911 calls made during the initial chase, we're told most of them mentioned that a sports car was being chased in police pursuit style.

But others in the Department strongly disagree, saying Bieber should have slowed down and even gotten off the Freeway. One source said, "It's like rushing a woman to the hospital who's about to give birth. You can't endanger the lives of innocent people, and Bieber did."

And, we're told, even though the paparazzo who was the biggest offender is under investigation after Justin filed a formal complaint, it's "unlikely" he'll be prosecuted. One CHP source said, "It's a misdemeanor committed outside the CHP's presence and it's a stretch the City Attorney will take the case." more on this story

Coldplay Comic Book Series Launching At Comic-Con

The first issue of a six-part comic series about the making of Coldplay's latest album, Mylo Xyloto, will debut at this week's San Diego Comic-Con International. The six-part comic will then be released monthly from February 2013. We were sent these details:

The story of Mylo Xyloto was conceived and written by Coldplay alongside Academy Award-nominated writer and director Mark Osborne (Kung Fu Panda, MORE, The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie), and the comics will be published by Matt Groening's celebrated Bongo Comics Group.

Said Coldplay on Coldplay.com: "Three years ago we had an idea with our friend Mark Osborne about a character called Mylo Xyloto - "xylo" as in xylophone, "to" as in toe. Gradually Mylo's story and universe came together and this ended up providing the backdrop for the album and tour. Now we're proud to announce that early next year the story is going to come out as a six-part comic. We hope you like it. It was fun making it." more on this story

Demi Lovato Boots X Factors Hopefuls Over Drug Rap

(TMZ) Demi Lovato took a page out of Simon Cowell's playbook ... kicking a pair of 'X Factor' contestants off stage yesterday for rapping about smoking bath salts ... TMZ has learned.

Sources on set for 'XF' auditions in Greensboro, NC ... tell us the two guys laid down a rap that included the line, "I'm high on bath salts."

Apparently most of the crowd didn't hear the lyrics, but Demi did -- and as soon as the duo finished she furiously scolded them, saying ... "It's really inappropriate to rap about drugs in front of kids."

Demi did a stint in rehab in 2011, and has admitted to using drugs and booze when she was underage -- so, it's no wonder she went off on the clowns.

We're told the audience agreed with Demi, and booed the contestants off stage ... and they were not judged for the competition.

There's a new sheriff in town ... more on this story

L.A. Lakers Owner Hospitalized

(TMZ) Famed L.A. Lakers owner Jerry Buss was rushed to an L.A. hospital Mondaynight, where he was treated for severe dehydration -- Buss family sources tell TMZ.

According to sources, 78-year-old Buss fell ill at his home around 9pm and someone inside the house called 911. The L.A. City Fire Department responded and paramedics rushed Jerry to a local L.A. hospital.

It's unclear if Jerry's still being treated, or has been released.

Buss was most recently hospitalized in December for blood clots in his legs due to excessive travel. more on this story

Suri Inspired Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes Divorce Settlement

(TMZ) Katie Holmes and Tom Cruise went from zero to nuclear war in an instant when she filed divorce papers, but it was little Suri who became the peacemaker ... sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ.

Our sources say ... a week ago Thursday, after Katie filed, the hostility between the two was palpable and Suri became a weapon. Katie wanted to strip Tom of all decision-making power in Suri's life, and Tom responded by unleashing the biggest legal guns around to fight her.

We're told what turned everything around was a series of conversations that Suri would be irreparably damaged by parental warfare. It registered big time with both Tom and Katie, and it allowed their lawyers to strike a deal in what could be record time for this type of divorce.

Fact is ... it generally takes celebs in these high-profile divorces a lot longer to realize how bitterness affects small kids, so credit to both. more on this story

Adam Lambert Comments On American Idol Judging Rumor

(popmusiclife) Adam Lambert is stepping up to respond to rumors that he is being considered for the role of American Idol judge.

"'Idol' has an amazing history of introducing great musical talent, and I was very fortunate to have had the Idol stage play a big part in my career," said Lambert on Monday. "IF 'Idol' wants to talk to me about judging, I'd be more than flattered to have that conversation."

Lambert was the runner-up on season 8 of the series, finishing behind Idol winner Kris Allen. Adam spoke further about the Idol speculation during an interview with UK radio station Capital FM. Read that here.

Breathe Carolina Get Reloaded

Breathe Carolina have released a Deluxe Edition of their latest studio album Hell Is What You Make It: Reloaded.

The duo have revamped the album with two new songs, "Hit and Run" and "Reaching for the Floor," a Wideboys remix of "Hit and Run," and an all new version of "Vegas (Last Night)."

Breathe Carolina is currently out on the road on the mainstage of Vans Warped tour all summer.
more on this story

The Walkmen Release Two New Music Videos

The Walkmen have released two new music videos for the tracks "The Love You Love" and "Heartbreaker," both off their latest album Heaven.

"The Love You Love," directed by Sean Pecknold, is the seventh installment in the Urban Outfitters Music Video Series. The UO Music Video Series is an ongoing program to support and promote music video productions by independent recording artists and up-and-coming directors. The video premiered alongside behind the scenes photos and an interview with the band. The "Heartbreaker" clip was directed by Alex Southern, who also directed the previously released video for the titular track off Heaven. Watch tracks "The Love You Love" here and "Heartbreaker," here.

This summer, The Walkmen are heading out on a North American tour in support of Heaven. Following dates with Florence & The Machine in July, as well as appearances at Lollapalooza, Osheaga and Outside Lands, the tour takes the band from the John Anson Ford Amphitheater in Los Angeles on September 12th to Royale in Boston on October 19th.

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros To Play School Benefit Show

Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros are set to play a special show with Aaron Embry at Libbey Bowl in Ojai, CA on September 6th to benefit The Ojai Valley Community Nursey School.

Tickets will be available starting July 13th and all proceeds from the event will benefit the school.

"We are really excited to play in Ojai, a place that hosted the making of our last album," said frontman Alex Ebert. "What a wonderful thing to be able to give back to this special community with this benefit concert." more on this story

Boys Like Girls Releasing New EP

Columbia Records have set a July 17th release date for Boys Like Girls new Crazy World EP via iTunes.

The EP features three full length songs--the first single "Be Your Everything," "Life Of The Party" and "The First Time"--from the pop-rock band's forthcoming third album Crazy World (Columbia Records), available this fall.

The band is offering the EP in conjunction with iTunes' "Complete My Album," which allows fans who purchase the EP to get the full length album at a discounted price upon its release. Check out a preview of "Be Your Everything" here.

Bangles' Susanna Hoffs Plans Album Release Event

(Sub) The Bangles frontwoman Susanna Hoffs will celebrate the release of her new solo album Someday with a special event at Los Angeles' Grammy Museum on the eve of the album's July 17 release.

The Monday, July 16 event at the museum's theater will feature an interview, moderated by Grammy Museum Executive Director Bob Santelli, after which HOFFS will take audience questions and perform a selection of songs accompanied by a band led by SOMEDAY producer Mitchell Froom. She'll also sign copies of the album.

For those who are unable to attend the Grammy Museum performance, Stage It is offering virtual front row tickets. More details can be found here.

Now, Now To Tour With Motion City Soundtrack and Jukebox The Ghost

Now, Now will be hitting the road this fall for a series of tour dates with Motion City Soundtrack and Jukebox The Ghost.

The group is currently on the road for dates that include Jukebox The Ghost, Savoir Adore and the new tour dates kick off on October 10th in Indianapolis.

The October/November North American dates will follow on the heels of the band's tour of the United Kingdom in September, supporting the August 27th UK release of their sophomore album Threads. more on this story

The Kennedys Set For New Album and Tour

Burnside Distribution have set a August 21, 2012 release date for The Kennedys' new album, Closer Than You Know.

The New York duo Maura and Pete Kennedy are currently touring the US and the British Isles with Nanci Griffith.

The Kennedys have also announced the initial dates for the Closer Than You Know CD release US tour that will take place later this summer. more on this story

Alabama Shakes Set For Tour and Jimmy Kimmel Appearance

Alabama Shakes are set to hit the road this fall for a North American headline tour and will perform on "Jimmy Kimmel Live" on Monday, August 13th

The tour kicks off on September 27th at Nashville's Public Square Park as part of the free "Live On The Green" concert series.

The run will include shows at New York City's Terminal 5 on October 4th and at House of Blues in Boston on October 5th. more on this story

Nick Lowe Plans Acoustic Tour

Nick Lowe will be hitting the road this fall for a string of solo acoustic headlining tour dates.

The tour dates will include both east and west coast appearances; he will also be appearing at his label's birthday bash, Yep Roc 15, in October in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

The trek is set to kick off on September 18th in Albany, NY and is set to wrap up on October 14th in Port Washington, NY. more on this story

Charlie Mars Offers Free Download From New Album

Charlie Mars has set an August 14th release date for his new album, Blackberry Light.

The first single from the album, "Let the Meter Run" is available for download now here.

Mars will herald Blackberry Light with a series of summer shows, kicking off August 9th at The Soiled Dove Underground in Denver, CO. more on this story

KC & the Sunshine Band To Play Fox & Friends Concert Series

KC & the Sunshine Band are set to perform as part of FOX News Channel's Fox & Friends All-American Summer Concert Series on July 20th.

According to the announcement, the band will brighten the streets of New York City with classic hits such as "Shake Your Booty," "That's the Way (I Like It)," "Boogie Shoes," "Get Down Tonight".

The group, who scored seven No. 1 singles and three multi-platinum albums throughout the 70s, will take the stage starting at 8:00 a.m. (ET) to perform.

My Great Ghost Release New EP

NY electronic duo My Great Ghost, the midnight studio project of singer Drew Smith and producer Trevor Gureckis, delivered their self-titled EP this week.

The duo, whose days are spent working in Philip Glass' New York City workshop, dedicated the winter's after hours writing and recording their self-titled EP,

My Great Ghost will also be included on the Philip Glass remix album being released later this year. It features Beck, Tyondai Braxton, and Amon Tobin among others.

Kris Humprhies' Family Hopes He Is Not the Father

(TMZ) The family of Kris Humphries heard he might be a daddy the same you did -- in the media -- and they are hoping it turns out he is not the father of Myla Sinanaj's baby ... TMZ has learned.

According to our sources, Kris never told his family Myla might be pregnant, even though he had discussed the possibility with her for weeks. We're told Kris' family was disappointed that he kept it a secret from them and they had to read it about like everyone else.

We're told Kris has spoken with his family since the news broke, but he spoken only vaguely about the situation and given them no details.

According to our sources, Kris' family will love the child unconditionally if it turns to be his ... but they are privately hoping it isn't. more on this story

Adrian Peterson Arrest Video

(TMZ) The lights were on and the club was slowly emptying out, but NFL star Adrian Peterson was getting arrested ... as you can see in new video obtained by TMZ.

As TMZ first reported, Adrian was quite drunk at the time of his arrest Saturday morning, which police say came after Peterson shoved an off-duty police officer who was working security at the club.

In the video, Peterson can be seen being escorted out by cops while several people look on. The woman who shot the video tells TMZ she didn't see what lead to the arrest, but once it was going down ... she felt the cops were being super aggressive with him.

Peterson was eventually charged with resisting arrest and posted bail a short time later. Watch the video here.