Lady Gaga Suffers Concussion After Being Hit In The Head On Stage

The singer didn't miss a note, and finished the concert. Later, Gaga's makeup artist Tara Savelo tweeted an update to fans. "Gaga has a concussion but she is going to be okay. She wants u to know she loves u. I'm taking care of her. cant believe she finished the show," wrote Savelo. Watch video of the accident here.

Jersey Shore Star Arrested

(TMZ) "Jersey Shore" star Deena Cortese was arrested for disorderly conduct Sunday afternoon in Seaside Heights, NJ ... law enforcement sources tell TMZ.

In a video obtained by TMZ, Deena can be seen dancing through the streets. The cops seem to be tolerating her behavior for a few minutes, but after awhile they decide they've had enough.

You can see Deena cuffed, put in the back of a cop car and driven away ... while Ronnie and Sammi look on.

It's been a busy weekend for the cast -- as TMZ previously reported, the fellas from the show were in a bar brawl that appeared to leave Jwoww with a sprained ankle. more on this story

Madonna Flashes Fans At Istanbul Concert

(popmusiclife) Madonna is in the midst of her MDNA World Tour in the middle east and caused controversy late last week.

The singer made headlines on Friday when she flashed her breast during a concert in Istanbul, Turkey.

NME reports Madonna – who had the words 'No Fear' etched on her back - was performing a striptease during her song "Human Nature" when she pulled down her bra and flashed the crowd. more on this story

Whitney Houston's Mom Accused Of Cashing In

(TMZ) Whitney Houston's mom is pulling a Joe Jackson -- cashing in on her child's tragic death ... that's what some family members think of Cissy Houston's plans to write a tell-all book.

Sources close to the Houston family tell TMZ ... Cissy's new publishing deal with Harper-Collins for a memoir is merely a lame attempt to make money -- since Whitney left everything to Bobbi Kristina -- and not at all about honoring the late singer.

One source said the book -- which is slated for release next year -- could also be a PR move for Cissy, claiming ... "She will try to come out looking like the world's greatest mom, when in actuality, she wasn't." more on this story

Bad Breaks Caused Lindsay Lohan Crash?

(TMZ) Lindsay Lohan is now telling friends the breaks on her rented Porsche DIDN'T WORK and that's why she slammed into the back of an 18-wheeler ... TMZ has learned.

As TMZ first reported, in the moments following the accident, Lindsay claimed the semi-truck cut her off ... and that is what caused the accident. The driver of the truck told TMZ that was not the case and has witnesses to back up his tale.

According to our sources, Lindsay is sticking with the "truck cut me off!!!" story, but with a twist ... she claims she slammed on the brakes ... but nothing. And get this ... somehow Lindsay says she was told the brakes on the rental were replaced two days before the crash.

Lindsay is telling people she feels lucky to be alive, having only suffered cuts and bruises ... no serious injuries. more on this story

X-Factor Judges Walk Off

(TMZ) All four "X-Factor" judges just pulled a Britney and high-tailed it off set, TMZ has learned, after witnessing the worst audition in the history of auditioning.

Sources at the taping in Kansas City tell TMZ ... Britney, Demi, L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell's stand-in, Louis Walsh, couldn't stomach one more second of a certain wannabe superstar's "singing" and were so disgusted by it ... they walked out mid-audition.

We're told it all went down because the guy auditioning walked on stage and then turned his back to the judges to sing with his eyes closed. After a few bars of melodic torture, the audience started booing and the judges peaced out.

The judges all eventually returned, we're told, but Britney need a little extra time to get over what just went down. more on this story

Maximo Park Plan U.S. Return

Maximo Park will be returning to North America for their first state-side tour since 2007.

The trek kicks off on September 9th in Boston, MA and will be in support of their upcoming album "The National Health."

"We've been waiting for a few years to make our return to North America and now, with "The National Health" under our belts, we're pleased to announce some new dates! The new album is a crowd-pleasing blockbuster (in our not so humble opinion!) so spread the word and let's make these shows special. We assure our American friends we'll make it up to them with a dose of pure, melodic, ROCK!!!"
– Paul Smith/Maximo Park more on this story

Shoes Releasing First New Album Since 1994

(Conqueroo) Shoes will release, Ignition, their first album of new material since 1994 on August 14, 2012.

The 15-track effort features Shoes' three founding members and songwriters: bassist-vocalist John Murphy, guitarist-vocalist Jeff Murphy, and guitarist-vocalist Gary Klebe, plus longtime stage drummer John Richardson.

Self-produced and released on the band's own Black Vinyl Records, Ignition not only carries on Shoes' tradition of guitar pop. more on this story

Kris Humphries Calls FBI On Myla Sinanaj?

(TMZ) Kris Humphries is no dummy when it comes to alleged extortion, because we've learned his lawyers contacted FBI agents Friday, claiming his ex-flame Myla Sinanaj tried to extort him by demanding a large sum of money, or else she'd release damaging information about their relationship to the media.

As we first reported, lawyers for Kris and Myla were jawboning Friday ... Kris' lawyers were trying to get her to sign a non-disclosure agreement.

As for why they want to muzzle her, sources connected with Myla say she has emails, texts and other documents chronicling their relationship that could hurt Kris if they became public.

Sources connected with Kris say ... Myla threatened that if she didn't get money she would "ruin" Kris. We're told the two sides could not reach an agreement, and that's when Kris' people decided to take it to the FBI.

Our Kris sources would not say whether the alleged extortion was in person, over the phone, via email or text, but we're told it is in some electronic form that would give the FBI jurisdiction to investigate the extortion allegation. more on this story

Erykah Badu, Gym Class Heroes Lead Afropunk Festival Lineup

After a year off due to a little thing called Hurricane Irene, The Afropunk Festival will be returning to Brooklyn's Commodore Barry Park on August 25-26. We were sent these details:

The 2012 festival brings together its most stellar line-up yet, featuring a diverse mix of performers including Erykah Badu featuring the Cannibanoids, Gym Class Heroes, Janelle Monae, Das Racist, Skindred, Toro Y Moi, Reggie Watts, Spank Rock, Ninjasonik, Toshi Reagon, Straight Line Stitch, The Memorials, Radkey, Bad Rabbits, Gordon Voidwell, The London Souls, Cerebral Ballzy, Phony Ppl, Body Language, and more to be added!

In addition, the largest Street Skate and BMX showcase returns with the NikeBattle For the Streets Skate and BMX Competition. The event will feature the nation's best amateur skaters and BMX riders in a competition to be judged by top professionals in both sports.

Regrettably, last year's festival was cancelled due to Hurricane Irene. The storm almost put an end to the Afropunk Festival, but through the organizations' dedication and hard work the festival is back and still free to the public! More info

Free Screening and Panel Discussion For New Hank Williams Movie

(Curb) The New School will present a free screening of The Last Ride, the new film about the mysterious final days of Hank Williams. Following the screening, a panel will discuss Hank Williams and his historic place in American music.

The event will be held at The New School's Tishman Auditorium, Alvin Johnson / J.M. Kaplan Hall, 66 West 12th Street in New York, NY at 6 pm on June 20th. The screening and panel discussion are free. No tickets or reservations required.

Panelists include, Harry Thomason, director of The Last Ride, award winning director/producer of TV series, including Designing Women, mini-series such as The Blue and the Grey and director of events including both Presidential Inaugurals of President William Clinton. Also appearing will be Hank Williams' daughter, Jett Williams, singer/songwriter with four songs on the film track and the award winning author of, Ain't Nothin' As Sweet As My Baby: The Story of Hank Williams' Lost Daughter plus one of the film producers, Benjy Gaither, son of the Gospel legends, Bill and Gloria Gaither and creator of The Last Ride sound track/album. Other panelists will be announced later in the week.

The movie's soundtrack, to be released by Curb Records on June 19th, plays an integral role in the telling of this story. It contains some of the best-known Hank Williams songs as well as new material written specifically for the film. Performers include Jett Williams, Michael English, The Isaacs, the late Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings plus numerous country and gospel artists. more on this story

Jack Dolgen Sets Album Release and Premieres New Song

Jack Dolgen has set an August 7th release date for his sophomore album Wandering Times.

The album was produced by Mike Geier (B.O.B., Cee-Lo Green), Chuck Brody (Ra Ra Riot, Ted Leo) and Jack Dolgen. Today, Jack is premiering "Baby I'm Afraid Tonight," a brand new track off the album, here.

The title track, "Wandering Times," is a beautiful depiction of the emotional exhaustion one experiences when feeling internally lost. In "Baby I'm Afraid Tonight," Jack unfolds the value of acknowledging the fears we so often hide. In "Feeling Sound," Jack reflects on the walls we build in and outside of ourselves, and the power we all possess to heal those divides. more on this story

Death Threats For Family Of America's Got Talent Supposed Stuttering Vet

(TMZ) The family of the stuttering veteran Timothy Poe who sang on "America's Got Talent" tell TMZ they have been receiving death threats since our stories revealed Poe is a fraud.

As we reported, Poe gave producers of "AGT" a photo which he claimed showed him in Afghanistan, but in reality the pic is of someone else. And Poe could produce no documentation to prove he suffered a debilitating brain injury in the war -- as he claimed on the show.

Poe's family tells us ... several family members have been getting death threats. We're told Poe's sister-in-law went to the store Thursday with her kids and someone came up to them and said, "We're going to kill you and the whole family."

Several family members have received phone calls. We're told Poe's fiancee answered the phone (after Poe's number was leaked on social media) and the caller said, "You made American vets look bad and now you're going to suffer."

And we're told another vet called to warn that he and others would be coming to Poe's house, so "watch out."

As for Poe himself, a family member says she fears he's suicidal. He hasn't left the house since the scandal broke, and he's been crying incessantly. One family member says Poe is suffering from Post Tramautic Stress Syndrome.

But ... we're told no one has called the cops about the threats. more on this story

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr Knocks Out A Plea Deal

(TMZ) Boxing champ Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. -- son of the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez -- won't be heading to jail after his January DUI arrest ... because he just struck a sweet plea deal with prosecutors.

As we first reported, Chavez was hit with 3 misdemeanor charges following his arrest in L.A. -- two for DUI and one for driving without a valid license.

Chavez pled "no contest" to one count of driving with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher. The other DUI count was dropped, as was the license charge.

Chavez was sentenced to 3 years probation and ordered to attend 30 AA meetings -- which he already did.

His next court date's December 7th. more on this story

Cowboys Legend Troy Aikman Ponys Up $1.75 Million Divorce Settlement

(TMZ) NFL legend Troy Aikman is making good on his post-divorce promises -- anteing up $1.75 million to his ex-wife as part of their split agreement.

TMZ broke the story ... Aikman and his ex-wife Rhonda quietly divorced in April last year after ten years of marriage.

Now, Troy's tying up several post-divorce loose ends -- according to new legal docs, he paid his wife $1.75 million to fulfill his end of their marital property agreement.

It's unclear if Troy's made other payments -- but the Dallas Cowboys legend is worth a reported $25 million ... so $1.75 mil is chump change. more on this story

Teacher Inspired By Bridesmaids To 'Slap' Student To Keep Her Job?

(TMZ) A Malibu teacher will NOT be placed on administrative leave after allegedly slapping a student in class -- this according to the superintendent of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District

The superintendent tells TMZ, the district performed a full investigation and found the teacher only "pat" Dionne Evans -- she did not repeatedly slap her, as the 9th grader told police. The superintendent didn't comment on the alleged "Bridesmaids" reference.

According to the superintendent, the teacher took some time off -- but is now back in the classroom.

The superintendent says the teacher never intended to harm Evans -- and the incident was not racially motivated.

We're told the teacher has tremendous support in the community. The L.A. County Sheriff's Department is still working on its criminal investigation. more on this story

General Hospital Star's House Catches Fire

(TMZ) Real-life tragedy struck the home of "General Hospital" star Maurice Benard Monday -- TMZ has learned, a tiny fire broke out in the actor's home ... and several innocent stuffed animals met their demise.

Law enforcement tells TMZ, the fire started in the bathroom at Maurice's Temecula, CA home around 10:30 AM after someone left a towel over a light fixture.

Firefighters rushed to the scene and successfully extinguished the conflagration -- but not everyone made it out alive. We're told a bunch of stuffed animals belonging to Maurice's 7-year-old son fell victim to smoke inhalation.

We're told there was so much smoke in the house, the stuffed animals are no longer safe to play with -- and have to be thrown out.

Thankfully, Maurice's son wasn't home at the time. We're told he's grief-stricken, but will be okay. more on this story

Jesse Popp Album and TV Special Coming

Comedy Central Records have set a June 12th digital release date for Jesse Popp's debut album, You Stink, and Popp's episode of comedy Central's The Half Hour airs June 15th at 11:30 pm. They sent over these details:

The album features an hour of material written over a decade. Popp's absurd and self-deprecating style includes take on everything from the mundane to the bizarre, such as his impression of a guy who doesn't understand the rules of Scrabble, and how farm work is different from office work in that "there's no form of screwing off that sort of looks like in farming."

Popp recently taped an episode of Comedy Central's The Half Hour which will premiere on Friday, June 15th at 11:30 p.m. ET/PT and has also performed stand-up on Comedy Central's Premium Blend and TBS' Conan. He currently lives in Los Angeles and is a staff writer for Conan.

Preview Popp's Special here.

NBA Star Gilbert Arenas Battle With Basketball Wives Over (For Now)

(TMZ) It's a win-win situation for NBA star Gilbert Arenas -- a judge granted his request officially drop his lawsuit over his fiancee's role on "Basketball Wives" ... but gave him the option to bring it back whenever he likes.

If you recall, Arenas sued Shed Media last year in order to stop "BB Wives" from airing ... all because he felt his baby mama, Laura Govan, had no right to exploit his name on reality TV. When a court shot down his request to axe the show ... he continued to sue for cold, hard cash.

But after the former exes got engaged, Arenas changed his tune and asked for the suit to be dismissed, but only if he could still pick it back up -- a condition the show vehemently begged a court not to allow.

Earlier this week, the court sided with Arenas ... dismissing the case like he asked and made it possible to bring back any time he wants (ya know if the whole marriage thing doesn't work out) ... and all Arenas has to do is cover the show's attorney fees to the tune of $32, 618.

A small price to pay ... for freedom to sue your loved ones' show. more on this story

Drake, A Lawyer and A Missing Rolex

(TMZ) There's no way in hell Drake took the $30k missing Rolex in NYC ... he claims his version came directly from Rolex, not some jeweler in midtown -- this according to sources.

Manhattan lawyer James McMillan filed a lawsuit in New York, says the NY Post, claiming his $30k Rose-Gold Rolex Presidential watch with a diamond bezel went missing from a midtown jeweler last year. McMillan claims that after it disappeared, it ended up on the wrist of rap superstar Drake.

But sources close to Drake tell TMZ ... that claim is total BS. We're told the rapper does own a Rose-Gold Rolex -- which can be seen on the cover of his album "Take Care" -- but is adamant he bought it directly from Rolex himself.

Our sources say Drake NEVER received a watch from the midtown jeweler named in the case. more on this story

Singled Out: Fragile Creatures

Today Adam Kidd from Fragile Creatures tells us about the band's debut single "Dear Michael" (other side of the double A-side is "She Makes Me Nervous") which is being released today. Here is the story:

I'm not the kind of song-writer who sits down with a clear idea of what I want to write about, I'll have the guitar in my hand and be fiddling around with chords whilst mumbling incomprehensibly when suddenly something promising jumps out. When Michael Jackson was interviewed by Martin Bashir he said he thought his songs were sent to him by god. I can sort of sympathise with that, not that I am a religious person, but this idea that the song is coming from somewhere else rings true. It feels more like an art of discovery than design at times, and that is certainly true of Dear Michael.

At the time I was working a very boring job at my local council housing office, sitting on a quiet cash desk with long gaps between visitors. I was spending half my time reading articles on the BBC News website whilst tapping out a rhythm on the desk with my right hand, moving from one digit to the next, in an attempt to teach the weaker fingers the coordination necessary to improve my finger-picking beyond the rudimentary thumb and first finger technique that came naturally to me as a self-taught guitarist.

The news became like a real-life soap opera to me and some of the most gripping stories were those reports coming from courtrooms as they daily revealed more and more detail on some murder case or other. Michael Gilbert was a man my age whose decapitated body was found in a lake in Arlesey in 2009. I suppose it struck me that this was the sort of thing you're used to hearing from America, not the midlands. As the case unfolded in the court it became apparent the true horror of Micheal's last few years alive.

Michael had already had a troubled life when he met James Watt in a children's home in 1998, after their time in the home together Michael continued to associate with Watt and his family, living with Watt in several Luton homes whilst being subjected to horrendous torture and abuse. Sometimes he would try to run away and they would track him down using his national insurance number to find out where he was withdrawing his benefits, at times they handcuffed him to his bed at night to prevent him from escaping. The most upsetting revelation was the realisation that Michael loved the Watt's, he considered them family and that's what kept him from ever reporting them or really escaping from the cycle of abuse. They had a game that involved jumping up and down on his chest that they thought may have killed him in the end. Six members of the Watt family were jailed for his murder.

I never intended to write about it but I sat down one evening with my guitar to carry on working on my finger-picking and those words and chords started to tumble out. I suppose when you open yourself up and allow improvisation to lead your writing you are allowing communication from your subconscious to come through and this story had deeply saddened me. It was a long time before I played it to anyone as I thought it was on of my weird songs that nobody would like and I was afraid people would think I was disingenuous.

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the album right here!