American Idol Contestant Dropped For Concealing Multiple Crimes

Jermaine began tweeting that he never told producers about his dad abandoning him. We're told the producers -- who knew Jermaine had made the statement -- became generally suspicious and began looking more closely at his background, and that's what led to the revelation of his criminal history. more on this story

Lindsay Lohan Hits Person With Car and Drives Away

(TMZ) Lindsay Lohan struck someone while driving away from a club, and then fled the scene ... TMZ has learned.

Lindsay was in her new Porsche when she left the Sayers Club in Hollywood at just after midnight Wednesday.

We're told she was driving out of the parking lot when she was blocked by paparazzi and bystanders around the nearby Hookah Lounge.

Lindsay made contact with the manager of the Hookah Lounge with her car and then peeled out.

Cops were called, came to the scene, interviewed people inside the Hookah Lounge -- including the manager who was lightly struck -- and then left.

We're told Lindsay may have been the one who called police to protect herself from paparazzi, and that's why cops came.

Sources at the scene say the manager may not have suffered any injury. If that's the case, Lindsay probably did not violate any law, but if he was injured that could constitute the crime of hit and run. What's more, it could be grounds to violate her probation in the shoplifting case.

UPDATE: Cops tell TMZ ... they have investigated and determined no one was injured so as far as they are concerned it's case closed. They added it could be reopened if the person struck contacts them later and claims injury. more on this story

Muppets Raped Kurt Cobain's Memory?

(TMZ) Courtney Love believes Kermit the Frog and his gang of Muppet friends "raped" the memory of her ex-husband Kurt Cobain -- by bastardizing Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" in their 2011 movie ... without her permission.

Courtney says she has the absolute power to approve or nix the use of Kurt's music for commercial purposes, and she never gave the OK for the 2 companies to use the song for the 2011 Muppets movie.

But there's another side to this ... We're told Courtney sold off half of her rights to Kurt's music to a company called Primary Wave Music. And there's more ... Courtney also gave Primary Wave the exclusive right to distribute Nirvana's entire catalog.

As far as "Smells Like Teen Spirit" goes ... not only did Primary Wave approve the use in the Muppet's movie, they got permission from the two surviving Nirvana members -- Dave Grohl and Krist Novoselic. And Dave is even in the movie.

But it's not all that bad for Courtney. We're told a chunk of the profits from songs in the catalog go to Courtney and her daughter, Frances Bean. more on this story

Preview Rihanna Movie

(popmusiclife) The upcoming movie "Battleship" features pop star Rihanna in her first film role. The producers have just released a new trailer for the film, which hits theatres May 18.

Peter Berg (Hancock) produces and directs the epic-scaled action-adventure that unfolds across the seas, in the skies and over land as our planet fights for survival against a superior force.

Inspired by Hasbro's classic naval combat game, Battleship stars Taylor Kitsch as Lt. Alex Hopper, a Naval officer assigned to the USS John Paul Jones; Brooklyn Decker as Sam Shane, a physical therapist and Hopper's fiancée; Alexander Skarsgård as Hopper's older brother, Stone, Commanding Officer of the USS Sampson; Rihanna as Petty Officer Raikes, Hopper's crewmate and a weapons specialist on the USS John Paul Jones; and international superstar Liam Neeson as Hopper and Stone's superior (and Sam's father), Admiral Shane. Watch the trailer here.

Lana Del Rey For American Idol?

(popmusiclife) Lana Del Rey is reportedly set to perform on American Idol. Various media outlets have reported Del Rey's name is listed on the audience tickets for the show's taping this Thursday, March 15; also scheduled are Daughtry and Demi Lovato.

Rumor has it that Lana's appearance will be taped for a future broadcast and not air this week.

The singer made headlines back in January when she received harsh reviews for her performance on Saturday Night Live, months before the release of her new album, "Born To Die." more on this story

Simon Cowell Discusses Britney Spears X Factor Rumor

(popmusiclife) Simon Cowell is doing press interviews these days to keep his floundering X Factor show in the news.

Last week, the American Idol clone made headlines when it was reported that Britney Spears may be in contention for one of the two open spots on the judges panel.

The rumor is that Spears' is in negotations with the reality show as it desperately tries to recover from its disappointing first season, which saw host Steve Jones and judges Paula Abdul and former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger dumped. As for the status of the Britney rumor, Cowell told Good Day New York, "You'll have to wait and see. I can't confirm or deny anything right now."

"The truth is," continued Cowell, "we are talking to a number of people. It changes on a daily basis to be honest with you." more on this story

Oprah Previews Lady Gaga Interview

(popmusiclife) Lady Gaga sits down with Oprah on the next edition of "Oprah's Next Chapter" and an preview is now online.

The 2-hour Oprah's Next Chapter with Lady Gaga airs Sunday, March 18 at 9 PM ET on OWN.

For the session, Oprah traveled to New York for an exclusive look inside the apartment Lady Gaga grew up in and still calls home. "Other than this interview, Oprah," Gaga tells her host, "I do not intend to speak to anyone for a very long time."

For the first time ever, Gaga's mother, Cynthia Germanotta, breaks her silence on what it's like to be the mom of the world's most famous pop star. More including the preview

Rascal Flatts Theatrical Event Announced

(Fathom) Rascal Flatts will be seen in movie theaters nationwide with Rascal Flatts-CHANGED: One Night Exclusive Theater Event on Thursday, April 5 at 8:00 p.m. ET / 7:00 p.m. CT / 6:00 p.m. MT / 8:00 p.m. PT (tape delayed).

NCM Fathom, Big Machine, and AEG Network Live present this in-theater concert and all-access event that will feature exclusive concert performance footage of the group's biggest hits, along with new music from their upcoming album entitled Changed.

Additionally, fans will get a peek backstage for rare interviews with band members Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus. The event will also include a special Q&A session with the band, featuring questions submitted in advance by their fans via social media networks.
more on this story

Madonna Begins Bruising Tour Rehearsals

(popmusiclife) In two weeks, Madonna fans will have her new album, "MDNA," in their hands.

In the meantime, the pop icon is currently rehearsing for her upcoming world tour, which begins May 29 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Madonna in full rehearsal mode must be intense, given her recent post and photos of some injuries she sustained in the process.

"Bruises on my leg from rehearsal," posted the singer, adding "heart shaped bruise on my a**." But that wasn't all.

Cody Simpson Teams Up With T-Pain For New Single

Cody Simpson has premiered a brand new single, 'So Listen' Feat. T-Pain, which comes from the upcoming full length debut.

The single is now available at digital retailers but fans can check out a stream on YouTube here.

Cody will also be heading back out on the road this summer as main support on the "Big Time Summer Tour" with Big Time Rush. more on this story

Crystal Method And Martha Reeves Teaming Up on Jimmy Kimmel Tonight

The Crystal Method's DJ's Ken Jordan and Scott Kirkland will appear with legendary singer Martha Reeves (Martha & The Vandellas) tonight, Wednesday, March 14 on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live."

They'll perform "I'm Not Leaving," one of the five songs created in Re:Generation, the music documentary feature produced in association with The GRAMMYs.

It examines the history of different music through the eyes of five of the most influential electronic producer/DJ's in music today. more on this story

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame Class of 2013 Announced

(Webster) Steven Curtis Chapman, The Kentucky Headhunters, Exile, Skeeter Davis, The Hilltoppers, Old Joe Clark and Emory & Linda Martin will make up the 2013 class of Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum inductees.

These artists will join other Kentucky native music professionals to be honored for their contribution to music in the state of Kentucky and around the world.

The induction ceremony will take place on April 12, 2013 at the Lexington Center Bluegrass Ballroom (430 West Vine Street, Lexington, KY 40507).Tickets for this induction ceremony will go on sale April 9, 2012. more on this story

Kim Kardashian Vs Mexican Plastic Surgeon

(TMZ) Dr. Victor Ramirez had Kim Kardashian's picture plastered on a billboard in Mexicali -- a stones throw from the California border -- touting, "no arriesgue su belleza, ni su salud" [Don't risk your beauty or your health].

Problem is ... el buen doctor never got Kim's permission, and we've learned she's unleashed her lawyers who are now trying to figure out how to threaten Mexican style -- without getting beheaded, of course.

We spoke with Doctor Ramirez and asked if he got Kim's permission ... to which he initially said, "Que?" And then he went on, "Obviously I did not speak to Kim Kardashian. I do not have her number."

We told the doc that in America you can't use someone's picture without permission. The doc said he would get the police involved, and then he hung up. more on this story

Yanni Tour Starts Next Month

Yanni will kick off the North American leg of his world tour on April 17th and a string of additional dates has just been added throughout July and August.

Highlights among the just-added shows include: Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, CO (7/13), Nokia Theatre at L.A. Live in Los Angeles, CA (7/20), Santa Barbara Bowl in Santa Barbara, CA (7/21), Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, NV (7/27), Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Vancouver, BC (8/5), Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary, AB (8/8), and Bass Concert Hall in Austin, TX (8/17).

Following the completion of the North American dates, Yanni will tour South America in fall 2012. In 2013, he will embark on a multi-city tour of China. more on this story

Andy Grammer Returning To The Tonight Show This Week

Andy Grammer has been invited back to the "Tonight Show With Jay Leno" to perform his new hit single "Fine By Me" tomorrow, Thursday, March 15.

He first appeared on the show last year to perform his nearly platinum debut single "Keep Your Head Up" from his acclaimed self-titled debut album (S-Curve Records).

This week, Grammer released a special duet version of "Fine By Me" with Colbie Caillat on his live EP Andy Grammer--Live From L.A., exclusively on iTunes. more on this story

Avatar Star's Home Broken Into

(TMZ) "Avatar" actress Zoe Saldana's home was broken into. Law enforcement sources tell us ... Zoe had just returned to her Los Angeles home on Sunday ... when she noticed signs of entry ... and it became clear someone had been in her house.

Saldana immediately called the LAPD ... and cops rolled by the house to take a report.

We're told ... at first glance, it didn't appear anything was taken ... but Zoe is taking inventory to make sure. So far, it's unclear if the bad guy/girl even knew they had broken into a celebrity home.

An investigation is ongoing. Calls to Zoe's reps were not immediately returned. more on this story

Pittsburgh Steelers' Hines Ward Worried About DUI Press

(TMZ) Pittsburgh Steelers legend Hines Ward had ONE concern during his DUI arrest last summer ... the media finding out about it -- this according to police dash cam footage obtained by TMZ.

During the tape, Ward asks one of the arresting officers, "This going to be all on the newspaper though?" The officer replies, "Only if you tell somebody."

DUI is no laughing matter -- but there is one funny moment, when Hines was sitting in the back of the squad car and the officer slammed on the brakes ... sending Ward's forehead into the plastic divider.

TMZ broke the story -- Ward was arrested in DeKalb County, Georgia last July after a police officer observed the football star failing to maintain lane in his Aston Martin ... and hitting a curb.

The DUI charge was eventually dropped as part of a plea bargain last month -- when Ward pled guilty to reckless driving instead ... and was sentenced to a year probation. more on this story

Russell Brand To Pay for Smashed Window

(TMZ) Russell Brand knows ... when you fire an iPhone through an office window ... ya gotta open your checkbook to make things right.

The man who was INSIDE the office during Brand's alleged outburst in New Orleans Monday night tells us ... people connected to the actor reached out to him shortly after Brand allegedly grabbed the phone from a paparazzo and threw it at the building.

We're told Brand's people acknowledged Russell threw the phone ... and said Brand would cover the costs to replace the shattered window.

As for the iPhone ... the man tells us he returned it to the photog after cops got involved.

So far, no word on how much Brand will have to shell out for the window. more on this story

Usher Challenges Ex-Wife's Legal Bills in Custody Battle

(TMZ) Usher says there is no way he is going to foot the bill so his ex-wife Tameka can pay for her legal battle against him ... this according to new documents filed in their ongoing custody case.

As TMZ first reported, Tameka wants Usher to write a check for $50,000 to cover her costs as the two trade legal shots in their fight for custody of their two children.

Usher finds that request absurd... saying in court docs filed earlier this month that Tameka has consistently defied court orders and filed frivolous motions, like the one trying to force him to take a drug test.

Usher claims he's already forked over 25k for her attorneys and has shouldered the brunt of the financial associated with this case, especially when it comes to their kids.

Bottom line ... Usher feels Tameka's actions "directly harm the best interests of the minor children. Clearly, such actions should not be tolerated, much less rewarded."

A judge has yet to rule. more on this story