Employees at SeaWorld are returning to work today without one of their most dedicated colleagues. Forty-year-old trainer Dawn Brancheau [[ BRAN-CHO ]] was killed yesterday by the killer whale known as Tilikum or "Telly." Nancy Black, a marine biologist in Monterey, California, says Brancheau's death was probably accidental. The orca grabbed Brancheau by the waist and pulled her under water during a "Dine with Shamu" event at the Orlando theme park. Park visitors were quickly ushered away from the scene. The Orange County, Florida Sheriff's Office has launched an investigation and OSHA has sent one of their field representatives to the scene to conduct their own probe into Brancheau's death.
Singer Chris Brown is commenting on the Tiger Woods sex scandal. Brown, who is currently on probation for assaulting singer Rihanna last year, thinks personal matters should stay that way. Brown talked about the golf star while on the air with the syndicated "Mojo in the Morning" radio show on Wednesday. Brown says, quote, "My hat is off to him -- I support him, I hope he gets back on the field and does his thing, cause he is the best at it." The singer seems to want to see the focus shifted back on Woods' work rather than his personal struggles. Brown says, quote, "He plays golf, like that's his sport...that's what people love him for. They don't love him for the other stuff that they [are] talking about." Tiger Woods made a public apology on Friday for the recent transgressions in his personal life. In his statement, Woods mentioned that he had much "to atone for." The apology was his first public appearance since his infidelities were revealed following a November car accident.
R&B singer Robin Thicke is in agreement with Jay-Z over the recent remake of the "We Are The World" charity single. Although Thicke is one of the singers on the new 25th anniversary edition of the song, he thinks the rapper is "correct" in saying that the single shouldn't have been updated. He tells Idolator.com that "it was nice to do it anyway." Thicke says, quote, "The song can't even compare the the original and Jay's right about that all the way...It was a moral victory, not a shining light for music...But Jay's not wrong, the song is untouchable." Thicke also weighs in on the Justin Bieber craze. The 15-year-old singing sensation from Canada sang the opening lines of "We Are The World 25 For Haiti." Thicke thinks the teen will bring back that era of New Edition and New Kids on the Block because he makes music designed for young people. He says, quote, "The music is good songwriting, good producing -- he's working with the best producers, he's got a good voice. I like the kid a lot, everybody likes him." Thicke's latest album, "Sex Therapy," is in stores now.
Susan Boyle's older brother John says his world-famous sister "needs 24-hour care." Boyle's other brother, Gerry, says his sister's overnight fame has done nothing to ease her personal problems. Gerry Boyle says, quote, "The traveling...thing is exhausting. She still has her anxieties and her loneliness." The singer has supposedly been calling friends and family at all hours of the night since her home was broken into last month. Even the singer's friend, Lorraine Campbell, says that, quote, "nighttime is a lonely time for her." More on what Boyle's brothers have to say can be read in the latest issue of "People," which comes out on Friday. Boyle skyrocketed to fame last year after auditioning on the TV show "Britain's Got Talent" in April. Though Boyle didn't win the talent competition, she went on to release a best-selling album, "I Dreamed A Dream" in November. The album is currently sitting at number six on the Billboard 200 chart.
Ricky Martin is getting some help from his famous friends in a new PSA for the Ricky Martin Foundation and Habitat for Humanity. The singer has been hard at work rallying support for the charitable partnership's efforts in the earthquake-ravaged country. Stars like Alicia Keys, Adam Lambert, Janet Jackson, Ellen DeGeneres, Carrie Underwood, Sophia Vergara, Eva Longoria-Parker, Enrique Iglesias, Jimmy Fallon, and Dave Matthews are joining Martin's cause. Everyone has a line to say in the new spot. Martin is seen saying, quote, "We must protect the children," while Jackson says, quote, "Every child should grow up in a safe and decent home." An on-screen banner shows that people can donate by texting "RMFHaiti to 253-83 in order to give ten-dollars for rebuilding efforts. The video can be seen at Habitat.org.
Jennifer Lopez is signed to a new record label but she isn't sharing which label that may be. The singer just parted ways Sony/Epic records. Lopez said through a statement released by her spokesperson that her next album, "Love," will be released this summer. She says, quote, "I have fulfilled my contractual responsibilities with Sony/Epic up to this point, and we have both reached friendly terms about my departure from the label." A statement from her manager, Benny Medina, reads that "the time was right" for Lopez to, quote, "make a change that best serves the direction [of] her career as an actress and recording artist." Billboard.com reports that the "Louboutins" singer may be in talks with L.A. Reid to join Island Def Jam's roster. Catch Lopez this weekend on NBC's "Saturday Night Live."
International teen superstar Justin Bieber has been announced as one of Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards performers. According to People.com, Bieber joins singer Rihanna, who is also slated to perform. Actor Kevin James will host the 23rd edition of the annual awards show, which is set to take place on March 27th in Los Angeles. Bieber's rabid fans will have a shot at winning their way into the show too. Nickelodeon has a chance for one lucky fan to win a trip with three friends to see the Kids Choice Awards and Bieber in person. The winner would be granted access to Bieber's rehearsal as well as to a private meet-and-greet. To get more information on the All-Access Sweepstakes to meet Bieber, visit Nick.com/KCA10.
Teen singing sensation Justin Bieber is on Lil Wayne's radar. The 15-year-old singer got a shout out from "Weezy" Sunday night during the rapper's UStream session online. Whether Bieber can add Wayne to his list of hip-hop collaborators remains to be seen. A shout-out from Lil Wayne may add some credibility to Internet rumors that the two could be on track to work together. EOnline.com reports that Bieber recently mentioned his desire to work with Wayne during an appearance at Northview High School in Covina, California. Bieber says, quote, "I want to work with Lil Wayne...once he gets out of jail." The rapper is due in court on March 2nd for gun charges. He is expected to be sentenced to a year in prison, although he is likely to serve eight to ten months for good behavior. Bieber has already worked with rapper Ludacris on his current single, "Baby."
Not only did Kris Allen win season eight of "American Idol," he won quite a paycheck along with it. The "New York Times" reports that the singer has earned at least 650-thousand-dollars since he won the competition last year. The breakdown of that amount starts with the 350-thousand-dollars he was paid for his debut album. Allen was paid another 100-thousand to promote Walt Disney World's new "American Idol Experience" attraction. He picked up yet another 100-grand for recording voice work used in the attraction and for singing at the Walt Disney World Christmas Parade TV show. Yet another 100-thousand comes from 19 Entertainment's merchandising contract.
By contrast, season eight "Idol" runner-up Adam Lambert earns slightly less but still picks up a sizeable check. He was paid 300-thousand for his debut album, 50-thousand from Disney World for his part in the "American Idol Experience" attraction, and 75-thousand-dollars for the merchandising contract.
Lady GaGa is adding some high fashion to her "Monster Ball" tour. The singer tweeted on Wednesday about getting a costume assist from designer Hussein Chalayan. She wrote, quote, "2nite Haus of Gaga debuts "the living dress" inspired by Hussein Chalayan, as a fashion moment to be performed in "pop show" at Monsterball. Watch very closely as the magical angel and I are swallowed by the rainbow twister, and left stranded on the Glitter Way." GaGa was teasing her Wednesday night show in Liverpool, Great Britain at the Echo Arena. This is not the first "fashion moment" for Chalayan in pop music. The designer created the jacket singer Bjork wears on the cover of her 1995 album, "Post." Her "Post" tour also featured a few Chalayan creations. Lady GaGa is no stranger to the fashion industry. Earlier this month, she mourned the passing of British fashion designer Alexander McQueen very publicly. On February 16th, she dedicated her Brit Awards performance to her friend. GaGa often wore McQueen's pieces, including the standout "Armadillo Shoes" worn in her "Bad Romance" music video.
Matt Damon is on board to step into the shoes of a Kennedy in an upcoming film. Deadline.com reports that Damon is attached to a Robert F. Kennedy biopic on the way from New Regency. "Seabiscuit" filmmaker Gary Ross has been tapped to direct the film based on a biography by Evan Thomas, called "His Life." The film will follow RFK's evolution from the "younger brother of" President John F. Kennedy to his own presidential campaign in 1968 and subsequent assassination. Damon is up for a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his work in "Invictus." Later this year, he'll star in the action-thriller "Green Zone" co-starring Greg Kinnear and Amy Ryan.
Janice Dickinson is taking aim at Tyra Banks. The 55-year-old former model-turned TV personality recently hurled a string of insults at the "America's Next Top Model" host on the UK TV show "Alan Carr: Chatty Man." Dickinson said of Banks, quote, "She's huge. She's a big woman. I used to think she was a man. I used to look at her and think, 'Something isn't right here.'" Dickinson also alleges that she was ejected from the judges' panel on "Top Model" for calling Banks, a onetime "Sports Illustrated" swimsuit issue cover model "fat." Dickinson further insulted Banks, saying, quote, "You could land a helicopter on her forehead!" Meanwhile, Banks announced an open call for cycle 15 of "America's Next Top Model" this week. Banks is inviting participants to skip the lines and apply online at Tyra.com. The 36-year-old TV mogul writes to applicants, quote, "This is a chance for you to be seen by ME! Forget about those long lines, and just send 'em right here." Banks added, quote, "I wanna see all of you! From the Fiercely Real (ya know, plus sized) to the 'straight' (skinny) models, just doin' your thang.'"
They play brothers on screen, and now Jon Cryer is showing compassion for his "Two and Half Men" co-star Charlie Sheen off screen as well. According to TMZ.com, Cryer has expressed support for Sheen, who's had an embattled few months since an alleged domestic dispute with his wife, Brooke Mueller on Christmas Day 2009. On Monday and Tuesday of this week, Sheen was absent from the set of his sitcom as he checked himself into rehab "as a preventative measure," according to his publicist. In response, Cryer has reportedly told staffers on the CBS comedy, quote, "The important thing is Charlie gets healthy." TMZ also cites sources who state that "Two and A Half Men" is scheduled to resume taping two weeks from Monday. Sheen, who has been through rehab twice before, was charged earlier this month with assaulting and threatening Mueller. The actor is free on bail and is expected back in court in Colorado on March 15th.
The search continues for former "Growing Pains" actor Andrew Koenig. Actor Walter Koenig, who played Pavel Chekov on TV's "Star Trek" is the father of the missing actor. He appeared on Wednesday's edition of NBC's "Today" show to ask the public to be on the lookout for his son. The younger Koenig, best known for playing "Boner" on the 1980s sitcom "Growing Pains," has been missing since February 14th. Walter and his wife, Judy Levitt Koenig, are pleading for anyone with information on their son to call Detective Raymond Payette of the Vancouver, British Columbia police department at 604-717-25-34. The elder Koenig says his son was "very depressed" around the time of his disappearance and that he "sounded despondent." Mom Judy says, quote, "He is much loved and beloved in this world, and I just hope he gets that feeling."
"Heroes" TV actor Adrian Pasdar is pleading not guilty to a misdemeanor DUI charge. Pasdar entered his plea through his attorney during a court hearing Wednesday in Los Angeles. Court officials set a pre-trial hearing for the 44-year-old actor for March 15th. Pasdar was arrested in the West Los Angeles area on January 27th on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The actor, best known for playing Nathan Petrelli on NBC's "Heroes," is married to singer Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks.
"The Office" TV star John Krasinski is reportedly on a short list to play Captain America on the big screen. HollywoodReporter.com reports that the actor is in the running to play the iconic comic book hero. Joe Johnston will direct the film about Steve Rodgers, who -- through the use of an experimental serum -- becomes a beacon of liberty and symbol of strength through his alter ego, Captain America. "Gossip Girl's" Chace Crawford is also reportedly in the running to embody the Marvel Comics hero.
Howard Stern is putting together a beauty pageant featuring Tiger Woods' mistresses. The showman said he has four of the 13 alleged mistresses signed on for the event, scheduled for March 10th. Stern has also offered Tiger's wife Elin [[ EE-lin ]] Nordegren a spot on the judges panel. The women who take part will compete in swimsuit, personality and talent contests for a top prize of 100-thousand dollars.
Apparently Tiger Woods' apology speech on Friday did more harm to his image than good. PR firm Gregory FCA has analyzed data from Nielsen Online's BuzzMetrics, which looked at message boards, Twitter, blogs and other media sites. Before Woods' sex scandal in which he admitted cheating on his wife, public opinion was very positive. That has continued to fall in the wake of the infidelity. His approval rating dropped further after he spoke to a small group of supporters and a few television cameras in Florida on Friday. Gregory FCA notes Woods current score of negative one-point-two is one of the lowest it's ever recorded for a celebrity, company or a brand. Company president Gregory Matusky said of bloggers would have believed Woods was sincere in his apology speech, it would have been reflected in a "positive turn in online sentiment." Matusky said the downward trend should concern Woods' sponsors.
"Pardon The Interruption" co-host Tony Kornheiser has been suspended by ESPN for two weeks for remarks he made last week on his Washington-based radio show about another ESPN personality. Kornheiser criticized the wardrobe of morning "SportsCenter" co-anchor Hannah Storm. John Skipper, ESPN's executive vice president of content, issued a statement saying Kornheiser's comments were entirely inappropriate. Kornheiser apologized on his radio show last Friday.
Whether figure skating, downhill skiing, or curling was the draw, over one-half of the U.S. population has tuned in for at least some portion of the 2010 Winter Olympics coverage on TV. In a year in which online coverage of the games saw a good turnout, TV still commanded the biggest numbers. Recent figures from NBC Universal report that nearly 33 million have turned to the web for their Olympics fix. However, about 93 percent of the audience tuned in the so-called "conventional" way -- by watching the competitions on TV. NBC's coverage of the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada will continue through the Closing Ceremony on Sunday, February 28th.
It seems like only yesterday that Donny Osmond was celebrating his win on season nine of "Dancing With the Stars," and now there's a new cast of hopefuls on the way. ABC will announce season ten dancers early next week. In the interim, a few hopeful candidates are making their interest in the show known. Men's figure skating champion Evan Lysacek, who just scored a gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver tweeted of "Dancing," quote, "I would love to do the show. I'm a big fan!!!!" Reality TV mom Kate Gosselin expressed some interest when speaking to Jay Leno on his former primetime show several weeks ago. Gosselin said, quote, "I want to laugh at myself. I so cannot dance. It would be a sad sight." ABC will announce "Dancing's" next roster of competitors on Monday, March 1st. The new season of "Dancing With The Stars" will premiere on March 22nd.
Comedian Katt Williams has a bill to settle with a construction company in California. According to TMZ.com, Extreme Fence Company filed a lien against the Hollywood funnyman last month for a delinquent bill. Extreme Fence claims they installed an electric motorized gate and 106 feet of wrought iron fence at Williams' Calabasas, California home last October. They claim the bill came to 89-hundred-dollars, but Williams never paid them for their services. Reps for Williams have not responded to the allegations.
A court decision could decide who will win the rights to the life story of comic Redd Foxx. John Cahill, a Public Administrator in Clark County, Nevada, has filed a petition with probate court. Cahill hopes the petition will motivate Foxx's estate to sell the story rights to the highest bidder. He also hopes the deal will settle Foxx's back taxes and "get money for his heirs." The stand-up comic, who broke barriers for African-American comedians, became famous for his role on the 1970's television series "Sanford & Son." In later years, the IRS seized Foxx's assets. He died in 1991 and was buried in Las Vegas. The funeral was reportedly paid by comedian Eddie Murphy. Cahill's petition is scheduled to be heard in the county's probate court April 2nd.
James Cameronalways wanted Sam Worthington for the lead in "Avatar". But before he could hire such an unknown, the studio made him talk to some big names first. Two of those names were Matt Damon and Jake Gyllenhaal. Both of them passed. Cameron says, quote, "Honestly, did I go out and try to woo them? No. I had my heart set on Sam. "Maybe they sensed my lack of 100% commitment from me. Maybe it was the subject matter. This was a big 'Star Wars'-type movie. They're both serious actors."
