The father of "American Idol" contestant David Archuleta has reportedly been banned from the hit Fox show. TMZ.com reports that sources from the show say Jeff Archuleta has been interfering with the production of "American Idol," including the badgering of producers, the band, vocal coaches and even the other contestants. Jeff also allegedly changed the lyrics to David's rendition of "Stand By Me" by adding a verse from Sean Kingston's hit "Beautiful Girls" against the order of "American Idol" organizers. The change reportedly created problems with the song's publisher and cost the show money. Jeff Archuleta was ordered to sit with lawyers for "Idol" last week, who told him he was "banned from being in the rooms where David was learning or rehearsing his songs." He will be allowed to sit in the audience during the live show, but will not be allowed backstage. "TMZ" also says sources close to "Star Search" claim Jeff Archuleta was banned from the talent show lot a few years ago when David was a contestant.
Britney Spears' is set to reprise her role in CBS' "How I Met Your Mother" tonight. During her first visit to the sitcom, Spears played receptionist Abby, who fell for main character Ted, played by Josh Radnor. On her next appearance, set to air tonight at 8:30 p.m. Eastern, Abby and Barney, played by Neil Patrick Harris, will unite in their apparent hatred of Ted and flaunt their relationship as a "couple" in front of him. Spears has said in a statement that she wanted to return to "How I Met Your Mother" because she, quote, "had such a great experience the last time I was one the show that I couldn't wait to come back." Spears' first stint on the sitcom in March helped "How I Met Your Mother" to its highest ratings ever in the all-important adults 18-to-49 demographic. The series is told through the eyes of Ted as he shares with his kids how he fell in love with their mom.
Ashlee Simpson and Pete Wentz have apparently picked a wedding date. "Entertainment Tonight" reports that sources close to the recently engaged couple say they will tie the knot on Saturday, May 17th at a private residence in Los Angeles. There is expected to be around 120 guests to attend the event. Simpson and Wentz have been romantically connected since fall 2006, and became engaged last month.
Lindsay Lohan's schedule is getting lighter. "E! News" reports the singer-actress has been replaced in two upcoming film projects she was expected to star in. The first is "Ye Olde Times," a romantic comedy featuring by actor-musician Jack Black. The other, "Manson Girls," follows the lives of the women involved in infamous murderer Charlie Manson's cult family. "Manson Girls" producer Brad Wyman had previously confirmed Lohan's role, but Lohan's publicist claims scheduling issues got in the way of Lohan's involvement in both films.Lohan is keeping busy this summer, though. She'll star in the season finale of ABC's "Ugly Betty" on May 22nd, and is set to star in an additional five episodes for next season. Lindsay is also signed on to star in an upcoming comedy about child birth, wrapping up recording her next album, and is set to promote her new fashion line of women's leggings.
Vanessa Williams has another accomplishment to add to her resume. Syracuse.com reports the 45-year-old actress, singer, model and the first black Miss America winner is now a college graduate. Williams received her bachelor of fine arts degree over the weekend from Syracuse University's College of Visual and Performing Arts. Officials for Syracuse University decided Williams' acting and singing performances fulfilled the remaining credits needed for her to obtain her degree. Williams also delivered the convocation address, in which she encouraged her fellow grads to "cherish the moment," explaining that these days are "irreplaceable" and are "the beginning of the rest of your lives." Williams was a theater major at Syracuse from 1981 to 1983, but left early to compete in the Miss America competition. She went on to become the first black Miss America in 1983, but had to relinquish her crown after sexually explicit photographs of her with another woman surfaced. Williams says that experience helped her become the woman she is today.
This week's foreclosure sale of singer Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch in California has been averted. Representatives for Jackson said the 23-point-five-million-dollar loan on the 27-hundred-acre property, located near Santa Barbara, has been sold to the real estate investment firm Colony Capital. The loan was previously held by Fortress Investment Group, a New York-based equity and hedge fund group. Jackson is in discussions about the ranch and other matters with Colony founder Tom Barrack Junior. Financial troubles have plagued Jackson since the pop superstar was charged in 2005 with child molestation, for which he was acquitted.
Miley Cyrus may soon be singing with a showbiz veteran. "E! News" reports the teen pop star will be lending her voice to the upcoming Disney animated film "Bolt," alongside actor John Travolta. Travolta's wife, Kelly Preston, also claims the two stars could have some musical works up their sleeves. At a recent luncheon for the Step Up Women's Network's Inspiration Awards, Preston says Travolta, quote, "may sing with Miley." She adds that Preston and Travolta's eight-year-old daughter, Ella, is said to be a long-time Miley Cyrus Fan, which may have some bearing on any future collaborations between the "Hannah Montana" star and daddy Travolta. "Bolt" is due out this November.
You Say It's Your Birthday
Shannon is 50. She's best known for the 1980s hit "Let The Music Play."
Steve Winwood is 60.
Pop Music Flashback
1979 - Sister Sledge's "We Are Family" broke into the Top 40, while the group's tune "He's The Greatest Dancer" peaked at number nine.
Cher's "Take Me Home" peaked at number eight on the pop singles chart.
1984 - Lionel Richie's "Hello" hit number one on the pop singles chart.
The Pointer Sisters' "Jump" broke into the Top 40.
1989 - Expose released the single "What You Don't Know."
1990 - En Vogue's "Hold On" broke into the Top 40.
1991 - Whitney Houston, Hammer, Chris de Burgh, Rod Stewart, and Sting were among the artists who participated in the multi-city "Simple Truth Appeal" concert to benefit Kurdish refugees in northern Iraq.
1998 - Hanson released the album "Three Car Garage."
2000 - Gloria Estefan's TV special, "Gloria Estefan, Caribbean Soul: The Atlantis Concert" aired on CBS. Marc Anthony made a guest appearance on the show.
2002 - Former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham and her husband, David, hosted a Japanese-themed pre-World Cup fundraiser party at their home in London. Elton John was among the guests.
2003 - Whitney Houston made a guest appearance on the season finale of the Fox show "Boston Public."
Contenders for the 57th annual Tony Awards were announced, and the musical "Movin' Out," based on the music of Billy Joel, was among the top nominees.
2004 - VH1 debuted the show "50 Most Awesomely Bad Songs...Ever." Madonna's "American Life" made the list at number nine. Starship's "We Built This City" topped the chart, which was compiled by "Blender" magazine.
2005 - Presbyterian minister Ae Ho Kwon was sentenced to a maximum of six years in jail for attempting to extort money from Celine Dion's husband-manager, Rene Angelil. Kwon was convicted of having his wife accuse Angelil of raping her in order to get money from him.