DEGENERES AND COWELL NOT GETTING ALONG! While we’re still watching American Idol auditions on TV, the show is currently filming Hollywood Week in L-A and already, new judge Ellen DeGeneres is annoyed with Simon Cowell.  www.Deadline.com reports that when Ellen filmed her first episode, she rearranged her busy schedule to make sure she arrived on time, but when Simon showed up 30 minutes late, she allegedly called him a prima donna.  We’ll see the chemistry, or lack thereof, between the two when Hollywood Week of American Idol airs after the auditions wrap up.  See more auditions when AI airs tonight at 7 PM on FOX.

PAULA ABDUL IN THE MONEY! According to TMZ.com, Paula Abdul has been offered a one-million dollar development deal by ABC if she appears on Dancing With the Stars this season. Reportedly, the deal allows for Abdul dance on DwtS, develop a show and still appear as a judge on Simon Cowell’s new X Factor show, if that gig pans out for her.

SNOOKI FALLS WHILE DANCING! PerezHilton.com has posted a video of Jersey Shore’s Snooki falling while partying hard at the MGM Grand at Foxwoods on Friday.

·   DIRECT LINK TO VIDEO:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l5wyOFFxmSk

TYRA’S NEW MODEL SEARCH! Tyra Banks has launched the Fiercely Real Teenage Model Search, a new modeling competition for girls of all shapes and sizes. www.UsMagazine.com reports Tyra wants “young girls to realize that what’s considered plus-sized is the average American woman.” The finalists will appear on the March 2^nd episode of the Tyra Show and the winner will receive a one-year modeling contract and appear in a major magazine.

MTV’S 16 & PREGNANT RETURNS! A second season of MTV’s popular docu-series, 16 and Pregnant, will return next month. Be sure to catch the season premiere on February 16^th at 10 PM Eastern. In addition, viewers can check out what’s new with the cast of Teen Mom on the Teen Mom Finale Special: Check-Up with Dr. Drew on February 2^nd, followed by Teen Mom: Unseen Moments on February 9^th, all at 9 PM on MTV.

A JOHN EDWARDS SEX TAPE? Could there be a John Edwards sex tape?  Yes, according to Gawker.com.  Sources told the site that such a tape exists, showing the former Presidential candidate and his mistress, Rielle Hunter, involved in several sex acts.  Edwards’ aide, Andrew Young, reportedly found the footage on an unmarked DVD.  Young has written a tell-all book about Edwards, called The Politician, and he will talk about what’s inside of it and speak more about the possible sex tape when he appears on 20/20 on Friday.  The Politician hits shelves on February 2^nd. 

NANCY KERRIGAN’S BROTHER CHARGED AFTER FATHER DIES! Nancy Kerrigan’s brother was arraigned yesterday on charges of assaulting his 70-year-old father. According to the Associated Press, Daniel Kerrigan was allegedly injured Sunday from an attack by his son, Mark Kerrigan. Mark and Daniel reportedly got into an altercation after the elder Kerrigan wouldn’t let his son use the telephone. A police report cites that Mark was “belligerent and combative” when officials tried to question him and he had to be subdued with pepper spray.  Meanwhile, Daniel was dead on arrival when EMTs showed up. Brenda Kerrigan, Daniel’s wife, told a Boston newspaper that her husband died of a heart attack. Mark admitted to putting his hands around his dad’s neck but thought Daniel was faking when he fell to the ground.   Mark pleaded not guilty to a charge of assault and battery on a person over 60 that resulted in injuries.  His bail has been set at 10-thousand dollars.

AMERICAN IDOL CONTESTANT BOOTED! According to People.com, a contestant on the new season of American Idol, Michael Lynche, has been kicked off the show. According to the outlet, Lynche’s father told a Florida paper that his son had made the Top 24 on Idol, thereby breaking the confidentiality agreement each Idol contestant must sign. The agreement forbids contestants and their families from talking about results of Hollywood week. Lynche was replaced by another contestant. Check out http://www.people.com/ for more.

KRISTEN STEWART’S BUM! According to www.UsMagazine.com, Twilight actress Kristen Stewart bares her butt for a new movie role in which she plays a crack-addicted stripper. The film is called Welcome to the Rileys and it premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this weekend. In the flick, Stewart also gives her costar, James Gandolfini, a lap dance while wearing a bra and mini skirt. Learn more at http://www.usmagazine.com/.

ROBERT PATTINSON, THE SINGER? Robert Pattinson, the singer?  Maybe, according to British paper The Sun, which reports that American Idol judge Simon Cowell wants to the sign the Twilight star to a recording contract, and is so set on getting the actor, that he reportedly has all but written him a blank check.  A source told the tabloid that Pattinson has some doubts about signing with Cowell because Robert “takes his music very seriously” and is “reluctant to be turned into a pop star.”

JOHNNY DEPP ISN’T DEAD! There was a rumor over the weekend that Johnny Depp died in a car crash in France.  Well thankfully, the actor is still very much alive.  His rep told E! News, “He isn’t dead.  He’s fine.”  There have been rumors about Depp’s death before, so this really isn’t anything new.  Learn more at www.EOnline.com.

NEW SHOW FROM HIMYM CREATORS! Good news for fans of How I Met Your Mother.  The show’s creators, Carter Bays and Craig Thomas, have been asked to do a new sitcom for CBS.  This one will be set in Pittsburgh and center around a young couple and their group of friends.  Bays described the show to The Hollywood Reporter, calling it similar to HIMYM but that it “investigates the next chapter, the next stage of adulthood.” 

OPRAH TALKS TO LENO!  Jay Leno has been in the news a lot lately with all the stories around his return to The Tonight Show and Conan O’Brien’s departure from it, and now, the host will sit down with Oprah Winfrey.  According to the Associated Press, the Queen of Talk is heading to L-A to chat with Leno, and the episode featuring their one-on-one interview will air on Thursday.

JACKSON ESTATE SAYS NO ALLOWANCE FOR JOE! According to TMZ.com, the executors of Michael Jackson’s estate have filed papers to make sure MJ’s father Joe does not get money from the estate. Joe had previously filed papers to have his vacations, hotel costs and assistant fees paid for by the estate.

SEASON TWO OF JERSEY SHORE? After attracting over 4.8-million total viewers for the finale of MTV’s Jersey Shore, everybody wants to know if we’ll get more of Snooki, JWoww, Ronnie, Sammi and “The Situation.”  If you missed the season finale of the Jersey Shore, watch it online now at www.MTV.com.

MISCHA BARTON GETS SUED! Mischa Barton’s landlord is demanding that the actress pay up!  According to the Associated Press, a lawsuit was filed claiming that Barton hasn’t paid the last three-months rent on her seven-thousand dollar a month New York City apartment.  The suit was filed on Thursday and said that Barton signed a year lease for the place in September.  Reps for the former O.C. star had no comment.

PENN AND PATTINSON THIRSTY FOR WATER! According to Variety, Sean Penn and Robert Pattinson are in talks to star opposite Reese Witherspoon in Water For Elephants. The film is based on Sara Gruen’s novel, which is set during the Great Depression.  It tells the story of a young veterinary student who puts aside his studies to become a vet with the Benzini Brothers’ Most Spectacular Show on Earth after his parents are killed. Production is expected to start sometime in June.

CONAN SPLITS WITH NBC! After reaching a 45-million dollar settlement, Conan O’Brian will officially part ways with NBC. According to TMZ, the TV host will receive a severance of 32.5-million bucks and the rest will be given to the Tonight Show’s staff. In addition, NBC must pay 4.5-million dollars to the show’s Executive Producer. Conan’s final show will air tonight with reruns being shown until February 11^th, when NBC’s Winter Olympics coverage takes the time slot.  Then after, Jay Leno will return as the host of The Tonight Show.

Conan will be able to “pursue other opportunities after September 1, 2010.”

THE HOFF GETS HIS OWN SHOW! David Hasselhoff may have left his job as a judge on America’s Got Talent but he’ll still be on TV this year.  A&E has picked up ten half-hour episodes of a reality show about The Hoff.  The program will be a behind-the-scenes look at the Baywatch actor’s life, from his business ventures to his role as a father.  The as-yet-untitled docu-series will air later this year.

JOHN EDWARDS IS THE BABY’S DADDY! Former Presidential candidate John Edwards has finally admitted that he is the father of two-year-old baby girl Frances Quinn. Edwards had previously admitted to having an affair with Francis’ mom, Rielle Hunter, during his presidential campaign, but denied that they produced a child. Yesterday, Edwards released a statement admitting he is the father and that he will “do everything in my power to provide her with the love and support she deserves.” John also stated that he was wrong to deny that she was his daughter. Learn more at www.UsMagazine.com.

FBI INVESTIGATING CRYER’S CRIES! Two and a Half Men star Jon Cryer told authorities last week that he feared for his life, thinking his ex-wife hired a hitman to kill him, and now, the FBI is looking into the possible threat.  According to TMZ.com, the feds are investigating Cryer’s ex, who is involved in a bitter custody fight with the actor.  So far they have no suspects and have declined to comment on the investigation.  Jon’s ex claims she didn’t even know about a threat against him. 

DAVID BECKHAM ASSAULTED!  According to OK Magazine, David Beckham was assaulted by a female reporter from an Italian prank show in Milan.  The reporter approached Beckham and grabbed his crotch while filming a segment for the show.  David didn’t find the sexual assault funny. Security forcibly removed the woman from the area, but she later chases Beckham asking to see his “manhood.”  The assault aired on Italian TV.  

DIRECT LINK TO VIDEO OF THE ASSAULT:

http://www.okmagazine.com/2010/01/video-david-beckham-sexually-assaulted-by-reporter/

TIGER WOODS SIGHTING?  RadarOnline.com has posted a photo purported to be Tiger Woods, outside a sexual addiction clinic in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.  If the photo proves to be Woods, it is the first public spotting of the golfer since he crashed his car into a tree this past November.  According to reports, Tiger checked into the clinic, which houses a sexual addiction program created by Dr. Patrick Carnes, who is said to be a leader in treatment for sexually compulsive behavior.

SEE THE PHOTO:

http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2010/01/world-exclusive-photos-first-pictures-tiger-woods-sex-rehab

CHARLIE SHEEN’S WIFE IN ICU! Charlie Sheen’s wife, Brooke Mueller, was admitted to an L-A hospital and placed in the ICU with a temperature of 105. A source connected to Mueller told TMZ that Brooke could have pneumonia. Mueller was expected to be in an Aspen court tomorrow for a hearing in the domestic violence case with Sheen, but that has since been pushed back.  Meanwhile, TMZ reports that Charlie went to the hospital to see Brooke. 

KOURNIKOVA’S MOM ARRESTED!  Anna Kournikova’s mother, Alla Kournikova, was arrested yesterday in Palm Beach, Florida after her son was injured when he was allegedly left home alone.  TMZ reports that Alla has been charged with child neglect after Anna’s five-year-old half-brother Allan fell or jumped from a second story window.  Neighbors found him bleeding on the sidewalk and called police, who found an empty home.  When Alla returned, she told authorities she was running errands for 50 minutes and Allan didn’t want to go with her.  Allan is currently in the hospital. 

A SEQUEL TO PARANORMAL ACTIVITY! There will be a sequel to Paranormal Activity and we’ll be seeing it this year!  According to www.MovieFone.com, the film will be released on October 22^nd, just in time for Halloween.  There is no official title yet, but it is going to be directed by Kevin Greutert, who was behind the camera for Saw V.

LINDA BLAIR’S DOG SHOT!  Neighbors of Exorcist star Linda Blair shot and killed her dog.  According to TMZ, the dog escaped Linda’s animal shelter and attacked her neighbor’s pet pig.  The neighbors fired warning shots so the dog would back off but after he didn’t, they shot and killed it, saving the pig’s life.  Police are investigating the incident but say criminal charges won’t be filed against the shooters.  While the pig suffered puncture wounds, it is expected to survive.

RIHANNA RELEASES TRIBUTE SONG! Rihanna has released her version of Bob Marley’s classic 1980’s hit, “Redemption Song,” for charitable purchase on iTunes.  Proceeds from sales will benefit the victims affected by the earthquake in Haiti. Head over to iTunes now and download to help support Haiti relief.

LADY GAGA DONATES! According to http://www.pitchfork.com/, Lady Gaga announced she will donate all proceeds from tickets and merchandise for her performance Sunday at New York City's Radio City Music Hall to Haiti. In addition, her fans can give back by purchasing a special Lady Gaga Haiti relief t-shirt via her official fan site.