ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Ballroom baby! Dancing With the Stars pro Peta Murgatroyd and her fiance, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, are expecting their first child together, Us Weekly can confirm. Murgatroyd, 29, and Chmerkovskiy, 36, got engaged in December 2015. The Ukraine native got down on one knee during a performance of Sway at the Olympia Theater in Miami, Florida. "I'm in love with you and I want to be in love with you for the rest of my life," he said on stage at the time. "Will you marry me?" Murgatroyd -- who just won season 22 of DWTS with partner Nyle DiMarco -- and Chmerkovskiy dated for 10 months in 2012 and 2013. They rekindled their romance in early 2015. Back in February, Murgatroyd gushed over her longtime love while visiting Us Weekly's NYC headquarters. "I've always said he has the most incredible generosity. He wants to take care of everybody that he knows. He has an incredible sense of humor when you get to see it," she said. "I think that his bad-boy image is slowly kind of drifting away -- and that harsh Maksim image. He is the biggest teddy bear you'll ever meet underneath that Ukrainian look. I just love him. Everything about him. He's just a great man." Even then, Murgatroyd alluded that she and her man were ready for kids -- two or three, to be exact. She added: "[He's] somebody that I've always seen as being a great father and a great husband." (US Weekly)

Secret sit-down! Gwen Stefani and her ex-husband, Gavin Rossdale, met in private to discuss the "Used to Love You" singer's romance with her current beau, Blake Shelton, a family source reveals unexclusively in the new issue of Us Weekly. The fellow Voice coaches started dating in October 2015 following their respective divorces from Miranda Lambert and Rossdale, 50. Since then, the "Straight Outta Cold Beer" crooner, 39, has formed a tight bond with Stefani's sons, Kingston, 9, Zuma, 7, and Apollo, 2, much to the dismay of Stefani's ex and the boys' father. Though the former couple have shared custody since calling it quits in August 2015 after nearly 13 years of marriage, a family source tells Us that Rossdale had an "emotional" meeting with Stefani, 46, to reassert his dad rights. "Gwen had a meeting with Gavin to discuss her relationship with Blake and how it will affect the children going forward," the insider explains to Us. "[Gavin] wants to be consulted on everything concerning the kids and the role that Blake is playing in their lives." While Rossdale would like to be kept in the loop when it comes to his sons' relationship with Shelton, the country chart-topper has no interest in having a relationship with the Bush frontman. "[Blake] has nothing to do with Gavin," says a source close to Shelton, noting that he is disgusted that Rossdale, as Us reported last year, cheated on Stefani with the kids' nanny. "He can't forgive someone who treated his lady that way." (US Weekly)

Erin Andrews is on thin ice with Peta Murgatroyd and Maksim Chmerkovskiy after spilling the beans on the couple's baby news -- their SECRET baby news. Erin's loose lips struck during Monday's rehearsals for the "Dancing with the Stars" finale. Our production sources say Erin was mic'd up when she walked up to Peta and Maksim and congratulated them ... and everyone heard it. We're told the couple was pissed since they hadn't told some of their closest friends and family yet -- and they were still planning a big announcement. Erin apologized, but we're told she kept trying to blow it off as a joke ... which only made it worse. Ironically, hours later, Peta did some blabbing of her own. After she and dancing partner Nyle DiMarco won the 'DWTS' title, she posted on Facebook ... before it aired on the west coast. Some fans immediately ripped her on social media. At least Erin can make up for her mistake with an expensive baby gift. (TMZ)

Who Knew? Leslie Jones Used to Be a Telemarketer for Scientology. Many actors and actresses have revealed the funny and random jobs they had before making it big, but nothing beats Leslie Jones' job before landing on Saturday Night Live. Appearing on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Wednesday, Jones, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy and Kate McKinnon, otherwise known as the cast of the Ghostbusters reboot, all talk about some of their earlier, pre-Hollywood work. While their jobs certainly ran the gamut, nothing came as more of a surprise than Jones': She was a telemarketer for Scientology. "Uh yeah...they kind of still don't know that I'm not Scientologist," she confesses. "Thanks for blowing my cover, Ellen." Her cast mates look as equally surprised as the afternoon talk show host, but Jones gives an explanation for holding the job. "I lived in Glendale. I needed to pay the rent and it was a very easy interview," she shares. "I just acted crazy!" "Now you're in trouble," Ellen jokes. Given the controversy surrounding the Church of Scientology, Jones apologizes not only for being dishonest but also for sharing some information surrounding the secretive organization. "I'm sorry, Scientologists, for revealing things," she says, looking frightened. McKinnon reveals that she used to be an umpire for a little league softball team, but even Wiig seemed dubious upon hearing that job. "I should've brushed up on the rules," McKinnon confesses, admitting that she made some "bad calls". But maybe it was Bridesmaids star Wiig who had the best early career. "I was an umpire for a Scientology baseball team," she quips. (Eonline)

Shia LaBeouf Is Hitchhiking Across America For His Newest Art Project -- And You Can Give Him A Ride! He's doing it again! We're sure you're all aware about some of the crazy stunts Shia LaBeouf has pulled over the years in the name of art -- most recently the actor attended a movie marathon where he streamed himself watching all his movies. Well the 29-year-old is getting together with his other art collaborators, Nastja Rönkkö and Luke Turner, to join up with Vice to hitchhike across the U.S. -- in the name of art, of course! Since May 9, LaBeouf, Rönkkö, and Turner have been tweeting out seemingly random GPS coordinates to many fans' confusion and now we know why! Over the next couple weeks, the three "artists" will be hitchhiking across the U.S. and using Twitter to help gain rides! Once the trio have stropped and need a ride, they will tweet out the coordinates and wait for a ride from the first person who comes along! Like the group's other projects, the trek across America also has a hashtag as Shia recently shared: The project is commissioned by the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art as part of The Finnish Institute in London and MediaLive 2016! Similar to the group's other projects, #TAKEMEANYWHERE involves audience interaction as you can follow them on social media to keep track of pics and videos they post from their trip, and you can keep up on the Transformers star's journey in REAL TIME on TakeMeAnywhere.vice.com. (Perez Hilton)

"The View" star Joy Behar -- who's seen her share of behind-the-scenes TV drama -- said Kelly Ripa took ABC's surprise decision to move wingman Michael Strahan to "Good Morning America" too personally. "I've been summarily fired so many times with nary a word to me," Behar told us. "It's called show business, not show therapy," she added at the World Science Festival's Performing Arts Salute to Science, honoring Alan Alda. Last month Ripa skipped work on "Live With Kelly and Michael" after ABC brass left her in the dark on a decision to move Strahan to "GMA." (Page Six)

Sometimes being a celebrity seems like a lot of hard work, and scary. Niall Horan has admitted that he is being bombarded with abusive text messages after a group of fans obtained his number, and what's worse, they even send vile messages about his family. Explaining his ordeal in a series of tweets, Niall said: "For the last two weeks I've been receiving messages off a group of fans, they have drowned my phone in messages, keeping me awake at night. "But the worst part is. They have been nothing but abusive. Saying things you wouldn't even believe about me and my family "And saying the worst things ever about my little nephew. Thank god I'm not the kind of person who thinks into stuff like this "But I just think it's crazy how we let people away with things like this "And the sad thing is. As I tweet this they are in the group chat laughing at me (sic)." Niall insisted he is fine but wanted to bring attention to the messages because it happens to other people too. He said: "Don't worry about me .im the most carefree , laid back person around. But I'm just signaling it, because this is happening to others (sic)." During the One Direction hiatus, Niall is using the time to focus on his love of sports and has set up a golf management company with One Direction's management Modest. A source said: "It's well known Niall loves golf and has been learning from the best out on tour with Rory McIlroy. Now he wants to discover exciting new players and give them his backing." (British Glamour)

Melissa Gilbert is ending her campaign for Congress in Michigan's 8th district due to a spinal injury that will require surgery. The 52-year-old actress who rose to fame playing Laura Ingalls Wilder in Little House on the Prairie says she's "devastated" that her doctors advised her to withdraw from the race. "My doctors said there's no way for me to continue to deal with the incredibly rigorous demands of a congressional campaign without continuing to do harm to my body," Gilbert tells PEOPLE. Gilbert says she is facing two herniated discs in her spine as the result of two head and neck injuries she sustained in 2012. First, she suffered whiplash and a concussion after a fall on Dancing with the Stars in April and months later the balcony of a house she was renting in Studio City, California collapsed over her head. "I was standing under the back balcony talking to my kids and it detached from the house and it collapsed on my head," she recalls. "I ended up with a concussion and stitches in my head and it compressed two healthy discs in my neck." These issues are compounded by what she calls a "long history" of neck and spine issues, beginning with a surgery to fuse a herniated disc in 2003. Over the past four years, Gilbert says the nerve damage resulting from her injuries has become unbearable. "I have numbness in my right hand, shooting pains in my right arm and numbness in my neck," she says. "So, after years of care, my neurologists are sending me to a neurosurgeon because I need to have another spinal surgery." The surgery has not yet been scheduled and the recovery will take at least three months, making Gilbert's dream of becoming the district's first Democratic representative since the 1990s impossible. "It's indescribable to have to make this decision because I had my sights set on my opponent and a lot of people around me felt that I could win," Gilbert says. The actress who served as president of the Screen Actors Guild for four years adds that she won't rule out another political run in the future. "I'm too engaged at this point. I know too much and there is so much that needs to be done in this district and this state and this country," she says. "That's why I jumped into the race in the first place." "I will continue on this road of being of service," she continues. "I won't know where that will take me but I'm not going to rule anything out." (People)

Patrick and Jill Dempsey have either reconciled or they've been asleep at the wheel in their divorce case, and now the judge has issued an ultimatum ... get on with the divorce or get thrown it out of court. Jill filed for divorce from her former "Grey's Anatomy" star hubby in January of last year, but since then there's been no action in the case. Patrick didn't even file a response. Judge Maren Nelson just sent Jill a legal doc, obtained by TMZ, in which she says the case has been stagnant and Jill hasn't moved for a final judgment. The doc goes on to say if the foot-dragging persists, the case could be dismissed. Here's the real story. As we reported, neither Patrick nor Jill wanted a divorce ... she had problems with the fact that he seemed married to auto racing and was ignoring her and the kids. Patrick responded by saying that he wanted to stay married and promised to drastically cut back on racing, which he has done. They've been together for months, so it seems that they may beat the judge to the punch and dismiss the case. (TMZ)

Misdemeanor marijuana possession charges against Chicago rapper Twista and two others also arrested in northwestern Indiana in March have been dropped. The (Munster) Times reported Tuesday that Porter County Prosecutor Brian Gensel says the charges were dropped when the vehicle's driver admitted it was his marijuana and pleaded guilty. The arrests happened while Twista, whose legal name is Carl Mitchell, and others were headed to a show in South Haven. Police said a half-ounce of marijuana was found hidden in a fake can inside the vehicle. Twista issued a statement at the time saying police should focus on more serious crimes, comparing being arrested for marijuana to being arrested for jaywalking. (Page Six)

Chris Brown annihilated his baby mama in court Tuesday, after a judge pooh-poohed her request to restrict Brown's custody because of alleged drug use and gang affiliation. Nia Guzman claimed Chris was unfit to care for Royalty without strict supervision. She wanted a monitor and more ... Nia asked the judge to reduce the amount of contact he has with the 1-year-old. The judge wasn't having it, so the status quo remains. We're told Chris and Nia will continue to have joint legal and physical custody. Under the existing custody order, Chris gets 12 days a month with his daughter and it will continue to be unmonitored. Nia's also gunning for more child support, although that wasn't on the table. She's getting $2,500 a month but wants it upped to nearly $16k a month. (TMZ)

Bam Margera's wife got busted for DUI after getting into an accident while driving the same Porsche Bam was in a wreck years ago ... TMZ has learned. According to cops in West Chester, PA ... Nicole Boyd collided with another driver in a Hyundai earlier this month. Nicole said she had the green light, but the other driver insisted she ran a red. Either way, Bam and Nicole's Porsche Panamera got banged up badly. Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene, and the other driver was hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. Meanwhile, officers said Nicole smelled of alcohol and bombed field sobriety tests. She was arrested and booked for DUI. Bam's Panamera might be cursed. As we reported, he got sideswiped in the ride shortly after getting it in 2011. As for Nicole's DUI -- Bam's had his struggles with the bottle, and his best friend, Ryan Dunn, was wasted when he died in a high speed crash. (TMZ)

Nick Menza's onstage death had nothing to do with drugs, it was a massive heart attack ... TMZ has learned. Law enforcement sources tell us autopsy results revealed heart disease in the 51-year-old, and also confirmed a working theory -- that this was not your stereotypical drug-related death. Officials searched the scene and interviewed people close to the former Megadeth drummer -- who died onstage Saturday -- and concluded Menza had no recent history of drug use. Sources close to Nick say he had dabbled -- like many rock stars -- but we're told he'd been completely sober for 8 years. (TMZ)

THE OTHER STUFF . . .

Kylie Jenner is a social media force of nature. After all, there's nothing the reality star loves more than a well-lit selfie, lip-syncing in front of the camera for her millions of Snapchat followers, or an accessory still life filled with products the rest of us won't be able to buy for at least another six months (if ever). The other reason social media is the teen's chosen form of communication? It's the perfect medium for sending cryptic messages, like with this sweatshirt-clad selfie. A hundred selfies per day on Tuesday night, snapping this shot of herself while driving in her car, her favorite location for capturing her own visage. What's truly notable about this image, however, is the Ksubi Fall 2016 sweatshirt she's wearing emblazoned with the word "Fake." Doubling down on the not so subtle meaning behind her apparel, Kylie captioned the shot "pretty much." She also shared a Snapchat of the top in which she conspicuously brushes her hair to the side so the text is legible and rolls her eyes. In this context, it seems as though "fake" could mean a number of things. Most obviously, it seems as though King Kylie is calling out her former beau Tyga for not being true to her. This especially makes sense given the sea of lookalike women the rapper has been spotted with since they separated. Considering she's the one wearing the sweatshirt, however, it could just as easily be read as her making a comment on how everyone refers to her as artificial and the product of plastic surgery. Or even more thrilling yet, it could all be a meta-commentary on the hyper-composed, filtered nature of social media and her life on a "reality" show in general, i.e. Kylie subtly telling us that no matter appearances, she's staying totally woke. But as Occam's razor taught us, the most simple solution is usually the correct one. In which case, Tyga it is. (People)

Hollywood film legend Faye Dunaway arrived at amfAR's star-studded gala in Cannes, France, with the most unusual accessory -- a scale to weigh her food and calculate her calories. Famously feisty Dunaway appeared at a table at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc with film producer Tova Laiter, and a bulging paper bag. Then, a spy said, "She sat at her dinner table and pulled out the scale from a paper bag." The stick-thin screen siren then proceeded to weigh all her food -- including her leafy salad. The "Chinatown" actress, 75, "asked for a very bland meal," a spy at the event said, "which she then proceeded to weigh. She weighed all of her food, including her salad and fish, before eating. We've seen a lot of stars make strange requests, but this was a sight." Also at the gala were Leo DiCaprio, Katy Perry, the Village People, Uma Thurman, Karlie Kloss and emcee Kevin Spacey. The night raised more than $30 million. Dunaway has earned a reputation for quirky behavior. She's been rumored to shop at high-end boutiques and yell at staff as they follow her around. In the '90s, she reportedly blew up at a flight crew for not upgrading a coach ticket from JFK to London's Heathrow, screaming, "Don't you know who I am?" The crew then got revenge as she slept by grabbing a bunch of wire hangers, an homage to her "No wire hangers" scene in "Mommie Dearest," and putting them on the seat next to her. Page Six reported that the actress also had a spectacular meltdown at the Sunset Tower Hotel in 2013, when she was shown suites including one outfitted for the disabled, and screamed at staff, "Do I look handicapped to you?" In 2011, she agreed to leave an Upper East Side rent-stabilized apartment after her landlord sued to evict her. She was paying $1,048.72 a month for the one-bedroom walk-up, which her landlord said was not her primary residence. While Dunaway's rep didn't get back to us, she tweeted in 2014, while memorializing Robin Williams: "Always be yourself, even if you are a little mad." (Page Six)

We know it's you, Kellan Lutz. The "Twilight" star, 31, is looking for love on the ultra-exclusive dating app Raya, but isn't totally honest when it comes to his profile. "Kellan has been feverishly attacking the dating app scene," a source told Page Six. "Even though he uses his own photo for his profile, he goes by the name 'Sebastian' before interacting with potential dates." Despite his pseudonym, the Hollywood heartthrob quickly reveals his true identity to possible future girlfriends, added the source. Before the actor joined "the Soho House of online dating apps," Lutz was romantically linked to "90210" actress AnnaLynne McCord and Playboy centerfold Brittny Ward. Other celebs that utilize the members-only service include Joe Jonas, Osbourne, Moby, Courtney Love, and DJs Skrillex and Diplo. (Page Six)

Chloe Grace Moretz debuted two new tattoos on Tuesday. The "Neighbors 2" star, 19, recently visited West 4 Tattoo in the West Village, People reports. Tattoo artist Jon Boy shared images of Moretz and her best friend, Kathryn Gallagher, at the shop. Moretz got her grandmother's name, Janette Duke, in delicate script on her back, as well as "CK" in barely visible white on her ankle with BFF Gallagher. She also turned the gun on artist Jonboy, who Instagrammed a shot of her tattooing his forearm. The new body art is in addition to Moretz's already impressive ink, which includes a collection of her family members' initials on her upper thigh and a rose accompanied by baby footprints near her ribs, which is a dedication to her sister who died. (Page Six)

Carrie Underwood defies the laws of physiques! The "Storyteller" singer posed for the cover of Us Weekly's Best Bodies issue -- and shared her stay-strong secrets with Us. To sculpt her famous lean legs, the Calia by Carrie Underwood fitness apparel founder, 33, sticks to the basics. "I like squats, lunges," she tells Us. "If I go for a jog and I meet up with a good hill, I will lunge up the hill and that will burn them out." The mom of 14-month old Isaiah (with her husband, NHL center Mike Fisher) commits to 90-minute workouts up to six times a week in her touring gym, then refuels with vegan eats. And she's proud of the results. She says, "I feel much better now at 33 than I did when I was 20 because I take better care of myself." (US Weekly)

Rihanna has designed a range of futuristic sunglasses for Dior that will make you look every inch a Star Trek extra, which may or may not please you. This is, in fact, intentional - she's always loved La Forge's shades. "I've always been obsessed with his eyewear, and when I got to Dior and saw all the materials I could play with, it all just came together," she told WWD. There's only one style which will come in an array of colors, priced at £580. Obviously, because Rihanna is the gangster of the pop world, she has also created a gold-plated luxe version which will probably cost the amount of two months' rent. The collection, which launches in June, is entitled 'Rihanna'. The woman herself has already been pictured wearing her newly-designed shades, which she shared on Instagram along with the caption: "When you reppin da PHUCK out yo own shit!!!" The singer has been working with Dior for over a year now, having appeared in its Secret Garden IV campaign in 2015 which was shot in Versailles. Rihanna has made a real bid for a design career recently - she showed her first Fenty Puma catwalk show in February this year, has a long-standing socks collaboration with Stance and recently worked with Manolo Blahnik on a limited edition footwear collection. (British Glamour)

Mathew Knowles was super interesting Tuesday, telling our photog he and Beyonce made peace long before anyone knew. Mathew and Blush Music, the rap group he's managing, were tooling around Bev Hills when he told us his relationship with his daughter got repaired long before his cameo with Blue Ivy in Bey's new music video. And the most interesting part ... his reaction when we asked if he'll ever manage her again. (TMZ)

Exes Kourtney Kardashian and Scott Disick left their 3 little ones behind and got a table for 2 Tuesday night. They did dinner in Calabasas, but there's next to no chance they get back together this time -- since Scott's already flaunting a new GF. Can't imagine that came up at all. This was most likely just a co-parenting catch-up, but Kourt's boots scream ... you're missing out, pal. (TMZ)

Leonardo DiCaprio had either the best night of his life or a super awkward encounter with former GF Rihanna and new rumored fling Nina Agdal ... both under the same roof at the same time. The three partied at Up & Down club in NYC Tuesday night as RiRi looked awesome, paying homage to Nine Inch Nails. Meantime ... Leo had his hands full trying to go incognito with the S.I. cover model. No word on how it ended ... it's what imaginations are for. (TMZ)

CFDA Fashion Awards to Honor David Bowie. David Bowie, the late music star, actor and style icon, will be remembered with a special presentation at the June 6 CFDA Fashion Awards. The "Fashion" singer will be posthumously honored with the Board of Directors' Tribute. Oscar-winning actor Tilda Swinton, who acted opposite Bowie in the music video for "The Stars (Are Out Tonight)," from his 2013 comeback album The Next Day, will collect the award on the legendary artist's behalf. The gala will also feature a musical tribute to the Thin White Duke. Former Dexter lead Michael C. Hall, who starred in Bowie's off-Broadway musical Lazarus, will perform an undisclosed song to commemorate the artist. Bowie died Jan. 10 just two days after the release what turned out to be his final album, Blackstar. The Council of Fashion Designers of America awards annually recognize "outstanding contributions" made to U.S. fashion. This year's gala will be staged in Bowie's adopted hometown, New York City. Lady Gaga's stylist Brandon Maxwell is nominated for the Swarovski Award for Womenswear and Jennifer Hudson, who recently departed The Color Purple on Broadway, will deliver the final performance on the night. Though organizers are keeping the song choice a closely-guarded secret, Hudson's impressive lead on an impromptu rendition of "Purple Rain" in April has fueled speculation of a Prince tribute. (Billboard)

Gisele Bündchen is demonstrating her love for animals once again. In a new Instagram posted Wednesday morning, the supermodel announced the launch of a new United Nations Environment Program campaign titled "Wild for Life." "It saddens me that in the 21st century, with all our knowledge and power, we are hearing more and more stories of possible extinctions due to people's choice. We are responsible for our choices and the only ones capable of changing our future," Bündchen says in a statement. "It is clear to me that a radical global shift needs to occur and it will take everyone accepting the challenge to support the UNEP Wild for Life campaign." In her caption, she added, "Much of the world's wildlife is facing extinction. To overcome this, we need a radical change in people's attitude all over the world. Today I'm joining the fight to save these endangered species everywhere. Please join me, find your kindred species and help me to end the criminal trade of poaching that is pushing species to the brink of extinction." The animal-friendly campaign may just be the perfect fit for Tom Brady's leading lady. After all, the A-list couple recently adopted a precious black-and-white pup from Wags and Walks, a dog rescue in Los Angeles. "Thank you @wagsandwalks for all you do and for letting us rescue this little angel," Gisele captioned online. "The kids are over the moon with our new family member. Fluffy is pure joy!" In regards to the United Nations, this isn't the first cause Gisele has taken an interest in. Previously, the model worked on the "Think. Eat. Save" campaign that helped educate consumers on how they can reduce their foodprint. "You know that 40 percent of the food in the United States gets thrown away because it doesn't look a certain way," she shared on the Today show. "It's crazy, just because the apple is not the right size or the carrot is not straight enough it just doesn't get accepted. So, amazing delicious food gets thrown away because it doesn't look a certain way." Gisele has also helped the United Nations in its mission to raise awareness and inspire action to protect the environment. The Goodwill Ambassador brought awareness to some of the biggest threats facing the planet, climate change and environment. (Eonline)

Music

Finally having his say! Jay Z has at last responded to wife Beyonce's hit visual album Lemonade in which she tells the story of a woman scorned by an unfaithful lover, widely speculated to be an autobiographical reference to her marriage. And while the Internet went crazy trying to figure out who "Becky with the good hair" was, Beyonce's 46-year-old husband has kept himself firmly out of the spotlight. Until now! Releasing a remix of Fat Joe's new song "All the Way Up" via Tidal, Jay Z's opening freestyle rap is a clear reference to his wife's controversial album, and the furor it's created around the state of their marriage. "You know you made it when the fact your marriage made it is worth millions," he raps. "Lemonade is a popular drink and it still is / Survival of the littlest." The rapper also pays tribute to the late artist Prince, whose catalogue is on Tidal (and where, he says, they'll be forever protected): "Prince left his masters where they safe and sound/We never gonna let the elevator take him down." Wait a minute. Elevators? Other than a reference to Prince's "Let's Go Crazy" lyrics, that makes Us think of the crazy fight between Jay Z and Bey's sister, Solange Knowles, after the Met Gala back in 2014. Which creates even more questions than it answers. But fear not. If, after all this time, Jay Z's partial response isn't enough for you, as Us Weekly reported earlier this month, Queen Bey's hubby is working on an "Jay is working on an album telling his side of things," a source close to the couple revealed. And the collaborative album that Jay and Bey were working on prior to the Lemonade release, which was shelved due to record label issues, may yet see the light of day. According to Billboard, the collaboration is still being considered. A Sony source tells the magazine that the record label is "open to" partnering with the duo on such a project. (US Weekly)

Ariana Grande has filled in for a hologram version of Whitney Houston in a duet with Christina on the season finale of NBC's "The Voice." Grande's performance comes days after the planned hologram appearance of Houston was scrapped due to technical reasons. The late singer's family said last week the hologram fell short of perfection and shouldn't air. Instead, Grande joined Aguilera, one of show's celebrity coaches, in singing the title track off of Grande's new album, "Dangerous Woman" on Tuesday. Former child actress Alisan Porter was crowned champion of Season 10 of the singing competition. Porter played the title role in the 1991 John Hughes film, "Curly Sue." (Billboard)

Warner Music U.K. on Wednesday launched The Firepit, a creative content division, "innovation center" and recording studio supporting the music giant's artists, labels and partners, based at its London headquarters. The move is part of the company's push beyond traditional music formats and offerings. "In addition to producing short- and long-form visual content, supporting brand partnerships and recording music, The Firepit will incubate emerging technologies for Warner Music's family of labels, helping them to create fresh, original and inventive campaigns as well as developing new commercial opportunities for their content," the music major said. Warner Music said that it already has a range of projects in development, including online and TV formats, live and campaign content, feature-length projects, as well as digital creative and artist specials. "The Firepit grew from our commitment to telling our artists' stories in the most vivid, compelling and powerful ways possible," said Max Lousada, chairman & CEO of Warner Music U.K. "It's not enough for people to simply hear our artists' music or see the content they create, we want them to really listen; to watch, to engage, to react and to connect. Placing the creative process at the heart of the organization will give us a dynamic space in which we can pioneer rich, immersive experiences for fans and unlock new promotional and commercial opportunities for our artists." The Firepit's production arm and creative content agency will be headed up by Stefan Demetriou as vp, content. He has led campaigns for such artists as Coldplay, Kylie Minogue and Muse and produced a 4K Ed Sheeran concert film for NBC, Sky Arts, LG TV and theatrical distribution worldwide. Working closely with him as head of development will be Matt Cook, formerly of MTV Networks. Along with Demetriou, production studio manager Trish McGregor will run a team of filmmakers and content creators. She was previously studio manager at Abbey Road Interactive. (Billboard)

Robert Plant Cancels Festival Gig to Stand Trial in 'Stairway to Heaven' Copyright Case. Lawyers representing the L.A. classic rock band Spirit are taking Led Zeppelin to court over claims that "Stairway to Heaven" unfairly borrows from an instrumental track Spirit released three years prior to the Led Zeppelin IV centerpiece. The trial begins June 14, and it's forced one of Zeppelin's members to scale back his live plans. May 25 the London music fest Meltdown announced Robert Plant will not be able to perform his previously-scheduled June 19 gig at Southbank Centre. The former Zeppelin singer was slated to play a show titled The Boat We're In as a benefit for the British Red Cross' refugee awareness campaign. Plant is expected to appear in a California court alongside former bandmates Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones. The case was supposed to begin May 10, but was pushed back to June 14. As the plaintiffs, lawyers representing late Spirit guitarist Randy "California" Wolfe claim the famous opening of "Stairway" copies Spirit's 1968 song "Taurus." Zeppelin's camp insists the alleged similarities come from a common musical ground that's centuries old, and therefore falls outside of copyright protection. Since Plant will not be able to attend Meltdown, the fest canceled the Boat We're In performance and is refunding all tickets via their original payment methods. "In place of this event, Southbank Centre would like to invite customers to a free concert in The Clore Ballroom at Royal Festival Hall, with acts chosen by Guy Garvey and featuring Southbank Sinfonia," Meltdown writes on its official Facebook page. The full lineup for that show will be announced in the coming days. First held in 1993, Meltdown features a different musician curating its entire lineup annually. This year, Elbow frontman Guy Garvey is organizing the June 10-19 bill. "Robert has been enthusiastic to help in any way to the increased awareness and support of so many powerless and distraught peoples," his reps said in an official statement. "Therefore the opportunity afforded at Guy Garvey's Meltdown was an event that Robert was passionately drawn to." Beyond the canceled June 19 show, Plant's official site lists a slew of European tour dates between July 1 and Aug. 7. (Billboard)

Movies

They've got their own TV show, their own blogs, beauty brands and emojis, and now they could have their name in lights. That's right - the Kardashian family have been offered $100 million to star in their own movie. Momanager Kris Jenner could be in for the big bucks if she says yes to the movie deal; and it could see her famous brood on the big screen. It's been reported that her entire family - Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian West, Khloe Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, Kylie Jenner, Rob Kardashian, and ex-husband Caitlyn Jenner formerly known as Bruce - have been approached by a top Hollywood film studio. Ian Halperin, the Kardashian's biographer, said: "A top Hollywood studio executive told me today that his major studio intends to make a huge offer to the Kardashian family to star in a feature-length film. We're not sure whether Kim's husband Kanye West, Kourtney's former partner Scott Disick, and Khloe's ex-husband Lamar Odom would star. (British Glamour)

Box-Office Preview: 'X-Men: Apocalypse,' 'Alice 2' Suit Up for Memorial Day Battle. If tracking is correct, the superhero mutants should prevail and win the holiday crown ahead of Alice and her quirky friends, a gaggle that includes Johnny Depp's Mad Hatter. The Memorial Day box office will brim over with unusual characters this year as Fox's X-Men: Apocalypse and Disney's Alice Through the Looking Glass go head to head over the long holiday weekend. If tracking is correct, Bryan Singer's Apocalypse -- the fourth X-Men film he's directed -- will emerge the victor with a four-day debut north of $85 million for Fox. (If rumors prove true, it will be the last chance for moviegoers to see Jennifer Lawrence play the character Mystique). Either way, Memorial Day 2016 should prove an healthy uptick over last year, when Tomorrowland opened to an anemic $42.7 million. Bullish box-office observers think Apocalypse could even near $100 million, but Fox is being more circumspect in the wake of mediocre reviews. Apocalypse currently has a 52 percent rating on Rotten Tomatoes, compared to 92 percent for Singer's X-Men: Days of Future Past, which debuted to $110.6 million on Memorial Day weekend in 2014. Marking the ninth outing in the X-Men series, including the smash hit Deadpool, Apocalypse's net budget is $178 million before marketing costs. James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Lawrence, Nicholas Hoult, Rose Byrne and Lucas Till are among those reprising their roles, while a raft of new actors join the franchise. The latter category includes Oscar Isaac, Alexandra Shipp, Tye Sheridan, Olivia Munn, Sophie Turner, Ben Hardy and Kodi Smit-McPhee. Also, Hugh Jackman makes a cameo as Wolverine. This time out, the superheroes must stop Apocalypse, an ancient mutant played by Isaac who wakes up and is intent on destroying mankind. Disney insiders suggest Alice Through the Looking Glass will open in the low $60 million range; outside the studio, some think it will come in closer to $55 million. In early March 2010, director Tim Burton's Alice in Wonderland stunned when opening to $116.1 million on its way to earning $1.025 billion globally. Burton didn't return to direct Through the Looking Glass; instead James Babin, who helmed The Muppets franchise for Disney, took over directing duties. Cast members Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp and Alan Rickman reprise their roles, while Sacha Baron Cohen is among the newcomers to the live-action, family-friendly franchise. Through the Looking Glass cost is on par with its rival, Apocalypse, or $170 million. As in North America, competition among the two summer tentpoles could be fierce overseas, where Apocalypse has already amassed north of $100 million (the superhero movie opened a week early in some foreign markets). This weekend, Alice Through the Looking Glass debuts in the majority of overseas markets, including China, the U.K., Australia, Mexico and Brazil Among holdovers, Captain America: Civil War, Angry Birds, Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising and the Jungle Book should stay high up on the holiday chart. (Hollywood Reporter)

'Ghostbusters': How Sony Plans to Out-Slime the Online Haters. "They are trying to define the experience," says Sony's domestic marketing chief as vocal (and sexist?) foes of the female reboot face off against a summer tentpole's trailers. When Sony Pictures' second trailer for its female-fronted Ghostbusters reboot appeared online May 18, fans initially had to find it on Facebook. The studio had switched from YouTube, which hosted the first trailer, in a deliberate effort to combat a cacophony of negative reaction emanating from a very vocal minority online. With the YouTube trailer, bloggers could embed the player on their sites to congregate negativity on Sony's official YouTube channel, a move akin to spraying toxic green slime all over the studio. As a result, the Ghostbusters teaser was dubbed the most disliked trailer ever -- not the kind of buzz Sony or director Paul Feig want just months before the $150 million comedy's July 15 release. Given the high stakes riding on the franchise reboot starring Melissa McCarthy, Kristen Wiig, Leslie Jones and Kate McKinnon, the studio was determined not to let the anti-Ghostbusters contingent mar the movie's perception. "What tends to happen with a beloved property is the fanboy or the fangirl shows up and says, 'How dare you remake this?' " says Sony domestic marketing president Dwight Caines. But the umbrage taken has been even more pronounced than for the average reboot, and many believe it's because Ghostbusters marks the first major film to get a female-centric redo (plans for others are in the works, from Ocean's Eleven to The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen). Gender politics is rearing its ugly head, some say, with even Donald Trump weighing in last year on Instagram: "Now they're making Ghostbusters with only women. What's going on?!" To some extent, Sony was expecting negative reaction to the first trailer, which contained very few special effects scenes because they mostly weren't ready. When the studio launched the first footage of Sam Raimi's 2002 Spider-Man, it scored a 65 percent negative rating. For the 2012 reboot The Amazing Spider-Man, it was 60 percent negative. And Daniel Craig's first James Bond film, Casino Royale, drew a 55 percent negative rating. But the Ghostbusters phenomenon could be different. A frequent refrain on the YouTube trailer was "Let the disliking begin," creating a sense of inevitable rejection from certain quarters. Others say the resistance isn't sexism -- the first trailer just wasn't great. "It could've been all men with the same jokes, and it still would have sucked," said Kevin Smith on his podcast. Regardless, Sony, which now is kicking up its Ghostbusters marketing, wants to head off that buzz. The Facebook trailer has been viewed 7.7 million times and has a 95 percent positive rating (but only 2.7 million fans are following Sony's official movie page, low for a summer tentpole). The furor surrounding the film has been far more intense than a typical tentpole, beginning with the initial backlash to the concept and casting two years ago, followed by a second-wave attack after the first trailer arrived in March. That criticism sparked rounds of apologies and explanations, generating headlines like "Am I Allowed to Dislike the New Ghostbusters Trailer?" on the Huffington Post. But in recent days, there was an even stronger backlash aimed at theanti-Ghostbusters movement, with fans and Feig questioning if foes are simply sexist. One blogger who declined to speak publicly says he has endured vicious personal attacks as a result of his pan of the trailers. All the while, Sony has continued to move forward with its marketing push. On May 21, the studio conducted two recruited screenings for general and family audiences. Sony says both screenings played through the roof. On May 25, the stars will appear on Ellen -- their first interview together -- in the same episode as Trump's rival Hillary Clinton, part of an effort to leverage the female cast. Though that plan could backfire given how polarizing Clinton is as a presidential candidate, and studios are loath to potentially alienate a significant chunk of moviegoers (the Democratic hopeful has a 54 percent negative rating according to a recent NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll, only slightly better than the 58 percent who look unfavorably on Trump). "The people talking are such a tiny percentage of the people viewing," Caines adds. "The first trailer got 70 million views. The number of people talking: less than 100,000, and they are trying to define the experience." (Hollywood Reporter)

TV

Sources tell us there may be video of fired "The Real" host Tamar Braxton lashing out at producers -- and she should fear it getting out. "Telepictures is really frustrated with how she's handling things. If she continues to smear her co-hosts and the show, they're going to release the video and audio of her blowing up on set," says the source. Braxton was fired from "The Real" over the weekend. "I love u all but I have been stabbed in the back by someone I stupidly trusted (not my man or my sisters)," she said. Insiders say the co-hosts were blindsided by the news, but the source says Braxton was aware because husband Vincent Herbert, a producer on the show, was in on the talks. "Her husband has been aware for two weeks that she wasn't getting picked up," says the source. Her co-hosts, including Loni Love, were accused of backstabbing the star. Love fired back on Facebook: "None of us knew about Tamar until she texted us on Saturday .?.?. I got a group text, and she said, 'I heard I'm being fired,'?" she said, denying she leaked it. "I'm not the type of person to give out information .?.?. I'll probably get in trouble for doing this. Maybe, I'll be the next one [fired]." Another insider tells us the other hosts, including Love, will remain on the show. (Page Six)

'Get Shorty' TV Series Ordered at Epix. Davey Holmes ('Shameless') will serve as executive producer on the small screen adaptation of the Elmore Leonard novel. Get Shorty is the latest movie getting the TV treatment. Epix has ordered a series based on the 1990 Elmore Leonard novel and the 1995 John Travolta film of the same name, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. The dark comedy centers on Miles Daly, who works as muscle for a murderous crime ring in Nevada. For the sake of his daughter, he attempts to change professions and become a movie producer, laundering money through a Hollywood film. But instead of leaving the criminal world behind, he accidentally brings it with him to Los Angeles. Davey Holmes (Shameless, In Treatment) adapted the project for the small screen and will executive produce. MGM, which also produced the movie, will also produce the series through MGM Television. (MGM is also joint venture partner in Epix.) Production on the series will start this fall for a summer 2017 debut. "We're excited to be working with MGM on Get Shorty," Epix president and CEO Mark S. Greenberg said Tuesday in a statement. "I had the pleasure of working with Elmore Leonard early in my career and I am a big fan of his writing. Davey Holmes is a tremendous talent and has created a fantastic new series that is in the spirit of Leonard's unique brand of social satire and strong narrative voice. Get Shorty promises to be yet another example of the type of high-end, premium TV that EPIX is committed to delivering to its subscribers." Added MGM Television and Digital Group president Mark Burnett and president of television development and production Steve Sark: "Davey has created a modern-day re-envisioning of Elmore Leonard's timeless cult classic where organized crime and Hollywood collide in very funny ways. We are thrilled to bring these irreverent characters to fans and audiences around the globe with our fantastic partners at EPIX." Get Shorty, which also starred Danny DeVito, Rene Russo and Dennis Farina, took in $115 million at the box office and even spawned a sequel, Be Cool. The novel was a New York Times best-seller for Leonard, who also was an executive producer on FX's long-running drama Justified, which was based on his short story Fire in the Hole. Get Shorty is one of three original series coming to Epix, the others being political series Graves and drama Berlin Station. (Hollywood Reporter)

'The Night Manager' Director and Star Defend Finale's Torture Scene. Domestic violence activists called the scene "gratuitous, offensive and degrading." [Warning: This story contains spoilers from The Night Manager finale.] AMC's miniseries The Night Manager came to a fiery conclusion Tuesday night when undercover agent Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston) foiled Richard Roper's (Hugh Laurie) latest arms deal, but not before the shady billionaire made one last heinous move. Having discovered that his girlfriend Jed (Elizabeth Debicki) had betrayed him, Roper placed her in the sadistic hands of his henchman Frisky (Michael Nardone), who then proceeded to batter her and force her head underwater. The scene prompted some domestic violence activists in the U.K., where The Night Manager aired earlier this year, to brand it as "gratuitous, offensive and degrading." The backlash shocked The Night Manager's director, Oscar winner Susanne Bier, and star Debicki, who saw nothing unwarranted or titillating about the torture scene. "I don't agree with that. Honestly, if I had thought they were right, I would've said it," Bier tells The Hollywood Reporter. "You can't agree with everything, and I think to my taste, there is nothing gratuitous about it. It is horrific." Debicki adds, "I was really surprised when I heard that reaction. I think it's territory to tread carefully because obviously if it caused offense, I'm deeply sorry that that happened, but it was never our intention. For me, I always think I have a radar for things that seem gratuitous, be it nudity or violence. I think as a woman, as an actress, you have to be very careful about choices you make because they translate, and it's important that you know why you're saying something, doing something. " In fact, both women feel that the brutality of the scene was essential in demonstrating in a visceral way just how cold and ruthless Roper is. "Roper is evil," Debicki says. "He has a strain of evil in him, and for him to treat her like that, for me it's like the final straw. It doesn't surprise me that he does that to her, knowing who this human is. And so it never felt like we were being violent for the sake of violence. There's definitely a savagery to it and it's brutal, and it is shocking visually to watch and obviously that was our intention because Susanne -- female director, female actress -- was very clear about why they're filming a certain scene." Bier agrees. "It puts Roper in a spot where -- if we didn't dislike him already -- we absolutely dislike him now because doing that to someone whom he supposedly had loved is just so beyond human comprehension," she says. "It completely made sense ... He needs to get something out of her, he wants information, and that's what Frisky does." Debicki also refutes the idea that having Jed wearing a diaphanous negligee in the scene is meant to titillate. "First of all, that's what she wears," Debicki points out and adds that Jed's wardrobe is an empowering tool of manipulation. "If you were to ask me about the physicality of Jed that she seems very relaxed and lounging, that's all part of the creation, that's what I was doing as the actress playing her. We had this amazing costume designer Signe [Sejlund], and I think we could've gone one way with Jed's wardrobe, which would've been much more obvious and stereotypical. But I think the way we went, even more emphasizes the idea that everything is easy and flowing and graceful. It's very Grecian. And Signe always wanted to have this idea that her clothes looked like they could fall off any second. And that's sort of part of her allure. She uses that to her advantage. "Second of all, she's just gotten out of bed," Debicki continues. "I don't know who sleeps in a tracksuit with running sneakers on. And they're not going to dress her to torture her." Ironically, fans were outraged when earlier in the series, they were denied the sight of Hiddleston's bare bottom, aka "Hiddlesbum." The sex scene had caused a social media meltdown in the U.K. when it first aired, and Hiddlestoners were similarly vocal, but in protest, to the censorship in the U.S. version of the scene. In response, AMC released the uncut version of the episode for future airings, online and on the AMC app. (Hollywood Reporter)

Study: Video Streaming Is "Approaching Saturation". The group predicts that within five years, annual domestic growth will fall below 8 percent, making international expansion imperative for services looking for faster growth. Just as CBS, Showtime, HBO and others are ramping up their digital efforts to compete against the likes of Netflix, a study on Wednesday says the U.S. video streaming market is "approaching saturation." In 2016, video streaming revenue will increase 22 percent to $6.62 billion, but the $1.19 billion rise over the previous year marks the first time growth will have actually shrunk. The year before that, growth was $1.21 billion, according to Strategy Analytics. "Although the change in increase is relatively small, its direction is extremely significant," said Michael Goodman, the research firm's digital media director. "It shows that, whilst actual market saturation is a few years off yet, the domestic U.S. streaming subscription market is now on the backside of the adoption curve." The group predicts that in 2017 the growth will fall to $1.04 billion, the year after that it will shrink to $1.03 billion, the next year it will fall to $960 million, and so on. Within five years, annual domestic growth will fall below 8 percent, making international expansion imperative for services looking for faster growth. Nearly 60 percent of U.S. broadband households subscribe to a video streaming service already, and Strategy Analytics figures full market saturation is at 85 percent. Netflix dominates, with 53 percent of the subscription market, followed by Amazon Prime Video at 25 percent and Hulu with 13 percent. Nearly 40 percent of subscribers use two services or more. "Growth relies on cannibalizing other services or getting people to subscribe to more than one -- and companies seem to be betting on the latter," said Goodman. "Most of the new services being launched today are in the $2-$5 range -- clearly designed to be complementary to a Netflix or Amazon." Strategy Analytics estimates that Americans will spend $19.09 billion on home video formats in 2016, representing a 3.6 percent gain over 2015. Besides the $6.62 billion in streaming services, the rest will come from DVD sales (down 7 percent to $5.8 billion), DVD rentals (down 10 percent to $2.8 billion), buying downloads (up 17 percent to $2.2 billion) and downloading to rent (down 5 percent to $1.8 billion). The entire paid home video market in the U.S., which includes advertising, will rise 8.3 percent in 2016 to $27.3 billion, according to the study. (Hollywood Reporter)

That Heartbreaking Game Of Thrones Episode Was Accidentally Leaked Early By HBO -- Find Out What Happened! Now that's a twist we didn't see coming! Sunday night's episode of Game Of Thrones included a mind-blowing revelation that shocked the entire fandom -- well, MOST of them, anyway! Some fans already had the chance to watch the latest episode of the HBO fantasy series -- because it was leaked online a day early by none other than HBO itself! According to reports, the episode was accidentally released early on the HBO Nordic platform "due to a technical issue" and was shortly after taken down. But just like when the Night King sensed Bran's presence, it was far too late for the premium cable network -- and the army of White Walkers fans ripped the episode and leaked it online. A network spokesperson told Variety: "Upon learning of the incident, we used the available means to limit further access to the episode." (By "available means" they mean they poisoned downloaders' wine!) At first, the copies were low quality, but TorrentFreak reports soon after a high definition version was widely circulated on the torrent and streaming sites. Since GoT has been the most pirated show on television over the past few years, it's no surprise fans were so quick to capitalize on the network's error. (Perez Hilton)

Erin Andrews will return to the CMT Music Awards as co-host for the second year in a row. And surprise! NFL star JJ Watt will also perform the role of a master of ceremonies. On Wednesday, CMT announced that the sportscaster and Dancing with the Stars personality will team up with the Houston Texans defensive end for the June 8 award show. "I'm thrilled to come back to Nashville to co-host the CMT Music Awards," Andrews said in a statement. "I had so much fun last year, and I can't wait to see what antics JJ and I will get into together. Plus, there's nothing better than seeing my favorite country artists get recognized for their great work." While Andrews is a TV veteran on the sidelines and in the ballroom, the CMT bash marks Watt's first hosting gig. "Having presented at the CMT Awards last year, I got a first-hand look at the energy and excitement of the event and I am very excited to be involved in a much larger capacity this year as co-host," Watt shared. "There are two things that I know about the people of Nashville... they love country music and they know how to throw a party. When you put those two things together, it makes for one heck of a night. I can't wait to host the awards with Erin and be part of such a great night, honoring the biggest stars in country music." Not only did CMT announce this year's co-hosts, but the network also revealed some of the A-list names who will be presenting. Actors Vince Vaughn, Rob Riggle, Joey Lauren Adams and Madison Iseman are set to announce the winners along with NASCAR driver Danica Patrick and country artists Charles Kelley, Cole Swindell, Dan+Shay and Kellie Pickler. In addition, the award show will feature a special pop-country mash up of "Work From Home" by Fifth Harmony and Cam. The first slate of performers was announced one week ago. Fan voting continues until June 6 at 12:01 a.m. ET. The 2016 CMT Music Awards will air live June 8 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. (People)

TV Ratings: 'Voice' and 'Dancing' Finales Go Low. The dueling reality competitions top Tuesday evening, albeit with end-of-cycle lows. NBC topped the last Tuesday of the 2015-16 season with the finale of The Voice, easily besting its closest competition -- ABC's Dancing With the Stars. But both series closed their spring cycles with finale lows. The Voice was down the most, year over year, averaging a 2.1 rating among adults 18-49 and 10.4 million viewers. Dancing With the Stars, airing in the same two-hour block, logged a 1.6 rating in the key demo and 10.3 million viewers. ABC paired Dancing With the Stars with the season finales of Fresh Off the Boat (1.3 adults) and The Real O'Neals (1.0 adults). Another Price is Right primetime special aired on CBS, netting a 1.1 rating in the key demo before back-to-back episodes of Person of Interest (0.9 adults). Fox saw the return of Hotel Hell pull a 0.8 rating with adults 18-49, while Coupled held steady (and low) with a 0.5 rating in the key demo. The Flash finale nabbed a 1.2 rating among adults 18-49 on the CW, partnered with a new episode of Containment (0.5 adults). (Hollywood Reporter)

Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley will reunite again, for the ninth time to be exact, for country music's biggest night! The country stars will co-host the 2016 CMA Awards, the 50th anniversary of the event, live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville on Nov. 2. Paisley announced the news on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Tuesday, while Underwood also revealed it on social media. The two have received rave reviews for their past hosting appearances, during which they showcased and much onscreen chemistry. "I really enjoy hosting the CMA Awards with Brad," Underwood said in a statement. "Of course we have fun up there, but we take the responsibility of honoring the best artists in the format and shining a positive light on Country Music very seriously. And this year, the bar will be even higher as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the CMA Awards. I can't wait." "I look forward to hosting the CMA Awards each year," Paisley added. "Carrie and I have certainly hit our stride in terms of balancing humor and a genuine respect for the nominees and winners. This year the stakes are higher than ever as we honor the legacy and traditions of the past 50 years. We will give it everything we've got." Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, said "the broadcast is in great hands with Brad and Carrie." The longest-running CMA Awards host is Vince Gill, who has hosted the ceremony 12 times, including 10 times on his own. The 2016 CMA Awards will air live on ABC on Nov. 2 at 8 p.m. ET. ( Eonline)

Mariska Hargitay's Olivia Benson plays several different roles for many different people. She's the boss of the Special Victims Unit, she's mom to Noah, girlfriend to Tucker (yeah, get used to it), and hero to all (including viewers) on Law & Order: SVU. She's taken her licks and gotten back up time after time, so season 17, which Hargitay called a "huge," year for Benson, is no different. "For me it's been a balancing act. Balancing being the boss, balancing being reintegrated after the 'Townhouse Incident' and balancing motherhood and priorities -- keeping all the balls in the air is what's so hard. Having Noah and feeling like I have so many kids," she told E! News on set of the SVU season 17 finale. Benson may have one child of her own, but she also has her work kids in the form of her elite squad of detectives. "You're like the den mother I feel like," she said. The character has been "pulled in every direction" this year while battling her "own inner demons." "And having to have this front because [Benson] can't let on to the squad or anybody about what I think 'Townhouse Incident' did internally. So, can't catch a break," she said. In "Townhouse Incident," gunmen took Hargitay's Benson hostage after she went to check on a family her babysitter also works for. Naturally, it brought back memories of the terror wrought by William Lewis (Pablo Schreiber). Did the tragic experiences of season 17 undo all the work Benson's done in therapy with Dr. Lindstrom (Bill Irwin)? "I think that the Lewis stuff that happened informed her responses here because I felt that she was different. I hope she was different. And with any therapy it's always growth in general, right? It's two steps forward, one step back. Two steps forward, three steps back," Hargitay said. "That's what I love about her. This character is indeed flawed and trying to figure it out, making mistakes and shifting from being solely focused on the victim to balancing the business of it, and being a boss and a leader... Again, she's pulled in every direction and trying to figure out what to do." The challenge of it all is what keeps Hargitay interested, and 17 seasons in that is a feat. "I think what Warren [Leight] and I both value -- and Julie [Martin] -- is evolution of character. I feel like Olivia Benson just isn't the same as she was before. This year I think she's almost learned what she can handle. I think that, all this -- the last couple of years of growing into lieutenant and doing that -- now I feel like she is, she can handle that... I feel like [Benson has] finally grown into that sort of leader, that's what I feel like this year is about, is not being afraid of her leadership and her power and accepting who she is, where she is and what you have to do to be a leader and how it's literally lonely at the time. I feel like it's really lonely and she's been lonely and alone. It's been elements of her and them." But it's not always lonely at the top: Enter Tucker (Robert John Burke). "And then enter Tucker which has been such a game-changer for me because not only is he as powerful -- she's such a powerful character -- to have somebody that energetically matches her has been incredible. But also have somebody that understands because he's even more complicated and a leader more than her," she said. "He's so masculine and so strong and so powerful that she can [exhale] because he's that, so [Benson] gets to be a different color." With Tuckson, as fans call the relationship between the two characters, viewers have seen a new side of Benson. One that's worried some, especially a scene in which Hargitay's character pours herself more wine and another where Tucker comments on her drinking. "I think it was a moment, not even a lot. I think it was a moment and that was about, again, external manifestation of what was going on inside, the balancing, but I think it was a moment," she said. "It was a moment." Viewers will recalls Benson's mother was an alcoholic and died after drunkenly falling down a flight of stairs. "It was a moment and that is why she will never. That's not her issue, it was a moment. I really think it was about -- it was a moment, we'll leave it at that. Nothing to worry about," she said. To say SVU, which his going into season 18, has had a huge impact on Hargitay is an understatement and something she never saw coming when she strapped on the gun and the badge for the first time. "No, never in a million years and I'll tell you, that's truly why I'm still here. My heart -- I just was actually emailing with Dick [Wolf] today -- because my heart is so in it and I am so committed, not only because of the show, but I feel so grateful to be an actor and doing every single day what I love to do. So I feel grateful in that, but also, obviously, how the show has changed lives and how it's inspired me to start Joyful Heart. And each year the way I see the society truly changing," she said. "I really think that things are shifting and awareness is shifting...That sort of reinvests me and reinvigorates me. "It's a very powerful show that is dealing with such important and real, current issues that are potentially life-saving. So I don't know if it gets better than that," she said with a laugh. "Right? Now the Foundation and the show have such a beautiful marriage. They completely support each other and it's been so important telling these stories and then continuing the work in real life with our advocacy and changing laws, changing societal attitudes and hopefully cleaning up the rape kit backlog." Law & Order: SVU airs Wednesdays, 9 p.m. on NBC. The season finale airs Wednesday, May 25 with new episodes returning this fall in the same time slot. (Eonline)

The Americans Renewed for Final 2 Seasons by FX. We've got good news and some bad news, comrades. The Americans was just picked up for two more seasons by FX. Huzzah! But they will also be the final two seasons, the network announced on Wednesday. Boo! The critically acclaimed spy drama, which stars Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, will conclude its fourth season on June 8, with a 12-episode fifth season set to debut in 2017, and The Americans will end its mission with a 10-episode sixth and final season in 2018. It's hard to believe we're heading into the final stretch on The Americans, and we're so grateful to know we'll be telling the story to its conclusion," bosses Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg said in a statement. "The best part of the last four years has been the intensive and fruitful collaboration with all of the people who make this show-the teams at FX, Fox 21 Television Studios, FX Productions and Amblin, our amazing cast, crew, and production team and our fellow writers. It's a lot of people putting their hearts and souls into The Americans, at this point for a lot of years. We're looking forward to the final two." And while The Americans will be coming to an end, FX Productions has closed new overall deals with Fields and Weisberg to develop their next series. "Through its first four seasons, critics have lauded The Americans as one of the best shows on television and, remarkably, a series that keeps getting better every year," FX president Eric Schrier said in a statement. "All credit for that achievement goes to everyone who has worked on the show, and especially Co-Showrunners Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields, Graham Yost, our brilliant stars Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Noah Emmerich, Allison Wright, Holly Taylor, Annet Mahendru and the ensemble cast for their incomparable performances every season. We have no doubt that this two-season order will allow Joe and Joel to tell this story to its perfect conclusion. On behalf of our producing partners at Fox 21 Television Studios and Amblin TV, we look forward to a brilliant final act of the Jennings family saga." Fox 21 Television Studios President Bert Salke also added, "I echo the sentiments of our friends at FX in congratulating Joe, Joel and everyone at The Americans on creating one of the most critically acclaimed, thought provoking and spectacularly acted television shows ever to be broadcast. It remains our privilege to partner with FX Productions on this series, and while we are already mourning the eventual end, we are grateful to FX for this generous two-season pickup that enables the show to go out on its own terms and gives the creators time to craft a final stretch as satisfying as the show itself." The Americans airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on FX. (Eonline)