ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 

Seth Meyers Is Adorably Clueless About Raising a Baby. Ah, the joys of parenthood. Late Night host Seth Meyers and his wife, Alexi Ashe, welcomed a baby, Ashe Olsen Meyers, on Easter Sunday. Transitioning to life as a family of three seemed easy -- until the first-time parents suffered their "first terrible night of sleep" Wednesday, that is. "It was just this little chirper next to the bed all night. It's like a car starting, instead of the sound of an engine finally turning over, it's just a wail -- it's siren's wail. You just immediately think, 'Oh, please don't fully start screaming,'" Seth, 42, said Thursday. "But that was the choice he often made." Ashe "was quiet the first couple of nights," and Seth prays that will be the norm. But perhaps it's just wishful thinking on his part. "I think last night was probably the outlier and he'll go back to quiet tomorrow. I'm really looking forward to that. That's what they say with babies: You have one bad night and then everybody figures it out. I even said to him a few times, 'This isn't great," the Primetime Emmy Award winner joked. "I feel like I got through to him." Oh, Seth. You have so much to learn. It'll make sense once you've had some rest. After his son's birth, Seth returned to TV Tuesday. He detailed his wife's delivery ("You don't know how close you were to having a baby born in your Uber!") and also revealed that his son's name is a tribute to the two most important women in his life: Ashe is Alexi's maiden name, and Olsen is Seth's mom's maiden name. Anticipating possible criticism, he added, "A couple of people have said to us, 'Ashe Olsen -- do you think people will think you named him after Ashley Olsen?' And to them I said, 'No one will think that because I've long been a Mary-Kate guy.'" (Eonline)

Chris Hemsworth Says He's a Feminist, "for Sure." As if fans needed another reason to swoon over Chris Hemsworth... The 32-year-old Australian hottie, who stars in the new Ghostbusters reboot and The Huntsman: Winter's War, revealed in an interview with The Radio Times in the U.K. Wednesday that he considers himself a feminist. "Oh yeah, for sure," Hemsworth said, adding, "My mum's a big feminist. I think that my views on things, as far as respect for women and so on, came from my mum. My dad has a very balanced and respectful view on a lot of things too. They were huge positive influences in my life." And the next generation of Hemsworths is set to receive a similar education; the actor and wife Elsa Pataky are parents to a 3-year-old daughter, India, and 2-year-old twin sons Sasha and Tristan. In his interview with The Radio Times, Hemsworth also touted the "badass female characters" in The Huntsman: Winter's War, a prequel to Snow White and the Huntsman, which is set for release on April 22. Charlize Theron reprises her role as the Evil Queen Ravenna, while Emily Blunt plays her sister and Ice Queen Freya and Jessica Chastain plays Sara, a warrior and Hemsworth's partner. "I think the balance has been tipped for a long time heavily in the men's direction," the actor told The Radio Times about the film. "There are seven to eight male superheroes and one female in there. This is the opposite." "It's exciting to be part of something like that," he added. "But it's a funny conversation to even have, because of course it should be that way. Of course it should be equal." The new Ghostbusters has an all-female main cast and is set for release on July 15. Hemsworth plays a role often played by a man: A receptionist. "[It's] a heavily female thing, which is really cool," he told The Radio Times about the movie. "I didn't plan it, I'm just happy to be a part of it." (Eonline)

Sam Smith Is Dating Model Jay Camilleri. Sam Smith is off the market! The "Writing's on the Wall" singer is dating model Jay Camilleri, E! News confirms. "They've been spending a lot of time together. They are enjoying getting to know each other. They get along really well and are having fun together," a source tells us. Although they've recently started dating, nothing has become super official. "They are not in an exclusive relationship as of yet," says the insider, but adds that Camilleri is a devoted person and most likely isn't seeing anyone else while spending time with the British crooner. A rep for Smith couldn't be reached for comment. The 23-year-old singer told E! News in the fall that he never had been in a relationship before because of the difficulties navigating fame and personal life. "I've never had a boyfriend so I don't really know any different, which I think is very lucky actually," he shared with us. "I'm still learning on what's right and what's normal in dates." He continued, "I think with anyone, you have to learn how to trust people and there's different challenges and hurdles in my life now but I'm trying to remain as normal as I was before." But with such a crazy year -- he did nab a Golden Globe and an Oscar for his James Bond theme song -- Smith decided he was ready for a break. "Now you've decided to just take a year off and do nothing?" Ellen DeGeneres asked him when he appeared on her daytime talk show. "It's actually a really recent decision. This could change," the Grammy winner admitted. "I change my mind all the time, but I kind of decided a few months ago that I need to have a little bit of a break." And what was on the docket for his time off? "My music is so personal and I need to live my life," he declared. "I basically need to kiss some more boys so I can write some songs." Well, it looks like his he found his subject! (Eonline)

Hilary Duff Is Not Dating Her Personal Trainer Jason Walsh. Hilary Duff has definitely been spending some time with a certain guy lately, but it's not what you think. E! News has learned that although the actress has been spotted out and about with her personal trainer Jason Walsh, the twosome are not stepping into romantic territory, despite reports claiming otherwise. "They went to dinner. They weren't all over each other. He's her trainer and they hang out," a source tells E! News. "They are not dating. They hang out and they are friends." Duff and Walsh dined together at Petit Trois in Los Angeles earlier this week. The Younger star was dressed in black leather pants and stilettos, and arrived with Walsh at the Hollywood hotspot around 8:30 p.m. on his motorcycle. The duo stayed for nearly two hours. Meanwhile, the celeb and Mike Comrie's divorce has been finalized almost one year after filing. The two went through with court paperwork a full year after they announced that they were separating. Duff's rep released the following statement at the time of their split: "They remain best friends and will continue to be in each other's lives. They are dedicated to loving and parenting their amazing son, and ask for privacy at this time." And they've continuously proven that statement to be true. Just last week, the former couple got together to celebrate their son Luca's birthday. In several photos posted onto Snapchat Sunday afternoon, fans were able to go inside a family dinner party held at the home of Hilary's mom. "Family chaos at Mama Suz's house," Haylie Duff wrote as her baby girl Ryan was seen enjoying time with her auntie. Luca was later spotted riding a new scooter down the neighborhood streets. "You....are magic my little big boy," Hilary wrote on Instagram earlier in the day when showcasing a picture of her son. "Happy 4th birthday. My heart just explodes for you." (Eonline)

Brandi Glanville and Former Road Rules Star Theo Von Are Dating After Meeting Through Each Other's Podcasts. Spring is turning into quite the romantic season for Brandi Glanville. E! News can confirm that the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star and Theo Von have recently started seeing each other. "They met because they did each other's podcasts," a source revealed exclusively to E! News. "She did his, then he did her's. The romantic aspect is new." According to our insider, the pair has gone out a handful of times in private. The duo, however, was spotted Tuesday night at the Los Angeles premiere of Natural Born Pranksters. "He travels a lot because of his comedy schedule but they were spotted at his show tonight holding hands," our insider shared. "So far, it seems like they're really into each other." Perhaps the signs were all over Twitter when the pair playfully tweeted back and forth this week when discussing fashion of all things. "I think it's amazing that you are trying to bring parachute pants back all by urself! it's a bold&special move!I'm proud of U," the author of Drinking and Tweeting joked on Twitter. "Why can't designer pants be parachute? It's a 'style' & designers have made them you need to have a heart to heart with MC Hammer." Theo added, "These are designer pants not parachute. #Designer #NotttParachute." While fans may recognize Brandi from the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and Celebrity Apprentice, reality TV viewers likely know Theo as well from his time on MTV. Before touring the country -- and promoting his recently released Netflix comedy special NO OFFENSE -- the podcast host appeared on Road Rules and four of the Real World/Road Rules Challenges. As we keep our eyes on this romance just beginning, perhaps we have Dr. Darcy Sterling to thank. After all, she helped provide relationship advice to Brandi on the upcoming series Famously Single. Coincidence? We think not! (Eonline)

Iggy Azalea & Nick Young "Doing Well" After Alleged Cheating Video Controversy and "Mistake." Iggy Azalea and fiance Nick Young are "doing well" after weathering a "rough patch" and an ongoing controversy that has raised speculation he had cheated on her, E! News has learned. The rumors began last week after an online video showed the 30-year-old Los Angeles Lakers player watching television in a hotel room while talking about women with teammate D'Angelo Russell, 20, who appears to have filmed the clip. He asks Young about a 19-year-old woman he met at a club last summer. Young seems unaware he is being recorded. The 25-year-old rapper and Young, who have been dating since 2011 and recently postponed their wedding due to scheduling conflicts, have not commented directly on the rumors. Iggy had tweeted Wednesday, "Hmmm i see D Angelo Russell is trending... I actually liked his film. Thanks bro." A source close to Young told E! News exclusively that despite the controversy, Iggy and Young "are still doing well." "Nick and Iggy had a rough patch months ago and Nick got caught up in things he shouldn't have been dabbling in," another source said, adding that the men's conversation took place months ago as well. "This has not been an ongoing problem between Iggy and Nick though, just a mistake. Nick really loves Iggy." "Nick and Iggy have spoken today and they plan on talking more about what happened, why it happened and if they can get past this patch," the source added. Los Angeles Times Lakers writer Mike Bresnahan reported Wednesday afternoon that Russell has since apologized to Young, who accepted his apology. The two have not commented. The first source told E! News Young was "beyond furious" at Russell when he found out about the video. "That was his boy, his close friend and teammate," the source told E! News. "He went behind his back and taped this. Nick could care less who leaked it at this point in the game. He is more pissed at the fact it was even recorded without his knowledge. He wants to win for the Lakers so he is not gonna let this get involved with his career." "The only thing I'm disappointed about is that it got out," Lakers Head Coach Byron Scott told reporters, according to Fox Sports. "We're a family and we try to keep everything in-house. That's the only thing I'm disappointed about." (Eonline)

Dad, you're so embarrassing! Ashton Kutcher and his former That '70s Show costar Danny Masterson joined forces with James Corden on The Late Late Show on Wednesday, March 30 -- to debut their totally amazing new dad band! Introducing the bit, Corden explained to his audience that he's a huge boy band fan. "I love them all, I love One Direction, the Jonas Brothers, the Backstreet Boys and of course, the greatest boy band of all time, O-Town. But boy bands don't go away, they grow up. They start families and ultimately they become dads. They're not boy bands, they're dad bands," he continued, before welcoming his next musical guests, the Puff Daddies, singing their song "I'm a Dad." The unsuspecting crowd cheered the band, and then went wild when both Kutcher, 38, and Masterson, 40, took to the stage with the show host, plastic dolls strapped into baby carriers, and pushing strollers. "When I talk about my baby girl, I don't mean you," sang Kutcher, before the three of them broke into a totally stunning choreographed dance routine around their baby props. "I'm a dad," the trio warbled, not particularly tunefully! Later in the show, the two former castmates reminisced about their wild partying back in the days that they were filming their hit sitcom. "This was pre-TMZ, pre-cell phone cameras. You could wild out and nobody was going to take your pictures," Kutcher recalled. "I have more photos of commando Kutcher here, naked in a club, than anybody," joked Masterson. (US Weekly)

This is pretty damn funny ... if you're not NBA star Festus Ezeli. The Golden State Warriors star was targeted for a hilarious prank by some of his teammates, including Andre Iguodala and Klay Thompson ... who executed a plot to convince Festus he'd been cut from the team. It's all a part of Lyft's new "prank mode" -- which will allow people in L.A., NY and SF to pull pranks on their friends on April 1st using the Lyft app. Iguodala's plan involved a fake sports talk radio broadcast playing in the car ... in which the hosts broke news that Festus had just been fired from the Warriors. Several of FE's teammates sent texts saying it was nice working with him and wishing him luck in the future ... and you gotta see the look on Ezeli's face -- he's trying so hard not to get pissed. Don't worry ... Iguodala eventually reveals it's a prank ... and wait'll see you how Festus handles it. (TMZ)

Khloe Kardashian wants to let people know how she really feels about her brother Rob Kardashian's girlfriend Blac Chyna. On Wednesday's Kocktails with Khloe, Kardashian addressed a report that she and Blac Chyna recently got into a screaming match. She acknowledged that given her family dynamics, things are dramatic-her sister Kylie Jenner is dating Tyga, who shares a son with Blac Chyna. But Kardashian denied getting in a fight with Rob's girlfriend. "It sounds very dramatic, which it is, but I actually haven't seen Chyna in a few years," Kardashian, 31, said. "But her and I did not get into a fight. But I do love a good fight." Since dating Chyna, Rob lost weight and started going to public events with his girlfriend. A source week that she's helped him "come a long way" and that the relationship has "made a difference." Last week, a different source told PEOPLE that family matriarch Kris Jenner is "actually super stoked on them being together now," adding, "She feels like Rob was pulled out of his depression phase because of her." Kocktails with Khloe airs Wednesdays (10 p.m. ET) on FYI. (People)

Not what it looked like. Cleveland Cavaliers point guard Kyrie Irving finally took to Twitter to address the cheating rumors directed at Kehlani Parrish after she revealed she attempted suicide. In a series of since deleted tweets Irving insisted that he and Kehlani were not dating when musician PartyNextDoor posted a picture to Instagram of himself and the singer in bed together. And unlike his supposed friend Chris Brown, who threw shade on Kehlani in a bitter Twitter attack on Tuesday, March 29, Irving insisted he felt nothing but love for his ex, and hoped she and her family recovered quickly from the recent drama. "It's been hard to see what's been going on and not address the truth. I do not justify the picture or what dude did to try and spark all of this nonsense that could have been avoided, but me and Kehlani were not dating when the picture came out," the basketball player, 24, wrote. "It's unfortunate that it's received so much attention but it's become bigger because of a post that was misunderstood," he added. "Nothing but love and compassion over this way for her and her family," he continued. "My only focus the Game I love to play every night." In a post shared from her hospital bed, Kehlani, 20, also denied the cheating rumors. "No one was ever cheated on and I'm not a bad person," she insisted. "Everyone is hurt and everyone is in a place of misunderstanding." (US Weekly)

"Empire" and its co-creator Lee Daniels just scored a huge victory -- a judge shot down one of those many lawsuits claiming the idea for the show was jacked from someone else. A guy named Jon Astor-White said his show idea was called "King Solomon" ... about a Harvard educated black guy who starts a record label. He says he'd shopped it around Hollywood to some big names, although none directly connected to "Empire" ... which is the first thing a judge noticed. In a federal court ruling this week ... the judge pointed out Astor-White had no contact with "Empire" show runners, and also tore apart any alleged similarities between his show and Daniels'. For instance, Astor-White's show has no Cookie and his "Lucious" is NOT terminally ill. The judge was really offended by Astor-White saying his lead character's daughter was similar to Lucious' gay son, Jamal ... because "both [are] associated with the feminine gender." The judge said, "The court rejects this outdated and offensive stereotype." Case dismissed. (TMZ)

Nick Carter Sued for "Striking and Choking" Bouncer at Florida Bar. Nick Carter might have apologized for his bar fight and subsequent arrest, but his legal troubles aren't over. The bouncer whom the Backstreet Boys member fought is suing the singer for allegedly "striking and choking" him, according to court documents obtained by E! News. Skylar Carden alleges that after he requested Carter to leave the Hog's Breath Saloon multiple times as a result of his behavior, Carter refused and "became aggressive," turning to "physical force" to regain entry into the Key West, Florida, bar. "Nick Carter has shown the world that he is nothing more than a backstreet thug. Even though Nick Carter is a celebrity, he is no different from anyone else when it comes to respecting the rights of others," says Mark G. DiCowden, Carden's attorney, in a press release. "Mr. Carden was just doing his job to maintain order and didn't deserve to be attacked -- getting beaten up by patrons is not part of his job description." He adds, "Carter's backhanded apology in the form of a tweet was a crude attempt to control public relations and did nothing to address his remorse for the harm he caused Carden. No amount of fame or fortune justifies Carter's shameful and outrageous conduct. To send him that message and deter his misbehavior in the future, we will seek punitive damages against him as allowed by Florida law." The former Dancing With the Stars contestant was arrested and released from Monroe County Detention Center on a $1,500 bond about 10 days ago after being charged with misdemeanor battery. Carter pleaded not guilty and then released an apology on Twitter. "I am human and at times it can be a struggle to balance a healthy lifestyle," Carter tweeted a few days after his release. "I'm not perfect and for that I am sorry." "When we fall we have to get up and keep on walking," he added. "I hope you stay by my side and continue to walk with me." His arrest came two months after he and his wife, Lauren Kitt, announced they are expecting their first child together, a baby boy. E! News has reached out to Carter's rep for comment. UPDATE: Prosecutors will drop Nick Carter's battery charges if the singer completes 25 hours of community service in the next six months, E! News has learned. As for his civil lawsuit brought on from the bouncer of a Florida bar, that case is still ongoing. (Eonline)

Brandy is suing a record label that she says has refused to allow her to release new music. The Grammy-winning singer sued Chameleon Entertainment Group in Los Angeles Superior Court on Tuesday, claiming it won't allow her to record or release new music in an attempt to get her to sign a new recording deal. The suit says Brandy signed with Chameleon in 2011, which released her album "Two Eleven" in 2012. The deal gave Chameleon the option to release four more Brandy records, but her suit says the label refused to allow her to record a new album. The lawsuit says Brandy terminated her contract with Chameleon but wants a judge's ruling that it is void. An email sent to Chameleon seeking comment was not immediately returned Wednesday. (Page Six)

A NYC photographer is going after a t-shirt company for taking one of his final shots of Aaliyah before her death ... and slapping it on t-shirts with a Warhol twist. Eric Johnson says he did the photo shoot with the R&B star in 2001 ... shortly before she died that year. In his lawsuit, he says a company called Rocksmith is using his iconic pic without permission. Johnson says this is especially disturbing since he has his own t-shirt line featuring photos of Aaliyah and other celebs he's shot over the years. He's pissed about the competition, but the docs also include a jab about Rocksmith's tees being poor quality. His concern seems to be the competition's trying to undercut him with cheaper, lower quality gear. He's suing for damages and to get Rocksmith shut down, stat. Earlier this year, Johnson also sued a GA company, Fvmous, for jacking a different Aaliyah pic for its own line. (TMZ)

Randy Meisner is an alcoholic with serious mental health issues, and the people closest to him are only enabling his downward spiral ... according to a family friend. James Newton filed docs to get a temporary conservator appointed by the court to care for the ex Eagles rocker -- specifically someone specializing in mental health. Newton's filing includes medical documents saying Meisner has a history of consuming about a pint of vodka per day. He believes Randy's risk of doing harm to himself has been greatly increased since the death of his wife. Newton -- who tried to become Randy's conservator last year -- says he's not lobbying for the role this time around ... he's just worried Randy will put unqualified friends in the position. As we've reported, Randy's filed his own docs to appoint a friend and business manager as conservators. (TMZ)

One day after her death, Patty Duke's son Sean Astin has said that his mother was "at peace" when she died. "She was surrounded by her family. It was in the middle of the night and it was a race to get there," Astin, 45, told Entertainment Tonight. "It was a very powerful experience. And then, in her last moments, she was at peace." Duke died on Tuesday, after a battle with sepsis that was a result of a ruptured intestine, which Astin told ET had left his 69-year-old mother "suffering terribly." Following her death, Astin took to Instagram paying tribute to the actress in a heartfelt post alongside a picture showing Duke holding him as a baby. "This morning, our beloved wife, mother, grandmother, matriarch and the exquisite artist, humanitarian, and champion for mental health, Anna PATTY DUKE Pearce, closed her eyes, quieted her pain and ascended to a beautiful place," he wrote alongside the pic. The Goonies and The Lord of the Rings star also started a CrowdRise mental health project in his mother's memory, as she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1982. In his tribute, Astin referred to his mom as a "tireless warrior" and detailed how she worked and lobbied for mental health awareness, which he now wants to continue. (People)

Garry Shandling will achieve monk status in an elaborate Buddhist funeral the comedian planned before his death. He was never very vocal about it, but Garry was a devout Buddhist and sources close to him tell us he secretly made arrangements -- with the help of a longtime employee -- to honor his spirituality with a very specific ceremony. We're told the decedent is dressed in casual clothes and gets ordained as a monk by having his head symbolically shaved by another monk. He's then laid to rest with a card detailing the "Five Precepts of Buddha." Finally, a monk leads a chant while the congregation lights incense to help guide the spirit to the next life. It's unclear if Garry will be buried or cremated -- both are acceptable in Buddhism. We're told -- true to Shandling's Jewish roots -- food will be served afterward while close friends begin a period of mourning ... which lasts 49 days for Buddhists. We're told the small, private ceremony will go down next month. (TMZ)

THE OTHER STUFF . . .

Adorable Suri Cruise has inherited her father's exacting standards. The 9-year-old fired her music teacher over "creative differences," Page Six has learned. When the daughter of Tom Cruise and Holmes went backstage with her mom after a performance of Broadway's "School of Rock: The Musical" on Tuesday night, we hear the show's star Alex Brightman asked the precocious pre-'tween if she played an instrument. Suri is said to have replied that she "used to play the guitar," but had parted ways with her teacher. "She said she was 'a very nice person,' but that it didn't work out," according to our source. (Page Six)

Ryan Reynolds has opened up about the moment he fell in love with Blake Lively and it's like something out of a rom-com... We already knew that these two were the definition of #relationshipgoals: they're always smiling when they're together, their chemistry is palpable and not to mention they're both super-hot. But Ryan's recent interview with Entertainment Weekly Radio has just topped it all off... In the interview, Ryan explains how he and Blake started out as friends, saying: "We were buddies for a long time, which I think is the best way to have a relationship, to start as friends." And their first date? It was a double one... "About a year after Green Lantern had come and gone and we were both single we went on a double date-she was on a date with another guy and I was on a date with another girl," Ryan recalled. He continued: "It was like the most awkward date for the respective parties because we were just like fireworks coming across." These two are SO perfect we can't handle it. (British Glamour)

Sisters that spa together! Britney Spears and younger sister Jamie Lynn enjoyed a relaxing day of massages and pampering on Wednesday. "Best spa day with the best little sister," Spears, 34, sweetly captioned a photo of the both of them wearing white robes while standing near a massage bed. The "Oops I Did It Again" singer has been vacationing with her family-including sons Sean, 10, and Jayden, 9-in Hawaii for the past couple of days. Spears kicked off her sunny getaway by posing in her tiny, blue bikini, all while showcasing her stellar abs. The "Work Bitch" singer is currently taking advantage of the time off she has from her Las Vegas show Piece of Me, which she revamped with new costumes, choreography and an updated set list earlier this year. (People)

Jay Z is using his subscription-based -- streaming-music service Tidal to get into the movie business -- and will soon be offering original films to subscribers, Page Six can exclusively reveal. Multiple sources confirmed to us that the service is in negotiations with movie-industry executives, for a partnership to create films for Tidal, with a focus on the artists signed to the streaming service. Tidal has already put in a request to Apple for approval to add movie streaming to their app, we're told, and the service could be up and running as early as June. One source told us, "Tidal has upset everybody in the music business, the labels, Apple and [Interscope founder] Jimmy Iovine, and now it is taking on Netflix and Hulu. "The movie service will feature original content as well as acquired films. Tidal hopes to work with an indie studio or producer on a partnership to create original movies." We're told that preliminary talks have been underway with the Weinstein Co., plus Tidal will also be working with other producers, including Irv Gotti, to acquire original movies. The move will create movie stars out of the talent signed to Tidal. Meanwhile, Kanye West has reportedly been developing a film script with Bret Easton Ellis, while Rihanna has already appeared in "Battleship" and recently voiced the lead in Dreamworks' animated "Home." Jay is also in talks about producing an upcoming movie. Tidal hit its one-year anniversary this week. The service boasts a reported 3 million members and 20 artist-owners, including Lil Wayne, T.I., Damian Marley, as well as Kanye, RiRi and Jay. Kanye's latest album, "The Life of Pablo," was streamed 250 million times in its first 10 days last month, and added a million new subscribers to the service. Beyonce's new album is expected to drop in the next two months. Insiders also say that recent reports claiming Samsung was in talks to buy Tidal are false, and the talks were in fact over a marketing deal. Reps for Tidal and Jay declined to comment. (Page Six)

Despite her bitter custody battle over teen son Rocco with her ex, Guy Ritchie, Madonna was "in a great mood" when she arrived at 11 p.m. at Omar's in the West Village on Tuesday night with Givenchy designer Riccardo Tisci. Spies said she came in a "flowing white dress" and was "makeup-free." Madge and Tisci headed to a back room, where they met up with R&B singer Maxwell and "several male models." One spy added, "She asked the chef to prepare special pasta for her with veggies, which was not on the menu." Maxwell DJ'd and got people dancing to his own tunes. Around 1:30 a.m., he put on Madonna's "Like a Prayer." The group stayed until 3 a.m. Madonna posted a pic with Tisci and the caption, "2 Italian Leo's .?.?. Don't mistake our kindness for weakness." She won a round in her custody battle with Ritchie when a UK judge this month granted her motion to halt hearings in London so the case could continue in New York. He asked the parents to "find an amicable resolution." But, this week, Ritchie headed to the Maldives with Rocco, not New York. (Page Six)

The Real Lamar Odom Story: The Latest on His Recovery and What Actually Happened at That Bar. Lamar Odom's decision this past weekend to hang out at a bar and drink alcohol has raised a lot of questions. Particularly questions such as whether he's serious not only about recovering from the physical damage inflicted by his overdose at a Nevada brothel following a three-day drug binge, but about turning his life around as well. The owner of the Irish-themed Johnny O'Brien's confirmed to E! News that Odom turned up at around midnight on Saturday evening and hung out with three male friends. The former NBA star ordered three mixed drinks for his buddies and a cognac for himself, his only drink of the night, and tipped well. The 6-foot-10 athlete's presence definitely prompted other patrons to turn around and have a look, and a bunch of paparazzi were out front to capture him leaving, but otherwise it was said to be a drama-free night. "He was in a good mood, smiling and laughing with his friends, but they stayed for just an hour and left around 1 a.m.," the owner said. Odom's comeback from a near-death experience has been described by those close to him as nothing short of a miracle. It's now been almost six months since that terrifying October night in Nevada, and when he appeared alongside the Kardashian family at Kanye West's Yeezy Season 3 show last month... he looked almost as if nothing had ever happened. But that's hardly the case. After waking up from a coma and spending a week in the ICU of a Las Vegas hospital, he was transferred to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where the long road to rehabilitation began. First he had to learn how to swallow on his own, breath without an oxygen mask and regain movement in his fingers and hands. A source tells E! News, "Every time we would think he had hit a milestone, he would revert back again. It was a heartbreaking process. We didn't know if he would be left with permanent brain damage or whether he'd be able to walk again. Let alone be able to string a sentence together. It's incredible how far he's come. "It's been an extremely long process, but he's getting there." But cue the skeptics after TMZ posted pics Tuesday of Odom at Johnny O'Brien's, hours before attending Easter services with Khloe Kardashian and her family on Sunday morning. Multiple sources tell E! News, however, that Odom remains serious about recovery and is not relapsing with alcohol. "Lamar has no issues with drinking," one insider tells us. "He was not drunk or out of control after his bar visit. He is well aware of what he is doing and he is not going to f--k it up. Khloe supports him and is still taking care of him. She is really pleased with how well he is recovering." That being said, another source says that Khloe "obviously" wasn't happy about him being at the bar, but she knew he was going to be there with friends. "He wasn't trying to hide it from her," the source said. "Khloe is really trying to help Lamar get his life back but doesn't want to make him feel like she's controlling him or make him feel suffocated. She continues to support him through the recovery process and, since he does have a history with addiction, she is worried but isn't going to intervene unless it turns into a problem." His recovery to this point is indeed due in large part to having Khloe by his side for support. She jetted to Vegas as soon as she heard about his overdose and stayed nearby throughout until he was transported back to L.A. -- where she continued to be a frequent presence at the hospital. Right before the incident the exes were barely talking and their divorce was days away from being finalized (in fact, for all intents and purposes they were referred to as divorced, but the papers were still in line to be stamped due to a backlog at the courthouse). Khloe, who was initially in charge of making major medical decisions for Lamar, put the divorce on hold indefinitely so they could focus on his health. Odom finally left Cedars in January and moved back to Calabasas to be near Khloe and her family while undergoing further rehabilitation and physical therapy. He's now in a rented house in the same gated community where Khloe and Kourtney Kardashian have homes and he's back to holding conversations and walking without aid. We're told that, mentally, he's focused on moving forward and his mobility is improving. A source says he's much more stable and requires fewer breaks when he's working out with his physical therapist. He's maintaining a proper diet as well and his "attitude is also more positive and brighter towards life," the source adds. "It's incredible," says another insider. "It's as if the accident never happened. He almost died and came back the same person. We are all so happy and grateful. Eventually Lamar hopes he might even be able to play basketball again. That's what he is working towards. And no one has more determination than Lamar. His recovery is a testament to his incredible spirit and drive." Meanwhile, Khloe's not-that-cryptic tweets would suggest she's still struggling with Lamar's decision-making process. "I hate this feeling.... Helpless," she wrote Tuesday, following the sorrowful sentiment with two re-tweets from pastor and televangelist Joel Osteen: "When something doesn't work out your way, it doesn't mean God has failed you. It means He's planning something better" and "When you have faith despite how the situation looks, God will move heaven and earth to do what He promised." But despite the bar outing and what it looks like, one source also insists that it is not an indicator of Lamar sliding backwards. "No," the source says, "he is not spiraling out of control. His trip to the bar was literally his way of trying to gain some semblance of a normal life. He wants to try and get out there a little more and get back to a regular schedule." Because he may look strong, but his life is in no way back to normal yet. "Lamar's life now means he spends almost all his time in his house," the source says. "He will go over to Khloe's and have dinner with her, but it's not simple to just go out to a restaurant or a shop. He does have security with him, but moving around isn't as easy as before. "He has some good days and bad days. It's a process." The source added, "As far as I am aware he has not been drinking. He was at the bar with his security guard, who Khloe knows very well. "He was not hanging at a club or partying. He was trying to blend in with the crowd. His friends are not worrying about him. Everyone knows Lamar is determined to get back to where he was and he will do whatever it takes to get there." And he continues to rely heavily on Khloe and the built-in Kardashian support system. "He is still hanging out with Khloe all the time," a source said. "They are still extremely close. I have no idea if they will ever officially get back together, but they are both working toward the same goal -- and that's for Lamar to be healthy and make a full recovery." (Eonline)

Lamar Odom Returns to Los Angeles Lakers Court to Watch His Former Team Play Miami Heat. There's one especially familiar face at the Los Angeles Lakers game. Former purple-and-gold forward Lamar Odom stepped back into Staples Center to root on his old team and pal Kobe Bryant as they play the Miami Heat, in what is one of the Black Mamba's last games of his career. Odom, who was dressed casually in a gray hoodie and camouflage sweats, was a special guest on behalf of his longtime friend and former teammate. "Kobe Bryant left two tickets for Lamar Odom to attend Wednesday night's game vs the Miami Heat. Odom is expected to attend, according to sources," an ESPN reporter tweeted earlier Wednesday night. And standing at 6-foot-10-inches, it didn't take long for LO to be spotted by fans at the game. Lamar has seemed in progressively good spirits lately. Over the holiday weekend, Odom was spotted arriving at an Easter church service with Khloe Kardashian. The 36-year-old athlete has never been photographed attending holiday church services with the family before, but Khloe and the rest of her famous family have been helping him on his road to recovery since he was hospitalized for an overdose in October. In February, Lamar accompanied Khloe and her family to New York, during which they attended Kanye West's Yeezy Season 3 fashion show, which marked Odom's first celebrity appearance since his health scare. And while it was such a pleasure seeing him up and out then, there's something extra special about seeing Odom step foot back in Staples again. (Eonline)

Piers Morgan Can't Stop Talking About Kim Kardashian Taking Her Top Off, Declares Feminism Is Dead. As we're sure you're aware, Kim Kardashian West and new pal Emily Ratajkowski brought back the black censor bars and went totally topless with a new Instagram pic posted on Wednesday! And, to no surprise, Piers Morgan has returned to the conversation with his two cents! ICYMI: the 51-year-old penned an extensive essay after Kim's first controversial nude selfie slamming the KUWTK star for being an attention-seeker and "aging parody." In his response to the newest selfie where KKW and the supermodel are seen flipping the bird with their tops off, the television host declares feminism officially dead. Wow! That's quite the claim... Sidenote: We're certain suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst never envisioned being brought into this particular conversation -- let alone in a side-by-side with a topless reality star! LOLz. Morgan continued: On Thursday, he continued the conversation: Hmmm. Wednesday was also ironically Morgan's birthday... maybe this selfie was a special birthday present?! LOL. LOTS of opinions here, folks -- so what do you make of them?? Are Kim and Emily taking a stand for women, or are they just looking for attention? SOUND OFF in the comments! (Perez Hilton)

Designer Zac Posen's personal e-mail was hacked Tuesday, and a message was sent to his friends begging for money. The hacker wrote to them, "I traveled to Manila, Philippines .?.?. and my credit card is been declined .?.?. I cannot withdraw money from my account due to some limitation problem. Pls I need you to loan me some money till I return .?.?. I can send you details on how to transfer the money." But a not-broke Posen was safely in New York at the time, posting an Instagram picture of his atelier. (Page Six)

Hollywood heir Brandon Davis is mastering the art of the plea deal -- we've learned he just dodged jail in his DUI arrest. We're told Davis, aka Greasy Bear, pled no contest to a DUI charge for his single car wreck last October. As we reported, his blood alcohol level that night was almost twice the legal limit. The heir to the Marvin Davis fortune was facing up to 6 months in jail, but got off with 36 months' probation, 10 days community labor and 6 months in an alcohol treatment program. He's previously pled guilty to felony coke possession and no contest to a battery charge in 2011. He skated with a drug diversion program. Of course, he'll have to keep his nose clean during his 3 years' probation, which ain't always easy ... as his nemesis Lindsay Lohan knows. Fun Fact: We're coming up on the 10th anniversary of "firecrotch." (TMZ)

Music

Kimberly Perry to Co-Host E! News' 2016 ACM Awards Red Carpet. The 2016 Academy of Country Music Awards are about to get a whole lot better! Kimberly Perry will serve as the co-host for E! News' red carpet coverage Sunday night from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The Band Perry singer will be on the red carpet rubbing shoulders with country music's biggest names like Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Chris Young, Little Big Town, Chris Janson and many, many more. Luke Bryan, who won Entertainer of the Year in 2015, and Dierks Bentley will be co-hosting the awards show together for the first time. This marks Bryan's fourth consecutive turn hosting the evening affair, however. Impressive! Several stars are expected to take center stage and perform during the 2016 ACM Awards, including Kelsea Ballerini, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban and Carrie Underwood. And as if that wasn't enough to make country music fans go wild with excitement, the one and only Dolly Parton is slated to perform a duet with Katy Perry. Parton will also be honored with the Tex Ritter Award for her TV movie Dolly Parton's Coat of Many Colors, which aired on NBC in 2015. Three other lucky winners have already been announced ahead of Sunday night's big show. Ballerini was named the New Female Vocalist of the Year, Stapleton took home the award for New Male Vocalist of the Year and Old Dominion was deemed the New Vocal Duo of the Year. Congratulations to all and get ready for quite an unforgettable 2016 ACM Awards! (Eonline)

Rihanna Debuts "Kiss It Better" Music Video. It's here...in full! Rihanna debuted the full-length video for "Kiss It Better," and it's as steamy as we expected it to be. RiRi teased fans with a sneak peek on Wednesday, where she left little to the imagination. Appearing nude under a bed sheet, the Barbadian beauty writhed around under a flowing sheer sheet. Two pair of dice also appeared on her body, rolling around her lady parts and midsection as she extended her curves. "Kiss It Better" is the second single off her latest album, Anti. The "Work" songstress also shared stills from her hot and heavy video on Instagram, where fans learned they could expect to see a lot of Rihanna when the video hit the Internet. This isn't the first time the 28-year-old star has bared her assets for her music; RiRi wore a completely see-through shirt that revealed her nipples in her music video for "Work." She and Drake worked (we had to) up quite a sweat in it, dancing and twerking and making fans go wild for the two. In addition to releasing music videos, Rihanna has been busy with her Anti World Tour, which hit a snafu recently when The Weeknd dropped out of the European leg. "Due to some unforeseen changes with upcoming projects, The Weeknd will no longer be joining Rihanna on her upcoming international Anti World Tour," a rep for the R&B crooner confirmed to E! News. The Grammy winner was slated to hit the stage with Rihanna on June 11 in Amsterdam, kicking off what would have been a two-month stint for the dynamic duo. Big Sean will still be appearing alongside the "Bitch Better Have My Money" songstress. (Eonline)

A press release of Beyonce's Formation album has been leaked, and if it's real (which is yet to be determined), a collaboration with Adele is on the cards. In the photo, shared by Twitter user Queen Will, Beyonce's newest album appears to feature the likes of Kanye West, Mariah Carey and of course, Adele. While we're not quite sure if this is an early April Fools prank or the real deal, we can recall that Adele denied rumors that she turned down a chance to sing with Bey... it's looking more and more likely by the minute! The song which Adele seems to be featuring in is called Lemonade Taste - sounds sassy. The release also suggests Beyonce's album will drop on 1 April on Tidal, before a general release on 8 April. (British Glamour)

The Mexican singer will perform with daughter Camila Fernandez at Billboard Latin Music Awards. Mexican singer Alejandro Fernandez will be honored with the Billboard Hall of Fame Award during the 2016 Billboard Latin Music Awards. Billboard's Hall of Fame Award, is reserved for artists who have achieved worldwide recognition for their work, transcending musical genres and languages. It celebrates a career that goes beyond musical performance and takes into account the influence the recipient enjoys as an artist globally in multiple fields. Previous winners of the coveted award include Vicente Fernandez --Alejandro's father-- Celia Cruz and Marc Anthony. Alejandro Fernandez first established himself in the early '90s as a champion of ranchera music before crossing over to the Latin pop mainstream in 1997 with the chart-topping album Me Estoy Enamorando. The album gained four Hot Latin Songschart-toppers: "Si Tu Supieras," "En el Jardin" (a duet with Gloria Estefan), "No Se Olvidar," and "Yo Naci Para Amarte." In 2009 he launched Dos Mundos, which consisted of two separate albums, "Evolucion" and "Tradicion," released on the same day. Fernandez began recording again in 2012, working in Los Angeles with producer Phil Ramone his album Confidencias, which included duets with Christina Aguilera on "Hoy Tengo Ganas de Ti," Rod Stewart on "Nobody Knows When You're Down and Out," and most poetically, his father Vicente on "Me Olvide de Vivir." Released in July 2013, the album hit the top of the charts in Mexico and Spain, and continued to chart for over a year. As part of the celebration of the special edition of the awards called "Billboard Duets," Fernandez will perform with his daughter Camila Fernandez. The 18-year-old is a student at Berklee College of Music in Boston. This is the pair's first live performance on a televised awards show. The Billboard Latin Music Awards will be broadcast live on Telemundo from the Bank United Center in Miami, FL on April 28. The award show is the culmination of the Billboard Latin Music Conference, taking place April 25-28 at the Ritz Carlton in South Beach. (Billboard)

The last 12 months in country music have featured numerous Cinderella stories, artists who seemingly stepped out of the shadows to claim a prominent place in the format. They include Cam, Chris Janson, Michael Ray and Granger Smith. Smith self-released his first album in 1998 and -- thanks in large part to an alter-ego, redneck Earl Dibbles Jr. -- developed a big online following, though he was fairly anonymous in mainstream circles. A five-song EP, 4x4, finally nabbed a No. 6 slot on Country Albums after its release in May 2015, leading to a deal with BBR's Wheelhouse label. His first single on the imprint, "Backroad Song," topped the Country Airplay chart dated Feb. 27, completing Smith's Cinderella story and effectively changing expectations. "We've had a No. 1 song, and you can't settle for anything less on the second single or it's considered a failure, right?" says Smith. "Challenge accepted. I don't mind that at all." Smith stands up to the challenge with "If the Boot Fits," a follow-up that appropriately leans on a fairytale plot. Released to radio via Play MPE on Feb. 22, the song has its own Cinderella story. It was one of the final two tracks recorded in December 2015 for Smith's first Wheelhouse album, one of only two titles he didn't write that made the final 15 on Remington (released March 4). Smith wasn't looking for material, and Downtown Music Nashville creative manager Danny Berrios wasn't trying to pitch him a song when he sent the "Boot" demo to Tyler Smith, Granger's manager/brother. Berrios was merely hoping to set up a co-writing session with Smith for the song's three writers -- Jordan M. Schmidt, Andy Albert and Mitchell Tenpenny -- and "Boot" was intended to demonstrate their compatibility. "If the Boot Fits" was clearly a good floor model. "It sounded like something I would write," says Smith, who put it on hold within a matter of hours. Smith was not the target when the writers started working on the song in fall 2015 in Schmidt's office at Florida Georgia Line's Tree Vibez Music in midtown Nashville. And the 1950 Disney movie Cinderella wasn't originally a reference point, either. Albert had served up the song's title, and they originally tried writing it as a Jason Aldean-styleanthem -- presumably listing all the country credentials one would exhibit if the boot fits. They weren't too deep into the song when Schmidt and Tenpenny pushed to make the boot a metaphor for Cinderella's glass slipper. Albert initially resisted but followed his co-writers' lead once they convinced him they wouldn't overdo the fairytale references. "The thing about doing a Cinderella story is it's obvious a guy has to cut it," says Schmidt. "And what guy is going to want to sing a song about Cinderella if it's too much of a girly kind of metaphor?" They set up the country twist in the opening lines, introducing the woman as "a small-town Cinderella" whose father wants her back home before the clock strikes midnight. By the time they hit the chorus, the glamour of Prince Charming's royal palace had been reimagined as "diamonds in the sky," set between a couple of singalong "whoa-oh-oh" passages. Midway through that chorus, the melodic arc takes a surprising twist, as a series of three-note, syncopated phrases -- "Cross my heart, hope to die, pick a star, make a wish" -- changes the character of the sonic narrative. "It keeps turning [the story] and turning it faster," says Albert. "That was just the magic of writing it. We weren't planning on it, we weren't thinking hard about it. It just kind of rolled into that." In verse two, the singer focuses on his pickup truck, his version of the pumpkin carriage. "We didn't know if we wanted to put the truck stuff in just because it's everywhere," notes Tenpenny. "But there's a reason it's everywhere: It's country. That's why we decided to keep the truck in it." Schmidt built instrumental tracks on his laptop as the writing session wore on, and Albert was already laying down the lead vocal for the demo before they decided on a bridge. They had a line -- "Let me show you how a country boy treats a lady" -- that underscores the singer as the good guy in the story. Schmidt offered a line about Cinderella kicking her boots off that finished it. The insinuation is that the singer wants her to be comfortable, but underneath it all is the possibility that it's just the beginning of her shedding clothes. "Take it however you want," says Tenpenny. "I think the way we wrote it, you can kick it off and we can go back and hook up, or you can just kick it off and relax. It's all good." Schmidt's demo leaned on sounds that his Tree Vibez bosses, Florida Georgia Line, would appreciate, and when he turned it in, he suggested pitching it to Luke Bryan. By the time the FGL guys agreed, Smith already had it, and he asked for some alterations. The writers weren't extremely familiar with him, so the assignment was tough. "Granger wanted something that was a little bit more 'him,' whatever that was," says Albert. "Jordan, Mitchell and I wrote an alternate second verse for it, and he took a little bit of that, a little bit of the original version and a little bit of his own thing, and kind of combined it into what would eventually end up being the final product." Co-producer Frank Rogers (Brad Paisley, Josh Turner) booked the Castle Studio in Franklin, Tenn., to cut "Boot" and one other song in December. Smith was out of town at the time, but they discussed ways to tone down the demo's electronic vibe and "rootsify it," as Smith says. He recorded a scratch vocal in an appropriate tempo and key, and sent it to Rogers in time for the session. "His brother was in the back of the room with his phone," recalls Rogers, "every couple takes, recording it and sending it out to Granger, wherever he was on the West Coast, and going, 'Hey, what do you think about this?' He would text me, 'Hey, can you try this on the bridge?' So he was kind of giving input long distance." Guitarist Derek Wells invented a new intro riff, and Smith came back later to Rogers' studio, the PoolHouse, to do final vocals. Because he was revamping the lyrics on the fly, the process required numerous attempts to make it less aggressive and more like the guy next door. "He would sing it like 10 different variations of lines until we kind of brainstormed, 'OK, there it is,'" says Rogers. "It's going for what the songwriters are going for, but it sounds more like the Granger brand." Smith changed the tense from the third person to first, replaced a first-verse truck reference with a "long, slow kiss" and moved the prince and princess references around in the second verse, where he also played up Cinderella's outfit. "Cinderella has that very iconic blue dress," explains Smith. "My daughter loves Cinderella, so I know the story very well. I added in the blue dress, but made it cotton." Tyler Smith had always seen "If the Boot Fits" as a potential summer single, so it became an easy choice to follow "Backroad Song." "That was at the top of the list for him, and I didn't have an argument with it," says Smith. "If the Boot Fits" is currently at No. 50 in its fourth week on Country Airplay. Should it find its way to No. 1, there's a good chance that someone in the chain will complete its Cinderella story in the most obvious way: by going to Disney. (Billboard)

The all-star David Bowie tributes slated for New York's Carnegie Hall and Radio City Music Hall March 31 and Friday night, respectively, will be a few artists short after the Roots unexpectedly pulled out of the gig on Wednesday night. Their reason? "Bitchassness." Let Roots drummer Questlove explain. "Mood. I've never been so insecure or petty as to deny a fellow musician use of ANY of my equipment (or my band's equipment----or resources or contacts or knowledge or ANYTHING) it angers me when that same courtesy is not reciprocated," he wrote in a lengthy Instagram post in which he announced that his band, as well as Bilal, Kimbra, Wendy Melvoin, DD Jackson and Ray Angry would not be participating in either night's show. The post from the typically unapologetic musical superfan ended with the bitter kiss-off "enjoy your precious equipment," without going into details about what the gear issue was. If you're interested in watching "The Music of David Bowie" show you can stream it on the event's website and check out sets from Blondie, the Pixies, the Flaming Lips, Michael Stipe, J Mascis, Jakob Dylan, Rickie Lee Jones, Perry Farrell, Cat Power and a many others. At press time the Roots were still listed on the show's official website and a spokesperson for promoter Michael Dorf Presents could not be reached for comment. (Billboard)

With racial tensions and cases of police brutality often dominating headlines, R&B singer/ songwriter Kevin Ross flips the lows into high notes with a powerful visual for "Be Great" featuring rapper Chaz French and making its debut on Billboard. "This song is dedicated to fear. No longer should this generation allow fear to dictate our lives," Ross tells Billboard of the Jasmine D. Waters-directed clip. "It is time for us to reach our full potential with no hesitation and no regrets. To all those who are reading this, no matter what you do or who you are in this life... be great." In 2014, the Motown/Verve signee served up his Dialogue in the Grey EP boasting collaborations with T.I. and Ne-Yo and lent his vocals to Glade air freshener's #FEELGLADE holiday campaign. "Be Great" was also featured in a recent episode of the ABC hit Grey's Anatomy. He also released his Dream Chasers project in 2015. (Billboard)

City Project Gala has sued Flo Rida and 23 members of an entourage for $390,000 for breach of contract for failing to show up to the charity's "black tie social event" at the Playboy Mansion following the Feb. 15 Grammys. Dr. Dre was also originally named as a defendant, but he was voluntarily dismissed shortly after the case was filed. The event was attended by Richard Branson, Diddy, Buzz Aldrin and Jane Seymour and benefited Community Inspiring Today's Youth, among other charities. Part of the VIP deal -- according to the suit, filed March 25 in L.A. Superior Court -- included two cabanas at $25,000 each, two Playboy Mansion parking passes at $5,000 each and 33 backstage passes at $10,000 each. City Gala says Dre and Flo Rida didn't show, but their entourages did, and they allegedly were "loud, obnoxious ... and physically assaulting other guests" -- plus organizers lost revenue they would have made had they sold the perks. Also named in the suit is Casey Thomas, a business manager for Dr. Dre and Flo Rida, and Larry Khan, an executive at Interscope. Event staffers learned Dre was a world away from the mansion that night, as he was photographed the next morning "standing on the Great Wall of China in China, far from Holmby Hills, the site of the event." A spokesman for Dre says the case was dismissed against him and Aftermath "after it was pointed out neither of their names appear on any contract." (Billboard)

Movies

The Baywatch Squad Is Making All of Our Summer Dreams Come True in New Cast Photos. If we ever find ourselves needing some assistance in the ocean blue water, please have this squad save us! While we've already seen Zac Efron's abs and David Hasselhoff in those unforgettable red shorts, we haven't really received a cast photo until now! On Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's Instagram page Wednesday afternoon, the actor gave fans an exclusive first look at the entire Baywatch squad. Spoiler alert, they are all really good looking, like really. "Are we bad ass? Yes. Do we save lives? All day," The Rock wrote online. "Are we a dysfunctional family? Epically. Do we have fun? F**K YES." He added, "We work hard, we play hard. @thejonbass @alexannadaddario @kellyrohrbach @ilfenator @zacefron #BAYWATCH Get ready world... MAY 19, 2017." But wait, there's even more. Zac later took to Facebook to share a different photo from the ocean blue water with his co-stars. While we're sorry to report that he's not shirtless, he still will likely cause some hearts to skip a beat. "Only the strongest, fastest and flyest lifesavers in the game ?#?Baywatch," he wrote while posing in his red sneakers, bold-face sunglasses and lifeguard attire. Filming has been well underway in Boca Raton, Fla., for the flick that appears to be grabbing the attention of more and more moviegoers every time new pictures surface. As for what we can expect once the finished project hits theatres next year, let's just say it's going to get hot! "Edgy, raunchy and hopefully, funny as all hell," The Rock added in a separate post. "Cue slo mo running on the beach... #WhoNeedsMouthToMouth #RedShortsBeHugginABrotha." (Eonline)

Jonah Hill's resume already includes comedy star, Oscar-nominated dramatic actor, writer and producer. But now he is ready to take a seat in the director's chair. Hill is attached to direct Mid-90s, a coming-of-age dramedy that he also wrote. Hill has teamed up with power producer Scott Rudin for the project. Rudin will produce with Eli Bush and their frequent collaborators, A24. The script tracks a group of California teens who are trying to navigate drinking, drugs, fighting, sex, looking cool and fitting in -- and making some realy bad choices along the way. Hill has written before -- he co-wrote 21 Jump Street, created the animated series Allen Gregory and worked on screenplays such as The Adventurer's Handbook -- but Mid-90s would be his first directing effort. He will not act in the movie. Hill is repped by WME, LBI Entertainment and Karl Austen of Jackoway Tyerman. (Hollywood Reporter)

The Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity was created in the memory of the Armenian Genocide. George Clooney is to present a $1 million humanitarian prize designed to highlight-and help-the cause of people challenging genocide worldwide. Recipients will be "recognized for the exceptional impact their actions have made on preserving human life and advancing humanitarian causes," organizers say. Clooney, who will travel to Armenian capital Yerevan next month to make the award accompanied by his wife, prominent British-Lebanese human rights lawyer, Amal Clooney, is a co-chair of the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity. The main prize-which will also give $100,000 to one of four finalists chosen for their courage in saving lives in the face of human hatred-will be awarded to the charity of organization that inspired the struggle against genocide. Clooney, known for his Not On Our Watch project to eliminate genocide-and a highly publicized visit to Sudan in 2014-has teamed up with 100 Lives, an initiative set up by Armenian businessmen and philanthropists Vartan Gregorian, Ruben Vardanyan and Noubar Afeyan to commemorate those who helped Armenians during the Armenian Genocide that began in 1915 and to "continue in their spirit by supporting people and organizations that keep the legacy of gratitude alive." Amal Clooney is also separately involved as patron of a scholarship in her name that will each year send one female student from Lebanon to an international baccalaureate program at UWC Dilijan, a college in Armenia. The Yerevan visit-which includes a global forum on genocide The Aurora Dialogues, a visit to Yerevan's Armenian Genocide Museum and lunch with the Armenian prime minister-concludes with the prize award ceremony on Sunday April 24. The four finalists for the prize are an orphanage founder in the central African state of Burundi who stood up against a bloodthirsty mob; the only doctor serving 500,000 people in Sudan's Nuba Mountains; a Pakistani champion for indentured laborers; and a Roman Catholic priest who saved more than 1,000 Muslims from fatal persecution in the Central African Republic. Clooney will be joined by other members of the prize selection committee that include Nobel Peace Prize winner and Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel; former Irish president and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mary Robinson and former Australian foreign minister Gareth Evans. (Hollywood Reporter)

Women in Motion and EWA-the European Women's Audiovisual Network - join forces for festival talks. The European Women's Audiovisual Network (EWA), which promotes the role of women in the film industry, is teaming up with the Cannes' Women in Motion focus to help enrich its program. EWA concentrates on researching and publicizing statistics demonstrating the challenges women face in pursuing careers in the film industry. A major study across seven European countries published by the group earlier this year at the Berlin film festival found "significant under-representation of female directors in all stages of the production and distribution process". The report, carried out with the backing of universities and national film centers across Europe, claimed that only one in five films had a female director (21 percent) and that 84 percent of publicly-funded film resources go to men. Women in Motion, which is supported by French luxury holding company Kering, highlights women's achievements in film and encourages more diversity within the industry. Kering owns brands that include Gucci, Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney. This year's second edition of the program at Cannes features a series of recorded talks with high-profile talent and execs. Last year speakers included Isabella Rossellini, Salma Hayek and Isabelle Huppert. Francine Raveney, head of PR for EWA, told The Hollywood Reporter that the program with Women in Motion was yet to be finalized but would include a focus on the research report's findings in one of the talks she would moderate. Two new awards will also be handed out May 15 at the Cannes' festival Presidential Dinner, hosted by Pierre Lescure, festival president and Kering CEO Francois-Henri Pinault - one to a woman who has had a lasting contribution to cinema; the other to one or several young female talents chosen by last year's first laureate. In recent years the Cannes festival has been criticized for a lack of women directors in its competitive programs and, following an incident that erupted in 2015, for insisting that women wear high-heeled shoes at red carpet events. The 68th Cannes Film Festival runs from May 13-24. (Hollywood Reporter)

What negative reviews? The most recent superhero blockbuster Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice hasn't exactly been the success that Warner Brothers hoped it would be, but that might not stop a certain vigilante from getting his own spin-off! Despite an incredible box office take, not only has the cast and the director Zack Snyder had to defend the film, but some fans have even started a petition to get Snyder removed from helming The Justice League: Part One. Well, if you hated the movie but enjoyed Ben Affleck's debut as Batman, then we've got some great news -- because it sounds like he's itching to make his very own solo Batman flick! In a recent interview with Hollywood Reporter, WME-IMG's co-CEOs Ari Emanuel and Patrick Whitesell revealed exactly how many more times Ben is contracted to appear as The Dark Knight, saying: "He's contracted to do at least Justice League One and Two, so at least three times wearing the cape. [However,] there's a script that he's written that is a really cool idea, so that's out there as an option." This helps fuel the rumors that started last summer during San Diego Comic-Con that Affleck was developing a franchise with DC Entertainment chief creative officer Geoff Johns with a possibility for the actor to direct as well! While we wait for Batfleck's solo outing as the caped crusader, you can see him donning the cowl next in a cameo he has in Suicide Squad, opening August 5! (Perez Hilton)

TV

Ian Somerhalder Dishes on Directing His Latest Vampire Diaries Episode. Ian Somerhalder stepped behind the camera for a second time on The Vampire Diaries, and the fruits of his labor air on Friday as TVD returns from a month-long hiatus. "This episode is obviously very different from the last one," he tells E! News of this latest directorial outing. "My last one was very fast-paced, very dark, very conceptual. Caroline's turning into this very dangerous sexy maniacal lunatic and it was a lot of fun. It was dark. This one was really setting up where the rest of the season will go." Allow him to explain: "The setup is what's going to happen in the next episodes of this show and the cool thing is that the first episode we're fully in the future so the tone is set where we're three years in the future and we're not going back." In the episode, Damon will make Stefan an offer he probably can't refuse: to transfer the hunter's mark to him. "To be honest with you, when I first heard about this mark I was a little concerned because it could get hokey, but the reality of it is -- and this is what Julie [Plec] explained to me and she was right -- is that it's a way to bring everyone together," Somerhalder dishes. He continues, "Rayna has this weird, intimate relationship with Stefan where she can feel what he's feeling and what he's doing and he's running all over the world with Valerie. ... She knows this man intimately, but every cell in her body wants to kill him. That mark represents that, and anyone that mark touches she's like Terminator 2. She's like Robert Patrick in that movie where she just keeps coming. It's funny, Damon cuts her into pieces and puts her in a well and she still comes back! It's just impossible." Watch the clip, and tune in to The Vampire Diaries on Friday at 8 p.m. on the CW. (Eonline)

What Would Happen if Kimmy Schmidt Met Kimmy Gibbler? Ellie Kemper Says... Picture it: Kimmy Schmidt and Kimmy Gibbler, Netflix's two Kimmys (from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Fuller House, respectively) meeting. What would this meeting of the Kimmys look like? "Something would explode because it would be two similar minds in the same room," Ellie Kemper, who plays the titular Unbreakable character, told E! News at the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt season two premiere. "The fact that they even exist in the same universe is crazy. I have such a strong attachment -- I have not checked out Fuller House yet -- but I have such a strong attachment to Kimmy Gibbler from when I was a child. I feel like their heads would burst. That's what the meeting would be like." And of course, the clothes would be loud. "Yes! A lot of bright clothing. I'm you, you're me, like [Kaboom]. But I think after their heads exploded they'd become very good friends," Kemper concluded. Andrea Barber returned to the role of Kimmy Gibbler, the Tanner family's neighbor and best friend to DJ (Candace Cameron Bure), for Fuller House, more than 20 years after Full House ended. The sequel series has already been renewed for a second season, and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt's second season premieres all 13 episodes on Friday, April 15. The comedy, which was created by Tina Fey and Robert Carlock, also stars Tituss Burgess, Carol Kane and Jane Krakowski. Netflix has already handed out a third season renewal to the Emmy-nominated series. Be sure to come back to E! News for more from the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt cast. And remember, both Kimmys, and all females, are strong as hell. (Eonline)

Here's What Happened In the Empire Midseason Premiere. Honestly, it's hard to figure out where to begin talking about the Empire midseason premiere considering there were about a thousand loose threads hanging when the first half of season two ended all the way back in 2015. But there's no better way to get started than to jump right in, just like the Empire writers did. So let's go! (Yes, spoilers. Duh.) It's been FOUR MONTHS since we were left with poor Rhonda sprawled on the floor of her mansion after being shoved down the stairs, so it was a relief to pick up on her face and find out that she lived. What was devastating, though, was later in the episode when we found out that the little Lyon grandchild-to-be didn't make it. Andre was completely gutted, obviously, and Rhonda thought that it was somehow her fault because she didn't have any memory of the incident. Later, when she realized she was actually pushed, she didn't tell Andre for some strange reason. Listen, we get that there's nothing worse than having to admit something you don't want to, but not telling your husband you were the victim of a violent crime simply because you don't want to validate his religious feelings is the ultimate in marital spite. We still don't know who did the pushing, and we only saw the red sole of a Louboutin flat as it walked out the door. It could be anyone, but since it wasn't a woman's shoe don't you think Lucious is a viable candidate? Now, as for Empire: Lucious is out as head of the company now that Mimi and Camilla are in charge. Mimi seemed to be pretty hands off about the whole thing, but Camilla wanted Hakeem to conspire with her and run the company. Hakeem was torn and wasn't sure he wanted to be in charge, and turned to Jamal for advice. Jamal was frank, and told his baby brother that he hated running the company and thought Hakeem would hate it too. Later, Lucious took Hakeem down to the river where he killed Bucky, then proceeded to tell Hakeem he killed Bucky. Such a heartwarming threat between father and son! It's not like Cookie was too happy about how Hakeem voted against his family, but she is still in business with him at the label they run together, so she only beat him with her purse, she didn't threaten his life. We'll see more of this storyline unfold in the coming weeks, but here's one thing to note: Camilla told Hakeem he needed to break up with his singer girlfriend Laura, but Hakeem confessed to Jamal that he's actually in love with her (for the first time in his life) and then proceeded to take her virginity after he pledged he'd be faithful to her. So that will clearly come back to bite him! Meanwhile, Jamal's hookup with Skye resurfaced in a big way when Jamieson found out about the tryst. This could mean that the LGBT activist withdraws his support for Jamal in the award Jamal and Lucious are both competing for, giving Lucious an edge. This will also clearly play out over the next few episodes. What did you think of the big Empire return? (Eonline)

Miss Shemar Moore on Criminal Minds? Paget Brewster Returned to Help Soothe Your Pain. All hail Prentiss! You know what is pretty much the only thing that could possibly cheer up a Criminal Minds-loving soul after Shemar Moore's departure last week? Paget Brewster reuniting with the BAU for an episode. Something about Prentiss back with team makes Derek's absence a little easier to take, right? It at least partially fills the Derek-shaped hole in our hearts following his 11 seasons of tracking down evil serial killers. Of course, we didn't forget he was gone. But while the BAU helped Prentiss nail a copycat serial killer she'd been tracking, it was nice to focus on how psyched everyone was to see her and not how devastated we are that Derek is no longer on the team. We cannot confirm whether or not we got a little teary-eyed when she did a little Derek impression at the end of the episode (okay, fine, we did), but we can confirm that we were mad jealous that they all went out for margaritas together. Tequila heals all emotional wounds, right? Anyway, the episode focused on Prentiss hunting down a serial killer obsessed with famous serial killers of the past. The BAU realized that, after taking on famous killers like the Son of Sam, among others, his most likely next stop was Chicago. They alerted the city, and a college coed called the tip line when she realized he'd spoken to her that afternoon. But then the killer took her and her roommate hostage, leading to a very dramatic situation at the end of the episode in which Prentiss caught her bad guy. Shoutout to the college student who was badass enough to charge at the killer with a pair of scissors, and props to Prentiss for saving the day in the end. Criminal Minds airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on CBS. Next week's episode is about creepy dolls, so prepare for some terrifying nightmares after that one! (Eonline)

Has Alec Baldwin found a new calling as a couples counselor? In an exclusive clip from Thursday's Rachel Dratch's Late Night Snack, Baldwin surprises a young couple in a limo with some relationship advice. "I'm sorry. I'm so starstruck right now," says Jesus, after saying a curse word when he sees the 30 Rock star sitting across from him. His partner Marlene, 18, explains the couple has been together two years and live together under a domestic partnership. Baldwin, feigning confusion, says he thought a domestic partnership was "where you could sleep with her before she's old enough." The couple laughs and explains what it really means. "It's kind of a me and her thing. No matter what happened-say we go to a shelter system, we can't split," says Jesus. "You love him so much, you were going to go to a shelter?" asks Balwin. Comedian Jim Gaffigan also helps Baldwin out, showing up to interview the couple about their dreams. Jesus reveals he wants to be a comedian, and Marlene says she wants to be a business owner. She goes on to admit that she gets bothered by Jesus' jealousy-such as when he gets angry when men catcall her. "You should give him a lot of credit," says Gaffigan, noting men learn to control their tempers as they get older. "It only gets better. We only tend to figure it out." Rachel Dratch's Late Night Snack airs Thursdays (11 p.m. ET) on truTV. (People)

Carlos Sedes' 1920s-era drama will air worldwide on the platform in 2017. Netflix has acquired its first original series to be shot and produced in Spain, snagging Velvet and Gran Reserva director Carlos Sedes for a 1920s-era, female-driven drama. The 16-episode as-yet-untitled series is set to start shooting in Madrid later this year, with Bambu Producciones' Ramon Campos and Teresa Fernandez-Valdes executive producing. The drama, running in 50-minute time slots, will debut worldwide in 2017. It tells the story of four women across different social strata who work together as switchboard operators at the state-owned phone company's central headquarters in Madrid. The local commission comes five months after the streaming service launched in Spain and after several original drama series were already announced in the U.K., France, Italy and Germany. Bambu has a reputation for top-drawer fiction, with Gran Reserva airing for three successful seasons on Antena 3. The Beta Film format sold to broadcasters in France, the U.K. and Russia. Televisa USA with production partner Lantica Media are developing an English-language version of the popular series, with Emmy-winning producer Stephen Kronish (24, The Kennedys) adapting the script. (Hollywood Reporter)

Steady is the new up for the Shondaland medical soap. Grey's Anatomy is experiencing a second life. The Shondaland medical soap is poised to become ABC's highest-rated drama this season among coveted adults 18-to-49 and also ranks among the top five dramas on all of broadcast. Now averaging a 3.9 rating in the demo, the Ellen Pompeo starrer ties Thursday time-slot neighbor Scandal -- an almost unheard of accomplishment for a show in its 12th season. (Live showings for recent episodes suggest Grey's will end the season as the top ABC series.) One benefit for Grey's: Steady is the new up. The series outpaces the TGIT pack because fellow Shonda Rhimes drama Scandal is down 17 percent this season and How to Get Away With Murder fell 30 percent. New entry The Catch debuted March 24 to a disappointing 1.2 live-plus-same-day rating in the demo. By contrast, Grey's barely has budged and ranks as the No. 2 returning broadcast drama in the demo year-over-year (trailing only Fox's Empire) -- a sign fans haven't quit the series after leading man Patrick Dempsey was killed off last season with a year remaining on his contract. Rhimes credits the staying power to the show's honest relationships and a character viewers are invested in. "The audience truly identifies with Ellen Pompeo," Rhimes tells THR. "We are following this woman's journey and the journey of all these people with her. It's not about a lot of tricks; it's about watching people evolve." And it's not just loyal viewers sticking with the surgeons as they head into season 13. New (and younger) viewers are finding the series on Netflix. Case in point: The Netflix exposure has helped Grey's become broadcast's No. 2 series behind Empire among women 18-to-34. Also helping tie viewers new and old together is the frequency with which the series references its past -- a move inspired by Sandra Oh's exit in season 10 that coincided with the departures of head writers Tony Phelan and Joan Ratner (who left for a CBS deal). "We were starting over again," Rhimes says. "I felt such an extreme sense of nostalgia. So to get to go back and use it for the purposes we were using it for was really wonderful -- and it's a reminder for people with what they may have missed." Adds Shondaland partner Betsy Beers of the drama's evolving cast (of which only four originals remain): "The show uses its past well -- and I'm glad they have so many relatives!" (Hollywood Reporter)

Now this is a match made in design heaven! Nate Berkus and Jeremiah Brent are finally putting their interior decorating skills together in front of the cameras for TLC's new show, Married to Design: Nate & Jeremiah. Though the married couple -- who welcomed their Poppy last March -- both have experience on separate home shows, this will be their first venture into TV together. The show, debuting this fall, will follow Berkus and Brent (and Poppy!)inside their own home and during their adventures helping distressed homeowners turn their money pits into dream homes. "I just stood in a room with the people we love the most and watched as our daughter blew out the candles on her 1st birthday cake," says Brent in a press release. "Aside from the fact that I was an emotional wreck, I found myself looking at Nate and the two of us not being able to contain all the joy and gratitude that is our life right now. To invite people to see that side of us, it just feels right." Not only will the couple help their clients redesign the layout of their spaces, they'll also put a unique touch on all the little details of the house -- with a tight budget in mind, of course. "Design isn't just what we do for a living, it's what we do on our weekends," says Berkus. "So this show is perfect. We get to have all the fun and the homeowner gets rescued from a money pit that is consuming them. They're lost. We're not. We know where to save, where to spend, where to shop... it's what we love most." (People)

Watch out, Donald Trump! Ted Cruz admitted to Jimmy Kimmel during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday, March 30, that if faced with the opportunity to run the presidential hopeful over in his car, he's not sure what option he'd take! The senator visited the late-night talk show, to discuss all manner of personal details, including his preferred breakfast cereal (Mueslix), his first ever pop concert (the Australian band Men at Work, with his mom!) and even his favorite movies (he's seen every Star Wars film). But while the discussion was lighthearted for most of the show, Cruz's chat became distinctly darker when the conversation turned to Trump. "Donald Trump, is he the person you dislike most of anyone in America? Who do you like better, Obama or Trump?" asked Kimmel. "I dislike Obama's policies more, but Donald is a unique individual. If I were in my car and getting ready to reverse and saw Donald in the backup camera, I'm not confident which pedal I'd push." (US Weekly)

The network resurrected 'Punkin Chunkin,' greenlighted new series 'How to Build ... Everything' and renewed 'Through the Wormhole With Morgan Freeman.' Science Channel is reviving MythBusters. The Hollywood Reporter has learned exclusively that the Discovery-owned cable network has greenlighted a reality competition series titled Search for the Next MythBusters, which comes on the heels of the series finale for the original show in early March. MythBusters, which ran for 14 seasons, featured Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman using science to put various myths and rumors to the test. Search will focus on finding an "all-new generation of myth-busting science superstars with mind-blowing build skills and nerves of steel." It will involve both social media and stunts as it tests a cast of hopefuls on their skills as they compete in various challenges. "When I got to the network, and we clearly identified MythBustersas a franchise and something that was important to Science Channel and Discovery, and it was such a beloved show, I didn't want to let it go," says Marc Etkind, who became general manager of Science Channel in September after serving in the same role at sibling network Destination America. "So we looked really closely at what would be the best way to keep it going and invigorate it and thought, 'Let's host a worldwide search for the next MythBusters.'" To that end, Science Channel is inviting viewers to submit videos. Ideal candidates are "people who have building skills and are naturally inquisitive," Etkind says. "People who don't mind getting embarrassed a little bit, who ask lots of questions and have the skills and knowledge to put those to the test." (Science Channel's website has further details.) The competition will start with 15 participants who look to solve challenges that include classic myths from the show as well as new myths. Hopefuls will be eliminated on each episode by a panel of judges -- consisting of those who have been involved with MythBusters at some point over the years -- until the final picks are made. Etkind says it could be one person or several people, depending on what happens. Asked if the next incarnation of MythBusters will have the same format or be something entirely new, Etkind says that remains to be seen. "We'll see who emerges victorious and from those folks determine what the best format is," he explains. "It's a long-running goal for Science Channel to have MythBusters on the air." Also, as part of its upfronts announcements, the network has greenlighted a new series dubbed How to Build ... Everything and renewed Through the Wormhole With Morgan Freeman. How to Build ... Everything, which is "structured in the spirit of a home-installation guide," aims to show the step-by-step building process behind some of the world's most complex apparatuses -- such as Apache helicopters, hovercrafts, cruise ships and satellites -- in a way that anyone can understand. "It approaches the building of everything from cruise ships to helicopters in a basic, fun way," Etkind says. "You may not be able to go out and build a pipe organ, but you can understand how it's built in a modular fashion and understand how it works." The network also is reviving Punkin Chunkin, which focuses on the annual gathering of unconventional engineers and builders who use air cannons, centrifuges, catapults and even trebuchets to see whose homemade contraptions can propel a pumpkin the farthest. The special last aired in 2013. "It's a celebration of everyday science. The people who make these machines are backyard engineers," says Etkind. "This is really tapping into the everyday movement of backyard engineers, and that's something we want to celebrate. Science isn't just done by people in lab coats." Also new to the network is the tentatively titled special Mission Jupiter, covering NASA's New Frontiers Mission, which is en route to the planet. Wormhole, meanwhile, is set to return for a seventh season. The Emmy-nominated series, hosted by Freeman, explores scientific mysteries and unanswered questions, with upcoming topics on whether we can live without privacy, whether aging can be cured and whether humans can all become geniuses. "This is probably our most important series," Etkind says. "It's about those large, mind-blowing questions about the meaning of life, and this year we have a slate of new questions that only Morgan and his team can answer. I like the ambition of this series and that it's not afraid to tackle the biggest questions." Other returning series include Survivorman, How Do They Do It?, How It's Made, What on Earth?, How the Universe Works and Outrageous Acts of Science. Science Channel -- which recently posted its highest-rated quarter among key adult demos of adults 25-54 and 18-49 and its most watched year in primetime -- will continue featuring live coverage of breaking news events in the science arena, including NASA space launches, in addition to covering news in its new nightly program Science Presents DNews, which gives updates on space, technology and engineering. "DNews was important to me and made our channel feel contemporary and current and in the zeitgeist," Etkind says. As a brand overall, "we're tapping into what is just a general interest in science. And when you look at our ratings success, we're really becoming a broad appeal network. Science is for everybody." (Hollywood Reporter)