ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Blinded by the bling! Iggy Azalea has replaced her diamond ring from Nick Young with SEVEN diamond rings from rumored beau French Montana! Talk about an upgrade! We're gonna go ahead and take this as official confirmation of their relationship! On Wednesday, the 26-year-old rapper took to Instagram to show off her new accessories while tagging French (next to a heart emoji, mind you) and jeweler Iceman Nick. The Fancy artist captioned the pic: "He told me pressure makes diamonds ?? @FrenchMontana ??@iceman_nick" Well we'll be damned! Maybe seeing his ex Khloe Kardashian packing on the PDA with her new man Tristan Thompson really got French's wheels spinning! LOLz! (Perez Hilton)

Kate Winslet Gets "Revenge" on Childhood Bullies. Believe it or not, Kate Winslet drew inspiration from her own life when preparing to star in The Dressmaker. The Oscar winner's latest film to hit theaters follow Winslet as a high fashion seamstress who returns to her native Australia to care for her ailing mother, all while seeking revenge on those who wronged Winslet's character in the past. Kate opened up about her connection to the role in a recent Today show interview, where she explained to Billy Bush how she's gotten her own revenge on childhood bullies by becoming one of Hollywood's most coveted actresses. "I was kind of bullied when I was younger, actually at school," she explained. "For being chubby, you know, I had girls who were envious of me because I was acting a little bit as a teenager." She continued, "This is my revenge. This right here, this lovely career I have been blessed with. I have healthy children. You know, I have a really happy life and, to me, it's like, 'Well, look at me now girls!'" Yet another aspect of Winslet's professional life her bullies might be jealous of? Nabbing Liam Hemsworth as a co-star, of course! The hunky actor stars as Kate's love interest in the upcoming romantic dramedy, and their 14-year age difference has not gone unnoticed by moviegoers. Speaking out on the topic, Winslet revealed to Today, "Because I'm not a Google person, I didn't even know how old Liam is. I mean I know he's not 30, which probably explains why my teenage daughter was so envious of me." And as director Jocelyn Moorhouse revealed to E! News' Marc Malkin, the onscreen duo got along just fine. "We didn't have much time to rehearse," Moorhouse told us. "He'd come straight off of The Hunger Games. We had one read-through the night before and then as soon as I saw him looking at her with those beautiful blue eyes of his and the way she looks back at him, I was thrilled. I knew, yeah, instant chemistry! These two are gorgeous together." Catch The Dressmaker when it hits theaters on Sept. 23. (Eonline)

Brad Pitt is still crazy about Angelina Jolie and felt blindsided when she broke the news she wanted out of their relationship, sources tell The Post. Jolie only told Pitt she was ending their marriage a day before she filed the divorce papers, and despite his pleas to work things out, said a source close to the "World War Z" star. "He only knew that she was filing for divorce a day before she did it. They'd just got back from Europe. Brad didn't want it to happen, he still loves Angelina and wanted to work it out." The source added that as well as dealing with the divorce bombshell, he was stunned by the aggressive way Jolie's team immediately spread negative rumors about him. "His first instinct was how were they going to protect the kids during the divorce. Then stories start popping up about his supposed pot smoking, drinking and anger problem," the source continued. "He doesn't have a drug or anger problem. Yes, he smokes some weed and has a drink, but that isn't out of control. The truth is that they've been fighting a lot. "He's still one of Hollywood's top stars, he loves Hollywood and he loves making movies. He wants the kids to settle in LA, go to school and try to have some stability. Angelina has had a series of movie flops and now wants to concentrate on her political and humanitarian work -- which is admirable -- but she also wants to fly the kids around the world with her. She travels a few weeks of every month." The source added that Jolie filed so fast that Pitt didn't even have time to get a lawyer. "His team is deciding on one Wednesday. His goal is to do whatever is necessary to make the divorce process as easy as possible," the source said. The sticking point could be the custody of their six children. Jolie is asking for physical custody and to only allow him visitation, but Pitt is hoping for joint custody. Reps for Pitt didn't comment and Jolie's reps have not responded. (Page Six)

Marion Cotillard Breaks Silence on Alleged Involvement in Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's Divorce. The Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie divorce shocked many, especially when other stars' names were thrown into the mix when the question of why the heck did this happen came up. Actress Marion Cotillard found herself in the center of speculation when rumors started to swirl that there may have been something going on between her and co-star Pitt, which led to the pair splitting. Well, instead of letting the public go about their numerous explanations, she decided to address it head-on. Cotillard released a lengthy statement on Instagram denying any involvement in the Jolie-Pitt decision to split, and reassuring her love for Guillaume Canet, the father of her soon-to-be two kids (yes, she also confirmed her second pregnancy while trumping affair rumors). "This is going to be my first and only reaction to the whirlwind news that broke 24 hours ago and that I was swept up into. I am not used to commenting on things like this nor taking them seriously but as this situation is spiraling and affecting people I love, I have to speak up," she began. "Firstly, many years ago, I met the man of my life, father of our son and of the baby we are expecting. He is my love, my best friend, the only one that I need. Secondly to those who have indicated that I am devastated, I am very well thank you. This crafted conversation isn't distressing. And to all the media and the haters who are quick to pass judgment, I sincerely wish you a swift recovery. Finally, I do very much wish that Angelina and Brad, both whom I deeply respect, will find peace in this very tumultuous moment. With all my love Marion" Question as to whether or not Pitt was unfaithful with his Allied co-star sprung into people's minds after Page Six reported that Angelina hired a private investigator to spy on him on set, which led her to believe he'd been cheating. A "well-placed" source told the publication, "She hired a private eye because she felt that he was fooling around with her on the set, and it turns out, he was. And that was the final straw." However, a source told E! News at the time that these rumors are not true. A number of other reasons to explain Hollywood's big split were thrown into the mix as well, including their varying views of the future and alleged differences in parenting styles of their six children, Maddox, Pax, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Knox and Viviene. Regardless of the reason, both stars remain adamant on focusing on their children during this process. "Angelina will always do what's in the best interest of taking care of her family," her manager, Geyer Kosinski, told E! News. "She appreciates everyone's understanding of their need for privacy at this time." Meanwhile, Pitt released a statement about the divorce saying, "I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids. I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time." (TMZ)

Gigi Hadid Fights Off Stranger Who Manhandles Her in Milan: I Had "Every Right to Defend Myself." Gigi Hadid will not be manhandled. The supermodel, who is in Milan for Italy's fashion week, was exiting MaxMara's show arm-in-arm with her sister Bella Hadid on their way to a chauffeured car. After pausing to take a few quick photos with fans, Hadid was suddenly lifted into the air by a man who grabbed her from behind. The man in question was later identified as Vitalii Sediuk, who has gained notoriety for physically accosting a handful of Hollywood's most famous figures on red carpets, including Will Smith, Bradley Cooper and Leonardo DiCaprio. In photos captured of the altercation, both Hadid sisters fought back at the stranger, Gigi elbowing Sediuk in the neck before he let her go and ran away. In videos of the altercation, Hadid shortly chased after the man before returning to her car and asking security to find him. When a website published a headline blaming Hadid for "not model behavior," the blond beauty took to Twitter to sound off. "To unknown article writer: fan?!!! The ACTUAL fans that were there can tell you what happened. I'm a HUMAN BEING," she tweeted. "and had EVERY RIGHT to defend myself. How dare that idiot thinks he has the right to man-handle a complete stranger. He ran quick tho." While Bella hasn't issued any comments on the event, she did retweet remarks from a fan account. "Men [need] to learn the boundaries about touching women like this isn't acceptable in society. I hate it when they aren't listening," the tweet read. "Who tf do you think you are trying grabbing Gigi without your consent, it is NEVER okay to grab someone let alone a woman. Educate yourself." Meanwhile, Sediuk spoke of the incident on his Instagram account, calling it encouragement for the fashion industry to put "true talents on the runway and Vogue covers." "While I consider Gigi Hadid beautiful, she and her friend Kendall Jenner, have nothing to do with high fashion. By doing this I encourage fashion industry to put true talents on the runway and Vogue covers instead of well-connected cute girls from Instagram. You can call it a manifest or a protest," he wrote on social media. "This is also a wake up call for Anna Wintour who turned Vogue into tabloid by putting Kardashians and other doubtful celebrities on a cover of a well-respected magazine." (Eonline)

Saturday Night Live's First Latina Cast Member Put On Blast Over Racist Tweets! This doesn't look good for Melissa Villasenor! As we previously reported, Saturday Night Live finally added a Latina comedienne to their cast list by hiring the America's Got Talent standout for Season 42. Unfortunately, it seems as though this historic hire may already be plagued with scandal as the impressionist was blasted on Twitter on Wednesday over racist posts. Smh. Melissa's social media account was first questioned by one user, named Aura Bogado, after the funny lady deleted around 2,000 posts in five days. At the time, Bogado noted: Tragically, after a bit of digging, Aura dug up several offensive tweets the soon-to-be SNL star forgot to delete. By Wednesday, fans had uncovered countless, seemingly racist notes. Obviously, Aura and her fellow internet users weren't thrilled with Villasenor's behavior as they commented: We mean, we can't really blame people for being pissed. Nonetheless, it'll be interesting to see if the NBC variety show stands by their latest addition. (Perez Hilton)

Brad Pitt Investigated for Alleged Child Abuse: Reports. Brad Pitt is under investigation for alleged child abuse, according to unconfirmed reports from TMZ and People. The outlets claimed the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Department of Child and Family Services are looking into the claims. However, Armand Montiel, DCFS Public Affairs Director, told E! News Thursday the law does not allow the department to confirm or deny subjects of their investigations. As such, the DCFS could not confirm if there is an investigation of an incident at an airport, as reported by TMZ. A spokesperson for the LAPD said police are not investigating allegations of child abuse. The reported investigation comes after an incident on a private plane Sept. 14, TMZ and People claimed. Pitt and Jolie, who wed in 2014, separated Sept. 15, according to court documents obtained by E! News. The Maleficent actress filed for divorce Sept. 19. According to TMZ, Pitt allegedly "got wasted" on the plane and "went wild, screaming and getting physical with the kids." People claims the actor got "verbally abusive" and "physical." The plane landed at an airport around 8 p.m., per TMZ, and witnesses said the actor "continued his rant on the tarmac." An anonymous person reported the incident, sources told both outlets. Reps for the actors have not commented on the reports. Pitt "takes the matter very seriously and says he did not commit any abuse of his children," a source close to the actor told both outlets. "It's unfortunate that people involved are continuing to present him in the worst possible light." E! News reached out to the LAPD and the LADCFS in light of the reports. Jolie, 41, requested sole physical custody of their six children -- Maddox Jolie-Pitt, 15, Pax Jolie-Pitt, 12, Zahara Jolie-Pitt, 11, Shiloh Jolie-Pitt, 10, and twins Knox Jolie-Pitt and Vivienne Jolie-Pitt, 8. The By the Sea director cited "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split. "Brad did not want the marriage to end," a source told E! News Sept. 21. Furthermore, the Allied actor, 52, "was committed to doing what he needed to make it work. He was open to counseling." Another insider added, "He is emotionally torn. Right now, he is devastated. He still loved Angelina and would have preferred they fight to make the marriage work. He was willing to do whatever it took to save the marriage and didn't realize Angelina had already given up on it." After Jolie filed for divorce, things were fraught. But, a source told E! News, "Both sides are in a better place. There is a commitment from both sides to look out for and protect the children. They are both determined to protect the kids and find the best way to resolve this situation." "I am very saddened by this, but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids," Pitt told E! News in a statement Sept. 20, just hours after news of his divorce made headlines. "I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time." (Eonline)

Contrary to reports, Brad Pitt is not being investigated by LAPD for child abuse following his recent split from Angelina Jolie, the Los Angeles Police Department tells Us Weekly. An earlier report from TMZ claimed that the LAPD and L.A. County Department of Children and Family Services were looking into an incident in which Pitt allegedly became "verbally abusive and physical" with his children, citing a specific incident on the couple's private jet last week. "LAPD is not handling any report or allegations into child abuse for Mr. Brad Pitt," the LAPD told Us Weekly in a statement on Thursday, September 22. According to the Public Information Officer for the LAPD, "We don't have anything on Brad Pitt right now. We have confirmed with the detectives, and according to our detectives there are no active investigations regarding Brad Pitt." As Us Weekly previously reported, Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt after 12 years together and two years of marriage. The pair, who met on the set of Mr. and Mrs. Smith in 2004, share six children, Maddox, 15, Pax, 12, Zahara, 11, Shiloh, 10, and twins Knox and Vivienne, 8. The Maleficent star requested sole physical custody of the kids. "This decision was made for the health of the family," Jolie's rep told Us in a statement on Tuesday, "She will not be commenting at this time, and asks that the family be given their privacy during this difficult time." (US Weekly)

Lindsay Lohan Makes Abuse Claims Against Ex-Boyfriend Egor Tarabasov: ''I Feared He May Splash Acid in My Face.'' Lindsay Lohan is making some seriously disturbing claims about her ex-fiance Egor Tarabasov. The 30-year-old actress sat down with Russian television's Channel One and explained that she ended her engagement after her relationship took a violent, toxic turn. "I went to bed and he broke into my house. He started strangling me," she explained. "I feared that Egor may splash acid in my face. I jumped out to the balcony and shouted with all my force, 'He's trying to kill me, call the police!' I am lucky to come to Moscow to speak." Tarabasov released a statement in response on Wednesday, adamantly denying the claims. "It has come to my attention that my former fiancee, Lindsay Lohan, is planning a new smear campaign against me in the Russian and international media," he told E! News. "My relationship with Lindsay came to an end in July 2016. In the weeks that followed, there were numerous attempts to discredit my name by inaccurately portraying the nature of our relationship, publishing distorted facts, and making false accusations." He continued, "I decided not to address those harmful and false statements at that time. As an international businessman, I aim to maintain a low profile and concentrate on developing my business. I also chose to keep my silence out of respect for Lindsay." However, he changed his mind upon hearing about the new interview. "Today, I would like to state that all accusations made, and about to be made, by Lindsay against me are not true," he said. "I refuse to be dragged into the media storm created in the aftermath of our breakup. I will not be making any more statements with regards to my former relationship with Lindsay, but I will use all possible legal means to protect my name and reputation." Lohan and Tarabosov started dating in 2015 and reportedly got engaged in April. In July, Lohan shared a series of since-deleted social media posts that revealed her nearly year-long romance with the Russian businessman had taken a turn for the worse. She shared a video on Snapchat of her saying, "My fiance's being really angry at me, but I'm drinking water to get him to come home. Honey, come home, please." The 30-year-old then followed up with an Instagram snapshot of the pair, referring to their seven-year age gap as a possible catalyst for their problems. "I guess I was the same at 23... S---ty time-it changes at 26/27 @e2505t thanks for not coming home tonight. Fame changes people," the actress wrote. She also shared video footage and a solo shot of Tarabsov partying at a club shortly thereafter. "Wow thanks #fiance with Russian hooker," she wrote, tagging stylist Dasha Pashevkina. Lohan then suggested Tarabsov had been unfaithful, sharing, "Home? First time in my life-bare with he/ he cheated on me with hooker." (Eonline)

Alicia Keys' hip-hop-producer husband, Swizz Beatz, has a side gig -- as the front for a fraudster who used Beatz's name to lease luxury cars, then double-booked the rides to other drivers, a suit claims. Beatz, a k a Kasseem Dean, is one of the defendants in the $42 million civil racketeering suit filed in Brooklyn federal court Wednesday. Metro Gem Leasing and Funding Corp. says in its suit that they were happy to lease cars, including a Bentley Continental and a Ferrari F12, to Beatz "for use for him and his wife Alicia Keys." That's how Beatz's pal Macky Dancy, of the Great Neck, LI, dealership Dancy Auto Group, allegedly explained it to Metro Gem. Beatz leased 10 cars between 2013 and 2016 at rates of up to $7,000 a month, the suit says. The company claims in court papers that Beatz conspired with Dancy to release the vehicles to third parties at a markup. Beatz and Dancy also illegally resold the Ferrari, even though they didn't own it, the suit says. A Beatz rep said he and his affiliates "are innocent pawns in a years-long, multi-million dollar dispute." Dancy did not return a message. A woman at Dancy Auto Group said the dealership has been renamed and is no longer affiliated with Dancy. (Page Six)

Chris Brown fans in Japan are getting screwed by LAPD's investigation into his gun case ... which is preventing the singer from boarding a jet plane to perform there. CB has shows scheduled in Tokyo next week and sources close to Chris tell us he applied for permission to enter the country on a working visa. However, we're told Japanese officials flagged Chris and denied him entry due to the investigation into claims he pulled a gun on a woman. A Japanese consulate official tells TMZ the country has a very low tolerance for admitting visitors with criminal backgrounds and open cases. Brown faced this same kind of scrutiny in Australia over his probation due to the Rihanna case. A source close to Chris tells us there's a chance he'll reapply for Japan before the tour dates. His legal team thinks the case is dragging because cops have no case, and Chris' pockets shouldn't suffer in the interim. (TMZ)

Mia Farrow's Son Thaddeus Dead at Age 27. Mia Farrow's son Thaddeus Farrow has passed away. The actress and longtime activist's 27-year-old son died from an injury stemming from a car accident, TMZ reports. According to local media reports, Thaddeus was found "gravely injured in his car along Route 67" earlier today. He was then taken to a nearby hospital and was pronounced dead at 2:30 p.m. Back in 1994, Mia adopted Thaddeus from Calcutta, India. He was one of Mia's ten children that she has adopted over the years. Thaddeus was diagnosed with polio as a child and was paraplegic as a result of the disease. In a 2013 interview with Vanity Fair, Thaddeus opened up about being adopted by the Mia. "The fact that everyone loved me was a new experience, overwhelming at first," he shared with the publication. "It was scary to be brought to a world of people whose language I did not understand." Thaddeus worked as a car mechanic, helping people change their tires if they were stranded roadside waiting for assistance. Thaddeus' brother, Ronan Farrow, told the magazine: "I am so proud of my family. I grew up across the table from Moses, who has cerebral palsy, and next to my sister Quincy, born of a drug-addicted inner-city mother, and Minh, who is blind. I could never have understood what it means to grow up blind or with cerebral palsy. I saw problems and needs, so the next thing you think is: O.K., what are you going to do about it?" Our thoughts go out to the entire Farrow family during this difficult time. (Eonline)

THE OTHER STUFF . . .

Michael Strahan is getting burned by the Brad Pitt-Angelina Jolie divorce. After the "Good Morning America" host landed the cover of People this week, his issue will be short-lived -- since People, on Tuesday, was scrambling to cover the Brangelina news and will put out a new issue earlier than usual this week. In his cover story, Strahan revealed that his friendship with Kelly Ripa ended when he left the show "Live" to take his "GMA" job. But while one site reported this week that "Live" ratings dropped 7?percent from last year, when Strahan was on the show, the blog neglected to mention that "GMA" was down 9?percent during the same week, with Strahan onboard, in overall viewers from the previous season before his arrival. (Page Six)

Still grieving. NBC News anchor Tamron Hall continues to mourn the loss of her close friend Prince, who died in April from a prescription drug overdose. "It was a devastating surprise," she told host Andy Cohen during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live on Wednesday, September 21. The Today's Take host, 46, said she "had no idea" that the Grammy winner had a substance abuse problem, even though she'd spent "a significant amount of time" with him. The musician died at his Paisley Park recording studio in Chanhassen, Minnesota, on April 21 at the age of 57, and an autopsy later revealed that Prince had died of an accidental overdose of fentanyl, a strong opioid pain medication. "I've learned a lot about substance abuse since then and I think that people hide these dark secrets from the people they love," Hall continued. "Of course I question whether I missed signs ... I never saw him even drink! So for me it was a devastating thing that I'm still dealing with." Hall had a years-long friendship with Prince and appeared on the cover art for his 2015 single "If Eye Could Get Ur Attention." She talked about their close bond in an interview with MSNBC the day after the "Purple Rain" singer's death, telling Willie Geist, "Prince and my mother are the only two people who I talk to about what I'm going to wear. I send him a picture in the morning." "There are just great things about him I wish I could tell people, but he wanted them to stay private," she added. "He didn't want people to know all of the ways he helped other people. He did it as this silent angel, including how he helped me in my life on many occasions ... I'm sorry for the world losing his gift, but he's not gone." (US Weekly)

The Weeknd has shocked his many fans and followers by showing off a new shorter hairstyle. The singer Wednesday tweeted a picture of his new album cover Starboy - and noticeably absent were his signature dreadlocks. While we were shocked, we can't get enough of his new look and think he still looks rather dreamy. However, we'll save our joy at his new style until it's confirmed it is permanent. Who knows in Hollywood these days...We also can't wait to hear his new album! (British Glamour)

The owners of the Boulder house where JonBenet Ramsey was killed told documentary producers to take a hike when they literally tried to return to the scene of the crime. Carol Schuller Milner and her husband currently live in the home, and she tells TMZ ... a production company contacted them months ago asking to lease their house. She says they immediately turned them down ... saying they had NO interest in dredging up horrific memories. If you saw CBS' special, "The Case of: JonBenet Ramsey" ... you noticed producers had to build replica rooms, because they had zero access to the real deal. Even if the Milners had played ball ... Carol says they made major renovations 10 years ago, which included the basement. She says it wasn't because they were creeped out -- they'd already been there for 2 years -- it was just time for a makeover. Carol says they didn't watch the documentary, and they've always separated the JonBenet tragedy from their home. (TMZ)

Samuel L. Jackson has had it with these motherf*ckin' reports on this motherf*ckin' couple. While most of Hollywood is still in shock following Angelina Jolie's surprise decision to divorce Brad Pitt after two years of marriage... not every A-Lister is as enamored by the story. Brad's Inglorious Basterds costar is pretty disinterested -- though he does have a theory on why everyone cares in the first place! Sam spoke candidly to Good Morning Britain on Thursday about the power couple's passing, brutally comparing Angie to a certain Wizard of Oz character, saying: "There's a huge segment of America that still thinks what he did to Jennifer Aniston was just wrong and are overjoyed that the Wicked Witch lost her husband. [However,] There's another segment that thinks it is sad and there's a dissolution of another family... I don't know why it's everybody's business or why people care anyway." Damn, Sam. Still... he seems much less upset by it than some other folks in Hollywood. (Perez Hilton)

Music

Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert Reunite on Star-Studded "Forever Country" Single. The country music family is alive and well. Even though Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert are no longer romantically linked, the talented artists didn't hesitate to participate in a special single honoring the 50th Annual CMA Awards. In the song and music video just released, dozens of artists come together for a mashup of John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads," Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again" and Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You." "When I first heard about it, it was hard to wrap my mind around it," Miranda admitted. "How many people are on three songs? How long is it? It's not very long of time to fit a lot of things in." Fortunately, CMA board member Shane McAnally was involved and made what could be impossible, possible. "This is one of those things where you get the phone call ... and I really didn't even ask what the song was. I just said sure, I'd love to be a part of whatever you guys are doing," Blake explained. "It's one of those things where you're just honored to be in with accompanying artists." Luke Bryan, Carrie Underwood, Faith Hill, Keith Urban and Tim McGraw are just some of the 30 artists featured in the finished project. "I think country music has always been described as a family and now having been in it for 12 years, I 100 percent agree," Miranda shared. "It's about the community and friends and relationships you make over the years. It's really cool that almost everybody that's part of the project had a duet together or performed together or toured together or something as a combo. Blake would also add, "I think it's going to be one of those things where everybody is going to remember and everybody's going to have a moment... that they really connect to. It's crazy. It's magical." The 50th Annual CMA Awards air live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 2 on ABC. (Eonline)

In just over a year since the release of his blockbuster album Beauty Behind the Madness, The Weeknd has shared the first single from his new album -- with Daft Punk in tow. The R&B star dropped the self-titled track late Wednesday night, the same day he announced the upcoming record Starboy and his shorter haircut. The electronic duo's influence is felt in the melody and echoing vocals on the chorus. Otherwise, it sounds like The Weeknd, staying in the dark mood he cultivated on his early mixtapes and sprinkled on Madness. Last month, it was confirmed The Weeknd was collaborating with Daft Punk. The crooner, a.k.a. Abel Tesfaye, also teased new music on Instagram; the post has since been deleted. An iTunes preview of the Starboy indicates the album, which has an expected Nov. 25 release date, will include 18 tracks; "False Alarm" is the only other song, besides the title track, listed. "Starboy" is available to buy on iTunes/Apple Music. (EW)

Rocker Sir Paul McCartney wants to make sure he isn't dwarfed by any fellow rock gods -- from the Rolling Stones to The Who -- at the upcoming Desert Trip concert, which has also been dubbed "Oldchella." A music source close to the show says that the 74-year-old former Beatle requested the stage be raised a whole 6 inches every time he's on it. Rock giant Macca stands at a respectable 5-feet-11, but apparently feels he's too short for his fans to fully bask in his knighted greatness at the venue, sources said. (Capacity at the show's been speculated to be around 70,000 per day.) Other rockers set to perform along with McCartney, the Stones and The Who include Bob Dylan, Neil Young and Roger Waters. "Oldchella" is set for Oct. 7 to 9 and Oct. 14 to 16 at the Empire Polo Club grounds in Indio, Calif., the same location as famed fest Coachella. Tickets range from $199 to $1,599. The concerts are expected to potentially haul in $100 million, while McCartney and others are reportedly earning $7 to $10 million per show. McCartney's rep didn't comment. (Page Six)

Shawty Lo's Final Video, "Put Some Respek On It'. Beanie Sigel will help pay tribute to his fallen comrade at a show Thursday night (Sept. 22). A concert originally scheduled as a tribute to rapper Shawty Lo's father -- who died on Sept. 6 of a sudden heart attack -- has been turned into a memorial for the "Laffy Taffy" star following Lo's death on Wednesday morning (Sept. 21) in a car crash. TMZ reports that after canceling some gigs to mourn for his dad, Shawty was slated to return to the stage for Thursday's (Sept. 22) concert at Club Oxygen in Baltimore to perform a new track he'd written in his pop's honor, "L2MF (Letter to My Father)." But, in light of Shawty's death, the rapper's manager, Johnnie Cabbell, told the gossip site that the tribute is still on, but will now be dedicated to Shawty and feature a performance from Beanie Sigel alongside Hot Boy Turk. Best known for his 2008 hit "Dey Know" and as a member of the hip-hop group D4L, who released the 2005 Hot 100 chart-topper "Laffy Taffy", Lo (born Carlos Walker), died in a car crash in Atlanta at age 40. A candlelight vigil was held on Wednesday night (Sept. 21) in the rapper's honor in his native Atlanta. Manager Cabbell posted a series of pics of the event. Also on Wednesday, Worldstarhiphop premiered what it said was Shawty's final video, "Put Some Respek On It," a celebratory clip in which the rapper runs down the finer things in life. (Billboard)

Weezer's 'Pinkerton' Goes Platinum Days Before 20th Anniversary. Weezer's sophomore album, Pinkerton -- a fan favorite that was famously slammed by critics upon its release -- was certified platinum this past Friday, just eight days before its 20th birthday. The band announced the news on social media earlier this week, writing: "Thanks to all 1 million of you in the US and A and the many more #acrossthesea worldwide who bought it and loved it." Pinkerton arrived September 24, 1996, as the follow-up to Weezer's smash 1994 debut, Weezer (Blue Album). On their Memories Tour in 2010 and 2011, the band performed both their first and second albums in full. Pinkerton was reissued on vinyl in 2016. Earlier this year, the band put out their tenth release, Weezer (White Album), and went out on the road with Panic! at the Disco. (Billboard)

Ringo Starr Shares New Song, Video For International Day of Peace. In partnership with the United Nations, former Beatle Ringo Starr released a video and a new song, called "Now the Time Has Come," on Wednesday in celebration of the U.N.'s International Day of Peace. "Making this record was incredibly personal for me," Starr said. "Against the backdrop of war or social unrest, I always turned to music as a refuge. I hope this record can offer people solace and inspire them to do all they can to bring peace to their communities." Starr and producer Bruce Sugar co-wrote the song, which features vocals from Richard Page, Colin Hay and Billy Valentine, alongside social-media stars Christian Collins, Maddi Jane, Casey McPherson, James Maslow and Wesley Stromberg. The song is part of the social-media #HugForPeace campaign to promote a day of non-violence through the peaceful act of hugging. "I worked on this record with peace and love," Starr said. "It was a joy to be part of this project." (Billboard)

Kevin Abstract Drops New Track 'Empty,' Plus Semi-NSFW Video. This is the second song from his upcoming release "American Boyfriend." In December 2015, hip-hop artist Kevin Abstract released the first single "Echo" from his upcoming sophomore record American Boyfriend. On Tuesday night, he dropped a new track, "Empty," and a video for it as well. The video marked Abstract's directorial debut and nerves were high -- evident through his Twitter page, when he live-tweeted the video's release minute-by-minute. When compared to the more mellow slow-burner that is "Echo," "Empty" comes across as a more bright, uptempo track. While there are few sonic similarities between the two, one uniting thread is the helmet-wearing Abstract, who graces the cover art for "Echo" and is seen throughout both videos. As for, "Empty," the semi-NSFW video tells "A Suburban Love Story" of a girl surprising her boyfriend only to find him engaged in a sexual act with another man. The cover art currently remains to be seen though, as the song will become available on all platforms Friday (Sept. 23). (Billboard)

Movies

Oscars: India Selects 'Interrogation' for Foreign-Language Category. The South Indian-language title won an award at Venice and was critically acclaimed for its take on police brutality. India has selected Visaranai as its entry for the 89th Academy Awards. Directed by Vetrimaran, the South Indian Tamil language title has drawn critical acclaim for its take on police brutality. Visaranai (Interrogation) is based on a true story and follows four innocent young men who find themselves caught up in police corruption in the tense, often violent socio-political thriller. The film starred actors Dinesh Ravi, Samuthira Kani, Murugadas Periyasamy and Raj Pradeesh. As part of its festival run, Visaranai screened at Venice last year where it won the Amnesty International Italia Award. The film also bagged three National Film Awards at home. In its review at last year's Mumbai Film Festival, THR said Visaranai "lands a well-aimed punch at rampant police brutality and corruption, to which the only response from the viewer is towering indignation. It may not break new ground in its subject or style of narration, but it covers the old ground extremely well, and its premise is so convincing and realistic that it seems like non-fiction." While India has bagged three Oscar nominations over the years starting with 1957's Mother India followed by 1989's Salaam Bombay (1989) and 2002's Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India, the country has still to win an Oscar in the foreign-language category. Last year, India sent another critically acclaimed film, Marathi-language title Court, into the foreign-language Oscar race. (Hollywood Reporter)

Oscars: Pakistan Selects 'Mah e Mir' for Foreign-Language Category. The film follows a modern-day poet who draws parallels with the life of the famous 18th century poet Mir Taqi Mir. Pakistan has submitted Mah e Mir as its entry for the 89th Academy Awards' best foreign-language film category. Directed by Anjum Shahzad, the film revolves around a contemporary poet who draws parallels with the events in the life of famous 18th century poet Mir Taqi Mir. The film stars actors Fahad Mustafa, Alyy Khan and Manzar Sehbai along with actresses Iman Ali and Sanam Saeed. After more than a 50-year absence, Pakistan re-entered the Oscar race in 2013 with illegal immigration comedy Zinda Bhaag. Last year, the country submitted Jamshed Mahmood Raza'sMoor as its Oscar entry. While the country has never been nominated, Pakistan has picked up two Oscars in the documentary category, both by the same filmmaker. Sharmeed Obaid-Chinoy first won a trophy with co-director Daniel Junge for Saving Face in 2012, followed by another win last year in the short documentary category with A Girl in the River: The Price of Forgiveness. (Hollywood Reporter)

TV

Leah Remini -- the former Scientologist who wrote a tell-all about the religion last year -- has landed a TV deal with A&E about the controversial church. The "King of Queens" star's already filming the series that will "detail Remini's experience with Scientology and her 2013 departure as well as focus on the families of other church members," the Hollywood Reporter said. It will debut next year. Buzz surrounding the Remini series began when watchdog blogger Tony Ortega reported Remini was shooting a show to focus on the church's alleged practice of "disconnection" to keep members from interacting with nonbelievers. A church rep did not get back to us, but it has previously said of Remini, "She needs to move on with her life instead of pathetically exploiting her former religion, her former friends and other celebrities for money and attention to appear relevant again." (Page Six)

Big shoes to fill. Kelly Ripa continues her search for a cohost to replace Michael Strahan, and she auditioned Jimmy Fallon during an appearance on The Tonight Show on Wednesday, September 21. The morning host, 45, has been helming her ABC talk show with a series of guest stars including Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen and Jerry O'Connell since the former New York Giants player left Live in May to join Good Morning America. Fallon, 42, jokingly brought up the idea of teaming up the All My Children alum, saying, "I'm not doing anything in the mornings, and we do have a little chemistry." "We do have chemistry," the mom of three agreed. He then tried to prove how perfect they'd be together by playing Word Sneak with her while interviewing The Roots' Questlove about his book Something to Food About. As Us Weekly previously reported, Ripa was blindsided when Strahan, 44, announced in April that would be leaving Live after four years after accepting a full-time gig at GMA. She took a sick day following the news and gave viewers a passionate speech about "respect in the workplace" when she returned to the studio. In the weeks before the NFL star finally left Live the pair's fractured relationship was clear to see as she awkwardly brought up his two divorces on air, joked about contract negotiations and wore a jacket with the word "Freedom" on the back. Strahan, who started at GMA earlier this month, told Fallon in an interview on September 7 that he is "loving" his new job. (US Weekly)

Who Won Big Brother Season 18? Summer has officially ended, and while we're stoked for fall, we're not so stoked about the end of another season of Big Brother. So who just took home $500,000 and made history? Congrats to...Nicole Franzel! At the start of Wednesday night's finale, it was newbie Paul against returnees Nicole and James. Paul then dominated the HOH competition, and sent James home. The jury was almost split, and we were fairly sure Paul had the win, but then it came down to none other than Da'Vonne's vote, and she picked Nicole. This means that Nicole is the first woman to ever win against a man in the final two, and good of a game as Paul played, she truly deserved it. Nicole also wasn't the only winner of the night! Not only did runner-up Paul walk away with $50,000, but there was a fan favorite prize to give out. The top three vote-getters included Victor, Natalie, and James (who won America's Favorite during his original season), and Victor ended up with the $25,000. While season 18 may be over, another Big Brother is just about to start, and this new edition of the show is seriously fan-centric. Viewers of Big Brother: Over the Top not only get to see everything live 24/7, but they will also get to vote for the winner. Each week will consist of one regular episode followed by a live eviction ceremony on Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT, a weekday replay on weeknights, safety ceremonies on Friday and Saturday nights, live diary room sessions on Tuesdays and Fridays, and an evicted houseguest g&a with Julie Chen on Thursday afternoons. Fans will also get the chance to vote throughout the season to affect nominations, evictions, and twists. Big Brother: Over the Top premieres on CBS All Access next Wednesday, Sept. 28 at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT. (Eonline)

American Horror Story: Roanoke: Invisible Children, Evil Nurses, and a Whole Lot of Bad Decisions. It's been two weeks of American Horror Story: Roanoke, and our biggest question is still what the heck are these people still doing in this house? We get the "life savings" thing and all, as well as the draw of a cool old house, but once dark corners start talking to children about how there's too much blood after scary forest people roast a man like a pig (not to mention everything that went down last week), it seems like it's time to GTFO. And besides, if you're two fully grown adults whose entire life savings are equal to $40,000, why are you spending it all at once on a house? Why aren't you renting a nice one bedroom? And why, when you know some terrifying s--t is going on, do you run outside to investigate at the first scary noise? And while we're at it, why does Kathy Bates always have a weird accent on this show? These are the questions that haunted us during the night's episode as Matt, Shelby, and Lee continued to experience horrifying things in and out of their creepy old farmhouse. Shelby came upon a human sacrifice in the woods, led by Bates. Lee's visiting daughter made friends with a murderous invisible girl. Matt witnessed an old woman being shot in the head by two nurses, before all three of them disappeared. There were knives in the ceiling, there was a lady in the yard, there were bloody pig bits(?) nailed to the wall, and there was just a whole bunch of NOPE happening everywhere anyone looked. At one point, Matt and Shelby found the entrance to a cellar outside, and oh-so-smartly decided to venture down into it. They found a camera, and a tape of Denis O'Hare freakin' out about how he saw a bunch of crazy stuff in the house and decided to live in the cellar. The guy on the tape was actually "Dr. Elias Cunningham," a professor who had come to the house in 1997 to do research for a true crime novel. His subjects were two nurses, Miranda and Bridget -- aka the sisters Matt had seen shooting the elderly woman in the head. Apparently that was their thing. They opened their own assisted living facility so they could easily murder people whose names started with the letters in "murder," which they would then write on a wall. Somehow, before they got to the second "R," they were stopped by some creepy evil thing in the house. Matt and Shelby then found those letters on the wall, covered by very easily removable wallpaper, and that was apparently the last straw. They tried to get out of their house purchase by pointing out the fact that they were scammed into not knowing about the murderous nurses before they bought it, but the agent's answer was basically "too bad, so sad." But also...they didn't know anything about the house before they bought it, and they bought it anyway, because they're dum dums. And yes, we're spending all of our time pointing out how dumb the characters in this show are in order to distract from the parts that are scary. Luckily, while there are a lot of scary parts, everyone is also really very stupid. Take, for instance, Lee, who stole her daughter back from her very angry ex-husband. He got upset because Lee had exposed Flora to a terrifying house full of murder, so Lee took Flora back to the terrifying house of murder, and what do you know? Flora was soon gone, and her sweatshirt found its way to the top of a very tall tree. So like...that sucks, but it's all your fault, Lee! Anyway, we don't know what's happening, but this true crime reenactment thing is pretty fun. Or it will be, once we feel safe opening our eyes again. American Horror Story airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on FX. (Eonline)

Empire Survivor Dishes on the Terrifying Balcony Scene, Plus Season 3 Scoop. The Empire showrunners promised drama and a swift resolution to the literal cliffhanger that saw both Rhonda (Kaitlyn Doubleday) and Anika (Grace Gealey) fighting dangerously on the edge of a balcony and one falling -- and boy, did they deliver. The opening moments of the season three premiere were some of the most dramatic this show has ever seen, and that's really saying something. The person who fell off the balcony? Poor, poor Rhonda -- who fell to her death as her husband looked on, helpless. Andre immediately turned to take his rage out on Anika, but came to his senses as Anika's water broke. Suddenly, within a span of just a few minutes, Rhonda was dead and Hakeem and Anika were the proud parents of a beautiful baby girl! "First of all, you want to find out. You want to be here, but then you also want the other person to be here, so it gets really difficult," she told us. Then after some time you're like okay, you know what? Whatever is decided it's fine, I just want to know so I know whether or not I'm moving to a different city." Yes, it's hard without her friend on set, but at least we finally have some closure to this particular storyline. As for Rhonda, don't think that she's gone -- because we saw her at the very end of the episode as A FREAKING GHOST talking to a mourning Andre about how lost he is without her. The good news: Jamal was there to check in on his spiraling brother, but something tells us Jamal shouldn't believe Andre when he says "I'm okay." Empire airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on Fox. (Eonline)

Survivor Cast Evacuates for the First Time in 33 Seasons: Watch the Dramatic Escape. Survivor has pitted members of two frequently sparring generations against each other for its landmark 33rd season -- Millenials and Gen Xers are facing off in the Vanua and Talaki tribes -- but they had to come together in the premiere when everyone from the cast was evacuated from Fiji due to a dangerous cyclone that was heading straight toward the camps on just the second day of competition. Obviously evacuating the teams is the last resort, so before the tribes had to leave their camps, host Jeff Probst and the producers sent each of them a tarp. "This is an unusually powerful storm and it's going to last a bit longer. I know you haven't had enough time to build a shelter, so as a gesture of goodwill I'm offering this tarp as protection until you can build your own. When the weather clears, bring it back to me," read the tree mail note. Some of the smarter contestants could tell that the tarp meant something horrible, and sure enough, Probst himself paid a visit to both camps just a few hours later. "The storm is getting worse so we sent the tarp over this morning; thought maybe that would help you guys weather it, but in the last few hours it's been upgraded again. It is now a cyclone and the prediction is tonight it's going to be much harder than last week. So, for the first time in 33 seasons of Survivor, we are going to evacuate," he told the Vanua tribe. Naturally, production still got artsy shots of the Millenials evacuating, but the Gen Xers didn't have enough time for those before nature took its course. The next morning, both tribes returned to destruction -- and a large tree had fallen on the shelter where the Talaki tribe had intended to sleep. "That was definitely a saving grace that Jeff made that decision to do that," praised one of the evacuees. Survivor airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on CBS. (Eonline)

Thomas Gibson on Criminal Minds Firing: "It Seems Like They're Trying to Erase Me." Thomas Gibson is telling his side of the story about the day that cost him his 12-year-long gig on Criminal Minds. Gibson, who was fired from the CBS series over the summer, told People about the on-set altercation that saw him suspended and later let go from the long-running series. According to Gibson, the cast was shooting a scene late at night for the second episode of the upcoming season 12 and he told writer-producer Virgil Williams that a line contradicted an earlier line. Gibson said Williams insisted the line be kept in, that it was necessary. After his conversation, Gibson said he told his castmates about the conversation when Williams entered the room. "He came into that room and started coming towards me. As he brushed past me, my foot came up and tapped him on the leg," Gibson said. "If I hadn't moved, he would have run into me. We had some choice words, for which I apologized the next day, and that was it. It was over. We shot the scene, I went home-and I never got to go back." Earlier reports indicated Gibson kicked Williams. He'll appear in the first two episodes of the new season. "Thomas Gibson has been dismissed from Criminal Minds," ABC Studios and CBS Studios, the production companies behind Criminal Minds, said in a statement. "Creative details for how the character's exit will be addressed in the show will be announced at a later date." Adam Rodriguez has been added to Criminal Minds as a series regular and former cast member Paget Brewster, who was originally only supposed to guest star, will now return as a series regular. "It seems like they're trying to erase me from the show. That hurts. But I'm using this time to be with my kids, and I look forward to what's next," Gibson said. "Maybe I'll do a comedy, or a play, or direct, or produce." Following his dismissal, Gibson joined Twitter and hired a lawyer. "I love Criminal Minds and have put my heart and soul into it for the last twelve years. I had hoped to see it through to the end, but that won't be possible now," Gibson said in a statement following his termination this summer. "I would just like to say thank you to the writers, producers, actors, our amazing crew, and, most importantly, the best fans that a show could ever hope to have." Criminal Minds returns Wednesday, Sept. 28 on CBS. (Eonline)

LeBron James, Bill Lawrence Prepping Family Comedy at NBC. The network has given a script-plus-penalty commitment to the project, about the first white family to move into a predominantly black neighborhood in Cleveland. NBC has given a script commitment to a single-camera comedy from NBA star LeBron James and prolific series creator Bill Lawrence. The commitment, which has a penalty attached, is for There Goes the Neighborhood, a half-hour single-camera series about the first white family to move into a predominantly black, newly gentrifying neighborhood in Cleveland. (James plays for the Cleveland Cavaliers, which in June won its first-ever NBA championship.) The project is from James' SpringHill Entertainment and Lawrence's Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. TV. Both companies have deals at Warners. Lawrence and Jeff Ingold will executive produce for Doozer along with James and Maverick Carter for SpringHill. Neil Goldman and Garrett Donovan (Community) and Ron Funches are the writers and also will executive produce. Earlier this month, SpringHill sold another scripted project to NBC, a scripted drama about a brilliant doctor who specializes in treating the world's greatest sports stars. SpringHill also is producing The Wall, a game show also for NBC that's hosted by Chris Hardwick and will debut later this year. Other credits include Starz's Survivor's Remorse, which was recently renewed for a fourth season. Doozer, meanwhile, landed a pilot production commitment at NBC for the comedy Spaced Out earlier this month. Other credits include Undateable, Scrubs and Cougar Town. SpringHill signed a deal with Warner Bros. Entertainment in July 2015 that spans all areas of content creation. Doozer renewed its deal with WBTV in May 2015. (Hollywood Reporter)

'Great British Bake Off' Judge Mary Berry to Quit, Paul Hollywood to Continue When Show Leaves BBC. Hosts Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc had previously thrown in the towel ahead of the U.K. hit show's move to Channel 4. The Great British Bake Off will also lose judge Mary Berry when the U.K. ratings hit moves from the BBC to Channel 4 after the end of the current season. But Paul Hollywood on Thursday announced his plans to continue for three seasons when the ratings juggernaut moves after the end of the current season. Said Hollywood: "Since I was a kid, baking has been part of my life. The seven [seasons] inside the tent have created some great memories. Best of all, I have felt so pleased to experience other people getting the baking bug, just as I did when my dad helped me make my first loaf. The Great British Bake Off has brought baking to the nation and we've seen people from all walks of life and backgrounds, experience the highs and lows of competition, and more importantly helping each other. It's been a huge part of my life in the past few years and I just couldn't turn my back on all that – the bakers themselves, the bakes, the team that makes it, and of course the tent, the bunting, and who could forget... the squirrels." The BBC had announced the news of Berry's departure just an hour before the Channel 4 deal with Hollywood was disclosed. Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc previously said that they would quit as hosts of the show. "What a privilege and honor it has been to be part of seven years of magic in a tent-The Great British Bake Off," Berry said in a statement issued by the BBC. "The Bake Off family – Paul, Mel and Sue have given me so much joy and laughter." She explained: "My decision to stay with the BBC is out of loyalty to them, as they have nurtured me, and the show, that was a unique and brilliant format from day one. I am just sad for the audience who may not be ready for change, I hope they understand my decision. I wish the program, crew and future bakers every possible success and I am so very sad not to be a part of it. Farewell to soggy bottoms." Charlotte Moore, director of BBC content, said: "Mary is an extraordinary woman, loved and adored by the British public, and the BBC is her natural home. I've been very lucky to have had the pleasure of working with Mary over the last seven years and I'm so pleased that relationship will continue. She is an inspiration to generations, a real icon and I can't wait to cook up more unmissable shows with her in the future." Richard McKerrow, creative director of Bake Off producer Love Productions, said: "Paul's presence will ensure the culture of Bake Off continues in the tent as it makes its move to Channel 4. We want to reiterate to Bake Off fans that the show they love will remain wholly familiar, and that Channel 4 is a great place to make our show. Bake Off will be produced by the same team, in the same tent, with the same recipe." Added Channel 4 chief creative officer Jay Hunt: "Paul really is the star baker-an exceptional talent with a twinkle in his eye. His wit, warmth and wisdom are vital ingredients in Bake Off's success. I'm so delighted he's coming to Channel 4." The hosts of the show had said in recently announcing their departure: "We were very shocked and saddened" to learn that Bake Off would be moving. "We made no secret of our desire for the show to remain where it was." They concluded: "We're not going with the dough. We wish all the future bakers every success." Channel 4 had announced a three-year deal for the show, estimated by some to be worth $99 million (75 million pounds). It said the first Bake Off content planned is a celebrity version of the show in 2017. But the departure of a big part of the on-air team raises major questions about the future of the franchise. A modest hit when it premiered in 2010 on BBC Two, the show was later moved to flagship channel BBC One and now ranks among the biggest shows in U.K. history. The good-natured cooking competition (known, due to copyright issues, as The Great British Baking Show in the U.S.) returned for its seventh season on Aug. 24, drawing a whopping 10.4 million live viewers for a 47.5 share. That means nearly half of British TVs on during the hour were tuned in. That was a bigger percentage than the Rio Olympics. Nothing, save the Super Bowl (a 73 share) and the NFL conference championship games match that level of saturation with U.S. audiences. The Oscars and NBC's most-watched night of Olympics coverage couldn't reach a 40 share. Love Productions is controlled by pan-European pay TV giant Sky, in which 21st Century Fox owns a 39 percent stake. (Hollywood Reporter)

Netflix Begins Dubbing Into Turkish for Local Service. The move, which will see shows like 'Orange Is the New Black,' 'House of Cards' and 'Jessica Jones' dubbed or subtitled, copies the company's local-language strategy in Poland. Netflix is rolling out a Turkish-language service, dubbing or subtitling the bulk of its programming in the territory to serve audiences in what is one of the world's fastest-growing television markets. Netflix said Thursday that more than 80 percent of its content in Turkey, including series such as Orange Is the New Black, Jessica Jones and House of Cards, will be dubbed or subtitled in Turkish. The streaming giant rolled out a similar local-language service in Poland earlier this week. Both are part of a broader strategy by Netflix to jump-start growth in its international operations by expanding beyond viewers who speak or understand English. Netflix also announced it would be teaming with mobile provider Vodafone to carry its streaming service in Turkey. Mobile and cable integration deals are becoming an increasingly important part of Netflix's strategy. Earlier this month, Netflix and John Malone's international cable giant Liberty Global announced a multiyear partnership that will see Netflix become available to pay TV subscribers in more than 30 countries worldwide. In the U.S., Comcast is this week rolling out a beta test of its Netflix integration on advanced cable boxes. (Hollywood Reporter)

TV Ratings: 'Empire' Down From 2015, 'Designated Survivor' Leads Wednesday Premieres. 'Lethal Weapon' and 'Speechless' bow to similar, if slightly smaller, scores to the Kiefer Sutherland starrer. Wednesday night brought three new broadcast series, perhaps most notably the premiere of ABC's Designated Survivor, and the return of Fox smash Empire. Matching its season finale but down quite steeply from its year-ago premiere, Empire averaged a 4.1 rating among adults 18-49 and 10.8 million viewers. It easily ranked as the top 18-49 performer of the night. Empire was guaranteed to drop (nearly 40 percent in this case) from its sophomore premiere a year ago. The comparable episode marked begin of its gradual live-plus-same day decline. The episode averaged a 6.7 rating among adults 18-49 and 16.2 million viewers. No broadcast series has come anywhere near that feat in the key demo in the time since. (Though, the X-Files certainly made a valiant effort.) Last we saw the show, which is a more appropriate comparison, it pulled a night-of 4.1 rating among adults 18-49 and 10.9 million viewers. All told last season, its live-plus-seven day average was a 6.4 rating among adults 18-49 and 17.7 million viewers. So while Wednesday's score can't be the most spectacular news for Fox and the Empire team, it still returns with its status as broadcast's top-rated series firmly unchallenged. As for the night's newcomers, the new dramas were fairly evenly matched. Lethal Weapon earned a 2.2 rating in the key demo and 7.8 million viewers in the time slot immediately before Empire. (The combination gave Fox an easy win for the night.) And, on ABC, Designated Survivor earned a 2.3 rating among adults 18-49 and nearly 10 million viewers. The two new dramas continue the week's string of promising starts for new series, albeit down from the highs seen Tuesday night by NBC drama This Is Us. Also new was ABC comedy Speecheless. It might be the smallest of the night, but it performed in line with fellow ABC comedies The Goldbergs and Black-ish by earning a 2.0 rating among adults 18-49 in its 8:30 p.m. slot. Modern Family also returned to ABC -- up from its showing towards the end of last season but showing its age with a year-to-year drop to a 2.6 rating among adults 18-49. Survivor kicked off another season on CBS with a steady 2.3 rating among adults 18-49 and Big Brother wrapped its summer run with a 2.1 rating in the key demo. After winning the first two nights of the season, NBC has to settle for last among the Big Four on Wednesday. Blindspot shifted into its new time slot, steady with last week's sampling, but down steeply from its Monday debut a year ago with a 1.3 rating among adults 18-49. It was followed by steady returns for Law & Order: SVU and Chicago PD, which earned a respective 1.8 and 1.6 rating in the key demo. (Hollywood Reporter)