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Day in Pop Report for 03/05/2012


Tupac Musical Coming
(TMZ) A new Broadway musical about Tupac Shakur just overcame one MASSIVE roadblock -- TMZ has learned, producers have obtained the approval of the rapper's notoriously protective mother ... who LOVES the show.

A rep for the Shakur family tells TMZ, producers personally gave Afeni Shakur a rough preview of "Holler If You Hear Me" -- the new musical by black theater legend Kenny Leon, based on Tupac's music.

According to the rep, Kenny wanted Afeni's approval before proceeding with the show -- and he GOT IT ... we're told Afeni was "ecstatic" and can't wait for the show to premiere.

The musical isn't about Tupac personally -- it's a fictional story about two childhood friends in a Midwestern industrial city and their extended families.

A Broadway premiere date hasn't been set -- but we're told Leon plans to start casting next week. more on this story

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Oprah To Interview Whitney Houston's Daughter For TV Special
(popmusiclife) Oprah has scored an interview with Whitney Houston's daughter for an upcoming special. The program is scheduled to air March 11.

Billboard reports Oprah will interview Whitney's daughter, Bobbi Kristina, and other family members for a TV special that will air on Oprah's tv network.

"Oprah's Next Chapter" will feature an interview with 19-year-old Bobbi Kristina, Houston's only child; the session will also include Patricia Houston, the singer's sister-in-law and manager, as well as the singer's brother Gary. more on this story

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Adele Sets Digital Record
(popmusiclife) Adele continues to set records. Billboard reports the UK singer's "Rolling In The Deep" has become the biggest-selling digital song of all time by a woman in the U.S. - and the second-biggest overall.

The song sold another 99,000 sold in the week ending February 26 to set a new total of 6.68 million, surpassing Lady Gaga's "Poker Face" (6.62 million) to become tops among all female-led tunes.

"Rolling in the Deep" is now second among all digital songs, only to the Black Eyed Peas' "I Gotta Feeling" (7.82 million); Gaga's "Poker Face" falls to third place. more on this story

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Bam Margera Fights Undefeated Pro Boxer
(TMZ) Bam Margera got into a full on street fight in Australia this week with an UNDEFEATED PRO BOXER ... and TMZ has learned it was all over a girl.

Sources close to the "Jackass" star tell us ... Bam and a close lady friend were hanging out in Adelaide, Australia ... when the two were confronted by the chick's ex-BF ... who just happens to be an undefeated featherweight boxing phenom.

We're told the two men exchanged words ... and then fists began to fly. Sources tell us ... Bam "held his own" ... and "didn't get hurt that bad."

We spoke with cops who told us no arrests were made. more on this story

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Cee Lo Green Going Vegas
CeeLo Green camp sent over word that he will be a resident headliner at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino with his new show, "CeeLo Green Presents Loberace." Here are the details:

The Wednesday, Aug. 29th premiere of "CeeLo Green Presents Loberace" in the resort's 1,400-seat showroom will mark the first of 28 performances this year.

This truly unique, new show designed exclusively for Planet Hollywood will be an electrifying journey into the world of CeeLo's brainchild, "Loberace." After a big year of huge performances and success, this show and overall concept was a vision that CeeLo's manager Michael "Blue" Williams had and has continued to develop over the last year. More of a spectacle than a show, CeeLo, the conductor/ringmaster "LOBERACE," will take you on a ride through the colorful decades of music, stopping at legendary moments in time, from Prince to Blue Magic to The Rolling Stones, new wave to disco and beyond. more on this story

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Lindsay Lohan Doesn't Think She Bombed on Saturday Night Live
(TMZ) There's at least one person who thinks Lindsay Lohan did a great job on "Saturday Night Live" this weekend ... and that's Lindsay herself.

Sources close to Lindsay tell TMZ she understands it wasn't a perfect show, but she feels proud of the episode. We're told there were several last minute changes -- including ditching her singing monologue in favor of one with cameos from Jimmy Fallon and Jon Hamm.

Our sources say Lindsay was excited to be back working and really missed being a part of the action. According to our sources, Lindsay understands people are going to bash her performance regardless ... but she feels she did the best she could do. more on this story

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16 and Pregnant Star Arrested for Stealing Pregnancy Test
(TMZ) "16 and Pregnant" star Whitney Purvis was arrested in Georgia last week ... after cops say she shoplifted a pregnancy test from a local Walmart ... and used it in the store.

According to the police report, the 20-year-old MTV star stashed a First Response pregnancy test in a hooded jacket ... and then "took it to the restroom wit her and used one."

Purvis allegedly tried to sneak out of the store through a side door ... but she was busted by store security ... who put her under citizens arrest and called local police.

According to the report, the pregnancy test was valued at $15.98.

Purvis was hauled to a nearby police station where she was booked for misdemeanor theft by shoplifting. more on this story

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Brandy Too Emotional To Sing Whitney Houston Songs
(TMZ) Brandy took the stage in Los Angeles last week, and while some in the house were expecting her to perform a few Whitney Houston songs, decided against it ... saying it would have made her "an emotional wreck."

Performing at The Factory in Los Angeles, Brandy made her first appearance since Houston's passing and dedicated the song "Right Here (Departed)" in her honor.

Brandy and Whitney starred together back in a 1997 TV remake of "Cinderella," and her brother Ray J dated Whitney on and off for several years. more on this story

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Olivia Munn Photo Leak A Fake
(TMZ) The full-frontal photo circulating around the Internet today purporting to be Olivia Munn is a phony -- this according to sources extremely close to Olivia Munn.

Several pics hit the web today -- appearing to show Olivia in various states of undress ... pink lingerie, a black bra, a white bra, a pink bikini, a low-cut v-neck ... and then fully exposed.

Sources tell TMZ, several of the shots are legit -- namely the black bra, the bikini, the v-neck ... all of which Olivia has previously posted on her blog or Twitter. But according to sources, the ones where you can't see her face are 100% fake. more on this story

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Joshua Bell Robbed
(TMZ) It's like a scene out of "Ocean's 11" -- Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell claims a master thief cleverly posed as the musician, infiltrated his hotel room, opened his safe ... and jacked a TON of valuables, including a $38,000 watch.

Josh's rep tells TMZ, the famed soloist was performing with the London Philharmonic in Zaragoza, Spain on February 29th when the thief struck -- breaking into the 5-star hotel room where the musician was staying.

Josh was performing at the time -- but according to his rep, the thief somehow convinced the front desk clerk he was the violinist and obtained a room key. Once inside the room, Josh claims the thief called the front desk and said he was having trouble opening his safe.

According to Josh's rep, the thief met hotel security inside Bell's room -- wearing only a towel, as if he had just gotten out of the shower.

Josh's rep claims security opened the safe for the thief -- never once checking for ID -- allowing him to steal Mr. Bell's Breguet watch, valued at more than $38,000.

We're told the thief also made off with Mr. Bell's laptop, a ton of cash, and other personal belongings.

Bell tells TMZ, "I was amazed at how easy it was for this to occur."

Fortunately, the thief did NOT have a chance to jack Mr. Bell's priceless 1713 Stradivarius violin -- because Bell was using it at his performance. The incident is currently under investigation. more on this story

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Mark Cuban Not Giving Up On Lamar Odom
(TMZ) Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban tells TMZ ... Lamar Odom WILL rejoin the team after a brief stint down in the D-League ... claiming L.O. simply needs to get his timing back.

Cuban explains, "[Lamar] is doing great. D-League is rehab. [He] needs to get in great shape and then rejoin the Mavs."

He continues, "Know how baseball teams send a guy down to the minor leagues to get some games in a get timing back? Same thing."

"Things are going great. He is working super hard. All is good." more on this story

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Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. Facing DUI Charges
(TMZ) Boxing champ Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. -- son of the legendary Julio Cesar Chavez -- will have to fight to stay out of jail ... 'cause he was just charged with DUI stemming from an arrest earlier this year.

TMZ has learned ... the L.A. City Attorney has decided to hit Chavez with 3 misdemeanor charges ... 2 for drunk driving and 1 for driving without a valid license.

If convicted on all counts, JCC could face up to a year in county jail and a $1,000 fine.

He's due back in court to face the judge later this month. more on this story

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Blake Lively Restrains Obsessed Fan for 3 Years
(TMZ) Blake Lively just got 3 more years protection from an obsessed fan, who allegedly claimed he had a "metaphysical" connection with the actress -- because a judge extended Blake's restraining order today.

TMZ broke the story ... Blake obtained a temporary restraining order against Sergei Mifle last month -- claiming the guy made repeated contact with Blake's mom, begging to help Blake because she was troubled.

According to Blake, Sergei was spotted lurking around the set of "Gossip Girl" -- insisting he was there to help Blake "heal."

The judge extended the protective order today in L.A. -- requiring Sergei to stay at least 100 yards away from Blake and her mom for the next three years. more on this story

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Basketball Wives Purse Snatching Drama
(TMZ) A "Basketball Wives" vacation to Tahiti ended early for one cast member after an argument between two girls ended with one refusing to give back the other's purse ... TMZ has learned.

According to our sources, Tami Roman and Kesha Nichols got into it last month about halfway through the trip because Tami felt Kesha was talking behind the other girls' backs. We're told the two had it out over dinner and Kesha stormed out ... leaving her purse behind.

Our sources say Tami took the purse and held on to it, hoping Kesha would come retrieve it and they could finish their conversation. But when Kesha found out Tami had retreated back to her hotel room with the purse, we're told Kesha got hotel security involved.

Hotel security wanted to get the local police involved, but our sources say the producers of the show talked Tami into returning the purse to Kesha before the authorities got involved.

We're told once the matter was settled, Kesha decided to hope the next plane back to the States.

Last time the girls went on vacation, it was to Italy ... and Tami punched cast member Meeka Claxton during a nightclub brawl.

Calls to reps for both girls and VH1 were not returned. more on this story

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American Idol Champ Ruben Studdard Owes Uncle Sam Six Figures
(TMZ) It's never a good sign when a singer has had more tax liens than platinum albums -- but that's the situation former "American Idol" champ Ruben Studdard has found himself in ... TMZ has learned.

According to docs filed in Alabama, Studdard and his estranged wife Zuri owe $180,216.73 in federal taxes for the year 2009.

Studdard is no stranger to tax problems in Alabama -- he had a property lien filed against him back in 2008 to the tune of nearly $200,000.

Ruben filed for divorce from Zuri back in November. more on this story

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Packers Donald Driver Ready To Tackle Dancing With the Stars
(TMZ) Four-time Pro Bowler and children's author Donald Driver isn't taking "Dancing with the Stars" lightly -- sources tell TMZ, the Green Bay wide receiver is working himself to the BONE to crush the competition.

According to sources, Donald's been working non-stop -- practicing with his partner for 5 hours at a time ... then going home and studying dance moves on YouTube.

We're told Donald pays especially close attention to the male pros -- intently studying their moves and their footwork ... just like a football player would study tapes of old games.

According to sources, Donald's goal is to dance at the pro level -- not just the "celebrity" level.

We're told Donald is so focused on being at the top of his game -- he's even keeping his pro partner Peta Murgatroyd on a strict diet.

As one "Dancing" source put it ... "Donald's work ethic is INSANE!" more on this story

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Tyler the Creator Pays Up For Club Vandalism
(TMZ) Tyler the Creator is sorry he trashed a bunch of sound equipment at a Hollywood nightclub back in December ... nearly starting a riot in the process -- and now, he's proved it by paying roughly $8,000 to cover the damage.

TMZ broke the story ... Tyler was arrested on December 22nd outside the world famous Roxy on Sunset Blvd -- after the rapper performed at the venue ... and went nuts on stage, throwing things around and destroying a soundboard.

Fans took to the streets to protest Tyler's arrest ... and it nearly became a riot situation. more on this story

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CSI Creator's Wife Wants $443K A Month in Support
(TMZ) The wife of the creator of "CSI" is in terrible financial straits ... forced to live on a meager $443,528 a month, and is demanding spousal and child support.

Anthony Zuiker has filed new legal docs -- obtained by TMZ -- in response to Jennifer's demand for support, in which he scoffs at her claims, noting that she told the court she ONLY needs $158,000 a month to live, and her monthly cut from the show exceeds that amount by a whopping $285,000.

And get this ... the couple raked in more than $74 million in "CSI" profits since 2008. Their average yearly income is more than $17.8 mil.

One final thing. In the legal docs, Anthony is objecting to the renewal of their youngest son's passport, on grounds it's dangerous for him to travel with Jennifer. According to the docs, Jennifer exhibited "shockingly poor judgment" during her travels with their 3 kids, allegedly leaving them alone with the nanny for days while traveling in Europe.

But the best "poor judgment" allegation ....Anthony claims Jennifer encouraged and allowed the 11-year-old boy to shoot a "real hand gun" at televisions she and her friends had dragged into the Nevada desert. more on this story

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Anniversary of Patsy Cline's Death
(Gibson) On this day in 1963, country singer Patsy Cline was killed in a plane crash near Camden, Tennessee. Gibson takes a look back: Patsy Cline loved her kids. And as much as she bucked at the thought sacrificing her professional career to be a housewife for her first husband, Gerald Cline, in the mid-'50s, this was different. That Patsy was a poor country girl with dreams of stardom. This Patsy was an industry veteran on top of the world, but with two small children, Julie and Randy, waiting for her back home. Suddenly all those tours and TV appearances didn't mean quite so much as they used to. Cline spent the last weeks of 1962 a couple of thousand miles removed from her babies while performing her hit show in Las Vegas. "I've become a captive of my own ambitions," she told her close friend, Dottie West.

But it was that big heart that sent Cline out to Kansas City, Kansas in the first place in March 1963. She agreed to perform at a series of benefit shows on March 3, to help raise funds for the family of disc jockey Cactus Jack Call, who had been killed recently in a car accident. The benefit brought several big names from the country music world, including George Jones, George Riddle and the Jones Boys, Billy Walker, Dottie West, Cowboy Copas, Hawkshaw Hawkins and others.

The show itself went off without a hitch, with Cline closing her final set with "I'll Sail My Ship Alone." Then she bid her fans farewell with a rather chilling confession, "I've done a lot of things that I'm not happy about. And in the short time God gives us on this earth, I'm doing something about changing all that. But I sure do appreciate you sticking with me and buying my records. Y'all been good to ole Patsy!"

Cline had put on a crowd-stirring show, despite feeling a bit under the weather. She was up coughing half of the night that followed. When she met the others for breakfast in the morning, she didn't feel like eating at all. 560 miles away, in Nashville, her son Randy's cold had turned to pneumonia. Cline just wanted to get home. more on this story

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Tyrone Wells Singled Out Week: I Can't Save You Now
Tyrone Wells releases his new album, "Where We Meet," this week and to celebrate we asked him to tell us about some of his favorite songs from the release. Today he tells us about the track "I Can't Save You Now":

In college I was dating a girl that I really liked. It wasn't long into our relationship though, that I started to realize that she also made me crazy. Like not crazy in love, just crazy. She always seemed to be in crisis mode. There was always something dramatic going on with her family, or friends, or school, or work or�.

After several months of feeling ungrounded and well� crazy, I realized that even though I really liked this girl, I just couldn't save her from herself and the chaos in her life. The earthquakes were too often and too severe. I had to move on�

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen for yourself and learn more about the album right here!

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