Britney Spears Quits The X Factor

TMZ report that "unimpeachable sources" told them that Britney loves being on the show but she wants to focus on her music.

One of TMZ's sources told them that ... "Britney loves Simon, she likes Demi Lovato but her thing is music."

Spears is currently recording her 8th album with assistance from Will.i.am and producer Hit-Boy.

The site also report that they were told by an unnamed source that Spears is seriously considering going on tour to support the new album. (TMZ)

Knicks Carmelo Anthony Suspended Following Garnett Confrontation

Anthony reportedly waited for Garnett in an arena tunnel at Madison Square Garden to confront him after they had clashed during the game.

Video has leaked online which show the expletive-filled argument but does not show Garnett allegedly hurling insults at Anthony during the game, some reportedly dealing with his wife, according to TMZ.

The NBA is suspending Anthony without pay for the Knicks January 10th game against The Pacers.

An NBA representative said in a statement, "There are no circumstances in which it is acceptable to confront an opponent after a game." See video here.

Prince Musical Vault Opened Online By Anonymous Tweeter

The Purple One pronounced the Internet dead back in 2010 in an interview with German Rolling Stone and has managed to ignore the online market since, at one point he was even charging fans a small fee to watch his videos and still refuses to sell his music through iTunes.

But since January 6, the mysterious tweeter 3rd Eye Girl has been posting remixes (like a funky take on his latest single, "Rock and Roll Love Affair), a black and white rehearsal clip and other rarities from Prince.

The handle, which has nearly 3,000 followers and is following no one, even managed to post a new song called "Same Page, Different Book." more on this story

Leonard Cohen Plans New North American Tour Leg

The new leg is set to kick off at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland, CA on March 2. The new dates will include several cities where he has performed on the first leg as well as stops in cities where he will be performing for the first time including New Orleans, Memphis and Louisville.

antiMusic's Anthony Kuzminski wrote of the Rosemont, IL stop on the first leg of the tour back in November, " Cohen is more of a prophet than a performer as he effortlessly guides his audience through the shifting neighborhoods of their existence. Watching Cohen on the concert stage is largely unparalleled because he doesn't rely on any artifice other than the power of his songs and the sincerity with which they are delivered. On his recent stop through Chicago, at Rosemont's Akoo Theatre, Cohen performed thirty songs over the course of 190-minutes with a nine piece band who, along with Cohen's cavernous yet soothing voice, made you feel like everything you ever needed to know about life was right on that stage." more on this story

Amos Lee: Live from the Artists Den Coming To DVD Loaded With Extras

The DVD will feature a special, intimate performance that was filmed at the Fox Theatre in Tucson, Arizona for the PBS series Live from the Artists Den.

The broadcast only featured some of the song performances from the concert, the new DVD is set to include footage not aired on TV.

The bonus footage will include interview clips as well as guest appearances by Calexico and the Silver Thread Trio and a rendition of Willie Nelson and Ray Charles' "Seven Spanish Angels." more on this story

Rick Ross Teases Fans With Album Trailer

The clip that was first posted to WorldstarHipHop goes on for two minutes, 5 seconds offering the sights and sounds one has come to expect from a Ross production.

In usual Maybach fashion, Ross employs a bikini-sporting co-star to anchor his clip. She is checking a classic collection of vinyl records, including Michael Jackson's Bad and Curtis Mayfield's Super Fly, which she removes from its jacket and places on a record player.

He shows the lavish interior of a mansion that includes his shades, jewelry and cash. We see his magazine covers and gold plaques. Set to the sound of Mayfield's "Give Me Your Love," we finally see Ross waiting for the lady to join him in a hot tub. And what will it be called?

Grammy Album Includes Taylor Swift, Kelly Clarkson, fun., Adele and more

In honor of the upcoming awards show the Recording Academy is releasing a 22-track record featuring the nominees for this year's Record Of The Year, Album Of The Year, Song Of The Year, Best New Artist, Best Pop Solo Performance, Best Pop Vocal Album, Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song, and Best Rock Album.

The album, out January 22, features diverse artists like Bruce Springsteen, The Black Keys, Gotye, Katy Perry, Frank Ocean, Hunter Hayes and Adele. more on this story

Railroad Earth Kicking Off Winter Tour Next Week

The trek will begin with a three night stand at the Ogden Theater in Denver, CO on January 18th, 19th and 20th.

The tour will also include concerts in Minneapolis, St Louis, Chicago, Birmingham, Asheville, Knoxville, Atlanta, Boston, New York City, San Francisco and more. more on this story

Charlie Sheen Addresses Antonio Villaraigosa Photo Controversy

Charlie revealed to Terri that he bonded with Lindsay over being tabloid targets. Charlie saying, "She's a good gal you know and I've been through a lot of the same stuff and it's like I told her when I met her, just don't take it so seriously, just lead with humor and lead with your heart and the rest will work itself out."

Charlie also talked about paying off Lindsay's overdue 2009 tax bill for $100,000! Terri, "You did something incredibly generous you paid her tax bill." Charlie, " I hope it helped and I just believe in paying it forward." Terri, "Did you get a thank you note?" Charlie, "I did. Yeah, yeah she was very cool about that�she's a sweet lady and I'm rooting for her."
Another woman Charlie is rooting for, his ex-wife, Brooke Mueller. Terri, "And Brooke's doing good?" Charlie, "She's doing alright. Yes, as good as Brooke can do, she's doing fine, yeah."

Sheen recently tweeted a photo of himself posing with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in Cabo, sparking controversy by implying they shared a wild night partying in Mexico together. Charlie, "The whole thing was blown out ...I was just trying to make a joke and I feel bad because he's such a good mayor and he's such a good dude and I wasn't trying to do anything then just try to get a few laughs out of it and let people know that we had a good time in Cabo and I don't know I guess I should have taken it a little more seriously ..his position and what he's responsible for and the type of stuff he has to deal with and I wasn't respectful of that so that's on me. That's on me. Sorry, Antonio."

One thing Charlie is not apologizing for? The success of his FX show "Anger Management," which was just renewed for a record breaking 90 episodes. Charlie, "I guess they like us..cause they wanna keep us on forever! One of the most amazing additions is my father playing my dad�We both have more fun than should be legal."

The fun continues when "Anger Management" returns Thursday January 17th on FX. more on this story

Celtic Woman Returning To North American For New Tour

The group will be kicking off the four month trek on February 21 in Worcester, MA and the tour will conclude on June 15th in Bethel, NY.

Celtic Woman are also celebrating recently being named Billboard Magazine's #1 World Music Artist in their 2012 year-end issue. more on this story

Fantasia Goes Rock Soul On New Album

"I feel like this project is my baby," she said. "They allowed me to write� I always wanted to do something different. I love R&B but for the level I'm at now, I wanted to do something like Rock-Soul. When you hear Rock Soul, you think of Tina Turner. You think of James Brown. I wanted so bad to do something like that."

The first single from the album, "Lose to Win" hit iTunes on Tuesday (January 8). She explained what it was about the song that caught her ear.

"I was blown alway with the feel," she said. "[It's like] The Commodores' 'Night shift.' When I heard the track, I was done. When I heard the lyrics of the song, it wasn't just about a relationship it was about my whole career. There have been ups and downs." more on this story

Sheryl Crow's Broadway Diner Postponed

"We presented a four-week fully staged workshop of Diner in New York last November at which we received positive feedback from investors and theater owners," said Zeiger in a statement. "We are excited about our progress and it has become very clear the direction in which we need to continue to take this new American musical."

Diner The Musical, written by Barry Levinson with featured music and lyrics by Sheryl Crow, was inspired by the critically acclaimed 1982 film of the same name which was written and directed by Levinson and starred Ellen Barkin, Mickey Rourke, Steve Guttenberg and Kevin Bacon. more on this story

Bette Midler Returning To Broadway After 30 Year Absence

I'll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers will portray a single night from Mengers's life, a woman who had her start in the entertainment industry as a receptionist at a boutique talent firm and eventually became an agent for industry leaders like I.C.M. and William Morris. Mengers clients included Barbra Streisand, Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway and Michael Caine.

The play, scheduled to premiere on April 24, was written by John Logan (The Aviator and Skyfall) and will be directed by Joe Mantello, who recently won a Tony for his role in Broadway's The Normal Heart. more on this story

When Austin Mahone Met Taylor Swift

So much has happened for Austin Mahone in the past 12 months and Austin discussed his success with us. "I got signed onto a huge record label, came out with my first two singles, 'Say Somethin' and 'Say You're Just A Friend,' so it's just been a great year so far."

In 2013 Austin will be performing with Taylor Swift on her Red Tour. Austin recalled the very first time he met her. "I met her a year ago in this little cafe. She walked in and I introduced myself. I said, 'Are you Taylor Swift? She said, 'Yeah.' I said 'I'm Austin Mahone. I do music and I'm on YouTube.' She was like, 'Oh, that's so cool, keep working hard.' Now, a year later, I'm going on tour [with her] and it's so crazy how it all came about." Stream the interview here.

Samantha Crain Plan North American Tour

The tour of intimate venues is set to kick off in Raleigh, NC at the Berkeley Cafe on January 23rd.

Samantha Crain will be hitting the road in support of her forthcoming album, Kid Face, which will be released on February 19th. more on this story

Kobe Bryant's Wife Vanessa Sells Off Orange County Mansion

TMZ reports: Vanessa Bryant listed the 6,000 sq. ft. Newport Beach property back in September for $3.75 million -- and she finally closed the deal this month for $3.22 million.

Kobe and Vanessa purchased the place back in 2003 for $2.65 million. Vanessa's mother Sofia was living in the home prior to the sale.

The house is one of three massive Newport Beach mansions Kobe gave Vanessa last year ... one month after she filed for divorce. Read more at TMZ

Michael Lohan Threatens Legal Action Over Dina's Rape Claim

Dina reportedly claimed in a recent interview that Michael raped her during a cocaine binge in 1990.

Michael's attorney has responded the claims made in the interview by sending Dina a cease-and-desist letter, calling the accusations "false, defamatory, and unlawful."

In the letter the lawyer claims Dina has been harassing Michael of late by leaving a slew of messages on his phone and on the Internet, according to TMZ.

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