Jennifer Lopez Leads Forbes Celebrity 100 List

With $52 million in earnings over the last 12 months and a huge amount of fame, Jennifer Lopez is No. 1 on Forbes’ Celebrity 100 list for the first time. A few years ago it looked like Lopez was done, too. Her albums failed to find the broad audience she once enjoyed, and several of her movies were flops. Then in 2010 the singer landed a judge’s chair on American Idol . The job gave her a platform to promote her music and turn her image around. She did. She also split with husband, Marc Anthony, a move that, while said, gave J. Lo even more media attention and subsequent big-money endorsement deals. With contracts for L’Oreal and Gillette, a line of clothing at Kohl’s, a fragrance, and a whopping $20 million Idol salary, she’s got it made here in 2012. Her 6.6 million followers on Twitter and 12 million fans on Facebook are a testament to her social popularity, as well, cementing her #1 Forbes ranking. Lopez unseats Lady Gaga , who topped the list last year. The pop star slides to fifth place this year with $52 million in earnings, down from $90 million last year (the Gaga didn’t tour much in the last 12 months). In second place is Oprah Winfrey, whom Gaga unseated for No. 1 last year. Winfrey had a rough 12 months, too. Oprah’s down years are #2 overall. Ranking third on our list is Justin Bieber, with $55 million in the past year thanks to touring and record sales. Rihanna came in at #4 in the rankings. [Photo: WENN.com]

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Jennifer Lopez Leads Forbes Celebrity 100 List

Dancing With the Stars Results Shocker: Who Made the Finals?

After Monday left Katherine Jenkins in a world of hurt – physically and mentally – many assumed this Dancing With the Stars results show would be her last. Not the case! She needed both a doctor’s attention and Mark Ballas’ reassurances following her misstep and injury, but Jenkins survived despite her last-place finish. That sounds worse than it was – the judges barely criticized her, and her last-place score was just three points out of the lead – but it was still a surprise. “It’s something I’ll just power through,” the Welsh opera singer said of her back injury. “And actually, jumping up and down now I think I hit it again.” “I was so excited I just forgot about it.” Those celebration injuries can be rough. Who will join her to vie for the title? And which frontrunner was sent home with a disappointing fourth-place finish? Find out after the jump … Joining Jenkins in the finals will be William Levy, whose sexy looks and smooth moves have him winning votes in his sleep, along with NFL star Donald Driver. That means Maria Menounos, despite a first-place score of 59 (!) and despite three-time winner Derek Hough as a partner, will be watching from the sidelines. “I learned so many things,” the Extra host said afterward, exiting with the class you’d expect. “I learned how strong I was. I learned to persevere.” “It’s been an amazing season,” Derek added. “And I’ve loved, loved dancing with this woman… She’s not just a champion of dancing, but a champion of life.” But it’s Donald, William and Katherine who will be free-styling for the Mirror Ball next week! Did Maria deserve to go? And who do you think will win it all? Vote in our dueling Dancing With the Stars surveys below: Did Maria deserve to go? Who will win?

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Dancing With the Stars Results Shocker: Who Made the Finals?

Maria Menounos & Derek Hough Eliminated from "Dancing With the Stars"

Making the final elimination before the mirror ball trophy award ceremony, Maria Menounos and Derek Hough were the most recent couple to say goodbye to the ballroom. On Tuesday night’s (May 15) episode, the “Extra” TV host and her dancing partner were sent home after earning the lowest combined score based on viewers’ votes and judges’ points – even though they were one of the top scoring couples throughout the season. During the course of the latest installment of DWTS, viewers were also treated to a performance of “Good Girl” by “American Idol” alum Carrie Underwood . Back to the competition, though, three couples now remain including Donald Driver & Peta Murgatroyd, William Levy & Cheryl Burke and Katherine Jenkins & Mark Ballas – with the trio of hopefuls set to battle it out in the dancing finale to see who takes home the coveted trophy. The winning couple will be announced on May 22 at 9/8c on ABC. Photo Credit: ABC

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Maria Menounos & Derek Hough Eliminated from "Dancing With the Stars"

Demi Lovato Goes Blonde for X Factor Introduction

Demi Lovato and Britney Spears met the press yesterday. Officially announced as season two judges on The X Factor , the singers posed for photos and greeted journalists and advertisers at the FOX Upfront in New York City – and Lovato even kept her hair dyed for the occasion. Click on the photos below for a closer look: “I am totally stoked to be here,” Lovato told attendees at the event. “I’m excited to represent my generation and I’m ready to find the winner.” But is she ready to criticize? Since leaving rehab, Lovato has been adamant in telling fans that it’s okay to be yourself , that confidence is the key to happiness. A great message, no doubt. But does it really jibe with being a reality show judge? Weigh in now: Which new panelist has you most excited?

 

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Demi Lovato Goes Blonde for X Factor Introduction

Cate Edwards to Testify at Father’s Trial

John Edwards’ daughter, Cate Edwards, is expected to testify Tuesday in the former U.S. senator and presidential candidate’s ongoing corruption trial. Cate Edwards would be the first family member to do so. The indicted politician’s daughter, 30, broke down in tears and had to leave the courtroom earlier this month amid revelations of Edwards’ misdeeds. Her mother, Elizabeth, passed away in December 2010. The defense began laying out its case Monday, shifting the focus from Edwards’ affair with Rielle Hunter to the specifics of campaign finance law. Judge Catherine Eagles threw out most of the proposed testimony from former Federal Election Commission Chairman Scott Thomas after prosecutors objected, arguing his opinions and past FEC rulings are irrelevant to the case. Eagles sent the jury home as Thomas previewed his testimony, saying the use of nearly $1 million to cover up Edwards’ affair with Hunter wasn’t illegal. Thomas said in his opinion, “This is a clear-cut case that the payments were not campaign contributions,” and thus, did not have to be reported as such. Even before Edwards was indicted last June, Thomas wrote in a letter that the “payments would not be considered to be … campaign contributions.” The “payments did not constitute a violation of the law,” he said. But the judge ruled that information would be inadmissible. Edwards attorney, Abbe Lowe, protested, telling her he thought her decision might constitute a “reversible error” that potentially could be overturned on appeal. Eagles retorted, “That sounds like you are arguing with me.” Earlier Monday, the jury did hear from Lora Haggard, the chief finance officer for Edwards’ 2008 campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination. From the stand, she said she never thought the money from wealthy donors Bunny Mellon and Fred Baron ever had to be reported to the FEC. She said of the money that has him facing jail time, “They were not contributions to the campaign to urge the public to vote for Mr. Edwards.” Prosecutors say it absolutely was, as Elizabeth knew he was having an affair with Rielle Hunter and the funds were to conceal the affair from the public, thus protecting his image in the midst of a serious White House run. It’s still unclear whether Edwards himself will testify, but Cate has been by his side daily, and she could take the stand as early as today.

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Cate Edwards to Testify at Father’s Trial

Tameka Foster Wants to Live in a Mansion

Tameka Foster has gone from threatening to pleading. The ex-wife of Usher is tangled up with the R&B sensation inside a Georgia courtroom these days, fighting over custody of the former couple’s children, along with alimony payments. But while Foster admitted last week that she did once threaten to eff up Usher and his new girlfriend, sources tell TMZ Tameka sounded a different tone in mediation yesterday. She just really doesn’t want to be left homeless. Based on their divorce settlement, Usher can reportedly kick Foster out of his mansion at any time, providing he gives her 60 days notice. Therefore, Tameka is asking the singer to make this home permanent for him and for his two kids. His response: ain’t gonna happen. I’ve given you enough already. A judge will rule on the pair’s issues later this month.

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Tameka Foster Wants to Live in a Mansion

Dancing With the Stars Recap: Katherine Jenkins Melts Down, Cries on Stage

With the competition down to the final two weeks, tension was running high on Dancing with the Stars, and seemed to overwhelm one top contestant. A seemingly minor misstep at the end of a solid routine left Katherine Jenkins in tears, and not just fighting them back. We’re talking meltdown here. Their salsa – their second routine of the night – saw the opera singer stumble, a mistake that barely resonated with the judges, but left her bawling on stage: Katherine Jenkins & Mark Ballas – Salsa (DWTS Week 9) “That was just fantastic,” said Carrie Ann Inaba, who awarded a nine. “I’m sorry at the end. But I just love seeing you push your boundaries.” The other judges also gave her nines, but with the finals a week away, the miscue left poor Jenkins in tears. “I’m sorry, Mark,” she told her partner. Disappointment, pain, overall nerves … it’s unclear what exactly caused the crying from Katherine, who also scored a 29 in her first dance, a quickstep. Afterward, she was heard saying, “I don’t know what happened.” She later Tweeted: “I’m with the Doctor, he says it was a reflectorical spasm in my lower back.” Maria Menounos & Derek Hough – Tango (DWTS Week 9) In any event, she’s still in this thing, as no more than three points separate all the contestants on a night that saw near perfection in the scoring. “This is going to be the best semi-finals ever,” proclaimed Len Goodman. Maria Menounos and Derek Hough could not have done a better Argentine tango, getting yet another perfect 30. Later they got a 29 for their jive, as well. William Levy & Cheryl Burke – Samba (Dancing With the Stars) William Levy and Cheryl Burke matched that 30 for a red-hot samba, leaving Len at a loss for words. Their earlier tango collected 29 points. Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd soared, getting 10s from Tonioli and Inaba and a nine from Len for the samba. Their earlier tango earned 28. Here’s how the leaderboard stacks up after the semifinals: Maria Menounos and Derek Hough: (30, 29) 59 William Levy and Cheryl Burke: (28, 30) 58 Donald Driver and Peta Murgatroyd: (28, 29) 57 Katherine Jenkins and Mark Ballas: (29, 27) 56 Who will be sent home on tonight’s results show, and which three couples will advance to the finals next week? Tell us in the comments!

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Dancing With the Stars Recap: Katherine Jenkins Melts Down, Cries on Stage

Zooey Deschanel Dazzles at 2012 Fox Upfront

Out showing support for the home of her newest series, Zooey Deschanel was spotted working the black carpet at the 2012 Fox Upfronts event in New York City on Monday (May 14). The “New Girl” beauty looked chic in a black skirt, white top with a cleavage-bearing cutout and a bright red lip while she posed for awaiting photographers during the star-studded evening. Showing off what’s to come next season, FOX introduced new programs including “Ben and Kate,” which is a series that follows a brother who moves in with his sister to help her raise her daughter. The network also revealed new shows “The Mindy Project” and “Mob Doctor.” Aside from news about the new programs, FOX used their upfront to also debut the new judges joining “The X Factor.” As previously reported by GossipCenter, Britney Spears and Demi Lovato will be the newest faces to join the talent show along with veteran judge L.A. Reid and show creator/judge Simon Cowell.Photo Credit: SplashNewsOnline.com

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Zooey Deschanel Dazzles at 2012 Fox Upfront

Britney Spears and Demi Lovato to Judge X-Factor!

Pop sensations Britney Spears and Demi Lovato are set to join Simon Cowell ’s hit talent show, The X-Factor, as judges next season.

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Britney Spears and Demi Lovato to Judge X-Factor!

Britney Spears and Demi Lovato to Join The X Factor, Fox Confirms at Upfronts

Britney Spears and Demi Lovato will join L.A. Reid and Simon Cowell as judges on The X Factor , Fox confirmed at its upfront presentation this afternoon. Spears, one of the most successful and celebrated artists in pop music history, gives the show A-list star power as it gears up for its sophomore season. Lovato is no slouch herself, having become an accomplished singer and actress with a devoted and engaged young fan base. Not bad for the age of 19. “I’m absolutely delighted that Britney and Demi are joining us,” said Cowell, who removed Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger at the end of last season. “Britney Spears remains one of the biggest stars in the world, she’s talented, fascinating – and I believe she knows exactly how to spot The X Factor.” “Demi’s had an amazing career in music, TV and film for someone her age. She’s young, confident, and enthusiastic,” he added of his other panelist. “It’s important that she speaks to our younger audience. The new panel will be dynamic and will work really well with the changes to the show.” Spears joining The X Factor has basically been a done deal for weeks now, added,? “I couldn’t be more excited to join The X Factor judging panel.” “I’m a huge fan of the show and now I get to be a part of the action. Simon and L.A. better watch out!”? Lovato, who reportedly beat out Miley Cyrus for the final spot, said: “I’m so thrilled to join this legendary group of judges on The X Factor.” “To be able to spend each week with Simon, L.A. and Britney watching the best that America has to offer is truly a dream come true.” Will Britney Spears make a good judge on The X Factor? What about Demi Lovato?

 

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Britney Spears and Demi Lovato to Join The X Factor, Fox Confirms at Upfronts