Either way, it’s her cross to bear
The Material Girl may have a falling out with the Peacock network.
Creative differences over a controversial crucifixion scene in Madonna‘s current tour could spell the end for NBC’s long-planned special on her concert.
“NBC is awaiting delivery of the special,” a network spokeswoman says. “Once we see it in its entirety, we’ll make a final decision.”
During her performance of “Live to Tell,” Madonna is shown on a mirrored cross wearing a crown of thorns. That has been slammed by church officials around the world.
“It is no different than a person wearing a cross or ‘taking up the cross’ as it says in the Bible,” she insists.
“My performance is neither anti-Christian, sacrilegious or blasphemous. Rather, it is my plea to the audience to encourage mankind to help one another and to see the world as a unified whole. I believe in my heart that if Jesus were alive today he would be doing the same thing.”
A real mob scene
Having won Oscars earlier this year, the members of Three 6 Mafia are setting out to conquer the television world.
The rap group will star in a new MTV reality comedy series called “Adventures in Hollyhood,” which will follow Juicy J, DJ Paul and their entourage as they make their way from Memphis to Los Angeles.
Three 6 Mafia won an Oscar in March for the song “Its Hard out Here for a Pimp” from the movie “Hustle & Flow.”
Now, some of his own money?
Mr. Britney Spears, aka Kevin Federline, has again been tabbed to be the face of Five Star Vintage clothing.
“He is a maverick, making his own choices when it comes to his music, his fashion and his celebrity,” said a company spokesman.
Federline previously did some work for the line over the summer, and it nearly sold out of each outfit he modeled.
A little tough Love
Us Weekly reports that Whitney Houston‘s latest recovery from drug addiction is due in no small part to the 43-year-old diva’s sobriety mentor – none other than Courtney Love.
Not too private, we hope
Joe Simpson, father of singing daughters Jessica and Ashley, is said to have worked out an exclusive deal with photo wire service WireImage that will have him snapping photos of his girls at industry functions, on holidays, and “in other putatively private moments.”
Always after me lucky charms
Finally, Ireland’s Daily Mirror reports that Michael Jackson has fallen in love with the island nation during recent visits – to the point that he’s reportedly interested in buying an Irish castle and establishing a leprechaun-themed amusement park
The birthday bunch
Actor Mickey Rooney is 86. Singer Julio Iglesias is 63. Singer Bruce Springsteen is 57. Actor Jason Alexander (“Seinfeld”) is 47. Actor Chi McBride (“Boston Public”) is 45. Actress Elizabeth Pena is 45. Singer Ani DiFranco is 36. Rapper/producer/record company head Jermaine Dupri is 34. Singer Sarah Bettens (K’s Choice) is 34. Singer Erik-Michael Estrada (O-Town) is 27.