Could it all be more than just ”Idol” speculation?
Paula Abdul‘s “American Idol” colleagues are rallying around her after ABC News’ announcement that it’s investigating “explosive claims” about the hit show.
A “Primetime Live” special next Wednesday is expected to include allegations by a former “Idol” contestant that he and Abdul had an affair.
“Paula Abdul will not dignify the false statements made by Corey Clark with a response,” her spokesperson says. “Mr. Clark is an admitted liar and opportunist who engages in unlawful activities.”
Clark was booted from the show for not disclosing that he was facing charges for allegedly assaulting his teenage sister and resisting arrest.
Even caustic Simon Cowell came to fellow judge Abdul’s defense.
“Paula, to be fair to her, will spend more time backstage with the contestants giving encouragement. But that’s not a bad thing,” Cowell said.
“I think (the accusations) are rubbish. I think this is a guy who’s out there to publish a book.”
Not just your average Jo
Erika Jo, an 18-year-old Tennessee high school student, is the youngest singer – and first female – to win the USA Network’s “Nashville Star” country music talent contest.
More than 10 million viewers cast votes Tuesday night during the show’s third-season finale.
“Can you believe that just last weekend I was at my prom? And now here I am with a record deal and an album to record in the next month,” Jo said. “I’ll barely be done in time for finals and graduation!”
Previous winners were Brad Cotter and Buddy Jewell.
He took the curse, er, cure
Pat O’Brien, host of “The Insider” TV entertainment newsmagazine, has left an alcohol rehabilitation program and will be back at work next Thursday.
Last month, O’Brien, 57, announced he “had a problem with alcohol” and that “overcoming this problem is a top priority in my life and I am excited to return to work as soon as I am able.”
His image has recently taken a beating after obscene phone messages left by what sounds like his voice were distributed on the Internet.
Let’s not go down that road
The Canton (Ohio) City Council took a bit of a detour while renaming a local street in honor of the O’Jays, the hometown soul singing group that was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame last month.
The new street was renamed The O’Jays Boulevard instead of just O’Jays Boulevard after a businessman expressed concern that people would think it was referring to another O.J. – former football star and accused wife killer O.J. Simpson.
Now, for some shoes to go with it …
The blue and white gingham dress Judy Garland wore somewhere over the rainbow in “The Wizard of Oz” was sold for $252,000 Wednesday at auction.
The dress, which was one of six identical garments created for Garland for the 1939 movie – but only one of two which had secret pockets – contains a label with Garland’s name sewn on the hem. It had been expected to fetch $63,000.
The birthday bunch
Actress-singer Ann-Margret is 64. Actress Marcia Strassman (“Welcome Back Kotter”) is 57. Actor Paul Guilfoyle (“CSI”) is 56. “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno is 55. Singer-bassist Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth) is 52. Rapper Too Short is 39. Actress Simbi Khali (“3rd Rock From the Sun”) is 34. Rapper Big Gipp (Goodie Mob) is 32. Actress Elisabeth Rohm (“Law & Order”) is 32. Actress Penelope Cruz is 31. Actor Nate Richert (“Sabrina the Teenage Witch”) is 27. Actress Jessica Alba (“Dark Angel”) is 24.