STARDUST News Bytes- May 29

Photo from: Francesca Dory Simula's Pinterest account

So, it's that time of the week again! It's time for STARDUST News Bytes! Here are some of the top entertainment news headlines from around the world this week...just in case you missed it!

Big Bang Theory sets up UCLA scholarship
Hit TV comedy, The Big Bang Theory has spent eight seasons making audiences around the world laugh. The show is now making an education in science possible for those who might not be able to afford it. The Big Bang Theory and the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation have joined forces to create The Big Bang Theory Scholarship Endowment at UCLA. The scholarship is aimed at helping financially disadvantaged undergraduates who are looking to major in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. 20 students will be selected to receive financial aid from The Big Bang Theory scholarship for the upcoming academic year. The future plan is for five additional students to be selected every year as well. So far the scholarship fund has raised over $4 million (USD), this includes the Chuck Lorre Family Foundation's original donation and additional donations from cast members, producers, crew members and network partners. The Big Bang Theory has roots with UCLA. The show's head science consultant, Dr. David Saltzberg is a professor at the university and Mayim Bialik, who plays Amy Farrah Fowler earned her Ph.D in neuroscience there.

Mariah Carey slams American Idol
Mariah Carey dissed the reality competition show when she appeared on Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O's radio show yesterday. The music icon was asked if she'd ever return for Idol's final season. "Hell no. Absolutely not. That was the worst experience of my life" Carey responded. The pop star then went on to suggest that her feud with fellow judge, Nicki Minaj was mostly an invention of the show. "I don't think they had any intention for us to have a good experience together doing that show. Pitting two females against each other wasn't cool. It should have been about the contestants instead of some non-existant feud that turned into even more ridiculousness. I would never want to be involved with it again" Carey said.

Janet Jackson prepares for her world tour
Janet Jackson was seen preparing for her much anticipated world tour at her rehearsal studio in Los Angeles yesterday. Earlier this month the 49-year-old singer announced that she'll be debuting new music and embarking on a world tour in 2015. Jackson has been spotted rehearsing in Los Angeles since May 16. Janet dropped the bombshell about her new music and world tour just a day before her 49th birthday. "I promised you'd hear it from my lips and now you will. This year, new music, new world tour, a new movement. I've been listening. Let's keep the conversation going" Jackson said.

Lindsay Lohan is finally off probation
After eight years Lindsay Lohan is finally off probation. On Thursday a judge signed off on the 28-year-old's community service hours, agreeing with Lohan and her lawyer, Shawn Holley, that the actress has completed 125 hours of community service stemming from a 2012 reckless driving case. In February Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge, Mark Young added 125 extra community service hours onto Lohan's original 240 hours, when the court had issues with what Lohan considered to be community service, such as a meet-and-greet with fans for her London play, Speed-the-Plow. Over the course of this month LiLo has been spotted getting her community service done at both the Duffield Children's Center and the TLC Women's Shelter in New York. Lohan's actually been on probation since her 2007 run-in with the law for drug possession and DUI. Lohan took to social media to express herself. "Hard work pays off. Thank you to all those that allowed me to volunteer while in nyc. God bless you all. Amen. Clean slate, fresh start" LiLo tweeted.

Bob Saget and Lori Loughlin officially in for Fuller House
Less than a day after it was revealed that Lori Loughlin would be rejoining the cast of Full House in her role as Aunt Becky for Netflix's Fuller House John Stamos also revealed that Bob Saget would be returning as well. "Last but not least- best piece of casting yet. The great Bob Saget will be joining our show on Netflix- this completes the perfect reunion!" Stamos wrote on Twitter. This means the entire Full House gang will be back together sans Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen. Jodie Sweetin, who played the role of middle child, Stephanie Tanner revealed that filming could begin as early as July. "We're going to breathe life into their characters and show people what they're familiar with, but do it as adults and have fun with it" Sweetin said.

Information compiled from: Entertainment Tonight

Got any thoughts and opinions on this week's news bytes? Feel free to comment in the comment box below!  

     

Kris Jenner to copyright the word 'momager'

Photo from: Shalena Jones's Pinterest account

Reality TV star Kris Jenner has recently filed legal documents to trademark the term 'momager'. For those who are unaware of what the word momager means, it refers to a celebrity's mother who also acts as their manager. If this legal lock is successful it will mean anyone else who wants to use the description will need the Kardashian matriarch's permission or she could sue them. 

It looks like Jenner might win this one, because she has already trademarked the word 'momager' for her personal management services and for use on Keeping Up With The Kardashians. What is it with this family and trademarking words, names etc? Earlier this month Kendall and Kylie Jenner also filed applications to trademark their names. I'd love to know how this would be enforced? If there's any media law experts reading my blog post I'd love you to shed some light on it. How can one keep track of who uses words and names? The whole thing sounds ridiculous to me.

What do you guys think? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment box below! 

 

STARDUST News Bytes - May 23

Photo from: Anne-Marie Mason's Pinterest account

Sorry for the one day delay of STARDUST News Bytes this week guys! I usually do these on Friday,but I have had kind of a hectic week so without further ado, here are some of the top entertainment news headlines from around the world this week...just in case you missed it!

Guy Sebastian gears up for Eurovision
Guy Sebastian will attempt to create history in the early hours of Sunday morning, Australian time. He is Australia's first ever entry into the Eurovision Song Contest. Sebastian will perform his song, Tonight Again, which is already creating a buzz in Eurovision's host city, Vienna this year. The former Australian Idol winner will perform 12th on Eurovision night, just before the interval. "There's been such a huge build-up, numerous run throughs and rehearsals, and as a performer you just build it up and build it up and you just want to get it done so you can breathe a sigh of relief" Sebastian said.

Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis strips down for magazine photo shoot
Harry Potter star Matthew Lewis, who played the role of Neville Longbottom on the successful film franchise caused a stir when a photo surfaced of him on Twitter on the front cover of British gay magazine, Attitude. The 25-year-old actor stripped down to show fans his six pack and more for the photo shoot. Lewis's magazine cover even caught the attention of J.K. Rowling, and she shared her thoughts on social media. "Not as bad as watching Dan in Equus, but close. Warn me next time, for God's sake" Rowling tweeted. Lewis responded to the Harry Potter author's remarks "Well this is awkward. Sorry Jo" he tweeted back.

Olsen twins not returning for Full House reboot
Former Full House stars, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who both shared the role of the youngest Tanner child, Michelle have confirmed that they will not be taking part in Netflix's revival of the successful ABC sitcom. The Olsen twins participation in the new series has been in question ever since Netflix announced that it was reviving the beloved comedy in April. "We just found out about it today. I guess we're going to talk to the creators and see what's happening. I'm shocked I haven't heard from John Stamos" Mary-Kate said in an interview last month. This prompted the Olsen twins co-star, John Stamos, who played the role of Uncle Jesse on the show to call bluff on the Olsen's claim that they knew nothing about the revival. "I call bulls***" he tweeted, which has now been deleted. Stamos took to Twitter again on Friday to comment on the Olsen twins decision not to return. "#heartbroken. I understand they're in a different place now and I wish them the best" he tweeted.

Gigi Hadid turns heads at Cannes film festival
American model, Gigi Hadid caught the attention of many people at the amfAR Cinema Against Aids Gala in Cannes this week. The 20-year-old showed up in a boob-bearing white Tom Ford gown. The dress was complete with a thigh high slit. Hadid arrived to the event solo and seemed more than happy to spend it with her good friend, Kendall Jenner. The Cannes film festival was attended by quite a few Hollywood stars, including Sienna Miller, Dita Von Teese, Paris Hilton and Jake Gyllenhaal. 

Maggie Gyllenhaal rejected for film role for being too old
Maggie Gyllenhaal recently struggled to land the role of a lover to an older man in a film because she's in her late 30s. The actress didn't reveal the name of the movie she wasn't chosen for, but she did admit being denied the part made her feel a range of emotions. "There are things that are really disappointing about being an actress in Hollywood all the time. I'm 37 and I was recently told I was too old to play the lover of a man who was 55. It was astonishing to me. It made me feel bad, and then it made me feel angry and then it made me laugh. I don't feel despairing at all, and I'm more looking with hope for something fascinating" Gyllenhaal told TheWrap Magazine.

Information compiled from: The Daily Telegraph and Entertainment Tonight

Got any thoughts and opinions on this week's news bytes? Feel free to comment in the comment box below! 
 

Goodbye David Letterman

Photo from: Martin M.C. Edwards Pinterest account

The King of talk shows, David Letterman wrapped up his final show in New York today at the show's usual home of the Ed Sullivan Theater. For those of us playing at home in Australia we saw the big finale of The Late Show tonight. Letterman has been making audiences around the world laugh since his days hosting, Late Night with David Letterman, which debuted on NBC in 1982. The Late Show with David Letterman aired on CBS in 1993 and the rest they say is history, because Letterman went on to become one of the most respected and funny comedic talk show hosts of all-time. (He's certainly one of my favourite comedians). 

David Letterman has interviewed some of the most famous people in the world,including US President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts, Janet Jackson and Madonna. They are on the long list of Letterman's celebrity encounters over the years. I have been watching a lot of David Letterman clips on Youtube lately, in the lead up to the final show and I think one of my favourite, and most funny celebrity interviews that Letterman did was with Marilyn Manson in 1998. Letterman asked Manson about his parents and laughed hysterically when he found out that Manson's parents had such normal names as Barbara and Hugh.

Letterman has had some very popular segments on his show, including his antics with Hello Deli owner, Rupert Jee, his Summer jobs at Taco Bell and McDonalds and of course his famous top ten lists. We also cannot forget about The Late Show with David Letterman's musical director and David Letterman's sidekick Paul Shaffer. Shaffer has been an integral part of Letterman's show since those early days at NBC. 

After watching David Letterman on television for so many years I realised he is a very modest man, so if he were reading this blog entry he might think it unnecessary for me to say this, but I will anyway. David Letterman has left a huge legacy in comedy and his influences are seen on many other talk shows around the world from Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and if you watch back episodes of Rove, you will see Letterman's influences on our very own, Rove Mcmanus (I often used to refer to Rove as the Aussie version of Letterman).

David Letterman, I have enjoyed watching you entertain audiences worldwide for many years. You have made me laugh and cheered me up on many occasions. You will be dearly missed on television Mr Letterman, because now more than ever the world could always do with a bit more laughter. I'll leave you all with a special video of a few funny David Letterman moments and celebrity appearances from over the years.

Do you guys have any favourite David Letterman moments or celebrity guests? Feel free to share your thoughts and opinions in the comment box below!

      

Movie Review: Manos Arriba

Photo from: MINT Films

Star Rating 3/5: ★★★

I just recently watched an Australian comedy short film called, Manos Arriba*, directed by Sydney-based film director Andrew Seaton from MINT Films. Seaton also co-wrote the film, along with Alex Ritchard and the film is produced by Matt Webb. The film stars Ben O'Toole, Gus Murray, Bella McDiarmid, Adam Dunn and Alex Ritchard. 

 The basic plot of the film is, Brett [Ben O'Toole], some of his friends Pete [Adam Dunn], James [Alex Ritchard] and his girlfriend Flick [Bella McDiarmid] are all invited to Rauraidh's [Gus Murray] fancy dress party. Brett reluctantly attends the party, and for a while it is just like any other celebration with dancing, a bar tab and bad music. The party is in full swing when Brett goes to the bathroom, but when he returns all the guests are in fear while a violent crime is taking place. 

I love comedies, and Manos Arriba is quite funny. There were scenes that kept me entertained through the whole film, like Pete's [Adam Dunn] constant attempts to hit on the bar staff at the party, and his baby costume. I enjoyed the dramatic crime scene, even though it's a comedy film because I liked how the movie took a bit of a different turn. It kept me in suspense to see what would happen next.

Overall I thought Manos Arriba was a funny and enjoyable movie to watch. If you like typical Australian humour, then I'm sure you'll like it! Manos Arriba has its online release tomorrow, Friday, May 22nd, 2015. Check out the trailer below!

Manos Arriba trailer courtesy of: MINT Films - https://vimeo.com/104671039

*This is a PR sponsored blog post - opinions are honest and my own as stated in my disclosure policy.  

 

        

2015 Billboard Music Awards; Full winners list

Photo from: Billboard Music Awards Facebook page

The 2015 Billboard Music Awards were held yesterday at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas! The show was hosted by rapper, Ludacris and model, Chrissy Teigen.  I thought there were so many highlights this year. I loved Jussie Smollett, Bryshere (Yazz) Gray and Estelle's performance! I've never seen them before but they completely blew me away! One of my all-time favourite singers, Mariah Carey performed at this year's show, so I was happy to see that. Imagine Dragons did such a beautiful rendition of Stand By Me in honour of Ben E . King, who died recently. It was very touching. How was that debut performance of Pretty Girls by Iggy Azalea and Britney Spears? I actually liked it! I thought it was very catchy, and Taylor Swift managed to go home with quite a few awards didn't she? On that note, here's a complete list of winners from the 2015 Billboard Music Awards.

*Winners are listed in red*

Category: Top Artist
Ariana Grande
One Direction
Katy Perry
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift

Category: Top Country Artist
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line
Brantley Gilbert
Blake Shelton

Category: Billboard Chart Achievement Award (Fan-Voted)
Iggy Azalea
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

Category: Top Touring Artist
Lady Gaga
One Direction
Katy Perry
The Rolling Stones
Justin Timberlake

Category: Top Female Artist
Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande
Katy Perry
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

Category: Top Radio Song
John Legend - All Of Me
MAGIC! - Rude
Nico & Vinz - Am I Wrong   
Sam Smith - Stay With Me
Pharrell Williams - Happy

Category: Top Male Artist
Drake
Pharrell Williams
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Justin Timberlake

Category: Top Rap Song
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX - Fancy 
Iggy Azalea feat. Rita Ora- Black Widow
 Big Sean feat. E-40 - I Don't F---With You
Nicki Minaj - Anaconda
Bobby Shmurda - Hot Boy

Category: Top Billboard 200 Album
Maroon 5 - V
Pentatonix - That's Christmas To Me
Ed Sheeran - x
Sam Smith - In The Lonley Hour
Taylor Swift - 1989

Category: Top Duo/Group
5 Seconds Of Summer
Florida Georgia Line
MAGIC!
Maroon 5
One Direction

Category: Top New Artist:
5 Seconds Of Summer
Iggy Azalea
Hozier
Sam Smith
Meghan Trainor

Category: Top Billboard 200 Artist
One Direction
Pentatonix
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift

Category: Top Hot 100 Artist
Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

Category: Top Digital Songs Artist
Iggy Azalea
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

Category: Top Radio Songs Artist
John Legend
Maroon 5
Ed Sheeran
Sam Smith
Taylor Swift

Category: Top Social Artist
Justin Beiber
Miley Cyrus
Selena Gomez
Ariana Grande
Taylor Swift

Category: Top Streaming Artist
Iggy Azalea
Ariana Grande
Nicki Minaj
Taylor Swift
Meghan Trainor

Category: Top R&B Artist
Beyonce'
Chris Brown
John Legend
Trey Songz
Pharrell Williams

Category: Top Rap Artist
Iggy Azalea
J. Cole
Drake
Nicki Minaj
Rae Sremmurd

Category: Top Rock Artist
Bastille
Coldplay
Fall Out Boy
Hozier
Lorde

Category: Top Latin Artist
J. Balvin
Juan Gabriel
Enrique Iglesias
Prince Royce
Romeo Santos

Category: Top Dance/Electronic Artist
Avicii
Clean Bandit
Disclosure
Calvin Harris
Lindsey Stirling

Category: Top Christian Artist
Casting Crowns
Hillsong United
Lecrae
MercyMe
Newsboys

Category: Top Soundtrack
The Fault In Our Stars
Fifty Shades of Grey
Frozen
Guardians of the Galaxy: Awesome Mix: Vol 1
Into The Woods

Category: Top R&B Album
Beyonce' - Beyonce'
Chris Brown - X
Michael Jackson - Xscape
John Legend - Love In The Future
Pharrell Williams - G I R L

Category: Top Rap Album
J. Cole - 2014 Forest Hills Drive
Drake - If You're Reading This It's Too Late
Nicki Minaj - The Pinkprint
Iggy Azalea - The New Classic
Eminem - The Marshall Mathers LP 2

Category: Top Country Album
Jason Aldean - Old Boots, New Dirt
Garth Brooks - Man Against Machine
Luke Bryan - Crash My Party
Brantley Gilbert -  Just As I Am
Miranda Lambert - Platinum

Category: Top Rock Album
AC/DC - Rock or Bust
The Black Keys - Turn Blue
Coldplay - Ghost Stories 
 Hozier - Hozier
Lorde - Pure Heroine

Category: Top Latin Album
Juan Gabriel - Los Duo
Enrique Iglesias - Sex And Love
Romeo Santos - Formula Vol . 2
Santana - Corazon
Marc Anthony - 3.0

Category: Top Dance/Electronic Album
Avicii - True
Disclosure - Settle
Calvin Harris - Motion
Skrillex - Recess
Lindsey Stirling - Shatter Me

Category: Top Christian Album
Lecrae - Anomaly
Casting Crowns - Thrive
MercyMe - Welcome To The New
NEEDTOBREATHE - Rivers In Wasteland
Chris Tomlin - Love Ran Red

Category: Top Hot 100 Song
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX - Fancy
John Legend - All Of Me
Sam Smith - Stay With Me
Taylor Swift - Shake It Off
Meghan Trainor - All About That Bass

Category: Top Digital Song
Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars - Uptown Funk
Sam Smith - Stay With Me
Taylor Swift - Shake It Off
Meghan Trainor - All About That Bass                                            
Pharrell Williams - Happy

Category: Top Streaming Song (Audio)
Iggy Azalea feat. Charli XCX - Fancy
Hozier - Take Me To Church
John Legend - All Of Me
Sam Smith - Stay With Me
Tove Lo - Habits (Stay High)

Category: Top Streaming Song (Video)
Idina Menzel - Let It Go
Bobby Shmurda - Hot Boy
Taylor Swift - Blank Space
Taylor Swift - Shake It Off
Meghan Trainor - All About That Bass

Category: Top R&B Song
Chris Brown feat. Lil Wayne, French Montana, Too $hort & Tyga - Loyal
Jason Derulo feat. 2 Chainz - Talk Dirty
Jeremih feat. YG - Don't Tell Em
John Legend - All Of Me
Pharrell Williams - Happy

Category: Top Country Song
Jason Aldean - Burnin It Down
Luke Bryan - Play It Again
Sam Hunt - Leave the Night On
Florida Georgia Line feat. Luke Bryan - This Is How We Roll
Florida Georgia Line - Dirt

Category: Top Rock Song
Bastille - Pompeii
Coldplay - A Sky Full Of Stars
Fall Out Boy - Centuries
Hozier - Take Me To Church
Paramore - Ain't It Fun

Category: Top Latin Song
J. Balvin feat. Farruko - 6 AM
Enrique Iglesias feat. Descemer Bueno & Gente de Zona - Bailando
Romeo Santos - Eres Mia
Romeo Santos feat. Drake - Odio
Romeo Santos - Propuesta Indecente

Category: Top Dance/Electronic Song
Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne - Rather Be
Disclosure feat. Sam Smith - Latch
DJ Snake & Lil Jon - Turn Down For What
Ariana Grande feat. Zedd - Break Free
Calvin Harris - Summer

Category: Top Christian Song
Francesca Battistelli - He Knows My Name
Hillsong United - Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)
MercyMe - Greater
Newsboys - We Believe
Carrie Underwood - Something In The Water

What did you guys think of the show and winners this year? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment box below! 

Information sourced from: Billboard Music Awards