Source: WENN

Just a few months ago, people were either loving or absolutely loathing the news that Nicki Minaj would be a judge on American Idol alongside Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson and Keith Urban. The pressure was on her big time, and things only got worse when it was made public that the rapper and Carey had been going at it behind-the-scenes. But as the new season has started, Nicki Minaj is very pleased with her performance as a judge, despite not knowing what to expect and not being a singer.

According to Miss Jia, in a press conference call, when asked what her worst Idol moment had been so far, she said had not a one. She had a pat-myself-on-the-back moment when speaking on her work:

“My best and worst Idol moments? I don’t have a worst Idol moment. I’ve been spectacular. Yes, I am going to toot my own horn. And then my best moment is every single moment. I’ll toot it again!

Source: Fox

“Cracks had already formed in the panel, and a long day of judging was about to take an unprecedented turn…” *In my Ryan Seacrest voice*

Oh American Idol, I see you trying to milk the disagreements between judges for all their worth to keep this show afloat. On yesterday’s episode, the judges took their expertise to places like Charlotte, North Carolina to weed out the new batch of talent they would send to Hollywood. It was of course during this particular episode that the shade the judges had been throwing at one another (Nicki and Mariah in particular) reached its peak. While judging 20-year-old Summer Cunningham’s rendition of “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers, after her performance, when explaining her sound, baby girl made the poor decision to say that she “had done the country thing” in her past, but wanted to try something more soulful.

Seeing as how Keith Urban (you forgot he was a judge didn’t you!?) is a country singer, he played it off nicely, but it was clear he didn’t take too well to her comments. Hence him treating her life by saying, “I always get thrown when people say they have ‘done the country thing’…it’s like saying you ‘did the brain surgeon thing’— either you are a brain surgeon or you’re not.”

Source: WENN

Sisters of celebrity men often don’t have to do much to get a little media attention, particularly if they’re attractive in the conventional Hollywood sense. But for brothers, it’s not quite so easy. Even if the guy is decent looking or even talented it seems to be understood that it’s not cool to ride the coattails of your sister(s)’ success, so often these less-popular brothers end up becoming obscure non-mother-effing factors so to speak. Much like it can be a little intimidating for a man to be with a woman who is the breadwinner, it’s not easy being the semi-tried to be famous-sibling of a bigger celebrity. Bottom line, you get no love. Check out the bros who’ve been getting played.

WENN

After news and footage spread this morning of that cuss fest between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey going at it behind the judges’ table for “American Idol,” you know Nick Cannon had something to say about it.

But don’t worry, there were no diss songs put out (thank you Lord) or tweets. Instead, the fella some call Mr. Mariah Carey showed up for “Access Hollywood Live” this morning to do a rendition of the squabble with Billy Bush and Kit Hoover (he played Randy), and to give his two cents about his wife’s response, and why Fox and producers of “American Idol” should be disappointed with themselves.

When asked his thoughts about it all, the well-dressed man kept it real, and real calm (unlike some people we know who wear pink wigs…):

NC: “I mean, we all have our thoughts and everything. But I honestly think that when you think about the show and what it’s all about and represents, I feel it’s taking away from the quality of what “Idol” is all about. This is about people accomplishing their dreams and you know, experts guiding these young people to, you know, do what they’ve done, so I think…

KH: But does FOX like this?

NC: Yeah, I’m kind of disappointed in FOX and everything because they’re taking away from the quality of what Idol is.

BB: Do you think they’re celebrating like a pack of hyenas here?

NC: Only thing cause…otherwise, how would all of this get on TV? My wife is the strongest and the classiest woman that I’ve ever met. I mean if you watch the video, she just maintains her exposure like she does. So I don’t think she’s moved by the theatrics and pageantry of it all. She signed up to do a job to help young people accomplish their dreams. This is like a sidebar. I hope that’s not what this show becomes about, is the cat fights.”

Interesting point Nick brings up, because I’m pretty sure the thought probably crossed everyone’s mind that this whole argument could have been used and leaked for the purpose of getting ratings and buzz for “American Idol” when it comes back to FOX. What, with “X Factor” and “The Voice” and the slew of other talent competitions coming for the crown, and AI being somewhat unstable and desperate for the past few seasons (We’ve seen everyone from Ellen to J.Lo and now Nicki try and critique singers), so it’s safe to say that producers are thirsty. But then again, Nick’s comments could also be a shot at FOX because he works for NBC as the host for “America’s Got Talent.” But hey, whatever works.  To close out his interview with “Access Hollywood Live” and conclude his feelings about the drama, Nick summed it up short and sweet after listening to the transcript from the divas’ argument, saying, “If you read that you can see, anybody can see what the issue actually is…but you know my wife is strong and classy and she maintains her strengths. I think it’s not about the theatrics, let’s get back to what the core of the show is about.”

Could he be calling the jealousy card? Whatever he’s saying, stand by your wifey. Though I would love to hear what SB would have to say on Nicki’s behalf…Anybody think Lil Kim is somewhere laughing her a** off?

Check out the video from Nick’s appearance at Buzzfeed.

What do you think about what Nick had to say?

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Source: Ryan Seacrest Instagram

I would just like to go on record as saying this is the weirdest “American Idol” lineup ever in life.

Over the weekend, news broke that Black Barbz herself is officially a new judge on “American Idol,” joining Mariah Carey as the second female on the panel and, oddly, country music star Keith Urban.

We knew Nicki Minaj was in talks to join the Fox reality singing competition but there were a few chinks in the chain along the way that were slowing things down, like Mariah Carey’s obvious disapproval of the choice and questions over how Nicki’s endorsement deal with Pepsi would affect this contract. The final answer seems to be not at all, as Business Week reports Nicki is getting $12 million for a one-year deal to judge other people’s talent. No, that’s not a joke.

At Jazz at Lincoln Center where “Idol” auditions were taking place yesterday, Mariah Carey was asked whether she was anxious about who would be joining her on the judging panel. She semi-joked with the crowd saying no, “because all I really care about is me,” then quickly added, “Only kidding.” As far as what type of judge she’ll be, she hasn’t decided yet, saying:

“Am I the mean one? Am I the nice one? … It’s not about me, me, me, it’s about them (the contestants) and what I can bring to them to help guide them in the right direction.”

Being the Mimi stan that I am, I’m going to go out not so far on a limb and say she’ll be the real one (i.e. mean), Nicki will be the odd one, and Keith will be the nice one. Randy Jackson seems to be pumped about Nicki Minaj coming to the show, saying she “brings a whole other cool vibe we’ve never had on the show.” I’m just curious which of her many personalities will actually be on the set on any given day. Stay tuned if you dare.

Does Nicki Minaj have you sold on the next season of “American Idol” or turned off?

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Source: celebritynewsandstyle.com

I can already see the “just cancel the show” comments now, but the thing is, this news isn’t totally unexpected. There was talk that Randy Jackson would step down as a judge on “American Idol” and slide into a mentor-like role next season, and TMZ says the time has come. What no one actually knows is what’s going on with every other aspect of the show and just how this whole mentor thing will work out. According to the site:

“Sources connected to ‘Idol’ tell us … there’s some concern among the brass that Jackson is not well-suited for the mentor role … but they feel they need him because he’s the glue that helps keep the show together.”

That doesn’t sound so good. This news also means that “Idol” now needs three new judges instead of two, and though there have been enough names thrown in the speculation pool to fill 10 panels, Mariah Carey is the only celebrity who has been confirmed. TMZ says Nicki Minaj’s deal is “99% done but still not a sure thing just yet,” much to Mariah Carey’s chagrin.

It’s probably safe to assume the third spot will be filled by a man, but which of the many to choose from? Kanye West and Diddy’s names have been tossed in the running and tossed back out, but supposedly Pharell and Nick Jonas’ names are still on the table. They need to go ahead and get these contracts signed and quit playing. Or as you’re going to suggest, cancel the show.

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Source: popstarsplus.com

I would like to start by saying I don’t think there is absolutely anyway Mariah Carey and Diddy’s personalities could co-exist on one small stage at the same time twice a week, but Fox seems to think it can pull it off. According to E! Online:

As further proof that American Idol is looking to shake things up, sources confirm that producers have reached out to Sean “Diddy” Combs to gauge interest in a judging spot for the new season.

Can we go back to the Pharrell drawing board please? Toni even?

Don’t get me wrong, Diddy knows how to pick talent and get people that first big hit, but I just don’t know that America is ready for 60 minutes of his ego every week. I know I’m not. But, If he did the Sean Combs dance from back in the ’90s across the stage,…”Idol” could definitely count on my view. Ooohh and don’t get me started on a performance of “Honey” from him and Mimi 10 years later. Hmmmm, maybe he’s not such a bad idea.

Funny thoughts aside, sources agree that the chances of Diddy accepting that offer are slim to none. And that could be a good thing for the show’s pockets. With Mariah Carey locked in at $17 million, there’s no telling what Diddy would demand adding to his $550 million wealth. And again, we know Fox is trying to switch things up but are they really going to let three black folks call the shots? Me thinks not.

Would you watch “American Idol” if Diddy became a judge?

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Source: jacksonsource.tumblr.com

Enough is enough, Jermaine Jackson has said, literally, of the drama going on with his family. In a long letter posted to Twitter, the son who has been been banned from Katherine Jackson’s home over he and his siblings’ behavior, has decided to follow in the footsteps of his brother Tito and remove his signature from the letter sent to the executor’s of Michael Jackson’s will July 17th accusing them of incorrectly handling their responsibility. In the letter he wrote:

Yesterday, I had a phone call with my son Jaafar that broke my heart. He asked: “Is it true that we cannot visit grandmother’s house as a family anymore?” Enough has become enough… After much soul-searching, it is clearly time for us to live by Michael’s words about love not war. In this spirit, I offer this statement by way of extending an olive-branch. Accordingly, I rescind my signature from the letter which was sent to the Estate, and which should never have gone public.   I still hold deep reservations about many issues involving the Estate, and I will continue to bring scrutiny and a resolute voice wherever we have cause for concern. But the way to address such matters is through the proper channels and via a private dialogue, not public conflict.

Whatever the tabloid and on-line misrepresentations have led people to believe, my primary concern has only ever been rooted in the welfare of our mother in the environment where she lives. No-one on the outside has a clue about the stresses and pressures she has been under long before recent events and I, like everyone in the family, adore the ground she walks on. We are also still raw from the loss of Michael three years ago. The ever-present grief has haunted me with questions about whether we stepped off him too much or whether we did enough to help when a corporate world surrounded him. So when it comes to the well-being of loved ones, and especially our mother, we are perhaps understandably and unapologetically over-protective.

As attorney Perry Sanders has since confirmed, a health check detected high blood pressure with Mother. Rest was the sole reason she went to Arizona. Prince even carried her bags down the stairs and urged her to rest-up, because we all come from the same caring place. When she was away, and with the children in the responsible care of Tito’s son TJ, there was never a malicious attempt to “block” the kids from talking with her. We simply worried that a call home would first entail, or lead to, conversations with individuals we are in dispute with and that would, therefore, increase pressure on Mother — and pressure was what a doctor said she didn’t need. This was why we went to the house in Calabasas to talk directly with the kids and merely discuss arrangements for them to meet with their grandmother. We were denied that access by security — and it was clear that mutual suspicions had allowed events to spiral out of control. I regret that events were ever allowed to reach such a stage. I regret any distress caused to Prince, Paris and Blanket. That was never, ever the intention of myself, Janet, Rebbie or Randy.

Moving forward, the most effective way to best serve Mother’s welfare, and that of Michael’s children, is to start a collective dialogue, in private. Mistakes have been made and irrational things have been said on both sides in a highly-charged emotional environment. It is time for us all to draw a line in the sand and move towards peace, co-operation, love and healing. I truly hope that we can find it in our hearts to do so. Because above and beyond anything else, what matters…is family.

Better to come to your senses late as opposed to never. TMZ notes that Janet, Rebbie, and Randy’s names still remain on the letter. So far it’s not clear whether they’ll eventually back down too or if they are going to ride this thing to the wheels fall all the way off. Either way, hopefully they can do whatever they’re going to do privately.

Brande Victorian is the news and operations editor for madamenoire.com. Follow her on twitter @Be_Vic.

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Source: NY Daily News

It’s hard to say just how much validity there is to these stories, but RadarOnline has been nabbing quite a few celebrity exclusives lately and considering how outlandish the entire Jackson situation has grown, these new developments certainly aren’t outside the realm of possibility.

The first allegation the site is throwing out might explain why Randy is the brains behind the sudden attack on Michael Jackson’s will. A source has told RadarOnline that Randy owes half a million dollars in back child support for the two children he has with Alejandra Genevieve Oaziaza—the same woman his brother Jermaine also has children with. Yeah. Though $500,000 sounds like a crazy amount of money, which it is, considering these kids are 20 and 22, one can deduce Randy probably never paid support a day in his life. If you divide $500,000 by 18 years and two kids, that only comes out to $1,100 a month per child. If this story is true, Randy was foolin’—and apparently still is. Katherine Jackson is said to be furious with her son and how his inquiry into Michael’s will three years after his death has become such a public spectacle. If he’s determined to get this $500K monkey off his back though, I’m sure the bad press is nothing to him.

In other Jackson news, RadarOnline also says Diana Ross will be signing a new custody agreement “in which Michael Jackson’s three children, Prince, Paris, and Blanket will have two guardians, their grandmother Katherine Jackson and T.J. Jackson, son of Tito.” As you all know, Diana Ross was named next in line to take care of Michael’s children should his mother become incapable of doing so. A source shared:

“Diana has no qualms whatsoever about the new custody agreement, she only wants what is best for the children. Diana knows that the children are old enough to decide who they want to live with and she defers to what they want. While Diana hasn’t been a big part of their lives because she lives on the East Coast, she is very fond of them.”

Diana is clearly not trying to get involved in that foolishness. Looks like T.J. it is for guardianship. Who knows whether this new arrangement will actually curb the in-fighting, but as for Janet Jackson’s role in the rumored altercations, her lawyer,  Blair G. Brown, wants everyone to know the reports about her actions are not true. Blair told The Insider:

“Ms. Jackson did not slap Paris, and did not call her a ‘spoiled little b***h’ or a ‘b***h.’” The attorney also added that “false statements are highly damaging to Ms. Jackson’s reputation and have caused her significant harm.”

It’s sort of hard to deny the interaction caught on video but with no audio or proof of a slap, it’s hard to know whether the attorney is doing damage control or really setting the record straight. What’s your take on that statement and these other developments?

Brande Victorian is the news and operations editor for madamenoire.com. Follow her on twitter @Be_Vic.

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Source: mymoodismusic.com

You know the Jackson shenanigans didn’t go away that quickly. After the daily nonsense that was going on last week, Tito’s son T.J. and the mother of the clan, Katherine, have decided to put an end to the foolishness or at least curb it a bit. T.J.’s lawyer Charles Shultz told E! News that at the advisement of Michael Jackson’s estate lawyers a letter has been given to security outlining who should and should not be allowed on the Calabasas compound and that “that letter was in compliance with Judge [Mitchell] Beckloff’s order and is not arbitrary.” He also added, ”As for the family members who are on that list, they were either at the house on Monday, July 23, 2012, or in some way participated in the events surrounding that date.”

Shultz may not have wanted to name names, but it’s not hard to figure out who he’s referring to. Video popped up on the Internet last week showing Janet, Randy, and Jermaine on the Jackson premises in LA having a bit of an altercation with Paris and supposedly attempting to take her, Prince, and Blanket out of the home. Besides, X17 has obtained a copy of the official letter, which reads:

“Given the circumstances of the last two weeks, and in order to protect the children and Mrs. Jackson, the Executors believe that it would not be appropriate to allow the following individuals to enter the residence or its grounds and we instruct the security to preclude the following from entering the residence or the grounds: Randy Jackson and any of his children, Janet Jackson, Rebbie Jackson and any of her children, Jermaine Jackson, his wife and any of his children, Janice Smith, or anyone else who was involved in the recent events that led to Mrs. Jackson’s separation from and inability to communicate with Michael’s children, or any agents or representatives of any of these individuals.

There will be no other security or drivers allowed on the property except those employed by the Estate of Michael Jackson. Joe Jackson is precluded from entering the property. Howard Mann who is in litigation against the Estate and is working with the Jackson siblings that wrote the “letter” should also not be allowed on the premises.”

Sources have told E! News money is what motivated Randy, Jermaine, Janet and sister Rebbie Jackson to separate Katherine from her grandchildren in an “attempt to modify custody and effectively circumvent Michael’s will, which left his estate to his children and provided an ample allowance to their guardian.” Since Michael’s death in 2009, Katherine has reportedly been receiving a monthly allowance of $86,000 as guardian of Prince, Paris and Blanket and apparently they wanted to get their hands on some of that cash. For now, those funds are going to T.J who has assumed custody of the three children.

T.J. better watch his back though. If Katherine’s own children would turn against her and ship her out of town, it could be even worse for him. I know people do strange things for money but attempting to kidnap children sounds like a plot from a bootleg Lifetime movie. A source told E! News Friday that Katherine would be filing for a shared guardianship arrangement between herself and T.J. this week but I’m not sure the rest of the family will stop the antics until they see some dollars in their hands—if that really is the root of this whole family drama. On a positive note, T.J. supposedly isn’t in it for the money.

“It is not about taking [guardianship] away from Katherine,” a source told E! before Katherine returned from Arizona. “They are trying to protect the kids from the other family…T.J. didn’t step in to remove her. He stepped in because she is not there. He is extremely tight with his grandmother.”

Hopefully that bond is strong enough to battle the other half of he family.

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