December 2006 Archives

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Will the Public Forgive Gibson and See His Movie?


This weekend could mark the most important two days of Mel Gibson’s career.

His multi-million dollar Mayan epic, “Apocalypto,” a violent film with no movie stars and without any English, opens Friday. And just months after his DUI arrest and anti-Semitic tirade, Mel is about to find out if America is ready to forgive him.

Mel received a standing ovation Thursday night while appearing on Jay Leno’s show, and he joked about the summer scandal that had everyone talking.

“If I feel like clutching for the turpentine, I just, you know, DeVito and Clooney just talk me through it,” Gibson joked.

Bette Midler Takes Aim at Britney Spears


Bette Midler has an infectious holiday spirit, and she’s showing it off in her first ever collection of holiday songs, called “Cool Yule.”

“It’s the music that I grew up with, and I always loved the melodies,” she told us. “I thought I’d have a little bit wacky Christmas.”

So has Bette been naughty or nice this year?

“I have been Miss Prim and Proper,” she insisted. “I've been the other side of these wild and woolly sluts that we are seeing around our lives these days.”

Will Rosie Leave 'The View' for Game Show Gig?


Is the newest star of "The View," Rosie O'Donnell, already planning her great escape?

Rosie didn't go into the rumors on Thursday morning's show, but at Monday's "Dreamgirls" premiere, she told "Extra" she couldn't be happier.

"I'm doing all right," she said, when our A.J. Calloway asked her how she enjoyed her morning gig. "Danny DeVito was drunk and Kelly Ripa was mad at me, but aside from that everything's okay."

But the ratings are better than okay; they're the best "The View" has ever had.

JT, Mary J. Blige Wake Up Grammy Nominees


Justin Timberlake brought sexy back for everyone this year, and with four nominations Thursday morning, now he's bringing it back to the Grammy Awards.

Justin helped announce the nominations, and he nabbed nods for Best Pop Vocal Album and Album of the Year for his smash hit, "Future Sex/ Love Sounds."

"To be recognized for the whole album means people are not just listening to the songs that are forced down their throat," Timberlake said. "So I think that one is probably the most special. "

The Grammy nominations were just icing on the 2006 cake for Justin, who added actor and fashion designer to his superstar resume this year.

Mary Wilson On the New Film, 'Dreamgirls'


The original "Dreamgirls" are responsible for some of the biggest hits in music history.

Now, "Supremes" songstress Mary Wilson is hitting the "Extra" stage to talk about the super group that spawned classic hits like "Stop in the Name of Love" and classic feuds like the one between Mary and lead singer, Diana Ross.

Tanika Ray: How right on was this movie?

Mary Wilson: I had a private screening, and I'm crying. I'm like tears rolling down my ears, I'm like sob, sob. It was closer to the truth than they even know.

'The Break-Up': Jen and Vince Call It Quits


After rumors spread of Jennifer Aniston spending Thanksgiving alone and Vince Vaughn enjoying a wild night at an exotic dance club, the couple’s reps have officially confirmed to “Extra” that this Jen and Vince “Break-Up” is very real.

As word spread Wednesday morning and people started talking, their rep released this statement: “Jennifer and Vince mutually agreed to end their relationship.”

The end came after Jen returned to LA after visiting Vince in London in late November, just weeks after Jen went on “Oprah” to deny the mounting breakup buzz.

'American Idol' Alums Continue to Shine


We knew she could sing, but Katharine McPhee is also a pro at rocking the red carpet.

From Monday night’s Billboard Music Awards to the Carousel of Hope Ball, the 22-year-old “American Idol” superstar has become the “It” girl of 2006.

But Katharine’s success wasn’t handed to her; she’s traveled a rocky road to her current fame.

“Extra” was the first to tell you about Kat’s painful battle with an eating disorder; she entered a treatment center for bulimia right after auditioning for “American Idol.”

Healthy Alternatives Your Waistline Will Love


To get the recipes for any of the tasty treats in this story, just click here.

Do you want a rocking red carpet body like the stars but have a hard time cutting calories? “Extra” can help!

Diet guru Lisa Lillien, of Hungry-Girl.com, revealed healthy alternatives to your favorite holiday comfort food.

“Believe it or not, you can pig out on healthy junk food,” Lillien promised.

The first guilt-free item is pizza.

‘Dreamgirls’ Dazzles Manhattan


With wedding buzz in the air, a glammed up Beyoncé rocked the red carpet Monday night at the New York premiere of “Dreamgirls.”

Beyoncé wouldn’t say whether she’ll marry her main man, Jay-Z, this weekend, as is rumored, but she did reveal that she had a surprise performance planned for him.

“I have a special surprise,” she revealed. “It’s Jay’s birthday today, and he doesn’t know his gift yet but after the movie he’ll find out.”

Meanwhile, critics are already singing the praises of Beyoncé and the film’s breakout star, “American Idol” alum Jennifer Hudson.

Jennifer gave “Extra” an exclusive sneak preview on the red carpet by singing for us, as did her co-star Anika Noni Rose.

Couples Invade Billboard Music Awards


From Janet Jackson and Jermaine Dupri to Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, the night's hottest couples rushed down the red carpet at the Billboard Music Awards Monday.

But the evening was not without its share of singles. Denise Richards attended the event solo, and she opened up to "Extra" about her split from Charlie Sheen.

"Charlie and I are in a great place," Denise dished, adding, "Divorce is ugly; I will never go through another one."

As for her future with Richie Sambora, the former Bond girl revealed, "I would love more kids."

Meanwhile, Dave Navarro arrived just minutes before ex-wife Carmen Electra, and we asked him how he was enjoying life as a single man.

Mario & Karina: No More ‘Dancing’ Around Rumors


There is no “Dancing” around the steamy new shots taken of heartthrob Mario Lopez and his sexy “Dancing with the Stars” partner Karina Smirnoff.

The ambiguous couple was spotted in Mexico, where a stolen kiss told the world that this shy couple is most definitely together!

“You can tell by these pictures that they’re way more than friends,” Szish dished.

One on One with Lance Bass


From the support he’s received since coming out of the closet to his pal Britney Spears’ latest trysts, former N’Sync star Lance Bass gets candid with “Extra’s” Carlos Diaz.

Britney Blows Out Candles, Burns Up Hollywood

Picture of Yaniece Thomas
Britney Spears, donning a tight mini-dress, celebrated her 25th birthday in style Saturday night, starting with dinner at LA hotspot Mr. Chows.

Lindsay Lohan showed up for the party, but she didn't go inside because of all the shutterbugs.

After dinner, the party posse headed off to the Hollywood club Hyde, where Brit met up with BFF Paris Hilton and Fergie.

It seems Britney decided 25 will be a more graceful year; as Spears exited her car, she made sure to hold her knees together in order to avoid any more embarrassing tabloid shots.

Outrageous Moments with the 'Dreamgirls' Dream Team


There's no doubt fans will be talking about the film, "Dreamgirls," for years to come.

And for the movie's stars, Beyoncé Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx, they will also never forget what "Dreamgirls" did to them.

For Beyoncé, this movie was a dream ride and a daring chance to prove she's got serious range.

"This was the first time I had a part to show that I could play someone other than myself," the singer revealed. "And she was so different from me that I don't recognize myself at all on screen."

Star Style Leaves Lasting Impression in '06


Hollywood’s hottest stars sizzled in style this weekend at the VH1 Big in 06 Awards in Los Angeles.

From Fergie’s super sexy black frock to Paris’ plunging neckline and Katharine McPhee’s retro ultra-mini, the ladies look red hot!

So hot, in fact, that Tommy Lee even had to unbutton his shirt as he dished about ex Pamela Anderson’s split from Kid Rock.

“I did know about it weeks before,” he revealed. “If she’s happy, I’m happy.”