Hollywood headlines: A crazy week in review
By Kate Stanhope and Denise Martin, Times staff writers
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Two weeks ago, we were not nervous for Joaquin Phoenix. We called him a jokester and forgot all about his silly, probably make-believe ploy to cross over from acting into hip-hop. But he’s really sticking to his story, isn’t he? (At what point ZZ Top was ever considered hip-hop is another matter.) And judging by his latest appearance on “Late Show With David Letterman,” we’re not sure he’s faking it anymore. (Michael Loccisano / Getty Images)
Really, shouldn’t his relationship status be the least of his worries at a time like this? (Matt Sayles / Associated Press)
Joanna Pacitti unceremoniously booted from ‘American Idol’
Pacitti probably had the most professional experience of anyone ever to audition for “Idol,” but that possibly unfair advantage isn’t what doomed her. Earlier this week, Star Magazine reported that she also had ties to 19 Entertainment, which produces “Idol.” She had been previously managed by 19 executive Michelle Young, and lived in the same apartment complex as both Young and 19 publicist Roger Widynowski -- and that’s a little too close, even for Fox’s taste. (Michael Becker / Associated Press)
Did we really need to see Nadya Suleman like this?
The controversy never ends: First came the birth, then came Ann Curry. Now, the family is accepting donations from the public via paypal. We wish we could turn away from it all -- especially now that we’ve seen this pregnancy photo. Enough is enough. (AFP/ Getty Images)
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ABC stars fly the coop
Well, except for this guy, and no one cares if he comes or goes, right? Not when central characters -- Edie on “Desperate Housewives” and Izzie and George on “Grey’s Anatomy” -- are really leaving! (Or are they?) Now if they said “Brothers & Sisters” sibling Kevin Walker, played by the glorious Matthew Rhys, was leaving.... (Getty Images / Associated Press / Associated Press)
Dancing With the Stars cast revealed
Looks like rapper Lil Kim, among others, are banking on some sequins and the cha-cha to jumpstart their career comebacks. That includes Denise Richards, who also hopes to prove she can do more than make Charlie Sheen miserable. (Kevork Djansezian / Associated Press)
The ‘90s redux
Blink-182 and Limp Bizkit announced their intentions to reunite. The downside? The possibility of “The Longshots 2” is now slim-to-none. The upside? Top 40 radio has something to fill in all that airtime left empty by Chris Brown! (Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)
Hollywood gets engaged
Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy as well as Mandy Moore and Ryan Adams announce plans to marry. The latter news broke the hearts of Zach Braff and Wilmer Valderrama while the former hit Brian Krakow the hardest. (Jason Merritt / Getty Images)
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Anna Nicole, the opera?
London’s Royal Opera House announces plans to open an opera in 2011 based on the rise and fall of the former Playboy-bunny-turned-reality star. From one of the guys who brought you “Jerry Springer: The Opera”! (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)
As part of the world’s ongoing quest to relate everything back to “Twilight,” MTV does its part with a story about the Jonas Brothers wanting -- nay, pleading -- to be included on the soundtrack to “New Moon.” And by pleading, we mean the guys said it would be cool to be considered: “The movie was obviously a huge success, and if they asked us to be a part of [the sequel], that would be great,” Nick Jonas said. “It would be really cool.” Joe and Kevin agreed: “That would be really cool.” MTV, bringing you the news first! (Paul Buck / EPA)
