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  • New Beatles concert film to open in movie theaters

    AP file

    The Beatles, preparing to leave London for their American tour in 1965.

    By Rolling Stone

    The Beatles' first full concert in the United States at the Washington Coliseum in Washington, D.C. will be screened in movie theaters next month, Deadline Hollywood reports. "The Beatles: The Lost Concert" will be shown in a limited engagement at theaters across the United States on May 17 and 22, with a special premiere at the Ziegfeld Theater in Manhattan on May 6.

    Photos: Rare Beatles Pictures


    The concert film will be proceeded by a documentary on the early rise of Beatlemania in the United States. This portion of the movie will feature new interviews with concert attendees, journalists, historians, assorted Beatles associates and contemporary stars such as Aerosmith's Steven Tyler and Joe Perry, Chuck Berry, Mark Ronson and Strokes members Albert Hammond Jr. and Nick Valensi.

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  • Beach Boys to release first new song in 20 years

    By Andy Greene, Rolling Stone

    Mario Anzuoni / Reuters

    The Beach Boys at the 2012 Grammys

    The Beach Boys have unveiled a clip of "That's Why God Made the Radio," the first single off their reunion album that's due to hit shelves this summer.

    The Beach Boys Announce Dates for Extensive Reunion Tour

    The group split in the late 1990s and toured in separate camps, occasionally firing off nasty lawsuits at each other. Last year, they decided to put the acrimony behind them and reunite for a tour. They've spent the last few months at an L.A. studio working on their new album.

    "It's a sentimental thing for me," says Brian Wilson. "We've been together 50 years – that's a long time." Adds Mike Love, "Conceptually, the album is not going to be anything outlandish or silly, like 'Smiley Smile.' It will be like the Beach Boys circa '65. I'm trying to write lyrics that fit the music without making it sound like you're writing from a hospice."


    The tour starts Wednesday night in Tucson, Ariz. and hits the New Orleans Jazz Fest Saturday and Sunday.

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  • Can 'Mad Men's' Jon Hamm strike out a bunch of nerds at bowling?

    Nerdist

    "Mad Men" get seriously ready to knock down some pins.

    By Randee Dawn, TODAY contributor

    As slick, suave Don Draper on "Mad Men," is there nothing Jon Hamm can't do well? That's one of the questions the team over at Nerdist wanted to find out, so they invited Hamm and his fellow "Men" Vincent Kartheiser (Pete), Rich Sommer (Harry) and show creator Matt Weiner out for a chance to win money for charity ... if they could beat them in a round of bowling.

    If the "Men" won, that'd be $10,000 to their choice of charity. If not ... well, the nerds (who include site founder Chris Hardwick and "Weird Al" Yankovic) would rule the day.

    (Note: the video has a few bleeped-out words, and some words that aren't bleeped out might not be appropriate for all audiences.)

    Hardwick turned out to be a ringer -- he knew how to bowl well already, only stumbling when he started to get genuine praise from his team members and competitors alike.

    Hamm, bearded, wry and making obscene sculptures out of Play-Doh (pixelated out of the video) certainly held his own in the tight competition. Rich, however, apparently took a "semester of bowling" in college so he would be tough to beat as well. "I skipped a lot," he admitted.

    As the afternoon wore on, however, the activity got more competitive -- fake punches were thrown (someone else clearly wanted to take a swing at Vincent, who got hit recently as Pete on the series), the game of Operation got on everyone's nerves, and then there was all that Play-Doh amidst some surprisingly (or not) juvenile minds. (Hamm conveniently tossed a banana peel on the approach lane just as Hardwick was about to throw once: "I think banana peels are hilarious jokes," said Hamm.)

    So who won in the end? Let Hamm suggest how things went: "Is it [expletive] that he’s inviting people to come so he can beat them at a sport that he’s clearly semi-professional at?" he groused when it was all over, referring to Hardwick. "I think the obvious answer is 'yes.'"

    Well, nobody's perfect.

    What did you think of the matchup? Tell us on our Facebook page!

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  • Kermit the Frog makes illegal move on German television

    Mick Tsikas / EPA

    Kermit the Frog

    By Scott Roxborough , The Hollywood Reporter

    Kermit has run afoul of Germany's media authorities. ZAK, the federal commission charged with regulating the German airwaves, found Kermit guilty of illegal product placement in an appearance last year on commercial network Pro7.

    The channel used the famous frog to present its so-called Disney Day of programming, which featured several family-friendly films. But Kermit also mentioned the theatrical release of Disney's "The Muppets." Because the promo was not marked on screen as an ad, Pro7 violated German media law, which bans product placement unless clearly identified as such. Pro7 has admitted the error.


    In its most recent session, the ZAK also ruled against pay TV group Sky Deutschland for showing ads of sports betting site bwin during its broadcasts of German league soccer matches. Sky violated the German ban on gambling ads on television, ZAK ruled. Sky has argued the gambling ban does not apply to on air references to bwin, which are not traditional ad spots.

    The media commission can not directly fine broadcasters for breaking advertising laws, so it is unclear whether the violations will have any legal consequences.

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  • Beyonce named People's World's Most Beautiful Woman

    By Randee Dawn, TODAY contributor

    Beyonce, the international superstar singer, wife of Jay-Z and mother to four-month-old Blue Ivy has been named People magazine's world's most beautiful woman, it was revealed on TODAY Wednesday morning.

    People

    Magazine senior editor Alexis Chiu told TODAY's Matt Lauer and Ann Curry that Beyonce is "flawless, she's gorgeous, she's at the top of her game career-wise, she's this music icon at 30 years old and on top of it she has this glow going on ... She's a new mom."

    "I feel more beautiful than I've ever felt because I've given birth. I have never felt so connected, never felt like I had such a purpose on this earth," Beyonce told People in an interview to appear in the issue, which will hit newsstands April 27.

    "The best thing about having a daughter is having a true legacy," she added. "The word 'love' means something completely different now."


    Also included among the mag's "most beautiful" categories are names that include Jennifer Aniston, Michelle Obama, Jennifer Hudson, Kristen Wiig, Jennifer Lawrence and Selena Gomez. TODAY's Kathie Lee Gifford and NBC's Meredith Viera also made one of the lists.

    "All beautiful women who are very of-the-moment," said Chiu.

    Last year's choice was Jennifer Lopez.

    Lauer wanted to know if there anyone bald had ever made the list. "We're thinking about you for next year," said Chiu, who said they'll take it under advisement.

    From PEOPLE.com:

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  • Motown week ends with Gladys Knights' elimination on 'Dancing With the Stars'

    Adam Taylor / ABC

    Despite delivering a graceful jive in the Dance Duel, Gladys Knight and partner Tristan MacManus were eliminated on Tuesday.

    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    The Dance Duel on "Dancing With the Stars" claimed its second victim on Tuesday night, and unfortunately for Motown, it continued the legendary label's bad week on the show with the elimination of star crooner Gladys Knight.

    The singer found herself at the bottom of the leaderboard Monday after delivering a 21-point rumba that, according to the judges, lacked steam. On top of that, she forgot part of her routine. The Cha-Cha Challenge didn't help either, as she and her pro partner, Tristan MacManus, were the first of the remaining couples to get pulled out, and earned only three extra points for the night.

    "I am not naive. I know we're at the bottom of the leaderboard," she told the "Dancing" cameras Monday night after the show. "More than likely they're gonna have us in the Dance Duel tomorrow night. WHATEVER!" Gotta love the spunk!

    Joining Gladys in the spotlights of shame were ... three promising couples?! Yes, seems "DWTS" decided to drum up some extra excitement on elimination night. Also in jeopardy on Tuesday were Maria Menounos, Melissa Gilbert and Roshon Fegan.

    Slideshow: 'Dancing With the Stars' season 14 cast

    Launch slideshow

    But it was the young Disney star who ended up facing off against the singing legend. Like Gladys, Roshon was dinged by the judges Monday for a lack of sexiness in his 23-point rumba. He also exited the Cha-Cha Challenge surprisingly early, and earned only 5 extra points. That put him a total of 28 for Monday, only 4 points ahead of Gladys and earning him the spot just above hers on the leaderboard.

    Though the singer was facing off against a man nearly five decades her junior, she was confident. "I operate pretty good under pressure most of the time," Gladys explained.

    And boy, did she! The two star hoofers took on the jive for the first time in their Dance Duel, with Roshon delivering a frantic, jerky performance, and Gladys offering graceful moves on the dance floor.

    But with the Dance Duel, it's the judges'call to make -- based solely on this final dance, supposedly. And they chose to save the Disney star despite him making the same "overexaggerated," "clipped and jerky" moves they complained about Monday night. But it wasn't unanimous. Judge Carrie Ann Inaba voted to give Gladys another shot in the competition, while Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli opted to side with Roshon.


    Despite the vote not going her way, Gladys was her usual classy self. "I am so amazed at this journey. It's been absolutely extraordinary," she said in her exit speech. "I've learned so many things and found so many friends. ... I wish them the best. I got a family."

    Share your thoughts about the elimination on our Facebook page!


     

     

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  • Post-walkout, ex-contestants come back to fight for a spot on the 'Biggest Loser'

    NBC

    Ex-"Losers" returned for another shot at the competition on Tuesday night's show.

    By Ree Hines, TODAY contributor

    Last week on "The Biggest Loser," the contestants staged a mutiny when they got wind of a plan to bring back past players for a shot in the finals. Heck, two of them were so incensed they actually forfeited the game rather than endure the "unfair" (yet commonplace) twist. This week? They're baaaa-aack.

    No, not mutineers Buddy and Mark, but rather those ex-"Losers" they were so worried about.

    As Tuesday night's show opened, all of the former players (minus the disqualified quitters) filed into the weigh-in room -- including Jeremy, who fell below the red line after last week's drama.

    "It better be me out of all of these people," Jeremy said in an on-camera confessional. "I don't know what we're going to have to do, but I have to be the person to beat at this."

    And if anyone thinks that sounded just a bit entitled coming from a man who railed against this twist earlier, well, it does. And he wasn't the only one with that attitude.

    "I definitely earned my spot as a finalist, as did Kim," said Jeremy's sister Conda. "But in my book there was already a final three. If there was going to be a third spot, it should be given to Jeremy. You don't give someone else a second chance when they've already been out."

    No? Not only is that precisely what's been done on "Loser" (and several other reality TV competitions) at various points in each and every season, it's also precisely what she and Jeremy are hoping for now. After all, Jeremy's now one of those past players in need of a second chance.


    With the irony completely lost on both siblings, the returning contestants took on the first and the simplest leg of the challenge: a weigh-in that would allow the eight top "Losers" to move on to the next round.

    Cassandra, Emily, Mike, Chris, Lauren, Kimmy, Megan and yes, Jeremy earned that honor and met again the next day for the real workout.

    The three heats that followed mimicked the ones the contestants tackled on day one.

    This time, instead of a  40-yard dash, they raced 100 yards. That challenge went to Cassandra, Lauren, Megan and Mike. Jeremy, barely nosing out Kimmy, also moved on.

    In the puzzle round, players had to shuffle weights labeled with foods, placing them in the correct order according to calories. After that it was down to Mike, Lauren and -- you guessed it! -- Jeremy.

    Each remaining player stepped up on posts for a golden-ticket gripping endurance challenge. Lauren, who was originally eliminated in week 3, dropped out after two and a half hours in, leaving Mike, who got the boot in week 2, to battle it out with you-know-who.

    And then ... Nooooooooooooooooooooo!

    Ahem. Mike fell. Jeremy won.

    Some "Biggest Loser" fans might find that victory just a smidge disappointing after all of Jeremy's drama and handwringing last week, but hey, he's thrilled.

    "This will easily go down as the most triumphant moment of my life," he said.

    No doubt.

    What do you think of the new/old final three? Is it fair for Jeremy to come back into the game after he threatened to walk out over this very challenge? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

     

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  • 'Toddlers' tot wants to become an exterminator -- and kill Justin Bieber

    TLC

    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    Dolled-up little princesses are a rather common sight on "Toddlers & Tiaras," but Wednesday's new episode is offering something different -- a girl who doesn't mind getting dirty, and wants to grow up to be an exterminator.

    In a sneak peek, 5-year-old Bridgett of Elkville, Ill., happily digs around in her muddy backyard for her prey and leaves her tiaras in her room.

    "I like to kill the worms. I like to kill grasshoppers. I like to kill bees," she tells the cameras. But that's not all.

    "I like to kill Justin Bieber," the non-Belieber admits.

    Whoa! Clearly, the gal has different likes than many other young ladies her age.


    Though mom Amanda is happy to indulge her little girl's passion to rid the world of insects and helps with the backyard clean-up, she has higher hopes for Bridgett. And it doesn't involve tiaras.

    "I just hope she chooses to be a doctor and saves lives, instead of being an exterminator where she takes lives," said Amanda.

    Check out the sneak peek:

    "Toddlers & Tiaras" airs at 10 p.m. Wednesdays on TLC.

    What do you think of little Bridgett's goals? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!


     

     

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  • Obama slow jams with Fallon, talks about Secret Service 'knuckleheads'

    By Courtney Garcia, msnbc.com contributor

    President Obama appears Tuesday night on what Jimmy Fallon dubbed the “holy crap edition” of his talk show, “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” a title made in reference to the Commander-in-Chief’s first appearance on the program.

    Shot at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, for a live audience of primarily college students, it was the first stop in the president’s visit to a significant swing state that went blue for the first time in more than 30 years during the 2008 election.

    Those hoping to attend waited in line for hours in the rain for tickets, days before the taping. People who didn’t make the cut, according to Fallon, were “students, professors and Joe Biden.”

    Fallon and Obama began their stint by "slow jamming the news," a regular segment on the show.

    The lights were dimmed, the camera zoomed in, and The Roots slowed it down for the presidential crooner – this time to the soulful song of student loans. Addressing the hot button issue of his North Carolina trip, Obama highlighted his call to congress.  “What we’ve said is simple” he began, “now is not the time to make school more expensive for our young people.”

    To which Fallon replied, “Awww yeah. You should listen to the President – or, as I like to call him, the Preezy of the United Steezy…”

    The interview continued with a mix of light-hearted banter and a few probing questions for the president, who briefly addressed the current Secret Service scandal when questioned by Fallon.

    "The Secret Service, these guys are incredible," Obama said. "They protect me, they protect our girls. A couple of knuckleheads shouldn't detract from that they do. What they were thinking, I don't know. That's why they're not there anymore." 

    The president, an admitted fan of the Tar Heels, threw out a few college-centric jokes, poked fun at his former “afro” when Fallon revealed a photo of him from his college days, and tapped further into his agenda to reduce interest rates on student loans. Obama commented that he and the First Lady, Michelle Obama, “didn't finish paying off all of our student loans until about eight years ago, and I'm president of the United States."

    The more serious points of discussion revolved around Obama’s plans to promote college education by reducing student debt, as well as his ongoing energy policies.

    On Mitt Romney, Obama's presumptive Republican challenger in the November general election, the president said, “We’re not friends; his wife is lovely," and he "seems like somebody who cares about his family.”

    For the most part, it seemed the audience was receptive of the president.

    Cameron Parker, a UNC senior and former opinions editor with The Daily Tarheel, told msnbc.com, “People were really stoked by the president. Personally, I think one of the biggest highlights was seeing the president in a less formal setting. He was definitely in politicking mode, but we got to catch him in a more laid back and humorous setting.”

    Of one potential dip in the mood, Parker added, “Fallon asked what Obama would pass if he could do one thing without opposition and Obama took a second. It felt like he wavered a bit before giving a pretty diluted answer about energy.”

    UNC journalist Jarrad Cole live-tweeted from the event, noting “Fallon is super nervous,” and “Obama says he won't be legalizing marijuana anytime soon.”

    Cole’s final tweet from the taping, “Fallon asked Obama if the campaign would get ugly. Obama didn't say no.”


    After the event concluded, the late-night host offered his own impression of the show.

    Tweeted Fallon, “The President has left the building. This has been one of the most exciting things I've ever done. #ObamaOnFallon.”

    Do you plan to watch President Obama's interview with Jimmy Fallon? Tell us on Facebook.

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  • For sale: Home that inspired Beatles' 'Blue Jay Way'

    By Laura Vecsey, Zillow

    An associate loaned the home to George Harrison for a 1967 trip to Los Angeles.

    The opening line of one of George Harrison's most memorable songs sets the mood: "There's a fog upon L.A.'' But it's the plaintive refrain of the vaguely melodic chorus of an otherwise odd and discordant song that made "Blue Jay Way" such a haunting twist to the Beatles' "Magical Mystery Tour" album.

    This rock classic was penned back in 1967, and Harrison and fellow Liverpudlian John Lennon are long gone from this world, but the legacy of that peculiar song endures in the form of a Mid-Century modern house where Harrison created the eerie little ditty.

    That architectural gem that sits high over Sunset Blvd at 1567 Blue Jay Way in Los Angeles. It offers a 170-degree view of the city and can be yours for $4.599 million, according to Curbed. The price tag reflects the stellar remodel of this unique home as much as it honors the part it played in musical history.

    On the site beatlesbible.com, Harrison told the story about how he wrote the tune late one night waiting for a record publicist and musician Harry Nillson to show up at the Blue Jay Way home that had been lent to him during a stay in L.A.

    "Derek Taylor got held up. He rang to say he'd be late. I told him on the phone that the house was in Blue Jay Way. And he said he could find it OK... he could always ask a cop. So I waited and waited. I felt really knackered with the flight, but I didn't want to go to sleep until he came. There was a fog and it got later and later. To keep myself awake, just as a joke to pass the time while I waited, I wrote a song about waiting for him in Blue Jay Way. There was a little Hammond organ in the corner of this house which I hadn't noticed until then... so I messed around on it and the song came."

    The Hollywood Hills real estate market home had been owned in 1967 by a former Army colonel, Ludwig Gerber, who managed singer Peggy Lee. Gerber was said to be forever proud of the way the song had been composed at his prized home. He was forced to sell the place in 1994 for $760,000, having run out of money in his later years.

    Since then, the home has been bought and re-sold three more times, and now boasts a stunning remodel that has guaranteed a future as illustrious as the home's past. According to listing details, the Blue Jay Way home contains:

    "Massive walls for art, glass sliding doors that expose the house to a courtyard with large outdoor space that includes a wrap-around patio, fire pit, pool and spa. Fantastic open floor plan with high ceilings, amazing light, great energy and the ideal indoor/outdoor living we all enjoy. Perfect for parties and entertaining. Includes gorgeous screening room, touchscreen surround throughout, two-car attached garage. Grand entrance is just the beginning of what this home has to offer in the sough after bird streets. This home in celebrity row is close to all things important. Sunset Strip, Beverly Hills and Century City just minutes away."

    Zillow

    Sliding glass walls open up to the patio and pool area.

    Zillow

    The home has been significantly updated with new finishes and designer touches.

    See more photos of the Blue Jay Way home on Zillow.

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  • New trailer: Can Bruce Willis save the day in 'G.I. Joe: Retaliation'?

    By Josh Grossberg, E! Online

    OK, so it borrows liberally elements of "Transformers" at the start and employs the now clich-thumping mechanical groan a la "Inception" to heighten the excitement for viewers.

    Forgetting that, by the look of the new trailer out Tuesday, Paramount's "G.I. Joe: Retaliation" still looks pretty kickass, at least when it comes to vertigo-inducing action and its Rock-solid cast led by Dwayne Johnson and Channing Tatum.

    Here's what we've learned from the latest teaser.

    MORE: G.I. Joe: Retaliation Trailer: Which Action Star Helps Dwayne Johnson and Channing Tatum Get Revenge?!

    In a twist, the Joes this time have to go rogue and survive being hunted down by their own commander in chief (Jonathan Pryce) after the highest echelons of government have been infiltrated -- presumably by Cobra.


    Our heroes turn to the one man who can help them, Gen. Joe Colton, played with cheesy aplomb by Bruce Willis, who's never met a good one-liner he didn't like, natch. Together, with the aid of some cool-looking fighter planes, tanks and other special-ops toys, they fight to save America and provide a lot of bang for your buck along the way.

    GALLERY: Movies From the Future!

    Just watch out for that avalanche, boys. The sequel invades theaters June 29.

    Slideshow: April movies

    20th Century Fox

    Launch slideshow

  • Jon Stewart only finds one possible running mate for Mitt Romney

    Comedy Central

    Jon Stewart wonders who, if anyone, will agree to be Mitt Romney's running mate.

    By Chiderah Monde

    It appears no one actually wants to be Mitt Romney’s vice presidential running mate. At least that’s the case Jon Stewart made on "The Daily Show" Monday night.

    "Attention moves now to who will complete the bumper sticker that will soon be plastered on America's gun racks, over the fading McCain/Palin bumper sticker," Stewart said before pointing out a lack of willing contenders.

    Maybe it isn’t as severe as Stewart makes it sound, but it does seem a little odd that Florida Senator Marco Rubio, Ohio senator Rob Portman and former Florida governor Jeb Bush all played hot potato with the suggestion that each of them should take one for the team and accept the vice presidential role.

    "Why does being Romney's vice president now seem like a dare nobody wants to take?" Stewart wondered. "Doesn’t anybody want the rock in crunch time?!"

    Yes. In fact, Herman Cain does. "I would say ‘let’s talk’" the former GOP presidential hopeful said when asked about the possibility of hopping on the Romney ticket.


    And that’s not all he had to say. Cain sat down with "Daily Show" correspondent John Oliver in an interview at Pace University to reminisce on the high and lows of his time on the trail. And further displaying how much we miss his campaign antics, Cain even explained his choice of the words -- "shucky ducky" -- on that fateful day of his bid announcement. Then, somehow, he ended up talking about aliens.

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  • Actor accidentally hangs himself on stage while enacting 'Passion of the Christ'

    By Courtney Garcia, msnbc.com contributor

    Brazilian actor Tiago Klimeck’s artistic endeavor led to his ill-fated demise when he died by accidentally hanging himself during a stage performance of Judas in the “Passion of the Christ.”


    Performing for an annual Good Friday production in Itarare, Brazil, the 27-year-old was playing the role of Judas Iscariot, the apostle who betrayed Jesus and committed suicide by hanging himself from a tree, reports CNN affiliate, TV Record. While enacting the death scene, Klimeck hung for four minutes on a tree before other actors realized something was wrong.

    Janaina Carvalho, a member of the theatre group, told Yahoo! News, "I started talking to Tiago and asked him to help us to take the rope. When I realized he did not answer, I and other actors call for help.”

    Klimeck was unconscious when removed from the tree, and immediately rushed to the hospital. Scans found the incident caused cerebral anoxia due to lack of oxygen to the brain, leading to a medically induced coma. The actor was placed on life support following the tragedy, and removed just over two weeks later on April 22 when he passed. An autopsy was scheduled for the next day.

    According to TV Record, Klimeck wore a harness under his robe during the play, and had done so in performances of the show for the past three years. Police investigator Jose Victor Bassetti told the outlet that the costume equipment was on loan from the local fire department, and was being used unsupervised because the actor was familiar with it. Both the harness and the rope are now being investigated at the Criminal Institute of Sorocaba.

    Some report Klimeck may have gotten material from his clothes caught on the harness cord when he jumped from a ladder during the scene.

    In an interview with TV Record, Luiz Carlos Rosner, a nearby sandwich vendor, described his encounter with one of Klimeck’s castmates.

    "One of the actors came over to me, desperate, explaining there was someone unconscious hanging from the rope and that he wanted to cut it," recalled Rosner. "I was a little worried about giving him a knife in the middle of the crowd."

    Klimeck was buried Itarare on Monday, April 23.

    More content from msnbc.com:

  • Hello, gorgeous! Happy 70th birthday, Barbra Streisand

    Kevin Winter / Getty Images

    By Courtney Garcia, TODAY.com contributor

    Hard to believe, but Barbra Streisand, one of America’s most remarkable and legendary musical divas, turns 70 today. Born in 1942 in Brooklyn, the iconic entertainer began her career as a New York nightclub singer in her teens, and soon thereafter was a sensation on Broadway, catapulting her career through regular appearances on “The Tonight Show” with Jack Paar.

    As an actress and musician, she has won two Academy Awards, eight Grammy Awards, five Emmy Awards, a Tony and Peabody Award, and was additionally recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors in 2008. She has released 34 albums, selling more than140 million copies worldwide, and has appeared in 20 films.

    Despite her endless list of hits and inspirational gift to the artistic community, Streisand told Oprah Winfrey in 2006 she rarely contemplates the indelible cultural mark she’s made on the world, nor does she expect her fame to last forever.


    In an interview from her home in Malibu, the performer explained to Winfrey, “Every time I look out over that ocean and see the lights of the city at night, I am in awe. To have this house now feels like being 21 — like I've just made it on Broadway and I get to have all this. On one hand, you're talking about me as a legend. On the other hand, I remember trying to get an apartment on Park Avenue in the early '60s when I was a big star, and either because I was Jewish or an actress, I couldn't get in. I had letters from the mayor, the governor, the attorney general... And no matter how many sold-out shows I do, I also understand when my records don't sell as many copies anymore. I think, ‘Well, I've been around for what, 40-some years?’ I mean, it's the next person's turn. I could believe it if nobody came to see me.”

    No one can sing like Babs, of course, but there have certainly been a few who’ve attempted. In honor of Streisand’s milestone anniversary, here are videos that have surfaced over the years of a handful of people covering the singer’s greatest hits, with a few famous faces thrown into the mix.

    Some are better than others, some a bit quirky, but all were made in homage to the international superstar.

    “People”

    “The Way We Were”

    “Evergreen”

    “Woman in Love”

    “Don’t Rain on My Parade” from “Funny Girl”

    Idina Menzel sings "Don't Rain On My Parade" as part of the tribute to Barbra Streisand.

    What is your favorite Streisand song? Which of her movies do you most enjoy? Share your thoughts on Facebook.

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  • Ryan Seacrest's new deal maintains edge for 'American Idol'

    Fox

    "American Idol" might have slipped in the ratings recently, but the show won't let its best bet, host Ryan Seacrest, slip away.

    By Craig Berman, TODAY.com contributor

    Ryan Seacrest agreed to a contract extension with “American Idol” this week, and his continued willingness to fit the twice-weekly dates with Jennifer Lopez, Randy Jackson and Steven Tyler into his busy schedule is bad news for the rest of the talent show landscape.

    “Idol” is vulnerable now, as its aggressive competition and ratings slippage indicate. It is not what it was five years ago when it was producing big stars regularly and was the show everyone avoided programming against. The fear factor surrounding the show is gone. But it’s still No. 1 as far as reality shows go and the host is a major reason why.

    We've mentioned before about how important it was for “Idol” to reach a deal with Seacrest, and there are many reasons he’s critical to the show’s success. The credibility he brings to the broadcast is unlike anything that the competition has to offer, or is likely to get anytime soon.

    Seacrest was effusive in his tributes to Dick Clark over the past week on all the media platforms he’s associated with. He considered Clark to be a mentor, and the entertainment legend seems to have passed Seacrest the aura of comfort and credibility that Clark brought to “American Bandstand.” Much like Clark seemed to be rooting for every act on “Bandstand” to make it big, Seacrest convincingly sells the notion that all of the “Idol” hopefuls are just a little luck away from becoming big stars -- and given the popularity of his other outlets, he has the power to help make that happen even after the finale.

    Perhaps because Seacrest is impossible to replicate, the typical response from rivals to the “Idol” dominance has been to focus on getting better judges. That’s not a wrong answer -- Howard Stern makes “America’s Got Talent” must-see TV this summer -- but it can be a very short-term solution that costs a lot of money for a little bit of buzz. Just ask Simon Cowell how that reunion with Paula Abdul worked out last year on “X Factor.” Spending the money to keep Seacrest in the fold is a safer investment than trying to generate excitement with someone new.


    The renewal is particularly important now because this is the first year that “Idol” seems to be feeling the heat. “The Voice” generated a lot of buzz after its strong opening season in the fall, and began the spring season with a huge number following the Super Bowl. Cowell is chirping about a battle between the singing show champions as he looks to get “X Factor” to the next level. Stern’s arrival brings “America’s Got Talent” into the conversation as something other than a summertime guilty pleasure.

    That increased competition is having an effect. Though “Idol” likes to stay above the fray, Randy Jackson has mentioned how much better “Idol” is than its rivals several times this season -- a departure for a show that tends to forget it has any rivals at all.  It clearly feels the rivals nipping at its heels. But while “Idol” may be feeling the heat, there won’t be any hosting competition for another few years now that Seacrest is back in the fold.

    "Idol" fans, are you glad to know Seacrest is sticking around for the foreseeable future? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

    Want more "Idol" during "Idol"? Follow @CraigBerman on Twitter as he live tweets each show.

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  • 'Biggest Loser's' Bob Harper defends Conda: She's really 'sweet'

    By Ree Hines, TODAY contributor

    "The Biggest Loser's" Bob Harper visited TODAY Tuesday morning to share his take on last week's "Loser" walkout shocker, wherein all of the contestants threatened to walk and two made good on the threat. He also had something unexpected to say about Conda Britt, one of the remaining players who many regard as this season's villain.

    After the veteran "Loser" trainer gave his general reaction to the mutiny, which matched what he shared on last week's show ("Have (they) never seen the show?!"), he was asked if Conda was really the big bad, tough figure that viewers seem to think she is.

    "No she's not," Harper insisted. "She actually is a sweet girl. She really just doesn't take a lot of crap from anybody."


    That's one way to look at it.

    What do you think? Is Conda a villain or is she just misunderstood? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

     

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  • Colton Dixon on 'American Idol' ouster: 'I was shocked'

    By Ree Hines, TODAY contributor

    When Colton Dixon walked off the "American Idol" stage last week, his elimination came as a surprise to the judges, his fellow contestants, and as it turns out, to Colton himself.

    The singer stopped by TODAY Tuesday morning to explain how he felt about the ouster and what he plans to do with his post-"Idol" days.

    "I was shocked that I went home because I had never been on the bottom," Colton recalled. "But that's the way it happens sometimes. You've got to roll with it."

    Looking back, he feels he deserved his spot in the back of the pack given last week's overall efforts from the competition. And as the singer recently revealed, he believes his own biggest problem was his "Bad Romance" performance.

    "Not musically or what I wore or anything like that, but I think the message behind the song isn't something that I related to, which in turn was something that America couldn't relate to either," Colton said. "I think that hurt me."

    Now it's all about the future for the ex-"Idol," and he hopes to avoid any similar "Bad" song choices by writing his own songs and letting his faith guide him.


    "This year is critical," he explained. "It's always the most critical year for an 'Idol' contestant because everyone's curious what you do. I'm going to write until my fingers bleed and see what comes out on the record. It's definitely going to be faith-based, inspirational music."

    Do you expect a big future for the Colton after his "Idol" exit? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page.

     

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  • New book reveals 'X Factor's' Simon Cowell as 'vulnerable,' insecure

    By Randee Dawn, TODAY contributor

    Simon Cowell: Media mogul who reportedly earns $70M per year. Often caustic, always "being honest" when it comes to telling aspiring singers whether they've got the right stuff. But according to Tom Bower in his new unauthorized biography "Sweet Revenge," that opinionated attitude comes from a place of deep insecurity.

    "Simon's world, it's like here's a man who's constantly telling contestants on TV you're no good, and he has suffered the same -- for 20 years in the music business, people have been heaping, heaping manure on him, telling him he's no good," Bower told TODAY's Michelle Kosinski Tuesday.

    These days, thanks to his enormous success Cowell doesn't have to listen to anyone's opinion any more, and he can do what he likes -- including partying until daybreak as Bower discovered when he spent some time on Cowell's rented yacht. So what does one do at a party until 5 in the morning with Simon Cowell? Board games, apparently. "It's all about games. they constantly take out these board games, these ridiculously stupid games. He likes being amused," said Bower.

    As for his personal life, there's nothing Bower saw that told him Cowell was anything other than a ladies' man -- "a 52-year-old stud," he said. "He likes women who are uninhibited, uncomplicated, a bit trashy," said Bower. And as for the women who appear on his shows? Bower reports, "He said, 'Well, they're my toys.'"


    Yet for all that has been revealed about Cowell's private life, Cowell hasn't repudiated anything Bower has written, though he has admitted that he's embarrassed by it.

    "He's a big, big old boy," said Bower, who admits he likes him. "There isn't anything bad about him. It was an interesting insight into a vulnerable man."

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  • Sinead O'Connor cancels tour following 'serious breakdown'

    David Wolff - Patrick / Getty Images Contributor

    Sinead O'Connor performing in Paris on April 15, 2012.

    By Natalie Finn, E! Online

    Sinead O'Connor is calling a time-out.

    The Irish songstress, who spent a lot of last year worrying fans with profane, self-immolating Twitter rants, has canceled her 2012 tour on her doctors' advice.

    And it sounds as if O'Connor has changed her tune with regard to what's plaguing her.

    MORE: Sinad O'Connor sends Twitter cry for help, says she's psychologically in "serious danger"

    "With enormous regret I must announce that I have to cancel all touring for the year as am very unwell due to bi polar disorder," she writes on her website.

    Just days after her days-long marriage to Barry Herridge appeared to end for good, O'Connor checked into a hospital for depression in January after insisting via her website that she was "routinely misdiagnosed" with bipolar disorder when in reality she had post-traumatic stress disorder stemming from her childhood.

    "As you all know I had a very serious breakdown between December and March and I had been advised by my doctor not to go on tour but didn't want to 'fail' or let anyone down as the tour was already booked to coincide with album release," O'Connor continues. "So very stupidly I ignored his advice to my great detriment, attempting to be stronger than I actually am. I apologise sincerely for any difficulties this may cause."

    MORE: Wild rock star hairstyles


    The Grammy winner says that she hopes to be well enough to attend a planned Curtis Mayfield tribute at Manhattan's Lincoln Center in July.

    Her latest album, "How About I Be Me (and You Be You)," received strong reviews upon its release in February.

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  • Gladys Knight and Motown have a tough night on 'Dancing With the Stars'

    Adam Taylor / ABC

    The theme of "Motown Night" fit Gladys Knight perfectly, but she and partner Tristan MacManus couldn't deliver on "Dancing."

    By Ree Hines, TODAY contributor

    When the powers-that-be behind "Dancing With the Stars" planned a special Motown-themed episode, they no doubt intended to honor Berry Gordy Jr.'s legendary label and the hit-making talent behind the Motown Sound. But that's not exactly what happened.

    Sure, several of the most memorable Motown acts took the stage and resident hoofer hopeful Gladys Knight took the dance floor, but it wasn't a shining moment for most of them.

    Of course, there were no stars in the ballroom battle for whom Motown night meant more than it did for Gladys. The singer admitted she was just happy to have made it to the theme week, and frankly, given her recent string of dance floor flubs, she was lucky too. But even with musical accompaniment from her pals, The Temptations -- the one act that did Motown proud Monday night -- Gladys just couldn't get into the groove.

    A slow rumba proved too fast for her as she struggled to keep up with the beat, looked lost and even missed a few steps altogether. Some solid hip swaying just wasn't enough to make up for the lack of attack.

    Judges Len Goodman and Carrie Ann Inaba heaped on carefully couched praise for the singer, but Bruno Tonioli added a blunt touch.

    After applauding Gladys' star quality, he noted that as far as the routine was concerned, "not forgetting the end would help."

    The mostly nicer-than-merited reviews were a practically given. After all, it might seem harsh to pounce on the Empress of Soul on Motown night, but feedback is one thing. Scores are really where it counts and the judges gave Gladys a few more than she deserved with a matching set of 7s.

    Even with an added three points from the night's Motown Marathon -- a multi-couple cha-cha challenge -- that left Gladys in last place for the night.

    But if she felt bad for letting down Team Motown, she shouldn't. None of Gladys' moving violations were as much of a problem as what went on at the microphone when R&B star Martha Reeves stepped up to it.

    The former Martha and The Vandellas frontwoman sang one of her classics ("Jimmy Mack") for "Dancing" contender Maria Menounos, but the resulting sound was far from the dulcet tones her fans have come to expect. Luckily for her, Len and the gang reserved their paddles for the dance.

    As for that dance, it wasn't Maria's best effort either. The actress and TV presenter slipped on her dress and momentarily lost the choreography in the otherwise bouncing foxtrot.

    While Carrie Ann noted the problems, head judge Len turned a blind eye to them.

    "It was a joy to my eyes, and listening to Martha, a joy to my ears," the usually critical judge claimed before the panel awarded Maria 26 points.

    In past weeks, Len's blamed any uncharacteristic behavior on his "happy pills." It seems he's moved on to the hard stuff now.

    Luckily, the night had a few high points too.

    Fan favorite William Levy burned up the floor (under the oddly unblinking gaze of Smokey Robinson) with a steamy 27-point rumba that had the audience cheering and some of the judges revved up.

    "William, (that was) absolute and utter filth, and I loved every minute of it," Bruno raved.

    When Len complained about the routine being too raunchy, Bruno suggested his fellow judge take a different sort of happy pill: "He needs Viagra!"

    At least there were a couple of dances all the judges could agree on, including Jaleel White's much-needed comeback routine.

    In a nearly flawless cha-cha, Jaleel proved that maybe the recent Dance Duel addition isn't such a bad idea. He and pro partner Kym Johnson both credited last week's bottom-two dance-off with inspiring his sudden 29-point turnaround from so-so soft shoe to serious contender.

    That would have been enough to put Jaleel at the top of the leaderboard tied with "Dancing's" leading lady, Katherine Jenkins, whose samba impressed just as all of her dances do. But thanks to those Motown Marathon numbers (of which he had 8 and she had 10), he took the second place spot. Still, that's a big improvement.

    Also seeing an improvement was Melissa Gilbert. With her first shot a slower, more lyrical dance in the Viennese Waltz, Melissa showed off her best moves of the season and earned a set of 8s.

    For Donald Driver, his 27-point foxtrot didn't mark an improvement on the leaderboard, but it served as further proof that he can consistently do what he does so well.


    Rounding out the Motown mix was Roshon Fegan, who (also under the unblinking gaze of Smokey) attempted to showcase a romantic rumba, but instead showcased his lack of hip action and awkward transitions. He hit all the steps, but he didn't really hit the character of the dance. That left him with 23 points and darn good chance of landing in the bottom two alongside Gladys on Tuesday night.

    Which hoofer hopeful topped Motown night and which deserves to get the ballroom boot? Tell us on our Facebook page. Plus, join us at 3:30 ET on Tuesday, April 24 for a live chat about everything that went down Monday night!

     

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  • Ryan Seacrest signs $30 million deal to stay with 'American Idol'

    By Lacey Rose, The Hollywood Reporter

    Fox

    Ryan Seacrest is staying put at "American Idol."

    As he hinted during an interview on NBC's TODAY show this month, Seacrest will remain with the singing competition show he's hosted since its launch in 2002. He has inked a two-year pact, which will pay him $15 million annually.

    The news comes as "Idol," now in its 11th season, has seen its ratings post double-digit declines, down more than 20 percent in total viewers compared with a year earlier. His most recent three-year pact, which included his services on "Idol" as well as other potential projects, paid him $45 million (or $15 million a year).

    More from THR: Seacrest launching network with Mark Cuban

    Fox executives were said to be particularly eager to keep Seacrest, who has been dubbed "the glue" that keeps "Idol" together. Show producers and network execs "cannot envision the show without Ryan," one Idol insider tells THR. "The goal has always been to keep him."

    Indeed, like judge Randy Jackson, Seacrest has provided the show stability in what otherwise has been a game of musical chairs. Seacrest has described his role as that of a conductor who keeps all of the trains running on time. The network's other singing competition show, "The X Factor," dumped its host following the series' first season.

    To be sure, "Idol" is only one piece of the Seacrest's growing empire. The multihyphenate is close to finalizing a new deal with E! parent NBCUniversal that will include the already-announced role as part of the company's Olympics team this summer. Despite a report late last year that suggested Seacrest was being courted as a potential Matt Lauer replacement at TODAY, Lauer is remaining in the anchor chair with a rich new deal signed in early April.

    Photos from THR: A day in the life of Seacrest

    (TODAY.com is powered by msnbc.com, which is a joint venture between Microsoft and NBC Universal.)

    Still, multiple sources have noted that Seacrest's new deal with the expanded company likely will include such things as occasional appearances on the morning show. In question is what his ongoing involvement will be with "E! News," a nightly entertainment news show that Seacrest co-hosts with Giuliana Rancic. Sources point out that his role with the show has waned as he's had to juggle other projects including "Idol," while new NBC cable entertainment chairman Bonnie Hammer has aggressively courted new talent to strengthen the "E! News" bench.


    In a meeting with the press in January, NBC entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt suggested he would like to see Seacrest host Barbara Walters-esque specials for his network as well as continue to produce shows through his Ryan Seacrest Productions, the shingle behind E!'s Kardashians franchise and Bravo's recently renewed "Shahs of Sunset."

    Whatever the specifics of his new role, they will come in addition to his long-running Clear Channel radio gig and upcoming cable channel. Seacrest, along with partners AEG and agency CAA, announced this year that he will team with billionaire Mark Cuban to rebrand HDNet as a live-entertainment focused network called AXS (pronounced Access). Seacrest's RSP will have a production commitment with the new venture, though it won't preclude his first-look deal with NBCUniversal.

    Do you think Seacrest is "the glue" that holds the show together? Share your thoughts about his hosting abilities on our Facebook page!

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  • Filmmaker compiles daughter's 12 years in two-minute video

    By Courtney Garcia, msnbc.com contributor

    Parents everywhere take note: the job of family videographer just got a little more intense.

    To creatively preserve the lasting memory of his daughter, Lotte, filmmaker Frans Hofmeester took snippets of footage from 600 weeks of filming her growth, and sliced them together in a time-lapsed montage that documents her development from birth to age 12. He released the video mosaic to the world on Vimeo on April 16.

    Watch a baby girl named Lotte grow up before your eyes. A Dutch father filmed his daughter every week from the time she was born until she turned 12. He posted the edited piece on Vimeo and it went viral in a week. Frans Hofmeester and Lotte talk about their instant fame, that's been 12 years in the making.

    Lotte’s journey through youth involves a few spit-ups and tears, the arrival of teeth, a grab for the nostrils, and a sampling of seasonal fashion trends via turtlenecks, hats and hoodies. Most dramatic is her evolving hairstyle, as her blond locks grow, her part gets shifted, and pigtails subsequently appear. It’s then onto barrettes and headbands, the camera snapping away while the little girl’s once tousled mane is pulled, primped, and layered according to the mode du jour.

    Hofmeester made a similar short film about his son’s maturity, from birth to age nine, which the director posted April 18 and runs just over two minutes in length.

    According to his website, Hofmeester is a Netherlands-based photographer and editor, specializing in e-learning, corporate films and short clips. He is nominated for a 2012 One Minute Award in the category of Moving photography for another of his projects.

    Lottie’s track to tween-dom concludes with the brooding remark, “To be continued…”

    What do you think of Hofmeester's project? Share your thoughts on Facebook.

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  • Cartman falls in love on 'South Park'

    SouthParkStudios.com

    Cartman gets emotional on the new episode of "South Park."

    By Anna Chan, TODAY

    "South Park" has seen some strange things --  Scuzzlebutt, a headless Britney Spears, an invasion of giant guinea pigs and much more -- but the strangest may be yet to come.

    You see, in Wednesday's new episode, it seems self-centered bully Cartman discovers that he has a heart. And not only that ... he falls in love.

    As Mrs. Broflovski would say, "Wha wha whaaaaaaaaaaat!!!!"


    According to Comedy Central, when a new girl named Nicole enrolls at South Park Elementary, everyone wants to know who she has a crush on. And with her arrival, Cartman discovers something within himself he -- and the rest of the world -- never knew he had. To make sure true love prevails, according to the network, it may be time for the rolly-poly brat to reveal his feelings.

    Take a look at this sneak peek:

    The "South Park" episode "Cartman Finds Love" premieres on Wednesday at 10 p.m. on Comedy Central.

    Do you think Cartman will get the girl? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page!


     

     

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  • Lane Garrison arrested on suspicion of domestic violence

    Nick Ut / AP file

    Lane Garrison in court in Beverly Hills, Calif., in 2007.

    By Josh Grossberg, E! Online

    If Lane Garrison hoped to escape his troubles with the law, this doesn't bode well.

    E! News confirms the former "Prison Break" star was collared on Sunday at his Beverly Hills apartment on suspicion of felony domestic violence, potentially jeopardizing his probation from his manslaughter conviction from a years back.

    MORE: Lane Garrison: Is He Facing More Jailtime for Domestic Violence Dustup?

    A Beverly Hills Police Department spokesperson tells E! News that it responded to a domestic violence call on Saturday in which the 31-year-old Garrison was allegedly involved. The thesp was not at the residence when police arrived, but investigators returned to his pad the next day and subsequently took him into custody.

    He is currently behind held in lieu of $50,000 bail.

    The bust is bad news for Garrison who is on parole after serving 18 months in prison from a booze-fueled crash in December 2006 that killed a high school student who was riding in his car. New charges could send him back to state prison for violating the terms of his release. Garrison had only six days left before fulfilling his parole, which was due to end April 29.

    MORE: No Prison Break for Lane Garrison

    These aren't the first allegations of domestic violence Garrison has faced.

    Beverly Hills' finest investigated an incident in February at the apartment of his 25-year-old former girlfriend Ashley Mattingly after she called the cops on him, but no arrests were made then.

    A source close to the couple tells E! News things between Lane and the former Playboy Playmate have been rocky for a while, describing the relationship as "horrible" and a "trainwreck." In fact, the insider says four of Lane's friends have tried to persuade the actor to leave his ex.

    MORE: Lane Garrison Gets His Prison Break

    For her part, the blond beauty told TMZ that the latest incident began Friday when they went to the Playboy Mansion and an allegedly inebriated Garrison began "hovering over" Hugh Hefner. After sleeping in his car that night, the actor returned to her place on Saturday, where the two allegedly got into a physical confrontation that left her with a knot on her head and multiple bruises.

    Mattingly told the website she'll press charges if Lane refuses to go to rehab.

    Harland Braun, an attorney for Garrison, was unavailable for comment, but he told TMZ that his client, who's six days away from ending his parole, did not harm Ashley. Rather, the legal eagle said Garrison tried to calm her down after the two began arguing over their failed relationship and, after she became incensed, he put his hands on her shoulders to guide her into a chair.

    -- Reporting by Sharareh Drury and Ken Baker

    GALLERY: Mug-Shot Mania!

  • Cher surprises Chaz, debuts giant afro at GLAAD Media Awards

    Jason Merritt / Getty Images

    Chaz Bono and Cher backstage at the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards at Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Los Angeles on Saturday, April 21.

    By Us Weekly

    Cher never sticks to the same look for long.

    The singer, 65, nearly stole the spotlight at the 23rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on Saturday. Sporting a large black afro, Cher made a surprise appearance to honor her transgender son, Chaz Bono, 43, with the Stephen F. Kolzak award.

    VIDEO: 'Dancing With the Stars' judges praise Chaz Bono's cha cha!

    "I'm here because Chaz has the most courage of almost anyone I know," Cher told a star-studded audience that included Josh Hutcherson, 19, Betty White, 90, Ellen DeGeneres, 54, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, 36, and Joshua Jackson, 33.

    PHOTOS: Celebrity LGBT allies

    Cher then addressed her son directly, saying: "You are the most courageous person I know and you really deserve this award, so come up and get it!"

    Earlier that evening, Bono told Us Weekly he was elated to be honored for his work with the LGBT community. "I've seen a lot of people get this award and I really never thought I'd be one of them, so it's pretty special for me," said Bono, who competed on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" in 2011.


    PHOTOS: Out and proud celebs

    "I get recognized a lot more," he told Us. "I think that one of my goals in doing all this stuff was to let people get to know a transgender person. For so many people, the only time they get to know a member of the LGBT community is through the media, and so in that I think I accomplished a lot."

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