Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009

Aerosmith split rumors flying

New York -- Aerosmith's lead guitarist Joe Perry says the legendary rock band isn't breaking up - although they may be in need a new singer.

Perry said on the micro-blogging site Twitter late Monday that Aerosmith is "not splitting up" but "looking for a new singer to work with" amid growing speculation about the future of the band and the role of front man Steven Tyler.

Tyler has been quoted as saying he is considering a solo career. Perry said Monday on WKXL, a radio station in Concord, N.H., that Tyler hasn't communicated his intentions with anyone in the band and that he found out about Tyler's solo wishes after going online.

Tyler could not immediately be reached for comment.

Joe Jackson shut out

Los Angeles Michael Jackson's father does not stand to inherit any of his son's assets and cannot challenge the appointment of the executors chosen by the singer to handle his will, a judge said Tuesday.

Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff said Joe Jackson was not named in the will but could pursue a motion to receive a family allowance from the estate.

Host misunderstood?

New York David Letterman was on the receiving end of a sales pitch, not a shakedown, a defense lawyer said Tuesday as he argued that a TV producer accused of extorting the comic was simply peddling a screenplay.

Robert J. "Joe" Halderman's lawyer asked a judge to toss the attempted first-degree grand larceny case, which spurred Letterman to acknowledge his office dalliances in a startling on-air monologue last month. Attorney Gerald Shargel said the $2 million exchange was business, not blackmail.

Denzel on Broadway

New York Get ready for another big name on Broadway.

Denzel Washington plans to return to the New York stage next spring in a revival of August Wilson's "Fences."

Producers Carole Shorenstein Hays and Scott Rudin say the play will open in April at a theater to be announced.

Lopez order granted

Los Angeles A California judge has granted a temporary restraining order barring Jennifer Lopez's first husband from distributing 11 hours of home video footage from their marriage that the singer-actress claims includes sexual situations.

Quaid warrant dropped

Santa Barbara, Calif. An arrest warrant has been dropped for actor Randy Quaid and his wife, Evi, who are accused of stiffing a Santa Barbara County hotel on a $10,000 bill.

Prosecutor Lee Carter says the warrant was recalled after the Quaids posted bail of $20,000 each last week.

The Quaids' attorney, Robert Sanger, says the bill has been paid and he hopes to talk with prosecutors about resolving the case.

People's vampires

Los Angeles Nominees for the People's Choice Awards are out, and the people choose vampires.

"Twilight" and "True Blood" were among the top nominees announced Tuesday. Fans cast more than 18 million votes online to select the nominee slate and will also choose the winners in 35 categories.

"Twilight" is up for favorite movie, franchise and on-screen team for its trio of stars: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson and Taylor Lautner. Stewart and Pattinson were also nominated individually for favorite movie actress and actor, and Lautner is up for breakout movie actor.

"True Blood" was nominated for favorite TV obsession and sci-fi/fantasy TV show, plus star Anna Paquin earned a nod for TV drama actress. "The Vampire Diaries" was also a double nominee, up for favorite sci-fi/fantasy show and new TV drama.

Fans can vote for their favorites at www.peopleschoice.com.

Birthdays today

Comedian Jonathan Winters, 84

Jazz singer-pianist Mose Allison, 82

Singer Marshall Crenshaw, 56

Actor Stanley Tucci, 49

Actress Demi Moore, 47

Actress Calista Flockhart, 45

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio, 35