Your Dancing with the Stars Fix

To tide you over until my Dancing with the Stars post for this week (which will no doubt be hee-larious), I thought I'd share some behind the scenes info kindly provided by our dear People magazine. Because I know your gossip reading time is limited by jobs and other silly little things, I pulled out all the best from this article. And no, I didn't cut out anything that Maksim said (mostly I just cut Leeza Gibbons...).

A Champ in Training: Hard-to-please Maksim Chmerkovskiy couldn't stop raving about how much his partner Laila Ali has improved. Their cha-cha was a crowd pleaser and Chmerkovskiy told us, "It was our easiest dance yet. I feel like she knows what she's doing now and she knows what it takes. It takes so much pressure off of me." And though the pro boxer was pleased to hear her partner's praise, she's still looking to completely unlock the key to her inner dancer. "It's halfway open. We have a lot more to do. There's gotta be more – we didn't get three 10s yet."

He's in Sync: JC Chasez was at Monday's show to root for fellow 'N Sync-er Joey Fatone and he's not surprised with how well he's doing in the competition. "Joey can remember dance steps from when 'N Sync was on tour 10 years ago," Chasez told us. "What I am surprised is how much fun he is having. He isn't just coming out here and doing a dance, he is having the time of his life."

Bruno's the Bomb: Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli is a fan favorite and received a shout-out during a commercial break from a female audience member who yelled, "Bruno is hot!" Pleased with the comment, Tonioli pulled out his number 10 paddle and waved at the young woman. House comedian Cory Almeida shook his head and joked, "We're going to have to stop serving alcohol in the balcony."

Everybody Knows Your Name: Actor George Wendt was on hand to support friend and former Cheers costar John Ratzenberger. And when he entered the stage to take his seat, fans in the balcony yelled, "Norm!!" Wendt, probably used to this greeting wherever he goes, acknowledged with a wave and a smile.

The Kindest Cut: Apolo Ohno has been training for his day job – speed skating – while working on DWTS, which leaves very little time for much else – including getting a haircut. Good thing Ohno's father, Yuki, was in town on Monday to give his son a trim. "He gave me a haircut today before the show," Ohno said of his shorter – but still shaggy – locks. And the elder Ohno is plenty proud of his son. "He was smiling so much. He was cheesing from the time he saw the pre-judge rehearsal this morning. When my dad is here I try extra hard." So, what did Dad think of his son's ballroom maneuvers? "I was so entertained tonight. I hope he teaches me so I can go on a cruise ship," Yuki said.

Victoria Beckham Is Red Hot

I do believe this is truly the most color I've ever seen Victoria Beckham wear. Usually she's in black or more sedated hues. Maybe her upcoming move to the US signals a fashion change. She was bopping around West Hollywood yesterday, shopping up a storm.

Photo from People.

Kathy Najimy Leaving Numb3rs?

Well, it's not quite clear. The TV Guide piece says her appearance on last week's episode was her last for the season, not for the series, so I'm hoping she'll be returning to the show. Besides the fact that I like her and her character, Millie French, they left a loose end or two with her storyline, so she's gotta come back.

She was brought on to fill the void left by Peter MacNicol, who disappeared into space temporarily so he could go on 24.

Kathy had a mini-interview with TV Guide; here's the scoop.

TV Guide: Were you good at math?
Kathy Najimy: When I was younger I wanted to be a mathematician, but I think that's because I got a good grade on a test once. [Laughs]

TV Guide: Do you think Millie would like to get more involved in the Eppeses' cases?
Najimy: They brought Millie on as the viewers' conscience. Her purpose is not so much as a nemesis, but as a guidepost for Charlie (David Krumholtz). But I think Millie finds the FBI work sexier than the math work.

TV Guide: How will Millie's relationship with Alan, the brothers' father [played by Judd Hirsch], progress?
Najimy: Slowly. Don't you think they should kiss sometime soon? [Laughs] Something needs to happen or Millie's going to move on to one of the brothers. [Laughs]

TV Guide: You've voiced Peggy Hill on King of the Hill for 11 seasons. How has she changed?
Najimy: I don't know if Peggy has changed that much. The great thing about her is the writers don't write characters one-dimensionally. She is wise one moment and ridiculous the next. She's very self-righteous. Her confidence box is overflowing and sometimes it's warranted, sometimes it's not. [Laughs]

TV Guide: In the films Sister Act, Hocus Pocus and Soapdish you play offbeat, energetic characters. Do you seek out these roles?
Najimy: At this stage of the game, I run the gamut. A lot of times on television they show a very successful woman at work who goes home and eats pie filling out of a can with her nine cats! They hardly show successful women with balanced personal lives. That's what I like about Peggy and Millie, and it's what I insist upon. I look for what the character's life is like and whether that really reflects women, or whether it continues some stereotype that doesn't help us at all.

Photo from TV Guide.

Kate Moss' Fashion Line Debuts

Supermodel Kate Moss's clothes line hits the shelves this week at retailer Topshop.

"We expected the publicity to be big, but not this big," Mary Homer, one of Topshop's managing directors told Reuters.

Topshop already has 2,000 umbrellas ready for waiting shoppers should it rain today, when the collection goes on sale at its flagship Oxford Circus store. Nationwide availability starts tomorrow.

During the next two weeks, the collection will be presented 22 countries, including at Barney's. There are 50 pieces in the collection, with prices starting at $24.

Photo from TV Guide.

It's Official: Elisabeth Hasselbeck Expecting Baby #2

I'm sure the folks at ABC are starting to get a little worried. First Rosie announced that she will be leaving her hosting duties on The View in June. Now co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck will be announcing this morning that she is three months pregnant. They better fill Rosie's spot quickly.

Hasselbeck and her football player husband, Tim, have a 2-year-old daughter named Grace.

With Elisabeth going on maternity leave sometime early Fall that only leaves Barbara Walters and Joy Behar at the desk.

Photo from Fox News.

Britney Spears Doing a Mini House of Blues Tour

I heard this on the radio over the weekend, and now that I've seen it in print, it's official.

The M+Ms band is scheduled to play at the House of Blues in San Diego tomorrow. According to New Music Express, The M+Ms' are suspected to include Britney Spears, who has been hard at work on mounting her comeback. The M+Ms are also scheduled to play two other shows this week (Anaheim and Hollywood).

Club owner, Ivan Kane, said that Britney was originally supposed to play a short set at the Forty Deuce nightclub in Los Angeles last Wednesday. She was to "sing three songs with four backup dancers during intermission of the sexy Forty Deuce [burlesque] show. They ran through the set several times, the choreography was smokin' and she sounded great," Kane says. He went on to say that the set was scrapped at the last minute because "her management decided it wasn't the right time."

These upcoming shows are the latest sign that Britney is working on getting her career back on track. Good for her.

Photo from AOL.

Jenna Fischer Gets Reflective in Self Magazine

The Office star, Jenna Fischer, recently got self-reflective in the April issue of Self magazine. There were a few great pieces of the interview that didn't make it into the one-pager in the back of the magazine. Here's what you missed out on:

When there are a lot of people demanding my time and attention, I just remind myself how grateful I am to be working. Everyone on [The Office] set dreamed of going to Hollywood one day and working in this industry. It's really kind of a sweet, magical thing. I just imagine myself being a kid and dreaming about what that might be like one day, and now here I am. So if I can just get myself present to how grateful I am to be here, it really widens my plate. I love this phrase; it's not like you have too much on your plate, you just have to get a bigger plate.

When I moved from St. Louis to L.A., I was living in an apartment in West Hollywood that an old college friend had rented for us. Boy, was it a dump. There was no light. The windows didn't open and they were made of leaded glass so no light came through. It was a cave; my cat licked bald patches in his fur because he was depressed. And it was across the street from a gay porn movie theater and a sex-toy shop. My parents came out to visit me for the first time and my mom said, "Oh, there's a little theater right across the street—do you ever go there?" And I said, "Take a closer look. I don't think so."

Being named one of People's 50 Most Beautiful was so cool because I'd read that issue my whole life. As a little girl I would look through and dream about Hollywood, wondering what it was like. So to get to be in that issue was something that came full circle. I don't think of it so much from the beauty aspect but from the dreaming aspect. And also my cat was in it with me and he's quite handsome. The section I was in was "Beauties and Their Beasts" and I told my cat and he was so offended. He said, "I can't believe they called you a beast."

Photo from Self.

Cover Girl: Ali Larter on Self Magazine

Heroes star Ali Larter graces the cover of the May issue of Self magazine. They sat down with her to get the scoop on her beauty routine, her modeling start and what's changed in the last five years.

On getting into modeling
I grew up in this idyllic suburban life. I walked the dog after school; we rode our bikes to the swim club. When I began modeling, I started going to New York and was surrounded by all these colorful and interesting people. I was exposed to so many cultures and points of view. I was in awe of the excitement and creativity that I was surrounded by in this business—so many different personalities. I instantly knew that it was what I wanted to do.

On her 18-year-old self
I was such a pistol. One of my best friends, Amy Smart [Road Trip, Varsity Blues], still laughs about when she first met me. We were roommates in Milan when I was modeling there. I was this tough Jersey girl. Now the edges have been smoothed out a bit. But then, I was going to do what I wanted and say what I wanted—I was a Jersey girl.

On how she has changed in the last five years
My priorities have shifted. I still love to go out with my friends and go dancing. But part of me is now happy to be at home. That's shifted. And I now work with some charities because I think it's so important to give back. And now I also know that one of life's greatest gifts is your friendships and the time that you spend with your family.

On the benefits of compliments
I was doing a show and was really nervous. My boyfriend told me, "If you're feeling fear, just think of a way to compliment someone." I loved that. In so many things, we're stricken with nerves and fearful, but as soon as you turn to someone else and say something like "Oh, you look amazing today," the focus instantly shifts away from you. It was a great tip.

On forgiving herself
I'm so critical of my work. I can't watch anything I'm in. I'm always in the pursuit of excellence and you can't always have excellence in a creative endeavor. Some of my performances I'll like, and some I won't. Everyone has bad days when things don't go the way you want them to. You have to give up control and just do your best.

On her favorite retreat
I am a water baby if there ever was one. My heaven is when I get to go to the beach—the ocean is my sanctuary. I'll go running on the beach or take my dog there. Anything I can do to get close to nature that way. The water gives me this overwhelming calming feeling. It clears my mind and is a way of putting life in perspective.

On her beauty routine
I prefer baths to showers. I'm huge on moisturizing body scrubs, conditioners and face masks. I just got a facial steamer. That's fun. I'm a beauty product girl—I cannot live without my La Mer Radiant Mask.

On her morning routine
I have to wake up and spend 10 minutes of quiet time. If I launch into things, my day ends up being a mess. It's finding peace and quiet in this crazy world.

Photo from Self.

Britney Spears Caught Speeding

Friday night, pop star Britney Spears was pulled over by Beverly Hills police for speeding but was let off with a warning. She was driving on Sunset Boulevard and was stopped at 8:45 pm.

"She was pulled over for speeding," Beverly Hills police Sgt. Mike Foxen tells PEOPLE. "She was warned about her speed and let go. She was not cited."

Earlier in the day, Spears was working out at her regular haunt, the Millennium Dance Studio, working on getting into shape to return to performing. She also has been in the recording studio with music producer JR Rotem, whom she was linked to previously.

Photo from Wikipedia.

It's Official: Keisha Castle-Hughes Welcomes Baby Girl

It seems like just yesterday that we found out that Whale Rider Oscar nominee Keisha Castle-Hughes and her boyfriend, Bradley Hull, were expecting their first child ... and the baby is here.

The child, a girl named Felicity-Amore, was born Wednesday at 6:35 p.m. and weighed in at 7 lb., 6 oz. Keisha's publicist Gail Cowan said the baby as "beautiful." But really, what else is a paid mouthpiece going to say?

Castle-Hughes, 17, and her boyfriend Hull, 20, have been dating for three years and are live in New Zealand.

Keisha also played the Queen of Naboo in 2005's Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith and Mary in last year's The Nativity Story.

Photo from People.

Former American Idol Contestant Arrested

Former American Idol contestant, Jessica Sierra, was arrested early yesterday morning on drug possession and felony battery charges in Tampa, Florida.

The Associated Press is reporting that she "allegedly hit a man over the head with a heavy glass at a café and was booked at the Hillsborough County Jail on a charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon."

In addition, she was "charged with possession of cocaine and introduction of contraband into a correctional facility after officers found a small amount of the drug while searching her," a police spokeswoman told the AP.

She was released yesterday afternoon on $11,500 bail.

Jessica was in the Top 10 on American Idol in 2005.

Photo from People.

Britney Spears Out with Sean P

This is the first picture I've seen of Britney Spears with either of her kids since she got out of rehab - 'bout time! And how adorable do they look?

She was visiting the North Hollywood Millennium Dance Studio with both kids yesterday.

Photo from People.

Chatting with Asia, the Newest Pussycat Doll

Asia Nitollano, 19, a single mom from the Bronx was just crowned the newest member of the popular group, The Pussycat Dolls. She recently did a quick interview with Entertainment Weekly magazine to catch them up on everything that's going on in her life now.

ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Were you surprised that you won?
ASIA NITOLLANO: I couldn't believe it. I honestly knew it could be any one of us. I was just hoping, ''Let this be my chance, let this be my moment.'' And when they called my name, it was just, ''You're kidding me.'' I wanted to be like, ''Where's my mom?'' I couldn't wait to tell everybody. I always told my grandmother — she passed away — that ''I'm gonna make it, and I'm gonna buy you a house, and I'm gonna be famous.''

Have you talked to the Dolls at all this week?
I haven't really spoken to the girls. They're on tour with Christina [Aguilera], so it's kind of been hard with me doing the show and everything. But when I won, it was all love. I can't wait to meet up with them all.

And are you in touch with Robin Antin [the Dolls' founder]?
She's the sweetest. She's like a mother to all the girls on the show. And she cared about each and every one of us. She's always text-messaging me, asking how I am and stuff.

Does your daughter know about the Pussycat Dolls?
She'll be 2 next month. She knows ''Dontcha'' by heart. She sings it all the time. She's a dancer and a singer... She's the next Pussycat Doll, I'm telling you. She's gonna be the Pussycat Doll baby, start her own little group.

Are you still living in New York City?
I'm representing New Yorkers again! I met Jennifer Lopez. I love her. We both come from the Bronx and danced with the same dance company. [I'm] the next Asia from the block!

How was the show different from what you were expecting?
I really thought it was just gonna be dancing and singing the whole time. I didn't know there was going to be as much interaction, and it was crazy, living with a bunch of girls and being away from my baby. There's so much more to it than just a competition. It was a television show first, more than anything. I don't think they gave me much of a personality!

I'll bet it's nice to be free of the always-present CW cameras.
It was weird having them following you around, but after a week, you're over it. It seems normal now [but] you just want them to leave you alone sometimes.

Tell us something we don't know about Asia.
I wanted to rap. In high school, I'd try to make up rap songs, and all the girls would laugh at me. But I feel in my heart I was kinda serious about it.

What's your next step?
I have to wait till [the other six Dolls] finish the Christina tour. But I'm gonna be meeting with a label in a few weeks. I'm just enjoying the moment right now. I'm just gonna be a mom. I'm excited to make music. That's my life. That's what I've been working so hard for. I'm proud that I never gave up.

Photo from CW.

Newsstand Friday: Life & Style Weekly

Brad wants Jen back!
Brad Pitt has turned to an unlikely ally as his problems with Angelina Jolie persist: his ex, Jennifer Aniston! Life & Style's exclusive cover story this week reveals the intimate conversations and deepening bond between Jen and Brad, all while Brad and Angelina drift further apart. Is a Brad and Jen reunion next?

Hollywood's best boob makeovers!
Carmen's chest is Electra-fying, and Paris Hilton's cleavage looks perfect in her push-up, but Jessica Simpson comes out on top in Life & Style's special report on the best celebrity breasts. Plus, Lindsay Lohan, Halle Berry, and more!

Tom's side of the story
A spate of recent reports say Katie Holmes feels "trapped" in her marriage to a super-controlling Tom Cruise. But is Tom really such an overbearing spouse, or is he just a loving husband and father who wants the best life possible for Katie and their kids? Find out in this surprising story.

PLUS

The secret language of ponytails!
Nicole Richie, Jennifer Lopez, Nicole Kidman, and Mischa Barton all have one thing in common -- they pull their hair back. What's so interesting about that? Find out in our current issue, as Life & Style analyzes what stars' ponytail styles say about their personality!

Great spring dresses!
Sexy styles for warmer weather! Celebs including Vanessa Minnillo, America Ferrara and Lauren Conrad show how to wear the right dress for any figure!

Accessories special!
Looking for the perfect strappy wedges or sunglasses for spring? Take a style cue from Eva Mendes, Gwen Stefani and other stars who know exactly how to accessorize their look!

Newsstand Friday: In Touch Magazine

Losing never felt so good!Sanjaya Malakar has had an amazing week since being voted off Idol!

Summer's sexiest suits
The girls of MTV's Dancelife model the season's hottest swimwear.

The most exotic celebrity hangouts revealed
Where the stars unleash their true selves

Stars' silliest excuses
Celebs have told some tall tales to explain their missteps and meltdowns.

At Home with the Sons of Hollywood
In Touch hangs out with the stars of A&E's hot show.

Newsstand Friday: Star Magazine

Friends To Katie Holmes: Divorce Tom Now!

Alec Baldwin: Daddy Meanest!

Lindsay Lohan's Secret Gay Affair

Britney Spears' Secret Tell-All!

Newsstand Friday: OK Magazine

MELANIE BROWN
Only in OK!: The former Spice Girl talks about her new baby and unexpected split with Eddie Murphy!
Melanie Brown, formerly known as Scary Spice, is the proud new mother of a healthy baby girl, Angel Iris Murphy Brown. But the joyous occasion is marred by fact that the alleged father, Oscar-nominated actor Eddie Murphy, has ceased all contact with Melanie. The new mom welcomed OK! into her home to introduce her bundle of joy to the world. “We both know this is his baby,” Melanie tells OK! exclusively. “If he wants to do a DNA test, do it. Step up to the plate and be responsible. I have no doubt that this is Eddie's baby.”

REESE WITHERSPOON
Why America’s sweetheart dumped Jake!
It just may be too soon for Reese Witherspoon to engage in a full-fledged romance. Her budding relationship with actor Jake Gyllenhaal cooled after the two spent Easter weekend with their families and not each other. The 31-year-old actress, who is still technically married to her estranged husband Ryan Phillippe, may also be concerned about how that will look to her children. “What message is this sending to her daughter?” asks a friend of the Walk the Line star. The press that Reese and Jake’s romance generated may have been too much for the private actress to take, and if protecting her kids meant sacrificing her personal happiness, it was “a small price to pay,” her friend tells OK!...

SANJAYA
The controversial Idol star breaks down
You saw him wipe away a few tears after he was announced in the bottom three during Country Week. Now OK! reveals Sanjaya Malakar’s full emotional breakdown before he was booted off the show. His fellow contestants had to console the tearful 17-year-old. “Even Chris Richardson hugged him,” an eyewitness tells OK!...

CHERYL BURKE
Stepping out in the hottest fashions
Dancing With the Stars’ Cheryl Burke slipped into ’70s-inspired attire and shared her hope for reaching the top spot for a third time on the wildly popular reality series. “I think Ian is so talented,” she says of her new partner Ian Ziering. “He’s in good shape and catches on quickly. I think the only thing that might hold us back is his taking it a little too seriously.” The 22-year-old dancer also reveals her fashion obsession. “I love rhinestones and glitter. The more glitter, the happier I am!”

Newsstand Friday: US Magazine

HOT HOLLYWOOD STYLE SPECIALJennifer Lopez Earns Style Icon of the Year Honors

ALEC BALDWIN AFTERMATH
What Made Him Snap

JEN AND VINCE
He Stays Over!

David Beckham Goes Blonder

David Beckham, one half of the popular celebrity couple Posh & Becks, has gone a tad brighter this Spring, dying his luscious locks for a photo shoot. I don't know about you, but it ain't doing anything for me.

Photo from US.

Newsstand Friday: People Magazine

Cover
Drew Barrymore opens up about her carefree beauty and – along with stars like Jessica Biel and Eva Longoria – shows off what she really looks like without makeup. Plus, Leo shines inside and out, Beyoncé celebrates her curves, and more.

Students who survived the Virginia Tech massacre talk about the shooting, the healing and getting on with life

Ousted American Idol hopeful Sanjaya Malakar lets his hair down and talks about everything from Simon to romance

Car crashes and heart attacks are part of the job for the teen members of Darien Emergency Medical Service – Post 53

Kids and parents alike are going crazy for Galen Kaufman's edible invention, Fizzy Fruit

Solar panels on the roof? Biodiesel cooking in the garage? Just a typical day at home for the eco-friendly Sharp family

Former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey claims his wife knew he was gay when she married him

In a new biography, Chevy Chase opens up about his abusive childhood

Convicted on a lesser charge, Mary Winkler dodges a life sentence

Boris Yeltsin, the man who ended Communism in Russia, dies at age 76

Mario Lopez and Karina Smirnoff Still Together?

Former Dancing with the Stars contestant Mario Lopez and his former professional partner Karina Smirnoff seem to be still plugging along in the romantic sense, though still not admitting to any relationship. The couple were at the 4th annual Triumph for Teens Awards Gala in Beverly Hills last night.

Photo from People.

Rapper Eve Arrested on DUI

Rapper Eve was arrested this morning on drunk driving charges in Hollywood, following her crashing her Maserati into a cement divider, say police.

She was leaving a nightclub when it happened. "She also ran over a metal sign on the divider which warned drivers it was there," says Los Angeles police Sgt. Al Lopez. Luckily, no one was injured.

Eve was arrested at 2:45 a.m. and booked at the Hollywood station, where her manager posted $30,000 bail for her.

Photo from People.

Donald Trump's New Apprentice Talks

Hey, now that Rosie O'Donnell is going to be free soon, maybe she'd like to audition for the next season of The Apprentice. Yeah, fat chance. Stefani Schaeffer was crowned Donald Trump's newest apprentice in the finale this past Sunday, and the 32-year-old California-born attorney is readying herself for the next chapter in her big adventure. TV Guide caught up with her before she jetted off to New York to begin work with Donald.

TVGuide.com: Congratulations! Were you nervous?
Stefani Schaeffer: No, actually, I wasn't. It didn't [occur to] me to be nervous. I'm fine with that kind of situation. Audiences don't really disturb me.

TVGuide.com: Did you ever imagine you'd be signing up for a season with so many changes?
Stefani: No, I had no idea that tents would be involved or that we'd be living outside. My idea of The Apprentice is living in this beautiful Trump penthouse suite at Trump Towers, doing some business tasks and going up against some vicious people for a while — that was my impression from the show.

TVGuide.com: I know a lot of fans were disappointed with the changes this season. Did you hear that at all from people?
Stefani: I did hear that from people. I got a mixed reaction. Some people liked the tents, because they just thought it was funny to watch people suffer, and some people just thought that it was demeaning and didn't belong in the show. So there was a mixed opinion, but with any show, I think you'll find that with any change anyone makes.

TVGuide.com: Were you disappointed, as viewers were, that the final task was… the final task?
Stefani: I wasn't disappointed in the Renuzit task, but in so far as it being the final task, I was disappointed that it wasn't at least a gigantic charity event or something for a good cause — I thought that that would be a good way to finish the show. If I could change anything, I would make that recommendation. It was a great task, it was. It was very challenging, it may not have seemed it in the final 60 seconds that you saw as an audience member, but it was a lot of work put into a very, very short amount of time, and it was a lot of moving parts.

TVGuide.com: What would you suggest to breathe some new life into the show?
Stefani: You know, I'm not sure. I think the show has a good format. I like the show as it is. I don't know that I would keep the tents….

TVGuide.com: Would you keep it in L.A.?
Stefani: L.A. was really interesting, and if the tasks are challenging enough, it really doesn't matter where the show is. The show being in New York added a heightened sense of, I don't know, anxiety, feeling like you're in a rush — I think that was conducive to it being an experience. But L.A. was good, too. We're so spread out in L.A., the stress is there, it's just different — it's with traffic, it's with limitations of when businesses are open and that kind of stuff, so I think both locations have their advantages.

TVGuide.com: Do you feel the show took advantage of the L.A. setting as much as you'd expected?
Stefani: I don't know. In retrospect, we did do two different types of commercials and we did do things, like the tour-bus task, that were Hollywood-esque, if you will. We probably could have done a little bit more.

TVGuide.com: Was staying under the radar a "genius strategy" you planned?
Stefani: My strategy was to stay out of the firing line, and that meant doing a good job and making sure I had the respect of my teammates, and it was effective. It made me end up in the finals and I did it without ever ending up in a boardroom. No project manager ever brought me before Mr. Trump to try to get me fired, no teammate ever said anything negative about me, so I think it was a great strategy and I don't think I was under the radar at all. The audience sees a very tiny portion of the footage, and I can tell you that I was as active throughout the beginning of the show as I was shown to be by the end of the show, so you can't actually fly under the radar in a situation like this. With teammates who are all looking out to be No. 1 and be the winner, don't you think someone would say something to try to get you fired if you weren't pulling your weight plus more?

TVGuide.com: Definitely. And with your crew, you had very loud, boisterous people alongside you.
Stefani: We did. They were very loud. We had Chicago and New York adequately represented and quite a voice from Seattle as well.

TVGuide.com: I know you volunteered at one point to be PM.
Stefani: I did volunteer. It was after Surya was fired, but I was outvoted once again, because I wasn't perceived to have survived the boardroom, so to speak, and the rule really was that if you were one of the two survivors coming out of the boardroom, you had first dibs at being the PM.

TVGuide.com: Right, to prove yourself.
Stefani: Yeah, so that resulted in my never having a chance.

TVGuide.com: Did you see PM as being a danger zone?
Stefani: Not to me. I don't think that being a PM would have been a danger zone, only as much as if you lose, you're in the boardroom. But if I had been a PM and had lost a task — which I don't think I would have — and been in the boardroom, I would have, by far, defended myself better than the other candidates. I don't think I would have been fired despite being a PM.

TVGuide.com: Is there anyone you thought should have been in the final four?
Stefani: Wow. Perhaps Kristine could have been in the final four.

TVGuide.com: She had a surprising firing.
Stefani: You know, I would have liked to have gone up against her, I think she's very qualified. She was great.

TVGuide.com: Did you see her as your toughest competitor?
Stefani: Probably the toughest on Kinetic.

TVGuide.com: And what about Arrow?
Stefani: On Arrow, my toughest competition was James.

TVGuide.com: And you felt that even before the finale?
Stefani: Yes. That was my only competition.

TVGuide.com: What was the most frustrating part of the process for you?
Stefani: Life in the tent without a bathroom — that was frustrating. No running water when you're kind of a girlie-girl and you like to have your accessories about. Not having a blow-dryer, that was tough, sharing a port-a-potty with a bunch of guys, that was a little rough, no refrigerator....

TVGuide.com: Nothing about the tasks themselves?
Stefani: The tasks were the tasks. We all signed up knowing we were going to be handed some crazy assignments with just ridiculous deadlines and little or no sleep, very little food along the way, and you wouldn't have the opportunity to do your daily routine that puts you in your comfort zone. We just had to deal with it. The tasks were what I expected them to be — they were intense — and I would do it all again.

TVGuide.com: Would you really consider hiring James, as you said, now that you've won?
Stefani: I really would. If Mr. Trump gave me the opportunity, I would hire James. He's a great guy, a great worker and a smart man. I always said — and he said the same thing — we would hate to break up the team, and I think we did a really good job at maintaining a sense of loyalty and we were able to present our strengths respectively without bashing each other, and that's what we set out to do. I have great respect for him.

TVGuide.com: When do you leave for Cap Cana?
Stefani: I have no idea. I leave for New York, and then I don't know what the future holds after that.

TVGuide.com: Probably lots of meetings before you go.
Stefani: Probably.

TVGuide.com: Well, if the show returns, maybe we'll see you again, but on the other side of the boardroom table!
Stefani: Hopefully! Maybe I can sit in for Carolyn.

Photo from TV Guide.

Jael Exits the Runway on America's Next Top Model

Odd, but pretty, Jael Strauss was given her walking papers by Tyra Banks last week on America's Next Top Model. Jael has packed her bags and heads for her hometown of Detroit. TV Guide recently sat down with Jael for some behind-the-scenes dish.

TVGuide.com: Well, in all honesty, I'm not sure how I'm going to continue watching the show without you on it!
Jael: Oh, really? Well, one day I'm going to have my own show, and you'll be able to watch me on that! I really want to do a show that uncovers all the unsigned bands and underground artists. I really want to expose all those great groups, like the Burning Man community.

TVGuide.com: That's perfect for you! There's definitely some rock 'n' roll in you.
Jael: Yeah... and some hip-hop!

TVGuide.com: Speaking of hip-hop, let's go back to the night of that infamous Smart Water party. What was going on with you and 50 Cent? Why did you keep getting in his face until he finally pushed you in the pool?
Jael: Everything you see is not everything that happened. Actually, the girls kept coming over to me and saying, "50 wants to talk to you," because he would send them over. And then I'd go back over and talk to him, and then he'd be like, "Didn't I tell you to leave me alone?" I guess he was intimidated. My personality was too much for him.

TVGuide.com: I would have expected you two to have a lot of fun together.
Jael: It was fun. I poured Smart Water all over his head!

TVGuide.com: Were you irritated that Sanjaya kind of stole your thunder by getting eliminated from American Idol on the same night as you?
Jael: No way! No one steals my thunder. I relate to Sanjaya, actually. I think he was there because of his energy and not so much his talent, and I can relate to that. You know, I did my best and I gave it all the energy I could possibly give, but at the same time...

TVGuide.com: Hey, don't sell yourself short. You took some fantastic photos!
Jael: Thank you. I tried. I really pushed myself, and I'm really proud of the outcome.

TVGuide.com: As the show went on and it became clear that they wanted to sort of mold and change your personality into something else…Jael: I'm not having that! I came there as myself, and I left there myself, and I'm so happy about that.

TVGuide.com: Was it a relief to get eliminated so that you didn't have to go through the cookie-cutter factory they use to pump out models?
Jael: I wouldn't say it was a relief, but I wish they'd been more open-minded and allowed me to be myself. I feel I have what it takes to represent women, and I feel that I did a really good job. I gave 110 percent. I know I fell flat on my face when it came time to do the CoverGirl commercial, but I gave it my all. I prefer Brittany being there rather than myself, actually. I vote for Brittany.

TVGuide.com: The CoverGirl commercial seemed particularly difficult for you, because they look for a specific kind of girl for that: perky, happy, blank. Was that something that maybe didn't occur to you until that phase of the competition rolled around?
Jael: No, it occurred to me. I just... I don't know. I'm glad I had the experience and got to try. I see where my weaknesses are and my strong points, and I really learned a lot about myself.

TVGuide.com: I like your kooky edge. I wouldn't want to see you become generic.
Jael: I didn't give in. I just tried, but I didn't give in.

TVGuide.com: I think you may have a rebellious streak.
Jael: That may be a little bit true. [Laughs] I don't know if I'd call myself a rebel. It's not like anybody's in charge of me.... I just run my own show. But that was Tyra's show, and she got to run it.

TVGuide.com: I thought it was interesting that in Australia, you were wearing a tutu and some outfits that might not be exactly what the panel would have advised.
Jael: When I showed up for my casting, I was wearing a tutu. They knew what they were getting themselves into, so I wouldn't expect them to all of a sudden say, "Why are you doing this?" It's not like it was a surprise!

TVGuide.com: You have a unique style. Have you considered getting into the designing aspect of the industry?
Jael: Well, every day is Halloween. [Laughs]

TVGuide.com: That would be a great name for a brand!
Jael: Hey, yeah! Are you ready to start a company with me?

TVGuide.com: All we need is a backer. Maybe 50!
Jael: Exactly!

TVGuide.com: I don't want to take things in a dark direction, but I wanted to address the fact that you lost a friend to an overdose during the course of the show. I thought you pulled yourself together remarkably well.
Jael: I just let myself be a human being. I allowed the world to see me, and I thought I could set a good example. I knew there were other people out there going through similar things, and I wanted to be somebody they could relate to. And I realized that I'm in the public eye. Kids look up to you and people relate to you, and they know I'm an oddball. There are a lot of oddballs out there who don't have someone they can relate to in the public eye, so I definitely pushed myself to persevere so that I could set a good example.

TVGuide.com: Was there a thought in the back of your mind that your experience might help drug users see how their actions might impact the people they care about?
Jael: Yeah, they didn't air it, but when I dedicated my photo to her, I did say something urging people to realize how much they were hurting their loved ones and to get help before it was too late.

TVGuide.com: What are your immediate plans to keep spreading joy to the planet?
Jael: Well, I just really, really want to save the world, obviously. I know it sounds "hippie," but I really want to work toward getting my own show so that I can stay in the limelight and continue to spread the positivity and keep people laughing and smiling. I've found that's my strong point, and it's something I'm really, really good at.

TVGuide.com: Somebody does need to save the world, so why not you?
Jael: I'm tryin'. I'm putting all my energy into it, so help me god.

TVGuide.com: Can you see yourself running for office one day?
Jael: I'm an activist, but I like to be behind the scenes a little bit more. I feel like you can touch more people personally when you're on foot than when you're up on a podium. I like to physically touch people, you know? I get something from that. I like to actually stand not above but with people.

TVGuide.com: And politicians do tend to get into trouble when they touch people!
Jael: [Laughs] I'm all about getting into trouble and touching.

Photo from TV Guide.

Hugh Grant Arrested Over Baked Beans?!

File this one under "strange but true." Actor Hugh Grant was arrested and questioned by police after an incident Tuesday where a photographer accused the actor of attacking him with a tub of baked beans.

Photographer Ian Whittaker told the Daily Star tabloid that he and Hugh clashed near the star's home, and Hugh "abused and kicked him Tuesday before lobbing the beans. The paper printed photos of Grant with a plastic tub of food raised over his head." Ooops.

Hugh's lawyers did admit that an incident took place and said that was under investigation. A police spokeswoman did confirm that a "46-year-old man had been arrested Wednesday evening and questioned at a London police station after an allegation of assault in west London."

Hugh was bailed out and set to return in May.

This is not the first time that he has had a curious runin with the authorities. Back in 1995, he made headlines all over after being arrested during an encounter with an LA prostitute. (Apparently, his girlfriend at the time, actress and model Elizabeth Hurley, just wasn't enough).

Photo from TV Guide.

Rewind: Dancing with the Stars, Week 6

You know why people like Dancing with the Stars (other than the silly costumes)? Because it's freaking fun. It's easy to get jaded about reality TV, but Dancing with the Stars just embraces its cheesiness and goes with it. Plus, the stars really try hard (even Billy Ray, in his sad, sad, way).

This week's standout for me was Joey. Partly because JC Chasez was there (are we working our way up to Justin?) and partly because I freaking love the song they danced to. Joey got his groove back this week and showed some amazing dancing skills.

Maks and Laila also wowed me. Although, I think Maks should be limited to only one head flicking thingy per episode. He had about 10 of them, which made it seem rehearsed and dorky instead of spontaneous and hot. The first one, I liked. The last one, I was annoyed. It's hard for me to criticize Maks, so you know I really mean it.

Was anyone else underwhelmed by the group dance and totally wowed by the professionals' performance with Joss Stone? The group dance was just all over the place and confusing. I have no idea what they did at the end, but whatever it was, it didn't work. And I think Julianne's brother should join the cast next year - he rocked!

I think it was time for Heather Mills to go home, so I can't say I'm too sad about it. Who's next? Billy Ray or John? Here are some videos from this week's episode.

Joey Fatone and Kym Johnson perform the Samba:



Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Laila Ali do the cha-cha (now you'll notice the head flicking):



John Ratzenburger and Edyta Sliwinka do the mambo:



The paso doble that sent Heather Mills and Jonathan Roberts home:



Ian Ziering and Cheryl Burke perform the paso doble:



Apolo Anton Ohno and Julianne Hough perform the rumba:



Billy Ray Cyrus and Karina Smirnoff perform a sorta-jive:



Julianne Hough, her brother Derek Hough, Tony Dovolani, and Elena Grinenko perform as Joss Stone sings:



Dreamgirls cast performs:



Group Swing performance:

Heather Mills Warned By Brit Police

Seems former Dancing with the Stars contestant Heather Mills is a little too fast with her fingers. British police have warned the 39-year-old ex-model to stop dialing 999 (their equivalent of our 911) for non-emergencies. A senior officer recently told the British press that Mills was calling the police up to 4 times a day for things like photographers following her.

She told BBC News last month that she needs extra protection from "the huge powers ... trying to destroy me." Alrighty then.

Photo from ABC.

Pussycat Dolls Find Their Newest Member

This week brought the finale of The Pussycat Dolls: Search for the Next Doll, with 18-year-old single mom Asia winning the top prize, the coveted spot with the ultra sexy group.

Regular viewers may remember a mini-cat fight brewing with the contestants when Sisely said Asia looked like a drag queen when she performed. Guess that worked out for her.

Asia hails from Mt. Vernon, New York, and prior to competing on CW's newest reality show, she was a Knick City dancer.

Photo from CW.

Pussycat Dolls Gearing Up for Season Two

Even though they only had the season finale this week, crowning Asia as The Pussycat Dolls newest member, they're already accepting applications for the second season of The Pussycat Dolls: Search for the Next Doll. Talk about a rolling stone gathering no moss. Interested? You can get all the deets right here.

Donald Trump Hires His Newest Apprentice

So this weekend featured the finale of The Apprentice: LA, and I gotta say, I have mixed emotions. My thoughts? They changed so much of the shows' format, as compared to previous seasons, that I was actually a tad disappointed, although I still love the show.

In prior seasons, when it comes down to the final four, they ran them through their paces with strenuous interviews with top level executives of various companies. They skipped that this season. When it gets down to the final two, in past seasons, they have had one big challenge to pull off to determine the winner. Yup, skipped that too. And then, of course, forgetting all the other changes they made in the beginning ... the tents, Project Managers staying PMs until they lose, losing Carolyn and George, the LA location, etc. ... just seems like they were trying to change too much all at once.

All that aside, the season is over and Trump has hired Stefani, "the realist," as his new apprentice. She largely flew under the radar, and maybe even too much so, but considering that landed her a $250,000/year gig, I'd say she did ok.

Here's a little bit of a pre-win interview with her.

"Success" can mean different things to different people; what does it mean to you and how will you know when you've achieved it?
Success is when you follow through and achieve the goals you've set for yourself, whatever they may be. Success is about never giving up and never being afraid to fail. Every failure makes you that much stronger... and that much more determined.

Describe the toughest business situation you've had to deal with and what you did to solve the problem.
The toughest business situation I've ever had to deal with was deciding whether to give up a chance at partnership and a great career at my law firm in order to appear on The Apprentice - I had to resign.

What lessons have you learned from past Apprentice winners or candidates?
I've learned from watching past Apprentice winners never to lose my cool. "Never let them see you sweat!"

Why should you be Donald Trump's next Apprentice?
(No answer provided.)

What's your favorite thing about Los Angeles?
There's just something laid back and sexy about Los Angeles. I like knowing that I can leave work at the end of the day and drive home via PCH with the top down on my car. It's an almost Zen-like transition to relaxation and a great way to unwind after a day of litigation.

What's your least favorite thing about Los Angeles? And you're not allowed to say "traffic."
Superficial people with attitudes and issues. People who lack substance and are more interested in themselves than about how to make a difference in the world.

What will surprise viewers about this sixth season of The Apprentice?
Things are never the way they seem, and the rules are subject to change at any time without warning.

What's your marital/parental status?
Divorced, no children.

If you could be the star of any movie ever made, which movie would it be and why?
I'd like to be Rene Russo in the remake of "The Thomas Crown Affair." Russo's character in the movie was so smart and sexy.

What are your three favorite albums of all time?
Too hard to narrow it down. I love Nickelback, Evanescence and Sting.

What are your three favorite books of all time?
Also too hard to narrow down
"Fish" by Stephen Lundin (great way to boost morale)
"Angels and Demons" by Dan Brown
"The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

What hobbies do you enjoy, outside of trying to impress Donald Trump?
Snow skiing, scuba diving, motorcycle riding, tennis, golf, karate, working out, reading, and modeling.

Photo from ABC.

Rewind: The Bachelor, Officer and a Gentleman, Episode 4

This week's episode of ABC's The Bachelor ended with a few choice bootings. First though, Andy sent a strong message to Tessa by giving her the first rose. I was surprised by the rose to Tina, but maybe their one on one time was better than the editors led us to believe. Or, maybe he was just so sick of the other girls that he was willing to keep Tina around?

The girls that went home were Stephanie South Carolina (so I guess the producers ran out of their picks), Nicole (unfortunately, she's pretty forgettable), and Kate. This is one of the only rose ceremonies where I was pretty impressed with the Bachelor's judgment. He better not make a habit out of this.

Here are my thoughts on this week's episode:

• Stephanie South Carolina started the episode with the stupidest quote of the season thus far: "Lake Tahoe, that's what, in Oregon?" Dear God, Andy. Enough with her.
• Poor wittle Bevin. She can't play wike the oder gwirls. What a whiner. We need to hook her up with one of Ophah's No Complaint bracelets.
• Andy telling Bevin: "I need to have a word with you" when she was acting a little crabby was a little to Daddy-ish for me. Although, some girls are into that....
• Andy definitely opens up more about his feelings than your average Bachelor. He told Bevin he felt electricity between them. Then he tells Stephanie Kansas that he wants to meet her family. Then he basically asks Bevin if she'd move to Hawaii to be with him. Way to play it cool, Andy.
• This is the first episode that I've seen a connection between Andy and Danielle. She's very well-spoken and confident. Do I have to put her on my contender list with Bevin and Tessa?
• Andy to Bevin: "I am a nerd." So, Andy's self-aware. Good thing.
• Hey! Guys who edit The Bachelor! Work on your transitions. Andy talks about being an astronaut, then Bevin says: "Wanna give me a check up?" Make it stop!
• When Andy's drunk he says things like: "You know what? You're my sanctuary." I just threw up a little in my mouth.
• Tessa wins the cool/mean girl points. She has Andy stand on the back of her skis, then takes out another one of the girls. Nice work, girlfriend.
• So Andy said the person who makes him feel the most calm and at ease is Tessa. Whoa, whoa, whoa, buddy. Didn't you say Bevin was your sanctuary? Is someone confused?
• Amber really reminds me of Mary Delgado. She kinda looks like her a little bit and she overthinks everything just like Mary did. Now, Mary didn't end up with Bob, but she sure did end up with Byron. Foreshadowing?
• Stephanie South Carolina appears to have decided that since she isn't getting Andy, she's just going to stir up as much sh*t as she can in the time she has left. Kate apparently adopted the same strategy, but she's waaay less cutesy about it.
• Is Tina the dark horse in this thing? Like I said, I've been avoiding the sleuths, so I have no idea if she's in this thing long-term.
• Can we ban Andy from comments like "it's just what the doctor ordered" and "it was just the medicine that I needed"? Don't doctors avoid saying stupid stuff like that? Please tell me they do.
• I wish someone was keeping track of how many hot tub scenes there are this season. Note to self: count hot tub scenes next time.
• Whoa! Where have Stephanie South Carolina's uber-fake looking boobs been for the last two episodes?
• Andy committed one of my pet peeves - he asked if he could kiss Bevin. Dude, if you have to ask, then you shouldn't do it. Way to ruin the moment. Grrrrr.
• Was Kate in Mean Girls? Cuz if she wasn't, then she should have been after her rumor spreading at the cocktail party. Meow.
• Tessa wins the honesty award. She called poor Andy out on his relationship with Bevin (I think she was talking about Bevin, at least) by saying: "If you already know what you want, I don't want to get hurt." Translation: "Please don't give me a rose if you already found someone, just let me go because I don't want a pity rose."

Next week looks like a doozie. Girls are jealous of Bevin and there's a fancy schmancy fantasy date. This is the last round before the hometown visits!

Vanessa Minnillo to Exit Stage Left on TRL

MTV Total Request Live VJ and girlfriend of Nick Lachey has decided to hang up her mike and leave after four years. “I chose not to re-sign,” she said at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s annual gala at the Waldorf-Astoria last night. “I don’t want to be 48 going, ‘Hey kids, now it’s Sean Preston Spears’ video!’”

She's set to appear in a cameo in the upcoming "Fantastic Four" movie, and she and Nick just shacked up in his Manhattan home, but the future beyond that is an open slate. “I have had my run and I’m ready for the next chapter. What it is? I have no idea,” she says. “I don’t know if it’s going to be with a television show, with movies, with hosting, or maybe just even a family.” Hmmmm.

Photo from MTV.

Rosie to Leave The View

After this weekend's tantrum, I bet there are a few happy smiles with this announcement. Chatfest host of The View, Rosie O'Donnell, has not been able to reach a contractual agreement with ABC Daytime, and as a result, she will be departing the show in mid-June.

"Working with Barbara [Walters], Joy [Behar] and Elisabeth [Hasselbeck] has been one of the highlights of my career, but my needs for the future just didn't dovetail with what ABC was able to offer me," Rosie says in a statement to ABCNews.com. "To all the viewers out there, I just want to say 'Thank you' for opening up your hearts and your homes to me this past year. But you can always find me at Rosie.com."

Brian Frons of ABC Daytime said, "Going in we knew we would have an amazing year with [Rosie], and that anything beyond that would be gravy. And while we've tried to come to terms on a deal that would extend her [stay] on The View, we find ourselves unable to agree on some key elements."

Barbara Walters weighed in, "[Rosie] has given the program new vigor, new excitement and wonderful hours of television. I am very sad that ABC Daytime could not reach an agreement with her for a second year. We will all miss Rosie. She remains for me a cherished friend and colleague."

So who's up next for the revolving chairs on The View?

Justin Timberlake Rocks the Scruff

I'm not one for beards; they just don't do anything for me. But on Justin Timberlake, he can have all the beard he wants.

Last night, he performed at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This was the first stop on his FutureSex/LoveShow tour in the United Kingdom.

Photo from People.

Survivor's Michelle: The Tribe Has Spoken

Survivor: Fiji's Michelle Yi was voted off last week, in an episode that had a twist that just might have been the final nail in her coffin. A lower-than-radar player, she was not a stand-out in the tribe, and I didn't see her making it to the end. Michelle was the first member to be voted off the newly merged Bula Bula tribe and TV Guide asked sat down with her to get the behind-the-scenes scoop, and what her plans are for the future.

TVGuide.com: I have to say, in your little exit interview, you were so peppy and happy about the experience. That's a nice change from Rocky screaming at the camera.
Michelle: Yeah, which is surprising, too, because I was bawling my eyes out and then you have to compose yourself. They sit you down and they're like, "OK...," and I'm like, "Ahhh."

TVGuide.com: Were you totally blindsided by the vote, or did you have a hunch it was coming?
Michelle: You definitely get an uneasy feeling on your way to tribal council. It's especially unnerving on the way there, since we didn't talk....

TVGuide.com: It was an interesting twist to have the tribe divided and send the losing half immediately to tribal council.
Michelle: I knew it was coming when Alex pointed out that I was the one he was voting for.

TVGuide.com: Now, do you think Jeff Probst sort of did you in? You weren't allowed to talk to each other, but he basically asked Alex who he thought should go home.
Michelle: It definitely took away the concept of even talking in tongues at tribal council, because everything you have to say, you have to say in front of everybody. That was just shocking that that happened, but I think Alex knew that in order to get Dreamz to vote his way, he had to say it out loud.

TVGuide.com: Right, because it definitely seemed like maybe Dreamz would have voted for Stacy, because he didn't seem to have a relationship with her.
Michelle: Right, right, I doubt he was keeping her around for emotional reasons after the incident with the coffee press.

TVGuide.com: Ah, the coffee press. She wouldn't show him how it works because he wasn't in her alliance. That's not really good strategy on her part, being mean to other people.
Michelle: No, no, I don't think so.

TVGuide.com: You lived in both camps. Do you think the luxury camp was really true Survivor?
Michelle: Definitely not. The luxury camp was nicer than when I go camping.

TVGuide.com: Do you think that it was fair?
Michelle: It was incredibly unfair. The nutrients [available] in the nice camp and the good sleep and food proved to be such an advantage in challenges. After all, the new Ravu boys kept losing to a bunch of girls and an old man.

TVGuide.com: Although, that Yau-Man is pretty wily for his age.
Michelle: Yau-Man is definitely an underestimated player.

TVGuide.com: Were you excited when you heard you guys were merging?
Michelle: I was very excited about the merge, just because I felt very strong with my alliance with Earl and Yau-Man, when we knew we could get Cassandra and Dreamz on our side and it would be easy sailing after the first merge boot. Unfortunately, that was me.

TVGuide.com: They went and threw in another twist.
Michelle: Yeah, it's unfortunate to be the victim of a twist, but maybe that's a better way to go out than everyone hating me.

TVGuide.com: Right, well you definitely seemed pretty well liked by everybody, which you don't always hear on Survivor.
Michelle: Yeah, that's very true.

TVGuide.com: I have to ask, how'd you fall off that platform during the blindfold challenge? You were the one who could see!
Michelle: I was so focused on calling to Yau-Man that I wasn't even thinking about how close I was to the edge of the platform. The greatest part of all is, after I fell, I got up with nervous laughter, I looked around, and I realized that nobody saw because everybody was blindfolded.

TVGuide.com: Except the camera.
Michelle: Yeah, except for the 16 million people at home.

TVGuide.com: I hope you're OK, but it was very entertaining and showed a tenacity on your part that you got right back up.
Michelle: [Laughs] You know, you're still competing. Just because you fall doesn't mean it's over. So you get back up and we still ended up winning the challenge.

TVGuide.com: Who was in your alliance?
Michelle: I was closest with Earl and Yau-Man. We each definitely played a very different role in our alliance and I think that's what made it so strong. Earl's kind of a hidden leader whereas I'm sort of the pickpocket spy. Yau-Man is under the radar, though definitely dependable. Also, we knew he was holding the immunity idol and we knew we could bring in Dreamz and Cassandra.

TVGuide.com: And your spy role, very good idea. I wouldn't have suspected it, you're so sweet.
Michelle: That's definitely part of it. I can be a little deceptive sometimes, and I know in this game you have to give trust to get it back, you can't just be taking it. So, to prove my role and my loyalty to my alliance, that's what I had to do.

TVGuide.com: I noticed on your bio that The Amazing Race was your favorite show. Are you a fan of Survivor, too?
Michelle: I am a fan of Survivor, too. My favorite part of Survivor is not the social game, it's the challenges, which is why I love Amazing Race.

TVGuide.com: They've had some crazy challenges this season.
Michelle: Yeah, although overall, I'd say Survivor is a social game.

TVGuide.com: You said you kind of learned a lot about yourself and what sort of person you are. Anything specific?
Michelle: Well, I was just proving to myself that I'm as tough as I like to think I am and that I can be put through a lot. I think as a little girl, I'm underestimated a lot of the time.

TVGuide.com: Can we watch out for any fun stuff from you at the final jury?
Michelle: Well, I guess we'll have to see. I definitely play the role in helping to decide the million, so I couldn't ask for a better position now.

TVGuide.com: Well, unless you were in one of those two or three final hot seats.
Michelle: [Laughs] Exactly. I'll be on the sidelines, rooting for my boys the whole way.

TVGuide.com: What are you doing now?
Michelle: I am currently going to school at University of Cincinnati, studying fashion design. I graduate in June.

TVGuide.com: Maybe we can see you on Project Runway!
Michelle: I know, perhaps you can look forward to a line of activewear….

TVGuide.com: You can do a lot with those Survivor buffs!
Michelle: Exactly!

Photo from TV Guide.

Britney Spears Getting Back in Shape

Singer and tabloid favorite Britney Spears is getting back to her pop star physique. Yesterday, she visited her regular haunt, the Millennium Dance Studio, in North Hollywood. Her new toned body shows you what laying off the booze and the cheetos can do for a girl's figure. You go Britney!

Photo from People.

Rosie O Lets Donald Have It ... Again

So much for letting bygones be bygones. It seems the flare-up between chat-fest host Rosie O'Donnell and real estate developer Donald Trump has, well, flared up again.

As Emcee at yesterday's Matrix Awards in New York, Rosie certainly embarrassed more than a few of the 2,000 guests being honored in the Waldorf-Astoria Grand Ballroom.

She dropped the F-bomb more than once, causing guest Barbara Walters to lower her head on the dais and cover her face with her hand. Rosie lit into a mini-rant about Donald Trump, and ended it by grabbing her crotch and shouting, "Eat me!" She went on to say that she was sad when Trump called her "disgusting" and "fat" because, "it was always my dream to give an old, bald billionaire a boner." Lovely, Rosie. Truly a class act all the way.

The annual luncheon of N.Y. Women in Communications was honoring Cindy Adams, Meredith Vieira, Joan Didion, Susan Lyne, Arianna Huffington and Lisa Caputo, among others, and counted News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch, Joy Behar, Nora Ephron, Martha Stewart and Sen. Hillary Clinton as presenters. Also in the audience were 17 young high school girls who had won scholarships to pursue media careers.

"I was offended by how vulgar and common O'Donnell was," said Robert Zimmerman, a Democrat active in progressive causes. "It was especially inappropriate with young people present."

Brandon Holley, editor-in-chief of Jane magazine, said, "I wasn't personally offended, but I thought it was fun to watch other people be offended."

"I cringed and dove under the table when she said, 'Eat me,' " said one woman attendee who wished to remain anonymous.

Also in the audience were Judith Giuliani, her predecessor Donna Hanover, Judge Judy Sheindlin, Helen Gurley Brown, Sue Simmons, Geri Laybourne of Oxygen Media, Jane Friedman of HarperCollins, and Hearst president Cathie Black.

O'Donnell's publicist, Cindi Berger, told us: "When you ask for Rosie, you know what you're getting. She's not a shrinking violet. She's a stand-up comedienne. She says things that are provocative."

Surprisingly enough, N.Y. Women in Communications was happy with Rosie's performance. Their managing director, Beth Ellen Keyes, sent an e-mail to her handlers saying, "Rosie was fabulous. Please let Rosie know how much we appreciated her being there. She was just great."

Photo from NY Post.

Sheryl Crow Not Walking the Walk?

The New York Post is saying that rocker Sheryl Crow should eat crow, and they might not be too far off. A strong voice for saving the world, she is currently on a "Stop Global Warming College Tour" with Laurie David and has just proposed a limit on toilet paper usage, of all things. But the hypocrisy is that The Smoking Gun has uncovered her performance rider for her concerts, which demands three tractor trailers, four buses and six cars for her entourage for each show. Someone is talking out of both sides of her mouth.

She also demands 12 bottles of Grolsch beer, six bottles of "local" beer and a bottle each of "good Australian Cabernet" and "good Merlot." Her rep says that the rider was "an old one from 10 years ago" but wouldn't produce a new one. Alrighty then.

Photo from the NY Post.

No More Pussycat Dolls for Melissa S.

Last week, The Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll bid adieu to Melissa S. Her stint on the show was not without controversy, as she constantly had her claws out when it came to fellow contestant Chelsea. I didn't know this before now, but Melissa S. was also a finalist on Making the Band 3. Guess she's making the reality show rounds a la Boston Rob (from Survivor and Amazing Race). She recently sat down with TV Guide to speak her mind.

TVGuide.com: I felt really bad for you after Ron Fair's comment that you were "sexy, Vegas-y white trashy."
Melissa: Oh, my god, it was horrible! The last two episodes were very hard for me to watch because of the way they were portraying me. There was no drama between me and Chelsea. I don't live in the editing room. I don't know what they were thinking, but it was extremely hard for me to watch that knowing that I got along with everyone in the house, and they portrayed me as the biggest bitch. Every time they showed Chelsea [faltering] there, I was beaming from ear to ear. Ron Fair's comment about the white-trash thing? I'm sorry, where was he coming off with that? I'm not that at all. I just have to brush it off and keep going.

TVGuide.com: Has your family been upset with the way you've been portrayed?
Melissa: It is so unfortunate. My family and friends who actually know me know that I am absolutely nothing like that. They kind of laugh about it and say, "This is so wrong." I was talking to [fellow Doll wannabe] Anastacia the other day and she's like, "Out of everyone in the house, you were like the sweetheart in the group and they really did a 180 on you."

TVGuide.com: But did you tell Mark McGrath that you thought Chelsea should be the next to go home?
Melissa: Well… I will definitely give my opinion. I'm not going to sugarcoat anything, but they never showed what I really said. They aren't going to show the positive side. I absolutely adore Chelsea, I think she's a strong performer and she has the strongest vocals out of anyone in the competition. I think her dancing is good. I don't think it is strong and that's where I think she's a weak link. When it comes to the Pussycat Dolls… if you watch these girls, they are killing the dancing. This is not a huge singing group, as we all know. They have the lead singer, Nicole, who is amazing, and the rest of the girls are strong dancers. I did give my opinion, and I think in interviews, people respect you more when you do.

TVGuide.com: So you don't have any regrets about saying that about Chelsea?
Melissa: No way.

TVGuide.com: Do you think maybe Robin saw that and that "attitude" put her off?
Melissa: No. I really think that Robin knew. It wasn't a surprise that she was a weak dancer. Everyone knew. I was just stating a fact.

TVGuide.com: So you weren't sabotaging Chelsea?
Melissa: Not at all. Everyone got a little out of hand with the whole editing thing. They made it out to be something that wasn't even that deep.

TVGuide.com: They also showed you rolling your eyes when Asia was helping Chelsea learn tricky dance steps.
Melissa: Yeah, but they didn't show that before Asia helped her, I was downstairs for an hour helping her. They took me up for an interview and said, "This is a competition, why would you help her?" Then I repeated, "Why would I help her?" and that's what they put in. They were egging me on. Saying stuff like, "Oh, you must not want this bad enough." They'll take what they want and make their own montage and make their own show.

TVGuide.com: They were somewhat right, though — it was a competition. If you didn't help her it wouldn't have really been so terrible.
Melissa: It was a competition, but at the end of the day, my talent is going to speak for itself. I can help her until she's blue in the face, but you aren't going to change someone overnight.

TVGuide.com: You really had a rocky road.... You were either winning challenges or in the bottom two. How stressful was that?
Melissa: It was pretty crazy. I didn't change anything. Every performance I did my best and I gave it my all. Sometimes for different reasons within the show, not having to do with the competition, I feel like they did that. Again, it was really hard for me. Imagine what I had to go through? While we were filming all I had to go on was just that judging. You can't think rationally during this show. It felt like every day I had to pick myself back up off the floor and piece my confidence back together. And then I'd win a challenge, and then I'd be back in the bottom two.

TVGuide.com: Would you ever do anything like this again?
Melissa: I'm probably not going to do another reality show unless I have control over what is going to be going on.

TVGuide.com: What are you working on now?
Melissa: I'm in a recording studio working on a solo album. This is the road I am on. I did Making the Band, I did this and it has been a tremendous experience, and I have nothing but great memories from both. I feel like I've grown as an artist and I'm learning more new stuff about myself every day. I'm just going to continue on this road and this journey. I'm not giving up. My fans can look out for me. My website is officialmelissasmith.com. My MySpace page is myspace.com/melspunks because I’m a spunky little girl. I'm still going to go get them, girl.

TVGuide.com: You were a great dancer.... Were any of the challenges actually hard for you?
Melissa: The only thing that was hard about this whole competition was that we had no time for anything. We had 45 minutes to learn our song and dance and then we were in the challenge and then we were thrown somewhere else in front of people performing. No celebrity performer in their right mind would only have 45 minutes of rehearsal and then get on stage and try to work it out. We were going on two or three hours of sleep every night because we were trying to learn everything.

TVGuide.com: Are you rooting for anyone in particular to win?
Melissa: I really feel like it is going to come down to Melissa R. and Asia. I feel like those two girls are extremely talented and could be the next Pussycat Doll.

TVGuide.com: If Chelsea does win, is that the worst thing?
Melissa: No! I'd be happy for her if she won, too. Everyone [has been] so talented throughout this experience, and I know how hard it is and what they've been put through.

Photo from TV Guide.