Endemol takes 50% stake in Holy Moly

Former Big Brother producer makes 'significant' investment in celebrity gossip websiteThe former Big Brother producer Endemol UK has bought a 50% stake in Holy Moly, in a deal under which the identity of the celebrity gossip website's founder has been formally unveiled for the first time.The nine-year-old site will expand into new areas including TV, music, film and fashion as a result of Endemol's "significant" investment. It will continue to be overseen by its founder, Jamie East ? previously better known only as "Mr Holy Moly" ? who will also look to launch the site into new markets overseas.East ? son of the former Sky Sports and Setanta executive Trevor East ? was previously the sole shareholder in Holy Moly, having bought back a stake he sold to Perform, the digital media company, in 2008. He said that he was keen to move on from a purely celebrity-driven site to cover "all kinds of pop culture stuff that we don't do at the moment"."It needs investment to keep growing ? there is not much point in just standing still," East said. "The celebrity market is pretty stagnant and is not about to get any better. Celebrity will still be the focal point of the site, but with social networks such as Twitter I don't think there is going to be a life for a website that just deals in celebrity gossip for much longer."Holy Moly, which employs six people full-time, will move out of its existing offices in Charlotte Street, in central London, into Endemol's head office in Shepherd's Bush.Tim Hincks, Endemol UK's chief executive, said that Holy Moly was a "brilliant success story in online entertainment" and described East as an "inspired creative talent, who we are tremendously excited to be working with".Neither side would reveal the value of the deal beyond East's description of the investment as "significant".A former singer with a band called the Beekeepers and ex-head of operations for Sky's broadband and mobile division, East set up Holy Moly in 2002 as a rival to another UK-based celebrity gossip site, Popbitch, while still employed by the satellite broadcaster. He quit to go it alone three years later.Of his decision to end his anonymity ? after he appeared on TV shows with his identity obscured, sometimes wearing a balaclava ? he said: "I'm 37 now and it's tiring and a bit embarrassing to put a balaclava on at this stage."It puts people at ease when they deal with us ? they can rest assured we are not going to try to squirt water in their face."It feels like the right time. Holy Moly is not as risky as it once was ? I don't think I am going to lose my house every time we publish a story ? and I'm also really proud of it. I've always been proud of it."EndemolDigital mediaMedia businessInternetCelebrityJohn Plunkettguardian.co.uk © Guardian News & Media Limited 2011 | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More FeedsBritney Spears U2 Sandra Bullock Johnny Depp Madonna

Usher 'Got A Good Laugh' From Fan Kicking Him In The Face

'It looked worse than it actually was,' the 'OMG' singer laughs about accidental blow during concert serenade.By Mawuse Ziegbe





Usher

Photo: Jordan Strauss/ Getty Images




Usher's club-rattling jam "OMG" may "kill it every night" according to tourmate Miguel, but when the Atlanta crooner hit Madison Square Garden earlier this week, he was almost taken out by a clumsy fan.
When the singer touched down in New York on Monday, he indulged a super amped fan's fantasy by pulling her onstage for an intimate flirty serenade of "Trading Places." As Usher and the concertgoer got cozy on a recliner, she swiveled around to face the crooner — knocking him squarely in his mug with her foot. She began apologizing profusely as Usher briefly paused to collect himself. But the superstar took the strike in stride, quipping, "We play rough in the bed. We kick each other in the face and all type of good stuff."
Although Usher brushed off the blow, the moment did make an impression on him.
"In all my years, this is one of the most interesting experiences. I got a kick out of it!" he told Us Weekly. The singer assured fans that the knock wasn't that bad. "It looked worse than it actually was. My audience and I got a good laugh."
As for the fan, the "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" star maintained everything is all good on that front too. "Wherever you are baby, don't feel bad," Usher said. "No hard feelings."
As Miguel has noted, Usher isn't one dwell on drama, whether it's cranking out another hit album or weathering an unexpected hit from a fan.
"He's such a tremendous example of perseverance and determination," Miguel recently told MTV News. "I was there throughout this album, so I've seen the adversity that he's had to overcome perception-wise."
What do you think of Usher's response to getting knocked in the head by a fan? Tell us in the comments!



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Paris Hilton Accepts Plea Deal

Paris Hilton does it again. E! News reports that the celebutante has accepted a plea deal that includes pleading guilty to misdemeanor drug possession and obstructing an officer.
In return, she avoids being charged with felony cocaine possession and gets two consecutive six-month jail sentences suspended. Translation: Paris won't have to spend a night in jail.

"We fashioned a resolution which would give us complete control over her future," Clark County District Attorney David Roger told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "If she does not toe the line and stay out of trouble, she will do one year in the Clark County Detention Center."
Paris reportedly will enter her plea on Monday. She will be on probation for one year, have to complete a drug abuse program, pay a fine of $2000, and complete 200 hours of community service (brace yourself for those pictures- LOL).
Does this sound fair to you or do you want to see Paris serve some time? Honestly, I think you could stick Paris in jail for five years, and it wouldn't change a thing.
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'Harry Potter' DVD Premiere To Stream Live Monday On MTV.com!

Join us at 7 p.m. ET for interviews with your favorite 'Potter' castmembers live from the red carpet.By Eric Ditzian





Bonnie Wright and Daniel Radcliffe in "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1"

Photo: Warner Bros.




The last time MTV News hosted a "Harry Potter" live-stream event, Emma Watson offered to take off her dress and Daniel Radcliffe revealed that J.K. Rowling texted him to say she'd never write another book about the boy wizard.
Craziness! So you're not going to want to miss our next franchise live stream, which arrives Monday, April 4, as we celebrate the DVD release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1." Starting at 7 p.m. ET on MTV.com, host Josh Horowitz will be interviewing castmembers and super-fans on the red carpet, debuting exclusive footage from the film and taking a peek inside Harry Potter: The Exhibition at the Discovery Times Square building in New York City.
The "Deathly Hallows" cast in attendance will include Sir Michael Gambon (Dumbledore), Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid), Helen McCrory (Narcissa Malfoy), Bonnie Wright (Ginny Weasley), James Phelps (Weasley twins), Dohmnal Gleeson (Bill Weasley), Mark Williams (Arthur Weasley), Evanna Lynch (Luna), David Thewliss (Lupin) and Nat Tena (Tonks), plus producers David Heyman and David Baron and many more.
During the live stream, the stars will also be answering fan questions, which you can submit on MTV.com or via Twitter (using @MTVNews and the hashtag #askpotter). Before the theatrical release of "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 2" in July, this will be your chance to get up close and personal with your favorite castmembers.
So be sure to lock in on MTV.com this Monday, April 4, at 7 p.m. ET for our live-stream presentation of the "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1" DVD premiere.
Check out everything we've got on "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Part 1."
For young Hollywood news, fashion and "Twilight" updates around the clock, visit HollywoodCrush.MTV.com.



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Thia Megia And Naima Adedapo Eliminated From 'American Idol'

Paul McDonald joins them in a surprise bottom-three appearance.By Gil Kaufman





Thia Megia and Naima Adedapo

Photo: FOX




At this point, it's anyone's guess what will happen from week to week on "American Idol." While the early elimination rounds are usually pretty easy to predict, "Idol" threw another curveball Thursday night (March 31) when one of the most praised and polished season 10 contenders, Paul McDonald, wound up in the bottom three.
He was brought to the brink of elimination after 55 million people texted or voted online, a new record at this point in the competition. But, in the end, it was teenager Thia Megia and reggae mama Naima Adedapo who were sent packing in an episode that radically altered the usual Thursday nail-biter — in a good way.

The traditional group sing-along was done away with, and instead, the show kicked off with a ready-for-radio country duet between Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina on Randy Travis and Carrie Underwood's "I Told You So" that sounded like the work of seasoned veterans. After nearly showing up Underwood and Travis' version of the song on last year's "Idol," both were waved over to the safe couch for another go at it next week.
The same could not be said for Jacob Lusk and Adedapo, who fell flat on Ashford & Simpson's "Solid," failing to show any chemistry and listlessly singing the tune over a Muzak-y arrangement. Naima's reggae-tinged "I'm Still Standing" punched her card to the bottom three, while Lusk will get another chance to find his "Jacob spot" next week.
In keeping with the welcome format change, Haley Reinhart, Pia Toscano and Megia served up some trio action on Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream," with Toscano cementing her status as one to watch, Reinhart doing her growly thing and Megia pitching in on backing vocals. Toscano skated to safety, along with suddenly resurgent Reinhart, while Megia joined Adedapo after her "Daniel" didn't win voters over.
McDonald, Casey Abrams, James Durbin and Stefano Langone apparently formed a garage band offstage a few weeks ago, and they made their broadcast debut Thursday with Wings' "Band on the Run." With all four playing instruments on a soft-rock version of the already light-as-air tune, McDonald gave it his feathery best, Abrams and Langone were in imperfect harmony, Casey did some more of his shouting and Stefano struggled on half a chorus, showing why he was doomed.
At least that's what the general consensus was. While Abrams was safe again, and Durbin was also good, in another shocker, Langone dodged a bullet and it was McDonald who rounded out the bottom three.
In the end, though, McDonald was ushered to safety as Adedapo and the show's youngest-ever contestant, Megia, bid their teary farewells until they join the rest of the top 11 for this summer's tour.
Wearing a glittering crimson jumpsuit with her hair swept up in a 1940s 'do, season-three winner Fantasia stopped by to sing her new throwback doo-wop single "Collard Greens and Cornbread." Also performing their Carnival-esque collaboration "Hot Wings," from the new animated feature "Rio," were Jamie Foxx and the Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am.
Do you think America made the right choices? Let us know in comments below!
Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.



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