Ethan Says

Paula Abdul is Leaving American Idol

It's official. My favorite American Idol judge, Paula Abdul, is leaving the show after 8 seasons. She confirmed her departure on her Twitter account earlier today:

“With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to #IDOL. I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all …being a part of a show that I helped from day1become an international phenomenon … What I want to say most, is how much I appreciate the undying support and enormous love that you have showered upon me … It truly has been breathtaking, especially over the past month … I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all."

FOX, FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment had this to say: “Paula Abdul has been an important part of the American Idol family over the last eight seasons and we are saddened that she has decided not to return to the show. While Paula will not be continuing with us, she’s a tremendous talent and we wish her the best.”

I'm seriously questioning my desire to watch the show now. She was the only sense of 'heart' the show had. And the dynamic will be so 'off'. Imagine watching Seinfeld with a Jerry Seinfeld stand-in. Peace out, Paula. :(

"I'M A CELEBRITY..." STEPHEN BALDWIN BALES

The latest news on "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!" says that Stephen Baldwin bailed on the show, citing health reasons. Other sources, however, have discovered that Baldwin's home was just foreclosed on. As a matter of fact, Stephen's wife and kids flew down there yesterday and gave him access to a cell phone because of impending financial doom.

Sorry to say, 'I won't miss him.' But please - BRING JANICE BACK!

For continuing updates on the show, get your DAILY FILL.

OPRAH COMING OUT GAY?

I just read over at IUC that Oprah is "seriously contemplating taking a page from her former talk show rival, Rosie O’Donnell, and finally coming out as a lesbian shortly after she gives up her talk show." It seems HisHighness posed undercover as a gay actor in Hollywood a couple of years ago and discovered that "the most frequently cited closet case by those in the know did not reside in Los Angeles but in Chicago, none other than the queen of daytime television." CLICK HERE for the full story - then weigh in.

RYAN SEACREST & SIMON COWELL: CARIBBEAN IDOLS

American Idol host Ryan Seacrest and judge Simon Cowell enjoy some last minute jet-ski fun in the Caribbean before returning to American Idol next Tuesday, January 13th (can't wait!). Is it me?...or does Ryan look a little beefed up?Check 10+ pics at Just Jared.

WILLIAM PETERSEN SAYS GOODBYE TO CSI
In his only interview, the man behind CSI's Gil Grissom talks to EW.com about why he's leaving the show and what it means for his future -- and for the series. Says Petersen, "I won't miss Grissom. And I hope that the audience won't miss him either.''

CHOICE MEN WALK THE CARPET
From the ridiculous (Robin Williams in velour) to shitkicker-ific (Kid Rock) the men at the 35th Annual People's Choice Awards put on quite a show. Visit Socialite Life for 50+ photos of men at this year's People's Choice Awards.

Brad Pitt tries to keep a low-pro while riding his custom motorcycle through Hollywood this afternoon. The task proved difficult when the bike stalled and he had to push it to the side of the road. In the latest issue of W, Pitt says that his motorcycle helmet is his way of protecting his identity. “This is my anonymity,” Brad told the mag. “With it, I’m just another a–hole on the streets.” Yeah. On that bike?  I don't think so.

HUGH JACKMAN IS FEDORA FINE

Hugh Jackman is Fedora fine - arriving in LA today to promote his newest film, Australia. Co-staring Nicole Kidman and directed by Baz Luhrmann, Australia opens in theaters on November 26th.  Watch the trailer above. [via JJ]

Other leading men spotted today:

Justin Timberlake Caddies for Cash - CelebBuzz
Has Daniel Craig Lost His Mind? - The Superficial
Leonardo DiCaprio Has a Winning Week - Popsugar
Gerard Butler Rocks the Geox - Just Jared

Will Smith chats it up with Oprah...discussing his feelings about Barack Obama being elected the first African-American President of the U.S.  He tears up...sorta:

STEVE GUTTENBERG RUNS NAKED THROUGH PARK

Former "Dancing with the Stars" and "Police Academy" actor Steve Guttenberg jogs through the park - sans pants! What the....

WILL SMITH...GAY?

The net is a-buzz with rumors that Will Smith is gay! According to Ian Halperin, NYT best-selling author and investigator, and a 'notorious Hollywood madame,' Smith has "swung both ways for years."  Says this madame, "I had to reassure him over and over that I could guarantee discretion.' 'Once I convinced him I could, he placed his order. It was for a man."

After reading the article, I think the whole thing sounds far-fetched.  So does Gawker: " This anonymous madame lady may, you know, just be trying to drum up some business."  What do you think?

RAFAEL NADAL IS CATCH OF THE DAY

Sometimes, when all you're hoping for is to catch something for dinner, you wind up catching tennis star Rafael Nadal with his pants down.  More after the JUMP.

CLAY AIKEN: YES, I'M GAY

Surprise, surprise! (not)... Idol star Clay Aiken, a.k.a. Gayken, has exposed his 'real self' on the cover of People.  But Aiken came out long ago, in his lyrics to "The Real Me": 'But you see the real me, Hiding in my skin, broken from within, Unveil me completely, I’m loosening my grasp, There’s no need to mask my frailty, Cause you see the real me'.  “Yes, I’m gay,” he tells People.  “I cannot raise a child to lie or to hide things.”  Pictured are Aiken and his baby Parker.

BRAD PITT SHELLS OUT $100,000 IN SUPPORT OF GAY MARRIAGE

Brad Pitt has donated $100,000 to fight California's November ballot initiative called Proposition 8 that would overturn the state's Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage.

"Because no one has the right to deny another their life, even though they disagree with it, because everyone has the right to live the life they so desire if it doesn't harm another and because discrimination has no place in America, my vote will be for equality and against Proposition 8," Pitt said Wednesday.

VOTE NO ON PROPOSITION 8