Live Well Be Gorgeous

The singer who recently lost his wife had the judges on their feet. Alexis Grace also managed to stand out of the “American Idol” pack.

Changes abound on “American Idol.” Because there are 36 semifinalists instead of 24 this season, only the top three vote-getters of each of three semifinal rounds advance. The other nine either go home or wait for the wild-card round that decides the last three spots.

According to producers Larry Mark and Bill Condon, they’ll do whatever it takes to have M.I.A., who gave birth to a son Feb. 11, perform “O Saya” from “Slumdog Millionaire,” even if it means having her do it from a bed.

The production team behind the Oscars was hoping that choosing Hugh Jackman to host and keeping some presenters shrouded in secrecy would ramp up the show’s ratings. As it turns out, rapper M.I.A. might be the show’s real secret weapon.

According to producers Larry Mark and Bill Condon, they’ll do whatever it takes to have M.I.A., who gave birth to a son Feb. 11, perform “O Saya” from “Slumdog Millionaire,” even if it means having her do it from a bed. Click on picture for full story

Great! get ready for the dance if the Nerds ….

Steve Wozniak? Chuck Wicks? The selection of celebrities for the eighth season of “Dancing With the Stars” is looking like one of the weakest casts ever.

updated 10:50 a.m. ET, Mon., Feb. 9, 2009

LOS ANGELES – The 51st annual Grammys was an all-ages affair ultimately dominated by a rock legend who took up with a younger bluegrass singer on a whim.

The unlikely pairing of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss that produced the hit album “Raising Sand” won five Grammys on Sunday including album of the year. The former Led Zeppelin frontman, previously best known for his high-decibel shrieking and rock star theatrics, found more docile Nashville melodies with Krauss.

While accepting the Grammy for album of the year, the 37-year-old Krauss — perhaps wanting to remind the audience that Plant’s rock star hadn’t entirely matured — said there’s “never a dull moment” with the 60-year-old singer.

Jennifer Hudson, Coldplay, and Adele claimed Grammy Awards at a music show that was touched by controversy. Nominee Chris Brown is being sought by police for alleged battery and his girlfriend, Rihanna, decided not to perform at the show.

 Here’s a surprise!
The Smithsonian is collecting Michelle Obama’s Inauguration Day ballgown, but now the museum also wants Aretha Franklin’s big-bowed hat.
The Queen of Soul’s big-bowed headgear has become a hot property since the legendary singer wore it to belt out “America the Beautiful” at President Barack Obama’s Jan. 20 inauguration.

Let’s all go work with Mommy!
Monday night, Britney Spears confirmed on her Web site that she would be taking her young sons on tour with her.

While they’re waiting for the group’s catalog to finally be made available for sale online, Beatles fans and scholars can amuse themselves by choosing the song that best describes the current state of limbo in the matter.

Perhaps it’s “It Won’t Be Long.” Or maybe “Tomorrow Never Knows.” Possibly “Wait,” or “When I’m Sixty-Four,” or “Anytime At All,” or even “Help!”

Certainly, “The Long and Winding Road” applies.