The Winehouse Watch continues
The Amy Winehouse drama continued into this week as more information trickled out about her condition after being taken to the hospital at the beginning of last week. On Monday, her father publicly announced that she has been diagnosed with emphysema, caused by years of smoking crack and cigarettes. The next day was spent backpedaling, as Daddy dearest revised his statement, saying that she has been diagnosed with traces of emphysema.
The photo above was taken as she was leaving the hospital.
Madonna Marriage MadnessRumors of marital unrest have plagued Madonna for a couple years now, but they've gotten more insistent this week. It all started when word hit the street that she has apparently hired the same divorce lawyer that Paul McCartney used in his recent legal proceedings (does she know how much Paul ended up having to pay Heather??). Then, just today, an "anonymous source" (naturally) revealed that Madonna had told Guy Ritchie in person that she thought a divorce was in order...apparently he agreed with her.
Her spokesperson continues to issue "no comment" statements. Which, let's be honest, is basically confirmation.
A comedy legend passes
We started the week with the sad news of the passing of trail blazing comedian George Carlin. He had a history of heart problems, including a couple open heart surgeries. He died after checking into a hospital on Sunday night with chest pains. He was due to be awarded The Mark Twain Prize for lifetime achievement in comedy in the Fall at Lincoln Center. The ceremony will go on as scheduled but will become a tribute instead. Saturday Night Live will honor him this weekend when they air the very first episode of the show, which he hosted.
On a personal note, I'll never forget one of the funniest yet most awkward moments in my young life, when I saw Carlin perform at The State Theater in New Brunswick with my father, step-mother, and aunt. For a 13 year old, it was both hilarious and mortifying at the same time.
Quick Hits
* For the first time, Miley Cyrus is speaking publicly about her controversial Vanity Fair photos. She told Billboard, "I was embarrassed. . . sometimes my decisions are wrong. . . it still hurts when I think about it".
* What would you do if you had to move halfway across the country, far away from our beloved boardwalk pizza? If you're Drew Carey, you order it anyway. That's what he did for the season finale of The Price is Right. He ordered 45 pies from his favorite pizza joint in Cleveland, for delivery to LA. The dinner cost a cool $450. No word on delivery charges, but I have a feeling they waived the 30 minute guarantee. Hopefully he gave the kid a good tip.
* Another former Idol has bitten the dust. Joining the ranks of Reuben Studdard, Taylor Hicks, and Katherine McPhee, last year's runner up, Blake Lewis, has been dropped by his record label.
* Speaking of Idol, even though it feels like last season just ended, auditions for next season are ramping up. Simon, Randy, and Paula will hit the road starting July 17th in San Francisco. We'll get our shot on August 19th when the trio invade The Meadowlands.
