Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.Part humor and part horror with a healthy dose of hormones,

It's been eight years since Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint first hopped on the Hogwarts Express, and the three have done little else since.Now that the ride will soon come to an end, the cast is trying to fathom a life without the Harry Potter films -- an understandable difficulty, considering that they've grown up along with their characters.

The other item showing its age is the storyline of the sixth installment, "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince." Part humor and part horror with a healthy dose of hormones, "Half-Blood Prince" is clearly more attuned for an audience who, like the cast, are no longer in grade school.

"On the one hand, we have all this light romance and snogging, and on the other hand, people are getting killed, and bridges are being blown up," director David Yates said. Heavy stuff, certainly, but it's a challenge on par with the stars' blossoming careers. Hear, see and read how the characters have grown.
One can only imagine that by now, the Potter series feels like home to Daniel Radcliffe, who landed the title role at 11 after playing supporting roles in the BBC's "David Copperfield" and the 2001 film "The Tailor in Panama."Without it to be honest, I don't know what I would've done," said Radcliffe, who turns 20 on July 23. "I had 'Copperfield,' but at that point I wasn't even dreaming about actin being a career then."

Since then, Radcliffe has grown into international stardom, reportedly earning $25 million per Potter film. Indeed, the actor has gotten raves away from the movie theater: In London and on Broadway, Radcliffe took on the role of Alan Strang, the mentally disturbed stable boy in Peter Shaffer's "Equus," which required him to strip naked in the play's final scene.Radcliffe has also taken on roles in "December Boys" and the TV movie "My Boy Jack," and he is eager to keep at it long after the Potter series wraps.

So what about directing, then? Only time will tell, Radcliffe said.

"For now, I want to keep acting," the actor said. "I don't think I know enough about the technical sides yet to even consider directing. It would be something that I'm interested in, but it would be a long, long way off."As for Watson, when she's not occupied with filming, she can be found in the pages of fashion magazines -- including the advertisements.

Having landed covers for both Teen Vogue and the UK version of Elle within the past few months, it's no wonder that the 19-year-old was chosen to be the face of Burberry's autumn line. Going from tween wizard to fashion icon is quite a leap, but it's one that appears to fit Watson well; how many other Hogwarts students can count Karl Lagerfeld among their friends?

Like her co-star Rupert Grint (Ron), Watson didn't have any acting experience when she auditioned for "Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone" at age 9. She managed to beat out thousands of other girls for the role of Hermione, a part she's said was "life or death" for her.

Now that the series is close to its end, the actress is eager to try new things.

"I would've told myself not to take it so seriously and to try to have as much fun as you can," Watson said she would've advised her younger self.But similar to her Potter character, Hermione, Watson is eager to hit the books after the series concludes. The actress confirmed that she plans to start college in the United States this fall.

For Grint, the future is a bit more unclear.

"I don't know what I'm going to be doing, really," the actor told the Los Angeles Times. "I'm going to miss it, I think, because I've been doing this my whole life."Despite his start as an unknown -- Grint reportedly submitted hip-hop lyrics describing his character to snag the part of Ron Weasley -- he's arguably been the most adventurous of his co-stars, having played opposite Paul Giamatti in the 2002 family comedy "Thunderpants" and starring in 2009's sexually charged thriller "Cherrybomb."

His third film outside the Potter series will be the indie "Wild Target," co-starring another British sensation, Emily Blunt. iReport.com: Share your reviews of the latest "Potter"

Whatever their plans, all three have a few years to go before they hang up their magic wands; the last installment of "Harry Potter" is being filmed in two parts, and the final film won't premiere until 2011.

And, Radcliffe said, they've helped each other cope with fame over the years.

He said that on the red carpet, "[the fans are] cheering for a kind of person they see in newspapers and in interviews and in films, and that's a different person to you. You have to keep that -- that persona -- and the person you actually are as separate as you possibly can, and then you will avoid becoming arrogant."

from:www.cnn.com

Romo/Simpson Split:Jessica and Papa Joe

Romo/Simpson Split: Tony Was Bored With Jessica and Papa Joe? | Suddenly Skinny Stephanie Pratt Steps Out While Lindsay Lohan Lunches on Cigarettes | Heidi Montag to Perform For Donald Trump and His Beauty Queens?

Romo/Simpson Split: Tony Was Bored With Jessica and Papa Joe?

Pop diva Jessica Simpson told Pop Tarts last year that she had the same dreams as "every normal person" to make records, babies and "hopefully get married soon." But it looks like that won't be happening any time soon with her now ex-boyfriend Tony Romo.

Simpson was undoubtedly suffering the 29th birthday blues on Friday having been dumped just the night before by longtime lover Romo, but a source close to Simpson told Tarts that the "sudden" split wasn’t so sudden after all.

It was a long time coming, he hasn't really been into her and the relationship for awhile, but stayed together because he didn't want to look like a jerk for not having a better reason to break it off," said our source. "And she's trying to save face by saying that it's because of their busy schedules."

Another inside source said that Jessica’s manager/father Joe Simpson’s meddling ways most likely took its toll on the relationship, which is the reason why they split the first time fourteen months ago. We’re told Joe promised he’d take a step back when the couple reunited but he was still too involved in his daughter’s private life.

PHOTOS: Click here to see photos of Jessica Simpson.

"At one point Joe was even giving Tony football advice which doesn’t go down well," said an insider. "Tony was a football superstar before he got mixed up in Hollywood, this move will be probably be good at least for his career."

And not to mention the pop princess/country crooner was eager to tie-the-knot again, something Romo apparently wasn’t ready to do.

So while Miss Simpson sought solace and spent the special birthday weekend with her folks, Romo partied like a rockstar at Hollywood hotspot MyHouse on Friday night with a pack of (mostly male) pals. According to an eyewitness, Romo and his entourage drank GreyGoose and took over the dance floor until the club closed and when some hot ladies approached their table Romo certainly didn’t shy away and happily chatted until the early hours.

Reps for Romo and Simpson declined to comment.

Suddenly Skinny Stephanie Pratt Steps Out While Lindsay Lohan Lunches On Cigarettes

Stephanie Pratt recently revealed that the pressure to be a bag of bones in Hollywood had driven her to an eating disorder; however "The Hills" star looked skinnier than ever as she stepped out to the Lia Sophia Jewelry Clambake in Malibu on Saturday afternoon.

And could it be possible that Miss Pratt is two-faced?

While talking to reporters Pratt said that she had "nothing but nice things to say" about "The Hills" alum Lauren Conrad, claiming that the two recently had lunch together and were still good friends. However Pop Tarts spies later overheard Pratt telling friends that LC "was not missed" and the show was "much better without her." Ouch.

Speaking of itty bitty Tinseltowners, Lindsay Lohan also spent a day in the sunshine picking up a truck load of free swag (she even asked the jewelry designers if she could create a signature piece to debut in the next collection). But not surprisingly LiLo skipped out on the delicious lobster lunch, opting for a packet of cigs instead.

Later that afternoon Linds headed down the road to the Pirate’s Booty Beach House and despite being showered with more goodies she acted less-than-impressed with all the attention. The troubled Tinseltowner refused to come out of a private room until all the cameras were put away, and after another half hour had rolled by she made a cameo with a Jack Lalanne Juicer Express pineapple tangerine cocktail in hand (back on the drink!) and took it upon herself to tell everyone to leave because "the party was over."

The weekend before Lohan hit up the Silver Spoon Beach House in Malibu where she pretty much cleaned up the freebies that were supposed to be display-only. Goodness, times must be tough being a lady of leisure -- although we did overhear her going on about how she is focusing purely on her career from here in and made a quick mention of working with Robert De Niro.

Heidi Montag to Perform for Donald Trump and His Beauty Queens?

It looks as though the wannabe pop princess Heidi Montag might very well be performing in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in the Bahamas, co-owned by Donald Trump and NBC. (Yes, the network still might have her back despite the disastrous "I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!")

On Monday morning, proud sis Holly Montag twittered that she was "so excited" that Heidi would be taking the stage at the international pageant, however the tweet was promptly removed.

A rep for Montag did not respond for comment and the spokeswoman for Miss Universe said that they expect to announce their celebrity judges and performers shortly

From:www.foxnews.com

Michael Jackson was preparing for 50 London performances

Michael Jackson was preparing for 50 London performances at the time of his June 25 death. But the star's father Joe Jackson claims that his son would not have been able to complete the lengthy set – and was pushed into the commitment by promoters.

"Michael told me himself [that] he agreed to 10 shows. But they went and added all these other shows," the elder Jackson tells ABC News. "I was worried about his health. No artist can do those many shows back to back like that, and so I knew Michael couldn't do all those shows."

Another Jackson associate, former financial advisor Leonard Rowe (no relation to Debbie Rowe, the biological mother of two of Michael's children) agreed that in spite of recently released video of Jackson's final rehearsal, the 50-year-old King of Pop was sickly and far from top form.

According to Rowe, Jackson "was not ready. He was not fit, [only] if you can call weighing 110, 115 pounds fit."

Producers of the show counter Joe Jackson's claims, saying that Michael himself was responsible for the show's extension. AEG CEO Randy Phillips says he tried to change the singer's mind about the set, but was rebuffed. "He told me to shove off," said Phillips.

Jackson's manager Frank DiLeo says that Jackson was not being pushed in the preparation for London. "He built up his stamina. There would have been no problems, I don't think, with him doing this tour. Nobody was pushing him into it. Nobody was overworking him."
From:www.people.com

The cynical music lover will argue that comparing "American Idol"

The cynical music lover will argue that comparing "American Idol" lineups is like discussing the merits of different bottles of pink zinfandel.

But from a fan's perspective, Season 8 was a really good year for the juggernaut reality television show. The producers got over their addiction to intentionally bad distractions (Sanjaya!) and seemed to be honestly looking for the most talented performers. Both the fifth and third-place finishers - Matt Giraud and Danny Gokey - could have won in a lesser year.

The latest American Idols Live concert reflected the new philosophy, offering a gimmick-free showcase for the ten singers who rolled through the Oracle Arena in Oakland on Saturday night. (And then at HP Pavilion in San Jose on Sunday.)

The not-quite-sold-out crowd seemed more subdued than previous shows, with one 15-minute exception. The audience made it clear that in the Bay Area, second-place finisher Adam Lambert was the majority choice. The androgynous, Bjork-like power singer didn't disappoint, giving the most memorable performance - justifying the crowd's decision to stand for every one of his songs, while sitting through most of Season 8 winner Kris Allen's performance.

Lambert came out dressed like he should have been in a dune buggy chasing Mel Gibson across the Australian Outback, and followed Led Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta Love" with a medley of David Bowie songs - complete with a fake British accent. But it was still the low-key Allen who flirted with self-parody. As he tinkled the piano to Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine," it sounded instead as if he might be trying to cover Dana Carvey's "Choppin' Broccoli." (Look that one up on YouTube, kids.)

Previous Idol traveling shows have tried too hard, relying on awkward group pairings and too-obvious attempts to wedge each singer into their stereotype (the rocker girl, the diva, the piano man ...). For this concert, the performers were simply trotted out from last to first, with each singing between two and five abbreviated covers. The night ended with a group version of "Don't Stop Believing."

Giraud was a standout in the pre-intermission set. The charismatic singer had a populist Rowlf-from-"The Muppet Show" thing going, following a rousing Black Crowes-y version of "Hard to Handle" with "Georgia on my Mind."

"I can't believe I was doing this in a hotel lobby a year and a half ago," Giraud gushed.

With a little luck, he won't be back there a year and a half from now

From:www.sfgate.com

Ryan Seacrest is Fox's 45-Million-Dollar Man:American Idol

Ryan Seacrest is Fox's 45-Million-Dollar Man.

The "American Idol" host has closed a major new three-year deal with CKX, parent of "Idol" producer 19 Entertainment, worth $15 million per year.

Under the pact, which is believed to be the richest ever for a reality host, Seacrest will be exclusive to CKX in broadcast TV primetime to host "Idol" or any CKX-produced show that might succeed it.

The pact, which had been in the works for the past several weeks, more than triples his previous salary of slightly less than $5 million per season.

"Idol" producers 19, FremantleMedia North America and Fox all declined to comment on Seacrest's new deal, as did his attorneys. The pact is expected to be announced Monday.

Seacrest has a separate cable deal with Comcast and is E! Entertainment's lead anchor. He also produces such shows as E!'s "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" and ABC's upcoming Jamie Oliver reality series.

With Seacrest's renegotiation out of the way, the "Idol" producers will focus on securing the show's judges for next season.

Uber judge Simon Cowell has made statements that he might leave the singing competition when his contract is up at the end of next season. The British media have pegged his salary demands at more than $100 million per year.

The other judges -- Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Kara DioGuardi -- all have said they hope to close deals to return next season.

While the ratings for the reality juggernaut have slipped in the past couple of years, "Idol" remains the highest-rated series on television by a mile and is a windfall for its producers.

From:www.reuters.com

Inside Rihanna's New Song Album Comeback

If the rumors are true, Princess RiRi's upcoming album is going to belegendary

Unknowsources over at Def Jam.are talking up Rihanna's latest musical venture, remaining pretty hush hush over the specifics but tickling the world's balls with some killer info about the album.Ri's working with a whole gang of collaborators: Kanye West, Justin Timberlake, Soulja Boy.Jay-Z and Pharrell Williams, just to name a few!

Major talent, bbs!

The album will reportedly be a complete change in sound for the Princess, with more rock and pop notes than the last album. Ri's apparently been extremely particular about song choice for the album and has been slaving over the lyrics and melodies, those of which sources at Def Jam are saying will "mark the spirits forever."

Intense!

There are also said to be a number of duets on the album, one of which was apparently to be with Chris Brown but was quickly canned after, well.. you know.The album name will be kept under wraps until the "last moment," but Def Jam insiders say the album will highlight a more mature, original Rihanna than we've seen in thepast.

TV drama Parenthood has been delayed by eight weeks

New TV drama Parenthood has been delayed by eight weeks after one of its stars, Maura Tierney, fell ill.The series, based on the 1989 movie, was due to start later this month , but TV bosses have been forced to move the launch to the end of September due to "medical evaluation" Tierney is undergoing.

Tierney is best known for playing Dr Abby Lockhart in hit medical series E.R. for ten years, for which she received an Emmy nomination.

It is the second time Parenthood's filming schedule has been pushed back - in April the pilot was put on hold for two days after NBC's vice president Nora O'Brien died unexpectedly on the set of the show in California.

From:www.cbs47.tv