UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 02.14.08

Billy Ray Cyrus apologizes for not buckling up.

Country singer Bill Ray Cyrus is apologizing for not putting safety first. The singer admits he and his daughter Miley Cyrus were wrong for not wearing a seatbelt in Miley's new film. The two faced a lot of criticism for the safety hazard in one scene of the 3-D movie "Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert Tour." The film was number one earlier this month and has grossed about 40 million dollars already.

Jack Johnson's new album is flying off the shelves. "Sleep Through the Static" is number one on the Billboard 200 chart this week...reportedly selling 375,000 copies. It's Johnson's second time on the top of the charts. Landing in second is Sheryl Crow's release "Detour." And dropping down to third place is Alicai Keys' "As I am."

David Bowie is helping out actress Scarlett Johansson on her debut album. The British rock star is reportedly contributing 2 songs on the actresses new CD titled "Anywhere I lay My Head." The album is a tribute to Tom Waits and features mostly covers of his songs and one original track by Johansson. It's set for a release on May 20.

Lenny Kravitz is delaying his European concert tour for health reasons. The rocker was apparently hospitalized earlier this week for bronchitis. Kravitz was expected to perform in London next week and continue to tour Europe through March. There's no word on the new concert dates yet. In a statement, the singer apologized to his fans, explaining he just needs some time to get healthy.

Uma Thurman attended the premiere of her new romantic comedy alongside six fiery men. The actress was in London last night for the screening of "The Accidental Husband." She hit the red carpet with a group of firemen...the event benefited the Fire Service National Benevolent Fund. She was also joined by her British co-star Colin Firth. The film is about a woman deciding between her fiancé and a New York firefighter.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.23.08

Heath Ledger found dead in New York

Hollywood is mourning the loss of a loved and admired star. Australian born actor Heath Ledger was found dead at his New York apartment yesterday. He was only 28 years old. There's no confirmation on the cause of death but police say the Oscar nominated actor apparently died of an accidental drug overdose. Ledger was found with prescription drugs near his body.

The actor first emerged into the entertainment scene at age 16. He appeared in the Australian show "Sweat." In 1998 he played a heartthrob alongside Julia Stiles in "10 Things I hate About You." He's also known for his roles in "The Patriot" and "A Knight's Tale." Two years ago he was for an Academy Award for "Brokeback Mountain." On the set of that film, he and actress Michelle Williams began dating and soon after had a daughter Matilda. The pair split last September but friends say he stayed in close contact with his daughter.

In other news, Amy Winehouse's rep is denying rumors that the singer is in rehab. Her spokesperson says Winehouse only visited a doctor whom she sees regularly and did not check in anywhere overnight. There's no indication of the type of treatment she received. Recently, a British newspaper posted tape showing the singer allegedly smoking crack. That video prompted rumors that she was now seeking help. Friends of Winehouse tell People magazine everyone knows she should get treatment.

Some stars are promising not to cross writer's picket lines at the Oscars. Nominee Viggo Mortenson says he won't attend the ceremony if the WGA is striking out front. But the "Eastern Promises" star is confident they'll strike a deal with TV and film Producers soon. Others like Director Tony Gilroy, nominated for "Michael Clayton," agrees...he says he would never cross a picket line. The strike shut down the Golden Globe Award ceremony after most stars refused to attend.

Soccer star David Beckham is working to help children around the world. The athlete reportedly visited Sierra Leone last weekend with the children's charity UNICEF. Beckham made the trip to bring attention to the impoverished country, where child deaths are reportedly the highest in the world. In a statement, the soccer player says helping the kids there is as simple as a mosquito net to help them avoid malaria or a measles vaccination.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 01.03.08

Britney Spears' lawyers quit custody case.

Court papers say Britney Spears' lawyers want to quit. The law firm Trope and Trope apparently filed a request yesterday to withdraw from the pop star's custody case. The papers say the singer and law firm had a "breakdown in communications." Spears has also had two other failed relationships with previous lawyers. She and Federline have been battling it out for months for custody of their sons, 2 year old Sean Preston and 1 year old Jayden James.

The Late Night Kings of comedy are back. David Letterman returned with "The Late Show" last night...hosting comedian Robin Williams. Letterman struck a deal with the Writer's guild allowing him to return on air with his writers. Jay Leno, who had Republican presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee on "The Tonight Show," returned without writers. Conan O'Brien was also without writers, but he did sport a new red beard, saying it was a "strike beard." The WGA strike has been going on for two months now.

TV host Elizabeth Hasselbeck is returning to her spot on "The View." She'll reportedly be back on the ABC show on Monday after 2 and a half months of maternity leave. She and husband, football star Tim Hasselbeck welcomed a baby boy named Taylor Thomas in November. ABC says her comeback show will include a surprise guest.

Jessica Simpson is now working on a country album. The pop star, who grew up in Texas, says she's a true country girl and has always wanted to return to her roots. Simpson added that she'll even write some of the songs on the album. She says writing is a good way for her to tell her story. The singer has recently made headlines for her new romance with NFL football star Tony Romo.

Anne Hathaway is signing on to be Lancome's leading lady. The cosmetic company says the actress will be the newest ambassador for the brand. Hathaway will be a part of Lancome's ad campaign for a new fragrance...set to be released next September. She'll also likely appear in other print and TV ads for the company.

UPI VIDEO ENTERTAINMENT NEWS 12.31.07

Nicole Kidman's rep denies pregnancy reports

Nicole Kidman's rep is rejecting rumors saying the actress is pregnant. A British newspaper had reported she and her husband country singer Keith Urban were expecting their first baby. But Kidman's rep denies those reports. The actress is apparently in Australia with her family currently filming a new movie with Hugh Jackman. She has 2 children from her marriage with Tom Cruise.

David Letterman and Craig Ferguson are heading back on air. CBS' Late Show with David Letterman and The Late, Late Show with Craig Ferguson will both return with new shows January 2. Letterman's production company apparently reached a deal with the writers guild...allowing them to go back on air with their full writing staffs. The WGA says the deal shows that they do want people to get back to work and only ask for serious negotiations. The Writer's strike has been going on for more than 2 months.

Actress Jennifer Garner is being honored by her home state. She was apparently named West Virginian of the year yesterday. The actress received the annual honor from a local paper there. The publication says she's being recognized for being a great ambassador for the state. Garner spent a large chunk of her life there, and her mom says she considers it home.


Nicholas Cage's new thriller is continuing to bring fans to the theaters. "National Treasure: Book of Secrets" Grabbed the top spot at U.S. box offices over the weekend...taking in more than 35 million dollars in ticket sales. "Alvin and the Chipmunks" starring Jason Lee took number two followed by Will Smith's "I am Legend." That's all according to Box Office Mojo.

Black Eyed Peas singer Fergie says she's thrilled to be engaged to actor Josh Duhamel. The singer tells People magazine she feels incredibly lucky to have him in her life. Reports surfaced last week that he'd popped the question...but Fergie is keeping quiet about the details for now.