Comedian was right when she said judging role wasn't 'right fit.'
By Eric Ditzian

Ellen DeGeneres and Simon Cowell
Photo: Jamie McCarthy/ WireImage

In the end, Ellen DeGeneres' run behind the "American Idol" judges table lasted just ten months. After signing onto the reality competition last September and delivering an underwhelming debut during the show's ninth season, the comedian announced Thursday that she's parting ways with the show.

After saying the show wasn't the "right fit" for her, she added, "I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings," she announced in a statement on her website.

Perhaps the most surprising thing about Ellen's exit is that neither she nor "Idol" producers realized, until recently, that it was never the right fit. A woman who's made a career out of being nice to people simply was out of place on a show dedicated to critiquing people, often harshly and without mercy. Last fall, though, all involved had a rather different perspective on matters.

"Getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I'll save from not having to text in my vote," DeGeneres said a month after Paula Abdul abruptly left the show.

Fox reality-TV chief Mike Darnell had actually approached DeGeneres' reps with the idea, even though producers also entertained the notion of returning to a three-judge format (as had been the case before Kara DioGuardi came aboard in season eight). Ellen was reportedly ecstatic about joining "Idol," and a deal was quickly hashed out.

Yet before she could even make her debut, Simon Cowell announced he was leaving the show he helped make a pop culture institution. A sense of impending and unwelcome change — and, some might say, doom — enveloped the program as Ellen made her debut. And it really was quite a debut: She was funny but still took the job seriously and was adept at sprinkling her criticism with I-want-you-to-succeed compassion. "You're hiding inside and just scared to death," she told one contestant. "You gotta let go of that, because those nerves are gonna kill you."

We started to wonder if in fact Ellen was what the "Idol" family needed all along. Things changed, however, once the live shows began in late February. She was nervous and struggled to compress her comments into TV-friendly bites, which was strange considering all her on-camera experience. If we hoped Ellen would provide some competition to Simon's must-hear commentary, we were most certainly wrong.

As the show pushed forward, Ellen didn't seem to improve much. Far too many of her comments began with, "I agree with ...," rather than original insight. She seemed almost apologetic as she foisted criticism on contestants clearly on the skids. All too often she'd pop off a joke rather than delivering an enlightening take on a performance. By the final rounds, it really did seem as if Ellen, much like Simon, had mentally checked-out of her judging duties.

And so it comes as no great shock that Ellen has decided to call it quits after just one season. Her talents are far better suited for talk-show work than reality-competition evisceration. Ellen made the right call, and she did so with class and wit. As she tweeted Thursday night, "Dim the lights ... I've voted myself off 'American Idol.' "

What do you think of Ellen DeGeneres leaving "American Idol," and who do you think would be a good replacement for her and Simon Cowell? Sound off in the comments below!

• Ellen DeGeneres Leaves 'American Idol'

• Ellen DeGeneres' 'Idol' Run

'I was so happy that she's back,' pal tells MTV News at Angelina's 'Jersey Shore' viewing party.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Ignacio Guzman

Angelina and The Situation in Thursday's episode of "Jersey Shore"
Photo: MTV

When Angelina came back to the "Jersey Shore" this season, drama followed. And her supporters — including her friends, family and fans who showed at the Fushimi Japanese Cuisine & Lounge in Staten Island, New York, where Angelina was holding a premiere viewing party — decided that it was the perfect time for their girl to make her return to the show.

"I was so happy that she's back on the show ands that she went to Miami and that she had fun," pal Gina Landano told MTV News. "I spoke to her every once in awhile while she was there, and she told me she was having fun with all the guys there."

Angelina's mom, Ann Marie Pivarnick, excitedly reacted to her daughter's second season on the hit reality show. "I'm very proud of her, that she went back," she said. "And she was trying her best to get along with the cast."

Another one of her pals, Johnny Donovan, teased what he thinks will happen as season two gets underway. "What I expect to happen this season is a lot of crazy drama, a lot of situations, a lot of fist-pumping down in Jersey," he said. "A lot of crazy, jam-packed action in Miami Beach like you'd never expect."

Drama seemed to be the overarching theme of fan expectations at the party. "I mean, you can tell there's a lot of drama, that's what the show is based on, but it's just exciting to see exactly what goes on there in Miami," Shimon said. "You never know what's going to happen down there."

Heck, Angelina, gave some hints as to what fans can expect from her as the season rolls on. "This season you can expect from basically me to show my emotions more," she said. "I'm trying to show that I have a good side too. I want people out there to know that I do have a sweet side."

"Jersey Shore" airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Be there!

Were you excited that Angelina came back? Tell us in the comments!

• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Ep. 1 | Goin' South

• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Ep. 1 | Flipbook
• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Cast

'Both parties are amicable,' Heidi's rep says of split.
By Jocelyn Vena

Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag
Photo: David Becker/ Getty Images

In June, Heidi Montag filed for legal separation from her husband of over a year, Spencer Pratt. On Friday (July 30), Montag's attorney Jodeane Farrell released a statement noting that her client had filed for divorce from Pratt. The two were married in April 2009.

"Heidi has amended her petition for separation and today has filed a petition for dissolution of marriage from Spencer Pratt," her lawyer told People. "The couple has agreed they would like their divorce to be finalized in a timely manner in an out of court settlement. Both parties are amicable with each other and over the possibility of finalizing their divorce."

According to People, the divorce petition, which was filed in Santa Monica, Calif., cites irreconcilable differences. While Pratt has been busy tweeting and working on several websites since the separation was announced earlier this summer, Montag has maintained a relatively low profile.

Pratt recently spoke about the separation, saying that Heidi "doesn't want to be Speidi anymore. She wants to be Heidi Montag: the sex symbol."

"We love each other, but I'm a famewhore and I'll never grow out of it," Pratt said. "[Heidi] knows that and doesn't want that. I want every kind of press. She believes in bad press. There's no way my love for fame and her love for puppies will ever work out successfully. She just wants to hike and hang out and be calmer."

On Thursday night, Pratt was busy tweeting about the premiere of "Jersey Shore," while Montag posted about working on music. "In the studio recording my first song of my new album," she said. "I am putting my heart and soul in it."

• 'The Hills' Most Buzzed-About Moments

• A Speidi Web Of Love
• The Evolution Of: Heidi Montag

Close watchers of the show say they saw this 'difficult decision' coming.
By Gil Kaufman

"American Idol" season nine judges
Photo: Michael Becker/ FOX

Ellen DeGeneres was the first to admit that her first, and as it turns out, last, season on "American Idol" was not smooth sailing. In the statement announcing her departure from the show, the daytime talk queen and veteran comedienne copped to feeling uncomfortable criticizing young singers. "It was a difficult decision to make," DeGeneres said, "but my work schedule became more than I bargained for. I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings."

MTV News reached out to its panel of "Idol" experts for reaction on Friday (July 30), and each member said they were not shocked that DeGeneres pulled the ripcord on her three-year contract.

"I've been hearing the rumor for a long time, so I wasn't surprised," said Entertainment Weekly senior writer Jessica Shaw. "She started off very strong and was critical and fun and was some much needed new energy on the show. But as the season progressed, she got more and more stale. I think people thought she wouldn't add that much to next season."

Whether DeGeneres jumped or was pushed, Shaw said she left the show in a very classy way that just enhances her image as the daytime queen of nice.

MJ Santilli, who runs the "Idol" fansite MJ's Big Blog, admitted that she initially expected DeGeneres to be back for a second season, but after going back and watching season nine she can see why Ellen opted out.

"She just always seemed like the outcast that didn't fit in and didn't seem comfortable giving critiques," said Santilli, who was pulling for DeGeneres after having initial misgivings. "I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt when [her hiring] was first announced, because she was such a likable person. During Hollywood week they edited her very well and she seemed funny, but during the live shows it got worse and worse. What she said was often of little value, her jokes were stale and the more I looked back on it the more uncomfortable it was. I could understand why she'd be ready to bail by the end of the season."

Santilli's low point was when DeGeneres broke the show's etiquette and rushed on stage to give Teflon singer Tim Urban a hug after one of his many mediocre performances, a move that likely saved Urban and pushed out more beloved singer Alex Lambert. "That was the epitome of why she sucked as a judge," said Santilli.

Throughout the season, Robert Thompson, director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University and longtime "Idol" watcher, was pulling for DeGeneres. But he was left wondering why someone with more than two decades of performing experience could not seem to get it together.

"She's a gifted comic actress, but when she got into the judge's seat none of her talents came out and she didn't belong there," said Thompson, who thought it was best for the show that DeGeneres bowed out. "Her presence on the panel was not working at all."

The trick now, he said, is to find that elusive chemistry that will work in the absence of both DeGeneres and departed lead judge Simon Cowell — as well as the possible absence of Kara DioGuardi, who has reportedly been let go. Rumors that singer Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith lead singer Steven Tyler are in line to join the panel have surfaced, but Thompson noted that finding the right mix of judges will be tricky.

"Ellen's the perfect example," he said. "She's someone you thought would be good because she's so good on her talk show, but she was uncomfortable. So it's not only how they perform, but also the chemistry of all of them together. You don't know how two chemicals will react until you put them in a beaker and see if they explode."

• Ellen DeGeneres Leaves 'American Idol'

• Ellen DeGeneres' 'Idol' Run

Witnesses confirm that MC was involved in fracas with manager and others in New York apartment building.
By By Rahman Dukes, with reporting by Sway Calloway

Sway, Foxy Brown and her manager
Photo: MTV News

Just one week after Foxy Brown's arrest for allegedly violating a protective order during a dustup with her neighbor, the MC was involved in a big scuffle Thursday in a New York apartment-building lobby.

Witnesses confirmed to MTV News that Foxy (real name: Inga Marchand) was involved in a scuffle between a number of individuals, including her manager.

New York's Daily News reported that the incident occurred after Brown was six hours late for an interview in which she was to discuss last week's arrest. The rapper reportedly became combative after building staffers asked her to be quiet, and then became combative with her manager and others. She reportedly fled the scene before police arrived. The paper's report was unconfirmed at press time.

A spokesperson for the Midtown South precinct told MTV the police have no information regarding the incident; Foxy's manager had no comment.

Earlier this week, Foxy sat down with MTV News and gave her side of last week's incident with her neighbor. "I was on my way to rehearsal with my band and I was leaving my mom's house in Park Slope, [Brooklyn], where I always go; that's the home that I was born in," said Foxy. "And the police came and they saw the situation and there wasn't any conflict or discord — they were really baffled. But a supervisor came and saw the [potential for] publicity. If my name was Keisha Brown and not Foxy Brown, I would have been let go."

• Foxy Brown

'Jersey Shore' star tells MTV News that other cast members picked on her.
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Ignacio Guzman

Angeline hosts a "Jersey Shore" premiere viewing party
Photo: MTV News

On Thursday night, Angelina made her big return to "Jersey Shore." And her return did not get a very warm response, especially from the ladies.

"I think that the show is pretty intense so far," she told MTV News at a viewing party in her native Staten Island, New York, at the Fushimi Japanese Cuisine & Lounge. "I think that the whole entire cast is picking on me so far on the show and you can see that if you're watching it. I think it's really upsetting and at the same time I think that I held my own."

After watching the heated confrontation with JWoww, Snooki and Sammi, Angelina in the premiere, she feels like she got the chance to vent all her feelings after leaving the show early in season one. "I just basically said what I wanted to say to the three girls and they lashed back at me," she explained. "I don't think that's correct and I lashed back at them and I said what I wanted to say."

Despite being somewhat accepted by the guys on the show, Angelina still can't believe how much tension there is between herself and the rest of the "Jersey Shore" crew. "I think that what stuck out to me most about this episode is how the cast won't accept me and how the people won't accept me in the house," she said. "It's really upsetting because I came back with a clear head and I wanted to start over again with them and they wouldn't let me. It really is upsetting."

However, she does appreciate the fact that The Situation and the rest of the males in the house gave her a bit more of a chance than the ladies. "My favorite thing about the episode is me sleeping in the boys room, me sharing a room with them, and even though they didn't really accept me at first I think they will warm up to it eventually," she said. "And I actually like the fact that I can be like cool with the guys."

"Jersey Shore" airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Be there!

• The Return Of 'Jersey Shore'
• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Ep. 1 | Goin' South

• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Ep. 1 | Flipbook
• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Angelina

'I was thinking about Tip, Wayne, Boosie,' the recently released Atlanta MC tells MTV News of serving erroneous sentence; GM partner Cee-Lo also weighs in.
By Shaheem Reid

Goodie Mob's Big Gipp, Cee-Lo, T-Mo and Khujo
Photo: Frank Micelotta/ Getty Images

Khujo Goodie can crack a joke now, but a little over a week ago, his predicament was no laughing matter. The eldest member of legendary rap group the Goodie Mob was in a Henry County, Georgia, jail serving a sentence of five years, where he would have to be incarcerated for around two before he could get out.

"Henry County means 'Hanging Every N---a Real Young," Khujo said, his voice dripping with sarcasm, just 24 hours after he was released from prison last Tuesday. "That's what I found out Henry County stands for."

Khujo, born Willie Knighton Jr., spent 42 days in jail — 23 hours a day in lockdown — for three counts of being a convicted felon in possession of firearms. He had to walk around on crutches because part of his right leg was amputated after a 2002 car accident. The Atlanta veteran says his arrest and jail time was a major misunderstanding, a result of the correctional system bungling his paperwork.

"I was on probation in 1990, got off in 1993," Khujo explained. "But Fulton County never put it through in the computer and never let them know I was all good. I had them firearms back when [Goodie Mob] dropped our first album, when we got our first check. You now how us country boys do, we got to have some rifles. So I'm thinking, I must be Gucci, all good. That was 15, 16 years, almost 20 years ago."

Last summer, Khujo went to sell some of his firearms at a pawn shop and the authorities were alerted.

"The Feds was on me," Khujo said. "They thought I was a gun-runner. I was like, 'Why you wanna f--- with me?' They was like, 'T.I., guns! Soulja Boy, guns!' And they said, 'Khujo Goodie [guns!].' Although Khujo's gun case wound up not being pursued federally, the Henry County prosecutors stayed active. Khujo was already going back and forth for an unrelated case, and with his probation situation still not cleared up, Khujo was faced with two choices: going to trial on his gun charges and facing 15 years or plea out and be sentenced to five years, with the likelihood of getting out in two.

"I didn't think it was gonna get cleared up, man," Khujo said with candor. "I was down at Fulton County trying to get that situation squared away. Once I got it cleared up, I thought I was all Gucci. I thought I was all good. But it turned out they had somebody else's name on the paperwork and they had the date wrong.

"I knew my court date was coming up," he added. "I was thinking about Tip, [Lil] Wayne, Boosie, all them boys that went in. I was like 'these n---as did a year, f--- it, man.' I thought I was gonna do two to the door."

There is no such thing as a good time to go to jail, but Khujo's legal woes came at a very inopportune time. Goodie Mob recently released a mixtape and the members were in the midst of recording their reunion album. Khujo also has a book he was planning to release. His group didn't know his situation was that dire until it was almost too late.

"In all honesty, Khujo is a man's man and very private and prideful about the ordeal," his Goodie Mob partner Cee-Lo said. "I remember going through a stint of him going back and forth to court, then him getting there and it being prolonged and postponed for quite a while. Our attitude had become complacent with it. Even on the day they decided to detain him, I'd be talking to him the night before, and [he's] telling me he was going to pick out his jewelry. He drove himself to court. He ended up being detained to everyone's dismay. So we weren't even aware of it until that day. He called and said, 'They got me.'

"That's our rock, our Iron Man, Khujo named Goodie Mob," Cee-Lo added, explaining why the group mates were devastated upon learning the news. "That's big bro to all of us. I'm the baby. We try our best to support each other."

Not only did Cee-Lo call in his own lawyer, as well as attorney Daniel Kane, who wound up taking the lead, but Outkast's Big Boi also called in legal counsel, while Big Gipp and T-Mo Goodie and other members of the Dungeon Family rallied for their brother.

"It was very disheartening for it to take place at all," Cee-Lo described. "But it was a blessing because I saw a miracle take place. It assured me that God had his hands and feet and heart all in this situation."

Last Tuesday, during a hearing for the case, after both sides presented their case, the judge told the courtroom he wanted to get "creative," according to Cee-Lo.

"The D.A. did make quite an impressive presentation of his point," Cee-Lo said. "He spoke very clearly and articulately. I was like, 'Oh, my God.' That's when it dawned on me, it didn't matter about the money; it didn't matter about anything. If they saw to it that Khujo should remain for the remainder of the sentence, it would have been law."

What the judge came up with was letting Khujo out of jail, on one condition: The Goodie Mob had to perform for and talk to the youth at sanctioned events.

"They asked were we interested in doing that, [and] I said, 'We'll do that today. Just get him outta here.' You feel me?" Cee-Lo recalled. "It was cool. We came back in, I knew it was success. I felt completely happy and satisfied. The sun was shining so bright. It was overwhelming. My body felt like I was trembling beneath the surface of my skin. I couldn't calm down."

"We're talking about going into the schools, getting drug-awareness programs going. Maybe doing a show for the kids," Khujo added. "If it's for the community, believe it or not, that's what we do."

Having his brother out was almost too overwhelming for Cee-Lo. "It'll be commemorated as a modern-day miracle," Cee-Lo said. "The sun was shining. All of a sudden it got hot. Everybody was there to support, his wife and family. The Mob was there, Big Boi came. It was a pleasure to see him. I know he's riding ride on a successful solo album. To walk in and just see family was just very ... it was calming."

Khujo said when he was released he went straight to his home. "I got four boys and my wife. I went back to the house, man. They're about to start school next month."

Khujo's case is still not over though. He has to return court on August 3 to be re-sentenced. Henry County District Attorney Tommy K. Ford did not return MTV News' phone calls requesting comment by press time.

"It was a learning experience," Khujo said. "I had a chance to get all the trash out of my mind, do some thinking."

• Goodie Mob

Experts think she could pull it off.
By Gil Kaufman

Jennifer Lopez
Photo: MTV News

The roster of rumored replacement judges for season 10 of "American Idol" has read like, well, the line-up for one of the show's traditionally big season finales: Justin Timberlake, Elton John, Bret Michaels, Harry Connick Jr, Chris Isaak and Jessica Simpson.

All of the above have either been debunked or dropped off the radar in the days since their names were first floated, but the one that rose to the top on Thursday, according to multiple reports, might just have what it takes to fill in the Paula Abdul Memorial Chair in the wake of Ellen DeGeneres' departure: Jennifer Lopez.

Despite some head-scratching upon word that the former fly girl and singer/actress was in final negotiations to join the judge's panel, Entertainment Weekly senior writer Jessica Shaw said the choice makes some sense. "On the plus side, she was one of the best guest mentors," Shaw said of Lopez's stint as a supportive, helpful guide to the season-six cast on Latin night. "And that's not an easy job because many have not done it so well. I was a bit surprised that she was as good a mentor as she was, but she knew every contestant's name and is a huge fan of the show."

You might recall that newly departed judge DeGeneres was also an avowed big fan of "Idol" when she signed on last year to take over the Abdul seat. But Shaw said Lopez has the thing that Ellen, despite her long career in front of cameras and on stage as a comedian, lacked: music-industry experience.

"I don't think of her as a quintessential music figure, like Elton John, who is an artist with a capital A," she said of Lopez, who has released six studio albums, starred in more than a dozen movies and, like Abdul, started her career as a professional dancer. "I'm not sure J-Lo is on that level. But, that said, neither was Paula Abdul, yet she was a judge and a force on the show." While nobody expects Lopez to step up and be the new Simon Cowell — that seat has not yet been filled — Shaw said Lopez could serve as the big, recognizable name that could draw in a new audience. "Everyone knows her. They may or may not like her, but they know the name."

With so many names in play, Robert Thompson, director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University and longtime "Idol" watcher, said he was holding out final judgement on Lopez until the choice is officially announced. "I guess she would fill the Paula-diva spot, as opposed to Kara, who didn't fit in," he said of two-season judging panel veteran songwriter Kara DioGuardi, who is reportedly on her way out as well. "Part of it is you just have to see them in the chair doing it before you have an idea of if it will work."

Thompson pointed to the DeGeneres experiment as proof of someone with copious TV talent who never seemed to find her zone on the show. He said the key is finding a panel that has the kind of crackling chemistry sole original judge Randy Jackson, Abdul and Cowell had in their first seven seasons together.

A spokesperson for "Idol" gave a no comment on the casting rumors and spokespeople for DioGuardi and Lopez had not returned requests for comment at press time.

MJ Santilli, webmaster of the "Idol" fansite MJsBigBlog.com, remembers how good Lopez was as a mentor and said the "Jenny From the Block" singer is in a perfect spot to segue to the "Idol" panel.

"She's kind of on the other side of her career, she's not he movie star she used to be and her last album didn't sell well," she said of Lopez, who has had a rough time at the box office lately and whose most recent album has been lost in the limbo of a label switch. "From that standpoint, she's a good candidate. And after she did the episode, nobody said she was a diva and the contestants seemed to like her."

Do you think Jennifer Lopez could make a good "Idol" judge?

• The Evolution Of: Jennifer Lopez

• Jennifer Lopez

'Funnier than you might expect,' says MTV News' Kurt Loder.
By Eric Ditzian

Steve Carell and Paul Rudd in "Dinner for Schmucks"
Photo: Paramount Pictures

After two straight weeks of adrenaline-raising debuts from "Inception" and "Salt," a trip to the multiplex this weekend might not tax your blood pressure so much as your funny bone, because "Dinner for Schmucks" is now in the mix.

Paul Rudd and Steve Carell's new comedy will likely not sell enough tickets to prevent "Inception" from winning a third straight weekend at the box office. But these two funnymen — reuniting again after "The 40 Year-Old Virgin" and "Anchorman" — should provide stiff competition for Angelina Jolie's "Salt."

Which flick will triumph? It all may depend of word-of-mouth, so MTV News took a look at what the critics are saying about "Schmucks."

The Story
"Carell plays the schmuck of 'Schmucks,' a cheerily moronic walking disaster named Barry, who is befriended by Tim (Paul Rudd), a rising businessman seeking to get ahead with his boss (Bruce Greenwood). As in the 1998 French film 'The Dinner Game,' on which the new movie's based, the boss holds parties where each employee brings a twit; the best twit wins a prize without knowing he's actually the evening's biggest joke. The movie pretends to be appalled at the cruelty of this notion, but its heart isn't in it; these days, mocking the afflicted and the affected is an established source of profits for Hollywood in general and Roach in particular. Barry is Tim's chosen twit, and within hours of their meeting he has reduced his new friend's life to itty-bitty pieces of rubble.' — Ty Burr, Boston Globe

The Performances
"Carell is perfectly in his element as a sweet-natured, well-meaning guy who becomes a tornado of destruction in Tim's life, and the script comes up with clever ways for him to cause this trouble without meaning to. But there's a problem, not a huge or fatal one, but something that tempers the intensity of the comedy throughout: Because Tim is not powerful, not rich and not a terrible person, and because he's played by Paul Rudd, who is about as likable as a beagle puppy, the spectacle of seeing his property destroyed and his relationships damaged is not one we witness with abandoned glee. We laugh. We enjoy it, but without the sadistic giddiness that might have put this one over the top." — Mick LaSalle, San Francisco Chronicle

The Directing
"Roach may be the least organic director of comedy currently working in Hollywood. Other directors strive for svelte invisibility, teeing up their setups so imperceptibly that all the actors have to do is roll up and take a clean spike at the ball. Roach is down in the sand pit, furiously digging his way out, passing off the sweaty contrivance of his set pieces as comic zaniness. It's more like a form of comic epilepsy: He whips up the performances to almost unendurable levels of frenzy and then discards them for someone new, like a bored child riffling through toys." — Tom Shone, Slate

The Supporting Players
"The success of this movie, following a formula upheld by just about any recent hit comedy you can name, lies as much with supporting players and plot-derailing set pieces as with the central story and characters. Jemaine Clement (of the comedy duo Flight of the Conchords) as a pompous, goatish artist; Zach Galifianakis as an I.R.S. flunky who believes he has the power to control other minds; Lucy Punch as a lovestruck stalker with no control over anything: these are the people who propel the movie on its meandering, offbeat path toward a madly farcical climax followed, inevitably and less happily, by a soft and sentimental dénouement." — A.O. Scott, The New York Times

The Final Word
"'Dinner for Schmucks' is as light as a fistful of feathers — as a comedy in the age of Apatow, it's barely there. But the sharp cast is smart enough not to weigh down the airy tale with heavy shtick (which might have been a temptation), and director Jay Roach lays out the story with straightforward simplicity. The movie becomes funnier than you might expect at the beginning; as summer comedies go, it's a small surprise." — Kurt Loder, MTV News

For breaking news and previews of the latest comic book movies — updated around the clock — visit SplashPage.MTV.com.

• MTV Rough Cut: 'Dinner For Schmucks'

• 'Dinner For Schmucks' Exclusive Images Are Here!

Two months after the death of their bandmate, frontman Corey Taylor, guitarist Jim Root and drummer Joey Jordison have differing takes on how to proceed.
By James Montgomery

Slipknot's Paul Gray
Photo: Naki/Redferns

It's been two months since Slipknot bassist Paul Gray was found dead in an Iowa hotel room, and in that time he's been mourned by friends, fellow musicians and, perhaps most of all, his bandmates, who remembered him as "the best of us" during an emotional press conference.

At the time, they were a group united by grief. But these days, it seems like the remaining members of Slipknot are at odds about the very future of the band ... if a future even exists at all. In a recent interview with the BBC's Zane Lowe, frontman Corey Taylor said that while he and his Slipknot mates are talking, they hadn't reached a decision about whether they will carry on in the wake of Gray's death.

"It's too soon right now, but we're still talking," Taylor said. "All of us are talking and everything's good, but we'll see."

Those sentiments were echoed by Slipknot (and Stone Sour) guitarist Jim Root, who said that the return of the band was "at least" two years away, though he admitted that even he didn't know if Slipknot would continue on without Gray.

"I'm not sure what we are going to do. We haven't talked about anything ... we've got some things to think about so, right now, we are just going to not think about them," Root said. "There's going to be a big healing process that needs to happen before we can even think about whether or not Slipknot will continue. And right now, that's the furthest thing from our mind. Right now we are just grieving, or trying to find some time to grieve. ... [It's] not going to make sense for a while."

Of course, all of that may be news to Slipknot drummer Joey Jordison. In two separate interviews, he emphatically stated that "there will be another record, no matter what and when," and then added that the band would not recruit a new bassist for that record. Instead, the remaining members of Slipknot would play Gray's parts in the studio.

"There will be no other bass players besides Jim [Root], Mick [Thomson] and me, more than likely," Jordison said. "Everyone actually kind of plays guitar in the band, so I think we're all gonna play bass on the record. We're not gonna have anyone come in. But live, we'll deal with that when it comes."

A spokesperson for Slipknot's label, Roadrunner, did not respond to MTV News' request for comment on the situation. Slipknot's last album, 2008's All Hope Is Gone, debuted at #1 on the Billboard albums chart.

Should Slipknot replace departed bassist Paul Gray? Share your thoughts in the comments.

• Slipknot's Paul Gray: 1972-2010

• Slipknot's Paul Gray: A Life In Photos

• Slipknot

'She's always been in control of her own destiny,' Cowell says.
By James Dinh

Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cowell
Photo: Kevin Parry/ WireImage

Fans and bloggers aren't the only ones sharing their reactions to the news that Ellen DeGeneres is leaving "American Idol" after just one season. Fellow departed judge Simon Cowell and current host Ryan Seacrest have also revealed their feelings about the news.

Cowell, who left the show after last season, seemed to imply that he thinks DeGeneres is making the right move. "As I got to know Ellen, I grew to really, really like her," Cowell said in a statement to the Hollywood Reporter. "I have huge respect for her because she's always been in control of her own destiny."

Ryan Seacrest also dished his two cents on the comedian's unexpected exit. The host took to Twitter on Thursday night with nothing but kind words for his colleague. "Spoke with ellen d tonight aka @theellenshow‬. I will miss her on Idol. She's one of the kindest and most talented people in Hollywood," he tweeted.

On Thursday, Ellen announced her departure from the show in a statement she posted on her website. "It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for," she wrote. "I also realized this season that while I love discovering, supporting and nurturing young talent, it was hard for me to judge people and sometimes hurt their feelings. I loved the experience working on 'Idol' and I am very grateful for the year I had. I am a huge fan of the show and will continue to be."

What do you think about Ellen's departure from "Idol"? Will you miss her? Let us know in the comments!

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

• Ellen DeGeneres Leaves 'American Idol'

• Ellen DeGeneres' 'Idol' Run

Philadelphia viewers are divided on how Snooki, JWoww and company will fare in Florida.
By Andrew MacLean

"Jersey Shore" premiere party in Philadelphia
Photo: David Bui

PHILADELPHIA — On Thursday, at the Blockley in University City hundreds of college students converged to celebrate their two favorite things, drinking and the "Jersey Shore." Co-owner and manager Nick Mucyccka said he decided to host the season-two premiere party because, " 'Jersey Shore' is like a little dirty secret that everyone likes to keep. But whether you admit it or not, you like to watch it."

As excited as the fans were to see the new season, some patrons revealed to MTV News that they were a bit disappointed to see the fist-pumping action relocated away from the nearby beaches of the Garden State for the first part of the season.

"I'm not really that pumped up for Miami," Nico Miceli admitted. "You know the 'Jersey Shore' is all about the Jersey Shore. So I don't really like how they switched it, because it's a completely different scene. It's a different style of people."

Mucyccka was also skeptical about the move down South. "I think it's going to slack," he said. "You know the Jersey Shore is something that can't be replicated. You know Miami's Miami and the Jersey Shore's the Jersey Shore. I think that moving to Miami is kind of weak, but it should be interesting either way."

But there are of course many who were excited to see their favorite guidos and guidettes expand their horizons. "I actually think it's more interesting they went to Miami, just because the Jersey Shore can get old, it's the same people, same places," Vincent Tuths said. "I mean Miami is one of the biggest party places in the U.S."

Many are interested to see how the cast's newfound fame will influence the show. "I love the second season because they got outside the Jersey Shore," Andrew Fortin shared. "I love the fact that they are going down to different spots, but I think it's a little different that they're actually stars now."

Do you think the "Jersey Shore" cast acted differently now that they're in Miami and famous? Share your thoughts in the comments.

• The Return Of 'Jersey Shore'
• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Ep. 1 | Goin' South

• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Ep. 1 | Flipbook
• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Cast

'I think it's toward the top of the highest level of fun, watchable entertainment,' ex-Danity Kane singer says.
By Jocelyn Vena

The cast of "Jersey Shore"
Photo: MTV

The cast promised there'd be lots of drama on the second season of "Jersey Shore", and ex-Danity Kane singer and former "Making the Band" star Aubrey O'Day tuned in Thursday night as Snooki, The Situation and the rest of the crew took a trip to Miami to party away the winter months. So what was O'Day's assessment of the drama?

"It looks like a lot of drama went down!" she laughed. "I think it's toward the top of the highest level of fun, watchable entertainment."

While she loved the drama, she also loved Snooki's antics as she and JWoww drove to Florida to meet up with their pals. "Snooki and the fried pickles!" she exclaimed when asked about her favorite moments. "Snooki and that guy fist-pumping, that was hilarious. I thought he was so cute! He was trying to relate!"

It wasn't just the crew who were navigating their way to Miami, Ronnie and Sammi were trying to figure out they'd live together now that they've broken up but must still live together. "I think they really like each other," she said. "I think they're just going through all the typical relationship drama. They're their own breed so they're going in — in a very dramatic way."

Speaking of drama, Angelina came back to try and settle the score with her "Jersey Shore" pals and O'Day admitted that she wants to wait it out and see what happens with her. "I'm not quite sure what to think about Angelina yet, I don't know exactly. I think it'll be interesting to hear the bigger reasons why they don't get along," she said. "They were all screaming so loud over each other I didn't know what was happening!"

How will the gang fit in Miami? O'Day isn't sure, but she's eager to find out.

"I haven't seen a lot of reaction with them and the city of Miami yet so I don't know how that will play out," she said. "But it looks like this season there's a lot of drama within themselves."

"Jersey Shore" airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Be there!

• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Ep. 1 | Goin' South

• Jersey Shore (Season 2) | Ep. 1 | Flipbook

• Danity Kane

Watch what the 'Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010' thinks of inking with the Bawse when he appears on 'RapFix Live' today!
By Jayson Rodriguez

Rick Ross
Photo: MTV News

Rick Ross appeared on the debut session of MTV News' "RapFix Live" and during his interview with Sway, the Miami MC revealed some exclusive negotiations he hopes to begin soon.

Ross looked into the camera and sent a message to this week's guest, the 2010 Hottest Breakthrough MC, Wiz Khalifa. The Teflon Don superstar wants Wiz to join him on his roster.

"You know, Wiz, what's happening, this is the Boss, Ricky Ross, Teflon Don," the rapper said last Friday. "You know we spoke of this in the last week or two, but my question is even more personal that I'd love to ask you right now. What would it take for us to close the deal, Wiz Khalifa and Maybach Music?

"I feel like the homie is a superstar," Ross continued. "We discussed this last week. He's most definitely loyal to his team. But like I told him, there's always more to get."

Wiz hadn't responded as of press time, but he's expected to deliver a comment when he appears on "RapFix Live" on Friday (July 30). The two rappers met recently and collaborated on the remix of Ross' hit "Super High" along with Curren$y. The trio's chemistry was evident on the track and the Pittsburgh rapper commended the Miami star for reaching out to upstarts like himself and Curren$y.

"That was a blessing, dude," Wiz told Mixtape Daily about the collaboration.

"Ross just kept it G, dawg. He seen my movement, he seen Curren$y's movement. He recognized what we do together, but he recognized us as individuals as well as a team. He reached out in a real way. Spiff [TV] called us. I think he reached out to Spitta first. Then Spiff, he reached out to me. I was still on another leg of my tour. So as soon as I got done with the last leg of my tour, soon as I got home, I went straight to the studio and knocked out the verse, sent it to Ross. He was like, 'I love it. I'm flying you out next week. We doing the video.' "

Don't miss Wiz Khalifa on "RapFix Live" on MTV.com, Friday at 1 p.m. ET!

• Rick Ross (Hip-Hop)
• Wiz Khalifa

Group celebrates 'I Gotta Feeling' breaking digital-download record.
By Chris MacAllister

Fergie and will.i.am of The Black Eyed Peas perform on Good Morning America on Friday
Photo: Jemal Countess/ Getty Images

NEW YORK — "Good Morning America" drew its biggest crowd to its Summer Concert Series in Central Park Friday morning (July 30) for a performance by the Black Eyed Peas.

The audience was brimming with excitement as the group's musicians &8212; all clad in robotic outfits and carrying futuristic-looking instruments — took the stage. Robin Roberts and Sam Champion arrived onstage to a small intro from the band. Dancers, dressed in black-and-white full-body spandex costumes, then marched on stage, followed by the four main Peas. The "Boom Boom Pow" beat kicked in and the crowd yelled with excitement, saluting them with a wave of handheld digital cameras as the dancers moved in robotic, choreographed movements. The group's tight performance -- featuring some stellar vocalistics from Fergie -- concluded with a "Good Morning, New York City!" from Will.I.Am.

After a short intermission, the group was interviewed, although mic problems rendered some of their answers unintelligible. Will.I.Am said the group was "up late last night recording," which was met with a roar from the audience, and news was shared that the group's "I Gotta Feeling" was the first song to hit the 6-million mark in digital downloads.

Roberts then asked, "You wanna rock that body?" and the group broke into the song by that name. Fergie flirtatiously teased the cameras as dancers came onstage, dressed like silver robots. After the song had finished Will.I.Am continued singing to himself: "It's a nice day in the park, I want to be outside with my friends" to a soft, reggae rhythm as the audience joined in. When asked about it, Will said, "It was the first thing that came to my mind and I just went with it. Inspiration comes to my mind, I just open up to the melody."

After Juju Chang — clad in one of the dancers' costumes as a joke — came on stage, "I Gotta Feeling" kicked in, and the group performed it amid smoke effects and more seductive dancing from Fergie.

After the Peas left the stage, the crowd chanted for One more song! and Will replied, "I guess we could do one more song." The group launched into an apparently improvised song as Will rapped about the park and the audience; Apl.De.Ap and Taboo followed with raps of their own, then Fergie, who didn't rap but freestyle-sang over the beat. Will.I.Am weighed in again — "I don't wanna leave, leave, leave" — rapping faster and faster as his bandmates yelled "Speed it up!" And with that, the group's performance concluded.

• Black Eyed Peas Get It Started On 'Good Morning America'

• Black Eyed Peas

'It symbolizes how I've had to remove myself from society,' Em says of 'glass-cube' cover.
By James Montgomery

Eminem (file)
Photo: Michael Caulfield/ WireImage

It was, to say the very least, unseasonably cold in Detroit back in April — like, 33 degrees cold — but that didn't stop Eminem from ditching his down coat to shoot the cover for his Recovery album.

Of course, he wasn't exactly happy about doing it, but at the request of photographer Nigel Parry, he shed his coat and sat in a makeshift living room in Detroit's Hart Plaza, joking, "Oh man, listen, take your time, listen, I am enjoying the weather so f---ing much!" while Parry snapped away.

All of this occurs within the first minute of a brand-new, behind-the-scenes video posted late Thursday on Em's official site. The video gives fans an exclusive look at the creation of Recovery's two iconic covers. In part one, we watch him shoot the so-called "glass-cube" cover, which, as Em explains, has a lot more symbolism than you'd think.

"It symbolizes, like, what my life is like right now because of the fame, but also kind of how I've had to remove myself from society a little bit, pull back to conquer my demons, my addiction and that whole thing," he says in the video. "It also symbolizes me never leaving Detroit, you know? I'm kinda just sitting in the middle of Detroit, watching TV. And it's kind of my living room, where people are just walking by."

The first clip ends with Eminem, Parry and a team of art directors piling into vans to go shoot the second album cover, which Em describes as "the road to Recovery." And then, in an extended gag — designed to make the rest of his crew as cold and miserable as he is — Em goes on a lengthy rant where he spouts self-help mantras ("You gotta take it one day at a time," etc.) while everyone huddles by a van, laughing.

At the end of the video, we see a quick scene of Eminem wandering down a deserted stretch of highway, and a title card promises that episode two of the Recovery behind-the-scenes footage will be coming soon.

• The Evolution Of: Eminem

• Eminem

On the heels of news that Ellen DeGeneres is leaving, 'Idol' rumors fly.
By Gil Kaufman

Kara DioGuardi
Photo: Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images

The revolving door on the "American Idol" judges' table may be starting to spin out of control. On the heels of Thursday's shocking news that Ellen DeGeneres would be leaving "Idol" after just one year on the panel, TMZ reported later in the day that two-season veteran Kara DioGuardi had been fired from the show.

While a spokesperson for "Idol" could not be reached for comment at press time, TMZ reported that after two seasons with a four-judge look, which some critics said bogged the show down and took precious time away from the contestants, "Idol" will return to a three-judge look for the upcoming 10th season, which will kick off in January. DioGuardi struggled to find a groove in her first year on "Idol" and faced criticism from fans and critics, but appeared to have settled into a comfort zone last season and stepped up with more coherent and helpful advice for the contestants.

Unlike DeGeneres and remaining judge Randy Jackson, DioGuardi reportedly had a year-to-year deal, so it's assumed that her option for a third year was not picked up. The DioGuardi news came amid further unconfirmed reports that one-time "Idol" mentor Jennifer Lopez would be joining the show as a judge. TMZ also claimed that Lopez would take her seat alongside Jackson and another newcomer to the "Idol" table, Aerosmith singer Steven Tyler.

Reps for Lopez and Tyler could not be reached for comment. Fox is widely expected to announce the makeup of the new "Idol" judges' panel on Monday at the Television Critics Association event.

Lopez and Tyler are just the latest names to surface in connection with the vacancies on the "Idol" panel in the wake of the departure of original lead judge Simon Cowell at the end of season nine and DeGeneres' unexpected bailout. Among the other musicians reportedly in the mix are Justin Timberlake and Elton John (whose reps both denied they were considering the move), Harry Connick Jr., Chris Isaak and, most unlikely, loquacious grunge godmother Courtney Love.

A spokesperson for "Idol" has offered no comment on all the casting rumors to date. The nearly wholesale panel shakeup could also be tied to the reported return of former executive producer Nigel Lythgoe, who is rumored to be looking to clean house after what he has described as a pair of lackluster seasons.

Do you think Lopez and Tyler would make good "Idol" judges? Leave your comments below.

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

• Ellen DeGeneres Leaves 'American Idol'

'She makes the show a lot better, and I don't think she should leave,' one fan says.
By Kyle Anderson, with reporting by Kara Warner and James Lacsina

Ellen DeGeneres
Photo: Alberto E. Rodriguez/ WireImage

With Simon Cowell's exit from "American Idol," there were already a lot of questions surrounding the future of the show before Ellen DeGeneres announced on Thursday that she would not be returning for the coming season. "This didn't feel like the right fit for me," DeGeneres wrote in a statement on her official website. "It was a difficult decision to make, but my work schedule became more than I bargained for."

The DeGeneres experiment was considered problematic by many fans, as she was often seen as too ambivalent about performances and was sometimes swallowed up by fellow judges Cowell, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi, who is also reportedly leaving the show. Still, there are fans who will miss Ellen.

"No!" fan Tiffany Chung told MTV News. "I think she has become one of the best parts of 'American Idol,' but that's because I love her to death. Anything she is a part of is that much greater."

"I really like Ellen, because she's really funny," Los Angeles' Montana Yao chimed in. "She makes the show a lot better, and I don't think she should leave."

Other fans supported DeGeneres but didn't think that "Idol" was right for her. "I liked her and I'm sad that she's leaving because she brought a sense of humor to the show, but I think that she picked favorites and that she didn't know enough about music," said Ryan Hines of Charlotte, North Carolina.

"It wasn't a good fit for her," Justin Mathew Denis of San Bernardino, California, said. "All she ever said was 'Good job.' Just like Paula. Or worse than Paula!"

No matter what fans thought of Ellen as a judge, most agreed that her departure would hurt the show as a whole. "She brought so much hype to the show," Asante Williams of Dallas, Texas, said. "I wish she would stay, but if she gotta go, then she should do her. Ellen, if you're watching this, you did a great job on the show and we're going to miss you."

Do you think Ellen DeGeneres' exit on "American Idol" will help or hurt the show? Let us know in the comments!

Get your "Idol" fix on MTV News' "American Idol" page, where you'll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions.

• Ellen DeGeneres Leaves 'American Idol'

• Ellen DeGeneres' 'Idol' Run

'She'd be new and fresh,' fan says of 'Jersey Shore' star joining 'American Idol.'
By Jocelyn Vena, with reporting by Ignacio Guzman

"Jersey Shore" star Angelina
Photo: Emily Shur

After news broke late Thursday that Ellen DeGeneres will not be returning as one of the judges on "American Idol" next season, "Jersey Shore" fans were partying and celebrating the premiere of the show's second season at a viewing party held by "Jersey Shore" star Angelina in Staten Island. And, while the chatter was all about the action-filled season premiere, they also had a ton of opinions on who should fill DeGeneres' now vacant seat.

"Ellen [is my favorite]! No, Ellen, no!!!" Linda told MTV News after learning that DeGeneres would not be returning. "I would recommend Christina Aguilera! I love Jessica [Simpson]!"

Her pal Alana agreed that Simpson could make a great judge on the show. "If I were a lesbian, Ellen would be mine! She'd get the business! She would be mine!" she laughed. "Jessica is an all-American, Southern chick. She can sing."

However, Amanda made the case to bring a little "Jersey Shore" to the judges' table. "My favorite judge on 'American Idol' is actually Simon because he tells the truth, and most of the time he's usually right. I did hear that Ellen DeGeneres was leaving. [I thought] she was a guest judge [anyway]. I thought she was only going to be there for a season," she said. "You know what? I think Angelina would be the perfect replacement for her. She'd be new and fresh."

Someone who has been vying for a spot on "Idol" for quite some time now is Perez Hilton, who was not at the viewing party, but did send MTV News an e-mail reacting to DeGeneres' departure. "She knew — and the audience knew — that 'Idol' was not the right fit for her, so she wisely extricated herself from the show," he wrote. "Obviously I think I'd be great in that role. Plus, if they hire Jessica Simpson too, there'd definitely be lots of fireworks between us! She'd be my Paula!"

Who do you think should be a new judge on "American Idol"? Sound off in the comments below!

"Jersey Shore" airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV. Be there!

• Ellen DeGeneres Leaves 'American Idol'

• Ellen DeGeneres' 'Idol' Run

Levine's PSA promotes 'Countdown to Zero' anti-nuclear documentary from the producers of 'An Inconvenient Truth.'
By James Montgomery

Maroon 5's Adam Levine and Michael Madden
Photo: MTV News

Maroon 5's Adam Levine never thought he'd be talking about a topic like nuclear proliferation, because, well, he's the lead singer of a world-famous rock band. Discussing the finer points of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty wasn't exactly on the job description.

And yet, when he was approached by the folks behind "Countdown to Zero" — the harrowing new documentary from the producers of "An Inconvenient Truth" that investigates the perilous state of global politics and the spread of nuclear weapons — about helping promote the film, he said yes.

"It's one of those issues where it's really easy to establish a stance on," Levine said. "It's more of a human issue, and it makes no sense whatsoever to me. I mean, I'm pretty certain it was a terrible idea to invent nuclear weapons in the first place."

So along with M5 bassist Mickey Madden, Levine shot a PSA that urges people to read — and, hopefully, sign — an anti-nuclear weapons petition co-sponsored by Take Part, an online community aimed at engaging members with social issues (find it here). The petition asks the U.S. Senate to ratify the recently-signed START agreement, which will remove a significant number of nuclear weapons from the arsenals of both the U.S. and Russia. And, in doing so, it may be the first step towards accomplishing what the "Countdown to Zero" film dares to ask: Why does any country need nuclear weapons in this day and age?

"The best way to do things with a delicate issue like this is just to present the facts, and that's what this film does," Levine said. "There are 'X' amount of weapons, and 'Y' amount of people have died because of them, and, oh, by the way, 'Z' amount of those nuclear weapons have gone missing over the years. To me, that was the most staggering stat. I mean, these are not cherry bombs! So while I'm not going to get on the soapbox, I do think that most people will admit that missing nuclear weapons is a bad thing — so why bother having them at all?"

And though he sounds like a well-trained expert now, things didn't quite go as smoothly in the Take Part PSA — which, by the way, is making its world premiere right here — as you can probably tell from the end result. Because unlike some other musicians who lent a hand (a list that includes Pearl Jam, Trent Reznor, R.E.M., Tom Morello and OK Go), Levine is still getting the hang of this whole "spokesperson" thing.

"Oh man, when we shot [the PSA], it was early and I wasn't really good at reading scripts, so I cursed a lot," he laughed.

"Countdown to Zero" opens in theaters nationwide on Friday (July 30).

• Maroon 5