Tag Archives: joshua-ledet

John Travolta Scandal: First Accuser Admits Wrong Date, Hotel Video Key to Second Masseur’s Claims

The masseur suing John Travolta for sexual battery in a Beverly Hills hotel is admitting a major hole in his shocking story – that the date he claimed the actor groped his crotch – January 16 of this year – is wrong. John Doe #1 still maintains the attack happened, however. Travolta’s lawyer has insisted from the beginning that he was in New York City during the alleged massage gone awry, proving it with flight records . The anonymous accuser’s account of the incident remains the same, however, but in a significant development, he now says it took place earlier . “It was a miscalculation,” one source claims about him claiming the wrong date. “The lawsuit will likely be amended, but it doesn’t change the facts.” Meanwhile, the Atlanta resort hotel where John Travolta stayed at when he allegedly sexually assaulted a second masseur has been put on notice. The hotel is preserving its surveillance video as evidence in the lawsuit filed by the man, also unidentified and also seeking $2 million in damages. “The hotel has been notified by the masseur’s attorney to preserve the surveillance video of the time when Travolta stayed there,” a source said. “The surveillance video will be crucial evidence in the case because it shows Travolta going to the spa the next day after it is claimed the incident occurred, looking for the masseur, because he wanted to see him again.” “This is all detailed in the lawsuit. Travolta was told the masseur wasn’t available and he left. The masseur was extremely upset when he left Travolta’s room, which would have been captured on the camera in the hall as well.” “The hotel has indicated that they will preserve all evidence in the case, including the surveillance video, and all electronic communication regarding Travolta. They are standing by the masseur,” the insider says. Management of the hotel have met with staff and placed them on a strict no-press lockdown on the subject, with the threat of losing their job. According to the lawsuit filed by the masseur in Atlanta: “Travolta suddenly turned on his stomach with his legs wide open with a full erection. He then tried to force Doe Plaintiff #2’s hand on Travolta’s scrotum.” “Then, Travolta started to grab, rub and caress Doe Plaintiff No. 2’s upper thighs and buttocks.” “Travolta still had an erection and wanted his abdominals done but Travolta’s erection was in the way and he refused to have his penis covered by a sheet of a pillow case cover.” “Travolta started masturbating about 15 minutes left in the session, and Doe Plaintiff #2 said he had to go.” A third accuser, identified as Fabian Zanzi , has also come forward, saying Travolta sexually harassed and propositioned him on a cruise ship. [Photo: Pacific Coast News]

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John Travolta Scandal: First Accuser Admits Wrong Date, Hotel Video Key to Second Masseur’s Claims

Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis: It’s Absolutely NOT Over!

Johnny Depp was not pleased when asked about rumors that he and longtime love Vanessa Paradis have split. But he confirmed they have not! The actor got a bit upset when reporters at the UK premiere of his new film (follow the link for a Dark Shadows movie review ) asked about her. “The rumors are not true. They are absolutely not true ,” he said. Reports that he and Paradis, 39, his partner of 14 years, are no longer an item have become a recurring celebrity gossip topic, to his chagrin. Depp walked his Dark Shadows red carpet solo, and was noticeably MIA from her side when she promoted her film, Cafe de Flore , in January. For the acting great, who is notoriously private about his personal life, it has almost become pointless to address the rumors, in his view. “No matter what I say about this, people believe the opposite,” he said, according to The Sun . “I can’t say enough about it not being over.” Paradis, for her part, hasn’t done much to dispel the rumors , remaining ambiguous when asked about her stance on long-lasting partner. “I have a problem with the term soul mates, it scares me a lot,” the French singer and actress told UK’s Stylist magazine recently. “It’s such a strong statement … it’s like a marriage contract. I believe in love, and I really want to believe that it lasts forever.” “But like everyone else, I have to take things a day at a time and you can never know what comes next. All you can do is hope, love and live.” Paradis and Depp are unmarried, but have two children together. [Photo: WENN.com]

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Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis: It’s Absolutely NOT Over!

Before You Freak: Jimmy Kimmel, Carrie Underwood Duet on New Hit Single

Didn’t see this one coming. Carrie Underwood duets with Jimmy Kimmel on “Before You Freak,” a follow-up of sorts to the cutie’s hit “Before He Cheats.” The message: Check the plates before you smash a dude’s truck. Some of them sure do look alike, especially in crowded parking lots. At night. Tipsy. In the clip, Kimmel, proudly sporting a hot fanny pack, is seen leaving a karaoke bar and heading to his truck, only to find Carrie annihilating his ride. Jimmy Kimmel & Carrie Underwood – Before You Freak “Some crazy girl I never met before is taking a bat to my 4×4,” the talk show host sings. “My boyfriend’s being a total schmuck,” Underwood retorts. Only problem is, “That’s not his truck,” clarifies JK, adding: “The next time you should think before you freak.” Words to live by … if it’s not too late. Underwood’s subsequent apology isn’t enough for Kimmel, who also lost a Hello Kitty toy, Al Gore bobblehead and a poster of James Van Der Beek. Some wounds may never heal.

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Before You Freak: Jimmy Kimmel, Carrie Underwood Duet on New Hit Single

Hollie Cavanagh on American Idol Elimination: No Complaints!

Hollie Cavanagh “just kind of knew.” That’s what she told reporters not long after hearing her name announced as the latest American Idol elimination . That was the feeling she had when she woke up. So, once the premonition became a reality, how did Hollie feel? Honestly, if you’d asked me a couple of weeks ago I would’ve been upset and in tears, but you can’t really complain when you are at the top four,” she said. “There were so many people previously in the competition that would have died to have been in this spot, so I am proud of myself at this point.” That’s certainly the right attitude to take, but try telling it to Joshua Ledet ! He was more of a mess than Cavanagh after the results were unveiled. “I don’t know why the boy was crying, I’ll get to see him in like two days!” Hollie laughed. Cavanagh added that she truly has “no idea” who among the final three will win, but she does have nothing but nice things to say about the judges. “They said how proud they were of me and how far I had come. Now I’m just looking to the future and see what the future brings. I don’t want to look down as I have no regrets – I saw myself grow through the whole process and I’m proud of myself. I don’t take anything back.” DO YOU THINK HOLLIE DESERVED TO BE SENT HOME NOW?

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Hollie Cavanagh on American Idol Elimination: No Complaints!

‘American Idol’ Report Card: Joshua Ledet ‘Man’s’ Up, Jessica Sanchez Stands Tall

Another night of standing O’s for Ledet, more catcalls for Hollie Cavanagh and high praise for Phillip Phillips. By Gil Kaufman Joshua Ledet performs on “American Idol” Photo: FOX Wednesday night’s episode of “American Idol” 
 offered definitive proof of what happens when you give the kids the keys to the Lambo: they crash and burn. On an evening when the themes were as vague as any we can recall (California Dreamin? Songs You Wish You’d Written?), the top four 
 either went obscure or doubled-down on the most obvious choices possible, which made for an uneven night. A few things became crystal clear, though: based on the girl squeals, Phillip Phillips could win this thing in a walk-off without singing another note as long as he loses his razor, smiles and keeps clothes shopping at J.C. Penny. Similarly, Joshua Ledet pretty much has it in the bag, while Hollie Cavanagh has run out of luck and Jessica Sanchez should perfect her third-place finisher pageant smile and wave. It’s also pretty clear at this point that the dream is over for some and just about to come true for others. But who will be packing up their clear heels and headed home and who should prep their awkward bro hug posture? Read on to find out! Joshua Ledet : Of the thousands, maybe tens of thousands of “California Dreamin'” songs Josh could have picked, he picked a song that is the musical equivalent of a cardboard and mayonnaise sandwich: Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up.” It felt overwrought, over serious, overcooked and just no fun. The kid can sing, but by the end I was just over it. He more than made up for it with James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World.” Yeah, it’s another dusty, nearly 50-year-old oldie, but it’s dead-center in his lane and his voice was made for this kind of gritty, throwback soul. We asked last week if that’s what people really want to hear in 2012 , but at the very least Ledet put on a showcase for his powerhouse soul simmer and shout. He sang it and he sold it. Sorry girls, it’s gonna be Josh and Phil facing off in two weeks. A- Phillip Phillips : It’s always dicey when Phil puts down the guitar. Just like he doesn’t know how to dress like anything other than the guy fixing your HVAC system, the pawn shop kid can’t figure out what to do with his hands. His surf bum take on Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” was … fine. It felt kind of like something you’d see in a San Diego beach bar on a lazy Sunday afternoon. The judges, as usual, were charmed, which makes me think he has incriminating photos or something. Hey, Randy, smiling isn’t singing. I’ve been writing about music longer than Jessica Sanchez has been alive and I can honestly say I’ve never heard of “Volcano” by Damien Rice. That’s the song you wish you’d written, Phil? Frankly, it sounded like everything Phillips sings to me, which is to say that it came off like a pretty decent Dave Matthews cover. The grit and passion were there, but the song never achieved lift-off. Can you really imagine being mesmerized by scruff and a smile for 90 minutes? B- Jessica Sanchez : Talk about overcorrecting. Sanchez was like a long-haul trucker snapping up out of deep sleep after hitting a guardrail and almost jackknifing the rig. She went from too sexy and grown up last week to just … too old. Her cover of Etta James’ “Steal Away” was, as the late, lamented Simon Cowell would say, “cabaret.” The Cirque du Soleil-worthy two-tone pants suit was weird and the song just made her seem like she was singing to her extended family in the living room while trying to make granny proud. The old soul and bluesy heart were there, but it felt more like an off-Broadway musical revue than a concert. And, c’mon, Jessica. The “‘Idol’ slayer?” We should have added Jennifer Holliday’s “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” to our list of songs that must be retired from the “Idol” repertoire. Jennifer Hudson crushed it in “Dreamgirls,” Tamyra Gray and LaKisha Jones also made it their you-know what on the show. Despite all that, BeBe Chez gave it her all and did a good, but not great, job of it. She hit the notes, served up the emotion and got all angry with it, but it just felt a bit, well, obvious. B- Hollie Cavanagh : The kid knows how to suck up to the judges, that’s for sure. Picking Journey’s “Faithfully” was a guarantee that Randy would be on board. Too bad HCav face-planted on the melody, losing the spark she showed last week and looking as bored and lost as we felt. The big notes at the end almost saved her. Almost. Jennifer called the performance “laid back,” but to me it just felt like she was laid out. The bottom line is you can make someone look like a star, but you can’t make them act like one. You know what can make Hollie seem like a cool, contemporary star? A 22-year-old song by Bonnie Raitt! Between the baggy black Chicos pantsuit and the violins, “I Can’t Make You Love Me” was another off-the-Vegas-Strip snoozer that most surely punched her ticket home. And the crocodile tears near the end were whatever the opposite of a nice touch is. Pip pip, little one! D Get your “Idol” fix on MTV News’ “American Idol” page where you’ll find all the latest news, interviews and opinions. Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 11 Performances

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‘American Idol’ Report Card: Joshua Ledet ‘Man’s’ Up, Jessica Sanchez Stands Tall

Is Joshua Ledet The Best ‘American Idol’ Singer Of All Time?

‘He’s really good and probably the best singer of the last three or four seasons,’ one ‘Idol’ expert tells MTV News. By Gil Kaufman Joshua Ledet performs on “American Idol” Photo: FOX Just about every season of “American Idol” seems to have at least one: a singer whose talent is so impressive and complete that their weekly performances come off as effortless. Whether it’s winners like Ruben Studdard, Fantasia or Carrie Underwood, or runners-up like Adam Lambert, Oscar-winner Jennifer Hudson or Chris Daughtry, these finalists make it seem easy. If you believe Randy, Jennifer and Steven, we are seeing one of those rare moments right now in the form of Joshua Ledet . The old-soul singer has been crushing it without fail just about every week on the show, with just a few missteps along the way. “I’ve been doing this 11 years, and you’re one of the best singers ever on this show. Ever!” Jackson said following Ledet’s take on the Bee Gees’ “To Love Somebody.” “No matter what goes down, you’re one of the best singers ever on this show, and that is a big feat, that was incredible. Nobody could do that better.” Tyler offered similar praise earlier in the show after Ledet pulled off a near-flawless cover of the Temptations’ “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” telling Josh, “You’ve gotta be one of the top two best ‘Idols’ of all time.” Hell, Lopez, who is 42, called Ledet one of the “best singers I’ve seen in 50 years!” So, is Josh one of the best “Idol” singers of all time? Or just one of the best singer ever, period? We convened a panel of “Idol” experts and asked them to weigh in. “Idol” blogger MJ Santilli said it is undeniable that Josh is a gifted singer, but she begged to differ with Tyler’s claim that Ledet is one of the top “Idol” contenders. “Adam Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, Ruben Studdard are, arguably, better singers,” she said. “When Joshua is excited, he has the tendency to push his vocals to the breaking point. He’s had missteps along the way — his ‘gospel’ rendition of Billy Joel’s ‘She’s Got A Way’ was a hot mess of over-singing.” And, at just 20 years old, Santilli said she doesn’t get the sense that Ledet has a complete handle on who he is as an artist. “In comparison to DeAndre Brackensick, who demonstrated knowledge of the greats that came before him, Joshua seems to have very little understanding of not only past masters, but current pop trends,” she said. Could it be that Josh’s repeated claims that he’s unfamiliar with the songs he’s crushing is a savvy rope-a-dope move? Maybe. But as far as Entertainment Weekly staff writer Kyle Anderson is concerned, Ledet is “technically very good,” but seems to be good at just one thing. “Even for a show that deals in hyperbole, that seems awfully hyperbolic,” he said of the sky-high judge’s comments on Wednesday night. “He’s really good and probably the best singer of the last three or four seasons, mostly because the past few have tended toward people with gimmicks nor niches, so it’s been a while since a pure voice has blown us away.” Former MTV News “Idol in 60 Seconds” host and “Idol” authority Jim Cantiello thinks the problem might be that while Ledet sings it very well, he excels at a style of music that just isn’t very “now.” “The only pop artist who has success dabbling in retro-ish R&B tunes is Bruno Mars (and, by extension, Cee Lo, which Mars had a hand in). Yet Bruno injects a modern spin to his retro leanings and has the charisma and personality to back it up,” Cantiello said of Ledet’s throwback Otis Redding style of gritty R&B belting. “Joshua has only shown strength going REAL old school and typically has the presence of a sedated patient.” Despite the over-the-top raves from Interscope boss Jimmy Iovine and bestie “Little” Steven Van Zandt, Cantiello wondered whether the label had “a secret top-notch retro unit with the right songwriters and producers that could craft Joshua the perfect throwback album.” There is no doubt that Ledet crushed it when he sang “To Love Somebody” and, earlier in the season, “When a Man Loves a Woman,” but the issue, he said, is that nobody writes those kinds of songs anymore. “In order to have a big radio hit, Joshua and Interscope would literally have to bring an entire genre back to life, and I’m not sure the personality-challenged Ledet is the one to start that movement,” he lamented. Maybe the judges meant that Joshua is “one of the best young male soul singers to come out of the show, versus one of the best singers period,” Cantiello speculated, ticking off a list of others who were more versatile and have massive voices (Lambert, Kelly Clarkson, Melinda Doolittle, Fantasia). Do you think Joshua Ledet is one of the best “Idol” singers of all time? 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. Related Photos ‘American Idol’ Season 11 Performances

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Is Joshua Ledet The Best ‘American Idol’ Singer Of All Time?

‘American Idol’ Top Six Battle For The Throne On Queen Night

Hollie Cavanagh rises up with ‘The Climb’ and Joshua Ledet racks up two more standing ovations. By Adam Graham Hollie Cavanagh on “American Idol” Photo: Fox If “American Idol” was decided by whoever received the most standing ovations from the judges, Joshua Ledet would have this year’s competition in the bag. Ledet racked up two more standing Os from the judges on Wednesday’s (April 25) “Idol,” which found the contestants singing two songs apiece: One from Queen, and another of their own choosing. That brought Ledet’s unofficial standing ovation season total to 12 — that figure according to Skylar Laine, who ribbed him backstage for receiving a dozen standing Os over the course of the season. Ledet first got a rise out of the judges with his version of “Crazy Little Thing Called Love,” which caused Jennifer Lopez to ask, “Is it bad for me to say the Joshua part of the show is my favorite part of the show?” He followed it with a version of India.Arie’s “Ready for Love” — which was sung by Michael Lynche back in “Idol” season nine — which was called “another unbelievable performance” by Randy Jackson. Added an enthusiastic Steven Tyler, “I hope the label finds you a bunch of good songs, man, and you’re off to the moon. I smell the finish line with you.” Hollie Cavanagh received the evening’s other standing ovation from the judges with her second song, “The Climb,” the Miley Cyrus song that seemingly summed up her journey on the show so far. It came after she received so-so marks for her first song, Queen’s “Save Me,” which played into theme of “The Climb” even further. “That’s the Hollie Cavanagh that we love, that’s the one! Hollie is back! Yo!” said Jackson. Added Lopez, “You said it backstage, ‘I gotta step it up,’ and you did! It was perfect.” Steven Tyler’s favorite of the night was Skylar Laine, who opened with “The Show Must Go On” and followed it with Jason Aldean’s “Tattoo’s on This Town.” On the Queen song, Tyler praised her energy and her passion as over-the-top, saying, “the way you hit your notes, for an 18-year-old? Oh my God. That was fabulous.” Lopez said she got “goosies” from Laine, while Jackson dubbed himself a “ginormous” fan of the Mississippi singer. Jessica Sanchez kicked off the show with “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which was shot in black and white while a chorus of Sanchez heads backed her on the oval “Idol” video screen at the back of the stage. For her second song, Sanchez sent a shout-out to her dad, singing a touching version of Luther Vandross’ “Dance With My Father.” Lopez told Sanchez she expected more energy from her during “Rhapsody,” but said her “Dance With My Father” was “the best I’ve ever heard that song sang.” Meanwhile, Jackson summed up her two performances by saying, “every time you get up and sing, you know what’s wrong with it? Absolutely nothing!” Phillip Phillips, who has battled Dave Matthews comparisons from fans all season, seemingly got away from the Matthews talk with his first song, a fun, spirited take on “Fat Bottomed Girls.” “People say that you remind them of Dave Matthews, that didn’t remind me of Dave Matthews at all. That was something totally different,” Lopez said, invoking Matthews name out loud for the first time this season. “That’s the mark of a great singer for me.” And how did Phillip Squared follow it up? With a performance of Dave Matthews’ “The Stone,” on which he sounded like a direct clone of Matthews. Lopez was not pleased, dismissing the song “obscure” and “artsy,” and worrying it would get him voted off the show. Jackson, for his part, admired Phillips’ sticking to his guns. “Die, sink or swim, Phil Phillips will always be Phil Phillips,” he said. “I love that.” Elise Testone took on Queen’s “I Want It All” early and followed it with Jimi Hendrix’s “Bold as Love.” The first song got high marks, though the latter “wasn’t the right song for this time in the competition,” Jackson told her, criticizing her for “boxing” with the song, and saying Hendrix sang “about 1/25 of what you sang” in his original. J. Lo had the opposite reaction. Although she said she wasn’t familiar with the original, “you slayed that song so hard, it didn’t even matter,” she said. Wednesday’s show opened with the Top Six performing a medley of Queen songs, backed by Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor. Thursday’s show will feature performances by Katy Perry and 10th season “Idol” contestant Stefano Langone, and one of the six remaining contestants will be sent home. What did you think of “Idol” on Wednesday? 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.

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‘American Idol’ Top Six Battle For The Throne On Queen Night

American Idol Top 7 Performance Night: Now Hear This…

Following the judges’ save of Jessica Sanchez last night, the top 7 finalists on American Idol returned to the stage last night, singing two tracks apiece: a “Now” hit from 2000 and beyond; and a “Then” soul cover. Which contestant impressed you most with his/her first performance? Watch, listen and vote below… Hollie Cavanagh took quite a risk to opening the evening, belting out a version of 2011’s biggest hit, Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep.” Hollie Cavanagh – “Rolling In The Deep” Colton Dixon then went all gaga on viewers. Lady Gaga, that is! Check out his version of “Bad Romance” now. Colton Dixon – “Bad Romance” Elise Testone proceeded to give us the first Alicia Keys rendition of the night, taking on the heartfelt ballad “No One.” Elise Testone – “No One” Phillips Phillips may not remind many of Usher, but he did that Atlanta native proud with a take on “U Got It Bad,” remaining one of the season 11 favorites. Phillip Phillips – “U Got It Bad” Jessica Sanchez , taking advantage of her second life on the show, also took on Keys, this time via the hit single “Fallin.” Jessica Sanchez – “Fallin” It was then back to Gaga for Skylar Laine , who made it very clear to the audience: folks, she was “Born This Way.” Skylar Laine – “Born This Way” Joshua Ledet closed the first half of the evening with “I Believe,” an appropriate choice for someone known as “Mantasia,” wouldn’t you say? Joshua Ledet – “I Believe” Seven performances down, seven to go. Which of the “Now” selections did you like best?

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American Idol Top 7 Performance Night: Now Hear This…

American Idol Results: A Shocking Bottom Three …

American Idol treated us to seven great performances last night. But the remaining finalists were forced to look ahead on this evening’s results show, as America voted and revealed an inevitable, but sad result for one aspirant: He or she is going home. Who’s on to the top six and who’s out? It looked briefly like fan favorite Phillip Phillips might be in danger, but it came down to a surprising bottom three: Jessica Sanchez, Joshua Ledet and Elise Testone. That’s right, arguably the three best singers remaining on the show were in danger of getting booted, making for the most gut-wrenching elimination this year. The contestant getting the boot this week was an even bigger stunner, too. Who was it? You’re not going to believe it, but the lowest vote-getter was … Jessica Sanchez . The studio erupted in chaos at this news, but as she began to sing for her life, she was interrupted by Jennifer Lopez, who informed her that she had been … SAVED by the judges!! There it is, the one and only judges’ save of the season, used on a powerhouse performer who definitely didn’t deserve to be in danger, let alone go home. “We are saving Jessica, without a doubt!” Randy said as the judges engulfed her. “This girl is one of the best singers in America! Ever! Are you kidding me!” “Everybody, please vote for the best! Come on!” It remains to be seen if America will heed his words a week from now, but for now, all seven singers survive heading into next Wednesday’s Top 7: Reloaded. What do you think? Did the judges make the right call?

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American Idol Results: A Shocking Bottom Three …

Joshua Ledet Has a Way About Him

Joshua Ledet chose very well on last night’s performance edition of American Idol . The soulful singer chose one of Billy Joel’s more heartfelt ballads, sitting calmly and serenading viewers with a rendition of “She’s Got A Way.” Heejun Han’s goofy take on ” My Life ” it was definitely not. See for yourself: Joshua Ledet – “She’s Got A Way” Where would we rank Ledet’s rendition among this week’s Joel covers? Certainly in the top five. Colton Dixon stole the night with ” Piano Man ,” while Elise Testone also excelled with her take on ” Vienna .” Who was your favorite performer of the evening?

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Joshua Ledet Has a Way About Him