Donald Trump has announced that the Miss Universe Organization – which he owns! – plans to sue Miss Pennsylvania USA, a.k.a. Sheena Monnin . Monnin resigned her crown Tuesday claiming Sunday’s Miss USA pageant was rigged … and has no morals for allowing transgendered contestants. Miss Rhode Island Olivia Culpo won Miss USA 2012 , while Monnin, who did not place in the top five, said it was predetermined from the start. Trump begs to differ and says he hopes Monnin has a good lawyer. Donald Trump Responds to Sheena Monnin “We’re going to bring a lawsuit against this girl,” he told Today co-anchor Ann Curry and ABC’s George Stephanopoulos in separate interviews. “It is so ridiculous,” Trump told Curry of Monnin’s charge, noting that the voting is “supervised by Ernst and Young and everything is certified.” “They’ve done an investigation. I just found out about it … the person that supposedly showed the list totally denies that that ever took place.” Besides, he noted later, “the organization doesn’t care who the Top 5 are, or the Top 10,” adding, “I mean, what difference does it make?” Hard to argue with him on the latter point. You’ve seen one Miss USA, you’ve pretty much seen them all … even if they’re all smoking hot. Anyway, Trump says Sheena Monnin is bitter because she’s not it. Monnin announced Tuesday on Facebook page she was resigning after she “witnessed another contestant who said she saw the list of the Top 5 BEFORE THE SHOW EVER STARTED proceed to call out in order who the Top 5 were.” “After it was indeed the Top 5 I knew the show must be rigged; I decided at that moment to distance myself from an organization who did not allow fair play and whose morals did not match my own,” she added. By “morals,” she means Trump’s decision to change the rules and allow Jenna Talackova to compete for Miss Canada despite being born a man. Asked his first impression of Monnin, Trump said, “I saw her and my impressions were she didn’t have a chance of being in the Top 15 – not even close.” “And all this is, is a girl who went there, lost, wasn’t in the 15, and she’s angry at the system … I never felt she had a chance. All this is is buyer’s remorse.” Donald Trump, ladies and gentlemen.
Miss Pennsylvania USA Sheena Monnin resigned this week, calling the Miss Universe Organization “fraudulent, lacking in morals, inconsistent and trashy.” Let’s start with the first part. She wrote on Facebook that a fellow contestant saw a list revealing the top five Miss USA finalists before the show took place. The Miss Universe Organization denies this, saying in a statement: “The Miss Universe Organization can confirm the resignation of the Pennsylvania title holder after she did not place in the Top 16 at the Miss USA pageant.” “In an email to pageant organizers, she cited the Miss Universe Organization’s policy regarding transgendered contestants as the reason for her resignation.” “Today she has changed her story by publicly making false accusations claiming that the pageant was fixed, however the contestant she privately sourced as her reference has vehemently refuted her most recent claim.” “We are disappointed that she would attempt to steal the spotlight from Olivia Culpo of Rhode Island on her well-deserved Miss USA win.” Culpo, who won Sunday, was asked during the show about the inclusion of transgender contestants, which the organization permitted two months ago. “I do think it is fair,” she said. “I could understand how people could be apprehensive to take that road, but I do accept that … I believe it’s a free country.” After the organization changed its rules to allow Jenna Talackova , who was born male, to compete (for Miss Canada), Sheena Monnin was PISSED. According to Miss Universe officials, she wrote that she refuses “to be part of a pageant system that has so far and so completely removed itself from its foundational principles as to allow and support natural born males to compete in it.” “This goes against ever moral fiber of my being. I believe in integrity, high moral character, and fair play, none of which are part of this system any longer.” NOTE: Talackova placed in the top 12 and won the Miss Congeniality award. Monnin, meanwhile, stands by her allegation that Miss USA is rigged and that finalists like Culpo and Aubrey Bolte were pre-selected by higher-ups. She wrote on Facebook that, when she found out that the finalists were predetermined, she “decided at that moment to distance myself from an organization who did not allow fair play and whose morals did not match my own.” She also urges fellow Miss USA contestants to come forward, “then perhaps action can be taken. As for me, I believe her words and will not encourage anyone to compete in a system that in my opinon and from what I witnessed is dishonest.”
Spears goes head to head with Demi Lovato after a young male contestant performs in the first auditions. By Emily Blake Britney Spears arrives for the first round of ‘X Factor’ auditions in Austin, Texas Photo: Splash News When “The X Factor” producers announced that they was adding Britney Spears to the judges’ panel, experts and viewers wondered whether she would have what it takes to sit alongside Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid to dole out advice to bright-eyed singers. But from the sounds of audio leaked to TMZ from the first round of auditions, it seems that the audience thinks Spears will do just fine. In the audio clip, from a young man’s audition in Austin, Texas, Spears and fellow newbie Demi Lovato give out differing critiques. “I think that you have a great voice and your tone was great,” 19-year-old Lovato told the contestant. “But, I don’t really know where you fit. I don’t know what’s going to set you apart from other musicians who are boys. So, I think you just have to find out what makes you special and what separates you from all the other teenage boys in this industry.” Britney, on the other hand, had a some kinder words for the amateur singer. “I think you can be bigger than the next Justin Bieber,” Spears said, eliciting a rambunctious response from the crowd. “I feel like your runs are amazing,” she added. “And I do feel like with a little more training, you could actually [inaudible] better presentation, but I see what’s there. And you’re very gifted. Thank you.” Do you think that Britney Spears and Demi Lovato have what it takes to be a judge on “The X Factor”? Leave your comment below! Related Artists Britney Spears Demi Lovato
*sighs* Ah boy… Retired NFL Player Warren Sapp To Appear On New Dating Game Show “The Choice” Fox’s upcoming celebrity dating show The Choice has lined up a list of famous bachelors and bachelorettes to audition sexy singles in prime time. EW.com has the complete list of celebrity contestants, the first photo from the set and some behind-the-scenes insight from Fox’s alternative series guru Mike Darnell. The Choice has cast singer Joe Jonas, actor Dean Cain, fashion model Tyson Beckford, former American Idol star Taylor Hicks, Jersey Shore stars Pauly D and Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino, chef Rocco Dispirito, TV personality Rob Kardashian, former NFL star Warren Sapp and more (full list below). The female celebrities include actress Carmen Electra and model Hope Dworaczyk. In each episode, four celebrities sit in spinning chairs and listen to non-famous prospective dates pitch themselves. Over the course of three rounds, the contestant pool is paired down until each celebrity has chosen their date for the evening “What started out as a goof ended up being a ridiculously good format,” says Fox’s Darnell, who was on hand during The Choice‘s recent taping. “It really feels like a hit. It was charming and funny… [The show] works beautifully. It’s going to sell all over the world.” Five of the episodes will feature male celebrities; one episode puts women in the power seats. The contestants were unaware who the celebrities were until moments before they went on stage, but that didn’t stop the sparks. “The [female contestants] took it ridiculously seriously, like they were getting married,” Darnell says. “A couple of the setups really had chemistry.” These type of shows can go either way, more often than not people end up playing themselves. Remember this… SMH Image via WENN Source
The Voice crowned a season two champion last night, but long before Carson Daly announced this contestant’s name, it was clear who the real winners were on the evening: Beliebers across the land. That’s because the sensational singer took to the stage and performed his latest hit live… while sporting gold sneakers! It’s something only Justin Bieber can pull off, but he pulled it off well. With his new album due out on June 19, watch the recent high school graduate bring his A game on a rendition of “Boyfriend” below. A, of course, standing for adorable . Justin Bieber – Boyfriend (Live on The Voice)
Gabel reveals plans to Rolling Stone to take the name Laura Jane Grace after undergoing gender transition. By Katie Byrne Tom Gabel of Against Me! Photo: Kevin Winter/ Getty Images Against Me! singer Tom Gabel has come out as transgender and discussed plans to begin living as a woman in the next issue of Rolling Stone. Gabel, who will go by Laura Jane Grace and remain married to wife Heather, will undergo electrolysis treatments and take hormones to make the transition from male to female. “For me, the most terrifying thing about this was how she would accept the news,” Gabel told Rolling Stone of Heather. “But she’s been super-amazing and understanding.” Gabel has dealt with gender dysphoria for years and decided it was a good time to speak up about the private struggle, telling only a few family members and friends about the upcoming transition before talking with the magazine. “I’m going to have embarrassing moments, and that won’t be fun,” Gabel said of coming out. “But that’s part of what talking to you is about — is hoping people will understand, and hoping they’ll be fairly kind.” Though Gabel is the first major rock star to undergo a gender transformation, she’s hardly the first celebrity. Larry Wachowski, half of the Wachowski-brother directing duo behind the “Matrix” trilogy, has been credited as Lana Wachowki in recent work and seems to now identify as a woman, though neither sibling has spoken publicly on the subject. Chaz Bono, meanwhile, made a very public run on “Dancing With the Stars” as the first transgender contestant . Chaz, born the daughter of Cher and Sonny Bono, underwent female-to-male gender transition between 2008 and 2010. In the next issue of Rolling Stone, due Friday, Gabel will tell her full story, including what the revelation means for the future of Against Me! Related Artists Against Me!
Justin Bieber, Flo Rida, Lady Antebellum and Hall & Oates also perform leading up to Team Blake’s victory. By James Dinh Blake Shelton and Jermaine Paul celebrate on “The Voice” Photo: NBC Universal Records added a new artist to their roster Tuesday night (May 8) when Jermaine Paul of Team Blake was named season-two champ during the finale of “The Voice,” which also featured some major star power appearances from the likes of Justin Bieber and Flo Rida. “I just wanted to say thank you for everyone that voted for me,” the former Alicia Keys backup singer said on the sparkler-filled stage, before giving credit to his wife, children and parents. “God bless y’all, man. Nobody but Jesus, man, nobody!” It was a close call, as host Carson Daly revealed just moments before the announcement that only a mere 4 percentage points separated Paul and runner-up Juliet Simms. Kicking off the two-hour episode was a brief contestant introduction with Paul, Simms, singer/songwriter Tony Lucca and classically trained Chris Mann, before segueing into a recap of the previous night’s live final round and some thoughts from each of the judges about their contestant. But it wouldn’t be a big ol’ finale without some collaborative performances from our season’s favorite former contestants, so Paul rallied up Jamar Rogers, James Massone and Pip to lead the pack on a cover of the Jackson 5’s “I Want You Back.” It was a solid effort that most importantly proved why Paul stands as the last remaining singer of the bunch and won the contest. After a montage of silly bloopers from the panel (proving that Xtina is surely more than just full of sass) and a quick commercial break, Simms of Team Cee Lo joined Flo Rida for a medley of his singles “Whistle” and “Wild One.” Missing in action was singer Sia, but Simms took over for the Australian crooner’s chorus, temporarily walked away from her rock element and jumped to some fist-pumping Top 40. Team Xtina’s Chris Mann brought back his lady favorites Lindsey Pavao and Katrina Parker for an appropriate cover of the Verve’s “Bitter Sweet Symphony,” and the couple complemented Mann’s lively onstage urgency. It may have been an intense evening for the contestants, but “The Voice” kept the show lighthearted by dedicating an entire segment to Shelton and Levine’s on-camera bromance with highlights of their cutesy interactions. “It is clear that Adam has a crush on me, and Miranda is a little bit jealous, but I think it’s cute,” Shelton joked about wife Miranda Lambert. Hall & Oates were up next to sing their classic “Rich Girl” alongside the men of the evening: Tony, Jermaine and Chris. As the duo jammed out to their 1977 hit, the trio of finalists crooned on the side as background vocalists to the iconic act. Living out one more performance were former contestants Naia Kete, Cheesa, Kim Yarbrough and Sera Hill with a performance of “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder. Full of energy, attitude and smiles, the quartet blended their distinctive voices for a great number. But it wasn’t enough to outshine Juliet Simms’ group performance alongside Erin Willett, RaeLynn and Jamar Rogers for a cover of the Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends.” It was the best of the all-star performances and brought all the judges to their feet for standing ovations. NBC doubled up when they brought some buzz for the season finale of “Parks and Recreation” as Cee Lo took to the set of the comedy sitcom and had the cast cater to his guest appearance and, of course, the famed swivel chair. Lady Antebellum repped for country music when they appeared for a performance of “Wanted You More,” but the biggest rumble of cheers went to Justin Bieber, who served up a flashy debut performance of his hit “Boyfriend.” As teased a few weeks ago, the teen superstar took the stage for an elaborate production of his lead single. Entering through the floor, the pop singer walked down an alley of bright lights and spent much of the number as the center of attention for a crew of dancers with misty smoke seeping in between his choreography. Before the Biebster took center stage, Team Adam’s Tony Lucca re-emerged for his main number of the night with Jordis Unga to sing Fleetwood Mac’s “Go Your Own Way.” It was a friendly throwback to the competition’s battle rounds, as the two played off each other’s lines and catered to different parts of the stage before joining together for an ending hug. What did you think of Jermaine winning “The Voice”? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Justin Bieber
After Adam Levine and Cee Lo Green sent home Pip and James Massone, respectively, in The Voice’s instant elimination round Monday, they had to turn around and cut another contestant apiece on last night’s results show. Tony Lucca (Adam) and Jamar Rogers (Cee Lo) advanced from America’s votes. That left Mathai and Katrina Parker to sing for Adam’s save, with Cheesa and Juliet Simms battling for Cee Lo’s spot in the semifinals. Who moved on? The Voice: Adam Levine Saves … Mathai sang a spirited version of Carrie Underwood’s “Cowboy Casanova” but it was Katrina Parker’s version of “Perfect” by Pink that won over the panel. Adam struggled with the decision but finally chose Katrina to continue on. “I’m shocked and obviously very happy,” Katrina said, fighting through the tears. “This is very bittersweet because I’m very attached to Mathai.” Mathai, for her part, was a class act as she thanked Adam, the show and America for “showing me how much I want to sing for the rest of my life.” The Voice: Cee Lo Green Saves … As for Team Cee Lo, Cheesa and Juliet went toe to toe with the former belting out Kelly Clarkson’s “Already Gone” and the latter “Torn” by Natalie Imbruglia. Cee Lo hammed and hawed a bit, but he ultimately saved Juliet from elimination, citing the extent to which America has rallied around her this spring. Not enough to save her with their votes, but still, point taken. Do you think Adam and Cee Lo made the right calls? Who will win The Voice? Tell us below!
Looks like Amber Portwood has screwed up again. Possibly big time. The troubled Teen Mom train wreck failed to take a required drug test, and as a result, could face the five-year prison sentence she just narrowly dodged . Portwood’s December drug arrest had her staring down a lengthy stint in the big house, but a judge promised to dismiss the entire case … with a big “if.” IF she completes a drug program … a stipulation that includes daily drug testing. Which she apparently couldn’t even give a sample for. Terrific work! Amber had been doing fairly well since being released from jail and moving in with her grandmother, but on Monday, she torpedoed all her short-lived progress. By failing to provide a urine sample during a routine drug test while she serves time on home detention, she may be in for it at her court check-up today. Amber allegedly failed to provide a sample because she simply couldn’t go at the time, but so it goes. No sample = failed test. No exceptions or excuses. She’ll have to answer for the failed test one way or another before a judge today, and we’ll have to see if the judge feels it warrants a probation violation. If so, she could be off to prison for a LONG time. Stay tuned. Will Amber Portwood end up back in jail? [Photo: Fame/Flynet]
In case you’ve been living under a rock for the past two weeks (and if you were in order to escape this news, who can blame you), Snooki is pregnant and engaged . Jionni LaValle is responsible for both. Dude dropped a stunning $55,000 on a princess-cut engagement ring for the Jersey Shore star, too. How the heck did he find that cash? Or figure out what to pick? The custom-built ring on an eternity band features 2-carat diamonds on the band and a 3.02-carat princess-cut diamond in the middle, totaling over 5 carats. Ben Bekdas, jeweler at B&B Jewelry in Wayne, N.J., co-designed the ring with Snooki’s fianc
